Category Archives: Photographers

Feb 25, 2020

photo by Jose Villa

I guess one of the design elements we are most known for are our bars.  I’ve preached for years that a bar makes the party, it must be big enough to accommodate lots of bartenders (so that there are no lines) and easy to get to, sleek and clean on top (don’t display those beer bottles and plastic straws!), and of course look amazing.  We typically like to add some lower lighting through lamps, lanterns, candles, etc. depending on the look, and also custom printed cocktail napkins from Lettered Olive. For the cocktail hour bar above, custom printed fabric featuring a design used throughout the wedding decor covered the bottom and was topped with cut butcher block for a designer yet approachable feel.  Umbrella trim from Boutique Tents.

photo by Corbin Gurkin 

Of course, not only must they be good looking, they also must be functional.  We either build or rent different types of shelving or units that dress up the glassware storage- get creative, it doesn’t have to be just a table with a white polyester linen on it.  And, sweet details like matching bow ties or aprons for your bartenders pretty much nail it every time.

photo by Ryan Ray

One of our recent and most liked bar comes from a wedding we did at a plantation here in Charleston. A large square bar (so that it’s approachable from many different sides) is covered in custom printed fabric. Sleek marble on top gives it a elegant finish, and a floral topped glass storage unit takes this bar to an over the top decor moment. We also made custom lamps to hang from trees which swayed along with the spanish moss.

photos by Corbin Gurkin

For a summer time coastal wedding, live greens and florals were the way to go here. The couple’s name was even spelled in fresh blooms on one of the reception bars. Ombre rose panels were so fun yet impactful.

photo by Liz Banfield

This client loved the wall mural at the famed Bememlmen’s Bar at the Carlyle Hotel in New York. So, we created our interpretation and had it printed on fabric to cover the bottom of this oval bar topped with custom cut copper.  This was definitely a reception showstopper.
photo by Lauren Bailey photo

For a light and airy tented reception at a historic property in Atlanta, GA, a white wedding bar was topped with delicate greens to add a little element contrasting the starkness. A cluster of woven lampshades draped from greenery garlands gave it a modern garden look.

photo by Tec Petaja

2.25.20   |   TARA GUÉRARD
Entertaining, Event Design, Event Planning, Events, Food and Drink, Interior Design, Photographers, Reception, The Lettered Olive, Uncategorized, Weddings | Comments >>

photo by Corbin Gurkin

Wedding party pics have come a loooooooooong way since weddings became the thing… They used to be super posed with the church alter in the background (you know, back in the olden days). But, now both the photographers and clients are collaborating to come up with custom and interesting ways to capture the day and and friends in fun and new ways.  It’s kind of like that trend where couples surprised their guests with a coordinated dance! We’re hoping today gives you some food for thought while coordinating your day with your photographer.

photo by Perry Vaile and Corbin Gurkin

Photo by Corbin Gurkin

Sometimes just switching it up a little bit can make for a totally different look… This bride and her business partner own fashion house Dee Hutton, so styling the girls in different but complimentary gowns for the day and then capturing them together (sans bouquets) in something less than a stiff posted position can grant a photo magazine worthy.

photos by Corbin Gurkin

We’re also seeing a new little moment that we are liking- the bride and her girls in different variations during the getting ready part of the day… Often times the girls are gifted matching pj’s or robes (like these from Plum Pretty Sugar) and the photos of them together other than just in their gowns are always a hit! And, you’ve heard of the first look between the bride and the groom, but on the right are the bridesmaids are getting their first look at the bride in her gown…

photo by Liz Banfield

photo by Corbin Gurkin

For those traditionalists still at heart, sometimes just a change of scenery like getting outside or interesting background or styling of the set up makes for a modern update still perfect for gracing the pages of the wedding album.

2.11.20   |   TARA GUÉRARD
Bridal, Bridal Style, Charleston, Fashion, Photographers, Uncategorized, Weddings | Comments >>
Jan 07, 2020

photo by Corbin Gurkin

We have some of the most gorgeous brides, don’t we? We love doing this recap post every year and thanking our brides for an amazing year… Ready to hit the ground running in 2020 with two weddings already in January! Keyton got married in her summer vacation destination of Watercolor, Florida… She wore a strapless ballgown by Monique Lhuillier.

photo by Ryan Ray

Lauren was our fun loving, have a great time, and dance all night long bride. Married here in Charleston, she is a SC girl and we loved creating a spring time formal fete for her at Runnymede. Lauren’s mermaid sheath is by Oscar de la Renta.

photo by Sylvie Gil

Hannah and Tyler were married over the summer at “the end of the world”- Montauk, New York. Our bride elevated the typical beach wedding look with a lace covered off the shoulder gown by Anna Maier.

photo by Jose Villa

Caroline and her fiancé chose an urbane getaway upstate NY getaway- Troutbeck  for their wedding weekend. For the most part, the guests all stayed on site and were able to spend the entire weekend enjoying the amenities and events. Her simple but chic sheath is by Carolina Herrera.

 photo by Corbin Gurkin

Kimbrell married at her family home in upstate, SC… we were lucky enough to initially get to know her while planning her older sister’s wedding several years ago. Although, we had an unexpected tropical storm blow through that day, the rain didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits and everyone partied like it was a lovely day. Kimbrell chose a gorgeous lace Mira Zwellinger gown that couldn’t have been more perfect on her.

photo by Anne Rhett Photography

To marry her love overlooking the sea where she spent so much time with her family growing up (and having lost her beloved father) was of the utmost importance to our bride, which is why she chose Round Hill in Jamaica.  She chose a Cucculelli Shaheen gown with a cape that was beyond fabulous…

1.07.20   |   TARA GUÉRARD
Bridal, Bridal Style, Dresses, Event Planning, Fashion, Flowers, Photographers, Uncategorized, Weddings | Comments >>