Archive for February, 2009

Feeling Blue

Tuesday, February 24th, 2009

If you have grown up in Charleston or even lived in Charleston for more than a few years, it’s pretty much a guarantee that you have been to a wedding or event at Hibernian Society Hall. It’s a Charleston institution! And while the proportions are grand and the space classic, it’s always a challenge to make the space unique for each bride.

I loved what this bride’s mother said to me when she described what she wanted to see from the decor: “I want every guest to say, ‘She really outdid herself on this one!’”

The Hibernian kept glowing brighter and brighter as the night went on- it set the mood for a fun party inside!

PDA did our lighting again, this time with custom gate and scroll patterns on the ceilings verses on the floors, where patterns are typically seen.

Manzanita branches cast dramatic shadows…

Thousands of crystals picked up the candlelight and gave depth…

The cake (by Rococo) was the room’s centerpiece, situated under the central “gold” chandelier that was made silver with blue lighting…

A sweet hydrangea and ranunculus cocktail table piece in antiqued mercury glass…

Fugi and Football mums added a little life and whimsy to the centerpieces…

Tara, we loved working with you and wish you the best!

Embracing PINK

Tuesday, February 17th, 2009

I have to admit that I am starting really embrace this look– I have always been slightly anti-pink and shyed away from anything too precious, but how can anyone not be romanced a rose topiary in a hand-made ceramic container hugged by pale pink crystal cut votives?

Let them eat cake

Monday, February 16th, 2009

I mean, this cake is stunning enough as is- how could you not love that petite sugared fruit and earthy Indonesian wood stand??!!

But when you frame it with a ring of orchids, it becomes the stunning centerpiece of the wedding (The best part: the chandelier originally was developed to hide the brass chandeliers that did not coordinate with her theme).

There’s something about live flowers, huh?

Best wishes to Elizabeth and Richie- congrats on your new marriage and WED wishes you the best!

Pepper Plantation

Monday, February 9th, 2009

This past weekend the weather turned warm just in time for our wedding at Charleston’s most gorgeous new event venue, Pepper Plantation:

The exposed beams, concrete floors and huge mantles screamed “Ralph Lauren” to me- it was an understated kind of chic:

   

The bride loved an eggplant and green dot overlay we had and really was drawn to the purples… we used various shades from aubergine to smoky lavendar and accented with rich wood tones to highlight the barn-inspired Pavilion.

LOVE these linens– they didn’t compete with the casual-ness of the space yet somehow dressed it up…

The “dot” theme came down even to the vases on the cocktail tables…

And all the printed materials

And the cake was stunning, designed by Jim Smeal.

Everyone flocked to the tent out back- here’s to 70-degree weather in February- cheers!

Southern Hospitality

Wednesday, February 4th, 2009

I just love what we gave guests when they came in for Barb and Jeff’s wedding- instead of filling bags with bottled water and gum no one would ever use, we treated everyone to a DIY cocktail, Jeff’s favorite- absolut on the rocks with a splash of tomato juice and lime. Happy Hour is calling!