Andra + Chad {Texas Engagement}

Yesterday, my sister Emma called me to tell her boyfriend had finally proposed!  Yay! I'm so excited and happy for them.  Being engaged is such a fun, memorable time and I, personally, can't wait for the wedding planning to begin :)  So, now all I have to do is plan a trip out to Houston to see that shiny, new rock!  Congrats, you two!

Since the newly engaged couple resides in Texas, I thought what better way to kick off the week then with a vintage-inspired engagement session from one of my favorite Texas photographers, Love Caryn Photography.  This darling couple wanted their quirky, off-beat style to shine through and with the help of Love Caryn Photography, they were able to achieved some stunningly beautiful images.  

Oh, and make sure to check out their adorable video...

 

Jillian + Tim {California Wedding}

Happy Friday everyone!  Can you believe next week is February?!?  2012 is already flying by!  We've got a lot in store for you next month like...a brand spanking new blog, we'll be introducing new weekly features, a monthly update of all the fabulous wedding events taking place in Charleston hopefully a new intern (or two!), and, of course, more amazing weddings from the Lowcountry and beyond!

I figured we could wrap up the week with a lively California wedding.  The weather has been far from normal this winter and  I won't lie, it's already got me daydreaming of an early summer.  Jillian + Tim's vibrant outdoor affair from Rochelle Mort Photography just puts me in summer mindset.  With the help of Sweet Memories Flowers , Jillian and her maids rocked a jazzy yellow and grey color palette accessorized with bouquets full of billy balls, dahlias and succulents.  The ladies wore dresses from Charleston based designer Lula Kate in a spunky shade of mustard.  After a beautiful ceremony, the celebration continued at the home of the bride's parents where guests were treated to 'Boomerang' cocktails (which sound fabulous) by the pool.  Perfectly executed by the team at Soiree Event Designs & Couture Floral, a stunning tented reception followed with an amazing amount of details...including an over-the-top band and a late night taco station!

Vendors

Photographer: Rochelle Mort Photography  /  Event Designer: Soiree Event Designs & Couture Florals  /   Bridesmaids Dresses: Lula Kate  /  Floral Designer: Sweet Memories Flowers  /  Rentals: Classic Party Rentals, Town and Country Party Rentals

Jacque {Inn at Palmetto Bluff Bridals}

I've said it before, but one of my biggest wedding regrets is not having bridal portraits taken.  It's just so necessary.  You get one good run thru of how you're going to look the day of.  You can test out your hair, your shoes and get a feel for your photographer.  It also gives you the time to capture some really beautiful (and frame-able) images and will free up precious wedding day minutes.  So, when my baby sister gets engaged one of these days, girlfriend's getting bridal portraits taken whether she likes it or not 

(Sorry, Emma, but it's happening!).

Jacque teamed up with destination wedding photographer, Kristin Vanzant for a gorgeous coastal bridal session at one of the Lowcountry's most stunning venues, The Inn at Palmetto Bluff.  The Inn's located in Bluffton, South Carolina which is just south of Charleston and right outside of Hilton Head Island and Savannah...and it is a sight!  It's the definition of the word 'Lowcountry' and is the perfect retreat for a destination bride looking for joyous weekend long wedding celebration.  On this low-key day in March, darling bride-to-be Jacque and Kristin Vanzant toured the expansive property from the tides to the Waterside Chapel for a timeless afternoon of photographs.

Kristen + Jonathan {Hawkesdene House Wedding}

Before we jump right in today fabulous Southern affair, we had to tell you about a new resource for all things travel in Charleston.  Our friends over at the uber-luxurious Charleston Place Hotel have started up a new blog, Hidden Charleston.  Whether you're a lifetime local or Lowcountry newbie, this is your guide to the most talked about dining establishments, favorite watering holes, one-of-a-kind events and all the historic hotspots.

Normally, I like to write a little somethin' somethin' about the weddings that we post but  I just love what Louisiana photographer Claire Elyse had to say about Kristen + Jonathan's destination wedding that I thought I'd let her share today.  So, from Miss Claire Elyse herself...

"Kristen and Jonathan’s wedding was one of those where I found myself counting down the days ‘til show time! It may have been because the wedding took place in the mountains of North Carolina, or perhaps because the bride and groom brought all the best of Louisiana to meet those mountains. It was all that and more. The details of this wedding were stunning, and even the vendors were the perfect mix of fun-loving South Louisiana meets breath taking North Carolina mountain highs. Jonathan proposed to Kristen in Andrews, North Carolina, so it was only appropriate to pack up the dress, cake, family, and bar and make a vacation out of it. The Hawkesdene House was one of my favorite venues to work with. The owners matched elegance with comfort. From the flowers, to one of Zoe’s Bakery’s masterpieces, to Abita Blues playing the requests of the bride and groom mixed with their own style. Kristen dreamt an amazing day into reality."

 

Vendors

Photographer: Claire Elyse Photography  /   Venue: Hawkesdene House  /   Floral Designer: An English Garden  /   Hair Stylist: Barbers and Bombshells  /  Dress Store: Southern Bridal  /   Band: Abita Blues Band  /  Cake Designer: Zoe's Bakery 

Stripes {Wedding Decor}

We've been loving how many brides have incorporated stripes into their wedding color palettes.  Stripes are the perfect preppy and coastal addition to any girl's wedding decor...and let's face it, we love all things coastal and preppy here in Charleston.  We've rounded up quite a few of our favorite ways to incorporate some stripped accessories into your Lowcountry Big Day!  They range from linens and invitations to bridesmaids dresses and favors...

Image by Brooke Images via Southern Weddings

Image by Jesse Leake via Style Me Pretty

Image via Once Wed Photography by Erin Hearts Court
Event Design and Flowers by La Partie Events

 

Image via Rifle Paper Co.

 

Image by Kellie Kano Photography via Style Me Pretty

Image by Anne Marie Photography via Style Me Pretty

Image via Coco + Kelley
 
Image via Martha Stewart Weddings and Ocean House Weddings

Image by Agnes Lopez via Style Me Pretty

Image by Jose Villa via Southern Weddings

 

Images by One and Only Paris Photography via Style Me Pretty

Image by Genevive McKeiver via Style Me Pretty

Image via M. Robin Cakes

Image via Southern Weddings and Matchbook

Image via Anne Robert Photography