Rachel & Jeff October 9

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

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

Wedding Ambience

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.

Wedding & Specialty Rentals in Charleston

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

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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

Featured Beach Wedding in Charleston

Amanda & Steve's wedding was sheer magic. It was held on September 13, 2009 at Folly Beach and the reception was held at Charleston Harbor Resort. They had the best of both worlds as they tied the knot on a secluded part of Folly and danced the night away with their out-of-state guests on the deck overlooking the Charleston Harbor with the beautiful Arthur Ravenel Bridge in the background.

Amanda carried a bouquet of crimson dendrobium and orange mokara orchids while the groom had a boutonniere that was made out of a star fish and mokara orchid to match his bride's bouquet. The bridal party each carried a single bird of paradise with tiny star fish tied into the handles and large cylinders with floral pieces submerged in water surrounded swimming gold fish that were later brought to a new permanent home with a staff member.

Great food, wonderful atmosphere and fun entertainment provided guests with a true beach side experience of Charleston SC. The best part of the evening was watching the couple cut the magnificant cakes provided by Artistic Cakes by Linda. All components were edible.

Here is a run-down of the vendors:
Site and Catering - Charleston Harbor Resort Photography - Photography by Terry Inc Wedding Cake - Artistic Cakes by Linda Ceremony Entertainment - Pantasia Reception Entertainment - Lee Edwards Entertainment Florals, Decor & Rentals - A Charleston Event & Snyder Event Rentals Limo Transportation - A Charleston Wedding

BOOKING YOUR BEACH WEDDING IN CHARLESTON

2010 is approaching fast and along with it, the dream of holding a Beach Wedding in Charleston. Charleston is an ideal city to host beach wedding mainly due to our wonderful weather and scenic beaches and while we always encourage you to have a rain backup (just in case), the city is still one of America's favorites for barefoot weddings.

Things to consider if you'd like to have a beach wedding in Charleston:

• Area to host your wedding - A lot of beaches no longer allow organized weddings on the beach in the area. If you are planning on using A Charleston Event to help you plan your wedding, we will advise you on which beaches and areas still allow this.
• Proximity to hotels for guests - Make sure your guests are able to provide their own transportation to your ceremony and back (especially important for destination weddings). Providing lists of hotel accommodations close by is suggested ahead of time.
• There are NO tents allowed on the beach. I often hear a lot of requests for erecting a tent so that the reception can also be held on the beach. This is not allowed in Charleston. There are enough properties that are beach front that will allow for receptions overlooking the water.
  
• Beach access for evening weddings - Most parks and public beach access closes at 6pm. As long as you have an organized permit, you can still hold your wedding. Your planner will organize all this for you.
  
• Decor - Our beaches are so beautiful in Charleston and honestly, the minimum requirements are needed. You can put up an arch, trellis, chuppah or other ceremony decor. Chair rentals will be dropped off at the actual beach entrance. Unless you have a planner, the rental companies do NOT put the chairs up on the beach and it is your responsibility to take them off the beach after the ceremony.
• Sunset weddings - Every bride thinks she may want a sunset wedding until she realizes that this may be a photographer's nightmare. Most of our weddings take place 'right before sunset'. We check the times of the sunsets for your wedding day and plan accordingly. This allows for enough natural light for the ceremony itself and then time for more intimate photos with the two of you while the sun is setting. Its all about timing and I promise you, you'll thank us later on when you see the photos.
  
• Veils and materials on arches - Even in the most beautiful weather, there is always at least a mild breeze blowing on the beaches. Be mindful of this when choosing your veil. A long cathedral veil is not something you want to be worried about during a beach wedding. I've seen many a veils blow off during weddings. I've also seen many of arches blow down because people have loaded it up with tons of tulle (which catches the wind). If you are going to have decor, please consider professionals to do what they do best...decorate with safety and satisfaction in mind.
• The most important factor to keep in mind when hosting a beach wedding is to keep it simple and relaxed. Bring in the elements of the surroundings and let nature be your guide. Have fun and happy planning!

Photos courtesy of Photography By Terry Inc

Spice up your Wedding Votives

I absolutely LOVE these tea light embellishments that we bought in February while hunting for some new and trendy ideas for something different. Not only are they beautiful, but they add style and that little bit of extra 'detail' to any event, especially weddings. The jeweled beading around the tea lights themselves are easy enough for 'DIY Brides' wanting to save some money. So, go ahead, get your girls together, grab yourselves some glue guns, pour some wine and make an evening out of creating your own little works of art. Best of all...these can be given to all your guests as wedding favors. Guaranteed to be a big hit....something that WILL be used after the wedding celebrations are over.

It's all about the Details

Photo Courtesy of Richard Bell Photography

So you've ordered the bouquets and centerpieces for your wedding celebrations. You've even though about the small arrangements in the restrooms, but what about the other areas that are sometimes forgotten? Here's some tips to think about when planning your special day...

Instead of the usual guest placecards, consider planning a theme such as a lowcountry themed wedding, complete with these adorable sweetgrass flowers above. Sweetgrass weaving is not only an artform, it is a rich cultural tradition in Charleston and the Lowcountry.

Thinks like mantle pieces are often overlooked. Placing the simplest of decor and candle light can make a big difference.
If having a seated dinner, think about printing up menus ahead of time. Some catering companies will do this for you at no extra charge. Adding a small color coordinated ribbon around the napkin brings out your colors even more.
Linens come in a huge variety of prints and colors now. Instead of just having a solid color linen, think about a solid underlay and placing a printed overlay. For a more dramtic look, pull the linens up and hang embellishments from them.

For the Bride & Groom, Bridal Party and Mothers, Grandmothers seating markers, Tussie Mussies are adorable and can be used after the wedding as keepsakes. They are not only affordable, but look gorgeous when hung off the backs of chairs as shown in the photo below.