A Charleston Event & Bridal Library

Getaway Vehicle

2011-06-28T10:42:00.000-07:00

Nothing screams Getaway better than a classic car as a surprise to the unexpected couple. If you're anything like us, you'll appreciate the restoration of this beautiful Chevy Malibu that was decorated for fun to await the couple's departure.

Boone Hall Cotton Dock

2011-06-28T10:36:00.000-07:00

We cannot express (even through pictures) how beautiful this wedding was. It was held at Boone Hall Plantation and it was the rainiest day of the year. That's right. Torrential downpour until right after the ceremony itself was completed. As if by some miracle, at the end of the ceremony as the couple said "I DO", the sun came out and rays of sunshine blessed this wedding.

The rustic atmosphere of the Cotton Dock at Boone Hall and the talents of all the team at A Charleston Event & Charleston Florals transformed the empty barn into a beautiful vintage theme that had all the guests feeling as if they were stepping back in time.

This is only a sneak preview of the setting. The talents of photographer Karyn Iserman will be shown later on, but in the meantime, enjoy and pull some great ideas from this detailed wedding from A Charleston Event and the ACE Team.

The vintage look was made possible partially by the bride's family who brought with them a variety of antiques that have been dear to their hearts as the children were growing up. I think our favorite part of the entire wedding was the hand-made cake stand that the father of the bride made specifically for the wedding.

We look forward to sharing other photos from this event once we get them.

Design & Coordination - A Charleston Event
Decor, Draping and Florals - Charleston Florals
Venue - Cotton Dock at Boone Hall Plantation
Entertainment for Ceremony and Reception - Other Brother Entertainment
Cupcakes - Cupcake in Mt Pleasant
Rentals - Snyder Event Rentals and A Charleston Event
Photography - Karyn Iserman (coming shortly)

All images on this site remain the property and copyright of A Charleston Event.

Elizabeth & Matt's Wedding

2011-06-28T09:44:00.000-07:00

When Elizabeth and Matt decided on the ideal spot to exchange vows on June 24th, they used Elizabeth's experience to fall back on and her knowledge of sites that she had worked with prior. You see, Elizabeth worked with A Charleston Event for nearly two years on a part time basis, originally starting off as an intern while studying at the College of Charleston.

One of her favorite weddings that she had worked on in the past was held at this very same place and it was for another one of A Charleston Event's own planners. "I just fell in love with the backdrop and the flow of the event space", says Elizabeth. "It really was exactly what Matt and I envisioned for our wedding day. "

The large oak tree served as the true southern backdrop for the ceremony itself. With small accents of color matching the wedding theme of purples and apple greens, it took no time at all to transform this magnificent tree into a romantic scene for the order of ceremony. Simple pew markers of like-colored flowers were attached to natural wood chairs and purple petunias from local farms were the focal point markers for the bridal party to stand. A large lantern held the matching candle inside that held the Unity Candle Elizabeth and Matt lit during their ceremony. This ensured the candle stayed lit throughout, even on a breeze filled waterway.

Lounge seating was set up on the wrap-around porch in front of the huge fireplace where a 3ft moss covered monogram initial hung to symbolize the couple's last name. The bouquets stood on the sides of the fireplace hearth on pretty wrought iron stands with different levels to show off their bright colorful combination of hydrangea, lisianthus, roses, sweet peas, iris, fugi mums and bells of Ireland to remember the Irish ancestry in the family. A friend of the family made the precious little cushions and table runner for the lounge seating area to match the rest of the wedding colors.

During Elizabeth and Matt's engagement session with Richard Bell Photography, they kept in mind the types of photos they wanted displayed at their wedding, which would serve as a 'guest book' that would prominently be forever displayed in their new home

Instead of just signing the guest book, the couple also wanted to add some fun for after the festivities were over. Elizabeth opted to buy souvenir post cards that guests could write messages on. After the wedding, the post cards will all be sent to the couple over the period of a couple of weeks so they can continue to receive well wishes even after the wedding is over.

The bride also painstakenly collected small green and purple medicine jars and vases to scatter around the reception site. As one of the guests commented, "We knew we would be attending a beautiful wedding in Charleston. We just didn't realize it would be like a little slice of heaven."

All of us at A Charleston Event & Bridal Library wish Elizabeth and Matt a lifetime of love and happiness. We're so excited to show this small sneak preview of the wedding. We cannot wait to see the professional photos from Richard Bell Photography. We also thank the I'On Creek Club for their wonderful site, the fabulous staff and assistance they provided on the day and Charleston Florals partner florist Karen Spalviero from Keepsakes Florist for all the beautiful floral designs. Most of all, the ACE Team for rocking out another wonderful wedding for one of our very own!

Wedding Design - A Charleston Event & Bridal Library
Venue - I'On Creek Club, Mt Pleasant
Floral Design - Charleston Florals, Keepsakes Florist
Catering & Bar - Creek Club
Ceremony Entertainment - Classical Charleston
Reception Entertainment - Permanent Vacation
Wedding Cake - Ashley Bakery
Photography - Richard Bell Photography
Rentals - I'On Creek Club, A Charleston Event and Snyder Party Rentals

Sweet Southern Charm

2011-02-17T10:17:00.000-08:00

When Caila and Bill decided to hold their Destination Wedding in Charleston, they also had specific ideas about the theme. As you can tell, the bride loved pink tones. She also loved vintage lace, doilies and antique touches. The sweet southern backdrop of a local plantation home provided the beautiful setting that incorporated items from the bride and groom's childhood and family memories.

The bride supplied antique candelabras. Childhood photos of the couple and family members adorned the guest book table along with other keepsakes.
The groom's grandmother crocheted the beautiful doilies that were placed throughout the reception site as well as the gorgeous pin cushion pictured above. Even the antique pin was added to bring an extra cherished element.
The bride's gown was made of English Lace. Charleston Florals pulled left over fabric from the bride's alterations on her wedding gown and used the left over fabric to wrap the bride's bouquet. An added lace skirt was incorporated into the handle of the bridal bouquet and matching pedestal floral arrangements were created with similar lace fabric to carry out the theme. These were used on each table alongside the bridesmaid's bouquets in different vintage glassware to provide a dramatic effect to each table.

The couple are big sweet lovers. It was no surprise that they chose Artistic Cakes by Linda to create their wedding cake with three layers of different cake flavors. If you look real close, you'll note the lace design on the cake that is also made up up B's and C's (for Bill and Caila). Very subtle and special. The hanging chandelier in the background mimicked the upside down shape of the cake and held a matching cake-topper.
Antique Mason Jars held whimsical flowers in them with streaming color coordinated ribbon that were used to line the ceremony aisle on shepherd's hooks. They were later pulled, had lights dropped in and used to line the staircase to light the way up and down the stairs at the venue. To break up the florals, peacock feathers were put in every other jar going up the steps.
We love happy endings. Congratulations again to Caila & Bill. We loved being a part of your wedding day and wish you continued happiness as you celebrate your lives together.

Thanks to:

Captured by Kate Photography for the gorgeous images captured during the wedding day
Charleston Florals Team for floral design and decor
Artistic Cakes by Linda - Wedding Cake
A Charleston Event - Specialty Rentals and Lighting
Group Dynamics - Furniture Rentals
A Charleston Event & Bridal Library - Planning, Coordination and Design

COCKTAILS ANYONE?

2011-02-17T04:03:00.001-08:00

Weddings are not just about the champagne toast anymore. In fact, there are a lot of people that just do not drink champagne and the number of times we have witnessed the un-sipped glasses of champagne sitting on the tables for the banquet staff to clean up is unbelievable. So what's the answer? Well, you could just offer champagne right before the toasts, which should be a 'passed offering'. This way, those who do not drink champagne can decline politely and you'll not be 'out-of-pocket' on the expensive bubbly stuff.

There is something to be said about the drinks you serve at your wedding however. Whether you are serving alcohol or not, there is no doubt that hosting the cocktail hour with beautifully appointed drinks will add to the excitement and celebration of the day. Selecting a single or a few signature drinks will certainly allow your guests to see both your personalities shine through the wedding celebrations.
Selecting cocktails can be a tough one if you're not used to experimenting with different drinks. That is where a licensed and experienced bar service and planner come into the picture.

We all specialize in our different lines of business. That's why you hire the specialists in their field. Why is it then, that so many couples today really think they can handle the BAR when it comes to their weddings? Why would you even dream of having an open bar which has no control over who is being served e.g. under age kids, already highly intoxicated, the gardener....OK...I'm exaggerating, but you get my point. The worse thought in the world is the accident that took place after a wedding because the driver was so highly intoxicated from drinking at that wedding and no one realized it. What an awful thought each and every year on that wedding anniversary. (True story) Not to mention the liability attached to the 'HOST' of the wedding.

So on that thought, we've established that a licensed, insured and tip certified bar service is undoubtedly the way to go. They can monitor who's drinking responsibly and they can be the 'bad guy' when it comes to cutting someone off. They can also take an ordinary wedding and turn it into an unbelievably divine event and add to the ambiance and theme of the event. They will set up your bar, clean up afterwards and ensure you don't run out of certain drinks during the course of the event. For the price of a couple of extra service staff, your guests will feel as if they are in a 5 star resort being pampered with attention as they witness the array of awesome colorful concoctions being passed.

By all means, pass the wine and beer. However, offer a couple of alternatives, including non-alcoholic beverages for those that do not partake in alcohol consumption. There are still awesome drinks that in my mind could and should be served, that should look as beautiful and enticing as the 'apple to Adam'. Everything you serve at your wedding should be gorgeously inspired by the overall theme of the event.

If you look closely on these pretty drinks on the left, you'll notice they have place cards attached to them. What a wonderful way to welcome your guests to where they'll be seated? And of course, let's never forget the good old 'on the rocks' glasses even for the south's favorite - Sweet Tea Vodka.

One thing is for sure, you'll not be limited to ideas. Put some thought behind the theme of your wedding and perhaps the colors, environment where you'll be holding the event, the time of year and most of all, your own personalities. Speak to your planner and your bartender. Allow them to help you come up with some unique ways of serving a great surprise for all your guests. Just think about the photos after the wedding.

For more information on cocktail ideas (photos), check out:
http://www.fotosearch.com/photos-images/cocktails.html

http://www.123rf.com/stock-photo/cocktails.html

Also, for licensed Bar Service in the Charleston Area, check out
MIX Charleston

Cheers and Happy Planning!

Welcone Back

2011-02-15T04:11:00.000-08:00

We want to take this opportunity to welcome back Mandi Kasey who briefly left A Charleston Event to have her beautiful son Wyatt. She has recently relocated back to Charleston from Ohio.

Amongst other exciting changes in her life, Mandi will be on hand to help all our brides with their planning needs, floral design and a shoulder to lean on when the need arises. Please feel free to call the office and ask for Mandi to chat about decor and planning.

Wedding Hairstyles

2011-02-02T15:25:00.000-08:00

Styles, Picture of Wedding Hairstyles and Haircuts

There are enough things going on around you during the planning stages of a wedding and the last thing a lot of brides think about are doing a trial run for their hair for the wedding day.

A lot of brides just take it for granted that the person that cuts their hair will be doing their hair on their wedding day, only to find out that their hairstylist only does cut and color and really does not feel comfortable with 'updos'. Or perhaps they do not travel or are already booked on your wedding date.

So... you see where this is going? It's really about planning. Even your hairstyle needs to be planned out so you be confident that you will look and feel your best on your wedding day.

There are also a lot of other things to think about that may effect your decision on 'how' you will wear your hair on the big day. For instance,

What time of year will your wedding take place? Will it be hot outside? You will certainly want to feel and look cool, calm and collected, even on the hottest days. Perfect time to think about pulling your hair back or perhaps consider an 'updo'.
Will you mostly be indoors? If so, then you may not have to think about weather and other elements that may affect the 'staying power' of a great hairstyle. Heat (think sweat prevention) and intense cold (think static cling).
Do you even like wearing your hair UP? We so often hear about brides having their hair done in an 'updo' because everyone tells them they must do so. Why would you do that? You wouldn't wear black lipstick just to please your friends if you didn't feel comfortable (or would you)? Stand your ground on this one and experiment to make sure you have the perfect look for your day.
Do you have short hair and wear product? Again, experiment with your stylist to find some alternatives for perhaps a touch of color or different highlights.
A veil or no veil? If you're going to do a trial run with your stylist, make sure you take along your hair piece, ornamental combs or veil to see how the look will come together.
Will your bridesmaids also be requiring their hair to be done on the wedding day? If so, who will pay for it? Even though it is customary for the bride to offer to cover the charge for her attendants to have their hair done, a lot of brides today cannot afford this luxury and don't know how to broach the subject. Sooner than later is best. Find out what your stylist charges for blow dry, updos and other items such as makeup, air brush tanning, etc. If you can't afford it, let your attendants know in advance and give them the option of contacting and booking themselves. Don't close that door for them.
Most of all, have fun with your wedding hairstyle. You will be the most photographed person on your wedding day. Make the most of it and enjoy it. Take in the pampering and luxury of being spoiled. Think about using pretty hair ornaments, combs and hair jewelery. You're the 'guest celebrity' on your wedding day. Make the most of it and allow yourself to shine.

Some useful sites to get some hairstyle ideas are:

Hairstyles Talk.com

Brides.com / hairstyles

Wedding Channel / hairstyles

Wedding Hair.com

Emily Post's Wedding Etiquette, 5th Edition

The classic indispensable, comprehensive guide to creating the wedding of your dreams.

Today's weddings are more complicated than ever, with new traditions replacing old, and new relationships to consider as family life grows more complex. In this new edition, Peggy provides sensible solutions to wedding questions old and new, showing how to manage the big decisions and the little details with tact, consideration and confidence–– leaving you free to enjoy all of the happy times along the way!

With new chapters on the groom's involvement and incorporating today's technology into your wedding plans, plus updates and expansions on destination weddings, same–sex unions, wedding expenses, and more, the 5th edition answers every couple's contemporary questions. And Peggy Post continues to provide the tried and true guidelines every couple needs for a memorable wedding, from announcing the engagement, to budgeting for the ceremony and reception, to choosing the perfect caterer, florist, photographer and music–– and bringing it all off with minimum stress and maximum style.

Choosing your Bridesmaids

2011-02-02T15:16:00.000-08:00

Loved this little chart that I found on the Bridal Tweet BLOG

Pickle: Choosing Your Girls

One of the first steps in wedding planning is choosing the bridesmaids.

The Pickle : I can't have 20 bridesmaids. How do I narrow it down?

The Solution : There are several articles you can find on this particular topic so I will give you a handy chart to aid you.

Essentially, fill it out, see who gets the most marks and you got your girls.

Well, mostly anyway. Let me explain.

According to my filled out chart below, I wanted 8 bridesmaids, I needed 4. The chart tells me it would have been Merissa, Mel, Jessica and Lila (names changed from my actual girls' names)

Here is how the chart is set up.
~ Absolute: The ones who will be your bridesmaid, no thinking about it.
~ Best/Closest: The girls who you are closest to and consider your best friends
~ Oldest: You've known these girls since childhood or since high school, or since college.
~ Family: Blood is thicker than water they say.
~ Facebook: Looking at how often you communicate. Do you facebook this person often?
~ Text: Do you text this person often?
~ Phone: Do you talk on the phone often?
~ Hang Out: Do you hang out, shop, eat often?
~ Meaning: This is the most important. What is the reason God brought that girl in your life? What role did she/does she play? How has she affected or changed you?

Merissa is my sister and my all-star on the chart.
Mel is one of my closet right now and very much a part of my life still. She was a no brainer.
I gave up Jessica, my bestest friend ever because she is in the military and couldn't get leave. I had no choice.
I gave up Lila because while she was my closest cousin, choosing her would have put a rift among my 3 other girl cousins in my family. I gave her a different role in my wedding and she knew and understood.
Ana was my sister to be, essentially family and saw it as absolute for her to be my bridesmaid. Plus, we get along so it was something I wanted.
Mary is one of my best friends who is probably the one friend I feel God actually brought to me as an answer to prayer at a certain time in my life for a specific reason. She holds a lot of meaning for me, so I chose her.
Jerry and Chrissy, while we used to be close and we have history, it just didn't feel right putting them in my wedding when we hardly speak anymore.

After analyzing the chart, I actually chose Merissa, Mel, Ana, and Mary. ( Jessica would've been my fifth, but I chose not to replace her, hen....)

So you can fill out the chart, but the last column could change your mind. Fill out the chart based on your relationship with that person now, not on how it was when you were in fifth grade. Pray about it and you will know who are the right girls to be in your wedding and it will feel right.

PRESS RELEASE

2011-01-26T10:31:00.000-08:00

Charleston, South Carolina – January 24, 2011 - WeddingWire, the nation’s leading wedding technology company, is thrilled to announce A Charleston Event & Bridal Library AND CHARLESTON FLORALS has been selected to receive the prestigious annual WeddingWire Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2011 for Wedding Design, Planning and Floral Decor! Recognition for the Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2011 is determined by recent reviews and extensive surveys from over 750,000 WeddingWire newlyweds. Our past clients are among those that shared their experiences on WeddingWire, the largest wedding review site in the nation. A Charleston Event & Bridal Library AND CHARLESTON FLORALS stand among the top five percent of wedding professionals in the WeddingWire community, representing quality and service excellence within the wedding industry. Awards were given to the top wedding professionals across 20 service categories, from wedding venues to wedding photographers, and were based on the overall professional achievements throughout the past year. “WeddingWire is honored to celebrate the success of the top-rated wedding professionals within the WeddingWire community,” said Timothy Chi, WeddingWire’s Chief Executive Officer. “With the annual Bride’s Choice Awards™ program, WeddingWire has the unique opportunity to recognize the best wedding professionals across the US and Canada. We applaud A Charleston Event & Bridal Library for their professionalism and dedication to enhancing the wedding planning experience for the last three years and CHARLESTON FLORALS this past year.” We are happy to announce that A Charleston Event & Bridal Library and CHARLESTON FLORALS is among the very best in Wedding & Event Design, Coordination and Planning within the WeddingWire Network, which includes leading wedding planning sites WeddingWire, Martha Stewart Weddings, Project Wedding and Weddingbee. We would like to thank our past clients for nominating us to receive the Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2011. For more information, please visit our WeddingWire Storefront today at http://www.weddingwire.com/vendor/VendorViewStoreFront?mode=edit&tab=profile For more information on the Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2011, please visit www.WeddingWire.com.

Donna & Ken

2011-01-21T08:14:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Donna & Ken, who tied the knot on September 25 at Wescott Golf Club.

The decided to use rich fiery colors that reflected a rich warm autumn theme. Donna particularly loved pumpkins, but so as not to give off a appearance that resembled Halloween, we ordered in cute little mini-boo pumpkins in whites, and accented with seasonal mums, that the guests took home to plant in their yards. Each year when the mums re-bloom, they will be reminded of Donna & Ken's wedding day.

Florals ~ Charleston Florals (A Charleston Event In-House Floral Division)

Venue ~ Westcott Golf Club

Photography ~ Photography by Terry Inc

Wedding Coordination ~ A Charleston Event & Bridal Library

An Officer & A Gentleman

2011-01-20T17:10:00.000-08:00

Lauren and Justin got married in October at the Summerall Chapel and then held their reception at Alhambra Hall in Mt Pleasant, South Carolina.

The 200 guests attended a relaxed cocktail party and reception on the lawn over looking the Cooper River and gorgeous weather. Lauren chose colors of cream, ivory and blues for her color theme.

There is something about the Charleston sunsets that make even the most wonderful evening more romantc. This is how they stole some time away from their party.

Planning and Decor ~ A Charleston Event
Floral Design ~ Charleston Florals
Catering ~ Hambys
Entertainment ~ Lee Edward Entertainment
Transportation ~ Personal and Private Transportation
Wedding Cake ~ Artistic Cakes by Linda
Photography ~ Lowry Mckee Photographer
Invitations ~ A Charleston Event

Your Day, Your Way

2010-12-27T15:50:00.000-08:00

Who says you have to stick with traditional ideas for your wedding?

Weddings today are being planned with more emphasis on personalities than the traditional almond candies and little white guest books. Not that there is anything wrong with those ideas. An Italian or Greek wedding wouldn't be the same without those little candies. However, with more and more brides of today being internet savvy and with sites like The Knot, Martha Stewart Weddings and Wedding Wire, why wouldn't you want to step out of your comfort zone and add some fun ideas that will make your guests feel just as special as you both on the wedding day?

This idea came as a total surprise to us all but was developed as we were brainstorming about color (of all things). Because the bride was one of our own planners, we decided to make it a little less formal and a lot more fun and whimsical. Greens (in particularly apple green and copper) were obviously the color here and instead of doing caramel apples, we had a local bakery make up caramel pears, which were served as late night sweets as well as sent home with guests as favors.

The last touch was the poem I wrote for the bride and groom about them being the perfect Pair and pulling the Pear theme throughout the wedding. BIG HIT!

Anyone that is thinking about hosting a southern wedding, can think about incorporating Sweetgrass into the theme. Sweetgrass Weaving is a local dying art because of recent land development. The more the land is developed, the less sweetgrass there is for weaving the wonderful treasures of artistic craft. Local weavers pass the art of weaving down through generations and sell their baskets, bowls, fans and even solitary rosettes as shown here. I particularly love to bring them in as escort card holders or small favors with the history of the culture attached to them, so guests can remember their wonderful experience not only at the wedding, but Charleston itself.

With so many brides wanting to create a green wedding theme nowadays, here's an idea that works well with any budget.

1. Start with locally grown flowers that are in season and think about donating all the bouquets after the wedding to a local nursing home after the wedding to allow them more 'life' after the wedding. They'll bring great joy to someone else's life, even if only for a few more days.

2. Make all your reception flowers out of seasonal potted plants. If you buy perinials, they can be replanted and bloom over again each year around the same time to remind the recipients of your anniversary.

3. This also works well with aisle markers. Buy small trees, shrubs and/or bushes and pretty pots to line the aisle. These wonderful markers will help adorn the landscape for the newlywed's new home.

4. For wedding favors, try this site for these fabulous little trees. It helps support a good cause and restore more trees in the community you live in. Perfect gifts for guests and they are so cute. http://www.arborday.org/shopping/gifttrees/weddings.cfm?TrackingID=133&gclid=CImz87PWjaYCFQrt7QodeUOTmw

All in all, there are so many unique ideas for making your wedding different and we love hearing from our BLOG followers. If you recently got married and used a unique idea, please feel free to contact us and perhaps we'll use it in one of our upcoming BLOGS. You can email us at info@acharlestonevent.com

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

2010-12-17T12:32:00.000-08:00

I get a little overwhelmed each year as I take that final break from the hustle bustle of client holiday parties, last minute Christmas shopping, wrapping presents (which by the way, my kids do on Christmas Eve for me) and writing Christmas cards to friends that we haven't seen for ages. Of course, there's always letters and news inserts of 'family updates' that go into each card as well. By the time my family are ready to celebrate Christmas, I'm a little exhausted to say the least.

Then there's the joy of having house guests. Parents, children home from college, school friends and of course neighbors and dear friends that drop in during the few days we have off. I wouldn't change it for all the money in the world and this year, I've decided to do things a little smarter to help with the holiday entertaining.

I've baked, I've cooked and I've shopped for things I can pull out of the freezer at the drop of a hat. BIG LOTS has tons of old fashioned cookie tins that make wonderful gift packaging for those home-made cookies (as shown here on the left all ready to go).

The unexpected guest won't catch me off guard this year. The bedrooms are dusted, sheets changed and fresh towels are hanging in the bathrooms for company. Small holiday goody baskets are filled and will be placed in guest rooms with chocolate mints and cozy holiday fleeces (that were purchased just for them) will be placed on their pillows at night.

I've also bought a bunch of little Christmas baking tins, in the shape of stars and hearts (sold in your local grocery store) that I'll use for omelets in the mornings. Muffins are already baked and in the freezer and thank goodness for Pillsbury Crescent Roll pre-made pastry. Strawberry preserves, cream cheese and a wash of egg, makes great breakfast treats that are simple and ever so fast.
I've set up a permanent bar/beverage area in one area of the house so everyone can help themselves throughout the entire time they're staying with us and of course during festivities, we'll make up batches of special recipe punch, serve champagne cocktails and fun appetizers (from fun, fast recipes along with 'pull and bake cheese rounds') and everyone will still get some fun surprises.

Christmas Eve, we'll say good-bye to friends that have stopped by, pour ourselves a good eggnog, sherry or hot chocolate for the kids and then take our turns reading "The Night Before Christmas" before settling in for the night.

I'll wait until everyone is sleeping then I'll still sneak upstairs with the stockings that have been filled with small individually wrapped 'stocking stuffers' and leave a stocking at the foot of everyone's bed. In the morning, this was the trick that kept my children in bed an extra 45 minutes. The excitement of opening these small 'teaser prezzies' was just enough to give us that extra bit of 'lie-in time'. My kids are grown now, but still expect this tradition and so it carries on. Hopefully it will be a tradition that they will themselves carry on through generations.

I know my household will be very blessed this year. My children will be home, my parents will be with us, my sister and her family, including in-laws will be with us and there is no doubt that Christmas Day we will be surrounded by love and joy. We'll count our blessings before eating a ridiculously great meal and then wonder why it all went by so fast.

Wishing you all the same joy and blessings as you celebrate this special time of the year. From our home to yours, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah or Happy Kwansaa! No matter what you celebrate, may it be filled with love, joy and happy memories.

Elyn Rahman ~ Proud owner of A Charleston Event & Bridal Library

Christmas Rum Punch

2010-12-17T11:40:00.000-08:00

I was home sick this past Tuesday and one of the only good things about being sick is MARTHA STEWART on TV. Such wonderful tips as always. To find more wonderful holiday tips from this show, CLICK HERE

A dash of seasonal cinnamon ensures this refreshing rum punch recipe from Locanda Verde bartender Naren Young will be a welcome addition to any holiday party.

Also Try: Horse and Carriage Punch

Ingredients

Serves about 9

Lime slices, for ice and garnish
Apple wedges, for ice and for garnish
Cranberries, for ice
3/4 cup Citrus-Ginger Sugar
2 1/4 cups freshly squeezed lime juice
3 3/4 cups dark rum
2 1/4 cups Grand Marnier
1 1/2 cups Amaretto
3 3/4 cups apple juice, preferably organic
3 1/2 cups sparkling water
Orange slices, for garnish
Freshly grated cinnamon, for garnish

Directions

Fill a 2-cup container with water and add lime slices, apple wedges, and cranberries; cover and transfer to a freezer. Freeze until solid.
In a large punch bowl, mix together sugar and lime juice until dissolved. Add rum, Grand Marnier, Amaretto, and apple juice. Transfer to refrigerator until ready to serve.
Add ice and top with sparkling water. Garnish with lime slices, orange slices, apple wedges, and cinnamon; serve.

From The Martha Stewart Show, December 2010

Read more at Marthastewart.com: Christmas Rum Punch - Martha Stewart Recipes

Tis the Season for Giving Back

2010-12-06T13:12:00.000-08:00

GIVING BACK CHEER
This is my favorite time of year. I love the smell of fresh pine from hanging wreaths, the smell of cinnamon through the air, the festive colors throughout the stores and most of all, the great holiday parties going on all over town.

There's also a part of me that always gets a little melancholy. I see so many people that cannot afford to enjoy the things we take for granted every day. There are people that have just lost their jobs or perhaps a loved one or are struggling with little ones who are just trying to make end's meet. An elderly neighbor may have just lost their spouse of 50 years and of course the family up the street just hit rock bottom because Dad was just laid off work.

Its sometimes hard to smile and be happy all the ti me when you see and hear stories like this. However, we live in the real world and it exists.

The holiday season, (no matter what religion you are) is being able to share your love and happiness, even in some small way with a stranger, a neighbor or someone else who needs it. It's called Giving Back Cheer" and it doesn't have to cost us a fortune.

Nothing gives any of us more pleasure than seeing smiling happy faces and especially sharing our happiness with other people. Just imagine what it would be like if we could wake one morning and never see poverty again or never see hardship. Imagine everyone having a wonderful holiday season without pain or misery. Imagine everyone having HOPE in their lives? Even the slightest glimmer of hope...for an unfortunate soul could be the difference of life or death.
This post is not supposed to be depressing. Its supposed to be uplifting to those of us who can afford to give back a little cheer to others. Even if we don't have the financial ability to do so, perhaps a helping hand to an elderly person, hot meal to a college student, a subway sandwich and a coffee to a homeless person. Perhaps its just a matter of volunteering at a shelter, orphanage or animal shelter one day. It could be something as simple as talking to someone in line at the supermarket and giving them the gift of a smile and a warm compliment.
On Dec 2, A Charleston Event partnered up with some of Charleston's finest local businesses to help GIVE BACK CHEER to over 800 fortunate families who will benefit from help from Families Helping Families, the initiative of the non-profit Palmetto Project. Each year, Families Helping Families help families who have been selected through local agencies and services that truly need a helping hand.
Caters, local designers, bakers, entertainment specialists, and of course wonderful volunteers who came out to lend a helping hand in creating the 2nd annual GIVING BACK CHEER fundraiser event for charity. The Thomas Bennett House served as the backdrop for a festive evening of food, drinks and great entertainment. A silent auction was held and the items were donated by local businesses that truly want to GIVE BACK and help make a difference. The house even opened three days before the event to allow the public to do candle lit tours through the historic home, that was decorated in true holiday fashion for the season's opening event.
So this year, as A Charleston Event sends out happy holiday wishes to all our families, friends, clients (past, present and future), colleagues and vendors who always come through for us, we'd like to extend a further wish that you always stay in good health, that you always prosper and that you always have love in your lives. With this good wishes coming your way, may you also always share your good fortune with others and extend a helping hand and loving heart. Happy Holidays and a wonderful 2011 to you all!

Thanks to the following people/companies, more families are able to have a holiday filled with HOPE this year.
Thomas Bennett House
A Charleston Event
Charleston Florals
Live 5 News
N D Richardson Graphics
Knology
Event Works
Viamedia
New Dream Catering
Brick Lane Catering
Newton Farms Catering
Gourmet Bay Catering
Artistic Cakes by Linda
Lucy Sweets
Yoj Events
Low Country Renovations
MIX Premier Bartending
Matumedia
The Lowcountry Business Network
Anastopoulo & Clore, LLC
Posh Salon
Virginia College
White Tuxedo Productions
Head Turner Studios
Wild Flowers
Connie Duglin Linens
AV Connections
Archer Music
Christy Roper, Tracy Bollettino, Ellen Walsh, Nora Richardson, Chef Eric Gaffin, Francesca DiSalvo-Follmer, Terri Grooms, Ellen Stebbins, Glen Sojourner, Angela Hensley McKee, Linda McCormick, Dave Guevara, Shannon Ross, Elizabeth Cote, Zein Rahman, Nick Matutina, Lawson Roberts & DJ Nate, Larry Monteith, ALL the very many people who donated silent auction items and of course, Richard Bell Photography, Giving Back Cheer's Official Photographer

Rachel & Jeff October 9

2010-10-27T02:26:00.000-07:00

Rachel and Jeff's wedding day couldn't have been more perfect. Friends and family from all over the states attended the nuptials and celebrations that took place at the Cathedral of St. Luke and St. Paul, followed by a gorgeous autumn outdoor reception held at Lowndes Grove Plantation.
Rachel looked radiant as she was surrounded by flowers created for her special day by A Charleston Event's own Charleston Florals division.
Just before the wedding ceremony, the bride and groom got a quick chance to say hello, without actually seeing each other. This was the perfect time to set the tone of the day and have a little fun while doing so.
Here comes the bride on the arm of her proud father. Rays of sunshine streamed in when the doors of the old magnificent church opened to reveal Rachel for the first time to her groom and guests.

Three generations of proud women on a joyous wedding day as the bride, her mother and grandmother are pictured in this photo together.

Portraits of 'generations of family weddings' are shown here along with the original cap and veil worn by the mother of the bride on her own wedding day. This is what was left of a cathedral length veil worn by the Mother of the Bride. The bride's veil was custom-made from her mother's original veil and small remnants were used for A Charleston Event to create keepsake lavender sachets for the bride, mothers and grandmothers. These were presented to the women the night before the wedding, a precious reminder of how love continues through generations.

The Citadel Sword Arch Guards witness one of their own graduates sealing his love with yet another kiss with his lovely bride.
With a little help from our friends at A Charleston Bride, the clear top tent at Lowndes Grove was beautifully draped with white fabric and completed the look for a festive reception in one of Charleston's most gracious venues - Lowndes Grove. The tables were set in Citadel Blue and white with pops of pinks and fuchsia tones. Small lounge seating and a smoking area for after-dinner cigars helped to maximize the ambiance of a romantic star-lit sky on a wonderful fall evening.
The Technical Event Company created the magical lighting for the event and this outdoor lit patio area for guests to sit in open air style to allow guests to enjoy the soft cool breeze from this magnificent waterfront property.
Of course nothing is more fun than Chef Nicco's mini sliders and fries towards the end of the evening for an added touch of nibbles.

Artistic Cakes by Linda created the wedding cake shown above, which served as the perfect end to a perfect meal by Patrick Properties.

Sparkler send off and then lights were distinguished for the evening. Its a shame it all goes by so fast!

Planning, coordination and design by A Charleston Event 843-494-9501
Floral Design and Decor Charleston Florals ~ the in-house floral division of A Charleston Event
Draping and swagging of Tent by A Charleston Bride
Lighting and special effects by TEC - Technical Event Company
Entertainment by Permanent Vacation
Images by A Charleston Event & A Charleston Wedding
Reception Site and Catering by Patrick Properties
Wedding Cake by Artistic Cakes by Linda
Rentals by Snyder Event Rentals , TEC and Charleston Florals
Candelabras by Peacock Events

For more information on planning a destination wedding in Charleston, contact the planners at A Charleston Event & Bridal Library to set up a personal consultation. 843-494-9501 / 843-388-8000

Vintage Style in Modern Times

2010-10-04T14:39:00.000-07:00

Bill and Cailla tied the knot on October 2, 2010 at Magnolia Plantation and what a beautiful wedding it was. We don't have all the photos back yet but had to give you all a sneak peak at some of the small details of the ceremony itself.

A Vintage theme, with antique family linens and specialty antique blue mason jars were the highlight of the ceremony and reception. The mother of groom supplied an antique chandelier which we hung in the trellis for the focal point and this monogram letter was created for the main gates of the entranceway to the plantation.

Setting the stage for the ceremony chairs to be placed

What a gorgeous couple and a beautiful ceremony.

Design and planning: A Charleston Event & Bridal Library ~ Telephone: 843-494-9501
Floral Design: Charleston Florals ~ Telephone: 843-494-9502
Catering: Carolina Catering
Specialty Props: A Charleston Event
Chair Rentals: Group Dynamics
Entertainment: Permanent Vacation
Photography: (coming soon) Captured by Kate
Transportation: Absolutely Charleston
Bar: Icebox

TLCBN

2010-09-21T03:42:00.000-07:00

On September 15, The new Loucountry Business Network had it launch party at the Vendue in and A Charleston Event was there to help setup and welcome local businesses to an awesome turnout of events. Over 250 people came out to show their support for this new and wonderfully exciting way to grow your business.

Spearheaded by networking guru Ellen Stebbins, business leaders from all categories showed up for the launch. At one point so many people showed up that people ran out of business cards. That didn't stop business owners from borrowing pens and jotting down names and contact information.

A Charleston Event provided the decor and setup for the event and GIVING BACK CHEER was the recipient of a 50/50 raffle which raised $160. Over $2,000 worth of products of local businesses were also raffled off.

Someone asked me why someone in the events industry would be interested in such a generic network of businesses. My answer was simple. Networking is a necessity in today's survival of business. Word of mouth is paramount to reaching new clients and meeting people in all walks of business and life itself is essential ti achieving your goals. Because our work is based on events, both small and large, both simple and elaborate and both small budget and high-end value, its a no brainer to me why someone would NOT want to be involved. We met people from the financial, insurance, web and media, contracting services, public relations, marketing, restaurant, real estate and even catering industries at the launch. We met people who we didn't even know were in Charleston. Now THAT'S a successful networking event.

For more information on contacting The Lowcountry Business Network, CLICK HERE

Wedding / Event Planner Scams

2010-09-17T16:10:00.001-07:00

Normally I wouldn't post negative articles on our blog, but this story just hit a cord with us and it deserves to have front page attention everywhere so couples can do their research and not get sucked in by scam artists.

CBS News covered this story about a poor unsuspecting Arizona couple who decided on a destination wedding in Utah. They hired a local planner and 'thought' they'd done their homework until the day before their wedding, they realized they'd been scammed out of all their money. PLEASE watch this article: CBS NEWS CLIP

My colleague and I were discussing this and when she asked me 'why on earth I would publicize this', my reaction was simple. To protect other unsuspecting couples from going through the same thing. To take it one step further, here's our advice for some simple steps when hiring a wedding planner:

When we supply references, they are verifiable references of clients AND vendors. How do you tell the difference? Simple. Not only will the client references that are supplied, come with email and telephone numbers, the brides should be happy to provide you with photos of their recent wedding. Most brides would LOVE to share these online. Also, call vendors in the city you are having your wedding. Ask about the planner. A good planner should have great contacts with tried and true vendors. We are all only as good as the professionals we associate ourselves with and vendors are usually pretty honest about referring planners. Hotels, caterers, cake bakers,etc. Ask about the company you are looking to work with.
Make sure your wedding planner and ALL your wedding vendors are licensed and insured. This simple easy step is important. With the economy, so many people have lost their jobs and wedding planning appears to be a simple job that someone can do from home on their spare time. WRONG. Weddings are big business and warrant experience you can trust. You wouldn't take your car to a part-time mechanic who just works a couple of hours of week from his/her apartment complex, would you? Would you go to a part-time medical student to be treated for an infection or ailment? I think not. So why would you not hire a wedding planner with credentials, experience, business license and insurance to ensure you're protected? Ask to see their business license and insurance certificate. If a company has a problem supplying these, then I'd ask why?
Get it all in writing! Contracts are made for a reason. Make sure everything is spelled out and do not, I REPEAT, do not take no for an answer. Contracts are meant for the protection of all involved. Not only the clients, but the planner as well. You should look for things like 'cancellation policy', 'in the event that a planner cannot provide the services listed below due to...etc.'. Ensure that a planner is prepared to oversee every contract for every vendor working on your wedding.
How will billing and payments be handled? Our company has an internal billing structure and our clients get updates on all payments and cash flow accounts for in and outflow. They get confirmation each month on which vendors were paid and they also have the option of paying directly themselves if preferred. Be specific about payment terms. Make payment terms up front and stick to them. Ask for receipts.
Have a direct line of communication with ALL your vendors. A good planner will copy you on all correspondence and you should be able to contact your caterer, site planner, entertainment company anytime you wish. You've hired a planner to work on your behalf, but never should you feel you cannot contact a vendor directly. A Charleston Event have a policy to include our clients in all correspondence and involve them in line of communication. There are exceptions, but do make sure you completely agree and understand these exceptions up front.
Arrange your payment terms up front and send amounts that are tracked on a regular basis. Its all fine and dandy to tell you to put the entire amount on credit cards, but lets face it, $30K,$50K, $100K on a credit card can accumulate a very high rate of interest. Paying as you go along and tracking your payments will give you 'peace of mind'.
A lot of establishments and catering companies will require you to leave a credit card number as a guarantee in case of incidentals or add-ons. I do not know of one facility that will allow our clients to book an event without having a credit card on file for guarantee booking. This applies to hotel accommodations as well.

Hiring a professional planner can still be the best bet when planning a wedding, especially a destination wedding. Just do your homework and you'll be sure to still have that happily ever after ending. So sorry for this poor couple who found out too late.

Who pays?

2010-09-16T05:06:00.000-07:00

As a professional planning service, one of the first topics that most couples are concerned about is proper etiquette. Going further from there, proper etiquette relating to who pays for what. Nowadays, there are so many couples that pay for the complete wedding themselves or have a sponsor (family member) offer to help towards the expenses. I still swear by the old fashioned rule of thumb that is written in the 'Emily Post Book of Etiquette' but the following site bullet points the basics IF you are thinking of sharing the costs. Costs should be discussed with everyone present and agreed upon in advance. NEVER assume this just happens.

Traditional Breakdown of Expenses Printable version - click here
Wedding Gown, Headpiece & Accessories	The Bride's Family

Wedding Ring for Bride	The Groom
Wedding Ring for Groom	The Bride

Wedding Gift for Groom	The Bride
Wedding Gift for Bride	The Groom
Bridesmaid Gifts	The Bride
Groomsmen/Usher Gifts	The Groom

Bride's Bouquet	The Groom
Bridesmaid Bouquets	The Bride's Family
Mother's Corsages	The Groom
Grandmother Corsages	The Bride's Family
Groom's Boutonniere	The Groom
Groomsmen Boutonnieres	The Groom
Usher's Boutonnieres	The Groom
Ceremony/Reception Flowers	The Bride's Family

Altar Baskets/Arches	The Bride's Family
Canopy/Carpet	The Bride's Family
Kneeling Bench/Candleabrahs	The Bride's Family
Rented Items for Wedding	The Bride's Family
Rented Items for Reception	The Bride's Family

Invitations/Announcements	The Bride's Family
Wedding Programs	The Bride's Family
Napkins/Matches/Printed Items	The Bride's Family

Marriage License	The Groom
Medical Visit for Bride	The Bride
Medical Visit for Groom	The Groom

Church Fee	The Bride's Family
Clergyman/Officiant Fee	The Groom
Musician/Soloist	The Bride's Family
Church Janitor	The Bride's Family
Reception Hall Fee	The Bride's Family
Catered Reception/Professional Services	The Bride's Family

Wedding Photography	The Bride's Family
Video Photography	The Bride's Family
Orchestra/Band/DJ	The Bride's Family

Wedding Cake	The Bride's Family
Wedding Favors	The Bride's Family
Groom's Cake	The Groom's Family
Rice Bags	The Bride's Family

Rehearsal Dinner	The Grooms Family
Bridesmaid Luncheon	The Bride
Bachelor Party	Best Man/Groom's Attendants
Wedding Breakfast	The Bride's Family
Bridal Brunch	The Bride's Family

Bridesmaid's Gowns	Bridesmaid's
Maid of Honor Gown	Maid of Honor
Matron of Honor Gown	Matron of Honor
Best Man Formal Wear	Best Man
Usher's Formal Wear	Ushers
Groomsmen's Formal Wear	Groomsmen
Gloves/Ties/Ascots for Attendants	The Groom

Father of Bride Formal Wear	Bride's Family
Father of Groom Formal Wear	Groom's Family
Children's Formal Wear	The Children's Parents

Limousine Service	The Groom
Honeymoon Arrangements	The Groom
Travel Expenses to the Wedding	The Out-of-town Attendant or Family Member
Accommodations for out-of town Guests	The Bride
Gifts for the Couple	Guest, Attendants and Family

Traditional Guest Books ~vs~ New Ideas

2010-09-16T03:47:00.000-07:00

Elizabeth and Brian's wedding on September 5 was beautiful. It had a lay-back feel with Family Games and a light, easy feel to the day. There was no doubt that a wedding was taking place, but after the small intimate and touching ceremony, everyone made their way over to the cocktail area and enjoyed refreshments, passed hors d'oeuvres, Bocce Ball and other lawn games.

There was a section of the site dedicated though to "Words of Wisdom" or better known as A Charleston Event's Guest Book area. This couple were nature lovers and loved the simplicity of river rock. So....we created that element just for them. Guests signed individual rocks and placed them into a bowl that the newlyweds will adorn their home. They will remember their wedding day fondly when they see the rocks each day.Old fashioned, more traditional guest books are small books with pages of well wishes that usually get tucked away into a closet and forgotten about. Today's savvy brides are thinking up clever ideas of making sure their book gets viewed and memories stay alive. This photo envelope book above offered by Target, allows photos to be taken, and the guest to write a message to insert into the book. These books come in an array of colors as well.

Probably one of my own personal favorites is the personalized 'Memories" guest book. The above book is created by Richard Bell Photography and their company actually include a book in your photography package. Nothing is more precious than the love you have for each other. When you book your photographer, ask him/her if they do engagement sessions. This serves two purposes, (1) it allows you to get to know your photographer before the wedding day and visa versa. You'll be old friends by the time the day comes along and its fun to share the memories of just the two of you together in a casual setting and (2) You'll receive some of the most beautiful photos of the two of you right before the wedding that no one else has viewed. If your photographer does not create these wonderful little books, do it yourself easily online. (Be sure to get copyright releases from your photography company prior to publishing any photos). Have your favorites from the session put into a guest book style (you can do this through shutterfly.com or mypublisher.com). You can even combine these photos with the two of you growing up, photos of family and friends or just create blank pages for messages. The choice it yours. Once your guests sign the blank areas with messages, I promise, this will become a tabletop book you'll cherish for years to come.

Other ideas for guest wishes include

Signing Photo Mat
Signing Ceramic Platter
Etching Silver Platter
Quilt Patches
Messages in a bottle (to be placed in a time capsule)
Hardcover book on the wedding Destination Location
Puzzles

Here's some other helpful sites to get ideas:

MyWedding.Com

MarthaStewart.Com

TheKnot.Com

Vintage Style in Modern Times

2010-08-24T18:57:00.000-07:00

When Mikey and Chris decided to get married in Charleston, they took advantage of our Charleston Wedding FAM's guided tour on wedding venues. It was clear to them from the moment they saw the Governor Thomas Bennett House why it would be the perfect venue to hold their vintage-themed wedding. It had enough rustic design and historic charm as well as delicate touches of grace and sophistication.

Mikey chose to use A Charleston Event's signature custom print design idea of pulling from the property's wrought iron work and carrying it through their wedding day. Mikey, being a graphic artist herself, also put her own touches on the idea and if you look closely enough, you'll see their initials scrolled into the wrought iron design on the invitations. That combined with their initials on either side of the logo, Mikey claimed personalized the design to reflect their wedding day.
The bride wore an ivory 'Lela Rose' vintage lace wedding gown from the Gown Boutique of Charleston, with small cap sleeves. She carried a colorful arrangement of blues, golds and oranges, mixed with green berry and foliage. Kumquats were incorporated into her bouquet for the extra pop of orange color and a bit of extra fun.

Mikey wore this beautiful handmade vintage look head piece.

Guests were treated to mouthwatering passed hors d'oeuvres by Iverson Catering, such as these adorable shrimp and grit pears (which by the way is one of ACE's favorites) as well as lowcountry style food stations which were set up under the tented reception site.

Both inside and outside the house, the bride's mother supplied old milk glass that had been collected within their family for years, along with her grandmother's handmade doilies. Flowers were kept simple and scattered throughout the Thomas Bennett House to accentuate the natural beauty of the surrounding antique candelabras and chandeliers.
A friend of the family made the cake as a wedding gift for the couple and tiny bud vases were hung from the trees around the outside of the property.
Large green and white wreaths were hung on entrance-ways and doorways to the property to welcome guests as they arrived.
If ever a perfect beginning were to be described, Mikey and Chris's wedding day would be it. We wish Mikey and Chris a lifetime of happiness and look forward to keeping in touch with this delightful couple.
The fabulous Heather Forsythe captured the true love of the couple on the day as well as all the intricate details throughout the wedding site. I wish we had room to showcase all the photos. It was so difficult to choose. Thanks to Heather for allowing us to feature these in our Blog.

Photography ~ Heather Forsythe Photography
Planning & Design ~ A Charleston Event
Wedding Flowers ~ Charleston Florals
Invitations ~ A Charleston Event
Venue ~ Governor Thomas Bennett House
Catering ~ Iverson Catering
Enertainment ~ Permanent Vacation
Bar Service ~ ICE BOX
Rentals ~ Snyder Event Rentals, A Charleston Event
Wedding Gown ~ The Gown Boutique of Charleston

What to do with your gown after the wedding?

2010-08-22T14:09:00.000-07:00

August 22nd, 2010

Don’t trash that dress, let us consign it for you! Did you know there is a new shop in town called White House Bridal? We are an upscale wedding gown consignment boutique located inside of OK Florist in downtown historic Summerville, South Carolina just outside of Charleston.

The space is a grand old home that was built in the mid-1800’s. With it’s striking grandeur, beautiful dressing rooms, an extensive, state of the art wedding consultation room, White House Bridal redefines traditional elegance for today’s modern bride. We believe every bride should be able to fulfill her dream of finding the “perfect dress” without having to sacrifice style because of budget in these tough economic times.

Expect to find the dress at an unbelievable price! White House Bridal offers new, sample and gently worn wedding gowns off the rack by some of today’s hottest designers. We look for gowns that are no more than five years old and range in price from 30% to 70% off retail. We also carry an extensive line of jewelry, handbags, veils, hair accessories, some flowergirl dresses and special attaire for the ringbearer! Visit us online at www.whitehousebridal.com.

For more information on consignment services or on White House Bridal, visit them at
WHITE HOUSE BRIDAL or contact/visit them at:

131 West Luke Avenue
Summerville, SC 29483
Telephone (843) 873-3681

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Can I afford a Wedding Planner?

2010-08-22T10:55:00.000-07:00

The economy has taken its toll on a lot of individuals, not only in our own country but abroad as well. A lot of people are out of jobs or are in the middle of changing careers. There are also the rest of you who have just graduated from college and are already up to your neck in student loans.
The economy still has not affected the number of couples getting engaged and who are ready to tie the knot, either in their home town or as a destination wedding. This my friends is a fact of life. So, the age old question always comes up about whether or not you should hire a wedding planner or even if you can afford one.

As a wedding designer and planner of long standing, of course I would suggest you hire a professional. This is not only because I would love your business. Its because if I had a dollar for every story that I heard where the bridesmaids or relatives and friends of the couple were held to ransom to help on the wedding day, I'd be a very wealthy woman.

Think about it and it makes common sense. Sure, your bridesmaids can be there to support you and help with pre-wedding plans. But there is nothing special or even nice about cleaning up the reception site after a wedding, after the wedding day celebrations, and especially after a couple of alcoholic beverages have been consumed. This is not to say it can't be done as I'm sure there are couples all over the world who DO manage to have lovely affairs in just this way. Instead, consider these basic rules of thumb when hiring a professionally trained, experienced, licensed and insured wedding planner:

A PLANNER'S CONTACTS - A wedding planner can be worth her (or his) weight in gold with the number of professional relationships they have formed along the way. Planners with experience have taken years to establish their credentials and build up their portfolios of wonderful service professionals. They have lists of service providers in every category of weddings and events and even more lists of people who provide services that you may not have even thought of. Their contacts are the foundation of their business and they rely heavily on reliable, trusted and experienced vendors to ensure their clients are totally taken care of.
A PLANNER'S TRADE DISCOUNTS - Because wedding and event planners work with service providers all the time, they are in a better position than the average bride to negotiate special rates of discounts. Its a trade secret weapon that is sometimes used as leverage to solidify a contract. Most vendors are happy to offer discounts to wedding planners because they know the planner will refer them on to other clients in the future if they are flexible. That's more business and job security for our industry as a whole.
DIFFERENT PLANNER RATES - Different planners charge different prices. Beware of wedding planners that will plan your wedding for FREE or for a token amount. If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is! Do your research. Ask for references, both from past clients and vendors. Above all, make sure a wedding planner has experience you can trust. Just because someone helped their cousin or girlfriend plan their wedding, doesn't make them a wedding planner.
NOTHING IS FREE - Nothing is free in the reputable business world and one way or another you are going to pay for it. If someone tells you they'll plan your wedding for free, you'll no doubt pay double or triple the amount on your vendor services because things will be marked up beyond what you could have imagined. This is not a crime. As a matter of fact, as long as you are aware that all your vendor services will be marked up, its perfectly logical. But...wouldn't you rather know up front that the costs you are going to pay for a planner are up front and allocated for in the beginning?
AVERAGE PRICING - Most reputable planners will sit down with you and go over the services they offer. They will determine how much time will go into planning the wedding, and whether its a full service wedding planner or perhaps just someone to help you the week of and on the wedding day that you'll require. Together you will discuss their fees and how they work. Some planners charge a percentage of the budget (between 10 and 25%) and others will charge a flat rate. If a company charges a percentage rate, then you should incur savings from wedding vendors that they work with. For instance, our company charges 20% of the overall budget. However, the discounts that we acquire from wedding vendors on your behalf is anywhere between 15% and 25%, therefore helping to offset the planning fee. Our discounts are passed on to our clients which just makes sense. All the vendors we work with form an integral part of our team. However, we work for the client, not the vendors and our vendors know that we will be asking for the best possible prices. Its called professional ethics. And at the end of the day, some things are just priceless, like having trusted professionals handle all the details of the day so you can enjoy the day and those cherished memories.
FOOTWORK & TIME FACTOR - The time and footwork it takes to pull a wedding together can be anywhere from 20 hours to 18 months. It will however take a lot of research, contacts, negotiation of contracts, setting up payment plans, appointment scheduling, budget analysis, liaison between all the professional parties and the sites, creating check lists, floor plans, rental and decor option selections, more scheduling, tastings, more correspondence, site surveys, RSVP management and so much more. Then there is the wedding day itinerary and flow of events to work through, ensuring the delivery times, the vendor contact updates, staffing liaison, being present to oversee the setup and execution of plans that were made. A professional wedding planner can do all this for you and reduce the time factor by setting up appointments and utilizing strict time management skills so you have time to enjoy other things like your engagement parties, bridal showers, luncheons and selecting invitations.
STRESS FACTOR - While stress plays a daily role in our everyday lives, shouldn't we try to limit it to a degree on something as important as the wedding day? There is no such thing as stress free. A bride might be stressed because she's worried about her hair wilting in the heat, or she's worried about tripping while walking in those new heals and that beautiful wedding gown. She may even be worried about the something else. However, she should not be worried about the elements of the day falling into place if she has a professional there to oversee the day instead of her, her parents or her bridal party.
MOST IMPORTANT DAY - There will be other important days in your lives, lets face it. You'll buy your first house together, you'll have children together and the joys you will experience through life will be just as important if not more than your wedding day. Your wedding day is just the beginning of your lives together and there will be so many wonderful experiences for you throughout life, that you should not put all the pressure on this one day.
DECIDE ON PRIORITY ITEMS - Deciding on weather or not you can afford a wedding planner should not be such a dilemma. Instead, decide on whether or not you can afford flowing champagne all night long or whether or not you can substitute the caviar for ham biscuits. Do you need to supply transportation for each and every guest? Perhaps that horse and carriage send-off can be replaced with a fun rickshaw ride to a local hotel and your site will be a convenient walking distance to neighboring hotel accommodations for guests.
OTHER VENDORS PRETENDING TO BE PLANNERS - Other vendors may talk to you about their services and lead you to believe that they can also plan the wedding for you as well, therefore saving you money on an independent wedding planner. Truth is, a caterer and banquet manager manages the timeline for the food and beverage and while it is not unheard of for them to try and liaison with other vendors, they do not have the time or staff to look after each and every detail of the wedding itself. The DJ or Emcee is looking after the music selections and following a pre-printed itinerary. The florist is looking after the setup and decor of the ceremony and reception site. Your photographer is too busy trying to capture those special memories to organize what is going to happen next. And I've never witnessed a caterer holding the bride's gown while she needs to relieve herself before walking down the aisle. A planner will be there to hold your hand throughout the wedding planning process, design the itinerary with you, make sure the vendors and rentals are all in place on the wedding day and make sure that nothing is missed. Your planner will be there when your button pops, when your dress needs bustling, when a hem comes down, to let your father and best man know when the toasts are going to happen and also ensure the DJ and photographer is there beforehand to capture it all. Your planner will let the banquet staff know when to pour the champagne and be the 'go-to person' on the day so you're not worrying needlessly about small issues that will no doubt go unnoticed anyway.
EMERGENCY & CONTINGENCY PLANS - A professional planner is trained in emergency plans and also has an emergency kit on her for unexpected little glitches on the day. Your planner will make the call to take action if inclement weather threatens to spoil your day. Your planner will act as referee, psychiatrist, wedding councilor, family councilor, sister, mother or even the bad guy if they need to be. He/she will be your advocate and see that your ideas and dreams are carried out on the day so you can be free to enjoy the day as the guest of honor. Your planner will handle all the plans so you can create memories of a lifetime. And, at the conclusion of your event, you can just leave. Yes....just leave and know that everything will be taken care of for you, right down to the last light turned off.

We know its hard to decide if one can afford a wedding planner. But when deciding on your wedding plans, you most certainly should look for someone to look after your interests right down to the sweet dreams service welcoming you back to your hotel room. Can you afford a wedding planner? In today's economy, you almost can NOT afford to be without one. Thanks to the following photography companies who contributed to the photos shown in this article:
A Charleston Wedding, Richard Bell Photography, Kim Gissendanner Photography. Copyrights on all above photos and all rights reserved for all photos featured in this article.

FEATURED COUPLE: Victoria & Talmadge

2010-08-21T10:12:00.000-07:00

You may remember our coverage of this lovely couple during their planning stages of their wedding. Victoria and Tal tied the knot on May 26 at the Governor Thomas Bennett House in front of their closest family and friends. As this was a Destination Wedding for the couple, their choice of venue was perfect. Historic southern charm served as the backdrop for their wedding ceremony and reception.
One of A Charleston Event's favorite elements to incorporate into any destination wedding planning is a little something about the property as part of the theme of the wedding day. Shown here is the original wrought iron work as displayed in the front of the Thomas Bennett House. This small window gives a view on to the covered porch way under the main house. Because the work is so beautiful, it is one of the elements we like to use to carry through the wedding theme. From the pictures taken, we created artwork of the emblem to tell a story of the property and tie everything together. Shown below, the couple used the artwork for their invitations, their wedding cake and even for the guest favors.
A Charleston Event specialty for our custom invitations, programs and all corresponding print needs.
Victoria's bold choice of beautiful bright fuchsias and pink tones were a perfect choice for the lush gardens at the Thomas Bennett House. Keepsake handkerchiefs for the mothers of the bride and groom with custom messages on them were given to the mothers on the morning of the wedding to start the day off right.
Even though men aren't always crazy about wearing flowers, especially PINK, these masculine boutonnieres were worn in confidence and adoration, knowing the bride took special care to select each and every element of this wedding.
The bride carried a bouquet of lush peonies, roses, hydrangea and lisianthus which was nestled into one of Charleston Floral's trademark cages of endearment. The bouquet was wrapped in ivory double faced satin ribbon to match the bride's dress.
The front courtyard of the grand house was staged for the ceremony, which faced the house and the grand entrance-way so all the guests could watch the bride as she made her way out of the house on her father's arm. Attached to the grand veranda is monogram letters of the couple's initials. Wrought iron orbs with hanging florals and fuchsia ribbon marked the aisle and the fountain was a focal point during the afternoon and at night when each glass cylinder was lit. They each held fresh rose petals and pillar candles with matching ribbon embellishments.

Fuchsia confetti linens were used to adorn the guest tables, while whimsical Bradford Pear branches were embellished with dendrobium orchids and fuchsia matching ribbon bows, while glass votives were hung for a romantic effect later on as the sun went down. Guests dined on a wonderful lowcountry menu created by the talented team at Iverson Catering. Shrimp and grit pears, mini sliders and sweet potato fries were just a sample of the items that were served. Flavored waters and sweet tea were a refreshing addition to the fully stocked bar catered by MIX Bartending services.
The bride created these sweet 'send-off wands' for her guests to bid farewell and their evening ended with them being whisked away in Charleston's Black Cab, which are replicas of London's traditional taxi cabs.
We'll miss the planning process with Victoira and Tal but are already keeping tabs on their next chapter. What an enjoyable wedding and what a perfect couple! Thanks for letting us be a part of your special day.

Design & Planning: A Charleston Event & Bridal Library
Floral Design: Charleston Florals
Photography: Lowcountry Photojournalism
Venue: Thomas Bennett House
Invitations: A Charleston Event
Catering: Iverson Catering
Wedding Cake: Artistic Cakes by Linda
Bar Service: MIX

CharlestonWedding FAM Series - Market Pavilion Hotel

2010-08-06T04:48:00.000-07:00

As a part of our newly featured Charleston Wedding FAM series, we will be sharing some tid bits on our favorite choices for Destination Weddings in Charleston SC. Today its the beautiful Market Pavilion Hotel and to all you brides and grooms looking for a luxury venue to host your wedding celebrations, this venue will not let you down.
Located at 225 East Bay Street, it is situated right in the heart of this great city. Walking distance to all shops, the market, tour companies and of course all the 5 star restaurants, it is the perfect location to book your guest accommodations.
The Market Pavilion offers special wedding packages. Welcome cocktails and dinner, wedding day festivities and celebrations and Sunday brunch for the day after. Turn-down service with outstanding customer service and concierge guidance make this a wonderful choice for anyone visiting our city. Not just for weddings.
The view from the rooftop bar scans Charleston. known as the Holy Charleston, and is most beautiful in the evenings as you can see here. Locals frequent the rooftop to sip on their specialty martinis, while clients worldwide settle in for the vacation of a lifetime.
The ballroom's lavish furnishings and decor make it the perfect spot for hosting wedding receptions, rehearsal dinners and all other special occasions. Once you've been treated to a dinner reception at the Market Pavilion, you'll want to return over and over again.
Lounge by the rooftop pool in the lazy summer afternoons or enjoy the romantic atmosphere of the rooftop bar by night. Perhaps go out on the town and organize your meeting point back at this wonderful venue for a night-cap. Whatever you're planning, you may want to think about putting the Market Pavilion down on your next 'point of interest' before coming back to Charleston.

The Market Pavilion will be featured in the next upcoming Charleston Wedding FAM weekend. For more information on Charleston Wedding FAM, click HERE. Or call A Charleston Event to schedule your own private Charleston Wedding FAM.

MARKET PAVILION HOTEL
225 E. Bay Street Charleston, SC 29401. Our Toll-Free Phone: 877-440-2250.

The Art & Scents of the LowCountry by LowCountry Luxe Candles

2010-08-05T07:50:00.000-07:00

For anyone thinking about a Destination Wedding in Charleston, SC, one of the reasons you do so is because of the true southern charm and all the things that the Lowcountry has to offer. One the most highly recommended places to visit while looking through shops in Charleston, is the RSVP Shoppe on Broad Street.

For us, The RSVP Shoppe is an Aladdin's Cave of goodies ranging from giftware, beautiful stationery, invitations and specialty items, as well as unique keepsakes for those special memories of your trip here.

Our latest find is their new Lowcountry Luxe Scent Candles. How wonderful to be able to take a small bit of the Lowcountry back home with you after your trip here. Or how about inserting these special little momentos in welcome bags for your guests upon check in to celebrate your wedding weekend?

Here are just a few of the wonderful items on offer at The RSVP Shoppe in Charleston:

Gullah ~ Charleston ~ High Cotton ~ Savannah ~ Sea Grass ~ and Spanish Moss.
Experience the Lowcountry Scents of Lowcountry Luxe at The RSVP Shoppe at 141 Broad Street, Charleston, South Carolina. Their hours of operation are Monday - Saturday 10am to 5:30pm. If you're looking for something special, call ahead of time to place orders on 843-577-9740. Also visit The RSVP Shoppe on FACEBOOK

Wedding Ambience

2010-08-04T05:19:00.000-07:00

When the sun goes down, how will you light up your wedding venue? Some venues require very little by way of decor because of the nature of their architecture and property elements. Seen here, the Governor Thomas Bennett House is one of those older Charleston properties that need very little by way of decor. The house illuminates itself with the grand veranda lights on. But note the difference of a few candles around the fountain. It now takes on another entirely different look.

Its no secret that I love candle light and using tons of it at weddings just adds to the romance of the day itself. Candle lit ceremonies are some of the most precious of all and even when the ceremony is finished and the reception is going on full force, keeping these candles lit acts as a backdrop for photos and encourages guests to use all of the grounds so they can enjoy the entire property.
Centerpieces with hanging candles or uplights are still a popular favorite for decorating reception sites. This type of arrangement can be used on guest tables, banquet and serving stations, entrance lobbies and just about anywhere you need an extra touch of ambience and light.

These wonderful shots of the Thomas Bennett House were created by Lowcountry Photojournalism.

Rhinebeck 'vs' Charleston

2010-08-02T04:37:00.000-07:00

We're always a little hesitant to encourage the extremely warm outdoor weddings in the midst of our southern summers and then they turns out so lovely that all's well in the office of A Charleston Event again. Of course it always takes us three days to recover, but that's another story.

Southern weddings should be charming, characteristic and reminiscent of the city in which it is held. Charleston never lets us down and even with the heat, everyone manages to look cook and beautiful.

Gabrielle and John got married on the same day as Chelsea Clinton and if I do say so myself, Gabrielle looked even more beautiful walking down an aisle carpeted with four different colored pink rose petals with her favorite gerbera daisy and long pink hanging amyranthus nestled in orb aisle markers.

The setting may not have been the beautiful estate in Rhinebeck New York but one of Charleston's oldest plantations, Lowndes Grove, offered an even more charismatic backdrop including large oak trees with spanish moss draping down in front of the river side ceremony site.

We absolutely love the sedate colors that Gabrielle chose for her reception as well. Black and white with bright pink tones and pops of her favorite teal.

Guests dined to the wonderful flavors of FISH passed hors d'oeuvres and a wonderful menu with southern flair and flavors.

The guests danced the night away to the sounds of Two Three Ways by Other Brother Entertainment and ate wedding cake by The Flour Shop. We simply cannot wait to see the professional shots by Photography by Terry Inc. In the meantime, these pictures will have to do and let's face it, it is more fun to say you got married on the same day as a president's daughter, so why not show off a bit?

FLORALS + LIGHTING

2010-07-28T10:45:00.001-07:00

OK, so you are to the point where you really need to focus on the decor part of your reception. You and your florist are talking about the beautiful flowers that will be used in your bouquets, at the ceremony and of course the reception site.

What about lighting? Can't afford pin spots or up-lights around the room? Can't afford draping for your reception? In fact even if you can't afford the chair covers or pretty ballroom chairs, there is a way of decorating and making it gorgeous.

Most floral designers now have handy tricks up their sleeves to add those extra touches to your centerpieces. For instance, the arrangement shown here by Charleston Florals is positioned on custom light boxes. The bowl holds clear beading, water and beautiful flowers wrapped around the inside of the bowl. This look is bot simple and clean. It would suit both contemporary and more whimsical looks equally. The illumination of the lighting adds debt to the arrangement and a romantic look throughout the room. Something so simple, yet so beautiful and when creating a look like this, the focus is all on your centerpieces.

For more information on floral decor or table-top lighting, contact the designers at A Charleston Event and let us come up with some unique ideas just for you.

May Wedding on the Harbor

2010-07-26T06:33:00.000-07:00

Katie & Jonathan's Destination wedding in Charleston took place on May 8, 2010 at the Patriots Point Pavilion. The weather could not have been nicer for this lovely couple and their 120 guests.

As Katie chose to keep the ceremony and reception light and easy with a relaxed feeling for her guests, her muted greens and ivory with just touches of blues were the perfect color to achieve her vision. The bride carried a mixed tight bouquet of ivory vandella roses, hydrangea, cymbidium orchids, lisianthus, ranuculus and pops of cornflower. It was finished off with verigated hosta leaves and lied off with an ivory satin ribbon and hosted a family broach an embellishment of importance.

The couple loved the setting overlooking the Charleston Harbor and the ACE Team hung lanterns from the trees hanging over the ceremony site itself. The bride's mother hand-made the beautiful invitations and programs to match, which were tied into wicker fans and placed on the guest seating pre-ceremony.

ACE's own Captain Bob (and his side-kick Perch) were there to greet guests as they arrived at the cocktail hour following the ceremony and the festivities that followed slowly but surely made their way into a beautiful sunset with candle lit tables and fire pits waiting to be shared by all.

Katie's favorite flower was a Magnolia, but because they do not last well off of the trees they grow on, we decided to freshly pick some just for the bride and the head table. The Magnolia Blossoms are a beautiful flower with a light citrus scent. They were put in water and packed on ice until the reception was getting ready to start. 1 hour prior, they were arranged in sand and water dishes and within 1 hour they were in full bloom. Katie was delighted with her own Magnolia, which she was surprised with right before she was leaving for the ceremony. This is what makes is all worth while for the team at A Charleston Event. Seeing the look on a bride's face when she sees her bouquet for the first time is priceless.

Catering: Patriots Point Pavilion

Photography: A Charleston Wedding

Florals and Decor: Charleston Florals

Rentals: A Charleston Event

Planning: A Charleston Event & Bridal Library

ETSY does it again

2010-07-23T04:12:00.000-07:00

I'll admit it. I'm obsessed with sites like Etsy. It all started with one of my brides and it was downhill from there. I would say the majority of our brides order one or more thing off of Etsy because of the sheer ease of surfing the site and the unique gift and personal items available to them. Pricing is great and shipping is fast.

Description

This glass vase is covered with real white birch bark. It is 6" tall and 3.5" in diameter. I wood burn a heart on the front with your initials, or your names if they are short (5 letters or less). I can also put a cupid's arrow through the heart and or the date of your wedding. This makes a wonderful wedding gift or centerpiece for your special day. This listing is for 1 vase, but I can make as many as you need, just ask and I can give you an estimate on shipping multiples. Flowers not included. Thanks!!!

Include in the "message to seller" what you want engraved and if you want a cupid's arrow.

My bark is harvested from dead trees only. No live tree is ever used in my work. They all come from the beautiful woods of New Hampshire.

Each vase does come out unique as the bark varies from tree to tree. Some may have natural moss on it, others may have woodpecker's holes, some bark is heavy in matrix while other is snowy white.

To compliment the theme, these adorable little ring bearer and flower girl accessories make the perfect accessory to rustic themed weddings. Or perhaps a keepsake ring box to present the rings?

One thing is for sure, Etsy is no stranger to different wedding ideas.

You can shop online at Etsy by going to http://www.etsy.com/listing/52128456/single-six-inch-birch-bark-covered-vase?ref=cat1__10

Small Touches

2010-07-22T04:45:00.000-07:00

We love creating fun ways to display photos, signage or special quotes on the wedding day itself. One of our most popular are these customized photo frames done up with button mums and carnations. The frames offer an easy DIY option for the 'hand's on bride' and can be purchased in any dollar store and are cost-effective to brighten up even the most budget conscious wedding.

This may not have been used for a wedding, but a LOT of brides saw and loved this idea as they came into the Bridal House in Mount Pleasant for the Brides Across America annual event honoring military brides. Chef Eric Gaffin from New Dream Catering was on hand to offer catering delights and ideas and Charleston Florals offered some extra touches for his area.
Even just touches of color here and there with these cute little box frames make a huge statement. Placing little details like this around a reception venue, whether its on tables in groupings, on catering areas, the gift table, ladies room or even on the bar area, you're sure to get a wonderful response. They're perfect for making your wedding colors stand out!

For more information on wedding tips or planning your big day, contact the planners at A Charleston Event & Bridal Library.

Catering by New Dream Catering, Charleston
Floral Design by Charleston Florals - A Division of A Charleston Event & Bridal Library
Photography by Zero9 Photography

A CHARLESTON EVENT, LLC

2010-07-12T07:47:00.000-07:00

The Team at A Charleston Event & Bridal Library were at it again this past weekend to show some new wedding trends in table top designs and ideas for upcoming wedding seasons. Shown here are planners, Brigid Redmond, Whitnie Eisele, Christy Roper (who heads up the wedding division) and owner Elyn Rahman in front of their booth at the Charleston Bridal Show on July 11 at the Gilliard Auditorium in Charleston, South Carolina.
The biggest trend we're seeing for 2011 weddings are more whimsical and fun themes. Also, the most popular colors that we are seeing are the Teals, Aquas and Purples. These are bold colors and to me, they almost symbolize the type of confident and professional bride of today. Years ago, our brides chose subdued colors and pale tones with more traditional overtones. Today, anything goes and the more detail, the better. Also, the majority of weddings we design are for couples who want the emphasis on FUN! They want their guests to walk away from their wedding having had the experience of a lifetime.
The other thing we are seeing a lot of is brides taking more of an interest in guest amenities and welcome packages. Gift bags with Charleston Goodies, boxes for families checking into hotels with everything including games for the children and fabulous place setting favors. A Charleston Event will do all the wrapping, assembly and even deliver for our brides. Guests feel most welcome and having a list of all the weekend's events and itinerary also allows them to explore Charleston on their own when they know when their free time will be.
The Bridal Show not only allows A Charleston Event to show off our ideas, it also allows us to hear from brides about their ideas and style preferences. We get a chance to see what today's brides are thinking about when planning their weddings. Every wedding is unique to us and we love hearing bride's talk about their own visions of their day. This helps keep our own ideas fresh and up to date.

If you're planning a wedding in the near future and would like to sit down with one of our planners to discuss your wedding ideas and planning options, give the planning team at A Charleston Event & Bridal Library to set up a consultation today. Telephone: 843-494-9501

Equally, if you are a potential bride and are interested in just finding venues to hold your wedding celebrations, check out our Charleston Wedding FAM. We'll show you the most popular wedding venues in Charleston and have your wedding planned in one weekend.

Something for HIM

2010-06-19T14:21:00.000-07:00

Well, we usually cover everything weddings for the Bride on these blogs and not a lot for the 'man of the hour', e.g. your GROOM. So, we thought we'd look through some interesting options for your groom and his groomsmen boutonnieres.
Most men don't fancy the thought of wearing a flower on their lapel and they do so because we as women insist they do so on their wedding day and don the traditional apparel and buttonholes to match.

Its not every day a groom say's yippee...I get to wear a flower on my suit.
We've found some pretty clever options to the same old boring buttonhole boutonnieres as well as samples of some traditional ones with a slight twist as well.
You can find boutonnieres like this and more options on MyWedding.com

A Charleston Event And Bridal Library – A Charleston Event And Bridal Library in South Carolina – A Charleston Event And Bridal Library Reviews

2010-06-19T13:56:00.000-07:00

A Charleston Event And Bridal Library – A Charleston Event And Bridal Library in South Carolina – A Charleston Event And Bridal Library Reviews

Dazzling Bouquets

2010-06-18T15:50:00.000-07:00

A Charleston Event & Bridal Library have done countless amounts of weddings and seen an unusual amount of wedding bouquets over the years. None leave as many memories as those that are artistically created out of crystals and embellishments.
I have never grown tired of seeing these beautiful creations. I also remember early 2000 through 2004 it was almost a fad, trendy and the 'thing to do' to carry these 'treasures' down the aisle.

We used to order crystal bouquets for brides that wanted something unique and a bouquet they could have as a keepsake for a lifetime. Instead of preserving the traditional floral wedding bouquet, brides would order these exquisite pieces and feel like royalty on their wedding day.Crystal bouquets are a work of art. They take countless hours to create and no bouquet is like another. Each will be unique and can be customized to size, color and theme of the wedding. My most prominent memory of an exquisite bouquet was one that was created for one of our brides in 2005. Our bride was getting ready to walk down the aisle on her father's arm in the back of the church. As the doors of the church opened, the sun's rays flooded in and hit her bouquet. Around her, thousands of unbelievable prisms danced through the air and throughout the church as the bride walked down the aisle. You could hear the gasps from everyone in the church. (TRUE STORY!!!)

Another wonderful thing about crystal artists is that their talents do not stop at just creating beautiful bouquets. They can create tussie mussies for keepsake mother's bouquets, hair pieces and wonderful boutonnieres for the groom and groomsmen to match the wedding theme.

As in this photo above by Crystal Bloom, making it a bridal event and having everyone match the theme, will truly create a unique and memorable day.

For more information on these and other gorgeous crystal creations, check out the sites of:
DC Handmade Vintage Wedding Bouquets and Crystal Bloom Bouquets & Accessories

Foot Jewelry

2010-06-18T15:35:00.000-07:00

Want something new and unique for your beach wedding footwear? Why not consider this beautiful foot jewelry to add a bit of sparkle and bling to those perfectly manicured tootsies? Instead of walking barefoot in the sand, wear the sole-less shoes that will catch everyone's attention.
These are also great to take on your honeymoon to give you that added sexy look while walking on beaches or just lounging around the pool.
For more information on these wonderful designs and more, CLICK HERE

Green and White Palettes

2010-06-18T15:26:00.000-07:00

For fresh summer colors, what could be more appealing than these lovely green and white colors? Of course Martha Stewart comes up with many great ideas, but using ribbon throughout the wedding theme is a clever idea indeed.

Check out the rest of the ideas for this color palette by clicking HERE

This color palette would also be great for rehearsal dinners, bridal luncheons, showers and more.

Budget, budget, budget

2010-06-14T07:02:00.000-07:00

Q: Since when has the word BUDGET become a "B" (BAD) word?
A: It's always been in everyone's vocabulary. Its just that nowadays so many more brides are becoming budget savvy and are looking for ways to save more money. The economy hasn't helped.

So many times we're asked about how brides can plan a wedding on a 'smaller budget'. My answer to that is that you can plan a wedding on 'any' budget so long as you are realistic about the expectations. For instance, you will not get the champagne and caviar flowing with the beautiful horse and carriage departure on a lower budget. However, you can have your cake and eat it too! Here's a couple of tips on making it happen.

Hire an experienced wedding planner to get the biggest bang for your money. A good planner will save you more money than you realize and he/she will pay for herself in the savings you'll incur.
Discuss EVERYTHING with your planner about what you are looking to achieve. Be HONEST. If you simply hate roses or lilies, let your planner know. If you are not a pink frilly person, let your planner know. And if you simply cannot stand the site of shrimp, let your planner know. There is no sense in planning anything with a planner unless you're all on the same page from the get-go.
Be precise about your budget requirements. Do not tell your planner you only have X-amount to spend on the wedding if you truly do have more. Do not tell them you have more if you just 'think' you can borrow more or get family members to contribute. Be sure from the beginning.
Decor does not have to mean 'Platinum theme'. Its amazing what you can do with glassware and candles today. Explore different possibilities with your planner. Planners usually have limitless resources that they can pull from to supply you with enough choices.
When thinking about florals, remember that the more people you have in the wedding party, the higher the costs. A lot of brides today are opting for smaller bridal parties and some are even doing away with the traditional bridal party all together, preferring to just have their guests witness their wedding vows. The most important floral arrangement in the entire wedding is the Bride's Bouquet. It will be photographed the most that day, so splurge a little more on that.
Instead of spending money in the hobby stores, solicit decorations from your family and friends. Perhaps you have a cousin or aunt that can sew. If you do, you've struck gold. Ask them if they would be willing to custom make some lovely runners for the cake table and guest seating. Perhaps Grandma has a collection of old cut glass she would be willing to lend for your cut flowers or glass jam jars that she may be looking to get rid of. Hanging these from trees with tea lights in them makes a beautiful backdrop for evening weddings.
Delegate, delegate, delegate. Your planner will do so much or perhaps everything. But if you are not fortunate enough to find a planner in your area that will, then delegate things out to family and friends ahead of time. Its surprising how many people would love to help with some crafty things before the wedding.
Do not be a Bridezilla. Contrary to what you see on TV, it is not a good thing to be known as a Bridezilla. In fact, its a downright shame and disrespectful to treat others like they need to be at your beckon call. Be precise and 'ASK' your attendants and family members if they would like to help you with some of the preparations. Do not assume they will and do not insist that they do so. Instead be a model bride and you'll have people lined up willing to help.
Keep your menu options light and simple and when it comes to serving alcohol, consider having just wine or just signature drinks and soft drinks. Pretty drinks dispensers are everywhere now. Ask your caterer to fill with a non-alcoholic beverage to match the colors of your wedding. Practical and lovely for photos too.
Think about hosting a wedding on a week day or in the morning. You'll be surprised at the reduction in venue and catering fees if you do.

When all else fails, remember that you will be marrying the person you have chosen to spend the rest of your life with. Its a celebration whether or not you have a grand wedding reception or not. Don't set yourself up for disappointment and stay focused on what's important to you both. All the little details will come together and you'll live happily ever after.

Wedding planning and florals done by A Charleston Event & Bridal Library

Plan your wedding in one weekend

2010-06-08T04:27:00.000-07:00

A Charleston Event invite you all to come see us at the upcoming A WONDERFUL WEDDING Bridal Show on July 11 in beautiful downtown historic Charleston.

We will be offering special show discounts and of course introducing our brides to some of our favorite and most trusted vendors who will be participating in the show. This will be a wedding planning experience of a lifetime.

We're also extending this special invitation for you to join our Charleston Wedding FAM. We are offering a special one-time introductory FAM price to show you the very best wedding venues in town on July 10. And if that's not all, a special cocktail reception at the conclusion of the day will allow you to compare notes and get to know other brides. Sip on champagne, mimosas and learn about wedding signature drinks at at the same time.

This will be a power-packed weekend starting on Saturday with a Charleston Wedding FAM to visit the best and most popular wedding sites in town, a cocktail reception Saturday evening to top off your day and then a fun-filled Bridal Show on Sunday to introduce you to the finest wedding vendors we work with. Planning your entire wedding in just one fun-filled weekend with over 30 years experience you can trust AND in a stress-free atmosphere is every bride's dream come true.

Space is extremely limited, so call Whitnie or Brigid to reserve your space now. Price includes transportation, weekend guide and wedding planning review book, entry fees to plantations and other historic sites, nibbly bits and treats along the way, cocktail reception on Saturday evening and a ticket into the Charleston Bridal Show on Sunday July 11. You'll also be entered into our Grand Prize Draw!

This special weekend FAM is being offered to help raise funds for our local charitable cause: GIVING BACK CHEER in support of Families Helping Families, an initiative of Palmetto Project.

Call our office for more information at 843-494-9501, email us at info@ACharlestonEvent.com or visit our site to request your special code for this weekend offer. CHARLESTON WEDDING FAM

Fresh Spring & Summer Colors

2010-06-07T14:47:00.000-07:00

When Mikey & Chris decided to hold their wedding in Charleston, the first choice they made was booking Charleston Wedding FAM. Along with 5 other couples, they toured Charleston's best wedding venues and obtained detailed information about each location all in one fun-filled weekend.

The venue they chose for their wedding day celebrations was the Governor Thomas Bennett House. The historic property lends itself to southern charm, a rich sense of culture and a beautiful backdrop for the ceremony and reception. A friend of the family offered to do their wedding cake and another friend created the cake table runner as a wedding gift for the couple. A Charleston Event chose to drape the cake table setting with romantic sheer ivory fabric to frame the special gifts. A simple but effective look.

Mikey chose ivory, golds, orange touches and her favorite navy blue colors for her wedding theme. She opted for a vintage look with white milk glass, wrought iron and ivory doilies scattered around the wedding site. We are awaiting the professional photos (due shortly from Heather Forsythe). However, here is a hint of colors that Mikey chose for her and Chris's BIG day.

See a short video clip of Mikey & Chris, by Hart to Heart Media.
VIEW VIDEO HERE

Some of A Charleston Event's favorite wedding professionals that helped us create this pretty summer wedding were: A Charleston Event - Christy Roper (wedding planner), Snyder Event Rentals - (tenting, furniture rentals), Connie Duglin Linens (table linens), Iverson Catering (catering), ICE Box (bar), Techincal Event Company (lighting & ceiling treatment), Hart to Heart Media - (video), Charleston Florals (flowers & decor), Classical Charleston (ceremony musicians), and Permanent Vacation (reception Band that rocked the house all night long)! What a wonderful wedding.

Pocket Invitations

2010-06-03T05:05:00.000-07:00

Its never been easier to customize your invitations in your colors at an affordable price. Check out these chic invites from A Charleston Event's Invitation Center.

The best thing about using pockets (especially for destination weddings) is that you can incorporate the flow of events for the entire weekend. Your guests can bring their pockets along with them so they know exactly what's happening next.

For easy access to our search on Pocket Invitations, go to http://www.acharlestonevent.cceasy.com and click on Wedding Invitations. Once there, type in Pockets in the search bar. Have fun.......there's even a section to show you the different pouch/pocket card stock to choose from. We'll even help you upload your OWN image or Monogram.

SPECIAL OFFER: Mention you've found us on this BLOG and receive FREE printing on your envelopes with your order. Also a 10% Discount off your entire order. Good until July 31, 2010.

Charleston Florals

2010-05-28T18:55:00.000-07:00

A CHARLESTON EVENT & Bridal Library
Don't forget flowers for your 'meeters & greeters' and Godparents. Let us quote you for an all-inclusive floral package.

Charleston Florals

www.charlestonflorals.com

Charleston Florals is a subdivision of the premier wedding planning company A Charleston Event & Bridal Library. Because we’ve been planning weddings for 30 years, we understand the need for particular attention to detail.

Wedding & Specialty Rentals in Charleston

2010-05-28T05:00:00.000-07:00

When planning a wedding in Charleston, the first thing most brides think about is the ceremony and reception location. You dream about the way you'll walk down that aisle, whether its in a church or on a beach. One of the last things brides think about is where they will rent ceremony chairs from though.

As a planner, we have so many brides who contact our company a few weeks before the wedding in a panic looking for chairs for a beach ceremony or tables for their reception site. If you book your wedding celebrations at a restaurant, banquet facility or all-inclusive resort venue, you will not have to worry about this. However, whenever you book a site that does not include rentals, then the search is on.

I wanted to share some valuable sites for rentals with brides and planners who are booking destination weddings in Charleston. Not everyone supplies the same rentals and not everyone has a full inventory of everything.

A Charleston Event supplies specialty rentals such as wrought iron gates, gazebos, candalabras and specialty glassware and props. Because they also have their own floral division, they offer a large selection of floral containers and crystal. The event designers and planners at A Charleston Event work with a selection of the finest linen companies in the United States and locally and offer a huge selection of linens, fabrics, chair covers and aisle runners and other wedding related items.

A Charleston Event's planners will also assist you in your rentals budgeting. Because of their affiliation with Charleston's best names in event rentals, they can make your job so much easier by doing the legwork for you. A small portion of their specialy rentals are listed at their website or you can reach them at 843-494-9502: A Charleston Event Rentals

Photo Courtesy of Exquisite Events by Elyn

Snyder Event Rentals are one of the original rental companies in Charleston and probably have the largest inventory of tents, liners, tables, chairs, catering equipment, china, glassware, linens and specialty items.

While they have always offered furniture rentals, just recently they added onto their inventory - Snyder Lounge Furniture.

Check out their easy-to-use webiste for prices and samples of the new stock. You can also calculate online estimates that will help enormously if you are trying to determine a rental budget. Combine this with great customer service and you're half way there!
3875 Meeting Street North Charleston, SC 29405
Telephone 843--766-3366

Photo Courtesy of A Charleston Event

Out of Hand (Ooh Event Rentals)
Another great company for beautiful and unique rentals such as imported indian fabric tents, gorgeous chandeliers, antique china & glassware and a beautiful array of furniture rentals.

Out of Hand also offer tables, chairs, wonderful bars, containers and specialty rentals. That, combined with their wonderful gift shop and creative floral division on Pitt Street in Mt. Pleasant will make you feel like you're walking into an Aladdin's Cave.

Pictures right are Out of Hand's custom leather settee for a ladies tent.113C Pitt Street, Old Village
Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
p (843) 856-3585

All Occasions, the party & event division of AAA Rentals is Charleston's oldest and one of the largest providers of rentals. Everything for all occasions; from the basics, such as linens, tables, chairs and serving ware, to hundreds of unique accessories to enhance events and celebrations of any theme. Their website features the items that are often requested; however, they do have thousands and thousands of items to rent, as well as for sale, at their showroom and equipment center, which is in the north area and located at

3555 Meeting Street If you are looking for a particular item and do not find it listed on their website, give them a call at 843-554-6334.

All Occasions Rentals

Insert photo caption or credit here

In 2008 Group Dynamics Rentals was created to offer a comprehensive line of event rentals that were not only brand new, but meticulously maintained. Most importantly, we drew heavily on our years of event production experience to develop a customer service team who understood the challenges of executing even the simplest events and the critical importance of being not just your best source for rentals, but also a full partner in ensuring your event is a success.

They offer tables, chairs, china, linens, catering equipment and bar rentals along with specialty items. Along with another option for specialty items, they offer great customer service.

Group Dynamics are located at 1750 Signal Point Road, Charleston, SC 29412 Tel: 843-406-4117

Other rental companies in Charleston:

Steven Duvall Rentals & Decor

Event Works Rentals

One last thing to remember when renting any item from rental companies:

Rental prices vary
Rental prices do NOT usually include delivery, damage waiver or tax
Rental items can also be collected from companies to save the delivery charges
Rentals are not usually delivered and set up on beaches. There are some exceptions. Check with the rental companies

For personalized assistance or more information on renting items for you wedding day, contact the wedding planners at A Charleston Event at 843-494-9501

Destination Weddings by Melissa Bigner, Charleston Mag

2010-05-26T04:47:00.000-07:00

10 Reasons to Get Married in Charleston, South Carolina
by Melissa Bigner, Posted May 7th 2010 1:00PM

Filed Under: Destination Weddings Taylor Stewart Photography

1. Locations, Locations, Locations!
No matter what flavor ceremony and reception venue you're craving, Charleston's got it. Antebellum manor house? Sure! Plantation? You bet! Verdant courtyard garden? Not a problem. Dune-fringed beach? Coming right up. Fairy-tale church? They don't call it the Holy City for nothing -- Charleston claims more than 300 churches and temples, many of which date back to the late 1600s and 1700s. There's a reason movies like The Notebook are filmed here and why catalogs and magazines shoot here round-the-clock -- everywhere you go, you've got a stunning backdrop, be it naturally or historically so. For couples, that means getting married in Charleston equals a textbook wedding fantasy (and it means you don't have to dish out dollars to create or overdress your location).

2. Tasty Times
For a relatively small town, Charleston boasts more than its share of local foodie celebs, from James Beard Award - winning chefs (and restaurants) to nationally renowned tastemakers. That means rehearsal dinners, reception menus, day-after brunches and sweet treats all along the way are crafted by the best of the best. But don't think it's all old-school Southern fried. These days, mama's specials (like she-crab soup and shrimp and grits) have new twists and boast straight-from-the-low-country-farm and boat ingredients. So whether you're in the mood for an oyster roast, tapas sampler or formal multicourse meal, Charleston delivers.

3. Sweet Treat
The South has long been know for its sweet tooth -- pralines and pecan pie, anyone? -- but Charleston's bakers and cake designers have raised the bar sky-high. From Peninsula Grill's nationally known 12-layer coconut cake to James Beard Award - winner Lauren Mitterer's confections to Jim Smeal's intricate, oft-published cakes and the dessert buffets from Baked, we know how to sate a sugar lover.

4. Turnkey or Do It Yourself?
Charleston vendors have their feet on the ground. It's one of the best things about living here -- that we all know snootiness equals bad manners. So whether you hire a wedding designer and planner to oversee every last detail of your wedding or you elect to DIY and simply need a day-of coordinator and a few pros to pitch in, the wedding folk in this neck of the woods get it and treat you princess-style no matter your budget. And as for their work? Sure, their weddings, florals, images and more grace the pages of all the national wedding mags and litter the pages of "It" wedding books near and far, but even more importantly, their client feedback is pure gold.

5. Play Station
While those in the bridal party typically have full slates on wedding weekends, guests tend to have a fair bit of downtime. That's why hosting a wedding in an easy-to-navigate vacation town like Charleston -- with world-class attractions, golf, spas, beaches, shops, restaurants, history and more -- is a gift to everyone involved in your big day.

6. Romance Rules
Time and again Charleston is voted the most romantic city in the country. Because strolling is THE way to go here (the city's historic neighborhoods, cobblestone streets, pristine beaches, and public gardens are hand-holding central); horse-drawn carriages and couples rickshaws are ubiquitous; and little boys offer handmade palmetto roses to most every passing lady, the accolade comes as no surprise to locals. If you're looking for a wedding spot that's synonymous with romance, we're it, as even the most reluctant romantic gets the love bug in Charleston.

7. Fair Weather, Friend
There really is no wedding season in Charleston. That's because the weather here is wedding-rific year-round. Sure it gets cool enough to know it's winter (think 60s), and yes, the summers can get steamy (July mostly), but that's where a wrap or AC comes in, respectively. And as for sunny skies? We average 209 a year. The wet days? They tend to have only those fleeting, afternoon Southern showers. About snow -- what's that?

8. Weddingmoons?
Have you heard of these? It's the idea that your wedding location is so keen that you're loathe to head out of town and honeymoon elsewhere. Charleston's aforementioned amenities, plus its mix of spoil-me resorts, boutique hotels, B&Bs, beach cottage and town-house rentals and other getaway pads make it a top spot for weddingmoons. If saving on your bottom line while splurging on your honeymoon is a priority, think about staying in the city after you say your I do's; the travel expenses you can pocket and the packages available at many accommodations will do you right and then some.

9. Fashion, Baby!
Maybe you've noticed how Charleston designers keep landing on Project Runway.Charleston Fashion Week each March, as well as its offshoot, the Bridal Couture Runway Show, presented by Charleston Weddings
Why, you ask. Well, it used to be that local fashionistas would have to head to the big cities for top labels and of-the-minute looks, but no more. Thanks to bustling King Street with its scores of chains (from Saks and Brooks Brothers to Urban Outfitters and Cynthia Rowley) and boutiques (like Hampden Clothing, Bob Ellis, LulaKate, M. Dumas & Sons and Billy Reid), Charleston is a style maven's dream town. That means brides, bridal parties, grooms, and mothers and fathers of the couple can find just what they need for wedding attire. Couture gowns, off-the-rack numbers, handmade creations, plus vintage, mod, or custom jewels, and men's attire: It's all here, as preppy, classic, or contemporary as you could wish for. Want to see it on the runway? Check out magazine.

10. Please and Thank You
Charleston was actually honorably retired (with a lifetime-achievement award for good graces) from the Most Mannerly City in America contest because we kept winning first place year after year after year. Tough problem to have. We just can't help opening doors, giving directions, helping strangers with this and that and inviting everyone in, whether in to town, to our gardens, inside for a house tour or who knows what. Really. If you want to surround yourself with quintessential Southern hospitality -- and what better way to kick off a marriage than in play-nice central? -- head this way.

Melissa Bigner is the Editor of Charleston Weddings magazine.
http://www.aisledash.com/2010/05/77/10-reasons-to-get-married-in-charleston-south-carolina/

Wedding Dress Pressing & Preservation

2010-05-25T12:26:00.000-07:00

Exquisite Events by Elyn

Your wedding day is almost here and you have all the arrangements finalized. You have your marriage license, your ceremony site and reception site arrangements all taken care of. You’ve checked with your wedding planner and all the vendors are good to go. You know the décor and catering will be wonderful. You’ve even delivered all the welcome bags to all your out-of-town guests.

The one thing a lot of brides from out of town do NOT think about though is who will be touching up their wedding gown so that the bride looks her very best.

Exquisite Events by Elyn ensures that your wedding gown is pressed, hung and displayed like it should be. This is your special day and you’ve ordered a special gown for the occasion. Why wouldn’t you treat the dress as the most important component of the day? You wouldn’t put your rings in a bag in a closet, would you? Your wedding gown should be handled with the same loving care. You’ll only wear it once and it will be spotlighted in every photograph of you on the day. Let us help you achieve a stress-free day by taking care of your attire for the day.

GOWN PRESSING SERVICE

Gown Pressing starts at $125 and up - Priced on the type of dress (lots of pleats, appliqués, taffeta, etc. costs more).
Veils $25 and up - Fingertip length veils - included in the dress pressing. (Cathedral veils - $50 and up)
Bridal Party Dresses $25 for tea length and $50-$75 for gowns.
Flowergirl Dresses $25 for up to age 8 and thereafter cost the same as adult dresses.

We do NOT press tuxedos or suits. Men's Formal Shirts can be pressed for $12 each.

GOWN CLEANING & PRESERVATION SERVICES

Wedding Gown Cleaning and Preservation made simple.
We pick up, prepare your gown and ship it off for you. Gown is carefully dry cleaned and pressed and shipped directly to your door in a beautifully encased window box $179.95
Celebrity Line Upgrade features Museum quality preservation including a silver preservation chest, unbleached muslin, hand pressing for $229.95
There is no travel fee within the Historic Charleston area. There is a $50 travel fee to go out to Seabrook or Kiawah Island plus the gate fee.

For more information on our pressing services, please contact our representatives at our sister company –
A Charleston Event on 843-494-9501 or email us at info@ACharlestonEvent.com

Wedding Reference Books

2010-05-24T16:00:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite all-time favorite books is the Fantasy Weddings Book by Preston Bailey, Event Designer Extraordinaire.

Printed in 2004, the book still holds a place in our Bridal Library as an inspirational reference to all things fantasy-like when it comes to weddings. The looks that Preston creates is not for the light-at-heart. Each page will grasp your attention as you imagine yourself attending these elaborate affairs. Amazon now has this and many other fine books by Preston Bailey on sale through our Amazon finder. Click the button on our blog to view sale prices now on offer!

Another personal favorite and so very rich with wonderful ideas for weddings is Sasha Souza's fabulous best seller - Signature Sasha, Magnificent Weddings by Design. Each page is documented by outstanding photography and description and holds original and breath-taking ideas. I particularly love the way this book covers REAL weddings. A must for all brides who are looking for bright new ideas for planning their perfect day.

For brides who are thinking about planning a true southern wedding with flare and classic southern charm, Charleston's very own Tara Guerard's Southern Weddings has a glimpse of some of the South's most beautiful properties and Tara's signature style. In true form, the book is full of wonderful ideas, brilliant photography and helpful tips about planning a wedding in true southern fashion. Great sale through Amazon.com on our BLOG. Check it out!

Local Garden Centers

2010-05-24T14:53:00.000-07:00

To date, these are probably the cutest and most effective way of decorating your ceremony site yourself. Wrought iron triple hangers as shown here are a perfect way to mark the alter area for your ceremony. Use flowers that have been pre-made or pretty seasonal hanging baskets and you've got the perfect eye-catching area for your nuptials.

Pulling greenery and flowers from your local floral shops, stores and wholesalers is another way of creating simple arrangements that can be placed around your wedding reception. Place small flowering plants in burlap or fabric wraps to go with your wedding theme and you've got something that will double up as favors and/or gifts as well.

Walking through your DIY stores like Lowes or Home Depot, you're sure to find great ideas in the garden section. Garden Centers and Nurseries are full of wrought ironware, trellises, garden urns and ornaments this time of year. You're also sure to find the most gorgeous flowering plants throughout the seasons. Gardenias, Hydrangeas and Rose Bushes are in full abundance right now and all can be replanted into your own home. I like to think that plants that are used during the wedding, should be planted where you can watch it grow with marriage. When you move, you can take clippings or saplings along with you to each location.

Signature Bouquets

2010-05-24T07:01:00.000-07:00

One of the Signature Design Bouquets by A Charleston Event & Exquisite Events by Elyn
The beautiful and delicate caging around the bouquet can be done in an array of colors. It is a symbol of protection and encompassing the precious bouquet inside, which itself is the symbol of LOVE on the wedding day. Cages come in medium or small varieties, with or without pearls, rhinestone, and can be reused around vases or jars after the wedding as a keepsake that will last for years to come. They also make the perfect keepsake for bridesmaid's gifts.

Contact us for more information on creating your signature bouquet or to purchase the cages yourself.
A Charleston Event 843-494-9501

Infused Cultures

2010-05-24T06:24:00.001-07:00

This was the beautiful backdrop that Sharon and Josh chose for their infused wedding celebrations on May 22. The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island boasts on the prettiest backdrops a couple could ask for. An all-inclusive resort located approximately 35 minutes outside of Historic Charleston, it offers everything from accommodation, restaurants, water sports, tennis and one of the world's leading golf courses. Combine that with the gorgeous seaside view, it is the perfect location for your Special Day!

This beautiful wedding was an infusion of two different cultures. Our lovely couple, Sharon and Josh decided to have a non-denominational wedding but wanted to incorporated some of their Jewish and Persian cultures into the ceremony. A Chuppah was constructed on the Grand Lawn of the Sanctuary and the Persian Table of ceremonial sweets, crystal and sweets was set up just outside the reception site so all the guests could witness the culture while awaiting to enter the reception.

During the ceremony, the couple were both escorted down the aisle by their parents in the traditional Jewish custom. During the ceremony itself, they shared both the Jewish custom of sharing of the Wine and feeding each other honey to sweeten the marriage as in the Persian custom. The ceremony ended in the 'breaking of the glass'.

A simple, yet beautiful seated dinner was held in the Oaks Ballroom where a four course meal was served to all the guests. Just outside of the ballroom, place cards were set in front of tall cylinders that were placed on lit turn-tables. When the place cards were gone, the cylinders held a beautiful display along with the small pedestal votives that were placed on the color coordinated wide runners.
The brides favorite flower was Calla Lilies, so it was no surprise when she had asked us to created something very simple and elegant without a lot of flowers. These clean glass containers were illuminated during the course of the evening, which allowed the 'show' of these regal flowers from the center. Lights dimmed and flowers highlighted.

Watch this space for upcoming professional photographs of this wedding shortly. For any questions regarding infused cultures in weddings, please feel free to contact A Charleston Event on 843-494-9501 or email us at info@acharlestonevent.com

Christy & Chris's Wedding

2010-05-01T18:29:00.000-07:00

We posted some of the photos from our own Christy's wedding back in January. Here are some others that were taken by Heather Forsythe Photography. This was such a wonderful day and brings back such fond memories. Fresh, simple and fun!

Hydrangeas infused with natural wood flowers

This was probably one of my favorite details. The Perfect Pair was reflected through bartlet pears that were covered in caramel and nuts, then packaged just like candied apples. Badges on the packaging had the couple's name and wedding date just below "The Perfect Pair" logo. I even wrote a poem just for my favorite couple.

Caramel Covered Pears were served during the reception & as favors for guests to take home.

A poem for Christy & Chris

Simple Centerpieces

Beautiful Ceremony Site - this is why we LOVE Charleston.

Casual Seating areas

Cocktail Table Arrangements

Bridesmaid's Bouquets

Mom's Bouquets

Romantic Balloons from the Little White Book

2010-04-25T06:54:00.000-07:00

We used to see a lot of balloons in engagement and wedding photos. It started dying off and is now on the rise again. And no wonder...great shots with some wonderful couples. We pulled this off of the Little White Book website/Blog. Check them out at LITTLE WHITE BOOK. Great articles and wonderful photos to go along with them. Clearly becoming one of our favorite blogs.

Visit our site for more links to balloons and more fabulous decor, flowers and tips. CLICK HERE
Also keep in touch with Little White Book on Facebook by going to: LITTLE WHITE BOOK on Facebook

A Charleston Event & Bridal Library

Getaway Vehicle

Boone Hall Cotton Dock

Elizabeth & Matt's Wedding

Sweet Southern Charm

COCKTAILS ANYONE?

Welcone Back

Wedding Hairstyles

Recommended Read for Proper Wedding Etiquette

Wedding Etiquette, 5th Edition

Emily Post's Wedding Etiquette, 5th Edition

Choosing your Bridesmaids

Loved this little chart that I found on the Bridal Tweet BLOG

Pickle: Choosing Your Girls

PRESS RELEASE

Donna & Ken

An Officer & A Gentleman

Your Day, Your Way

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

Christmas Rum Punch

Ingredients

Directions

Tis the Season for Giving Back

Rachel & Jeff October 9

Vintage Style in Modern Times

TLCBN

Wedding / Event Planner Scams

Who pays?

Traditional Guest Books ~vs~ New Ideas

Vintage Style in Modern Times

What to do with your gown after the wedding?

Can I afford a Wedding Planner?

FEATURED COUPLE: Victoria & Talmadge

CharlestonWedding FAM Series - Market Pavilion Hotel

The Art & Scents of the LowCountry by LowCountry Luxe Candles

Wedding Ambience

Rhinebeck 'vs' Charleston

FLORALS + LIGHTING

May Wedding on the Harbor

ETSY does it again

Small Touches

A CHARLESTON EVENT, LLC

Something for HIM

A Charleston Event And Bridal Library – A Charleston Event And Bridal Library in South Carolina – A Charleston Event And Bridal Library Reviews

Dazzling Bouquets

Foot Jewelry

Green and White Palettes

Budget, budget, budget

Plan your wedding in one weekend

Fresh Spring & Summer Colors

Pocket Invitations

Charleston Florals

A CHARLESTON EVENT & Bridal Library Don't forget flowers for your 'meeters & greeters' and Godparents. Let us quote you for an all-inclusive floral package.

Wedding & Specialty Rentals in Charleston

Destination Weddings by Melissa Bigner, Charleston Mag

Wedding Dress Pressing & Preservation

Wedding Reference Books

Local Garden Centers

Signature Bouquets

Infused Cultures

Christy & Chris's Wedding

Romantic Balloons from the Little White Book

A CHARLESTON EVENT & Bridal Library
Don't forget flowers for your 'meeters & greeters' and Godparents. Let us quote you for an all-inclusive floral package.