Tag Archives: wedding ceremony

Jan 07, 2019

photo by Christian Oth/Christian Oth Studios

2018 was a big year in weddings for us… Even though we only do a handful per year, we found ourselves in some familiar and different locations. Working with some of our tried and true and new vendors, and working hard to come up with fresh and custom details for all of our clients. I’d say we had a pretty fantastic year. So, here is a look back as we recap some of our favorite ceremonies from last year. Above, we were in Palm Beach, Florida for a stunner of a wedding at the Breakers. But, the ceremony was at the groom’s family church locally, which I loved because it seems unexpected for Palm Beach- love the pale blue exterior, perfect for a wedding’s something blue.

photos by Liz Banfield

Our last wedding of the year found us in our own backyard of Charleston, at historic Grace Episcopal Church. Lots of gothic and historic architectural details make for some pretty photo backdrops. photo by Lauren Bailey Photo

A new venue for us this year was the gorgeous Barnsley Gardens resort outside of Atlanta, GA. The sweeping grounds had many different pretty spots for a ceremony, so one surrounded by greenery and old oak trees was where we landed. An airy sailcloth tent was perfect acting as a large “sunbrella” for guests, but a light unexpected shower rolled thru also.

photos by Corbin Gurkin

Again, back in Charleston, at one of our all time favorite spots, the Huguenot Church, an intimate ceremony was adorned with very natural and delicate pieces. The lighting in this church is always so romantic.

photos by Tec Petaja

This was a fun wedding for us in Kansas City, Missouri. One, because we had done a wedding previously for the bride’s brother and loved getting to work with the family again. Two, because the venue was so different than what we do here, and we were working with so many new people. The church, however, did feel sweet and familiar since it was full of so many historic notes.

photos by Tec Petaja

I would say for Charleston, this venue (Runnymede Plantation) is my most favorite for designing weddings. It’s a blank slate with a gorgeous natural backdrop. It can host a large amount of people, and it’s easy getting in and out… For this ceremony, we chose a shaded area under historic old Oak Trees overlooking the river banks, and created an aisle by laying down a seagrass runner and draping an airy ceiling in fabric.

Here’s to another year of amazing moments in 2019!

1.07.19 | TARA GUÉRARD
Charleston, Event Design, Flowers, Photographers, Travel, Uncategorized, Weddings | Comments >>

May 15, 2018

Ceremony Tips and Tricks

photo by Corbin Gurkin

Since we are in the height of Spring wedding season, we’re sharing some takeaways on a variety of subjects that will hopefully make your wedding planning process easy and thoughtful.

photo by Corbin Gurkin

One thing we’ve started doing (and our photographers are thankful for it) is nicely tying off the ceremony aisle, and seating guests from the outside. Of course, we don’t ask which side anymore and guests are seated evenly on both sides of the aisle. But, we are having our ushers seat from the outside in- it’s easier to fill in, you aren’t having to step over people already seated, and keeps the aisle in pristine condition for the wedding party and bride’s entrance.

photo by Corbin Gurkin

Speaking of wedding parties, we are also seeing the thought that both sides have to match up is ending. People are asking the ones they are closest to to standup with them, whether their partner has an equal number or not.

photo by Perry Vaile

Another big factor couple take into account for during their wedding ceremony is music. Some of our very favorite musicians, Charleston Virtuosi offer many different instrument combos, and are able to play a wide array of music from Classical/Traditional to Jazz to modern Pop covers. Some of our non traditional favorites for ceremony music – Don’t Stop Believing by Journey, All You Need is Love by The Beatles, and Viva La Vida by Coldplay.

photo by Perry Vaile

Another more popular musical component we see for a lot of our Southern weddings are gospel choirs and singers. From cheerful praise songs celebrating the end of the ceremony, to as seen here a vocalist singing an a capella version of the Lord’s Prayer during the ceremony. It’s a stunning and moving way to add more to the emotion of the day.

photos by Melanie Mauer

Also, we’ve learned to embrace obstacles… for this wedding on the couple’s farm with wide open space, instead of spending money trying to create a big ceremony focal point, we turned the barn on site into a backdrop.

photo by Liz Banfield

It also doesn’t have to be a father that walks a bride down the aisle… for this bride, it made more sense for her mother to walk her down the aisle… For some it’s a brother, grandparent, etc.

©LizBanfield.0486.8031.13.2013.27

photo by Liz Banfield

One last takeaway for you… We have done this trick for a couple of our weddings with large guest counts, to avoid a line or perhaps missing the “guest book” we place bags with the printed ceremony programs, a blank card, and pen for guests to write a note to the bride and groom. We’ve hung birdcages from branches for guests to drop the notes in, or designed custom boxes for the notes, but it’s a great way to ensure everyone has the opportunity while you are waiting for the ceremony to start!

5.15.18 | TARA GUÉRARD
Bridal, Event Design, Event Planning, Photographers, Uncategorized, Weddings | Comments >>

Jan 22, 2018

Our Favorite Ceremonies

photo by Corbin Gurkin

With all of this crazy winter wedding so far, we needed a little warm fuzzy for our Monday morning. We’re sharing a roundup of our favorite ceremony set ups from the past couple of wedding seasons. Like this ceremony under the Oaks at Fenwick Plantation outside of Charleston, SC.

photos by Corbin Gurkin

Another of our favorites is from this ceremony overlooking the Harbor in Newport, RI. The bride and groom married under a floral arch after walking down a wooden boardwalk over the pool. Guests walked across the grand lawn before arriving at the spectacular site.

photo by Corbin Gurkin

This wedding took place in a historic chapel in Sea Island, GA. The antique wooden beams and floors needed little decor, so simple brightly colored floral pieces speckled the alter.

photos by Corbin Gurkin

We transformed this hotel ballroom into a glittering golden winter wonderland fit for a queen. Handmade golden orchid trees lined the aisle and walkway, and a confetti cannon even went off as a surprise to the couple after their first kiss.

photo by Melanie Mauer

An antique barn on the couple’s property set the backdrop for the ceremony. A large greenery wreath was hung to provide a lovely focal point.

photo by Corbin Gurkin

A floral archway mimicked the architectural window, while a handmade greenery covered cross was hung to create a true “altar”. A white carpeted aisle runner strategically laid a lovely walkway for a bride.

photo by Corbin Gurkin

For another wedding at Fenwick Plantation, a carpeted walkway over the reflecting pond met a lush archway at the end of the aisle. The property’s palm trees made for perfectly natural pew markers.

1.22.18 | TARA GUÉRARD
Charleston, Event Design, Flowers, Uncategorized, Weddings | Comments >>