Lee + Marcus: As Seen on Martha Stewart Weddings

Lee and Marcus were so full of love and joy on their wedding day. A midwest bride and a southern-born groom, both Lee and Marcus are incredibly close with their families. They incorporated nods to family throughout the day, and the brother of the bride was even the officiant! Lee carried her grandmother’s jewelry wrapped around her bridal bouquet. It was incredibly important to both of them to find a photographer who would not only capture the fun and candid moments of their celebration, but one who would be able to really reflect a true representation of their varied skin tones and families—accurately reflecting their diversity & unity all at once. Kati Rosado was able to do just that, in such a beautiful way. 

The day began with a ceremony that overlooked the foothills of the Carolina Blue Ridge Mountains. Just after the couple sealed their vows with a kiss, rain began to threaten. Not even the weather could dampen their spirits on that day in late October. Immediately, the groom laughed and gallantly covered his bride with his jacket and everyone wore a smile as they quickly headed to the reception only steps away.

Moving into dinner, tables waited beneath a clear tent, adorned with white draping and gold open lantern chandeliers. The head table, a wood estate table topped with colored glassware, had a stunning view of the autumn colored mountains. After the meal, there was also a “Pennsylvania cookie bar”, a wedding tradition from the bride’s home state. There were all kinds of homemade cookies, from buckeyes to macarons. They were beautifully displayed on the dessert table, along with the lush flower-adorned cake. The authenticity of who this couple is and what is most important for them to celebrate on their big day was absolutely apparent; there wasn’t a single guest there who couldn’t sense the deep love that surrounded the couple from all who attended.

Vendors:
Beckon Events // Berbank Events // Collective Music Solutions // Cotton Rouge & Co. // Elevated Eye Films // Hotel Domestique // Industry Event Rentals // Kara Nash Designs // Kati Rosado Photography // Minted // Professional Party Rentals

Real Wedding: Emily + Chris

Emily and Chris, both graduates of Clemson University, chose to wed at Daniel Chapel in Greenville, South Carolina. From there, they moved their party downtown Greenville to the Westin Poinsett Hotel. 

Billowing draping accentuated the tall ceilings of the Poinsett Ballroom. The draping on the columns created smaller, private lounge areas for guests to perch and catch up with old friends. Gold accents wove their way throughout the lounges, tables, and place settings. At each table, sat a linen napkin with the couple’s new monogram, embroidered in gold.

The golden hour light made for the perfect newlywed photos on top of the historic hotel. The guests and couple both stayed on the dance floor all night long, and then headed out front. Before leaving, each guest grabbed a personalized hot sauce bottle to represent the couple’s shared love for flavor. Emily and Chris’s family and friends cheered them on as Mr. and Mrs. Cato!

Vendors:
Beckon Events // Bella Blooms // Berbank Events // Daniel Chapel at Furman University // Industry Event Rentals // Kathy & Company // Kendra Martin Photography // Nuage Designs // Premiere Party Entertainment // Professional Party Rentals // Westin Poinsett Hotel

McKenna + Jackson: As Seen on Style Me Pretty

After getting engaged in Paris, McKenna and Jackson knew they wanted to incorporate French details in their wedding. Founded with soft lavender, pale grays, and luxurious textiles, this elegant design wove its way throughout the event. Anticipation grew when guests received their custom invitation suite. Letterpressed with the perfect shade of fig, each suite tied together by a silk ribbon and sprigs of dried lavender. The faint scent greeted the recipient as they opened the calligraphed envelope. 

The bride, a busy interior designer, greatly values the finer details. Both McKenna’s floral embellished gown and delicate heels were the perfect accessories to her radiant glow. Nods to France were seen throughout the day; even the dining focused on French cuisine. At the reception, the menu featured a charcuterie display as well as stations of beef bourguignon and savory crêpes. Dramatic draping and crystal chandeliers added the perfect touch to the venue, softening the space. Under the chandeliers, lounges flanked either side of the dance floor, featuring lavender velvet sofas. In the center of the room, the head table stood out with a patterned linen, with a subtle, yet formal, design. Similarly, formal gold flatware and gold rimmed glassware topped the tables.

From the beginning, personal touches remained an important part of the wedding day. Such as the lace from the mother of the bride’s own wedding gown, tied around the stems of McKenna’s bouquet. Their custom watercolor crest made appearances on paper goods, lounge pillows, and the banner atop the bar. At the end of the night, the newlyweds were celebrated by their guests through a sparkler exit.

Vendors

Beckon Events // Berbank Events // Cotton and Cursive // Couture Cakes // Daniel Chapel // Elizabeth Lanier Photography // Finesse Band // Industry Event Rentals // Kate Asire Flowers // Knotted Arrow // Larkin’s Catering and Events // Latia Curtis Makeup + Hair // La Tavola Fine Linen // Ooh! Events // Professional Party Rentals // Soothing Reflections

Molly + Joe: As Seen on Grey Likes Weddings

Molly and Joe, both graduates of Furman University, exchanged reverent vows at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, in Greenville, SC. Then, guests and wedding party headed down the street to the historic Westin Poinsett Hotel to celebrate. From the very beginning, the theme for their wedding was “noble simplicity”, courtesy of the groom. 

Neither the bride or groom desired a ‘trendy’ wedding, so we aimed for timeless elegance. This meant crafting an event that could be admired for years to come. For a couple that loves the outdoors, but doesn’t love the threat of outdoor weddings, we brought in living trees to the event. These four trees were placed to frame the reception space. Black taper candles brought both height and drama to the long tables, which were topped with greenery runners.

The escort cards that Molly’s sister calligraphed were displayed on a boxwood hedge, keeping with the natural element. When heartfelt speeches were shared, it was obvious how loved Molly and Joe are. When the two newlyweds were introduced as Mr. and Mrs, the band kicked off the party that lasted all night long!

Vendors:
Beckon Events // Belle Maquillage // Berbank Events // Industry Event Rentals // Kate Asire Flowers // Meredith Piper Art // Olivia Griffin Photography // Professional Party Rentals // Sugar Magnolia // The Royal Suits // Westin Poinsett Hotel

Meredith + Darrell: As Seen in The Knot Magazine

Meredith and Darrell chose to have their wedding at the Huguenot Loft, on the Reedy River in Downtown Greenville, SC. The lofty exposed-brick venue made for the perfect fall celebration, decorated with greenery, pampas grass, and shades of mauve bringing the boho to the downtown location.

They wed under a hanging greenery installation, in the center of 360 degree seating for the ceremony. Though non-religious, the couple desired something intimate to surround them with support from their loved ones; a ceremony that had no front or back was the perfect answer. Many misty-eyed guests (and perhaps even the groom) attested to the beauty and honesty the ceremony held.

After the ceremony was over, the greenery installation stayed put, and then become the anchor for a center lounge. While guests enjoyed cocktail hour downstairs, the ceremony area transformed into more reception space. In the other room, creative, tall draping gave definition to yet another circular lounge. This lounge featured white peacock chairs and boho leather floor cushions for guests to take a seat. Whitewash farm tables, topped with mauve runners and bud vases, and flanked the center lounge. A subtle blush patterned linen elevated the event to the perfect balance of romantic and casual, achieving the goal of finding the perfect look that pleased both the bride and her mother!

String lights created the perfect feel for the dance floor to be packed all night long. After a night of dinner and dancing, Meredith and Darrell headed off as Mr. and Mrs. Neely!

Vendors:
BBJ Linen // Beckon Events // Berbank Events // Buttercream Bakehouse // Cotton Rouge and Co. // Erica Berg Collective // Good Life Catering // Huguenot Loft // Industry Event Rentals // Professional Party Rentals // Statice Flowers

Styled Inspiration: Avenue Shoot

This endeavor was a perfect opportunity to flex a fresh, modern wedding aesthetic. Highlighting local vendors, this editorial shoot features dark, abstract linens with a pop of spring color. The soft, organic florals create a light and natural feel which produces a welcoming and gracious atmosphere for the guests to enjoy.

We first desired to concept a yet-explored contemporary vibe for the space. One that would inspire people to think outside of the box concerning layout and color when creating events at Avenue. Next, with so many couples of varying ethnicities, we understand the importance of conveying the diversity of today’s relationships. We then found our stunning models, who stole the show!

Playing off of the minimalistic, industrial details in Avenue, this editorial brought in the bright and the unexpected. Keeping to a monochromatic palette along with a bold pop of yellow, we aimed to design a feel yet to be showcased in the venue, which is the perfect blank canvas. Featured on Ruffled, we were able to showcase Carolina talents in a new way!

Vendors:
Avenue // BBJ Linen // Beckon Events // Cotton Rouge // Couture Cakes // Hales Jewelers // Industry Event Rentals // Iris and Marie Press // Kate Asire Flowers // Professional Party Rentals // Ryan & Alyssa Photography // The White Magnolia // 37th and Lettery

Real Wedding: Alyssa + Jessie

Alyssa and Jessie had the perfect party on the cusp of the fall season. In South Carolina, the beginning of September still has warm summery temperatures, but the intentional design of the day ushered in the autumn aesthetic. They wed in the open field next to the reception barn, under a large oak tree draped with lush blooms.

Inside the barn, white draping accented the tall ceilings, and tall floral arrangements elevated the room. Long estate tables ran the length of the barn, topped with velvet linens and lush arrangements. Down the center of the tables, greenery was accented with blooms and a juicy selection of fruit, courtesy of Bella Blooms.

From the invitations to the programs, and the seating chart to the custom cookies, no branded detail was too small. The best part of the day came at golden hour, with the most perfect sunset newlywed portraits. Cheers to the sweetest Mr. and Mrs. Hardin!

Vendors:
Beckon Events // Bella Blooms // Berbank Events // Good Life Catering // Liquid Catering // Professional Party Rentals // Rebecca Hicks Photography // The Chocolate Moose // The Vow Hair and Makeup // Uptown Entertainment // Windy Hill Event Barn

Real Wedding: Sarah + Kurt

Sarah and Kurt chose Highlands, North Carolina for the location of their nuptials. They both have a love for the mountains, and selected The Farm at Old Edwards Inn. They welcomed only their closest friends and family, and the bride was escorted down the aisle by her teenage son—a touching moment not soon forgotten. The reception’s design featured natural colors, and touches of the bride’s affinity for equine details, reflected in table numbers and escort cards.

Organic florals balanced the structured linens, from the overhead installation, to the fireplace mantel. The dance floor anchored the room, complete with the custom monogram that matched their invitation suite! To top it all off, the cake showed off the couple’s favorite painting, and took center stage in the pavilion. Sarah and Kurt celebrated with their family and closest friends, and danced all night long!

Vendors:
BBJ Linen // Beckon Events // Florescence Flowers // Iris and Marie Press // Industry Event Rentals // La Tavola Linens // Latia Curtis Hair + Makeup // Mo’ Sol // Old Edwards Events // Optics // Professional Party Rentals // Tessa Pinner Cake // Waldorf Photographic Art

Katie + Ben: as seen on Ruffled

Katie met Ben on a nonprofit group trip, ice climbing in Ouray, Colorado. They decided to run the NYC Marathon together to raise money for the charity that they both cared so much about. One year later, they were engaged at the summit of Mt. Sopris! They had a long distance engagement, with Ben in Colorado, and Katie in South Carolina.

Katie and Ben wed on Katie’s family property in upstate South Carolina. They said their vows in front of the small lake, framed by a growing greenery installation. Under the clear tent, they had perfectly mismatched chairs, paired with deep-hued place settings. Even their new German Shorthaired Pointer puppy made it to the party!

They sent guests home with a small Colorado Blue Spruce tree to plant when they returned. Amidst a sparklers, Katie and Ben set off for their honeymoon on one of the farm’s trucks—under a spectacular firework show!

Vendors:
A Darling Day // Angela Zion Photography // Beckon Events // Before Your Eyes // Cotton Rouge & Co. // Eastside Transportation // Finesse Band // Greenbriar Farms // Industry Event Rentals // Iris & Marie Press // Kate Asire Flowers // Liquid Catering // Professional Party Rentals // Shantel // Tessa Pinner Cake // Tri-County Rentals // Vivid Fireworks

Mary + Andrew: As Seen on Ruffled

Mary and Andrew held their summer wedding at the stately Daniel Chapel on Furman University’s campus, and then celebrated at Avenue downtown Greenville. We combined the bride’s sense of tradition and modern style through the creative use of linens, florals, and reception decor.

Mary’s maids donned light, cream bridesmaids dresses, mirroring her own lace Hayley Paige gown. The modern vibe of the reception was softened with summery, warm coral tones. Tall arrangements ran the length of the head table, accented with organic blooms and sculptural branches. Black chargers and taper candles worked together to bring depth to the color palette.

The wedding cake was traditional white buttercream, but with a hexagon shaped base for a modern touch. Framing the dance floor, and backing the stage, floating walls showcased statement growing florals. When the party kicked off, the uplights inside the walls turned on, and highlighted the arrangements inside all evening. Steel Toe Stiletto set the tone for the celebration and kept the party going all night long!

Vendors:
Avenue // Beckon Events // BBJ Linen // Industry Event Rentals // Kara Nash Designs // Latia Curtis Makeup + Hair // Olivia Griffin Photography // Optrics, Ltd. // Professional Party Rentals // Steel Toe Stiletto // Table 301 Catering