Category Archives: Fashion

Feb 08, 2016

I was thrilled to take a walk through the “Unveiled” exhibit at the Charleston Museum. The exhibit showcases a series of wedding dresses and accessories beautifully restored starting all the way back to the early 1800’s. It’s just fascinating to see how things have changed (and what hasn’t) throughout the years. If you are in town, or planning to be in town, you must get by to see it.

The history of this dress from the 1865 was actually recorded in a recovered diary of the bride. She was married in Columbia, and after the civil war the organdy used for this dress was the only piece of white fabric available in the city and at a shop that was Yankee owned. The cost being $10.00 (which at the time was exorbitant), so in order for the family to purchase the dress, they sold off the last piece of carpet in their home, chairs from the mother’s bedroom, and some lard and butter from the family’s plantation.

How fabulous is this ostrich feather fan??? Fans were one of the most commonplace accessories (obviously due to our climate here), but if you had to carry and use a fan, this one is fabulous!

The tradition of the “garter” is a long standing one, and these silk tie on versions date to the mid 1700’s. It’s amazing the condition they are still in!

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this idea… This family gifted the married couple a silver tray engraved with all of the details and wording from the wedding invitation. Totally want to see this come back en vogue.

In the mid 1880’s darker fabrics became fashionable due to new dyes and techniques available. This particular dress was actually made by the brides’ mother. I see that there was always a space for the brides wanting to be daring and different.

This dress was worn by a bride in the 1930’s for her wedding at my church, St. Philips. Even though the wedding was in September, I love the beautiful sleeves on this dress.

I love this selection of men’s vests- great to see what was fashionable for both!

This was another handmade dress. This one from the 1960’s had the sweetest cording detail!

My favorite detail on this dress- the sleeves! Can you tell, I like sleeves????

2.08.16 | TARA GUÉRARD
Accessories, Art, Bridal, Bridal Style, Charleston, Dresses, Fashion, Uncategorized, Weddings | Comments >>

Jan 14, 2016

Winter Party Rundown

Bridesmaids' Ball Invitation

I’m so looking forward to this!

The Charleston Museum’s upcoming textiles exhibit, Unveiled: Wedding Fashion and Traditions in the South, on display from January 22 – July 10, 2016, will allow visitors to see how wedding dress styles have changed throughout time and will examine trends and traditions. From orange blossom adornments and blue garters to the magnificent white gown, the Museum will exhibit an array of garments from the early 1800s through the mid- 20th century.

Guests can enjoy favorite post-nuptial jams, delicious food and cocktails and awesome wine and beer, all while taking a look at the new exhibit and learning from museum curators themselves. Ladies are invited to wear their old bridesmaids’ dresses and men are welcome to come in their best suit, something vintage, or something ridiculous, as long as it’s wedding themed!

Tickets are all inclusive and may be purchased online or over the phone at 843.722.2996, ext. 235. Tickets are $40 for museum members and $50 for non-members.

If you are in Charleston, this is a can’t miss party. Hosted by the Society 1858 of the Gibbes Museum of Art, the fabulous Winter Party takes place on 1/29/16! Get festive for this 1940s cabaret with cocktails and bites, dancing, music and edgy performances. As with last year, you also will have the opportunity to win an original work of art by local artists (including Kate Long Stevenson). Proceeds benefit the Gibbes’ coveted 1858 Prize for Contemporary Art. Go to www.storkclubcharleston.org for more information.

1.14.16 | TARA GUÉRARD
Announcements, Art, Bridal Style, Charleston, Dresses, Events, Fashion, Parties, Weddings | 1 Comment

Dec 29, 2015

2015 Year in Brides

As 2015 comes to an end, I’m reflecting on what can only be described as an amazing year. Amazing clients, amazing venues and locations, amazing photographers, and amazing feats performed by the Soirettes. I’m sharing a little snippett or two from each wedding and look forward to what 2016 brings! Our first photo is from a wedding in Aspen, Colorado shot by Corbin Gurkin. I truly appreciate the change in scenery that the mountain backdrop offered us, and we were able to embrace different design elements that we are often reinventing at our coastal venues.

This fun, funny, and vivacious couple had a truly reflective and personal wedding at Palmetto Bluff in Bluffton, SC. There are so many charming details at this venue alone and throw in a couple full of personality and it made for a perfectly charming event. We’ll be featuring more from this wedding shot by Perry Vaile in the new year on a Wedding Wednesday.

Liz Banfield joined us for this simply elegant affair in Sea Island, Ga. An iconically classic location lent beautiful scenery to this sweet couple as they celebrated with friends and family. We always love being at Sea Island.

A celebration at the brides’ family home in Greenville, SC was a fabulous way to start off the year. I can’t wait to share more of this wedding when we are able to, Corbin’s photos are amazing as always.

Brief showers during a cocktail hour provided for some sweet shots by Elizabeth Messina. This affair overlooking the water at Lowndes Grove Plantation included a satellite bar on a deep water dock on the Ashley River.

This bride (one half of design house Dee Hutton) designed and created her own wedding dress. With a flair for the dramatic, a fitting fete at Fenwick Plantation outside of Charleston was the perfect place for this dress to make it’s debut. Look out for a feature on this wedding in Brides Magazine in the new year.

This sweet couple celebrated with a wedding and reception in the heart of downtown Charleston. Corbin Gurkin was on hand to capture all of the ivory and gold details .

Wrapping up the year, this wedding at home took place overlooking the Battery in historic Charleston. Shot by Corbin Gurkin, you can see more the beautiful summer details in the recent Charleston Weddings Magazine.

12.29.15 | TARA GUÉRARD
Bridal, Bridal Style, Charleston, Event Design, Event Planning, Events, Fashion, Photographers, Press, Reception, Uncategorized, Weddings | Comments >>