Today for Wedding Wednesday, we head to Sea Island, Georgia for this natural beauty. This was one of my favorite weddings to design, I love the location, and this bride had fantastic personal taste and style (see her custom made Austin Scarlett gown). Liz Banfield took all of the pretty photos. Since there are so many pretty images, we’re going to make this into a 2 part post. But, you can see more in the meantime over at Martha Stewart Weddings.
For the couple’s save the date, Lettered Olive designed a custom monogram incorporating some of Sea Island’s local flora and fauna. That theme plays throughout much of the rest of the paper and wedding designs. Ceremony programs were passed out to guests on trays lined with printed paper used in the programs and matched the invitation liners. Notice the Elvis Presley stamps on the reply cards- a nod to the bride’s hometown of Memphis, TN.
Guest bags were a canvas zipper pouch full of a mix of goodies and items from the groom’s native, Australia, and the U.S.- including a homemade chocolate chip cookies made by one of the bridesmaids’ mother.
Orchids are a favorite of the bride’s and her mother also had them at her wedding, so it was nice to continue that tradition. Special family members like grandmothers wore wrist flowers versus having to carry something.
The ceremony took place at a chapel at Frederica, and with the architectural elements of the church, Liz was able to get some spectacular images.
Guests made their way to the Ocean Forest Golf Club for cocktails, dinner, and dancing.
Sea Island is known for the Spanish influence in its architecture… The Club opens up onto a courtyard with a grand fountain, since our cocktail hour was to take place there, we incorporated the fountain by making cushions for guests to sit on and enjoy.
The elegant cocktail hour included little enclaves for guests to grab a drink and sit and enjoy conversation.
The couple takes advantage of the sunlight and scenery to get portraits and some moments alone to take in the day.
Since the venue itself is full of pretty scenery and architecture, we really wanted to incorporate some of it into the design elements. During cocktail hour, guests picked up their escort cards at a table anchored by a simple but lush floral arrangement. Escort cards are held in place by pieces Georgia granite.
The dinner tent was swathed in blue fabric, reminiscent of the traditional porch ceilings in the South. To bring the natural feel of the overall wedding design to the tent, trees were “planted” throughout and created a wall between dinner and the dancing portion of the tent.
Guests dined under strands of orchids accented by candlelight. Taking a note from the centerpieces, fern fronds decorated each place setting… Modern brass flatware keeps the table elegant but not fussy.
The wedding cake by Jim Smeal included intricate patterns similar to the windows at the Chapel where the couple were married. The hand made icing flowers add that feminine frill just perfect for a wedding cake.
The couple takes the floor for their first dance as husband and wife.
Ok, now this is one of my most favorite things we’ve ever done! We created a half moon cocktail bar with copper tops. Then, we had Spoonflower print fabric with the brides’ favorite painting from the St. Regis bar in New York. I mean…
Landscape lighting sets a moody tone for guests dining and dancing into the wee hours. To announce the bride and groom’s departure, a Dixie jazz band paraded everyone out to the front of the venue for the send off.
After a quick change in to a departure dress by Anaesia, guests tossed rose petals at the bride and groom…
A vintage convertible decorated with lush greenery made for a one of kind getaway..
After being voted the #1 city 5 times in a row, it’s not hard to see why Charleston has become a top bachelorette party spot. Today, we’re sharing a Charleston Bachelorette Weekend guide. Forty eight hours of around the clock ideas for where to stay, eat, and hang.
For those looking for the modern or boutiquey places to stay- there are new places coming on the Charleston market all the time, but a few of our favorites are The Spectator Hotel (one of our past brides was the interior designer), the Dewberry, and the newly redesigned Restoration Hotel. If you want a more Southern traditional Charleston abode then The Charleston Place is a classic, and the Mills House has more than a few historic claims to fame.
And for a big group of girls all wanting to stay together of course there are AirBnB properties, but another great resource focusing on Charleston and the beaches is Luxury Simplified Retreats.
Figuring out where to dine in Charleston for an upcoming visit can be a full time planning job in and of itself, but, we’ve got you covered. Start with an early dinner of Lobster Rolls and Rose Friday evening at 167 Raw. Then, head back to the hotel for an early nightcap at your lobby or rooftop bar. You can’t miss Chez Nous – it’s truly one of my most favorite spots and such a special little place. Lunch at the large outside table would make for a lovely afternoon. Saturday night calls for Upper King- dinner at Darling Oyster Bar makes for an effortless first stop. Duck into any of the other hot spots around as you make your way to late night dancing at The Commodore. Cure the “Blew it Out Blues” over Sunday brunch at the Obstinate Daughter on Sullivan’s Island.
Charleston is wonderful on foot of course, but bikes can get you farther into the upper and lower areas of town (helpful for getting you to lunch at Chez Nous). Affordabike offers rentals and deliveries throughout downtown. If you are staying at the Spectator or the Restoration, inquire about the bikes they have in house. King Street is known for it’s shopping, from national and worldwide chains, to local boutiques. Hampden Clothing is a must hit, as well as Finicky Filly across the street. Since, you’ll be on Sullivan’s for brunch, plan on staying for the afternoon and enjoy the beach!
Recognized as one of the nation’s leading tastemakers, Tara Guérard has earned a widespread reputation for her ability to create spectacular settings celebrating life’s most anticipated occasions. As the visionary and founder of Tara Guérard Soirée, she is best known for her distinct style that honors the storied traditions of Southern hospitality paired with a modern aesthetic and flair for the unexpected.
