So excited to share the details from one of my very favorite weddings (and couples) ever. This sweet bride lives in Oklahoma City and her fabulous mother owns local sophisticated gift shop, Bebes. We have since done two of her close friends’ weddings, so luckily I still get to have her in my wedding world! Her amazing Carolina Herrera branchy ballgown was truly breathtaking.
The ceremony was held at the French Huguenot Church in downtown Charleston, SC. Guerards were some of the first French Huguenots in Charleston, so I love being at this church for many reasons. The woodwork and architectural details are breathtaking.
The brides’ esthetic was very eclectic. She notes Tony Duquette as a huge inspiration so we were able to have a lot of fun with designing. This was the epiotomy of a fall fete, so we had so many elements we wanted to incorporate. Here, oranges and kumquats sprinkled with seeded eucalyptus anchored the candlelit alter. Huge blooming branches gave height to the view.
I mean, this bouquet! Full of berzillia berries, dinner plate dahlias, lambs ear, garden roses, and ranunculus in the loveliest color palette.
Boutonierres varied between seeded eucalyptus, berzillia berries, and a choice for the groom between a coral charm peony and dahlia bloom all supported by a lambs ear leaf and tied with a grosgrain ribbon.
Accordian fold save the dates by Lettered Olive, kicked off the birds and branches theme and complimented the vivid color palette.
The Welcome gift bags were loaded with yummy locally made treats, Charleston Magazines, and a folder containing all of the pertinent information and details for the weekend all labeled with custom tags from Lettered Olive.
So many personal and family touches were woven throughout the wedding. Like these letterpress coasters (by Lettered Olive) were printed with the groom’s grandmother’s Russian Tea recipe which was also served at the bar throughout the evening.
The bride’s grandmother has famous bread and butter pickles, so batches were made, jarred and tagged as wedding favors.
The reception took place at Drayton Hall Plantation right outside of Charleston. An al fresco cocktail hour on the front lawn kicked off the evening.
Lounge seating was set up on the porch overlooking the lawn so guests could experience the space to it’s fullest. I love the feel of the modern pieces against the classic space.
Dinner seating cards were hand calligraphied on die cut bird cards. We hung these from a garden umbrella covered in branches as if they were in a tree!
Love this dining room- the head table was placed inside a wrought iron observatory that created a special intimate space but was still open for interaction with all of the guests. We also tied pashminas to all of the ladies’ chairs to accommodate for the falling temps that evening.
The lush centerpiece on the head table was overflowing from a log; a mixture of candles in different heights and containers add dimension and the ikat fabric runners were from fabric that both the bride and I curated for the wedding.
Golden branches were woven throughout the tent ceiling and over the observatory as if everyone was dining in an enchanted forest.
The brides flowing column reception dress made for graceful dancing. A birdcage collected from the bride’s mother hung full of candles over the dancefloor.
The bird and branch wedding cake by Jim Smeal was displayed in a wrought iron vintage birdcage.
Jim Smeal crafted a birds nest cake topper complete with “berries” and tiny birds.
The glam lounge was full of velvet and ikat fabrics and pillows in an array of the bright colors. The main reception bar was an ultra luxe focal point for the evening.
Another option I’m gifting this year is the Southerner’s Cookbook from the editors of Garden and Gun magazine. A hugely popular magazine based here in Charleston. This book is full of classic dishes and not overly fussy recipes. This is a must have for any hostess and cookbook collector.
