Click here to see the full image gallery!

From A Charleston Bride … This Florida couple chose Charleston for it’s laid back charm. The Groom is a professional wakeboarder (hence the sign in “board”) while the Bride is in corporate real estate.  She has a very glamorous appeal and loves the finer things in life.  He’s your sweet, fun-loving “surfer dude” who is madly in love with her.  Her love of chandeleirs marked most of the decor along with custom up lighting that completely transformed the ballroom.

Photography: A Bryan Photo / Cinematography: A Bryan Photo / Flowers: A Charleston Bride / Event Design: A Charleston Bride / Event Planning: Melissa Barton, A Charleston Bride / Lighting: Technical Event Company / Ceremony Location: French Huguenot Church / Reception Location: Hibernian Hall / Invitations: Studio R Design / Film Work: Richard Photo

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2011. | Permalink | 18 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: A Bryan Photo, A Charleston Bride, Baby's Breath, Black and White Photography, Chandeliers, Charleston, French Huguenot Church, glamorous, Glamour, Hibernian Hall, South Carolina, Studio R Design, Technical Event Company, Traditional Elegance, Wedding Glamour
Post categories: Little Black Book Blog, Traditional Elegance

Click here for more inspiration in the full wedding gallery!

The hardest decision by far was figuring out where to get married. I grew up primarily between California and Massachusetts, went to school in Colorado and San Francisco, spent a brief year working in Italy, followed by nine years in New York City, which is where I met my husband. He grew up essentially in New Jersey, went to boarding school in Connecticut followed by college in North Carolina, a short stint working in Atlanta, and then on to New York City like me. Our parents currently reside in South Carolina and Florida and our siblings are scattered amongst Illinois, New York, and Connecticut. Our friends are literally spread all over the country, not to mention the ones overseas including my best friend and maid of honor who was living in London at the time. Did I mention that we now live in Los Angeles? There’s not exactly a clear and simple depiction of “home” as you can see.  We threw out a million ideas – everything from returning to New York City, to staying in Southern California, to running away for a destination wedding in Mexico. Big or small, city or country or beach – you name it, we thought about it. It wasn’t until we began looking into some places on the island where my parents live in South Carolina that Charleston began to pop out in our minds. When none of the options on the island seemed fitting to us, we shifted our attention to the city and began looking at possibilities there. I stumbled onto the website for The William Aiken House through some random Google search of Charleston’s historical mansions and knew immediately that was where I wanted to be married. It had the historical presence, the southern charm, the elegant and formal setting. The property took up virtually an entire city block with its gardens and carriage house and high brick walls that provided for seclusion and privacy. Yet the moment the wrought iron gates were opened at the end of the night, our guests could spill out into the hustle and bustle of downtown Charleston’s busy nightlife and be in the center of it all – that we loved! It was perfect. We booked it site unseen.

After that, everything else fell into place pretty easily.  We found our wedding planner, Melissa Barton at A Charleston Bride, who seemed to understand my vision completely and her confidence in that vision made me trust her right off the bat. She turned me onto a photographer named Richard Israel after I spotted a beautiful, black and white image in her office from a past wedding of hers. Being a professional model for more than ten years and working with some of the best photographers from around the world, I had a very specific idea of what I wanted in a wedding photographer. I wanted the wedding to be documented as it actually was happening… No pose-y portraits, no campy setups, no typical wedding cheese! When I found out that Richard had spent some years working in fashion photography in London and also shot traditional film (in addition to digital) I was sold.  We then booked a fantastic band who specialized in Motown tunes and had the full array of brass instruments – an absolute prerequisite for my husband! We secured Jim Smeal for our wedding cake who did not disappoint with a coconut cake that’s to die for! We worked with Fish restaurant on our menu – traditional southern fare with braised short ribs as our entrée and passed hors d’oeuvres that included shrimp n’ grits, baby fried green tomatoes, cheddar cheese biscuits with ham, and oyster shooters.

It being a springtime wedding, I wanted everything to be crisp and fresh and elegant. My chosen colors were green and white, which we carried through on every last detail from the save-the-dates to the thank-you notes. With my flowers being primarily white, we mixed together all different kinds of calla lilies, tulips, roses, hydrangeas, and ranunculus, to create amazing texture in all of the arrangements. We also found green calla lilies for my maid of honor’s bouquet, which I loved. One of my absolute favorite things about The William Aiken House is the arrangement for a seated dinner. Because the old governor’s mansion is restored impeccably to it’s original state, the rooms are all fairly small – even the ballroom – therefore it requires the guests any wedding over a certain size to dine amongst different rooms. Some people might find this to be a bit of an obstacle but I thought it was magnificent. Our 180-some guests wined and dined throughout three different rooms indoors, while my husband and I joined our friends to dine alfresco on the grand, sweeping piazza. Each room was like it’s own intimate dinner party. We did most all of the speeches the night before at the rehearsal dinner, which allowed for a continuous flow and momentum throughout the evening.

All in all, it was spectacular. We even lucked out with those things you can’t control like the weather. Of course we had our minor hiccups, as all weddings do – like my father realizing that he forgot the rings in his pants pocket (back in the hotel room) moments before the ceremony and my poor brother having to run five blocks there and back in his suit to retrieve them – but that’s what makes it memorable! What is most satisfying is seeing your vision and so many months of hard work come together for one big night. When it all does, that’s when you’re able sit back and relax and enjoy what the day is really all about.

Ceremony + Reception Venue: The William Aiken House / Event Coordination, Decor and Floral Design: Melissa Barton of A Charleston Bride / Photographer: Richard Israel / Wedding Cake: Wedding Cakes by Jim Smeal / Save the Dates + Printed Materials: Studio R Design / Entertainment: Voltage Brothers, East Coast Entertainment

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2011. | Permalink | 16 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: A Charleston Bride, Charleston, Richard Israel, South Carolina
Post categories: The Blog, Traditional Elegance

photography courtesy of Julia Elizabeth

From the lovely ladies at A Charleston Bride … This Chicago-based couple chose Emily’s family plantation, Turkey Hill, just outside of Beaufort to set the scene of their big day. Emily & David’s ceremony took place in her families memorial garden just across the lake from the plantation home- which was such a sweet & memorable spot during Emily’s childhood. Emily & David exited their wedding in an old timey, wooden mule cart and literally rode off into the sunset together. Their reception followed under a crystal chandelier clad tent adjacent to the home. Guests enjoyed a fabulous home style Southern supper at sunset. The evening ended with a delicious favor & a fireworks display that left guests talking about this wedding for quite some time. A couple of neat key points:
Cupcakes were boxed as a favor for guests to take with them. They enjoyed this late night sweet on their trolley ride home.
The calligraphed butler cards were displayed on a jute line along a garden wall covered in ivy.
Emily & David surprised all their guests by dancing to the Waltz for their first dance.
Their oh-so-southern supper consisted of Carolina Crab Cakes, Fried Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, Collard Greens ~ and Sweet Tea, of course!

See more of this beautiful day on Juliet Elizabeth’s blog.

Photography: Juliet Elizabeth / Flowers: Jonie LaRosee, A Charleston Bride / Event Planning & Design: Melissa Barton, A Charleston Bride / Venue: Turkey Hill Plantation, Beaufort SC Invitations: Studio-R Design / Bridesmaids Dresses: Coren Moore

A Charleston Bride’s blog is filled to overflowing with design ideas, planning advice and decor details that might just be the inspiration that you’re looking for! Here are just a few examples …

Bee Inspired  ~ A Bee Themed Wedding

Think Outside The Birdcage!

Welcome to Welcome Bags

Some of their terrific floral creations!

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2011. | Permalink | 13 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: A Charleston Bride, Beaufort, Charleston, Juliet Elizabeth, Pink, South Carolina, Studio R Designs, Turkey Hill
Post categories: Casual Elegance, Little Black Book Blog, Wedding Planners & Designers

I can’t tell you how much we love these sweet moments that Richard captured …

And … I can’t tell you how much we love this place!

Christy and  Rodney were married at the historic William Aiken house.

(We featured Alice & Jeff’s wedding here a few weeks ago and each time we see it, we fall in love with the venue all over again!)

When asked why they chose to marry at this particular spot, Christy said,“Charleston is only 3 hours from Charlotte and offers great restaurants, shopping and the beach—our perfect getaway spot. We wanted to share this city with our friends and family and make a weekend of our special day! We evaluated many places but agreed that the William Aiken House was exactly what we wanted.”

more from Christy …

Modern Vintage/Glam sort of evolved—I never had a planned vision leading up to the process—I was actually very unprepared for once in my life! I’ve always loved mixing modern and vintage—I fell in love with damask early in the process and wanted to incorporate my favorite color yellow (which, to me, is very modern). When talking about it with the wedding planner, she suggested an invitation that really set the stage. It was perfect—yellow damask border with a pewter modern font and letterpressed! I also really wanted to incorporate vintage/glam elements such as mercury glass and brooches. The vintage brooches were an important theme of the wedding —on the bouquet wrap, chair ties, bridesmaid’s necklaces, and **mother’s corsages.

**note from the editor (Abby’s mom) … I’ve seen 3 daughters walk down the aisle and I have to say that I personally don’t love corsages. BUT ~ this corsage ~ I DO LOVE!

Aren’t the pewter gowns and pearl necklaces gorgeous?

Jewelry for the ladies?  Gray pearl necklaces with vintage brooches—necklaces designed with each girl in mind by Designs by Krissy (brooches selected by Christy). LOVE ‘em!

The fantastic team of wedding designers and coordinators at A Charleston Bride outdid themselves for Christy & Rodney’s wedding! You can read more about Melissa, Carrie, Leigh and Jonie on their website. A Charleston Bride does all floral design in-house (sooooo beautiful, Jonie!).

Christy told us, “My bouquet was all white  blooms—white tulips, calla lilies and sweet peas. The tulips and callas tied into the wedding décor—sweet peas were added since that was my dad’s pet name for me when I was growing up!”

Not to leave Rodney out of the story, here is a bit from him about the proposal …

I was nervous because I wanted it to be perfect. I knew she was the one for me, so I was also excited to move into the next phase of our lives. I told Christy that we really needed a getaway weekend, but it was not the weekend I would propose, and she took me at 100% face value. We went to a great resort in Georgia with a great spa. After her spa treatment, she was so relaxed that she suggested not even going to dinner and just having room service and champagne out on our balcony. I had arranged for a private dinner out by the lake – some of the tables were less intimate but I arranged for the most private—we were literally surrounded by woods on the lake. In the end, the evening turned out perfectly.

Something old: vintage brooch from grandmother
Something new: attire
Something borrowed: diamond necklace
Something blue: Christian Louboutin heels in sapphire
Sixpence in shoe: doublesided tape concealed the six-pence in the bow of the shoe!
Attire: Hayden Olivia Bridal, Priscilla of Boston
Accessories: Custom clutch by Up Style (*on etsy), Russian tulle cage veil by Kristina Eaton

SO LOVELY! Congratulations Christy and Rodney!

Thanks to Richard Israel for sharing your awesome images and to A Charleston Bride for another great wedding!!

Christy’s dress is from one of our newest Little Black Book members, Hayden Olivia Bridal in Charlotte NC. They have all sorts of great “gown guidance” and wedding trend tips on their blog (girl talk) … and a schedule of their fall trunk shows lined up for Modern Trousseau, Kenneth Pool, and Christos to name just a few.

You can also browse through these wedding dress designers’ newest collections on Style Me Pretty’s Look Book (links above).

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 27 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: A Charleston Bride, Birdcage Veil, Brooches, Charleston, Christian Louboutin, Designs by Krissy, Hayden Olivia Bridal, Look Book, Priscilla of Boston, Richard Israel, South Carolina, Upstyle, William Aiken House
Post categories: Casual Elegance, Little Black Book Blog, Real Weddings, Vintage Chic, Wedding Photography, Wedding Planners & Designers

Cake by Baked Charleston, Photography courtesy of Karyn Iserman

From the bride…

Plain and simple, it was hands down one of the best celebrations I’ve ever experienced. No one remembers the rain, just the great time and delicious food they had. I constantly hear how sincere and special our ceremony was and how amazing the party was afterwards. Family members on both sides of our families are in awe of Carrie at A Charleston Bride … both she and Leigh are the sweetest, kindest, and style savvy coordinators. I am forever grateful for the help in creating a flawless wedding weekend!

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 12 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: A Charleston Bride, Amy Kuschel, Baked Charleston, Charleston, Karyn Iserman, Lela Rose, South Carolina, Wickliffe House
Post categories: Traditional Elegance, Wedding Planners & Designers

photography courtesy of Karyn Iserman

From Carrie…the beautiful bride!

I loved the surprises Carrie and Leigh at A Charleston Bride created. They both could not have done a better job listening to my ideas and making them reality. Carrie introduced me to a fabulous print by Snow and Graham and we ran with it. My best friend and graphic designer, Lauren Richie, did the most incredible job branding our wedding. She created timeless and unique styles to incorporate the printed pattern that we built our theme around.

photography courtesy of Karyn Iserman

The blackberry print appeared in the lining of our invitations which were hand lined by my sister, Angie and I  – and which was carried throughout my printed materials up to my thank you notes and menus. Carrie and Leigh carried out the print by wrapping votives, pillars, and boxes with the printed paper.

I loved the split peas in the jars too…such a fun colorful touch that I noticed when I got my pictures back from the wedding. I loved how inside the Wickliffe House the ACB gals had a very vintage theme, which was carried out in every detail. Outside the 1800’s home was a chic modern lounge – a perfect juxtaposition to our vintage interior. Finally, I LOVED the white umbrellas especially in my photographs.

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 17 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: A Charleston Bride, Charleston, Karyn Iserman, Snow and Graham, South Carolina, Wickliffe House
Post categories: Traditional Elegance, Wedding Planners & Designers

photography courtesy of Karyn Iserman

From the bride, Carrie…

Our color palette was very classic and timeless: black, various shades of green, cream, and silver. As for bridesmaids, I wanted them to look just as fabulous as me and not cookie-cutter. I searched for an interesting designer black dress for my maids for months, but unfortunately I was looking in the wrong season. I ended up finding Jenny Yoo’s bridesmaids collection at The Gown Boutique of Charleston and fell in love with the versatility in the styles and was in love with the fabric. I took my sister and my two best friends to try them on (all with different body types) and they all looked fabulous – SOLD! I had Heather Key Tiller from Filigree custom design necklaces for each attendant. Heather used vintage chains and belts and attached beautiful crystals at the end. Each necklace unique and versatile- I LOVED THEM. I also gave each of my girls a vintage hankie to tote with them down the aisle.

All of the men wore a tux from Jos. A. Bank including my precious nephew who was our ring bearer, but Charlie decided they should all wear a vintage skinny black tie with the exception of himself in a traditional bow-tie.

My dress was a gorgeous silk gown by Amy Kuschel which I purchased at The Gown Boutique of Charleston. I loved my dress – it felt like butter on and gave me an awesome hour-glass shape. Very vintage-chic. I wore a birdcage veil and vintage crystal earrings, bracelets and a borrowed diamond band from my mother. I had fabulous silver Delman peep tow sling backs…LOVE them. I changed into a Lela Rose short shift dress that had embroidered silver circles in the fabric…LOVE LOVE.

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 25 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: A Charleston Bride, Amy Kuschel, Birdcage Veil, Charleston, Color Palette Black White Green, Jenny Yoo, Karyn Iserman, Lela Rose, South Carolina, The Gown Boutique of Charleston, Vintage, Wickliffe House
Post categories: Traditional Elegance, Wedding Planners & Designers

With that said, it was one of the easiest weddings in the world to feature because it is so, SO lovely.

photography courtesy of Karyn Iserman

The event was held in Charleston, SC and was designed by one of our favorite event groups, A Charleston Bride. We got some notes from Carrie about her big day through a questionnaire that her AMAZING wedding coordinators/designers, Carrie & Leigh (who we adore here on SMP) had her fill out…

Even though we shared the same hometown of Chattanooga, Tennessee our relationship began in Charleston. While we would have had a ball with all of our friends and family in Tennessee, we wanted to keep the focus on us as a couple first and foremost. Also, Charleston is so incredibly beautiful and an ideal spot for a wedding. We knew our friends and family would have no problem taking a trip to Charleston to do some celebrating.

I was the queen of inspiration-in a bad way! Although exhausting, I had so much fun exploring all the different styles I could go with in regards to my wedding. There were some standout weddings based in California featured on SMP that ultimately inspired my direction for my own wedding. The overall theme was modern-vintage. I wanted a mix of old and new, with a twist.

We have a TON of gorgeousness on the way from Carrie’s Big Day. In the meantime, I just want to give her a HUGE e-hug and let her know that all of us at SMP love that she is on our team and that we all wish her a very happy day.

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 23 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: A Charleston Bride, Amy Kuschel, Birdcage Veil, Carrie, Charleston, Delman, J. Crew Crewcuts, Karyn Iserman, South Carolina, Wedding Bouquet, Wickliffe House
Post categories: Traditional Elegance, Wedding Planners & Designers