Exit Strategies

Friday, October 21st, 2011

 If you don’t want to feed the birds during your exit, try a few of these different exit ideas.

Winter Wonderland

For an eco-friendly fake snow (and probably the only flakes you’ll ever see in Charleston), use dried mashed potatoes to send the bride and groom off in a flurry.

Wedding Wands

Not just for fairy godmothers! Painted dowels with ribbon (white is best for night events) are perfectly magical to wave as the bride and groom leave an enchanting evening.

Glowsticks

No techno music necessary- glowsticks in all colors and sizes are an inexpensive and fun way to leave the party.

Popcorn

Getting married in the American Theatre? Leave in a shower of popcorn (just go easy on the butter).

Feathers

No animals were harmed in the making of this beautiful exit idea. Simple, graceful, and elegant- your own version of Swan Lake on your special day.

Sparklers

Create a few sparkling moments with colored or white sparklers: mini-fireworks without the noise!

Rose Petals

White rose petals raining down on the bride and groom- timeless.

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Posted in: ACB, Blog, Decor & Design, Flowers, Real Weddings

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Where the magic happens…

Wednesday, October 5th, 2011

When you see a gorgeous flower arrangement, probably the last thing on your mind is where it came from or how much work it took to get every bud and stem positioned just so. Well, after a trip out to Summerville to visit our amazing florist, Jonie LaRosee, in her quaint workshop, I learned a thing or two about flowers that I NEVER knew.

Jonie LaRosee, our amazing florist

The drive out there was an adventure in itself- I followed Leigh in a giant rental Enterprise truck that she drove like a champ back to the Enterprise lot in North Charleston (if you’ve never had the pleasure of meeting Leigh, she is petite and blonde and probably about .oooo1 % of the size of the rental truck). From there we were Summerville bound, jumping off the interstate to the strip of warehouses where Jonie’s shop is.

Jonie kept insisting that the shop was a wreck and nothing special, but I thought it was adorable, from the rows of vases lined up on the shelves to the bright green worktable next to the giant cooler.

There’s a story behind everything in Joni’s shop and the cooler is no exception. She told me about getting the cooler through a Swap’n'Shop in Columbia from a man who used the mammoth-sized cooler to freeze deer meet. Jonie thought the cooler was a steal, but when she had to buy a new cooling system to transform it from a freezer that went down to negative 32 degrees to a cooler to keep her flowers fresh, she might as well have bought a new cooler.

She can store six weddings worth of flowers in the cooler (read: hundreds and hundreds of flowers) and fills it on wedding weekends. Her production schedule is pretty tight- she makes the arrangements on Thursdays and takes them to events on Fridays and Saturdays, with help from her husband and her assistants Kat Brown & Mandi Kasey. Depending on the size of the wedding and the venue, Jonie will make anywhere from 40-60 arrangements for one wedding.

Getting the right flowers can be an ordeal- Jonie orders directly from growers in Holland, Ecuador, Israel, New Zealand, Canada, and all over the United States, depending on what the bride wants. Sometimes though, the color the bride wants doesn’t translate to the Israeli growers (Joni said “peach” to us is “orange” them) or Mother Nature simply won’t match the bride’s fabric swatch. Other times, natural disasters in different parts of the world will destroy the flowers or delay their arrival.

Even though her job can get stressful (and she’s been doing it since ’92!) Jonie says “I really still do like my job. I actually still love my job.” For her, the best part of the job is seeing everything come together and seeing the bride cry (a “good cry”).

“It’s amazing how much a venue can change, how different the outcome is depending on flowers,” Jonie said, “Your linens are not going to look good until there are flowers on it.”

Nothing is going to look good until Jonie’s flowers are on it…

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Posted in: ACB, Blog, Decor & Design, Flowers, Photography, Real Weddings, Venues

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Style Me Pretty Features ACB!

Wednesday, February 16th, 2011

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.

Posted in: ACB, Flowers, Inspiration, Photography, Real Weddings, Venues

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Bar Adornments – Often Overlooked, But-Oh-So Important

Friday, June 25th, 2010

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

Posted in: Decor & Design, Flowers, Real Weddings, Uncategorized

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Green with Envy

Monday, April 26th, 2010

Saturday, April 10 marked the first time Cassique,  Kiawah Island’s exclusive private Clubhouse was used for an event (post the Rivercourse disaster). Kara Roberts & Tyler Cole’s wedding couldn’t have been more perfect for a newly married couple to celebrate with their family and friends. The couple tied the knot on a bed of white flower petals in front of custom fabric panels created by ACB staff and hung in the existing arches. Two running waterfalls lent a soothing sound amidst the tears of happiness and vibrant smiles.

Photographed by the oh-so-talented Tim Willoughby, the dinner and reception took place in a tent decorated floor to ceiling with white and green custom fabric and too many white flowers to count. The peonies, hydrangeas, roses, tulips, and orchids were limitless; ranging from small to extra large, the arrangements added a new dimension of height, smell, and aesthetics to the tent.

Working with two colors, green and white, the ordinary reception tent was transformed thanks to many yards of fabric. From green fabric draped along the ceiling to hand-sewn green and white pillows to the custom stage skirt, virtually no surface was without some fabric adornment. Using ACB lounge items such as our white couches and green-painted parsons tables, guests had a comfortable place to relax after dinner. Kara and Tyler had an non-traditional wedding cake which consisted of a large strawberry cupcake surrounded by dozens of smaller cupcakes for the guests. It was clear this was a crowd favorite of the night, along with the band, the Mighty Kicks!

When the evening was through, we couldn’t have asked for anything more perfect: the weather,  the location, the food, the band, the atmosphere, but most importantly a more precious couple!

Posted in: ACB, Client Updates, Color Palettes, Decor & Design, Flowers

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Let the Games Begin

Sunday, March 21st, 2010

It’s not that often that we’re able to plan an afternoon soiree, but Laura Mabe and Dave Gardner wanted to take advantage of the amazing sunset at the fabulous Lowndes Grove Plantation.  It was the perfect time of year for such an event- Not too hot during the daytime ceremony, cool in the evening while everyone enjoys the beautiful sunset, and of course, a location to that makes all brides’ dreams a reality!

At  the reception, we provided an outlet for guests of all ages to enjoy. Channeling our school days art projects, we created a fun set of games on the side lawn. Guests enjoyed playing bocce, horseshoes, and croquet next to the water during the evening reception. From grandparents to grandchildren, it was clear this was a party favorite for all ages!

We also worked to create a beverage station everyone could enjoy. Serving Southern sweet tea, lemonade, and water with cucumber, our refreshing display was more than a place for guests to wet their whistle. From the hand tied and decorated mason jars to the personally be-ribboned beverage dispensers, this display was too precious for words!

The wedding decor centered around a photo of a wedding cake Laura found in a wedding magazine.  Covered in oak branches, leaves and Carolina Wrens, it proved to be the perfect inspiration for her sophisticated, yet rustic affair.  Ashley Bakery did an amazing of job recreating the confection, but with a few added touches of their own.  Not only did it look amazing, it was delish!

Posted in: Client Updates, Decor & Design, Flowers, Venues

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The Island Chef

Thursday, July 16th, 2009

Here are a few pics from Melissa’s family dinner last weekend:

tablescape

menu

flowers

The Island Chef’s menu wasn’t the only thing local- Melissa & her mom actually bought the flowers from a local market- where they literally pick the flowers out of the field behind the shop!

At last year’s soiree, yes they do this annually, the candles refused to stay lit, hence the lanterns.  It actually worked out perfectly with the nautical color scheme and managed to provide the perfect amount of light for dinner.  The menus tucked into the dinner napkin is an absolute must for venues with high wind!  They kept it simple and clean- just perfect for their beach front  “grand finale”.

passed horsdouvres

Green Tomato Bruschetta served with fresh colonial mint! Yum!

Posted in: Caterers, Decor & Design, Flowers

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The Monsoon That Was October 2008

Tuesday, June 30th, 2009

couple-web

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!

bouquet web

Out at Irvin House Vineyards, a fabulously romantic local vineyard and originalhome 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.

dressThe 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 theiraltar web 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.

benchesThe 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!

Posted in: Decor & Design, Flowers, Real Weddings, Venues

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Kelly Rawls & John Fountain

Tuesday, June 23rd, 2009

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Every so often, I come across a bride with a great sense of style and self confidence.  This is Kelly Rawls Fountain.  Within hours of meeting her, she hired me as her planner and we started our amazing journey together.  She is not only beautiful, but very classy.  She listened to our ideas and made a decision; never thinking twice about it.  She was a great decision maker.  She had no problems telling me an idea was “cheesy” to her!  I loved it! Believe it or not, that actually makes my job so much easier!

We have some preliminary photos from the incredibly talented Parker J Pfister.With french blue, white and silver as the color palate, this wedding had traditional and sophistication written all over it.

The flowers were all white with white ostrich feathers mixed in for texture. Think peonies, sweet peas, stephanotis and hydrangea.  Her bouquet was wrapped in lace mimicking the delicate fabric of her unbelievable wedding gown.  I’ll detail more about the event once we get the photos from Parker because seeing is believing.  It was a magical evening!

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Posted in: Flowers, Photography

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