Tag Archives: SC weddings

Jan 10, 2018

Liz Banfield recently sent this wedding we did together back in 2004… It was one of our first big scale productions and was in Columbia, SC.  I loved so much working with this client because she and her husband were so dear, but looking at these pictures I also remember everything that went into doing this wedding and I thought it would be fun to share today…

Our bride went with chartreuse and chocolate as her color palette and had a bit of modern sensibility… So, we designed these octagonal chocolate brown invitations, and I think they were ahead of the times- and a preview into the creation of Lettered Olive, our sister printing company.

Because the bridesmaids’ dresses were chocolate brown and white, we had hoped to use chocolate cosmos in their bouquets, but when they came in looking terrible we had to improvise… We covered large buttons with chocolate brown velvet and they looked so great!  The couples’ puppy needed a cute floral collar too of course, since he would be walking down the aisle with them. And, the historic Columbia church looked pretty as a picture with lush white floral wreaths adorned with chocolate brown ribbons.

 We used the velvet buttons again in the pretty wreaths on the historic mansion’s gate… I know Liz and I are both big fans of the photos of the brides navigating thro

As guests arrived to the tent for dinner and the lounge, a large orchid covered tree with chartreuse octagon place cards with stunning chocolate brown calligraphy took center stage,  Jim Smeal brought us this pretty octagon and orchid monogrammed wedding cake, and a focal point of the lounge was our bar lined with orchids… This was one of the first bars we started to design and build on our own- using a special material for the bar top, fabric bottom, etc. I love seeing how our look and design has changed and developed over the years.

One of my favorite service elements we brought to our clients was having the wedding cake precut and served for them at dinner- the couple could have the ceremonial cutting, but having a lovely piece of cake served to you, perhaps garnished is so much nicer than watching the big thing get butchered in the middle of the tent.  The tent was covered in cow hide rugs, draped in greenery, and accented with velvet linens, pillows, and ottomans.

After the couple enjoys dancing with their guests, friends and family saw them off with a sparkler send off- still remains classic to this day!

 

1.10.18   |   TARA GUÉRARD
Event Design, Event Planning, Reception, Travel, Weddings | Comments >>
May 16, 2016

Lowndes Grove Collage

photos by Liz Banfield

This Monday calls for a roundup of some of our favorite wedding venues in Charleston, SC.  We’re highlighting a few of our favorite ceremony (outside of the churches) and reception venues that we are lucky to work with here in the Lowcountry. Our first is Lowndes Grove Plantation located actually in downtown Charleston. We love working with each client to determine the best layout for their event, and play around with the different spots at the Plantation. Ceremonies can overlook the river, or have the house as the backdrop. Dinner and dancing in the tented courtyard is always a favorite, but we also love that the interiors and grounds provide such lovely scenes for photos.

Ocean Course Collage

photos by Liz Banfield

The Ocean Course at Kiawah is a stunning site. I like the way a party can progress through different stages at this venue. From a ceremony on the golf lawn overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, to cocktails on the upper lawn and porches, to dinner in a ballroom, and then dancing under a tent overlooking the property, you are able to offer your guests so much variety!

HIbernian 1 Collage Hibernian 2 Collage

Photos by Corbin Gurkin

The Hibernian Society in the heart of the Charleston Historic District has long been the scene of many Charleston parties… I like that it’s large enough to hold a sizeable party but it’s broken up as such that if you have a smaller group it won’t feel too huge. It’s got a great porch for creating seating areas that overlook Meeting Street, and the historic architecture lends it some unique value.

Drayton Hall Collage

photo by Liz Banfield

Drayton Hall Plantation is probably hands down my most favorite venue in the Lowcountry. However, they have cut back on their wedding business due to the effort they place on historic preservation.  The old oaks and riverbanks along with the Federalist style home offer spectacular scenery.

WAH Collage

photos by Corbin Gurkin and Gayle Brooker

The William Aiken House’s prime location on busy King Street make it perfect for the crown who wants to keep everything easy for their guests while offer something special or unique to those coming to Charleston for a different type of wedding. The historic home has large porches for partying and antique ballrooms where you are able to host your guests for dinner.

Runnymede Collage

photos by Corbin Gurkin

A recent favorite of many of our brides and us here at Soiree, is Runnymede Plantation. The home no longer stands, other than a few crumbling ruins, but the land and location along the Ashley River allow us to have fun and do whatever we want with decor, and we love that!

Boone Hall Plantation

photo by Liz Banfield

Finally, we’ve done quite a few weddings at Boone Hall Plantation in our many years, but this image from one we did  for over 1200 people really stands out!

5.16.16   |   TARA GUÉRARD
Charleston, Entertaining, Event Design, Event Planning, Photographers, Reception, Travel, Uncategorized, Weddings | Comments >>