Charleston Weddings {Lowcountry Inspiration Board}

Hi!  I'm Amanda from baci designer stationery + events, a custom stationery and event planning boutique located in Northeast Ohio.  A huge thank you to Erin for having me today :o)  My husband and I lived in Charlotte, North Carolina for three years and while we were there our love for the south grew greater with each year that passed.  We loved it so much that in 2006 we were engaged while visiting Isle of Palms near Charleston (hands down our favorite place on earth!!)!  While we were sad to leave, our need to be closer to our families prevailed and we moved back to the Midwest a few years ago.  Everyday we miss all the things we adored so much about the south - the perfect weather, the soft southern accents that accompanied some of the most wonderful people and of course, the food!!  So I thought there wasn't a more perfect audience to create a Lowcountry Inspiration Board for than you all!  I envision the warm, vintage palette at an outdoor wedding on the land of a local plantation followed by a fabulous black tie reception in the main house complete with a fresh-caught seafood dinner, finishing off the night with a fully stocked cigar bar.  Southern charm at its best!

{Source} 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

So beautiful!  Thanks for sharing, Amanda!

From A Southern Bride's Perspective...

Hi there - Lauren fromSouthern Aisle here!  When Erin asked me to take a look back at my wedding just a few short months ago, I was delighted to reflect on a few things I learned throughout the process.  One BIG thing planning my own wedding taught me was how to be a better wedding guest myself.  So, here’s a little run down of a few things that drove me completely bonkers as a bride and I have profusely vowed to never ever do again myself. Scouts honor!

RSVP – I get it. We’ve all had that moment when you’re sorting through your pile of bills and magazines and out slips an RSVP card you haven’t sent back…to a wedding you’re attending this weekend.  Ruh       roh!  Life gets hectic and sending back that little response card isn’t always on the top of everyone’s to-do list, but I cannot express to you enough how dire this is.  I promise it’s not just for the benefit of knowing who to expect on your big day.  The bride needs to be able to report her final head count to many other vendors and it could ultimately affect her budget.  I once heard of a wedding where 60 extra people who did not RSVP showed up last minute; nowhere for them to sit and no food for them to eat.  Talk about every bride’s worst nightmare!  Luckily this did not happen to us, but I did have to do my fair share of pestering a handful of unaccounted for guests. If you misplace your card, a phone call, email or airplane banner will also get the message across. ;)

 

Presents – This may sound picky but if at all possible, try to avoid bringing your present to the wedding.  By bringing it the day of the event, you run the risk of your gift getting lost in the mix.  It’s one more thing for the bride and groom or their parents to transport after the wedding.  And, if the bride and groom do not reside in the city where they are getting married, it further complicates the process of getting the items to their final destination.  If you absolutely have to bring it, make sure the card or gift tag is securely attached so the couple will know whom to thank.  We had a few gifts that by the time they reached our hands had been separated from their card.  I had to play detective for days until we got it all sorted out. When in doubt, ship it!

Face Time – Everyone wants a little face time with the bride and groom.  After all, that’s the reason you are there; to show your love and support for the couple and give them your well wishes.  However, assess the situation before flocking.  For instance, when the bride and groom have just sat down to eat – probably not the best time to go interrupt.  Let them have a few moments of peace with each other and their (probably much needed) plate of food.  You can catch them on the dance floor later.  We personally tried to visit with and thank each guest for coming but inevitably missed some of our guests. And, if you aren’t able to get a little face time, do not be discouraged, I promise it’s not personal.  It’s just the way the wedding cookie crumbles – so many guests, so little time!

A big, big thank you to Erin for letting me pop over to A Lowcountry Wedding and share with all of you!  So, go forth and be a better wedding guest!

xoxo,

Lauren

Pepper Plantation Wedding {Peter + Nicole}

It's Thursday and I'm going on vacation tomorrow (sorry to rub it in!.  Hopefully, I'll be productive today...but I'm not making any promises.  I'm so excited I kinda can't stand it but I'm even more pumped to share today's real wedding with you all.  Yesterday we featured Peter + Nicole's rustic Cotton Dock Rehearsal Dinner and today we're following it up with their winter wedding that I'm pretty sure you're going to fall in love with.  Once again, Peter + Nicole enlisted the talents of The Daniels and Eventa Bella and, no surprise, they did not disappoint.  The couple hosted their guests for an evening of live music by Charleston favorite, Plane Jane, at the picturesque Pepper Plantation,.  It was the perfect backdrop for Nicole's rustic pewter color palette, cozy lighting and of course, some cowboy boots!

charleston wedding vendors

photographer: the daniels  /  event designer: sabrina with eventa bella  /  band: plane jane  /  reception venue: pavillion at pepper plantation 

Boone Hall - Cotton Dock Wedding {Peter + Nicole}

The Cotton Dock at Boone Hall Plantation is easily one of my favorite venues in Charleston.  Nestled along the marsh of  the Wamponcheeone Creek, it provides the perfect Lowcountry setting along with an always needed cool, salty breeze.  This past Winter, The Daniels were on hand to capture Peter + Nicole's gorgeous rustic rehearsal dinner.  Sabrina with Eventa Bella did an AH-mazing job with the decor.  I love the cozy, elegant vibe she was able to accomplish...and who doesn't love those twinkle lights?  Most couples don't enlist the talents of their photographers for their rehearsal dinner but I'm so glad Peter + Nicole did.  Not only did The Daniels take some killer detail shots but is that last image not perfection?  Love...

If that wasn't awesome enough, don't miss Peter + Nicole's Pepper Plantation Wedding tomorrow!

charleston wedding vendors

photographer: the daniels  /  event designer: sabrina with eventa bella  /  rehearsal dinner venue: cotton dock at boone hall plantation

Southern Weddings {Shannon}

 Hope everyone had a relaxing weekend!  Even though, I'm pretty excited about the idea of cooler weather (and football season), I can't believe the  summer is wrapping up.  One thing I love just love about Southern Weddings, and the South in general, is the vintage feel.  You know that a Southern bride is going to look classically beautiful.  She's not going to overdue it with too many accessories or crazy hair and make up.  It's more about her personal style then the current trends and fads.  She has a timeless appeal in every aspect of her wedding day, from her flower selection to the choice of music and the end result is always a stunning affair.   That's what I love about Shannon's Orchard House Bridal Shoot from our friends at Connections Photography.  I'm pretty sure I was gasping as scrolled through every image.

Her hair - perfect.  Earrings - love 'em.  Setting - Nailed it.  Go ahead...get your swoon on!

The last image is my favorite :)

   

Images by Connections Photography via Two Bright Lights

Southern Weddings {Shannon + Quincy}

Being a Georgia grad, I'm kind of a sucker for anything that has to do with the city of Athens. (Speaking of, did you hear the Georgia Theatre finally reopened?!)  Athens is just a charming Southern town.  It's got great people, an awesome music (and bar!) scene and obviously a fabulous football team :)  So, naturally when the talented Nick Branch sent over Shannon + Quincy's April wedding I couldn't wait to get it up on the blog.  Shannon was a knock-out in her David's Bridal gown while the men rocked tuxes from Men's Wearhouse.  She walked down the aisle of the Seney-Stovall Chapel (an Athens staple) carrying a beautiful bouquet of red rose.  After the ceremony, the crowd headed down the street to the Hardeman-Sams House where they enjoyed the rest of the evening.

vendor recap

photographer: nick branch photography  / dress designer: David's Bridal /  planner: shervoski moreland designs and events   /  florist: european floral design  /   cakes: cakes by southern belle /   ceremony location: seney stovall chapel  /  reception venue: hardeman-sams house  /  shoes: nine west  /  tuxedos: men's wearhouse

Risque Boudoir

So, have you been racking your brain trying to think of the perfect gift for your fiance and still can't come up with anything?  Well...our friend Meredith from Risque Boudoir is heading the Lowcountry September 16-18th to assist you in creating a memorable gift for your sweetie.  Because Meredith and team specialize in upscale boudoir photography, they are experts in how to style, pose and edit your images. Trust me, you (and your man!) will be more than pleased with the outcome.

For details and availability call 770.361.2208 or email info@519photography.com

Southern Weddings {Anna + Patrick}

Whenever I talk to someone who is recently engaged and in the planning stage, (whether I know them or not), my first question is always, "Have you picked out your colors?!"   I love to see the color palette brides choose because it always says so much about their personality.  Today's Florida bride, Anna, picked a perfectly beach-y combo of orange and blue for her October nuptials which matches her and hubby Patrick's vivacious, laid back and classic style.  Anna is just radiant in her white Maggie Sottero gown which she paired with a few blue accessories (lovin' that necklace) that fit the mood of the day just right...don't you think?  The ladies of Stay Forever Photography, Jessica and Melissa, were on hand to capture all the loveliness (and boy did they do their job!).  With a beautiful backdrop of palm trees and a touch of the Florida sun, Anna + Patrick were wed at Fort Pierce Yacht Club.  They continued the evening with some serious dancing, delicious food and gorg flowers by Giordano's.

If I don't respond back to emails or phone calls today it's because this wedding makes me want to take off straight to the beach :)  Sullivans here I come!

To catch more of this beauty, check out Stay Forever's posts (Part I and Part II).

Thanks so much for sharing, ladies!

vendor recap

photographer: stay forever photography  / dress designer: maggie sottero /  planner: jade smith of island party rentals   /  florist: giordano's floral creations  /   shoes: paris hilton /   reception venue: fort pierce yacht club  /  

Southern Weddings {Jada + Dan}

Hope everyone is having a Happy Wednesday and staying cool from this serious summer heat!  I'm so excited to share Jada + Dan's sweet North Carolina engagement session by Charlotte Photographer, Vanessa Schrotenboer.  They spent the day at Latta Plantation as Vanessa captured some very frame-able images of couple in their element.  The lighting is perfect, the setting is beautiful and can you get a cuter couple? I don't think so!

Images by Vanessa Schrotenboer via Two Bright Lights

Purple + Turquoise

I love this color palette and have always thought you need to be a little cautious with it for a wedding and not go overboard...but I think we might have nailed it with this inspiration board.  Don't you just love the tablescape in the bottom left corner?  I like how the farm table gives it a more laid back vibe and you just can't beat those vivid, beautiful centerpieces.  Um, excuse me Cameron Diaz? Can you please give me that entire ensemble? I'm crazy about her necklace and that killer dress.  Perfect Summer color combo...

Images via (1) Tea Lily Photography, (2) Pinterest (3) The Knot, (4) Sweet Dreams Darling (5) Dapper Images, (6) Christian Dior Fall 2007 by John Galliano, jewelry by Fred Leighton, (7) Elizabeth Anne Designs, (8) Wedding Bee  

Part II: Charleston Wedding Weekend Venues

So you've got your ceremony and reception venue and are slowly but surely lining up all your wedding day venues, but wait...what about your rehearsal dinner and bridesmaids luncheon?  Well if you're having trouble with your other Wedding Weekend Venues, don't fret, we're here to help!  You may remember a few weeks ago we started our "Wedding Weekend Venues" series with the Maverick Southern Kitchen's crew: featuring Old Village Post House and High Cotton.  Well, we're back this week with more of our favorites and are featuring the appetizing treats of Hospitality Management Group, Inc., better known to most as the Culinary Row of Blossom, Magnolias and Cypress. Besides their exquisite lowcountry cuisine, these neighbors and sister restaurants enhance their already amazing dining experience with a prime Charleston location off historic East Bay and are  the perfect spot for engagement parties, bridal showers, bridesmaids luncheons, rehearsal dinner and bon voyage brunches.

Magnolias

Oh Magnolia's, how I love thee!  Executive Chef Don Drake has a knack for presenting upscale Southern cuisine with an "uptown" twist.  Even your friends from up North won't know what hit 'em after they've been introduced to this supremely Lowcountry menu...chicken livers, anyone?

Magnolia offers two exquisite dining rooms that both share access to the private entrance off the quintessential Charleston, Lodge Alley and the beautiful spiral staircase that leads you straight to Upper Level Galley and lounge area (ideal for cocktail hour).  With its beautiful bay window overlooking the streets of Charleston, The Wine Room can comfortably accommodate 36 of your closest friends and family.  For large groups maxing out at 85, Magnolia offers The Primrose Rose.  Your guest will gawk at the beautiful French doors, balconies with views of Lodge Alley and a neighboring courtyard. 

 

  

Images  via Sposa Bella Photography

 185 East Bay Street

Charleston, SC 29401

Pat Pettus - Director of Group Sales

843.937.4012 ext. 241

patpettus@hmgi.net

Blossom

 Known for their wide variety of fresh, off-the-boat seafood and ah-mazing wood burning oven pizzas (seriously, you've got to try them), Executive Chef Adam Close and his team work closely with their guests to design a menu that incorporates your personal tastes and preferences.   

Blossom can accommodate intimate affairs ranging from 8-22 but also has the ability to welcome larger groups up to 200 by utilizing the entire dining room.  You'll be more than pleased with the staff's impeccable attention to detail  down the very last personalized menu card.  There is no doubt you and your guests will enjoy a truly memorable dining experience with first-class Southern hospitality.

   

Images  via Charleston Cocktail

171 East Bay Street

Charleston, SC 29401

Pat Pettu - Director of Group Sales

843.937.4012 ext. 241

patpettus@hmgi.net

Cypress

So, Chef Craig Deihl is pretty awesome.  I mean, he did win the James Beard award for Best Chef - Southeast in both 2010 and 2011, impressive, eh?  Well, his top notch, Charleston restaurant, Cypress, incorporates the regional fare by taking advantage of the Lowcountry's finest farmers and fishermen.   Additionally, it has a killer 3-story wall o' wine that features over 4,500 different bottles!

Complete with exposed brick walls, contemporary chandeliers and a gorgeous bay window, Cypress offers private dining options that can accommodate up to 75 guesets.  This room overlooks the main dining room and can be divided into 2 separate spaces.

167 East Bay Street

Charleston, SC 29401

Pat Pettus - Director of Group Sales

843.937.4012 ext. 241

patpettus@hmgi.net

Hope this helps!

Southern Weddings {Wedding Bouquets}

You can call Pinterest an addiction but I like to refer to it as research :)  I always thought it would be so fun to be a florist.  Would you not love to be surrounded by gorgeous blooms all day long?  I remember when I was planning my wedding and you could not pry me from the computer. I was constantly searching and searching for the perfect bouquet, boutonniere, centerpieces etc.  Sometimes, I would just find one type of flower or a particular shade of color that would be exactly what I was looking for.  So, my hopes in sharing Part II of Wedding Bouquets (Don't miss Part I!) is that they'll be that perfect bit of inspiration that has been the missing link to your wedding day inspiration board...

Enjoy!

Image via Bippity Boopity Boo

Image by Erin Hearts Court via Style Me Pretty

Image via Helen Carter Weddings

Images via Once Wed and Helen Chapple

Image via Southern Weddings

Image via Kiss the Groom

Images via Wedding Chicks and Ruffled

Image via The Bride's Cafe

Southern Wedding {Katy + Jason}

Ashley of Live. Laugh. PHOTOGRAPH sent over this perfectly charming Southern wedding, complete with cowboys boots and live country music...Texas style!  The couple, Katy + Jason, were wed June 11, 2011 just outside of Dallas at Loma Linda in beautiful Rockett, Texas.  Doesn't Katy just look flawless in her strapless gown, pearls and cowboy boots?  I love it.  The rustic venue allowed for a touching outdoor ceremony under the trees.  After, the guest made their way to the reception where the dined on Randy's BBQ's signature cuisine and later indulged in their choice of two fabulous desserts by Dallas Affaires Cake Co.  To top of the evening, the guests danced the night away to the tunes of Chad McBride and The Drifters. 

All in all, I'd have to say it was a perfect Texas Wedding...

Images via Two Bright Lights

vendor recap

photographer: live. laugh. PHOTOGRAPH   /  cake designer: dallas affaires cake co.  /  band: chad mcbride & the drifters  /  ceremony & reception venue: loma linda  /  caterer: randy's bbq  / 

Southern Weddings {Peach Chic}

I've been developing quite a fancy for the color peach recently, especially when it's used in a  Spring or Summer Wedding.  It's such a soft, sophisticated color and it works well in a classic Lowcountry  Wedding...and I'm really loving that chic floral arrangement and understated cake!

Images: (1) Forget Me Knot Weddings, (2-4) Style Me Pretty, (5) DIY Weddings Magazine, (6) Martha Stewart Weddings, (7) In Honor of Design (8) Her Muse, (9) Ruffled, (10) Grey Likes Weddings

Myrtle Beach Wedding {Jordyn + Joe}

When Carolina Studios photographer, Gillian Reinhardt sent over this Myrtle Beach wedding, I couldn't get over how much fun everyone seemed to have. It looked like such a good time!  This past May, Jordyn, a stunning blonde, donned two separate gowns as she wed her handsome husband, Joe, in this perfect Lowcountry affair. 

The couple said 'I do' at First Presbyterian Church and then moved the party (and boy do I mean par-tay!) to aPalmetto Properties' private residence where the guests were treated to a gorgeous tented reception under the Carolina sky.  By leaving the details to their trusted team of vendors, the sweet couple was able to enjoy every moment celebrating with their friends and family. Wedding planner, Sara Barnhill of Stunning & Brilliant Events, executed a beautifully detailed Kelly green wedding complete with lavish  flowers by Callas Florist and a darling cake by Cake Creations by Melanie.   The band, N'Tranze kept everybody up and out of their seats which, not only made for some truly entertaining pictures, but one heck of an evening.  Luckily, Carolina Studios was on hand to capture it all...

This one's my favorite....

Images via Two Bright Lights

vendor recap

photographer: carolina studios by gillian reinhardt  / hair stylist: mirage hair studio /  planner: stunning & brilliant events   /  florist: callas florist  /  cake designer: cake creations by melanie  /  band: n'tranze  /  reception venue: callas florist  /  cinema and video: dv production company  / men's attire: men's wearhouse

Charleston Weddings {Turquoise}

Don't you just love this color?  I'm totally smitten with this charming turquoise cake draped with doilies and I'm going to need  to track down those amazing shoes so I can sport them the last few weeks of summer.  But let's be honest, do you not just die for that drop-dead gorg dress and that wonderful staircase?  Wouldn't all these elements make for a perfect summertime Charleston wedding?

Images via (1)Pomp and Plumage, (2)European Chic, (3)Flowerwild Designs, (4)My Sweet and Saucy, (5)Our Labor of Love, (6)Sweet Dreams Darling, (7)Design-s(d)eeds, (7)Ritzy Bee

Lowcountry Weddings {Catering}

Is it just me or does mini food taste better?  Bite sized hors d'Oeuvres are the perfect sized morsel to serve your guests during cocktail hour.  They'll leave your guests with a taste of Lowcountry cuisine and have them begging for more by the time the main course rolls around.   We've rounded up some of our favorite appetizers to kick off your wedding reception and even a few late night snacks.  Jazz up your menu by adding a few of these options and your guests will be raving about it for years to come!

Charleston Engagement {Jeana + Stan}

This past Fall, our friends over at Chi Photography spent a lovely afternoon with Jeana + Stan as they gallivanted around Charleston's Waterfront Park.  With the Lowcountry as the backdrop, and Jeana + Stan front in center, Chi captured some truly Charleston-esque elements in these wonderfully vivid and perfectly photographed shots.   From the famous Pineapple Fountain and cobblestone roads, to the Cooper River Bridge and Charleston Harbor, we hope you enjoy this beautiful Downtown Engagement Session.

Inspiration Board: For Like Ever

Good morning to my Lowcountry ladies!  I've always loved the 'For Like Ever' poster (and what's not to like about it?), especially in these fun colors.  It's bright and cheery and would be so fitting for a jazzy Charleston affair.   It's the perfect palette for a lively, summer wedding...

Images via (1) Green Wedding Shoes, (2) Apartment Therapy, (3) Our Labor of Love, (4) DIY & Hair Dye, (5) Green Wedding Shoes, (6) Samantha Wills (7) Tilly and the Buttons, (8) My Sweet and Saucy, (9)The Sweetest Occasion (10)Gideon Photography via Amorology Weddings, (11) Samanthat Wills

Stevie + Trevor {Southern Wedding}

I can't wait for you guys to check out these vivid images the talented Evan of Purus Wedding Studios recently sent over.  The loving couple, Stevie + Trevor, wed this past Memorial Day Weekend in Luling, Texas (right outside of Austin) at the picturesque Hillview Ranch.  The combination of their rustic color palette, her stunning Alfred Angelo gown and perfect Summer light made for a day of enviable wedding photos.  I just can't properly put into words how beautiful all of these shots are, particularly the ones of Stevie + Trevor surrounded by the gorgeous Texas landscape as the sun begins to set.   Enjoy...

Images via Two Bright Lights

Southern Wedding Vendors

photographer: purus wedding studios  / gown: alfred angelo /  reception venue: hillview ranch