Tag Archives: William Aiken House

Aug 30, 2017

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Sorry, I just can’t help sharing all of our fun older weddings from the archives as I’m finding them. It’s been so fun to relive these!  Today, we share another one shot by Liz Banfield, which took place at the French Huguenot Church and William Aiken House. Whites and creams were paired with the bolder Tiffany Blue for a feminine yet formal affair.

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The streets and building of downtown Charleston make fabulous backdrops for our photographers… The Dock Street Theater is directly across the street from the French Huguenot Church so Liz was able to get some pretty candid shots of the couple before the ceremony.

Floral Collage

A pretty pretty bridal bouquet included lily of the valley and it’s greens, along with tulips and gardenias… to add a bit of color to the wreaths on the church gates, little ribbon bows in Tiffany blue were tucked in.

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An overflowering guest welcome box included cheese and crackers, bottled waters, and Chattanooga thumbprint cookies (a throw back to the bride’s home town).  Later, guests received beautifully packaged “S” soaps as take home favors. I loved this idea, because it was something so simple that you wouldn’t necessarily think about but would be happy to get… especially when packaged so thoughtfully.

Reception Collage

Gates at the William Aiken House were gussied up with fabric curtains and a chandelier, which also made for pretty ambience at the end during the send off. Since Tiffany blue isn’t a naturally occurring color in flowers, we wrapped vases in coordinating fabric so that the lush white centerpieces popped.  Guests lounged on sofas accented with our shadow box tables housing fresh gardenia blooms.

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 After cake, champagne, and dancing with guests into the wee hours, our couple departed to guests waving ribbon wands….. these were adorable in the photos and didn’t leave a mess. Luckily, this bride’s younger sister married several years later and we got to work with this awesome family again on that wedding!

8.30.17   |   TARA GUÉRARD
Cakes, Charleston, Event Design, Flowers, Food and Drink, Gifts, Reception, Uncategorized, Weddings | 2 Comments
Aug 29, 2017

We are thrilled to release our newest episode featuring Page Palmer. Calligraphy is such an amazing art and Page is super talented. It’s one design element we have used continuously over the years because I truly never tire of it… it’s classic! Please see our full episode on our YouTube channel and make sure to subscribe for future episodes!  Thank you so much to Page, and to the William Aiken House for the beautiful filming location.

8.29.17   |   TARA GUÉRARD
Charleston, Stationery, Invitations and Pretty Papers, Weddings | Comments >>
Feb 08, 2017

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We are back with part two of this glorious and golden Charleston wedding. Our couple, the bride in Vera Wang,  was married at the historic First Baptist Church downtown. Corbin Gurkin is responsible for the lovely images.

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The gorgeous golden bridesmaids gowns are by Kate McDonald.

William Aiken CollageGuests were welcomed at the William Aiken House in downtown Charleston. The historic home has been fully restored to it’s splendor with museum quality interiors. And, the grounds  were designed by a renowned local horticulturalist, so we love getting to design for our couples at this property.

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A lovely lounge was waiting on the front lounge for guests to enjoy during cocktail hour and as a getaway for after dinner dancing.

F&B Collage

Cocktail hour included a bourbon bar, passed champagne, and Southern staples like ham biscuits, and fried chicken biscuits mixed with Asian favorites- tuna tartar and dumplings.

Porch Collage

In true Charleston fashion, we utilized the sweeping piazzas for seating niches. We hung the letterpressed and caligraphied dinner escort cards on the porch for guests to gather while enjoying cocktails.

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The cream and golden color palette made for a perfectly formal Southern dinner scape. Tables were dressed with silk linens, and the die cut lace paper wraps from the invitations were brought back in to adorn the dinner napkins. Caligraphied tags tied to the lace acted as place cards.

Dinner Collage

Fabric swathes dressed up standard Chivari chairs… Even a traditional spinach salad has a new take on it’s presentation.

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Doesn’t that tent look so happy and cozy like you wouldn’t want to leave????

Cake Collage

The wedding cake by Jim Smeal mimicked the lace pattern from the bride’s bridal gown in gold and cream.  We created a vignette under the William Aiken House pergola for the cake with chandeliers, candles, and a linen dressed up with greenery and flowers. Having been introduced through their mutual veterinarian, the grooms cake included a “dog park”, also by Jim Smeal.

Dance tent Collage

Details for the after dinner dancing lounge included a monogrammed dance floor and sofas with custom embroidered pillows. The chandelier is dressed up with flowers and greenery.

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Going away Collage

After dancing the night away with friends, the couple departed by a sparkling send off and a vintage white Rolls took them away. Lettered Olive handmade the Best Day Ever sign with golden glitter! This couple’s special day was definitely #HappilyHansom!

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