Nov 12, 2019
Natural Nuptials at Fenwick Plantation

I am thrilled to share this Fall Fenwick Plantation wedding with you, now that it is officially fall in the south.  This is the 3rd daughter from a family that we have done all three weddings for, which I love because they were all so different and fun to design. This one is full of soft and feminine touches but using lots for rustic and natural elements. Thank you to Corbin Gurkin for all of the photos. Lettered Olive created a landscape scene reminiscent of the grounds at Fenwick Plantation (currently on the market if anyone is interested!), which was printed as the envelope liner on the classic letterpress invitations. Canvas “baskets” were printed with a handdrawn map of Charleston, with all of the weekend festivity locations noted. A custom printed puzzle also gave guests more information about the weekend events. Local snacks and treats filled the basket, including the groom’s favorite fortune cookies, but more on that later…

The bride wore a lace mermaid style gown by Eddy K with a keyhole back and a veil from BHLDN.

Bridesmaids wore gowns from BHLD, and the groom’s suit is from H Stockton in Atlanta.

Letterpress programs were fashioned into fans for the outdoor ceremony, luckily we had a warm beautiful day! After walking down a petal lined aisle with oversized magnolia pieces, the couple married under a magnolia and floral arch.

Cocktail immediately followed in the garden, where guests were greeted with hors d’oeuvres and cocktails named by the couple.  Going with the garden theme, a “planted” escort card display was designed. Galvanized metal tags were calligraphied with guests names and planed in a moss covered box. Dinner under the clear top tent featured a lovely head table with the palest pink linen, and curated tabletop of flowers, differing candles, and elements like antlers and other curios.

Afterwards in the lounge tent, both the wedding cake and a grooms cake were cut. The bride chose a chocolate covered confection by Jim Smeal displayed with a custom monogramed linen… Due the groom’s love of Chinese food, Jim also created a to go box cake with gum paste fortune cookies on top.

The after dinner lounge featured several different seating arrangements for guests to gather… In addition to our traditional bar setup, we built a beer tap wall for the guys… Loved this new addition and it was a big hit with guests… Featuring 4 of the couple’s favorite selections. 

After a night of dancing and mingling with friends, the couple departed to a sparkler send off, in a vintage British convertible.  Congrats Mary and Reid!

11.12.19   |   TARA GUÉRARD
Bridal Style, Cakes, Charleston, Event Design, Event Planning, Fashion, Flowers, Food and Drink, Press, Reception, The Lettered Olive, Uncategorized, Weddings | Comments >>
Nov 05, 2019
Choosing Fall Colors

A Bryan Photo

We are definitely seeing a shift in the palettes for our fall weddings as we are diving into the design proposals, but we are loving the inspiration we are getting from new hues.  For a recent wedding, the girls wore shades of ochre. And, with the bouquets of greenery instead of blooms, I love this fresh fall look and how it makes total sense with out the long standing feel of traditional fall.

photo by Corbin Gurkin

A new take on fall brights with a broad palette, these shades are balanced but unexpected.  Our bride, designer of Dee Hutton created custom gowns for her ladies and it couldn’t have been more perfect for this glamorous affair.  Think a trip to Mexico or Cuba as color inspiration here.

photos by Corbin Gurkin and Liz Banfield

Blue, so much blue… Blue has so many shades and can truly be used in all seasons. Navy is a particularly popular for Fall, along with a smokier shade. But blue truly is timeless and versatile, always a good choice!

photo by Corbin Gurkin

Grey doesn’t seem to be going anywhere, in fact we’re seeing more shades of it.  Here, a charcoal is balanced with sunset shades. The green grey gowns in center are balanced with fluffy dusty miller, and blooms in dessert shades. Grey suits are still a main alternatives to tuxedos. A pale grey suit works darker greys, navy, and the paler shades of lilac.  Darker greys are a surprising neutral that are working with all tones.

photos by Corbin Gurkin 

I’m loving the moment that jewel tones are still having, but if you are looking for ways to brighten them, try offering a brighter balance of blush tones.

photos by Liz Banfield and Corbin Gurkin 

Lilac is still definitely having a moment. We’re seeing it done in ombre shades, everywhere from pastels, to the deeper jewel shades. The flowers acting as a counterpart- the lighter shades are complimented with deeper blooms, and the darker shades work well blended with greens, pales, and pops of plum.

11.05.19   |   TARA GUÉRARD
Bridal Style, Event Design, Event Planning, Fashion, Uncategorized, Weddings | Comments >>
Oct 29, 2019
Rustic Rehearsal Dinner

We so loved our time in upstate New York, for this glamorous couple’s wedding weekend. Troutbeck provided a spectacular setting, and while we can’t wait to share more of the wedding details later, we thought some of the details from the sweetest rehearsal dinner would be fun. Um, and how fabulous is our bride’s pant set? Jose Villa was with us all weekend to capture all of the gorgeous imagery. 

We worked with Heirloom Fire catering out of the Berkshires .  Their process and aesthetic was so perfect for this, and we loved their whole feel. 

They set up their entire cooking get up so that guests can watch and be part of the experience.  It’s like a super chic campfire… The proteins are grilled or smoked onsite, carved, and served up family style preciously from foraged greenery.  

The most beautiful red snapper was grilled and filleted on site, and many of the guests enjoyed speaking the the chefs about their process.

Their tomatoes rivaled some of our most beautiful down here… pretty as a picture.

A blueberry buckle was grilled in cast iron skillets and served family style at the end of dinner.

In lieu of individual cards, Lettered Olive created a watercolor of the tables with guests names placed at the corresponding seats.

Wooden farm tables were softened with linen table runners, collections of Italian terra cotta pots filled with various herbs, and curated wooden pedestals for the family style platters.

Lettered olive printed the evening’s menu on cotton napkins which were dotted with fresh rosemary.  Leather drink coasters were imprinted with guests’ names, acting as place cards.  Dreamy…

A good time was had by all..

Also loved this delicate pour over coffee experience available upon guest request after dinner.  Everything that Heirloom fire did was so thoughtful, and added details to service and presentation which is sometimes hard to come by in the event catering world. 

After dinner, the intimate friends and family crowd were joined by the remaining wedding guests for a Welcome Party tented on the adjacent lawn. A modern jazz band from Elan Artists, more fun late night food, and desserts were provided. 

Of course, we had the prettiest s’mores station!

10.29.19   |   TARA GUÉRARD
Entertaining, Event Design, Event Planning, Food and Drink, Parties, Rehearsal Dinner, Travel, Uncategorized, Weddings | Comments >>