Wedding Woes: A Bridesmaid's Dress Distress

For our first installment of Wedding Woes we’re sharing a reader’s less than functional relationship with every bridesmaid’s worse enemy - her dress. Enjoy!  

“From the get-go I had a bad feeling about this particular dress. For starters, it was for a winter wedding and while the dress was gorgeous, I knew the color would completely wash me out that time of the year. On top of that, when I went to have my measurements taken the number written on the order form was TWO SIZES bigger than what I normally wear - and even I sucked in!

Needless to say, my bruised ego and I took our time returning to face the dress again. However when I zipped it up I found myself pleasantly surprised – not only did the dress fit, but it was at least two sizes TOO BIG! The only bad news was, there were only weeks until the wedding and the dress was in desperate need of alterations.

Luckily one of my fellow bridesmaids knew a seamstress who promised I’d have the dress back within days. So I went and got it fitted and as promised I picked it up again with a week to spare. It wasn’t until the day of the wedding that I finally stepped back into the dress. But as I pulled it up it got to a point where it wouldn’t pull up anymore. After a few seconds of complete confusion I realized the bottom of my dress was sewn shut!

I went into total panic mode. I soon realized only the underlay of the dress had been sewn together. After some quick moves with a pair of scissors my dress was functional again. Shortly afterwards I was headed to the church in my dress that was finally flawless. And as for the color – I got a spray tan so Casper didn’t make an appearance while my best friend said ‘I do’!”

While this bridesmaid’s story makes for a good laugh now, we came up with a few ways to avoid a similar state of panic for any of our future bridesmaids:

• If you really think your measurements are off, say something! They may even have a spare dress you can try on for size.
• Don’t procrastinate! Pick your dress up as soon as it has arrived and take care of alterations right away.
• Even the most trusted seamstress can make a mistake. Try the dress on before you take it home to make sure it fits perfectly!

We were in stitches with last week’s submissions so keep them coming to elizabeth@alowcountrywed.com!

Boone Hall Plantation Wedding {Jessica + Jon}

I may have taken an unannounced vacay late last week (sorry!), and while I know I may have let you guys hanging, I promised it was much needed!  For starters, we wrapped up our first styled shoot at the SC Aquarium that went above and beyond my expectations.  I literally cannot wait to share what we created.  Then, we headed over to the Rice Mill Building to officially welcome the 1st ever NotWedding Charleston, and to say it was a blast is quite the understatement.  I wrapped things up with a weekend on Kiawah and now am ready to get back at it and deliver some serious Lowcountry loveliness :)  This first Charleston beauty comes to us from our friends Kristin Burke Photography and the gals at Ooh! Events.  It took place on the grounds of Boone Hall Plantation and it included everything we love so dearly...starting with those unreal chandeliers!  They incorporated a soft, feminine color palette with mason jar and burlap to create an effortless Southern evening!

Charleston Wedding Vendors

Venue: Boone Hall Plantation  /  Coordination, Event design, Rentals: Ooh! Events  /  Floral: Out of Hand  /  Photographer: Kristin Burke Photography  /  Hair and Makeup: Ash and Co.

DIY Centerpieces

We've got a big week on the horizon at A Lowcountry Wedding!  For starters, we'll be teaming up with a crew of crazy, talented Charleston wedding vendors for a nautical-inspired shoot at the South Carolina Aquarium that is going to knock. your. socks. off.   On Thursday, you'll find us at The NotWedding with some of South Carolina's finest wedding vendors as we treat Lowcountry brides to an evening full of inspiration at the beautiful Rice Mill Building, but in the meantime, Blake is showering you with some easy, yet impactful, do-it-yourself centerpieces.

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I just love the idea of using vintage bottles as flower centerpieces. You can use different sizes, shapes, and colors. There are so many things you can do with them and they just look so cute!

If you want to add a pop of color you can do it yourself! All you have to do is pour paint on the inside of the vase and swirl around to coat. So easy!

Images via La Chica de la Casa De Carmelo

XO,

Blake

Charleston Weddings {Sarah + Ryan} Upstairs at Midtown

Thanks to good ol’ Tropical Storm Andrea, most of us will be locked up inside today, so we decided it was time for some Charleston weddings, especially a vintage-inspired bash with an eclectic color scheme was just what the doctor order!  The sweet couple, Sarah & Ryan, met through mutual friends and within a week knew they had just met the person they were going to marry. They are both thankful for their supportive families and said, “Neither of us have very impulsive personalities, and I think they could tell that it was different than anything we had experienced before.” Ryan proposed to Sarah just five months later while floating in a canoe in a lake full of candles. How Can you say romantic?  Their outdoor ceremony took place at Hampton Park before heading over to Upstairs at Midtown to celebrate.  Thanks to Priscilla of Riverland Studios for capturing all the lovely details!

Charleston Wedding Vendors

Photographer: Riverland Studios  /  Ceremony: Hampton Park  /  Reception: Upstairs at Midtown  /  Caterer: Maybank Catering  /  Cake: DeClare Cakes  /  Florist: Charleston Blooms  /  Wedding Gown: Becker’s Bridal, Allure  /  Bridesmaids Dresses: Modcloth  /  Hair: Charmaine’s Hair

Tips for Taking Great Honeymoon Photos

What would we do with out our friends at Destination Wedding Experts? Their years of experience combined with their excellent customer service make them the go-to experts for any Lowcountry couple planning their one-of-a-kind honeymoon.  Today, they've joined us to give us a little insight on capturing wonderful honeymoon photos!

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Your honeymoon is a once in a lifetime vacation, so fill your photo album with pictures that tell the story of your first getaway as husband and wife.  Here are 4 tips for taking the best honeymoon (or any vacation) photos, and no you don’t have to be a professional or own thousands of dollars in equipment!

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         1. Establish the scene.

These images set the stage for your story to unfold. You’ll not only want to capture the resort and your honeymoon digs but, also the local scenery. And definitely don’t forget to capture all the breathtaking views, unforgettable sunsets, and beautiful landscapes these are the backdrop of your honeymoon story.

        2. It’s all in the details.

Create a window into your experience by capturing all of the smallest details like, pictures of the food you ate, souvenirs you purchased, and all of the other “little” things throughout the day. This approach will also bring balance to your finished photo album.

       3. Seize the moment.

Yes, we all enjoy taking our fair share of cheezy posed photographs and postcard pictures. Try capturing more random, candid moments like relaxing poolside with a good book or enjoying a good laugh! I promise these are the pictures that you’ll cherish for a lifetime.

        4. Edit, Organize & Share

Spending a little time adjusting lighting, cropping, and other basic editing can dramatically improve your photographs. There are great free or cheap photo editing websites and apps available, with some you can even apply filters.

Hopefully with these tips and a little advance planning you can capture all of those perfect shots to tell your honeymoon story! If you’d like a little photo inspiration, check out our board on Pinterest!

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Ready to start planning your dream honeymoon?

Complete our brief honeymoon quote request form and we’ll email you a personalized quote.

866.892.1352

guestservices@destination-wedding-experts.com

Boone Hall Plantation {Ashley + Greg}

As we dive head first into June, get ready to be showered with posts and posts of Lowcountry loveliness beginning with this wonderful Charleston wedding engagment from Dana Cubbage Wedding Photography.  Things got started on the grounds of dreamy Boone Hall Plantation where Ashley + Greg enjoyed the poppy fields, Spanish moss and lovely coastal views.  Shortly after, they headed Downtown as they wrapped things up in the heart of the Holy City.

 Charleston Wedding Vendors

Photographer: Dana Cubbage Wedding Photography

White Point Gardens {Kelly}

If Kelly Sauer is involved, then you know you’re about to get your pretty on, and if this isn’t pretty then I just don’t know what else is.  The bride, Kelly, is strikingly beautiful, effortlessly gorgeous and such a natural in front of the camera that you can’t stop starring at these images.   It was so hard to narrow down my favorites!  I can only assume she is any photographer’s dream!  With her hair swept off her face, she donned a classic Anne Barge gown that was paired with a matching necklace and earrings.    All I can say is Kelly Sauer sure does have a knack for capturing loveliness.

 Charleston Wedding Vendors

Photography: Kelly Sauer Ltd. Co. for The Girl in the White Dress  /  Venue: White Point Gardens, Charleston, S.C.  /  Dress: Anne Barge, from Solutions Bridal, Orlando, FL  /  Flowers: Kelly Sauer, Ltd. Co.  /  Umbrella: Target  /  Fan: World Market  /  Hat: Old Navy  /  Necklace: Dillards  /  Veil: Solutions Bridal

Intern {Blake}

After the long and enjoyable holiday weekend, we (reluctantly) decided to get back to work this week...even though the beach is still calling our name!  What better way to kick off summertime then to meet Miss Blake, who will be joining us this summer as we produce our first ever online publication!  As an editorial intern, Blake will put to work her incredible eye for all things stylish as she helps us bring to life our styled shoots, fashion editorial and selects which real weddings will grace our pages.  We are so thrilled to welcome Blake to the team and can’t wait to see what Lowcountry flair she adds to our new mag! Y’all say hi to Blake!

Tell us a little about yourself, and by a little, we mean a lot :)

Hi, my name is Blake Bush. I was born and raised on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. I am a true southern girl. Weird fact about me, I don’t like sweet tea. Crazy I know :) I am a recent graduate from College of Charleston. I majored with a Bachelor of the Arts degree in Corporate and Organizational Communication and a Hospitality and Tourism minor. I am an only child. I am a dog lover. In my free time I enjoy spending time at the beach, boat rides, oyster roasts, and bonfires in the winter. I was a cheerleader for 9 years and still enjoy being active whether it’s going for a run, doing yoga, or just taking a nice walk to the battery. I love all types of music and enjoy going to concerts whenever I have the time (and money! hehe). Recently, I have seen Dave Matthews Band, Hootie and the Blowfish, Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, Slightly Stoopid and so many more. Every summer I go to New Jersey to visit my family. In the future I hope to travel the world, there are so many places and things I want to see.

Let me know if there is anything else you want to know!

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Top 5 All-time favorite TV shows…

1. Friends
2. Greys Anatomy
3. Sex and the City
4. Seventh Heaven (an oldie but goodie)
5. Gossip Girl

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What are you excited to bring to the table this summer?

Well, I am excited to bring creative new ideas to the blog, help with photo shoots, and develop the new publication! I plan to bring my passion for weddings and enthusiastic energy to the table this summer. I am ready to get started and see what A Lowcountry Wedding is all about!

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Must have Lowcountry wedding detail…

Shrimp and grits, it’s a crowd pleaser!

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What's your favorite part of wedding planning...

My favorite thing about weddings is being able to watch the entire event unfold. From the dreams and inspirations, to the tiny little details, and then seeing it all come together.

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It's Friday and you just cashed your paycheck..

what’s your first splurge? Clothes! I am a huge shopaholic, just ask my friends! :)

 

If I were a major league baseball player, my ‘at-bat’ song would be….”

Carolina Girls”

Hometown: Hilton Head Island, SC

College/Major: College of Charleston/Communication

Favorite item of clothing…

That’s a hard one but I would have to say my white pants. They are my go-to in the summer and every girls necessity.

Favorite summer beverage: Seabreeze

Current favorite color palette: I go back and forth all the time but right now it’s mint, navy, and crisp white (with a hint of gold).

Favorite Quote:

This is a hard one because there are so many quotes I go to for different situations and times in my life. One that always applies..“Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you will look back and realize they were the big things.”

Welcome to the team, Blake! 

Old Wide Awake Plantation Wedding {Amy + Carson}

Amy + Carson both grew up in the Charleston area, Summerville to be exact, so when planning their big Southern bash, they drew inspiration from the Lowcountry to spice up their Old Wide Awake Plantation wedding.  They incorporated navy and white for a nautical twist and then added pops of preppy pink.  One of the couple's favorite details was arranging their ceremony chairs in a circle around the bride and groom.  It was a symbolic way to unite their families and everyone coming together for their big day!  Thanks to Mell Bell of Richard Bell Photography for capturing this beautiful Charleston wedding!

 Charleston Wedding Vendors

Photographer:  Richard Bell Photography  /   Venue: Old Wide Awake Plantation

The NotWedding {Vendor Applications}

Just in case you haven't heard, our friends at The NotWedding are heading to Lowcountry in just a few weeks and, lucky for all you Charleston wedding vendors, you can still be involved.  That's right...it's the last call for vendor applications! This bridal show alternative in the form of a big, fake wedding is coming to the Rice Mill Building June 13th, and they'd love to hear from any local wedding vendors interested in joining in on all the fun! They especially love hearing about new businesses, so don't be shy! You can find out more and apply online at www.thenotwedding.com/apply.

I actually was lucky enough to recently mix and mingle with the crew of vendors involved in this season's NotWedding Charleston just a few weeks ago, and I'll tell you what...it is one talented group!  We munched on delicious Lowcountry cuisine at Rue de Jean from Holy City Hospitality that included oysters, ham biscuits and mac and cheese as Angela Cox captured the entire evening.  Can't wait til June!

Lowndes Grove Wedding {Anne + Justin}

If Anne + Justin's Lowndes Grove wedding isn't the quintessential, beautiful Lowcountry bash on the coast, then I don't know what is.  The sweet duo who hail from Virginia selected Charleston and a crazy, talented group of vendors to pull off their perfect destination affair.  The ring leader, Chelsye Harp of Intrigue Design & Events, teamed up with Violet Floral Design to create a dreamy Carolina evening that is bound to have you pinning away!  You'll love all the gorgeous details, lovely bridesmaids attire, romantic flowers, customize cornhole board...oh, the list goes on and on!  Thanks to Riverland Studios for this one-of-a-kind treat!

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Charleston Wedding Vendors

Photographer: Riverland Studios  /  Event Planner: Intrigue Design & Events  /   Floral Designer: Violet Charleston  /  Musicians: Classical Charleston  /  Reception Venue: Lowndes Grove Plantation  /  Cake Designer: d'lish  /  DJ: Creative Sound Weddings  /  Makeup Artist: Moore Make Up  /  Transportation: Absolutely Charleston

Intern {Kelsey}

There’s been a whole lotta awesome-ness taking place at A Lowcountry Wedding the past few weeks, and with the help of Miss Kelsey, things will just keep getting better!  Kelsey is joining the ALW crew this summer as our graphic design intern and we couldn’t be more excited to have her.  She’s been tasked with the huge responsibility of designing/creating our brand, new online publication and I’ve got a feeling you’ll be blown away by what she’s got in store for us.  So, give Kelsey a big ol’ Lowcountry welcome!

Tell us a little bit about yourself…and by a little, we mean a lot

Where do I begin? [Laughs…] Well, my name is Kelsey and I'm a glass half-full kind of girl. Ever since I could remember I've loved to draw. Once I learned that I could express myself that way, I’ve never stopped. I love romantic comedies, and I live on 90's music. I was born on February 7, 1991 in Riverside, California to military parents Chris and Ena, with one older sister, Erin. During many years, my family and I were given the opportunity to live in the states of Hawaii and California. In 2006, my parents retired and settled down in the beautiful state of Columbia, South Carolina. In high school, I was undecided about what I wanted to do until one day, during my senior of high school, I stumbled upon an ad in the Seventeen Magazine. It read: If you're interested in a creative career, The Art Institute of Charleston is just ahead. Soon after, I applied for the Graphic Design program and was accepted in 2009. That's where I was further introduced to the design industry where I learned the importance of networking and creative problem solving. In 2012, I presented my portfolio as a graduate. I am now living the next chapter of my life and believe the BEST has yet to come!

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Top Five All-time favorite TV Shows…

1) Frasier

2) Cake Boss

3) Mysteries at the Museum

4 )Four Weddings

5 )Man Vs. Food

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What are you excited to bring to the table this summer?

Vision. I hope to contribute with what makes A Lowcountry Wedding truly lowcountry. I am very thrilled to be a part of the team and to work beside the lovely Mrs. Erin Whitsitt.

What’s your favorite thing about weddings

The intimate moment when the bride and groom say "I do." The venue and decor and how wonderfully different and personal they are!

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It’s Friday and you just cashed your paycheck….what’s your first splurge?

Nothing starts off a great day at the mall than some good ol' iced coffee! It's the little things in life…

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If you were a major league baseball player, what would be your ‘at-bat’ song?

"We Are The Champions" by Queen

Hometown

Ewa Beach, Hawaii

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College/Major

BA in Fine Arts of Graphic Design

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Favorite Item of Clothing

My favorite article of clothing is typically a blouse shirt. They’re versatile, and ladylike. You can dress them up or down.

Favorite Summer beverage

Without a doubt in my mind, it has to be raspberry ice tea.

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Current favorite color palette

Anything that has cool blues and tans; I love the natural colors of the beach.

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Favorite Quote

"It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are." -E. E. Cummings

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Welcome aboard, Kelsey!  We're so thrilled to have you!

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Southern Wedding Trends {Patterns + Prints}

Let me tell you what, I'm super obsessed with throwing in a pattern or two into your wedding day decor.   It's modern and stylish and brings a bit of sass to your Southern wedding reception.  Since we're all about the Pinterest around here, we've been collecting mounds of pattern inspiration and it's time we share the loveliness.  Whether it's stripes, polka dots or even a little chevron, a touch of print makes a huge impact.  So ladies, which one's your fav?

Wined + Designed {Stationery Workshop}

We wanted to give our Lowcountry brides one last reminder that our friend Lindsay of Wined & Designed is heading back to Charleston next week!  In case you didn't catch our tweets, Wined & Designed is blessing our Charleston ladies with a Stationery Trunk Show that you won't want to miss.  Who wouldn't want to talk wedding stationery, munch on snacks and drink wine.  Heaven. On. Earth.  For additional details contact Lindsay at lindsay{at}winedanddesigned.com!