That delish cake comes from Ashley Bakery.

While living in San Diego, Eric and I were introduced through mutual friends.  From the moment we met, our lives together where filled with love and laughter.  Our love grew from having a deep appreciation for one another, making the small moments matter, and filling our lives with wonderful family and friends.

After dating for a little over a year and half, Eric asked me to be his wife in front of our families on Thanksgiving Day 2009. This also happened to be the 73rd wedding anniversary of my Grandparents.

Eric and I wanted an intimate setting in a unique location that was still reasonably accessible for our family and friends, whom were disbursed throughout the country.   We both loved the Southern hospitality, architecture, cuisine and splendor of the historic town of Charleston, SC.  We set out to find the perfect venue and after visiting numerous locations we discovered Boone Hall Plantation.

Boone Hall immediately drew us in with its breathtaking setting and it’s versatile landscape.  The plantation house would serve as a remarkably romantic site for our ceremony, and the cotton dock was a blank canvas that allowed us to create our ideal reception setting.  Eric and I loved the huge fireplace and the dock that was nestled in the marsh that captured the beautiful southern sunset.  Boone Hall’s world famous Avenue of Oaks became our inspiration for the day.  The symbol of the strong oaks growing together to create a beautiful canopy resonated with us as we were now merging our lives together as husband and wife.

On a beautiful October evening, Eric and I were married in the presence of 100 family and friends.  We wrote our entire ceremony including our vows.  We were both nervous we would forget or lose them if written down so we had our officiant read our vows, and we repeated after him, which helped settle our nerves a bit.  The words we spoke to one another that day will serve as my favorite memory of our whole wedding weekend. Following the ceremony, our guests were invited to tour the plantation home and join the cocktail hour that was hosted in the back gardens of the property.

I wore an ivory, open back Jim Hjelm lace gown that I loved from the second I laid eyes on it.  I will never forget walking from behind the estate gates down the pathway, which was created from packed sand, to the front of the plantation home with my father.  I recall telling him that he may have to carry me when we got to the midway point, as I was attempting not to fall as my heels sunk into the sand.  Of course my Dad just held me tighter and helped to support me as he always has.   My bridesmaids, also in Jim Hjelm, wore navy blue dresses in various styles.  Eric wore a Hugo Boss tux and a custom made shirt with his initials from J. Hilburn.

I really wanted a clean color palette of mostly white flowers with touches of green.  I believe simplicity yields elegance. Lisa Thomas, from Out of Hand, helped create our vision by designing amazing bouquets, boutonnières, and centerpieces featuring white garden roses, succulents, white and antique green hydrangea, ivory ranunculus, lambs ear, green hypericum berries, curly willow and fern curls.  The bridesmaids’ bouquets were re-used at the reception. and displayed them in cylinders on a bookcase set behind the bar that was created from an old country store counter.  I wrapped my Mom’s handkerchief from her Godfather adorned with my Grandmother’s antique cameo broach around the base of my bouquet.  I also placed initialed pins on the back of my bouquet in remembrance of both of my Grandfathers.

Maureen Anders of Anders Ruff provided one of my favorite elements of the wedding.  Maureen created and designed the save the dates, invites, programs, escort cards, table numbers, menus, and welcome bag materials.  These items featured the picturesque oak tree with our monogram.  She was truly a joy to work with.  At the cocktail hour, the escort cards were hung from mini trees made from Manzanita branches and displayed on an antique table.  Mason jars with orange (Eric’s favorite color) ranunculus were displayed on high top tables throughout the back lawn.  Guests were served passed appetizers of bacon wrapped shrimp stuffed with chipotle cheese, assorted brushetta, stuffed mushrooms, and garlic seared tenderloin on crostini.

Following cocktail hour, guests were escorted to the cotton dock for the reception.  Designing the décor for the cotton dock was one of my number one priorities when planning our big day.  Enter Jerri Heater from Ohh Events.  Jerri was our Wedding Planner who aided in transforming the cotton dock into a romantic setting brimming with Southern elegance and rustic details.  Large wrought iron lanterns glowing with candlelight, hung over the tables.  The tables were set up family style allowing for an intimate meal of southern fare from Cru Catering.  The meal consisted of crab cakes, shrimp n’ grits, mac and cheese and pulled pork sliders which were prepared with a gourmet twist.  The other main elements of the décor included vintage crystal chandeliers that ran down the center of the dance floor. An additional chandelier shimmered in the center of the outside dock.  Wooden lanterns, suspended around the perimeter of the dock, created the mood for a comfy lounge area of leather couches.  The couches were flanked with custom pillows made by my Mom and embroidered with our monogram.  This area provided a relaxing environment for our guests to kick back and enjoy a hand rolled cigar while taking in the magnificent view.

Our wedding cake was designed by Ashley Bakery and featured a large oak that mimicked those of the historic entrance to Boone Hall.  The cake was created with alternating red velvet and marble flavored tiers.  Surrounding the cake were bourbon pecan pies that were placed on cut tree logs in lieu of a grooms’ cake.  Guests were served late night passed grilled cheese sandwiches to fuel their energy as they danced the night away to live music performed by Super Deluxe.

Photography for us, like most couples, was one of the most important elements of the day.  Jerri introduced us to the work of Virgil Bruno from CVI Photography. Eric and I agreed to bring him on board to capture our day.  I am not a very emotional person.  When I started to tear-up when viewing his work and I didn’t even know the couples, I knew he was special.  Virgil truly documented the wedding as it was happening and captured the raw emotion, while straying from the overdone posed shots.  Virgil was always one step ahead and guided us throughout the day.  Our pictures are a continual reminder of the wonderful and genuine moments that Virgil warmly captured through his lens.

On our most momentous and incredibly special day, Eric and I feel blessed to have been surrounded by family and friends.

Venue: Boone Hall Plantation / Wedding Planning, Décor and Lighting: Jerri Heater, Ohh Events / Photography: Virgil Bunao CVI Photography / Floral: Lisa Thomas, Out of Hand / Catering: Cru Catering / Band: Super Deluxe / Paper Products: Maureen Anders, Anders Ruff / Cinematography: Silva’s Photo and Video / Cake: Ashley Bakery / Officiant: Rev. Dr. Holt Clarke / Ceremony and Cocktail Entertainment:  The Carolina Trio / Makeup and Hair: Beauty Mastery by Design / Transportation: A Charleston Wedding / Bride’s Attire:  Jim Hjelm / Groom’s Attire: Hugo Boss and  J. Hilburn / Bridesmaids Attire: Jim Hjelm / Bride’s Ring: Custom, J. Lewis Jewelry / Groom’s Ring: David Yurman / Cigar Roller: Coastal Cigars / Film Work: Richard Photo

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Post tags: A Charleston Wedding, Anders Ruff, Ashley Bakery, Barn Wedding, Beauty Mastery by Design, Boone Hall Plantation, Chandeliers, Coastal Cigars, Color Palette Green White Brown, Cru Catering, David Yurman, Flower girls, Hugo Boss, J. Helburn, J. Lewis Jewelry, Jim Hjelm, Lounge, Ooh Events, Out of Hand, Outdoor Ceremony, Plantation Wedding, Rev. Dr. Hold Clarke, Silva's Photo, South Carolina, Summer Wedding, Super Deluxe, The Carolina Trio, Traditional Elegance, Virgil Bunao, Wedding Cakes, Wedding Photography, Wedding Planners & Designers
Post categories: Little Black Book Blog, Traditional Elegance

Click here to see the entire gallery of images!

From Open House…When I first met Haley she definitely had a vision for what she wanted her wedding to look like.  We had magazine cut outs full of beautiful pinks and lavish greens.  She was inspired and it was our mission to turn her inspirations into the wedding of her dreams.  We started the theme with beautiful Crane invitations from Open House in a pale pink folder with celery ink.  The invitations definitely set the tone of what was to come.  The programs were an extension of the pink and ivory when they were printed and tied with beautiful green ribbon on sweet grass fans to keep the guests cool during the ceremony. Haley and her bridesmaids were pictures of grace, elegance and southern charm.  The bride wore a White Exclusive gown in diamond white silk shantung.  The strapless sweetheart fitted gown had ruching throughout.  Her girls sauntered down the plush green grass in a Yoyo design in light pink dupioni silk with a lime colored sash accented the waist.  The groomsmen, all southern gentleman of course, sported tan suits with the simple touch of green in their boutonnieres of green hypericum berries and ivory freesia from Out of Hand.  All of the flowers were lush and full of the bride’s favorite colors….Antique hydrangea, white and pale pink peonies, verbenas, ivory freesia and green hypericum berries.

During the ceremony the aisles on the lush rolling hills at the butterfly lakes of Middleton place were marked with mason jars hung on lantern hooks filled with beautiful seated eucalyptus, pink peonies and tied with pale green ribbon! Middleton Place was the perfect venue to make use of the beautiful green grass, Spanish moss from the trees and blooming flowers.  We took advantage of the environment adding only tables and some hanging lanterns from Out of Hand for the outdoor cocktail hour where we serving what else, pink lemonade cocktails from Duvall Catering.

Then Southern theme flowed into the reception with a mashed potato bar and shrimp and grits.  The cake from Ashley Bakery completed the night as a stack of pink and green gifts you almost didn’t want to unwrap.  It was stunning. As the guests bid the bride and groom farewell streamers of ribbon in all shades of pinks, greens and ivory’s waved in the wind.  A beautiful end to a fairy tale wedding.

Wedding Gown + Bridesmaid Dresses: White / Bride’s Shoes: Badgley Mischka / Groom + Groomsmen Suits: JoS A. Bank / Groomsmen Ties: The Tie Bar / Catering: Duvall Catering and Events / Wedding Cake: Ashley Bakery / Floral + Decor: Out of Hand / Rentals: Snyder + Ooh! Events / Wedding Stationery: Open House / Wedding Coordinator: Melissa Mills of Open House / Band:  N’Tranze / Ceremony Musicians: Charleston Flutist, LLC / Bridal Party Hair + Make-Up: Stella Nova / Wedding Photography: Virgil Bunao / Venue: Middleton Place / Film Work: Richard Photo

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2011. | Permalink | 14 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Ashley Bakery, Badgley Mischka, Charleston, Charleston Flutist LLC, Duvall Catering and Events, Jos A Bank, Middleton Place, N'Tranze, Ooh Events, Out of Hand, Snyder, South Carolina, Stella Nova, The Tie Bar, Virgil Bunao, White
Post categories: The Blog, Traditional Elegance

{you can find the FULL wedding in the gallery}

Steve and I wanted to create a cozy and fun evening for our guests, while keeping things simple and romantic. The oak trees, and the Cotton Dock’s water view and fireplace were what sold us on Boone Hall. Having s’mores by the fire was something Steve & I really wanted to have at the reception, and loved seeing all the kids (and even some grown ups!) enjoying them. I also love all things historic and vintage, so I was able to incorporate some elements into the design – vintage postcards of Boone Hall for the save-the-date; my collection of historic bottles, which Lisa created beautiful floral arrangements for; milk glass cake stands for the pie table; and a galvanized bucket of old fashioned sodas for guests to enjoy before the ceremony. Despite the the chilly temperature, it was such a heartwarming day!

Photography: Marni Rothschild / Florist: Out of Hand / Design and Rentals: Ooh! Events / Band: Danger Muffin / Ceremony Music: Sage & Spirit / Wedding Dress Designer: Tricia Kurth/ Makeup: Moore Makeup / Hair: Affair Hair by Tanesha / Venue: Boone Hall

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2010. | Permalink | 20 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Anthropolgie, Marni Rothschild, Ooh Events
Post categories: Budget Beautiful, Casual Elegance, Do-It-Yourself Inspired, Real Weddings, The Blog, Vintage Chic

{click here for the full wedding}

I would describe David and my wedding as Southern with vintage appeal. During the planning process I pictured something laid back and relaxed but also elegant and charming. St. Luke’s Chapel and The Wickliffe House in Charleston, SC offered both. I wanted the wedding party attire to be simple but also go along with the theme.

For the bridesmaids, I wanted each girl to feel comfortable and beautiful in the dresses so I let my matron of honor and maid of honor pick out a dress by Rachel Pally. Emily loved the cream one-shoulder dress and Jennifer loved the black strapless so we went with both! I let the other four girls choose the one they liked best. We were not a big fan of suits so we decided to keep it casual with blue v-neck sweaters, white button downs, black ties, pants, and shoes. We wanted the bridal party flowers to have the “fresh picked” look so we chose to use the antique green hydrangeas with cream roses. I have always loved orchids I really wanted to use them in my bouquet so the florist used white orchids with a base of the antique green hydrangeas. I carried my great grandmothers handkerchief with mine and my sister’s initials and wedding dates on it. My mom and sister carried this in their weddings as well. David wore a single orchid bloom.

The Wickliffe House in Charleston, SC was the perfect back drop for our reception. The outside screamed of pure southern charm with large white columns and a huge front porch perfect for sipping iced tea and watching the sun set. The house has perfect vintage details, with original hard wood floors and chandeliers. The florist and I really wanted the decor to really bring out the vintage feel of the house so we chose to use mercury glass vases and votives of all different sizes and shape to line the tables. We had an Easter weekend wedding so we wanted to use spring like colors for flowers so the florist incorporated various blooms of roses, hydrangea, peony, dusty miller, and sweat pea in pinks, greens, creams, and yellows. I wanted the flowers to look as if we just picked the flowers from the garden and it did! The mercury glass votive candles helped illuminate the room and give a romantic, soft ambiance.

The dinner was served on the porch and included good, low-country southern fare consisting of barbecue biscuits, shrimp and grits, and a loaded mash potato bar. After everyone had eaten we stepped out onto the front lawn for drinks, dancing, and fun! We wanted people to dance under lanterns, so we hung cream lanterns in the trees surrounding the house. We placed two lounge areas with white, button tufted sofas on one end of the lawn for people to relax and socialize between dances. We wanted our guests to have a treat to take home to remember out special day by, so we made a candy bar with pastel colored candies in vintage, glass canisters. My mom made a “sweet love” banner trimmed in lace to be hung on the candy table. Instead of a typical guest book we bought a photography book of Charleston. Our guests wrote lovely notes filled with best wishes over beautiful scenes of Charleston and we now have it on our coffee table! Our Musician /D.J was Stephen Jenkins who played his live originals and of course some Johnny Cash! After the final song everyone prepared for our sparkler filled, ray ban, rock star exit!

Photographers: Joey + Jessica Weddings / Cake: Ashley Bakery / Florals: Tiger Lily Weddings / Rentals: Snyder, Ooh Events / Reception/catering: The Wickliffe House / Music: Stephen Jenkins / Hair: Affair Hair by Tanesha / Dress: Ulla Maija Alexia’s Bridal Boutique / Veil: Reem Acra / Bridesmaids: Rachel Pally / Groomsmen: Sweaters, Banana Republic

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Post tags: Banana Republic, Charleston, Joey + Jessica Weddings, Ooh Events, Rachel Pally, Reem Acra, South Carolina, The Wickliffe House, Tiger Lilly, Ulla Maija
Post categories: Casual Elegance, Traditional Elegance

h e r  d r e s s…t h e  r o t u n d a…h e r  h a i r…t h e  l u m i n a r i e s…the sweet & sophisticated elegance of it all…………

On Wednesday Abby said it’s pretty much a given that we always fall head over heels in love with everything that Lisa and all of the lovely ladies at Ooh! Events send us. If you don’t know who they are, or what they do, just hang on. I really want to tell you all about them!  But before that, I want to show you one more wedding that they put their stamp upon … Heather & Christopher’s late October wedding!

Sent to us by Heather & Christopher’s terrific photographers, Jen & Eric at Jensen Larson Photography, this wedding oozes southern hospitality and charm.

Jen & Eric have described it so eloquently that I’m just going to let them take the mike …

Heather wanted an elegant wedding with a vintage feel, so she opted for a color scheme of frothy creams and rich golds to complement the murals in St. Mary’s church and the antique harp chandeliers in the Hibernian Hall where the reception was held.

Heather also incorporated a gold harp icon on her invitations and programs to showcase the history of the wedding venues, as well as the groom’s Irish heritage. Cream bouquets popped against the bridesmaids’ black Jenny Yoo dresses. Each side of the wedding party was transported to the church – and taken on a trip back through time – on old Charleston trolley cars.

To create a romantic, simple scene that wouldn’t compete with the architecture of the reception hall, mismatched black lanterns in varying sizes were placed on the steps of the Hibernian, and flickered in the calm, night air as guests began to enter the gold gates featuring the same iconic harp.

Inside the rotunda, a bustling cocktail party was already underway, with guests dining on hors d’oeuvres.

The party soon moved into the candlelit hall, where tables were dressed in ivory table cloths and gold runners topped with simple bouquets of ivory garden rose, ivory lisianthus, anenomies, white ranunculas, white tulips, touches of freesia and snow on the mountain. Glowing antique silver candelabras lined the head table.

To keep with the vintage theme of the evening, Heather hired a great band fluent in Rat Pack tunes, (The Joe Clarke Quartet) who sang Frank Sinatra’s “Ain’t That a Kick in the Head” for the bride and groom’s first dance. But it was two members of Heather’s family who stole the show at the reception: After an endearingly hilarious speech, the bride’s sister and Maid of Honor, Somer Bingham, played her guitar and sang a song entitled ‘Real Estate Love’ (the groom is a real estate agent; the bride, an accountant), which she had written for the couple on the plane ride from New York to Charleston, and which had the entire room roaring with laughter. A tough act to follow, the only encore that would do was the bride’s 89-year old grandfather, better known as “Pop,” taking the stage to sing ‘I Left My Heart in San Francisco,’ just as he had 37 years prior at the bride’s parents’ wedding.

The party culminated with the colorful wedding party – including the bride in an exquisite Monique Lhuillier gown - double-dutching on the dance floor. To send her guests off in style, Heather baked homemade toffee favors that she wrapped in clear cellophane with a gold embossed “K” (the bride embossed each one individually). A final treat, was Heather arranging for a hot dog vendor to set up just outside the Hibernian Hall doors to serve guests late night chili dogs as they departed.

To say that everyone loved it would be a gross understatement!

The Vendors:
Photography: Jensen Larson Photography
Ceremony Venue: St. Mary’s Church, Charleston, South Carolina
Reception Venue: Hibernian Hall, Charleston South Carolina
Reception Music: The Joe Clarke Quartet
Groomsmen’s Barber Shop: Old South Barber Spa
Catering: Hamby Catering
Floral Design & Decor: Out of Hand
Wedding Cake: The Cake Stand
Hair and Make Up: Tasha Mattox
Ceremony Invitations: Out of Hand
Table Numbers: Etsy – ilLUMIEnate
Coordinator: Melissa Murray
Trolley service: Absolutely Charleston

all images courtesy of Jensen Larson Photography

* * *

And now for that info about Lisa Thomas and the incredible artistes at  Ooh! Events …

They do a little, ummm… no, a lot of everything involved in creating and choreographing a wedding. If you can dream it, they can do it. If YOU can’t quite put all of your thoughts together ~ turn it over to them and they’ll build it. They have all sorts of supplies and can get just about anything … from elegant favors to vintage trucks!  Yes, they can provide you with pretty much anything. If you take a look at their website, you’ll see that the Out Of Hand team consists of women from all walks of life … artists in floral design, jewelry design, invitation design, interior design … designs that all of our fantasy weddings are made of!  And the best thing?  They operate out of Charleston, but can travel just about anywhere to make your wedding come to life like no other wedding you’ve ever seen!!  Seriously, take a look: Out Of Hand ~  The Art Of Creating

Here’s a link to their rental page that shows just a fraction of the unique things they have on hand ~ Ooh! Event Rentals

Some ideas for wedding favors from Ooh! Events

Again, just a few examples of their invitations, menus, wedding programs … just about any paper piece you’d dream up!

And more stunning weddings with the Ooh! Events stamp of gloriousness!!

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2010. | Permalink | 20 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Candles, Charleston, Hairstyle, Hibernian Hall, Illumienate, Jensen Larson Photography, Joe Clarke, Luminaries, Monique Lhuillier, Ooh Events, South Carolina, The Cake Stand
Post categories: Little Black Book Blog, Traditional Elegance, Wedding Invitations & Stationery, Wedding Planners & Designers

From Lisa Thomas at Ooh! Events…

Lisa and Jake, Ohio natives, had weathered 5 years of long distance relationship when Jake finally popped the question during a vacation at the Turks and Caicos. Charleston, SC seemed like a perfect place for their families from all over the country to gather to celebrate. They wanted some place close to the city so their guests could truly have a experience Charleston. They quickly decided on Lowndes Grove. Lisa envisioned a classic, intimate event with lots of neutrals to compliment the Plantation in it’s natural form.

In a picture perfect ceremony they said, “I Do” under a live oak tree that was adorned with crystal chandeliers while Ann Caldwell sang classic jazz throughout the ceremony. Lisa and her bridesmaids looked stunning as Lisa choose a vintage glam style. The floral only added to this unique, vintage, elegance with garden roses, snowberries, hydrangeas, and casablanca lilies in vintage milk glass collection from Out Of Hand. Under an array of tents they continued their celebration with an original mix of cuisines as gold drum shades cast a romantic glow into the night and threw a pattern of stars on the ceiling. The legendary Charleston baker, Jim Smeal, created a cake that was a masterpiece that accompanied Out Of Hand’s vintage elegance.

The newlyweds and their guests were kept dancing all evening with the Two 3 Ways band and a DJ later in the night. A group of 50 guests accompanied Lisa and Jake as they kept on dancing the night away at the rooftop of the Market Pavilion Hotel. The next day as they jet set away on their honeymoon, Lisa and Jake knew they’d never forget their wedding experience as anything other than amazing!

Vendors: Location: Lowndes Grove / Food: Fish / Floral: Out of Hand / Design/Rentals: Ooh! events / Photography: Tracy Turpen / Cake: Jim Smeal / Coordination: Ooh! Events

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2010. | Permalink | 32 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Charleston, Jim Smeal, Lowndes Grove, Ooh Events, Out of Hand, South Carolina, Tracy turpen
Post categories: Traditional Elegance

Nicole and Michael were married at the charming Wickliffe House in Charleston, SC. Lucky for them, Ooh Events was in the neighborhood!

Aren’t the precious little birds on the napkin rings just the cutest? And the dreamy fabric tent … one of Ooh’s specialties.

A wishing tree, super-chic lighting and delightful florals … LOVE.

from Lisa at Ooh Events … Nicole was my pilates instructor and a friend. It was fun to be a part of their wedding … weaving her style into a beautiful southern setting and creating a warm and intimate celebration. It started with the invitation that we created. To invite her friends to be a part of her special day – we sent them perils of wisdom quotes and I made each of them a pearl necklace, and followed up with a pearl necklace for her.

“Reach for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars”

These beautiful photos were provided by Heather Forsythe Photography.

A huge thanks to Lisa and all of the wonderfully gifted ladies at Out Of Hand Events for always sending us your so-so-so amazing creations. You continuously find new ways to inspire us!

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 8 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Charleston, Heather Forsythe Photography, Ooh Events, Out Of Hand Events, Pearl, Shop Out Of Hand, South Carolina, Tented Reception, Wickliffe House
Post categories: Casual Elegance, Little Black Book Blog, Wedding Planners & Designers, Wedding Resources

One way to really trim your budget is to hop on the teeny-tiny vases trend. Tons of perfect little containers, whether they are clear, white or fabulously colored, filled with small bunches of your favorite stems.

Clockwise from Top Left: Image by Rebecca Thuss, glass vases by Ooh Events, hurricane vases on Brides.com, medicine jar vases on Brides.com, purple hued florals in tiny white vases by Brides.com, tarnished silver vases on Jamali Gardens

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 9 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Brides.com, Centerpieces, Flowers, Jamali Gardens, Ooh Events, Rebecca Thuss, Tiny Vases, Wedding Centerpieces, Wedding Flowers
Post categories: Centerpieces, Wedding Flowers