2010 Something Blue - Issue 2

Embellish your dress with stunning, unexpected accessories

Vol. 2 No. 2 Summer 2010

Featured weddingsPage 20

http://www.bluedoor-photography.com

SEATING FOR 500 GUESTS

LUXURIOUS INDOOR FACILITY

TENTED OUTDOOR PATIO

360-DEGREE PORCH

C O U N T RY C L U B S T Y L E

27-HOLE GOLF COURSE

ON-SITE CATERING

NEARBY ACCOMMODATIONS

SouthernWeddings

THE GOLF CLUB AT WESCOTT PLANTATION | SUMMERVILLE, SC | 843-871-2135, EXT 105 | WWW.WESTCOTTEVENTS.COM

http://www.westcottevents.com

http://www.ripleysaquarium.com

SUMMER 2010 SOMETHING BLUE CAROLINA

SE

CT

ION

1

Thank you, Daddy.Thank you, Daddy.Everything was perfect.Everything was perfect.

http://www.hambycatering.com

2

SOMETHING BLUE CAROLINA SUMMER 2010

ED

ITO

R’S

LE

TT

ER

Editor’s Letter

Published by SC Biz News LLC

Director of Business Development - Mark Wright

[email protected] • 843.849.3143

Special Projects Editor - Allison Cooke Oliverius


Managing Editor - Andy Owens


Senior Copy Editor - Beverly Morgan


Art Director - Ryan Wilcox


Senior Graphic Designer - Jane Mattingly


Senior Account Executive - Sue Gordon


Account Executives

Dave Shepp


Darcy Midtvedt


Bennett Parks


Robert Reilly


Brent Rupp


Robbi Statham


CIRCULATION AND EVENTS

Circulation and Event Manager - Kathy Allen


Circulation, Event and Business Coordinator

Kim McManus


CEO and Group Publisher - Grady Johnson


Vice President of Sales - Steve Fields

sfi [email protected] • 843.849.3110

Accounting Department - Vickie Deadmon


Contributing Writers

Lydia Dishman, Shelley Gibson Drulard, DeeDee Filiatreault,

Wendy Swat Snyder, Anne Woodman

Contributing Photographers

Travis Bell Photographers, F8 Photo Studios,

Goodman Photography, David Keller Photography,

Megan Kime Photography, Katie Langley Photography Inc.,

Luster Studios, VISIO photography, David Richardson Photography

The entire contents of this publication are copyright by SC Biz News LLC with all rights reserved. Any reproduction

or use of the content within this publication without permission is prohibited.

Mailing address:389 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., Suite 200

Mount Pleasant, SC 29464Phone: 843.849.3100, Fax: 843.849.3122

www.scbiznews.comAllison

I recently went shopping with my 3-year-

old daughter to fi nd a toy she could take to

the beach or pool. While perusing the aisles

of a big toy store, she spotted a Barbie in

bathing suit. Perfect.

But then she spotted a Barbie in a

wedding dress. And then, she spotted a

toddler-sized wedding dress. Th e outfi t was

hilarious. It included a white top, a white skirt, an

engagement ring, a veil and a bouquet of roses.

I caved in and bought it, and when we got home, I couldn’t get it out of the

plastic packaging fast enough. My daughter couldn’t wait to get all dressed up.

She looked adorable and hilarious at the same time, and she was so proud.

Th e rest of the night, all she wanted to do was stand in front of the mirror. She

would turn around and around, admiring her veil and holding her skirt like a

princess. She would gaze at her “diamond” ring, and she somehow knew how

to hold the bouquet in front of her when she walked down the hallway.

It was then that I had a fl ash forward. Someday, I’ll be the mother of the

bride and my little girl will be walking down the aisle to marry someone I

hope I really, really like. (I’m sure I will, because my husband and I plan to

hand-pick him. And aft er they are married, they will live next door.)

It also made me think about how so many of us begin dreaming of our

“big day” when we truly are little girls – and that when we grow up, not

much changes. Brides can get downright giddy about the dress, the veil, the

fl owers, the ring and so much more. In fact, in this issue of Something Blue

Carolina, you’ll read about several brides who describe their wedding as a

“dream come true.”

Newlyweds Lindsey and Brian Tester and Angelica and Tyler Moses are

perfect examples. We hope you’ll enjoy reading about how each of these cou-

ples met, fell in love and planned their big day.

Th is issue of Something Blue also includes articles on choosing funky wed-

ding accessories that refl ect your personality; tips on fi nding an elegant and

chic wedding gown from familiar retail chain stores; and suggestions on the

perfect roses for your bouquet.

In addition to the magazine, we at Something Blue have also created the

Bridal Tip of the Week, an e-mail full of tips and trends that is delivered

straight to your inbox once a week. Just visit www.somethingblueonline.com to

sign up for it today.

We sincerely hope that you enjoy this issue of Something Blue Carolina

and that we somehow help to make your special day everything you’ve ever

dreamed of.

Enjoy,

Allison Cooke Oliverius

welcome

an

Embellish your dress with stunning, unexpected accessories

Vol. 2 No. 2 Summer 2010

Featured weddingsPage 20


SE

CT

ION

3

W e d d i n g s • R e h e a r s a l D i n n e r s • B r i d a l S h o w e r s • C h a m p a g n e B r u n c h e s • R e c e p t i o n s • A n n i v e r s a r i e s

MAKE THAT DAY TO REMEMBER, A DAY ON THE WATER.

You’ve always dreamed of a Charleston wedding. From aboard a SpiritLine Yacht,Charleston’s historic waterfront can be the backdrop for your wedding, reception or

rehearsal dinner to make it a truly memorable occasion. Our planners will assistwith all of the details to assure your event is all that you ever dreamed. For more

information visit us at SpiritLineCruises.com or call us at 843-722-2628.

http://www.spiritlinecruises.com


4

TAB

LE O

F C

ON

TE

NT

S

Table of Contents

Destination ........................6Weddings that celebrate historic Greenville, S.C.

Carolina Trends ..................8Experts dish on the latest trends

Bringin’ the Bling .............12Embellish your wedding gown with stunning accessories

Let’s Get This Party Started ...................16Rehearsal dinners can be casual and fun

Fashion Passion ..............32Elegant, radiant, chic … and off the rack

Blooms and Plumes ........34When a rose is not just a rose

Etiquette ..........................38Here’s to a good, appropriate, touching toast

Mirror Mirror .....................40No stress, no mess hair in time for the wedding

Carolina Chronicles ..........44Fabulous weddings in the Carolinas

Features

Departments

Full of heart Surrounded by friends and family, Lindsey Yates

weds Brian Tester in Blowing Rock, N.C.

20

26Just marriedAfter seven years of dating, Angelica O’Neal and

Tyler Moses tie the knot in style in Lexington, S.C.

g

Cover photo by Craig Carpenter of Luster Studios


5

TA

BLE O

F CO

NT

EN

TS

http://www.whiteondi.com


6

DE

ST

INA

TIO

N: G

RE

EN

VIL

LE

Destination: Greenville

Weddings that celebrate historic Greenville

By Lydia Dishman

Antique fl oorboards that

echo with the whispers

of footfalls from a cen-

tury’s worth of visitors. Soar-

ing ceilings embellished with

elegant architectural details. A

graceful Victorian gazebo sur-

rounded by lush border gardens.

Is your mind conjuring a pictur-

esque English manor, or per-

haps a French country estate? If

so, you’d be wrong.

These gracious settings are

all in Greenville, each an integral

part of the city’s rich heritage.

And each is available to set the

stage for unforgettable wedding

ceremonies and receptions.

The Gassaway Mansion (Photo/VISIO photography)


7

DE

ST

INA

TIO

N: GR

EE

NV

ILLE

Kilgore-Lewis HouseTh is historic home makes a grand

fi rst impression with its snowy white

façade, soaring columns and copper

roof. It rises from a gentle hill carpeted

with lush green grass. Th e home, which

sits on fi ve acres of rolling hills, was built

between 1836 and 1838 in the Palladian

style. It still boasts original 4-inch heart

pine fl oorboards fastened together with

wooden pegs, as well as simulated mar-

ble baseboards and mantels, and pine

doors painted to look like burlwood.

Josiah Kilgore purchased the lot and

home for $1,200 in 1838. He sold the

property to his daughter Mary Keziah

Kilgore and her husband John Wycliff e

Stokes for $5 as a token of his love and

aff ection. Local legend has it that Mary

Keziah and John were married in the

front parlor.

For 130 years their descendants lived

in the home, and then it was sold to a lo-

cal church. Aft er a few years, the church

donated the home to the Greenville

Council of Garden Clubs. Th e women of

the council lovingly restored the home

as their headquarters. In the process,

they discovered a spring, presumed to be

the water source for Chancellor Waddy

Th ompson’s home as far back as 1807.

Both the house and the spring are cur-

rently listed in the National Register of

Historic Places.

Th e spacious rooms, fi lled with natural

light and furnished with antiques and

reproductions, are well suited to gather-

ings, and the grounds of the house feature

extensive gardens accented by the spring,

a tranquil pond and a formal gazebo.

For more information, call 864-232-

3020 or visit www.kilgore-lewis.org.

The Poinsett HotelTh e L-shaped tower of the Poinsett

Hotel is one of the tallest on Greenville’s

Main Street and a star in the city’s ar-

chitectural crown. Th e hotel was named

aft er Joel Roberts Poinsett an American

statesman and Greenville resident. He

was the fi rst ambassador to Mexico in

1820 and is most known for bringing the

Christmas fl ower, the poinsettia, back to

the United States.

Th e hotel is Poinsett’s in name only,

as it was constructed by W.L Stoddard in

1925. Despite its being built during the

Roaring ’20s, its details are less Art Deco

and more neo-classical with high arch-

ing windows, corbels and dentil mold-

ings. Th e Poinsett Hotel’s lobby features

elegant black and white terrazzo tiles

and crystal chandeliers set into soaring

coff ered ceilings.

At the Poinsett, couples have two

rooms to select from, each carefully

restored to refl ect the grace of a bygone

era. Th e Gold Ballroom boasts the Mi-

das touch on everything from its ornate-

ly carved ceiling medallions to the lavish

window treatments and table linens. Th e

Poinsett Room is a study in serene blue.

For more information, call 864-421-

9700 or visit http://www.starwoodhotels.

com/westin/property/overview/index.

html?propertyID=1255.

Gassaway Mansion Th e Gassaway Mansion is the larg-

est house in the Upstate (22,000 square

feet) and is listed on the National Reg-

ister of Historic Places. Located just one

mile from downtown Greenville, this

regal home was designed and built in

the Roaring ’20s by Minnie Quinn, a

hotel proprietress who married textile

executive Walter Gassaway. Th e brick

structure is reminiscent of the classical

symmetry of Palladian-style architec-

ture with its massive pillars and portico.

However, the mansion also boasts a

grand stone tower that would make a

medieval princess sigh.

Inside, the Gassaway Mansion has

a dramatic mahogany staircase that af-

fords the bride a sweeping entrance. Wa-

terford crystal chandeliers cast a golden

glow over Italian tile fl oors and walls

covered in mahogany and cherry.

Gassaway off ers complete planning

services. For more information, call

864-271-0188 or visit www.gassaway-

mansion.com•

Top: The Kilgore-Lewis House

(Photo/Goodman Photography)

Bottom: The Poinsett Ballroom at

the Poinsett Hotel (Photo provided)


8

Carolina TrendsC

AR

OLI

NA

TR

EN

DS

Give BackFind a truly unique gift or

something special for your new

home at Ten Thousand Villages

in Greenville, S.C. One of the

world’s largest and oldest fair

trade organizations, the shop

showcases distinctive home

decor, textiles, tabletop items

and giftware handcrafted by

artisans in 38 countries. Your

purchases help to support the

work of men and women in

Asia, Africa, Latin America and

the Middle East. Gift registry

available. http://greenville.tent-

housandvillages.com.

Tips and trends from experts throughout the Carolinas

Abundant with local resources and natural choices, the Carolinas offer

something perfect for everyone. Discover what suits your wedding plans best

and make the most of everything around you.

By Wendy Swat Snyder

Farm FreshThrow a dinner party that will take

your culinary chops to a new level.

The Farm to Table program at Wood-

lands Inn of Summerville, S.C., guides

you and your guests through the har-

vest and preparation of seasonal fare,

fresh from a local farm. Dine against

the backdrop of a historic plantation

resort while chef and farmer work

side by side to create sustainable cui-

sine at South Carolina’s only Five Star,

Five Diamond hotel and restaurant.

www.woodlandsinn.com.

RusticSurrounded by lush green fi elds of wheat and corn, this

antique dairy barn was hand-built fi ve generations ago

with local pine. It has been faithfully restored and trans-

formed into a rustic venue by the Fryar family of McLeans-

ville, N.C. The Hayloft offers an earthy combination of

working farm and tricked-out barn featuring a spacious

loft, grand stairway, starry lights and the necessary conve-

niences to facilitate your event. www.nchayloft.com.

Dream DressYour wedding day is no time to

compromise. Find the gown of your

dreams for a price you can manage

at White House Bridal in Summer-

ville, S.C. This high-end consign-

ment shop offers new, sample and

gently worn wedding gowns off

the rack by some of today’s hot-

test designers. White House Bridal

also carries jewelry, handbags,

veils, hair accessories, fl ower girl

dresses and special attire for the ring bearer.

www.whitehousebridal.com.


9

CA

RO

LINA T

RE

ND

S

Casual Rehearsal Dinners to Elegant Wedding Receptions - We serve Southern hospitality at its nest

CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA 800.538.0003 843.762.9200843.762.6040 FAX www.FOODFORTHESOUTHERNSOUL.comHOME OF TIDEWATER CATERING AND BLACKJACK BARBECUE

http://www.foodforthesouthernsoul.com


SE

CT

ION

10

Carolina TrendsC

AR

OLI

NA

TR

EN

DS

The Big AppleAs a former synagogue from the 1900s to a popular 1930s nightclub, the Big Apple’s

spacious fl oor plan and hardwood fl oors provide the perfect setting for unique events.

803.252.7742, ext. 11 HistoricColumbia.org

Make Your Event a Historic OccasionEnjoy the timeless elegance of Columbia’s historic properties

Weddings | Rehearsals | Showers | Private Parties

Whatever You Can Dream... We can Do.Middleton Place 4300 Ashley River Road

Charleston, SC 29414

www.middletonplace.org (843) 556-6020

Ceremonies Receptions Rehearsal Dinners Luncheons Wedding Coordination

Ban

ner PPPP

hoto

hoto

hoto

hotoo

grap

grap

grap

grap

grap

grap

grap

gghyhyhyhyyhyhyhyhyhh Cheers

Thanks to a change in South Carolina state legislation, craft

breweries are now on the tour circuit — making them one of the

newest event venues for thirty enthusiasts. Coast Brewing Co. in

Charleston, S.C., features a variety of original brews for sampling,

including IPA, ales and stouts. A recent creation dubbed “Black-

beerd,” the Imperial Stout is barrel-aged and as swarthy as its

namesake, the infamous pirate who blockaded Charleston Harbor.

www.coastbrewing.com.

http://www.historiccolumbia.org


11

CA

RO

LINA T

RE

ND

S

Hot ShotsSurprise your sweetheart with a wedding

album for his eyes only. Charleston-based

Dana K Photography travels the country

consulting with brides and grooms who

want to say “I love you” in their own unique

style. Already a West Coast trend, Dana

K offers nontraditional “rock the dress”

shoots, bridal boudoir albums, and guest

book photo albums that feature guests

signing in and hamming it up for the

camera. www.danakphotography.com.

Sweet Nothings For a light-hearted take on the wedding

cake, consider a multi-tiered presentation of

exquisite miniatures from Magnolia Wedding

Cakes of Charleston, S.C. Magnolia cre-

ates traditional cakes and delicious, lavishly

decorated single cheesecake “bites,” artfully

arranged in the fl avor of your choice.

[email protected]

PeanutsA landmark since 1935, Cromer’s P-Nuts of

Columbia, S.C., takes the tasty little legume

to new heights with a variety of fl avors and

fun gift ideas. Roasted fresh on the prem-

ises, they’re available by the sack, packed

in an old-timey tin or arranged in a gift box

with an assortment of goodies like peanut

brittle, popcorn and multi-fl avored cotton

candy. www.cromers.com.

Photo/ David Keller Photography

http://www.historicinnsofcharleston.com


12

BR

ING

IN’ T

HE B

LIN

G

Bringin’ the Bling

SS S S SSSSSSSSSSSUUMUMUMUMUMUMUMUUMMMMMMMMMM

13

BR

ING

IN’ TH

E BLIN

G

By Lydia Dishman

Despite all the hours of planning and a seemingly

endless list of details, many brides agree that their

wedding day happens in the blink of an eye. But

even though it’s over in a fl ash, you’ll have treasured mem-

ories to last a lifetime — not to mention plenty of photos.

It goes without saying that brides want to look their

best for the hundreds of photographs they’ll be smiling in

that day. And if you are like so many brides-to-be, your

personal to-do list might look something like this: dress,

hair, makeup, dress, manicure, headpiece, oh yes, and

dress. Th e all-important gown may take center stage, but

it can also act as a blank canvas to embellish with stun-

ning accessories.

Paula Dawkins, the owner of Jewels that Dance, a cus-

tom jewelry design gallery in Asheville, N.C., encourages

brides to consider the style of the wedding dress as a start-

ing point to select unique jewelry that refl ects their per-

sonal taste. But Dawkins notes, that doesn’t have to mean a

simple string of white pearls. Instead she says, “Th is is your

day to make a statement, you are setting a theme with how

you look,” and urges even traditional brides to play with

diff erent colors, styles and shapes to create a thoroughly

memorable look.

Other ways to


Left: Lauren Hill Haberkorn discovered her dream necklace while

searching for a bridesmaid dress. (Photo/Luster Studios) Above: This

necklace, called “Theodore,” was designed by Greenville, S.C., jeweler

llyn Strong. (Photo provided)


14

BR

ING

IN’ T

HE B

LIN

G

Bringin’ the Bling

Classic with a twistDawkins says a strapless frothy dress

just begs for oversized, eye-catching pieces.

Th ink dazzling drop earrings, which

Dawkins points out can also lengthen the

neck and lend gazelle-like grace to the up-

per body. She recommends opals for their

milky iridescence that come in a variety of

shades from pale to deep.

True romantics should consider

wearing colored precious stones based

on their meanings. Dawkins says rubies

signify passion, sapphires stand for loy-

alty and emeralds for the heart.

ContemporaryTo balance the simple lines of a sleek

sheath-like gown, Tahitian pearls are

an eclectic alternative to their plainer

cousins.

Paola Atehorta, a sales associate at

llyn Strong in Greenville, S.C., points

out that the color variance in Tahitian

pearls lends depth and a modern fl air

around the neck. Owner llyn Strong

recently designed a necklace and heart-

shaped pendant she calls “Th eodore.”

Th e sculptural heart drop is set with 18k

rose, yellow and white gold, and frosted

with diminutive cognac diamonds and

rubies and a South Sea pearl head. A

chunky strand of dyed South Sea choco-

late pearls completes the statement.

Lauren Hill Haberkorn of Raleigh,

N.C., discovered the necklace of her

dreams while searching for a bridesmaid

dress in Pennsylvania.

“It was just the piece to complete my

wedding day ensemble,” Haberkorn said

of the piece that includes three strands

of pearls accented with a silk organza

fl ower and a gemstone pendant.

Free spiritTh ere’s no better day to showcase

your unconventional tastes than your

wedding. Atehorta says llyn Strong’s an-

gel wing earrings would be most appro-

priate sharing center stage with a special

vintage fi nd or your grandmother’s wed-

ding dress. Set with 10 round faceted

cognac diamonds and 18k rose gold Art

Deco earring jackets set with champagne

diamonds, these airy wings will swing

delicately on your earlobes and cast their

golden sparkle across your face all day

long.

Girls that love all things gothic can

scour antique shops to uncover fl ashing

marcasite stones and Victorian jet beads

to add a striking touch to a form-fi tting

mermaid dress.

Helena Krodel of Jewelers of Amer-

ica, a national trade association, points

out that vintage styles are best suited for

cool metals such as platinum and white

gold.

“Vintage and vintage-inspired jewels

say the person is passionate, optimistic

and hopelessly romantic.” says Krodel.

http://www.marriott.com/chsmc


15

BR

ING

IN’ TH

E BLIN

G

RIDALRESSES ORE

JUSTICE OF THE PEACE&B

D

Interested in a destination wedding but not sure where to begin?

Now accepting reservations for our trip to Charleston to meet with local vendors/venues. Call today to reserve your space.

3031 Scottsman Road • Columbia, SC 29223(803) 530-2449 • www.bridaldressesandmore.com

Specializing in Sizes 16-34

BridalBridesmaidsAccessories

Tuxedo Rentals

Rainbow brightJust can’t do without the dazzle of dia-

monds? Th en go for them — in color. Rob-

ert May, executive director of the Natural

Color Diamond Association, says, “You

have three dimensions: tone, hue and satu-

ration, and they never quite hit the same.

When it comes to bridal, that’s perfect.”

Atehorta says diamonds come in

virtually every shade, thanks to the pres-

ence of additional trace elements added

when the diamond was forming. Radia-

tion and pressure on the crystal will also

change the color.

If you’re on a budget, you can get the

same look for a fraction of the cost with

cubic zirconia or semi-precious gem-

stones. Krodel says pink and green are

especially hot colors right now.

“Th ere are an abundance of pretty pink

gemstones including morganite, kunzite,

pink sapphire and pink tourmaline,” she

notes. Green has become more popular

this year for weddings in general, says

Krodel, adding that “Going green” has

spurred interest in all things verdant.

When making the fi nal choice, Paula

Dawkins reminds brides to look at the big

picture. “Th ink of how you’ll be seen not

just from the front. You want something

that looks good at any angle.” •

llyn Strong’s angel wing earrings are the per-

fect complement to a vintage wedding dress.

(Photo provided)

http://www.bridaldressesandmore.com

http://www.gradyervin.com


16

LET’S

GE

T T

HIS

PA

RT

Y S

TA

RT

ED

!Let’s Get This Party Started!

Mix upitRehearsal dinners can be casual and fun

By Anne Woodman

No one sets out to plan a stuffy wedding weekend. But by the time brides and grooms

juggle family commitments and check off lengthy to-do lists, the original concept of a laid-

back and relaxed weekend may have moved to the back burner.

These days, some couples see a defi nite potential for fun on the night of their rehearsal

dinner. Even wedding ceremonies steeped in tradition and formality can do with a little

shaking up the night before.


17

LE

T’S GE

T TH

IS PA

RT

Y ST

AR

TE

D!

April Rush, sales manager at the Mat-

thews House in Cary, N.C., said part

of the shift from formal to more casual

for rehearsal dinners may be driven by

the economy. Th e Matthews House is a

hotspot for rehearsal dinners, as well as

wedding ceremonies and receptions. But

they can also simply cater the rehearsal

dinner if a family chooses to hold the

rehearsal event off -site at a park or in a

friend’s backyard. In that case, the fam-

ily can provide the beer and wine and

make the atmosphere more like a family

reunion.

“Many couples are choosing a more

relaxed atmosphere for the rehearsal din-

ner,” said Rush. “We see ‘casual attire’ on

the invitation, with men in khaki shorts

and fl ip fl ops and women in sundresses.”

Wedding planner Shannon Sumrall

of Green Light Weddings said the rea-

son couples may choose casual is to do

something diff erent, a contrast with the

more formal wedding day.

“Couples oft en like to do a picnic or

pig pickin’. Th is is especially popular

when people have guests who are not

from the South — they can give a taste

of North Carolina barbecue without

serving it at the wedding,” Sumrall said.

Non-traditional all the wayFor Corey and Olivia Palakovich, the

rehearsal dinner was a chance to honor

Corey’s Polish heritage. Corey, executive

chef at Th e Raleigh Times Bar, knew the

food would be an important part of the

wedding weekend. One of the couple’s

favorite restaurants, J Betski’s, catered

the event on the fi ft h-fl oor rooft op of

230 Fayetteville St. in Raleigh.

“We actually went away from the

traditional on everything,” said Corey.

“We coordinated a lot of it ourselves and

didn’t add much to the venue because of

its natural feel.”

“Even his family hadn’t tried such

traditional Polish fare,” said Olivia. “We

tried to make sure there was something

everyone could eat, from my pregnant

bridesmaids to the children. We also

served beer in buckets and hooked our

iPod up to the Bose stereo system.”

In late April 2010, Corey and Olivia

and their family and friends enjoyed the

view from the large glass walls and glass

doors overlooking Fayetteville Street

Olivia and Corey Palakovich at their rehearsal

dinner. (Photo provided)

http://www.goodfoodcatering.net


18

LET’S

GE

T T

HIS

PA

RT

Y S

TA

RT

ED

!Let’s Get This Party Started!

EXPERT EVENT PLANNING & DESIGNSPECIALTY EVENT RENTALS - DRAPING - FLORAL - LIGHTING

CORPORATE EVENTS - WEDDINGS - GALA CELEBRATIONS

DISTINCTIVE-EVENTS.COM / 843.723.1355 / 115 CALHOUN STREET

while dining on foods like schnitzel and

veal paprikash.

Traditional with a twistFamily was also a strong theme when

Deborah Loehr began planning her son,

Ryan’s, rehearsal dinner. Ryan’s wedding

to Claire took place at Christ Episco-

pal Church in downtown Raleigh, and

Loehr wanted the rehearsal dinner to be

close by and “traditional with a twist.”

Th ey chose Sitti, a restaurant whose

name means grandmother in Lebanese,

where food is served family style. “We

don’t have any Lebanese family connec-

tions, but we loved that family is at the

heart of the restaurant,” said Loehr. Under

a tent in Sitti’s courtyard, guests dined on

fare like grouper with orange sauce.

Greening up the festivitiesJason and Rachel Guthrie fi rst

wanted All Saints Chapel in Raleigh for

their December 2009 wedding, but the

venue was not big enough for all of their

guests. A while later, when searching for

a place to hold the rehearsal dinner, they

realized because they had fewer guests

to seat for the Friday night event, they

would get the chance to experience All

Saints aft er all.

“When we were looking at places, we

felt that the hotels were very vanilla; they

wouldn’t have been unique or personal

to us,” said Jason. “All Saints had the

character we wanted.”

Th e couple’s personality came out in the

choice of Beau Catering, owned by Beau

Bennett. “We liked that Beau uses local

and organic products,” said Rachel. “We

got a personalized experience and felt that

we got a higher quality food product.”

Most of all, the Guthries wanted their

rehearsal dinner to be a good time for

families to sit, talk and have a good

time.

An opportunity to imprintyour personal, casual style

“We have had couples do luaus, bar-

becues and Italian nights, like a little

piece of Italy here in Cary,” said Rush.

“We see rehearsal dinners go from one

extreme to another. Th ey are an excel-

lent chance to show off your own per-

sonal style.” •

Guests at Lindsey Yates and Brian Tester’s

rehearsal dinner in June 2009 were treated to

barbecue and tunes from White Water Blue Grass

Co. from Asheville, N.C. (Photo/Katie Langley)

http://www.distinctive-events.com


19

LE

T’S GE

T TH

IS PA

RT

Y ST

AR

TE

D!

363 ½ King St,Downtown Charleston

843.297.8674

357 N. Shelmore Blvd, I’On Village

843.388.7495

www.christophechocolatier.com

1145 Chandler Road, Awendaw, SC 29429(843) 270-9648 www.pepperpavilion.com

For the Perfect Southern Wedding…A beautifully designed, barn-inspired pavilion with southern charm awaits you! This unique ceremony and reception site located within a picturesque equestrian community only minutes away from Charleston...

Spacious open hall area with exposed timber roof truss…

“Lowcountry Style” Wrap-around Porches…

Indoor and Outdoor Fireplaces…

Lakeside lawn with Patio and Fire-pit…

Dock and Gazebo….

Damon R. Smith Photography

Bowling with your friends and family. At The Alley, a retro bowling alley across

from NC State University in Raleigh, staff

welcomes groups and can help coordinate

a menu and bowling shoes.

Heading to the ball park. The Durham

Bulls Athletic Park holds events, too. Why

not take your guests to a game? Friday

nights in the summer offer fi reworks to top

off the evening.

Visiting the museum. The North Carolina

Museum of Art and the Museum of Natural

Sciences can help you plan your event

on-site.

Taking a tour of downtown Raleigh… on Segways. “We can do private tours

with your group,” said owner Todd Massiter.

“So far, the most popular wedding week-

end outing is when the whole groom’s side

comes in the day of the wedding before it’s

time for the ceremony.” But when you’re

throwing traditional ideas out the window,

why not try Segway for all your friends and

family right before or after the rehearsal

dinner?

If you decide to turn traditional on its head, consider…

http://www.pepperpavilion.com

http://www.christopherchoclatier.com

20


FEA

TU

RE S

TO

RY

Feature Story

Full of

hearteet Lindsey Tester: bubbly, friendly, a

little on the impulsive side. And her

husband Brian? He’s polite, respectful

and dependable. They may seem like

opposites, but when you talk to Lindsey and Brian Tester

separately, they both say the other one’s best quality is

a big heart. Caring for others seems to be the place they

meet in the middle.

M

By Anne Woodman

Photography by Katie Langley

21


FE

AT

UR

E ST

OR

Y


22

FEA

TU

RE S

TO

RY

Feature Story

ColletonRiverClub.com • 843.836.4400

Backing them up is exceedingly difficult, but not at Colleton River Plantation.Saying words like “Simply...exceptional” is easy.

Hilton Head Island/ Bluffton area. We understand what it takes to make your wedding day perfect, and we handle all the details to make sure it comes true.

We invite you to take a peek at our website and then call our wedding specialist Christine Hall for a personalized tour of our exceptional facilities,

including two splendid clubhouses.

The romantic charm of Colleton River Plantation, coupled with its panoramic views of brilliant green

fairways, riverfront splendor, and awe inspiring sunsets is the ideal location to say “I do.”

This is the fairytale venue that you have dreamed about for all these years. The Colleton River Club

sets the standard for luxury weddings in the

Photography by: Allison Reisz Photography • www.allisonreiszphotography.com

Th e former Lindsey Yates and Brian

Tester met while attending Watauga

High School in Boone, N.C. But aft er

graduation, their paths did not cross

much for the next 10 years.

Aft er high school, Brian, a year older

than Lindsey, went to play baseball for Ap-

palachian State University and then Lenoir-

Rhyne University. Meanwhile, Lindsey

climbed the career ladder at a bank in Boone.

Several years later, Lindsey’s cousin

got engaged to one of Brian’s best

friends, and the couple suggested Brian

call Lindsey, but time went by. Finally,

the couple invited Brian and Lindsey

out to dinner with a group of friends at

Twigs Restaurant in Blowing Rock.

“Is that Lindsey? Wow,” Brian recalled

thinking as he looked down the table

full of friends.

“It was like a spark lit up inside of me

when I saw Brian,” said Lindsey.

Later, Lindsey went over and sat next

to Brian and they ended up talking the

rest of the night.

Soon aft er the two started dating,

Lindsey’s mother, Susie Cox, knew the

relationship was something special.

“Lindsey would tell me about little

things Brian would do, and she’d always

say, ‘Mom, he’s the best,’” Cox said. “She

seemed more relaxed — more herself.”

By the time Brian was ready to pro-

pose, the couple had looked at rings

http://www.colletonriverclub.com


23

A wedding, like history, is made of memories. Make yours unforgettable with the skills and imagination of our certified

wedding planner, offered to you with our compliments. Welcome your guests in our glorious garden courtyard,

also perfect for the ceremony. Beside it awaits an intimate ballroom for celebrating, dining and dancing.

All events are exquisitely catered by the legendary Peninsula Grill. And your bridal suite? Beyond description.

M E E T I N G A T M A R K E T 8 4 3 - 7 2 2 - 2 3 4 5 / 8 0 0 - 8 4 5 - 7 0 8 2 P L A N T E R S I N N . C O M

Begin your history together in the hear t of the Old City.

c i r c a 1 8 4 4

FE

AT

UR

E ST

OR

Y

together. But Brian had a surprise up his

sleeve. He asked Cox and Lindsey’s sis-

ter, Emily Yates, out to lunch to let them

know he wanted to ask Lindsey to marry

him. And he started planning a special

proposal night at the Gamekeeper Res-

taurant in Boone, the site of their fi rst

date. A friend helped him reserve the

bar area and Emily helped invite friends

and family in secret.

Th e night of the proposal, Brian was

getting dressed when he discovered a

note from Lindsey in his pocket. Months

earlier, she had slipped in the note to

wish him luck on a big presentation at

work. As he prepared to meet Lindsey at

the Gamekeeper, her note cheering him

on, telling him that even though he was

nervous he would do great, lent an even

more special feeling to the evening.

On Sept. 20, 2008, Brian proposed at

dinner, and more than 50 friends and fam-

ily hid in a nearby room and then gathered

in the bar to celebrate aft erwards.

http://www.plantersinn.com


24

FEA

TU

RE S

TO

RY

Feature Story

224 O’Neil Court, Columbia803-419-4471 • www.jordansmodernbrideandgroom.com

Full Service Salon Offering:

Wedding Gowns

Bridesmaids Gowns

Mother Dresses

Flowergirl Dresses

Tuxedo Rentals

Veils

Headpieces

Shoes

Jewelry

Wedding Invitations

Wedding Favors

and more!

No appointments necessary

“One of our biggest connections is

that we have strong ties to our families,”

Lindsey said. Both of them were excited

to have friends and family nearby as

they prepared for their future together.

Not long aft er the engagement, Lind-

sey began shopping for a gown. She tried

on several and eventually found one in

Charlotte, N.C., from the Alfred Angelo

Collection. “Th e pick-ups on my dress

reminded me of Cinderella,” she said.

By June 2009, both Lindsey and Brian

were ready for the wedding weekend.

Lindsey worked with Brian’s parents to

plan the rehearsal dinner at the Blowing

Rock Country Club’s Lake House.

“Th eir goal was for everyone to have

a good time with no tension,” said Cox.

To accomplish that goal, Brian’s

mother used her fl air for decorating

to create a casual, festive scene. She

adorned the red-and-white-checked ta-

bles with fl owers from her own garden,

including daisies and geraniums.

Lindsey’s friends and bridesmaids wore

cowboy boots with their dresses, and one

of her bridesmaids and her mom, both

clog instructors, gave dance lessons.

Th e group ate barbecue and danced

to the tunes of the White Water Blue

Grass Co. from Asheville, N.C. “My

parents listened to 10 diff erent bluegrass

bands before they found the right one,”

said Brian.

On June 20, 2009, Lindsey and her

10 bridesmaids and Brian and his 10

groomsmen arrived at First Baptist

Church in Blowing Rock, along with

over 300 guests. Th e colors Lindsey

chose were chocolate brown and pink,

which she had always wanted.

Th e fl ower girls were sisters who

Lindsey babysat from the time they were

in diapers, and the ringbearer was Lind-

sey’s cousin’s son.

Th e wedding day was Brian’s turn to

be surprised. “As soon as the ringbearer

walked through the doors, I saw it — the

fi rst baseball glove I ever had. It was

http://www.jordansmodernbrideandgroom.com


25

FE

AT

UR

E ST

OR

Y

Shem Creek EventsS H E M C R E E K E V E N T S . C O M

SHEM CREEK EVENTS | 202 COLEMAN BLVD. | MT. PLEASANT, SC 29464S H E M C R E E K E V E N T S . C O M | 843.881.7384

NOW 2 AMAZING FACILITIES!

2010 DATES STILL AVAILABLE

pretty special,” he said. Perched atop the

glove were the couple’s wedding rings.

“Th e moment in the wedding that

sticks with me the most was when the

church doors opened for me to walk down

the aisle to meet Brian,” said Lindsey. “I

was so nervous but so incredibly happy.”

Lindsey’s mother agreed. “One of the

most special moments for me was turning

to watch her walk down the aisle. And I

felt that the minister’s message was per-

sonally tailored to them.”

Aft er the ceremony, Lindsey and Bri-

an rode in a horse-drawn carriage from

Carolina Carriage Co. to their reception

at Blowing Rock Country Club. “Th e

horse and buggy added a fairy tale ele-

ment to our wedding,” Lindsey said.

Th e couple wanted to make sure

guests felt relaxed and low-key at the

reception. People visited with each other

and danced to the music of Laditude, a

local band, while also participating in

time-honored traditions like the bou-

quet and garter toss.

“Th e reception was a blast — it was

one huge party and my favorite part,”

said Brian.

When the festivities ended, Lindsey

and Brian rolled out of the reception in

a 1956 Lincoln Continental Mark II and

spent the night at the Gideon Ridge Inn.

Th e following week, they took off for

a honeymoon in the Bahamas. “Th e mo-

ment that it hit me we were really married

was when we were in the airport, getting

ready to leave for the Bahamas,” said Brian.

“She said her last name was Tester.”

Th e couple has plenty to look for-

ward to in the years ahead. Lindsey,

a customer service representative at

United Community Bank in Blowing

Rock, and Brian, a plant manager for

Skyline Telephone Corp. in Boone, are

building a new home and will move in

by Christmas. •

Something borrowed. Lindsey bor-

rowed a solitaire diamond necklace that

from a very special friend. This necklace

also served as her something old.

Something blue. Her “something

blue” was a David Yurman ring Brian

gave her the night of the rehearsal as a

wedding gift.

Something new. Lindsey’s “something

new” was her wedding dress, which she

said made her feel “like a princess!!” She

also wore new Stuart Weitzman shoes

accented with crystals and a bow, which

were a gift from a special friend that owns

Monkees in Blowing Rock.

http://www.shemcreekevents.com

26


FEA

TU

RE S

TO

RY

Feature Story

27


FE

AT

UR

E ST

OR

Y

Justmarried

Angelica O’Neal and Tyler Moses lived just

fi ve houses apart during high school.

Seven years later, they’re sharing a roof —

and a new life as husband and wife.

It all started in the smoldering summer heat

of Lexington, S.C., where then-Lexington High

School senior Tyler started hanging out at his pe-

tite blonde neighbor’s pool. He was trying to catch

the cute cheerleader’s eye but ended up mostly

talking to Angel’s parents.

“He was my mom’s favorite

right off the bat,” says Angelica,

Angel for short, with a good-

natured laugh. “He won her

over before he won me over.”

But it wasn’t long before the boyishly hand-

some soccer player had won Angel’s heart too —

with a little help from above, you might say.

Tyler invited Angel to tag along on a “star party”

for his astronomy class, which consisted of a night

spent looking at the heavens for planets and con-

stellations.

Th at night became the start of something big

— a seven-year journey full of transitions from

high school romance all the way to the altar.

“Out of seven years being together, probably

about four of those we’ve lived in diff erent cities,”

Tyler said.

While Tyler stayed in

Columbia to study chemi-

cal engineering at the Uni-

versity of South Carolina,

By DeeDee Filiatreault

Photography by

Travis Bell Photographers

a,

vv


28

FEA

TU

RE S

TO

RY

Feature Story

181 Church St., Charleston SC • CharlestonDoubletree.com

[email protected] • 843-577-2644

Overlooking the historic City Market, we offer a choice of elegant settings, from fountained courtyard to

regal ballroom. Together, we’ll create a gourmet menu for your guests. After the celebration, family and

friends can relax in the area’s largest one and two-bedroom suites. A perfect ending to a perfect day.

Make your first step down the aisle a call to our wedding coordinators.

Join your lives and loved ones In the heart of the holy city.

Angel (one year his junior) left for

college at USC-Aiken. Aft er being sepa-

rated a year, she became a Gamecock

herself. But they weren’t reunited long

before Tyler graduated and took a job at

a nuclear power plant in Charlotte, N.C.,

where the couple now resides.

Aft er six years together (and so oft en

apart), Angel was eager to make things

offi cial. But her graduation was more

than a year away, and she thought her

dreams of an engagement were still a

long way off . She underestimated Tyler.

On May 5, 2009, Tyler wrote in

white chocolate on the biggest straw-

berries he could fi nd these fateful

words: “Marry Me.”

Placing the berries on a tray with

a certain blue box in the middle, he

shoved the whole thing into the oven for

safekeeping.

Later, as Angel waited in the car to

leave for a night of Cinco de Mayo en-

chiladas, Tyler pretended he’d forgotten

his wallet (an absent-minded habit of

his) and dashed back into the apartment

to set the stage for their return.

“I put the tray out, I had rose pet-

als everywhere, I had it set up perfect,”

Tyler said. “Th en we drove to the restau-

rant and I realized I really had forgotten

my wallet!”

To make matters worse, Tyler was

pulled over by police on his way to re-

trieve the wallet.

Aft er dinner at a Spanish restaurant

http://www.charlestondoubletree.com


29

FE

AT

UR

E ST

OR

Y

(by that time, the area’s Mexican restau-

rants were all full), they fi nally ended

up back home, where Tyler got down on

one knee.

“I just went numb,” Angel said. “If

you’ve ever seen the old Charlie Brown

fi lms and the sound the teacher makes

— that’s what he sounded like. I was just

in unbelievable shock. So he really had

to ask me twice!”

But once he placed the ring on her

fi nger (a round Tiff any diamond sur-

rounded by bead-set ribbons of more

diamonds), Angel said “yes” — at least

once.

Th at evening launched a year’s worth

of planning for the big event, set for

May 22, 2010, all while Angel was busy

fi nishing school in Columbia and Tyler

was beginning his engineering career in

Charlotte.

Choosing where to get married was

perhaps the simplest decision of all.

Both families call Mt. Horeb United

Methodist Church in Lexington their

church home; in fact, Tyler and An-

gel had both been part of the youth

group there.

One of the oldest and largest churches

in Lexington, Mt. Horeb’s modern new

sanctuary with its rich red carpeting and

striking stained glass scene overlooking

the pulpit provided the perfect venue for

a wedding Angel and Tyler hoped would

http://www.scaqurium.org


30

FEA

TU

RE S

TO

RY

Feature Story

Cake, delicious cake

1804 Meadowlawn Dr. • Charleston, SC 29407(Corner of Wappoo Rd. and Meadowlawn)

843-225-CAKE (225-2253) • www.ameliaclaires.com

be heartfelt for their 300 guests.

It would certainly be hot — an un-

avoidable reality in South Carolina’s

Midlands.

“Hotness I didn’t care about,” Angel

said. “Sun was all I was hoping for.”

She got her wish with a perfect, shiny

90-degree day, albeit a steamy one for

Tyler and the groomsmen in their black

tuxedos with platinum vests.

The bride, meanwhile, was all love-

liness in a pure white cloud of feathery

tulle and icy chandelier earrings. She

had discovered the couture strapless

gown at Bella Vista Bridal Boutique in

downtown Columbia and fell in love

with its intricate beadwork and flow-

ing train.

It was a dramatic dress that called for

a dramatic entry.

Just before the doors opened for An-

gel’s father to walk her down the aisle

lined with pillar candelabras, a bagpiper

in full Scottish array led the way, fi lling

the sanctuary with the popular wedding

song “Highland Cathedral.”

Angel carried a satin-wrapped

clutch of blush and light lavender roses

adorned with sparkly stems of crystals.

In striking contrast, her eight brides-

maids wore black chiff on halter dresses

with black satin peek-toe shoes. Th e

fl ower girl — Angel’s cousin — wore a

satin dress with a pearl-lined neckline

handmade by the child’s mother (who

had once been the fl ower girl in Angel’s

mother’s wedding).

Aft er the announcement of Tyler and

Angel as man and wife, the bagpiper

played again while the guests erupted in

applause.

Waiting to whisk them to their recep-

tion at the nearby Lexington Municipal

Center was a 1953 mint-green Bentley,

on loan from a family friend. Blinds in

the back window announced the pair

“Just Married.”

Friends crowded the hall’s foyer and

ballroom, which were lined with two

bars and buff et tables overfl owing with

Southern delicacies such as shrimp and

grits, barbeque meatballs, and pimento

cheese sandwiches (catered by Simply

Delicious of Columbia).

But taking center stage was the cake.

Reminiscent of a stack of hatboxes, the

four-layer confection by Parkland Cakes

was draped with delicate swags of icing.

And peeking through the blush bouquet

on top was a silver M for the bride’s new

name, sparkling with rhinestones.

As guests made their way to the

dance fl oor, the couple pulled another

surprise out of their hat, this time by

trading in the traditional fi rst dance for

a performance of the rumba.

http://www.ameliaclaires.com


31

FE

AT

UR

E ST

OR

Y

Weddings and Receptions • Bridal Showers • Engagement Parties

Rehearsal Dinners • Golf Outings • Holiday Parties • Professional Catering

Indoor & Outdoor Facilities available • Professional Event Planning

Legend Oaks G O L F C L U B

118 Legend Oaks Way • Summerville, SC 29485 • 843-821-4077

Check out our website for more event information and to view our event photo album at

www.legendoaksgolf.com

Tyler had secretly enrolled the

couple in ballroom dancing lessons at

Vista Ballroom, where their instructor

had choreographed a one-of-a-kind

version of the sultry Latin dance for

the pair to perform.

“I was not prepared to dance in my

dress,” Angel acknowledged. “We had

to do some maneuvering because it was

just huge!”

Underneath it all, the bride was do-

ing those steps in a bejeweled pair of 4

½-inch platform heels from the pageant

store Dazzles, shoes she ended up danc-

ing in until midnight.

As the party wound down, Angel kept

her veil but stepped into a show-stop-

ping going-away outfi t — a short white

halter dress dotted with rhinestones and

strands of white chiff on.

When the couple fi nally stole away

for an idyllic honeymoon in St. Bart’s,

guests blew bubbles in a jubilant send-

off then each went home with a bottle of

Texas Pete, a hot sauce that Angel says is

one of her greatest loves.

“Everyone was on our side to get

together since day one,” said Angel.

(Th e couple has begun settling into

their new life in Charlotte, where she is

now job hunting in her fi eld of public

health.) “Th rough faith in God, through

our families being so supportive, and

through our commitment to each other,

I guess that’s how we did it.”

Th at and a healthy dose of the spice

of life. •

Something old. In remembrance of

her grandmother who passed away

while Angel was in high school, the

bride wore her grandmother’s wed-

ding band and engagement ring. The

two had been soldered into one band,

which was so tiny Angel wore it on her

pinkie fi nger.

Something new. Most of Angel’s

ensemble was new, including the

silver ankle bracelet Tyler sent to Angel

through a groomsman just before she

walked down the aisle.

Something borrowed. Adorning her

bouquet of roses was a brilliant crystal

brooch in blues of royal, cornfl ower

and lapis, which had belonged to the

grandmother of one of Angel’s closest

friends.

Something blue. While the brooch

could have served double-duty as

both borrowed and blue, the seam-

stress who made Angel’s alterations

– as a gift to the new bride – embroi-

dered Angel’s new initials in blue on

the inside of her wedding gown.

http://www.legendoaksgolf.com

32


FAS

HIO

N P

AS

SIO

N

Fashion Passion

To boutique or not to boutique

Buying the perfect dress is a rite of

passage. It is such an important part of

the wedding that cable channel TLC

even created a show called Say Yes to

the Dress. Th e show is based on brides

shopping at New York’s Klienfeld Bridal,

a world-premier bridal salon where the

staff goes to all measures to ensure each

bride fi nds the dress of her dreams.

Visiting a bridal boutique defi nitely

has its advantages, beginning with the

assistance of a knowledgeable bridal

consultant who is there to make you feel

special and assist you at every turn. And

she’s off ering champagne to everyone in

your dress-fi nding party? Even better!

Here comes the brideWhile most bridal boutiques certainly

do roll out the red carpet for brides, a

growing number of retail chains are be-

ginning to attract brides as well, but for

diff erent reasons.

Stores like Ann Taylor, White House

Black Market and J. Crew are off ering

bridal wear with great styles, beautiful

fabrics, fl attering silhouettes and aff ord-

able prices. Brides are fi nding that the

stores they frequent for everyday wear

are the perfect places to go for wedding

wear. And brides don’t seem to care that

there aren’t hundreds of dresses to chose

from or that a personal consultant is

missing from the dressing room.

White House Black Market is fairly

new to the wedding dress business. Day-

na Isom, the company’s senior public

relations specialist, knows that women

come to White House Black Market for

beautiful clothes and accessories for

many occasions in life.

“We recognized that we’re already

dressing her for these important mo-

ments, so we decided to create a bridal

collection for one of the most special,

important and memorable days in her

life – her actual wedding day.”

When Susan LaMantia Nolan of

Lothian, Md., began planning her

Charleston, S.C., wedding, she knew

exactly what she wanted in a dress. “I

wanted something traditional, and yet,

I knew I wanted something simple and

elegant, but fun.” Aft er seeing J. Crew’s

Sophia gown online, she knew it was the

one. Nolan did visit one bridal boutique,

but had no luck. While many of the

dresses were beautiful, she said, they all

just fell short.

While Ann Taylor, White House

Black Market and J. Crew stores are lo-

Fashion Passion

Elegant, chic,

radiant and ...

off the rack

He popped the question, now it’s time to

shop for the dress. The one that will

make you feel like a princess and take

his breath away the moment he sees you walking

down the aisle.

But where will you shop? While most women

immediately make a list of local boutiques to visit, a growing

number of brides are turning to familiar stores – like Anne Taylor

and J. Crew – to fi nd the dress of their dreams.

o

g

it i

By Shelley Gibson Drulard


FA

SH

ION P

AS

SIO

N

cated through the Southeast, only the J.

Crew store at Lenox Square in Atlanta

carries bridal wear. Brides do, however,

have the option to shop online.

But shopping retail … for a wedding

dress … online?

Point and clickWith popular sites like theknot.com

and WeddingChannel.com, brides are

already spending a lot of time planning

their weddings online.

“Brides are attracted to the ease of

online shopping,” said a spokesman for

Ann Taylor. “Th ey are already familiar

with the brand and know what they

expect.”

Being comfortable with the brand

is a big reason online retail wedding

business is growing. Tom Mora, head of

wedding design at J. Crew, believes that

their brides come to J. Crew looking for

timeless and sophisticated design for

that special day. “She knows that our siz-

ing is consistent with the rest of our col-

lection, unlike many bridal companies.”

Nolan said she wasn’t hesitant to or-

der her dress because she was familiar

with J. Crew’s clothing. “I had ordered J.

Crew dresses in the past and had always

been pleased,” she said.

“J. Crew can outfi t the entire wedding

party. Everyone who walks down the aisle

from the bride and groom to the atten-

dants, the mother-of-the-bride, the little

ones and also special guests,” Mora said.

Like J. Crew, Ann Taylor and White

House Black Market also off er brides-

maids dresses, as well as looks for parties

and the honeymoon. Th e retailers have

wedding specialists dedicated to helping

brides order the correct size, coordinate

her dress with available shoes and ac-

cessories, and make sure she is satisfi ed

with the purchase when it arrives. Th e

return policies are typical and straight-

forward.

Ann Taylor’s spokesman points out

that by off ering dresses online there is

unlimited shelf space so they can off er a

vast supply of colors and sizes. Th ey can

also reach brides across the country –

and beyond.

$275 to $495. While keeping the price so

low for something that can be as extrav-

agant as a wedding dress is a challenge,

he said that the company off ers unique

designs with beautiful silhouettes, vari-

eties of colors and fabrics. Th ey plan to

add more bridal and bridesmaids dresses

and accessories every quarter.

White House Black Market currently

features one limited edition bridal gown

at $498. In August 2010, three new

gowns, as well as new bridesmaid op-

tions, accessories and jewelry will be

available. •

Selection, convenience and budget-friendly, too

Let’s not forget price. With an unsta-

ble economy, couples preparing to start

a life together are discovering that wed-

ding style doesn’t have to cost a fortune.

“I’m a frugal gal when it comes to this

sort of thing,” said Nolan. “I didn’t feel

the need to spend thousands of dollars

on the dress.”

According to Mora, “Th ere was a void

in the market between the top of the top

of the top and the bottom tier. We saw

an opportunity to off er timeless sophisti-

cation with a bit of a twist and incredible

quality and fabrications.” J. Crew carries

more than 50 gowns that range in price

from $295 to $2,295. Each season they

add new styles, colors and overall op-

tions to the collection.

Ann Taylor’s spokesman explained

that the Ann Taylor quality has im-

proved, but the prices have not changed.

Ann Taylor’s three wedding dresses are

Left: Susan LaMantia Nolan selected a

dress from J. Crew for her wedding day.

(Photo provided) Right: White House Black

Market currently offers one limited edition

bridal gown, but plans to add more this

summer. (Photo provided)

33

34


BLO

OM

S &

PLU

ME

S

Blooms & Plumes

When Taryn Kraimer Scher was planning her Greenville,

S.C., wedding last year, she knew right away that

she’d be carrying roses down the aisle.

“I love roses,” Kraimer Scher said.

“I think they’re classic and timeless.”

By Lydia Dishman

Photos by David Richardson Photography

When a rose is not just a rose


35

BLO

OM

S & P

LUM

ES

Kraimer Scher chose to use one single

color of rose. She carried a lush clutch of

raspberry-colored buds, which she knew

would “just pop beautifully in photos.”

An event planner by trade, Kraimer

Scher was used to paying very close at-

tention to such tiny details and her dedi-

cation paid off . When the bride looks

back at her wedding photos, she can see

that the vibrant hue of the buds does

pop. It also compliments the blush in

her cheeks and the color of her groom’s

pocket square. Her bridesmaids carried

similar nosegays in a delicate, paler pink

that contrasted with the deeper fuchsia

of their dresses.

Kraimer Scher is just one of a long

line of brides to carry a rose bouquet

down the aisle. Roses have been the

fl ower of choice for brides since Ancient

Greece and Rome. Th e California Cut

Flower Commission says “Diamonds

may be a girl’s best friend, but roses re-

main the romantic token of choice.” It

estimates more than 1.4 billion roses are

sold annually.

But that doesn’t mean a bunch of ros-

es has to be ordinary. Here are some tips

on how to bring out the natural beauty

of these perennial favorites and how to

preserve the bouquet so you can enjoy it

for years to come.

Bits of blingWoven into Kraimer Scher’s bouquet

from TWIGS, a fl oral design boutique

in Greenville, were subtle silver wires

tipped with sparkling crystals that mir-

rored the delicate beads strewn across

the bodice of her gown and on her

headpiece.

Mixed greensDuring the Middle Ages and the Re-

naissance, brides oft en carried bunches

of pungent herbs to ward off evil spirits

and encourage fertility. Th e aromatic

rosemary was a popular choice, signify-

ing remembrance and fi delity.

Donna Mills, owner of Floral and

Hardy Farms in Columbia, S.C., says

rosemary makes an excellent pairing

with many of the roses cultivated in

South America. “Th ey are oft en grown

http://www.charlestonwedding.com


36

BLO

OM

S &

PLU

ME

S

Blooms & Plumes

WEDDING RECEPTIONS • CUSTOM MENUSPRIVATE PARTIES • CORPORATE FUNCTIONS

Voted Best Caterer 2001 - 2009 by Charleston City Paper843-534-chef (2433) • crucatering.com

cru caféON PINCKNEY STREET

1784 Harmon Street • Charleston, SC 29405843-534-(CHEF) 2433 • 843-534-2439 FAX

FULL SERVICE CUSTOMIZED CUISINE

for color and not for scent, so rosemary

adds a nice fragrance.”

Mills suggests using seasonal green-

ery to surround roses. “Th at way, when

you look back at the photos, you’ll be re-

minded of the month you were married.”

As such, she recommends the variegated

oval leaves of pittosporum in winter

to set off white roses, or wax myrtle in

high summer as a dark contrast to the

sunshine-colored roses of summer.

Romantic pairingsTh e pointed petals of stargazer lilies of-

fer a shapely counterpoint to roses round

lushness, according to Mills. “I like to

mix shapes and textures,” she admits and

urges brides to think in those terms, too.

For a delicate contrast, Mills uses Queen

Anne’s Lace. For bolder combinations, she

gravitates towards the spikey monarda, or

bee balm. In the fall, she says, take advan-

tage of beautyberry’s purple beads or the

fl ushed terracotta of hypericum.

http://www.ohsnapphotobooth.com

http://www.crucatering.com


37

BLO

OM

S & P

LUM

ES

Mills adds that a mix of garden and

hothouse roses can turn a blah bouquet

into a beauty. “Anything by David Aus-

tin will be fragrant and rich,” adds Mills.

“If you can, wait until the week before

the wedding to see what is freshest and

most colorful.” Th at might send some

brides into a panic, she admits, but it is

one way to avoid the disappointment of

getting a lesser quality fl ower that may

have been forced to bloom at the wrong

time.

Preserve your loveKraimer Scher says she used no other

fl owers at her reception. Instead, her

mom purchased vases for the head table

so the bouquets became part of the de-

cor. Th ough she gave her fl owers to her

best friend as she left the next morning

for the honeymoon, placing them in

water immediately aft er the ceremony is

a must-do if you plan to preserve your

posies for posterity.

Not only are roses a common choice

among brides, they are also the easiest to

preserve according to Cristina Segarra,

owner of Flowers Forever in Columbia.

One of the simplest methods to do this

is to dry them, she says, by hanging

them upside down or placing them on a

screen. “Anywhere the air can circulate

completely around them.”

Keep them away from direct sunlight,

which will fade the color. “You’ll know

when they are totally dry if you squeeze

them gently and they feel crunchy,” says

Segarra. At this point, she recommends

putting them in a box and keeping them

in a cool, dry place.

Segarra cautions that this method

will not guarantee the fl owers to last

through a lifetime of anniversaries.

Companies like hers can take the entire

bouquet or a single bloom and preserve

it exactly as it is.

For brides that want to do this, Se-

garra says, “Cut one-quarter inch off

the bottom of the stems and place in

a vase with cool water or if your flow-

ers have a foam base, place in a sink

and run cool water over the foam until

saturated.” Lightly cover the flowers

with a large plastic bag and Keep them

refrigerated until ready to deliver them

for preservation.

Segarra’s treatments cap-

ture the blooms’ moment by

either pressing à la the Vic-

torian age or vacuum drying.

Th e rendered fl owers

are then placed un-

der glass either

in a shadow box,

ornament ball,

or other arrange-

ment as the bride

chooses. “It’s an

artistic way to

treasure your

fl owers for many

years,” she says. •

101 Berwick Drive Hilton Head Island, SC 29926

843-689-3500 | www.thegolfclub-indigorun.com

From an anniversary to a wedding, a shower or business meeting,

let The Golf Club take care of all the details.

Southern Weddings… Country Club of Hilton Head Style

70 Skull Creek Drive Hilton Head Island, SC 29926

843-681-2582

http://www.thegolfclub-indigorun.com

38


ET

IQU

ET

TE

Etiquette

When Sayers, a resident of Durham,

N.C., got married in June 2006, the wed-

ding went off without a hitch. All that

changed when Jason’s best man, Zac Pe-

tersen, got up to toast the couple.

“Back when Jason and Zac lived in

the dorm together at college, Jason had a

pet ferret,” said Sayers. “Th e entire toast

at the reception turned out to be about

the ferret: what happened when it got

out of the cage, how horrible it was to

clean the cage, memories of the ferret.

People were laughing, but in a sort of

awkward way.”

Wedding planner Meme Freeney of

Raleigh, who owns Blessed Beginnings

by Meme, has seen her share of toasts

in the 16 years she has helped couples

on their special day. “I have heard some

inappropriate things mentioned and

some touching ones, too,” said Freeney.

“People want to do a good job but don’t

always know how.”

For many brides and grooms, toasts

serve to lighten the mood and share

touching moments from the past. Jes-

sica Sahoo and her husband, Chino, of

Morrisville, N.C., braved not one, but

two wedding ceremonies last summer:

Indian and Christian. Both were held at

Brier Creek Country Club on the same

day. Despite the busy nature of the event,

Sahoo said the two toasts were light-

hearted and simple.

Her husband’s brother, the best man,

used personalized, appropriate humor.

“He talked about how his family had

traveled to Chicago on their way to visit

my family in Indiana. Th e people in my

family are huge White Sox fans, so when

Chino’s family went to a Cubs versus

White Sox game, they didn’t know who

to cheer for.”

Because of the crowd — about 260

people — Sahoo said her friend was ner-

vous and wanted to get people laughing.

“My maid of honor has been my best

friend for about 15 years, so she talked

about how we had always dreamed of

marrying brothers and living in a huge

Here’s to … a good, appropriate, touching toast

By Anne Woodman

What do you do when your wedding reception is upstaged by

a toast about a ferret? If you are Rebecca Sayers or her hus-

band, Jason, you graciously continue a close relationship with

the wayward toaster.

39


ET

IQU

ET

TE

house together,” Sahoo said. “And then

she threw in a quick joke to my hus-

band’s brother telling him she needed to

talk to him later.”

Most important of all, though, is that

a well-meaning speech that goes wrong

doesn’t need to tarnish the relationship

between the bride and groom and the

toaster. Even four years later, Rebecca

and Jason Sayers maintain a close re-

lationship with Petersen, the infamous

ferret toaster.

Freeney reminds those giving toasts to

be themselves. “Even if you choke up or

get emotional, people will think it’s sweet

because everyone realizes it’s sincere.” •

I do!Be prepared. Make sure you really

know the person before you try to de-

scribe him or her in a speech. “Some-

times I tell people to think of three posi-

tive adjectives that describe the person to

give them a place to start,” said Freeney.

Practice, practice, practice. Rehearse

what you plan to say — don’t try to wing

it. “Whenever I have to give a speech,

even after years of speaking in front of

groups, I write everything down so I’m

comfortable with it,” she said.

Include both members of the couple.

“You may know the bride or the groom

better and have much more to say about

one of them, but remember to include

them both,” she said. “It can be as simple

as closing the speech with, ‘You’ve found

the one you’re meant to be with.’”

Keep it positive. Enough said.

Stick to short and sweet. “I never

recommend speaking for more than fi ve

minutes,” said Freeney. “No one really

wants to hear you talk forever, and you

graciously give other people to chance to

toast, too.”

Stay focused. Just like elementary

school students are coached in their writ-

ing, focus on tiny moments or specifi c

topics. An epic speech including every key

moment of the couple’s relationship from

middle school up to the wedding can only

end in disaster.

Rehearse your joke. And the punch

line. The excitement and stress of giving a

speech may cause that easy punch line to

exit your brain at a crucial moment. Make

sure you try it out at home. “Remem-

ber that amusing toasts are fi ne,” said

Freeney. “But don’t go over the top.”

But I don’t:Don’t mention an ex-relationship.

Don’t disclose everything or any se-

crets that would make Great Aunt Ethel

faint.

Don’t think a surprise is best. “Talk to

the groom or couple beforehand,” said

Freeney. “Say, ‘I want to run this by you

— this is the direction I’m heading with

the toast.’”

Don’t include anything derogatory or

offensive. And if you have to ask, it prob-

ably is.

Do you take this toast?

If friends or family need pointers on how to pull off

quality toast, Meme Freeney of Blessed Beginnings

by Meme in Raleigh, N.C., offers these tips.

Liz Prada Da Costa and Victor Da Costa

were married Oct. 31, 2009 in Durham,

N.C., at The Duke University Chapel. Their

reception was held at The Washington Duke

Inn and included one hilarious toast by Vic-

tor’s brother David. (Photos/Luster Studios)

I

kk

s

tRachel Weybright pulled off the perfect toast

during Chino and Jessica Sahoo’s wedding

reception. (Photo/F8 Photo Studios)


40

MIR

RO

R M

IRR

OR

Mirror Mirror

At Abbie’s Bakery, our cakes are moist, fresh, and decorated with precision.

Each couple custom-designs their own cake!

Call today to schedule your FREE consultation.

We make wedding cake dreams come true!

Shouldn’t your wedding cake taste as good as it looks?

Abbie’s Bakery, LLCAbbie’s Bakery, LLC(located inside Mother Nature Wellness Center)

10040 Dorchester Road, Suite 100 | Summerville, SC 29485843-261-6060

www.abbiesbakery.com | [email protected]

Luxury spa services in your home or vacation rental.

Bachelorette Parties, Couples Massage, Girls Night In Parties, Mother-Daughter Spa Days, Bridal luncheon parties.

Our Hand Crafted Products are 100% Natural Botanicals.

We are the green alternative to travelling to the day spa.

Charleston Spa Girls

We Bring the Spa to You

www.charlestonspagirls.com | 843-793-8069

By Anne Woodman

Photography by

Megan Kime Photography

No stress, no mess hair in time for

the wedding

Engagement ring fi rmly

in place, many brides-

to-be start a special

wedding countdown the very

next day. But one particular

countdown is completely

out of your hands and in

the hands of Mother Nature:

growing out your hair.Marielena Roig loved her

short hair, but when she got

engaged, she decided to

grow it out for her wedding.

Continued on page 42 ➤

http://www.abbiesbakery.com

http://www.charlestonspagirls.com


41

MIR

RO

R MIR

RO

R

Your future begins at our doorstep.

19 Vendue Range • Charleston, SC800-845-7900 vendueinn.com

Complimentary Southern BreakfastWalk to Mansions, Shopping & Nightlife

Afternoon Wine & Hors D’OeuvresPanoramic Views from The Rooftop Bar

Mention this ad or enter code SBC1 online and receive a complimentary gift on your wedding night.

ICE BOX

WEDDINGS :: CORPORATE EVENTS :: SPECIAL EVENTS

WWW.ICEBOXBAR.COM :: 843.437.6720

http://www.vendueinn.com

http://www.iceboxbar.com


42

MIR

RO

R M

IRR

OR

7685 – B Northwoods Boulevard • North Charleston, SC 29406843-553-8470 • www.savviformalwear.com

Marielena Roig, a teacher in Cary,

N.C., had a little over a year between

the engagement and her wedding in

May 2010. “I wanted my hair to be a few

inches below my shoulders, and at the

time it was a very short bob,” Roig said.

“I was disappointed that I had to grow

it out, because I love my hair short, but

I did not want my wedding day hair

options to be hindered by how many

inches I had on my head.”

“Many brides-to-be start letting their

hair grow even before they start looking

for a wedding dress or venue,” said Kelly

Stacy, an independent hairstylist in Apex,

N.C. “But hair does not need to be very

long for a good updo. If hair falls at the

top of the shoulders, that is ideal.”

Everyone’s hair grows at diff erent

speeds, and envisioning long, cascading

locks when short and spiky is the start-

ing point may add unnecessary stress.

“Many times, there is no certain, per-

fect length for updos,” said Tiff any Lucio

Roca, an instructor at Aveda Institute

Chapel Hill. “As hairstylists, we can give

it the illusion of length by leaving space.

Instead of putting it in a ponytail and

pulling it back, we can create a fuller look

by keeping it loose and pinning sections.”

Both Stacy and Lucio Roca agree that

very long hair can actually be more diffi -

cult and problematic when working with

updos. “Long hair is heavier, so I have

to use lots of bobby pins just to keep it

up,” said Stacy. “If you have long hair,

even long layers instead of all one length

make an updo more eff ortless.”

Mirror Mirror

Top: One month before the wedding, Mari’s

hair had grown out to the top of her shoul-

ders. Bottom: By Mari’s wedding day, her

hair had reached a length that was perfect

for an elegant, timeless updo.

http://www.savviformalwear.com


43

MIR

RO

R MIR

RO

R

Specializing in Weddings, Receptions, Rehearsal Dinners & Bridal Showers

200-year-old oaks draped with Spanish moss mark the entrance to the clubhouse, picturesque settings, elegant rooms, mahogany bars and experienced staff.

Reserve Your Event SpaceToday at 843-856-9378 or visit duneswestgolfclub.com.

the perfect setting

3535 Wando Plantation Way Mt. Pleasant, SC 29466

© R

icha

rd B

ell

Pho

togr

aphy

Th e hairstylists said a soft er, more

natural look is currently in style. Stacy

said a low bun or French twist with a

side-swept bang are two popular styles.

Lucio Roca has done several “boho

braids” across the hairline and mostly

looser, less-sculptured styles.

For some brides who already have

long hair, extra help is required to attain

the perfect look. April Parker had long

hair but considered the time of year and

weather when she chose her hairstyle for

an August wedding in Zebulon, N.C. “I’m

African American, and so was my wed-

ding party,” said Parker. “Our hair does not

do well with sweat and humidity.”

She chose an elegant, timeless bun

to keep the hair pulled back and off of

her neck. Even though her hair was long

enough, she added a ponytail hairpiece

to make the bun fuller.

“I also showed the hairstylist a maga-

zine picture of how I wanted the bun to

look,” said Parker.

Lucio Roca said she appreciates it

when a client brings in a picture, but al-

lowing some deviations from the photo

allows her the freedom to improvise.

“A lot of times, a client will want the

same general concept but with the ad-

dition of something a little diff erent,”

said Lucio Roca. “If you want something

very specifi c or precise, bring the picture

but make sure you are able to explain

or show what it looks like from every

angle.” As the hairstylist, Lucio Roca said

she wants the client to get the hairstyle

she really desires.

So aft er the engagement ring goes on

and the hair starts to grow, when should

you visit your hairstylist, and how many

appointments does it take to get it right?

“I ask that clients come in when they

are at the point where they are comfort-

able with their hair,” said Lucio Roca.

Stacy said she usually works on wed-

ding day hair for women who are al-

ready her clients, so there is time before

the event to discuss the goals and vision.

“Most oft en, they come three times

specifi cally for the wedding: once to

practice, the second time for the por-

trait and the third time for the day of

the event.”

Th e hairstylists emphasized that no

matter how long your hair is, they will

work to create the look you want. Th ey

have tricks up their sleeves and tools to

create illusions. If you dream of a certain

look, their goal is to help you have that

perfect wedding day hair. •

http://www.duneswestgolfclub.com

CA

RO

LIN

A C

HR

ON

ICLE

S

Carolina Chronicles


44

Melinda & JeffBride: Melinda Blazar

Groom: Jeff Boardman

Wedding date: Oct. 10, 2009

Location: Durham, N.C.

Honeymoon: Mediterranean Cruise

Photographer: Craig Carpenter of Luster Studios

Recommended vendors: Washington Duke Inn, Floral Dimensions, LifeSong Studios

and Reel Life Productions, Alissa Phillips (hair and makeup), The Headliners (band), Craig

Carpenter of Luster Studios (photography), Kayelily Middleton (offi ciant).

How they met: Blind date.

Unforgettable moment: Raindrops! The rain held off until the very last minute of the

ceremony. “Just enough to bring us luck!”

Most valuable piece of advice: “Go with recommendations of trusted friends who’ve

been married recently.”

Quirkiest detail: Circles, which were the underlying theme on the save the date card,

invitations, table cloths and ties worn by the groomsmen.

Thriftiest trick: “Find a great baker who does wedding cakes on the side and give

them a photo to work from.”

Something old: Her mother’s veil and paternal grandmother’s wedding handkerchief.

Something new: The dress.

Something borrowed: Best friend/maid of honor’s earrings.

Something blue: Pendent from her maternal grandmother. “I had something with me

from all the important women who have shaped my life.”

Minna & JarrodBride: Minna Roh

Groom: Jarrod Johnson

Wedding date: Oct. 18, 2009

Location: Chapel Hill, N.C.

Honeymoon: Italy and Spain


Recommended vendors: Luster Studios, The Fearrington House (for catering the food,

cake and fl owers)

Unforgettable moment: “During the reception, the bridemaids surprised us with a

slideshow of pictures of friends and family who couldn’t make it to the wedding. In the

pictures, they were holding up signs expressing their congrats and best wishes. The

slideshow was set to music. It was a very emotional moment. One that we’ll never forget!”

Quirkiest detail: “For table numbers, we used a mix of photos that our photographer

took during our engagement session as well as some silly pictures of us (or our dog)

taken at various locations around Chapel Hill. We intended those images to hold specifi c

meaning to our guests at those tables, as a personal touch. Our dog, Miles, was also our

ring bearer.”

Thriftiest trick: “Get married in the fall because the natural fall foliage will create the

perfect setting/backdrop for your wedding. You can save a lot of money on decorations/

fl oral arrangements this way.”

Wedding details: “We had a wonderful outdoor wedding at the Garden Terrace at

Fearrington Village. Highlights of the evening included the food, the dancing and the

heartfelt toasts.”

CA

RO

LINA C

HR

ON

ICLE

S


45

Elizabeth & ChristopherBride: Elizabeth Dann

Groom: Christopher Gallo

Wedding date: May 1, 2010

Location: Hilton Head, S.C.

Honeymoon: Puerto Rico and a Caribbean cruise

Photographer: Chi Photography

Recommended vendors: Sheri’s Edible Designs (cake), Everlasting Occasions (event

planner), Affairs to Remember (rentals), Hilton Head Entertainment (Positive Vibrations,

steel drum band) First City Events (DJ Tyson), Carolina Photo Booth, Chi Photography,

Coastal Cigar, Christine’s Catering, Bruster’s Icecream (ice cream bar)

How they met: “At work, we are both police offi cers.”

Unforgettable moment: “It was all unforgettable! We arranged a private meeting to

see each other before the pictures and ceremony ... it was so emotional, but made me

so relaxed and got rid of all my nerves.”

Quirkiest detail: “My blue wedge shoes.”

Thriftiest trick: Find a venue where you can bring your own alcohol; make your own

centerpieces.

Wedding details: “We had a destination beach wedding in Hilton Head, S.C., We rented

an ocean front house and had the ceremony on the beach and the reception under the

tent in the backyard. We had 60 guests that were all from out of town, so we wanted to

make sure we created a really fun and relaxed day that our guest would remember. To

keep the beach theme, we had mojitos and a steel drum band play for cocktail hour. We

also had a photo booth, cigar roller and ice cream bar.”

Monica & RichardBride: Monica Marie Gaynor

Groom: Richard Barry Dehn

Wedding date: April 9, 2010

Location: Charleston, S.C.

Honeymoon: St. Croix, USVI

Photographer: Chi Pritchard, www.childcreations.com

Recommended vendors: Chi Photography, Palmetto Carriage Co., High Cotton

Quirkiest detail: Blushing bride and golfi ng groom cake toppers.

Thriftiest trick: Use what you already have. Borrow things you may need. Assign jobs/

tasks to those who are trusted and want to help. Don’t think cheap, think less expensive.

“We saw no need in breaking the bank for one day.”

Something old: The garter included tatting lace made by Monica’s great-grandmother.

Something new: Wedding dress.

Something borrowed: Antique cameo ring Monica borrowed from borrowed her aunt.Something blue: Blue satin ribbon attached to the tatting lace for the garter. It was all

pieced together by Monica’s aunt.

Wedding details: “It was a small, intimate gathering of just 30 members of our family

and closest friends at White Point Gardens in Charleston, S.C.” The ceremony was

written from start to fi nish by the bride and groom. After the ceremony, the guests took

pedicabs to High Cotton on East Bay Street for dinner. Instead of the standard guest

book, the bride and groom picked their favorite quotes, love poems and lyrics and had

them printed throughout an empty journal for guests to read and sign their own thoughts

and wishes for the newlyweds.

CA

RO

LIN

A C

HR

ON

ICLE

S

Carolina Chronicles


46

Bridgette & TylerBride: Bridgett Gilliam

Groom: Tyler Guice

Wedding date: June 5, 2010

Location: Zirconia, N.C.

Honeymoon: Aruba

Photographer: Ron Anderson (Southern Wedding Photography)

Recommended vendors: Ron Anderson (Southern Wedding Photography), All

That Glitters Event Planning (Shelia Burger, wedding coordinator), Choy’s Florist,

Hendersonville Tents, Couture Cakes of Greenville

How you met: “We grew up together as little kids. We also went to same church, lived a

mile apart and were high school sweethearts.”

Unforgettable moment: “Jan. 22, 2010, he took me on top of Pinnacle Mountain on

the ledge of a hang gliding ramp. He grabbed my hand and said ‘I’ve loved you for a

very long time and I love you so much.’ As he got down on one knee and popped the

question, of course I said YES!”

Most valuable piece of advice: “Always put God fi rst in your relationship.”

Quirkiest detail: “My sister married Tyler’s brother.”

Something old: “Found my Papaw’s (Edward Lee McAlister) old hankie and had it

redone with white lace sewn around the sides and a ‘G’ embroidered in the center.”

Something new: 2010 gold dollar.

Something borrowed: “Two people helped me out with this one. A friend let me borrow

her great-grandmother’s hankie and my Aunt Kathy let me borrow a pair of her earrings.”

Something blue: The garter.

Darla & DavidBride: Darla Weber

Groom: David Elkins

Wedding date: Sept. 19, 2009

Location: Boone, N.C.

Honeymoon: Atlantic Beach, N.C.


Recommended vendors: Westglow Resort and Spa (Jennifer Williams) in Blowing

Rock, N.C.; Musicians Nancy Bargerstock and Greg Simmons of Boone, N.C.; Stick Boy

Bread Co. in Boone, N.C.; Park Place Flowers in Blowing Rock, N.C.; Craig Carpenter of

Luster Studios in Raleigh, N.C.

Unforgettable moment: “It was pretty incredible when my dad walked me down the

‘aisle’ to meet David. I had chosen to walk to “The Hills are Alive” from the Sound of

Music as a surprise to my mom. The song holds such a special place in our hearts and I

thought it was the perfect choice seeing as we were in the Blue Ridge Mountains.”

Something new: “David surprised me with a beautiful necklace the night before

the ceremony. The pendant was a circle of diamonds with sapphires running through

the middle. He explained the circle was for our union and the sapphires represented

September, which was our wedding month. I pinned this to the inside of my dress and it

became my something new.”

Something blue: “My mother gave me a beautiful bracelet with blue stones the

Christmas after we got engaged to use as my ‘something blue.’ I wrapped the bracelet

around my bouquet to carry with me down the aisle.”

CA

RO

LINA C

HR

ON

ICLE

S


47

Katrina & AllanBride: Katrina Diane Olsen

Groom: Allan R. Stratton Jr.

Wedding date: March 20, 2010

Location: Greenville, S.C.

Honeymoon: Dreams Punta Cana Resort and Spa, Dominican Republic

Photographer: Ron Anderson, Southern Wedding Photography

Recommended vendors: Ron Anderson, Southern Wedding Photography; Just

Weddings (fl oral); Art Eats Bakery (wedding cake); Larkin’s on the River (reception venue

and catering); CCL Productions – Dexter Cannon (videographer)

Unforgettable moment: “When the polka came on, all of the Scandinavians and

Polish in the crowd started twirling around the dance fl oor. Then the Scandinavians

(who are also Minnesota Vikings fans) realized they had been tricked into dancing to the

Pittsburgh Steelers Polka!”

Most valuable piece of advice: Always have a sewing kit available with white or ivory

thread. It can literally save the night from complete disaster. Trust me!

Thriftiest trick: We saved hundreds of dollars by buying our invitations at Target

and printing them ourselves with a template. They came out great and only took one

afternoon to complete. We received lots of compliments!

Something old: “My mom’s blue garter that she wore at her wedding in 1972.”

Something new: “The fun gold fl ats that complemented my ivory gown perfectly and

made it very easy to dance the night away!”

Lauren & MarcBride: Lauren (Hill) Haberkorn Raleigh, N.C.

Groom: Marc Haberkorn (Originally, Johnstown, Penn.) Raleigh, N.C.

Wedding date: May 15, 2010

Location: Raleigh, N.C.

Honeymoon: Palm/Eagle Beach, Aruba (Occidental Grand Aruba)


Recommended vendors: Brier Creek Country Club, Kristy Taylor; Staircase Band, East Coast

Entertainment; Luster Studios, Craig Carpenter; Bedford Blooms Florist, Karen Bishop.

Unforgettable moment: “Marc and some of his co-workers at IBM have formed a band

called “Mind the Gap” in which Marc is the singer. We thought it would be unique to have

Marc’s band play a few songs. As they fi nished (or so I thought), one of the groomsmen

brought a chair onto the dance fl oor to signal that it was time for the garter toss. Just

as I sat down alone on the dance fl oor, Marc began to sing his own version of ‘I want

to grow old with you’ from the movie The Wedding Singer. It was a very sweet and

unforgettable moment.”

Thriftiest trick: “In my search for the right accessories, I decided that I wanted to

wear a fabric fl ower in my hair once the veil came out for the reception. After not fi nding

exactly what I was looking for, I decided to make my own! I went to a specialty fabric

store (Sew Unique, Raleigh, N.C.) and bought ivory organza, tulle and felt for the backing.

I made petals, hand-sewed them onto the backing, added some feathers and beads and

there I had it, my very own hair fl ower!”

CA

RO

LIN

A C

HR

ON

ICLE

S

Carolina Chronicles


48

Lucy & BryanBride: Lucy Belcher

Groom: Bryan Zeiger

Wedding date: March 20, 2010

Location: Greenville, S.C.

Honeymoon: Sandals Regency, St. Lucia

Photographer: Olivia Griffi n

Recommended vendors: Olivia Griffi n, photographer; Betsy Eager, fl orist; Darla

Bernath of Creative Confections

Unforgettable moment: “One of the most special moments for me on my wedding day

was seeing both sets of my grandparents before the ceremony. One of my grandmothers

is 89 years old and her health was weak before the wedding. She and I both thought

that she might not make it to our wedding, but it was a dream come true to have her

there. She looked radiant and she made me cry when she teared up once seeing me

for the fi rst time. Both of my grandparents’ marriages are a testament of true love and

commitment and I only hope for a marriage as everlasting as theirs.”

Most valuable piece of advice: “Take everything in and enjoy every moment because

it goes by in an instant. One of my friends suggested Bryan and I pull each other aside

for a moment alone and time to refl ect during each big event (during the rehearsal

dinner, after the ceremony and during the reception.) This was so special and gave us a

chance to let all of the excitement and bliss truly set in.”

Quirkiest detail: “After our ceremony, Bryan and I were introduced back into the chapel

by our pastor and we let out each row of guests. It allowed us to quickly hug everyone

that was there and we were able to spend the rest of the evening enjoying ourselves.”

Mandy & GordonBride: Mandy Atkinson Stallard

Groom: Gordon Stallard

Wedding date: April 3, 2010

Location: Landrum, S.C.

Honeymoon: Calabash Cove in St. Lucia

Photographer: Olivia Griffi n

Recommended vendors: Olivia Griffi n, Kathy and Co. (cake), Pam Rowland (fl owers)

How they met: “When we met, we were both teaching and coaching at the same

school. He was at summer basketball practice and I was helping the cheerleaders with

their physicals. He walked past me to leave, but then he turned around and came back

to introduce himself.”

Unforgettable moment: “Seeing Gordon smile as I walked in the chapel and my dad

doing the ‘Gator’ on the dance fl oor.”

Most valuable piece of advice: “Decide the one or two things you care about most

and put money towards those. I was in love with the chapel where we got married. It

was not cheap to rent, but I couldn’t imagine us getting married anywhere else.”

Quirkiest detail: “We got married the night of the NCAA Final Four, so we showed the

games on huge screens at the reception.”

Something old: Her late grandmother’s pearl earrings.

Something new: Shoes

Something borrowed: Her grandfather’s handkerchiefs.

Something blue: A blue ribbon pinned to the tulle layers of her dress.

2010 Something Blue - Issue 2

Documents

Transcript of 2010 Something Blue - Issue 2