Gloria & Erik's Pink Charleston Place Wedding at the Riviera by Lowcountry Vendors Riverland Studios and EAsy Breezy Entertainment
Bluff Drive Engagement {Savannah}
I ran across this timeless Bluff Drive wedding engagement from Jade + Matthew Take Pictures a few months ago and about fell out of my chair! I knew that it was time for us to road trip it from Charleston down to Savannah and I can't wait for you to see why . This beautiful couple knocked it out of the park with their classic, Southern attire and they couldn't have picked a more picturesque, Lowcountry backdrop.
Wando Farms Wedding {Lydia + Clay}
I had a hard time choosing what pictures to use for this beauty from Fia Forever Photography because in every shot blushing bride Lydia is completely elated. It's just too lovely not to share. Lydia + Clay got hitched in Mt. Pleasant, at the charming Wando Farms, in a gorgeous outdoor ceremony. Later, the couple and their guests slipped on their dancing shoes for the perfect evening under the Lowcountry stars. Charleston wedding vendor, Ooh! Events, hit-it-out-of-the-park with soft centerpieces to compliment the classic blue color palette.
Photographer: Fia Forever Photography / Caterer: Salt of the Earth Food / Event Planner: Ooh! Events / Floral Designer: Ooh! Events / Musicians: Classical Charleston / Dress Store: J. Crew / DJ: OtherBrother Entertainment / Tuxedo and Mens Attire: Indigo & Cotton / Bridesmaid Dresses: J. Crew
Charleston Wedding Inspiration {Easton Events}
The ladies of Easton Events are a well-known, wedding event design team. Getting their start in Virginia, they've recently decided to grace the Lowcountry with their presence by opening up a brand, new office in Charleston, South Carolina. We couldn't be more excited with this top-notch addition to our squad of Charleston wedding vendors and we're about to show you why! They joined forces with Gayle Brooker for a garden party inspired shoot at the stunning William Aiken House and if I had to guess, you'll be pinning away at all the prettiness!
Venue: William Aiken House / Photography: Gayle Brooker Photography / Floral Design: Blossoms Events / Gelato: Paolo’s Gelato / Macaroons: Christophe Chocolatier / Hair & Make-up: Wedding Hair by Charlotte / Dress: Romona Keveza via Maddison Row, Paper Suite: Dani Antol with Rock Paper Scissors / Calligraphy: Tara Jones Calligraphy / Styling & Production: Easton Events / Suiting: Grady Ervin & Co. / Tabletop: Festive Fare Party Rentals / Tables & Chairs: Snyder Event Rentals / Specialty Silver: The Silver Vault / Trolley: Absolutely Charleston
Pepper Plantation Wedding {Jennifer + Mike}
Wickliffe House Wedding by Rick Dean Photography
Coastal Wedding Anniversary {Amy Jo + Ben}
There's nothing more a Lowcountry girl loves than a beautiful coastline. Absolutely nothing. Which is why I'm positive any gal planning a wedding in Charleston, Hilton Head or Myrtle Beach will be head-over-heels for this effortless one year anniversary session from So Life Studios. The couple was originally married in Mobile but had recently relocated to gorgeous Destin, Florida and were dying to jump back into their wedding attire to capture some seriously frame-able shots. It was the perfect evening for them to recreate wedding day bliss.
Kiawah Island wedding at Cassique
McCrady's Wedding {Bridgette + Asher}
Oh, lawd! We’ve got a dreamy Charleston wedding at a Downtown gem, McCradys, from Jenna Marie Photography. The sweet couple (and seriously, aren’t the presh?) compiled a talented team of Charleston wedding vendors to pull off this one-of-a-kind celebration! The bridesmaids were dressed in sky blue frocks that were adorned with fabulously feminine bouquets from Branch Design Studio, that I am just dying over. What I really love is how the ladies of Sweet Grass Social Event & Design nailed the entire reception. The gals pulled in a chic yellow chevron pattern to bring the entire soiree together.
Photography: Jenna Marie Photography / Church: St. Philips / Venue: McCradys Restaurant / Florist: Branch Design Studio / Hair: Wedding Hair by Charlotte / Makeup: Pamela Lesch / Event Designer: Sweetgrass Social Event & Design / Cake: Ashley Bakery
A Caterer's Guide to a Seated Dinner {Duvall Events}
Hopefully, you caught Dodeline Design’s early guest post about a stationer’s role in your seated dinner extravaganza. If not, feel free to check it out here! Sticking with the served dinner topic for your Lowcountry wedding reception, we’ve asked another talented Charleston wedding vendor to discuss the catering end of things. So, please welcome the crew from Duvall Events as they teach you everything you need to know when planning your plated dinner reception…
Seated Dinners
A served and seated dinner provides an entirely different event experience and aesthetic than a stations or buffet style reception. It can be a wonderfully intimate way to celebrate your new marriage with your closest friends and family all seated around a table, getting to know each other. There are a few basic things all brides and grooms should know when deciding on a served dinner.
1. Served dinners are more expensive. When having a served dinner, you need a seat for every guest attending the reception, this drives your rental cost up- more tables, more linens, more centerpieces, more glassware. Consider mix and matching floral centerpieces with candle or lantern centerpieces to save on your floral budget. If everyone’s being served at the same time, catering companies need more staff to execute dinner service- more chefs and more servers- this inevitably increases your bottom line budget. Lastly, even if you have an open bar, if you want wine service with dinner, most catering companies will charge a per-bottle fee in addition to your open bar price. Consider having guests get up to go to the bar for a refresher or ask the servers to offer refreshments if they’re free. If you insist on wine service with dinner, consider closing the bar during the dinner hour to save on your bar cost.
2. Served dinners require more planning. If you’re planning on offering multiple options, you must pre-plan and coordinate your invitations so you can have a proper entree count to provide your caterer. We typically ask for these final entree counts at least 2 weeks prior to the wedding. Additionally, it is important that your catering company know about any allergies so they can accommodate any guests that may need a special entree. During dinner service, we typically ask that the place cards somehow denote what entree the guest requested on the response card. If this is not done, often times people forget what they ordered and guests end up with entrees they do not want.
3. Served dinners take time. An average served dinner will typically take about an hour and a half, with getting guests seated prior and up and onto the dancefloor after. If you’re dreaming about a wedding full of people buzzing about and hitting the dancefloor all evening, know that a served dinner takes time to execute and will typically take up ⅓ of your reception.
4. Details matter. When planning a served dinner, talk with your caterer about customizing the china, glassware and flatware you use. Mix vintage patterns to create fun decor. Incorporate a metallic charger to make a statement or mix and match water glasses to create an eclectic feel. The table settings will be a focal point so pay attention to every detail- what napkin fold do you want? How do you want the place card? Will there be a menu card at each setting? Does the chair match the aesthetic? When making all of these decisions, be sure all of these details coordinate with the centerpieces you have chosen. Get creative with your table scapes and chairs and your tables are sure to catch the eye! Lastly- candles, candles, candles! Candleligt is the best way to create budget friendly ambiance at your wedding. Ask your caterer if they provide votives to sprinkle on the tables. If not, purchase a box and have your caterer place a few on each table. It will make a world of difference!
All images via Duvall Events
Looking for a Lowcountry caterer who can knock your socks off!?!
Contact Duvall Events set up your appointment:
2816 Azalea Drive
North Charleston, SC 29405
843.763.9222
twitter: @duvallevents
Columbia Bridals {Katie}
One of our favorite Charleston wedding vendors (and member of the A Lowcountry Wedding fam!), Dana Cubbage Photography, shot Katie's chic, Southern Bridal session alongside Callan Tinsley Photography. It took place just up the road in Columbia at the Old Bull Street Mental Hospital...and it is fab! The abandoned space makes for a stunning backdrop and a beautiful contrast to Katie's soft and whimsical ruffles. I love how she mixes up her accessories through the session and her hair, well, it's just perfect.
Photography: Dana Cubbage Photography
Pastel Wedding Gowns {Trends}
Please excuse my absence the past few days. I've been on the road and far from my laptop! Everything will be back to normal tomorrow but until then, I wanted to leave you with some prettiness that's oh-so easy on the eyes. I've been digging the color wedding gown trend in soft pastels a-la Jessica Biel. That little hint of color takes the romance level up a few notches why still keeping it traditional for this ol' gal.
Southern Wedding {Alexa + Derek}
Every single time I lay my eyes on a wedding shot by CivicPhotos, I immediately go weak in the knees. Each image is dripping with romance and it's no different with Alexa + Derek's Spring wedding. The couple tied the knot this past May at The Gallery in Houston, Texas in front of their closest friends and family. The entire Southern soiree highlighted their personalities from the sassy, pink bridesmaids dresses to the big ol' cowboy hats!
Photography: CivicPhotos / Venue: The Gallery
Southern Bridals {Chelsey}
I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend! I'm still coming down from a crazy Saturday of College Football. Can I get a 'Go Dawgs'?!? To hop right back into all things weddings, I'm hooking you up with a charming, Southern bride and a fabulously, rustic setting. I promise y'all are gonna love Chelsey's effortless bridal portraits from Amore Vita Photography. The Rock Quarry at Carrigan Farms was the stunning backdrop for the afternoon and I can't get enough of the natural beauty. Chelsey is radiating in her strapless gown, her soft hair and that gorgeous bouquet!
Southern Style Wedding - Fall Bouquets
Southern Wedding {Anna + Andrew}
Kelly Is Nice Photography always captures the yummiest images. They're always timeless and dreamy and keep you wanting more! Like, lots more! So, in keeping with our week of Southern wedding loveliness, we’re sharing Anna + Andrew’s beauty at Marietta Country Club from a whole crew of talented Southern wedding vendors. I’m dying over Anna’s gorgeous, lace dress from David’s Bridal designed by St. Patrick. I just want to float around in it!
Photographer: Kelly Is Nice Photography / Floral Designer: Village Green Flowers & Gifts / Musicians: Lark Chamber Music / Reception Venue: Marietta Country Club / Dress Store: David's Bridal / Cake Designer: Gabriel's Desserts / Makeup Artist: bobbie brown / Shoes: RSVP / Jewelry: Allison-Kaufman Company / Tuxedo and Mens Attire: Men's Warehouse / Bridesmaid Dresses: J. Crew / Etsy Designer: SV Calligraphy
Lowndes Grove Wedding {Nancy + Harris}
Ordering Your Gown Wedding Gown - How Long Does it Really Take?
We're so excited to have our resident bridal experts back this week! You may remember a few weeks ago, the ladies of the Gown Boutique of Charleston joined us to share some pointers on how to 'Be A Prepared Bride' when gown shopping. As if that wasn't enough, they're back this week and diving into the topic of ordering your gown...
Ordering Your Wedding Gown – How Long Does it Really Take?
One question we are asked every day in our boutique is “When do I need to order my gown?” Brides wonder, “Do I really need to order my gown 1 year before my wedding date?”
The answer is: It is best to order your gown at least 9 months before your wedding date.
When a bride thinks of ordering her gown, she just thinks about selecting the gown and then having it arrive at the boutique. Rarely is a gown ready to be worn the week it arrives. Most need a few fit adjustments to hug your curves in the right places, and almost all of them need a hem and a bustle. These alterations take time! They cannot be turned out in a week like a pant hem, and you don’t want the work to be overly rushed…it should be done perfectly!
It takes anywhere from 4-6 months for a gown to be made and then shipped to the boutique. Then it takes another 3 months to complete most alterations on a wedding gown.
Some of you may think, “Three months for alterations?!” Well, most brides end up coming for 2 – 3 visits with the seamstress in order to achieve a perfect fit. Those visits are usually scheduled 2 – 4 weeks apart, so planning on 3 months for alterations is a conservative plan. This is why the 9 month timeframe is suggested.
Here is an ideal timeline:
There is one other pesky detail in this planning process. Many brides, especially here in the south, want a bridal portrait done before their wedding. When a bride asks if she has enough time to get her gown in, we ask “Are you doing a portrait?” Many brides aren’t ready to answer this question for sure, but the answer is ultimately important in determining your timeframe.
If you want a framed portrait to be displayed at your wedding reception, it is likely you will need that photo session done at least 1 month before your wedding date. If you want the wedding announcement to run in the paper the Sunday directly after your wedding day, you will need to have the chosen photo submitted to the paper 2 weeks prior to that issue’s run date.
When you plan to have a bridal portrait taken, you will most certainly want your gown to fit you perfectly before it is photographed. That means we need your gown to arrive in time to have any necessary alterations completed before that portrait session date.
Don’t have 9 months? Don’t panic!! Gown can be rush shipped (for a fee) if needed, in most cases. Also, we always keep a nice selection of “off-the-rack” gowns. These gowns are purchased on the spot, and alterations can be started immediately, making them a great option for brides with 4 months or less.
Happy Shopping!
Ready to start shopping?
Contact the Gown Boutique of Charleston to set up your appointment:
664-A Long Point Rd Belle Hall Shopping Center Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
843.856.2682 phone
info@gownboutiqueofcharleston.com
Litchfield Plantation {Meghan + Joshua}
I’m about to treat you to a big dose of preppy perfection from Carmen Ash Photography…so you can go ahead and thank me! It took place just up the road in beautiful Pawleys Island, South Carolina at the picturesque Litchfield Plantation. The sweet Southern couple enlisted a brilliant team of Lowcountry wedding vendors to pull off their big day. Blossoms Events created a heavenly backdrop of lanterns that acted as the alter for their outdoor ceremony and it is bound to make you go weak-in-the-knees! Bride Meghan dreamed up a classic pink and green color palette that she tasked Della Ramsey and crew with executing all of the whimsical details. Don’t you just love those adorable pinwheels and that fabulous bar?! Lastly, every last, dreamy moment was captured by the talented lenses of Carmen Ash Photography. Enjoy!
Photographer: Carmen Ash Photography / Dress Designer: Pronovias / Floral Designer: Blossoms Events / Cinema and Video: Hart to Heart Media / Equipment Rentals: Snyder Event Rental / Lighting: Technical Event Company / Band: Deas Guyz / Event Planner: Della Ramsey Weddings / Event Venue: Litchfield Plantation
Southern Wedding {Chelsey + Mikal}
We're going to load you up with a whole heap of fabulous-ness on today's Southern Wedding Sunday...and let's just say you better be ready for this beauty from Meg Baisden Photography. Chelsey + Mikal tied the knot in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida at Eden Gardens State Park in a stunning, outdoor ceremony under the grandeur of the Old Southern Oaks. Shelby Peaden Events and Myrtie Blue teamed up for an exceptional, tented reception filled with gorgeous chandeliers and amazing flowers in shades of green, blue and white.
Photographer: Meg Baisden Photography / Hair Stylist: Ashley Carter / Caterer: Townsend Catering Company / Event Planner: Shelby Peaden Events / Floral Designer: Myrtie Blue / Reception Venue: Eden Gardens State Park / Cake Designer: Confections on the Coast / Makeup Artist: Two Fishes Artistry