We love getting a new Charleston Weddings Magazine in the mail. We’re often too busy planning or traveling for weddings, we miss some of the new and exciting stuff going on in Charleston… But, we’re even more grateful to receive the mag when we have a feature in it!
Stay tuned for more details from this wedding with tons of entertainment (think Drag Queens, arielists, and marching bands), and a major transformation of the space, on a future blog post…
Today for wedding Wednesday, we’re revisiting this gorgeous golden hued celebration photographed by Corbin Gurkin. Since there are so many details to savor, we’re splitting up this celebration across two parts, so make sure to come back next Wednesday for the reception and party details. You can also see more of this wedding over at Charleston Weddings Magazine.
Lettered Olive used golden metallic paper to create a die cut lace pattern complimentary to the bride’s dress, I think the white ink on the metallic envelopes was such a lovely and wedding-y touch. Welcome guest bags were custom printed totes featuring the wedding hashtag filled with champagne splits, mini Candlefish candles, and many of the couples favorites things.
The girls all gathered to get ready together with Plum Pretty Sugar robes gifted by the bride- even the littlest ladies were included.
The Groom’s tuxedo was by Vera Wang (yes, she does men’s attire) available through the Men’s Warehouse.
The bride wore a gown by Vera Wang.
The couple elected to do a “first sight” at one of the many gorgeous parks in downtown Charleston. Corbin staged the groom so that the bride could sneak up and surprise him. This locale also made for a stunning backdrop for photos before heading over to the ceremony. I love when couples decide to do this, because it allows the photographer to really get great shots when the couple is alone and relaxed.
The couple married at First Baptist Church in Charleston, the glorious gates out front were adorned with floral wreaths of roses, hydrangeas, and lemon leaf. Large golden urns flush with greenery and flowers flanked the alter, as the couple celebrated with their first kiss.
The bridesmaids wore floor length gold lame gowns by Lula Kate. The lush bridal bouquet made the perfect transition from winter to spring with cream roses, peonies, lily of the valley sprigs and soft lambs ears, and was tied by vintage ribbon I sourced in New York.
Join us next Wednesday for part two of this glittering celebration at the William Aiken House.
After bringing you this lovely bride’s advice in our Real Bride to Bride advice series, and looking through her photos, it made me remember what fun we had planning and designing her day and wanted to share for this Wedding Wednesday. Corbin Gurkin always provides such stunning imagery (like the portrait above), and I loved how tailored and chic the navy and white was paired with citrusy spring colors.
Lettered Olive created a fresh take on traditional invitations- with going navy versus black and hand caligraphied text versus a stock font. An image of Hibernian Hall was letterpressed into the background of the reception card as a nod to the venue.
Simple greenery en masse made a super chic design element for the church. Lemon Leaf garland was woven into the exterior gates at First Scots Presbyterian Church, and bouquets of lemon leaf and boxwood branches lined the ceremony aisle. The alter was adorned with large arrangements of greenery proving that you don’t have to spend a ton on flowers to get an impactful look.
Guests were greeted at Hibernian Hall with draped gates, planted boxwoods and lanterns on the large steps (to later provide a glowing design into the evening for the porch lounge seating), and a custom designed monogram flag.
Delicate but sophisticated seating viognettes were set up surrounding the dance floor and stage making guests feel right at home. For a cake and dessert table, garlands of greenery and bright florals created a gorgeous display.
Since this was a cocktail type reception, we really wanted to make the food displays on point. Composed hors d’eouvres were artfully displayed for easy pick up, and different areas throughout the evening provided an evolving menu- like late night hot biscuits. Rolling carts with cronuts and iced coffee shots were wheeled out to guests late into dancing for a sweet sip.
I love a clean but ample bar- no bottles, or mixers on display… glassware is presented in bookcases or cabinetry as it would be at home, and a butcher block wooden top and custom fabric give it that chic and tailored look for guests spending time in conversation while getting cocktails.
Custom confetti poppers sent the bride and groom off in the vintage convertible. The couple grabbed the flag from the front gates and waved it during their send off! Congratulations to Annie and Davis who are expecting their first child, which always makes me feel like we did our job!
See more from this wedding over at Charleston Weddings Magazine.
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.
