Myrtle Beach Wedding {Jennifer + Carl} Grande Dunes Ocean Club

I wanted to get back to sharing all of these beautiful weddings that graced the pages of our first online mag and this Grande Dunes Ocean Club bash is one heck of a stunner!  Jennifer + Carl hail from the great state of Michigan and decided the Lowcountry was the best place to host their destination wedding...and we're sure glad we did.  M. Gladden Designs took Jennifer's black and white color palette with pops of yellow and orange and translated it into some jaw dropping arrangements.  Thanks to Carolina Studios by Gillian Reinhardt for showering us with this beautiful Myrtle Beach wedding!  Even though we wanted to (and we sure did try!), we couldn’t include everything in the magazine, so to find out a little more about Jennifer’s big day, check out her answers below and to see all the details you can purchase a digital edition of the Mag here!

What made you choose your venue? What elements drew you to it? My family has been traveling to Myrtle Beach for the past 15+yrs for annual family vacations. A few years back, my parents purchased a second home in the area and decided to make Myrtle Beach their “winter home”; we are from MI. Over the years, Myrtle Beach became our family’s second home. My brother now lives there full-time; my parents live there about 6-7 months out of the year and Carl (my husband) and I both travel frequently throughout the year to visit.

We elected to host our destination wedding in Myrtle Beach, at the Ocean Club, over Memorial Weekend, for our friends and family (all from MI) because Myrtle Beach is considered a “home” to us and we wanted our friends and family to know and understand why we spend as much time as do in the area. We chose the Ocean Club because my family and I are members and it was also a perfect place for us to start our lives together – a venue that we (Carl and I) frequently visit.

Out of the entire day, what was the most memorable moment? LOL – my hair appointment, of all things! Horrible experience, but best attitude anyone could ask for! Keep in mind, this was a destination wedding – but the salon that I had booked my MOH and my hair appointments at months in advanced lost our appointments and refused to take us; another salon was willing to take us (probably feeling horrified for us!) last minute after my cousin explained the situation. Despite the moment .. it’s something that I will never forget. My cousin (MOH) couldn’t believe how calm and reserved I was about it. I had a “it’s ok to whatever happens today” attitude! And nothing was going to ruin it.

How many guests attended - 37 total (all from MI)

Color Palette – black, white, yellow, orange, cream colors

Tell us all about the details! Did any have special meaning? What was your favorite?

Tell us a little bit about your menu… We chose a cocktail and hors d'oeuvre wedding reception offered by the Ocean Club. It was the perfect choice for our small and intimate setting. We had approx.. 37 guests total (including ourselves) and wanted to mix & mingle with our guests who took the time to fly down and spend their holiday weekend with us. We absolutely did not want to separate anyone or exclude guests.

What’s your favorite picture from your wedding? My absolute favorite picture was the very last photo that Carolina Studios’ captured of Carl and me as they were headed out for the evening. It was an amazing shot that captured a very special moment for us.

Myrtle Beach Wedding Vendors

Photographer:  Carolina Studios by Gillian Reinhardt  //  Cake Designer: buttercream cakes and catering  //  DJ: DJ Scott & Company  //  Floral Designer: M. Gladden Designs  //  Officiant: Simple Wedding Day, LLC  //  Reception Venue: Grande Dunes Ocean Club

Submitted via Two Bright Lights

Charleston Engagement {William + Ashley}

William + Ashley combined a handful of my favorite things for their vintage-inspired engagement session from one uber-talented Charleston wedding vendor, Collette Mruk Photography!  Let's see...an adorable polka dot skirt, William's suspenders, sassy red heels and an antique car.  How can you not love every minute!?!  Oh, and how could I forget.  I'm head-over-heels for Ashley's perfect 'do!

Charleston Wedding Vendors

Photographer: Collette Mruk Photography

South Carolina Engagement {Tiffany + Jake}

Tiffany told me her photographer was insanely talented.  Actually, if I remember correctly, she said ‘Homegirl is AMAZING’…and after you check this out I'm positive you'll be thinking the same thing.  Elle Olivia Photography is any girl’s dream photographer.  She captures timeless images that will make you weak-in-the-knees!  She met up with Tiffany + Jake at Congaree National Park, one of the couple’s most treasured places, where they soaked up that gorgeous natural night.  For any gal that’s in the midst of planning her engagement session attire, I’d take some nots from Tiffany.  Her chic, classic selections perfectly complement her style and that wonderful setting.  After a quick wardrobe change, they headed to one of Tiffany’s favorite spots, the Columbia Antique Mall, to cap off the evening.  It was the Antique Mall that made Tiffany realize if Jake was willing to sacrifice countless weekends to support her antiquing habit then he must be a keeper!  We can’t wait to see these two tie the knot this coming April!  Thanks for sharing!

 South Carolina Wedding Vendors

Photographer: Elle Olivia Photography

South Carolina Engagement {Shannon + Kirk}

Shannon + Kirk first laid eyes on each other at Planet Fitness, and before they knew it, they were inseparable.  Quickly after their instantaneous connection, the couple realized it was the real deal and after a short courtship, Kirk popped the question!  This adorable twosome is knee-deep in planning their dream Lowcountry wedding and recently enlisted the help of one of our favorites, South Carolina wedding vendor, Ricki Ford Photographers, to capture them in all their loving glory.

 South Carolina Wedding Vendor

Photographer: Ricki Ford Photographers

Pepper Plantation Wedding {Schayla + TJ}

If you asked me the best time of the year to get married in Charleston I would  say, hands down, October is the month to shoot for.  Granted, January's been pretty fab this year!  By that time of the year, it's usually cooled off a bit and you're likely to find yourself with a gorgeous 70 degree, Lowcountry evening.  Schayla + TJ choose the picturesque Pepper Plantation out in Awendaw to host their dreamy, Fall nuptials, and luckily for us, Charleston wedding vendor, CM Photography, was on hand to capture all the gorgeous details!

 Charleston Wedding Vendors

Photographer: CM Photography  /  Venue: The Pavilion at Pepper Plantation  /  Caterer: Crazy Dutchman Catering

Southern Engagement {Kari + Josh}

I thought I'd take a quick break from wrapping and baking to shower you with some loveliness on this Southern Wedding Sunday.  This beauty hails from Fredricksburg, Virginia where Kari + Josh spent a relaxing evening with The Photography Smiths.  Don't you just love Kari's sweater dress and hair?! Ah, I love her hair.

Southern Weddings {Place Settings}

If it wasn't for Pinterest, I'm not sure I would get my daily fix of Southern wedding details.  Luckily, with all the talented wedding vendors that call the Lowcountry home, I don't have to go far to get my pin on!  So, today I'm sharing a serious round up of some of my favorite place setting that have recently graced my Pinterest account.  Boy, do I love a good tablescape.  It adds an instant dash of elegance for any Charleston, Myrtle Beach or Hilton Head Wedding!  Don't you agree?

Southern Weddings {Boutonnieres}

Who’s ready for a little bout-scootin’ Wednesday?!?  Today in the Lowcountry, we’re sharing our current obsession…boutonnieres!  I'm not sure why, but boutonnieres have become one of my favorite wedding details.  They sum up your entire wedding in one adorable little package and, let’s be serious, who doesn’t love accessorizing all the men in your bridal party?  You know I get a little Pinterest crazy sometimes and I live for beautiful, Southern wedding details, so here are a few that caught my eyes from some of our favorite Hilton Head, Myrtle Beach and Charleston weddings.

Southern Engagement {Maeve + Taylor}

In honor of Gameday Saturday here in SEC country, we're sharing a fabulous Arkansas engagement session from our friends Benfield Photography in Fayetteveille.  Not only are Maeve + Taylor a seriously good looking couple, but the duo decided on a sunrise engagement session and they couldn't have made a more breathtaking choice.  Oh, and I absolutely adore Maeve's spot-on outfit selections.  Stylish and casual...perfection.  Now, who wants to call the Hogs!?!

Bridal Portraits {Abish}

In one word, Abish is stunning.  Her bridal portrait session at Utah Lake is sure to make all of you swoon.  The bare backdrop combined with Abish's s blush colored bouquet, mint green heels and her breathtaking natural beauty makes for a warm, romantic session that has me dying to see how gorgeous she looked on her wedding day! Thanks to Lora Grady Photography for capturing this perfection!

Vendors

Photography: Lora Grady Photography  /  Floral Designer:  Lauren Hickman Design  /  Makeup Artist:  Lisa Frehner Hair  /  Other:  Utah Lake

Myrtle Beach Wedding Vendor Spotlight {Memorable Events}

It's no secret the Lowcountry is blessed with some seriously talented Myrtle Beach wedding vendors who, time and time again, deliver one-of-a-kind, customized Southern weddings that perfectly represent every Bride and Groom.  One of our favorites, Leslie Menich, is the owner of the Grand Strand's Memorable Moments Event Planning and is a pro at delivering the Myrtle Beach wedding of your dreams!  She takes pride in relieving her ladies of the stress the planning period can bring and makes sure to create a wedding that fits their needs, style and budget.  We caught up with Leslie where she filled us in on how she got started, what she offers, and why she loves her job!

How did you get started?

I have over seven years of event planning experience. I graduated from West Virginia University with a Bachelors of Science in Public Relations. I am originally from South Charleston, WV and moved to the Myrtle Beach area in May 2004. When my family or friends had parties, weddings, events, showers, etc., I always found myself becoming a part of the planning process.  There is true thrill and excitement in helping plan someone's special occasion and watching it turn into a lasting memory from start to finish. The passion I have for event planning started with this feeling and grew from helping friends and family while also planning and coordinating all events as the Event Planner/Marketing Manager at Celebrations Nitelife for over five years at Broadway at the Beach. During my time there, they became one of the Top 100 nightclubs and bars in the country (awarded by Nightclub & Bar Magazine).  From my past experiences and working with contacts and vendors through this full time job, I took the opportunity and decided to start my own business, and this is how Memorable Moments Event Planning was born!

What kinds of services do you provide for area brides?

I offer everything from Full Planning to Day of Coordination. Full Planning tends to be my most popular package. I become close with the couple, usually more with the bride because we do everything together. I am with her every step of the way from right after the engagement until the last event of her reception. Assisting in vendor selections and appointments, layouts of ceremony & reception, helping to determine an accurate total wedding budget, providing decor ideas and advice along the way are among some of the many things we will do together to create the bride’s vision, met with the couple’s personality and style.  Memorable Moments will act as the main point of contact for their venue & vendors and will continually make all the necessary accommodations, with their input, allowing the couple, especially the bride, to sit back and enjoy the experience. My signature wedding timeline and budget tracking sheet are also included along with everything included in the Day of Coordination Package.

For Day of Coordination, I come on board during the last months or weeks of the planning process to help the couple wrap up all loose ends with the vendors, assist with any last minute bookings, and coordinate the important events of wedding weekend. All the steps and timelines will be set into place and passed along to all major contacts so vendors, bridal party, family, the bride and groom, and more know where they need to be and when. The entire weekend’s events are put into order from vendors contracts and times confirmed to when the bouquet is thrown. This package also includes on site Rehearsal & Day of Coordination!

*Customized and a la Carte packaging are also available options. Every bride is entitled to a complimentary consultation to make sure we are a right fit before getting started.

What is the best part about your job?

Meeting wonderful couples and sharing in one of the biggest days of their lives. Nothing is better to help plan this day with them and then be there to see the whole process carried out to witness their happiness and appreciation! Many of my clients have become close friends due to the experiences we share together.

I feel the same about many of the wonderful wedding industry professionals I have met along the way while running my business. We all work hard and it is great to have a genuine group of colleagues who I can count on and have the pleasure of sharing stories of true success.

What is one of your most memorable moments on the job?

This past October, I had a wedding on my birthday. It was a 12 hour work day and the wedding turned out beautiful and the couple was more than pleased. Towards the end of the night, the bride and groom went up on stage and took the microphone from the DJ and had the music stop. They had all their guests tell me Happy Birthday and then proceeded to thank me for my friendship and work I had done over the past year. It was a small surprise that meant a lot to me and is something I will remember forever!

What do you say to a bride or groom who is having “cold feet?”

I am lucky that I have not had this happen yet. However, if I did ever have this happen, I would tell whoever is having the “cold feet” to remember how they got where they are in the first place and all the reasons to why they love and appreciate their partner.

What is the most important thing that you do for future brides?

Many brides are experiencing getting married for the first time, so I would say that the most important thing I offer to my clients is KNOWLEDGE! I know the places where she can save, the vendors she can trust, the unique ideas she can use, and more to help her customize her day, her way! When a bride books Memorable Moments Event Planning, she is relieved of much of the burden and work, since it is my job to help her create a wedding to not only meet her needs, wants, personality, style, & vision, but also her budget.

What are you waiting for? Give her a call!

Memorable Moments Event Planning!

Leslie Menich

116 Governors Loop

Myrtle Beach, SC 29588

843.450.9936

Lowcountry Wedding Favors

It's a question on every bride's mind...what on earth am I going to give as favors? OR should I even going to spend money on favors?  Now let's be serious, we've all chunked many-a cheesy wedding favors in trash (and rightfully so!) but with all the inspiration the Lowcountry offers, there must be a handful of memorable (and useable) surcees your wedding guests can appreciate.  For instance, maybe our Hilton Head brides can send their guests home with a little sweet tea for the road (Firefly, anyone?), or maybe your Charleston folks would enjoy some classic benne wafers or sweet pralines (I know I would!). What about some grits with your favorite shrimp and grits recipe for your Myrtle Beach affair?  Take a look at a few of our favorites and leave us a note if you've got a local favorite we forgot!

South Carolina Engagement {Sherry + Jonathan}

Good morning, my little Southern Belles!  We're going to get right to it this Monday morning with a sweet, farm engagement session from South Carolina based D'Attoma Studios. Sherry and Jonathan met several years ago when she was a manager at Abercrombie. Jonathan was genuine and funny and was always asking her to join him at parties or out with friends. He would tease her at work, picking her up over his shoulders and carrying her around the store. She laughed with him, but mainly “stuck him the dressing room” where he couldn’t cause trouble. She chose to not join him outside of work, blaming it on the companies strict policy of not fraternizing with employees. Jonathan stopped working at Abercrombie, and Sherry moved on to work in marketing and advertising. Time passed and she didn’t hear from him for awhile. Both were pursing lives and careers with different groups of people, and their paths didn’t really cross. Until one night. The phone rang, and it was him. He invited her out to eat with friends and to go watch a fight. Sherry used to do martial arts and instantly asked who was fighting. It happened to be someone she knew… and so she decided to join him that night.  They didn’t skip a beat. They reminisced like long lost friends and connected as never before. From then on, they were inseparable.

Lowcountry Weddings {Garland}

I've been totally digging how brides and vendors have been incorporating garland into our beautiful Lowcountry weddings.  It's fun, whimsical and a different way to spice up your ceremony altar, dessert table or outdoor reception.  Take a look at a few of our favorite, dreamy ways to add a touch of garland to your wedding day!  I'm loving these balls of yarn...presh.

Lowcountry Wedding Inspiration

Ohhh, ladies!  We're diving right into this week with a big dose of Lowcountry wedding heaven that is sure to knock your socks off.  Captured by our friend Brooke Roberts Photography, this fabulous inspiration shoot highlights everything we love about this time of the year.  Getting hitched by the coast lends itself well to beautiful outdoor event, whether it's your wedding reception, rehearsal dinner or an intimate shower...you just can't go wrong.  With the help of Judi Watson Florals and Dutchman Designs, the team matched soft furnishings with pops of colorful accent pieces to achieve a cozy, laid back setting at The St. Simons Lighthouse and A.J. Jones Heritage Center.  Aren't you loving the summery color palette of turquoise and pink?  The models were outfitted in dresses from Lady in White and Snippety Do Da's topped them off with the perfect hair and make up.  Possibly my favorite part?  That food!  Tasteful Temptations whipped up some delicious Lowcountry cuisine (and a tasty specialty drink!) perfect for a garden affair.