Style Me Pretty Features ACB!

On Feb. 10, 2011 we we had the honor of being  featured on one of our favorite blogs: Style Me Pretty.

SMP wrote, “Charleston, South Carolina is home to many of THE most romantic weddings that grace the pages of wedding glossies and blogs! Some of the very best come straight from the fabulous and artistic talents of the ladies at A Charleston Bride.”

To summarize, Style Me Pretty basically said that we are the QUEENS of creating romantic weddings to be remembered – and we must admit… its true! 🙂

They also highlighted a beautiful wedding we did in May 2010 for Emily & David.

Check out pictures from their wedding and the nice things SMP had to say about us by clicking here

Bar Adornments- often overlooked, but-oh-so important

During the planning process, we really get to know our brides personally.  We understand their style and priorities which makes for a unique event tailored just for them.   Often times, we struggle getting them what they want within their budget parameters.  When this happens, details get cut.  One of the first items that tend to go, are the bar flower arrangements…..

In the grand scheme of things, I understand that these arrangements seem unimportant.  But besides guest table centerpieces, can you think of another arrangement that guests really notice?  While at the bar waiting for their cocktail, guests are usually alone, quiet and taking it all in.  These small representatives are there saying… “Hey, look at me!  Your hostess really did think of EVERYTHING!!”

~Melissa

the monsoon that was october 2008

The past couple of days, I have spent countless hours revisiting old memories. Thumbing through photo albums, cleaning up computer files, updating the website…. and it’s been an fantastic trip down memory lane. In the midst, I found a few stellar events that took place in the ridiculous rain filled month of October 2008.  .  .  .

Contrary to the rest of the month, the weekend of October 4th- the weather couldn’t have been any more gorgeous. Kim Jarvis & Jimmy Moore wed at the William Aiken House. The Charleston based couple, wined & dined their guests & then danced to reggae beats late into the evening. Jimmy, is actually one of the lead musician’s for the local Reggae Band, Jah Rules, so- his surprise serenade of a love ballad to Kim was  definitely the hit of the evening , mon!

Out at Irvin House Vineyards, a fabulously romantic local vineyard and original home of the ever-so-famous, Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka,  Amy Sams & Blake Lyda tied the knot on October 11, 2008. Now I warn- if you do so happen to choose this hidden gem for an event spot – you MUST do a rain dance! From our experience, as well as advice from others- a good luck wedding day rain shower always seems to be in the forecast over this hideaway on Wadamalaw Island. However, rain or shine-  Amy & Blake had a fabulously, unforgettable event. With rain showers off & on all day- we managed to get through the ceremony, photos & cocktail hour without a single drop. The ceremony took place down by the pond & then guest followed the trail of lanterns to the reception barn which took place on the other end of the property- just south of the vineyard entrance. The reception site was adorned with wild smilax, grapevine & hydrangea blooms throughout the entryway & the rafters. Warm amber lights accented the walls & paired well with the amber votives and rich champagne colored linens.

The very next day, the ACB crew headed further south to Wideawake Plantation- a gorgeous property located along  the banks of the Stono River. Rhea Gray & Chris Avera’s peacock inspired wedding color scheme of teals, bright greens, & shades of purples lent a vibrant feel to the grey & rainy day. Rhea & Chris’ Bluegrass & BBQ afternoon reception proved to be a big hit with their guests. Even with the afternoon shower- guests were still able to enjoy croquet & bocce field games under the quickly tranformed ceremony tent. Guests also grabbed their partner & dosey doed on the dance floor- resting only briefly to sit on the fabric covered hay bails.

Jessica Sweeney & Jarrett Pierce caught a huge break with the weather. Their ceremony was on the back lawn of the Kiawah Island Club’s River Course on October 18. The ceremony overlooked the 18th hole & the marsh of the Kiawah River. Cold & cloudy all day with threats of rainshowers- however just as we prepared to send Jessica down the aisle, the sun came out in the nick of time and created a fabulous sunset on the marsh. The lowcountry marshscape was a constant motif through out the wedding. Save-the-dates, Invitations, Ceremony Programs, Welcome Packets & Wedding Decor all revolved around an organic lowcountry marsh scene. ACB constructed canopied walkways to & from the ceremony site to create a romantic and whimsical atmosphere. Organic bamboo rods were planted in floral boxes with marsh grass, sea oats & cattails & connected every couple of feet with a billowing ivory cotton canopy.  The altar was constructed to match the walkways. This clean, simple altar was elegantly dressed with curly willows, sea oats & cat tails.

The rainy month ended with a bang! Literally. Thunder, lightning, a down-right down-pour. But, this was Friday. 24 hours later at Mary Katherine Harr & Dustin Pfief’s wedding reception- you would have never known that Charleston had seen 8 inches of rain less than 24 hours prior.  After sweeping the stationary water & debris from the dancefloor, ACB transformed the Gibbes Museum courtyard into a truly royal affair. We used deep purple & gold fabrics to decorate the tents & tables. Linen drum shades were hung above the dinner tables- casting a romantic glow on the family style dinner service. Our bench ottomans proved to be a hit- allowing guests a quick spot to rest their feet in between dances!

 So that’s it. . . . the ever-so-fabulous month of October! A quick trip down memory lane to prove that there was certainly no ‘rain’ on these bridal parades!