Category Archives: Reception

Oct 02, 2018

photo by Corbin Gurkin

Hopefully many of you will be attending a wedding or two this fall… Today we are sharing some of our favorite fall fashion trends and even some links on where to shop. I think definitely one of my favorite looks from guests at some of our recent weddings is the maxi skirt (here, large jacquard florals are so on trend and in a jewel tone palette) and crisp white shirt or fitted turtleneck. This look works for any body type, and age range, but we have seen some of the older ladies wearing this style and it’s screams sophisticated chic. Here are some of our favorite skirt options.

photo by Corbin Gurkin

Of course, color is everything, and right now Goldenrod or Yellow Ochre is the hot hot color of the season… Brights and jewel tones are always mainstays but to me this is a perfect guideline for any fall wedding guest. In fall you can play with all sorts of lengths and textures. For earlier weddings, i.e. cocktail party, you can absolutely get away with shorter dresses. All dresses designed by Dee Hutton.

photo by Perry Vaile

I love both of these options for a black tie or black tie optional affair. Bold oversized florals are having a major moment, and full length black dresses will always be a classic option. Black works well for fall and winter (with navy as an alternative), since it’s great to avoid in the spring and summer months. We like this black dress here, and this floral gown.

photo by Liz Banfield

If you are wanting to invest in a gown that you can use several times, we love a classic but unexpected color like lilac. Great for year round events. Here are a few that would work for year round events… 1.Here 2. Here

10.02.18 | TARA GUÉRARD
Bridal Style, Event Planning, Events, Fashion, Reception, Shopping, Uncategorized, Weddings | Comments >>

Oct 01, 2018

A Lowcountry Indian Wedding

Many years ago, we had the pleasure of working with Dr. Sanjay Gupta and his fiance, Rebecca on their wedding here in Charleston. They both wanted to honor his heritage and family, and celebrate with a traditional Hindu ceremony. If you haven’t witnessed an Indian wedding, there are so many special details and touches that make them truly beautiful.

The ceremony usually takes place (and can take several hours) under a mandap, so for everyone to have a prime view, a ceremony in the round was the best set up.

The Baraat is a key part of the ceremony, where the groom arrives by white horse (or elephant) with his family playing drums and dancing while escorting him.

Brides traditionally wear red in Hindu ceremonies as it’s tied to the sun and means prosperity and fertility. Henna is typically applied by family members the evening before and the intricate designs symbolize joy, beauty, spiritual awakening and offering.

Gold adorned papers decorated the ceremony programs and wrapped the wedding favors; Ganesh idols are necessary symbols at a Hindu ceremony.

Jim Smeal mimicked the Henna designs in gold leafing for the couples’ wedding cake.

The reception took place on at the campus of Ashley Hall school; Guests enjoyed traditional homemade Indian fare like muttar paneer, tikka masala, and naan. Velvet linens, colorful draping, and centerpieces of red roses and delphinium were some of the main design elements.

To incorporate some of the local flair- the bride and groom departed by a Charleston Rickshaw.

Thank you to Liz Banfield for the imagery.

10.01.18 | TARA GUÉRARD
Bridal Style, Charleston, Event Design, Fashion, Flowers, Food and Drink, Reception, Weddings | 1 Comment

Sep 26, 2018

Beauty on the Bluff

Today we are sharing one of our most published weddings full of Fall details like lush greenery, seasonal blooms, and wooden elements. This ceremony and reception took place at the Montage Palmetto Bluff resort in the Lowcountry of South Carolina and was photographed by Corbin Gurkin. The bride was a producer for the Dr. Oz show and based in New York… after searching many local and destination venues, they settled on Palmetto Bluff not only for the beauty and service the property offers, but also for the fact that all of the guests can stay together on property and enjoy all of the amenities.

Light showers began as the couple was saying their vows on a bridge overlooking one of the marshy creeks, luckily there were umbrellas on hand to protect guests and the bride and groom making their way down the aisle. The same Rabbi that did the groom’s bar mitzvah officiated the wedding ceremony, I love when couples are able to incorporate such special elements.

A simple and classic bouquet of Lily of the Valley was the bride’s hope and luckily we were able to get it for her considering the time of year! The bride wore an Oscar de la Renta mermaid style gown…

Palmetto Bluff and Lettered Olive worked together to create the wedding day baskets full of freshly baked biscuits and homemade jam delivered to each of the guests…

Cocktail hour followed the ceremony on the grounds surrounding the old house ruins. A champagne tower gives a nod to the easy formality of the event.

A tent set under the oaks was the perfect dinner spot

Long tables were anchored with wooden Dunes and Duchess lamps with burlap shades, providing a complimentary glow to candlelight. Clusters of blooms in a mix of cement pots and silver vases provide depth and texture. The place settings were kept simple with colored linen napkins (that the bride and groom were able to keep for their home collection) and a sprig of fresh rosemary.

The head table was encased in an iron garden conservatory as greenery garland swags were draped throughout the tent. A grand piano was brought in for live dinner music. A “firewood” wall was created for the backdrop to the bar.

Pretty lounge seating viognettes lined the dance floor.

The couple’s precious pup, Einstein was a guest at the affair. We always try to hide all of the messy band cables and equipment with a stage partition, which as you can see makes a big difference in the photos! This one we capped with greenery and florals.

The couple ended the evening with an after party dessert reception where the cake was cut and guests danced late into the wee hours.

9.26.18 | TARA GUÉRARD
Event Design, Event Planning, New York, Photographers, Reception, The Lettered Olive, Uncategorized, Weddings | 1 Comment