Tag Archives: SC

Nov 05, 2018

This wedding was too fun and perfect for a fall wedding Wednesday, that we just had to pull it out of the archives. The weather could not have been more perfect for this warm fall afternoon ceremony overlooking the Kiawah River at the River Course on Kiawah Island, SC. Thank you to Liz Banfield for the images.

The perfect golf course green grass was the perfect backdrop for the green, orange, and brown harvest color palette we used for the wedding decor all based on graphic designer bride’s paper suite.

Fluffy Dahlias, snowberries, and star of bethlehem make up the bride’s bouquet.

To designate an “alter” in such an expansive setting we took an ordinary brown linen and adorned it with orange mums. Orange mums were also secured into the grass as pew markers. Hand blown glass vases full of green peas topped with flowers offered a colorful and wind resistant design element.

Golden mums and olive greenery make up the wedding party flowers. The little girls carried posies that complimented their fab floral crowns. The ring bearer carried a miniature bird’s nest full of moss.

The bride, owner of Oscar and Emma Designs designed all of the paper pieces. Wood paper liners encased the letterpressed ceremony programs.

Lowcountry Lemonade served with drink flags embellished with button mums in the color palette.

Dinner seating cards designed by Oscar and Emma had a precious copper leaf for each guest. We created a tree for the cards to hang from, creating a focal point for decor.

Moss green crushed velvet linens made the brightly hued florals and menus really pop but also allowed for the candles to create a warmth later into the evening.

Roasted pumpkin soup was served in hollowed mini pumpkins.

The cake by Jim Smeal featured all of the designs found on the wedding papers.

The couple, from Ohio, had to have a Grater’s ice cream station, couldn’t be a more perfect accompaniment to the cake.

The guest welcome favors served in a fall orchard basket featured all gourmet treats from their hometown.

Oscar and Emma designed tags topped off the caramel popcorn favors guests received at the end of the evening.

Guests enjoying cocktail hour by the warm glow of the sun setting over the Kiawah River.

The cozy after dinner lounge flanked by the espresso leather furniture and seagrass carpeting made the perfect spot to curl up with some bourbon and enjoy the festivities.

11.05.18 | TARA GUÉRARD
Charleston, Event Design, Event Planning, Flowers, Food and Drink, Reception, Stationery, Invitations and Pretty Papers, Uncategorized, Weddings | Comments >>

Aug 07, 2018

Charleston Bachelorette Weekend

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!

8.07.18 | TARA GUÉRARD
Charleston, Fashion, Food and Drink, Shopping, Travel, Weddings | Comments >>

May 16, 2018

Soiree By the Sea

Because we clearly have Spring fever, and we are working on a new and exciting project that the mother of this bride is helping with, (our You Tube channel, stay tuned), today we are sharing this sweet and lovely wedding. The reception was at one of Charleston’s hidden gems, and there was definitely elegance but also graceful casualness that only hometown Charlestonians can offer. Photos are by both Gayle Brooker and Corbin Gurkin.

Traditional engraved invitations were accented with vintage sailing stamps as a nod to the yacht club where the reception was to be held.

A family heirloom locket held photos of the groom, so the bride could “see” him before seeing him at the church. While a mostly pale blue and green palette was chosen to reflect the water and surroundings, the bride wanted some sweet pastel colors brought in to brighten things. White tulips, perfect in Spring make happy boutonierres.

The bridesmaids wore varying pastel silk gowns by Lula Kate (available through Bella Bridesmaid),and carried perfectly plush bouquets of peonies, sweat peas, and tulips.

The bride and her maids got ready in her childhood home, which was a perfect backdrop for pre ceremony photos, especially with the family pup. The bride wore a custom gown by Carol Hannah.

Being a proper 6pm church ceremony, the gentlemen were in white tie and tails. All of the couples’ special little friends were honored as flower girls and ring bearers.

After the ceremony, the bride and groom rode separately to the reception (about 45 minutes outside of town) together to have time to reflect on the ceremony and the day. I love when couples can take some private time together.

Out of town guests were treated to the best of Charleston. The bride, who works for the Charleston CVB included locally made tea and sweet tea vodka minis. Along with cheddar biscuits her mother makes, and Charleston Benne Seed wafers.

Guests were treated to one of the best kept secrets with a reception at the Sea Island Yacht Club in the tiny coastal village of Rockville, SC.

The scenery here is hard to beat, river views, coastal marshland, and ancient live oaks.

A coastal map of the Lowcountry served as the couple’s guest book. Guests could sign well wishes, and the map is now framed and hanging in the couple’s home.

Bright greenery was used to cheer up the floral arrangements, as well as some of the quirky parts of the old yacht club. The mantles were such a great focal point, but obviously in warm months we didn’t need a fire, so we covered in lush greenery for more decor.

This cocktail reception offered local favorites like Crab cakes, mini chicken tarts, and a nod to the couples Mexican favorites- mini margaritas and tuna tacos.

Not being a seated dinner, displaying the food needs to be as thoughtful and elegant as the food itself. Stations on the grand porch had marsh views, and were tailored with lamplight and handmade signage. Our shadowbox bars were filled with gardenias, which all of the ladies just loved!

A floral cake by Jim Smeal was a show stopping centerpiece accented with family silver vessels of different spring flowers.

As the sun set, guests enjoyed the party both inside and out.

Wishing lanterns were released over the water as the couple left off of the dock by boat.

5.16.18 | TARA GUÉRARD
Bridal Style, Charleston, Dresses, Event Design, Event Planning, Flowers, Food and Drink, Photographers, Reception, Uncategorized, Weddings | Comments >>