I pretty much love all of our Yoj couples.

They all have great senses of humor and personality, but Canadian lovebirds Chelsea and Jeff are pros, so needless to say,  the entertainment value of their day was at an all time high.

Witty is not even the word to describe the banter going around at their sweet Thomas Bennett House day.

Their quirky personalities had to be matched, so we kept it fun!  No color was too be left behind, so a simple base palette of neutrals was pumped up by a rainbow of vietnamese lanterns and florals that ran the gamut.

Cootie Catchers and Mad Libs found all the kids-at-heart and kept everyone in a playful mood.

The only toppers to the fun feel of the day were the toasts the couple made to each other with Jeff coming straight from the heart and Chelsea’s surprise serenade to her new husband on the ukelele.   I know I won’t soon forget such a sweet afternoon!

The custom cocktail is a modern-day tradition that can really add a punch (so to speak) of pizzazz to the wedding. Really, Guests are milling around for a good twenty minutes or so waiting for the grand entrance of the bride and groom. Yes, small talk and finger foods are good distractions, but what is a really good distraction is a signature cocktail. Here are some ideas:

SUMMER

STRAWBERRY MOJITO

FALL

HARVEST APPLE COOLER

WINTER

SPICY GINGERMAN

SPRING

MINT LEMONADE

Adding a personal touch of the bride and groom’s favorite flavors is a great addition to any wedding, and certainly a fun asset to a memorable reception! Also, ummm …. may we point out that choosing your signature cocktail with a mixologist may be a fun date night out for a highly wired and stressed engaged couple? Now you’re thinking it’s a good idea, aren’t you!?

Have you ever thought about what the groomsmen are going to wear? Eh, probably not, because a commonly uttered phase among brides is “let me figure out the bridesmaids first.” We have to scream at the top of our lungs: “WHY!!!” Are these men not in photos too? Do you not want handsome gents at the front of the aisle smiling at the lovely bridesmaids (and you) as they saunter down? Is a tuxedo not the studliest garment at guy can wear? We say yes to all three, and you should too!!! Introducing our favorite looks courtesy of Charleston Tuxedo’s buyer/manger Megan Chandler!

POP OF COLOR VEST

“A pop of color vest is a sensational way to incorporate some of your color scheme into your wedding. This can also be done with a sensational boutonniere, which also adds texture.” — Megan Chandler, buyer/manager, Charleston Tuxedo

THE CUSTOM TIE

“A custom tie not only stylizes the look of your wedding, but makes a sensational groomsman’s gift! It pairs well with white dinner jacket, linen suit or classic black. My suggestion is to use this opportunity to pattern mix. Find a suit with a subtle check in it and play it up with a stellar madras or plaid. Or take a classic black tux and dress it down for a Charleston summer wedding with a gorgeous colorful seersucker. Now more than ever men can play with their look in their wedding, and after years of women hogging that opportunity, why shouldn’t they?!” — Megan Chandler, buyer/manager, Charleston Tuxedo

GREY SUIT/TUXEDO

KHAKI/LINEN TUX

This is one of the Charleston wedding scene’s most popular looks … obviously!

But these are not the only options! Try seersucker on the beach. Monogrammed cufflinks. Navy jackets with red chino pants and bow ties. Dark grey jackets with a silver trouser and vice versa. Yellow and grey! Navy and gingham! The world is his oyster! Embrace the look of the new tux!!!

We love being on the “Things We Love!”

Have you noticed the pops of coral and navy in the store front windows on King Street or how about home magazines? These are the emerging hot colors this Spring in home decor and fashion. Yoj thought it would be a great idea to use this as a little inspiration for all of you lovely brides who love the idea of mixing things up a bit!

We are in love with the idea of taking colors from common items and turning them into your own twist on a brand new color palatte for your big day!

If you’ve followed the blog for a while, you know their are a few events throughout the year that are my way of giving back for all of the great experiences we have at Yoj.  One of these charitable causes is the American Heart Association, and with several years handling the logistics of the event, I have so much fun with the Heart Ball every year.

It was wonderful to team up with some of my industry friends to bring a great night together for a great cause and celebrate 15 years of Charleston supporting the amazing research the American Heart Association funds.  Karson Photography and TEC in their second years with me on the project always exceed expectations, and Wink Creative Studio came up with a logo for the night worth an Addy, in this girl’s opinion!

This year stood out as the 15th anniversary, and it was amazing to see the talented artists who came out to celebrate the milestone and donate their own beautiful work to raise money for such a great cause.

Our fave things this year:

-draping an entire wall of the elegant Crystal Ballroom in red velvet

- the silver lamour linen

-acrobats hanging from the ceiling!

-our floral sponsors’ perfect centerpieces

Check out the pics from the night, and make sure to get your tix for next year!

It isn’t all tiered cakes and Vera Wang. No, ladies, because once the bouquet is tossed and the Love Train complete, it is time for a party for two. Let’s not forget the importance of dressing for your man!

Again, let me turn to our friends at BHLDN and say, ooo … la … la! Their elegant lingerie makes for a vintage inspired look that is both romantic and sexy.

*photo courtesy of Style Me Pretty 1. Vanity Table Peignoir 2. Polished Racer Back Romper 3. Sleekly Bustier 4. Rare Elements Romper

Yes, your Hanky Pankys take you from home to work to play … but now they may be making your wedding night something to remember. This ever reliable line stretches with thighs of every size and by some miracle flatters them all!

1. Marguerite Cross-Dye Plunge Chemise 2. Victoria Bralette 3. Scroll Lace Chemise 4. “I DO” Boyshort

It isn’t all about being sensual and serious and romantic … have some fun with your nighttime attire, ladies! We say go for a bold pop of color or skimpy cut a la Cosa Bella.

1. Angel Rose Soft Bra and Lowrider Thong 2. Bellissima Babydoll 3. Bellissima Soft Bra and Lowrider Thong 4. Angel Rose Babydoll

In a salute to our grandmothers and our hope that some juicy love letters lay deep in their chest of drawers attesting to forbidden romance during a war-torn era, Hopeless Romantic has created a line of lingerie for us to use to bring our imagination to life. Their vintage inspired duds will leave your hubby speechless … who needs words anyway?

1. Black and White Striped High Waisted Cotton Knickers 2. Black “Babette” Sheer Polka Dot Cropped Cami 3. Pink Floral Lolita Body Suit 4. Pink and White “Cheryl” Satin Silk Bralette

So, when bearing it all and being bare, make sure that you’re strategically covered for your hubby … at least for a little while that is! We say be playful and confident and love your lingerie, because it’ll be sure to love your curves right back (and so will that man with the new gold band on his finger)!

Spring in Charleston is absolutely the most beautiful and magical time of year and at Yoj, we love waking up from the winter to spring wedding season!  Smiley personalities like Sommer and Robert deserve glorious, sunny spring days to exchange their vows and celebrate, and they were blessed enough to get just that!

An amazing dress, and Jim Smeal’s edible fabulousness were just two of the great touches for the perfect evening!

A dash of beautiful sunset, harbor views and Patriots Point were the finishing touches on the fantastic affair.

Contributing Pros: Pavilion at Patriot Point Links * St. Mary of the Annunciation * Jim Gund Photography * Wedding Cakes by Jim Smeal * Gown Boutique of Charleston * Other Brother Entertainment * Absolutely Charleston

We are proud to have the Heart Ball Gala featured on the Party and Event guide today!

http://www.partyandeventguide.com/american-heart-association-gala/

When you think bridesmaids dress, what do you think? Do you think dreaded nightmare frock made just to highlight your worst features or fun simplistic number meant to blend in and create a pretty picture? Either way, every girl out there butts under one category. We say may those mindsets be damned! Brides, let your creative fashion flag fly … pick a pattern!

IVY & ASTER

The Ivy & Aster line is so stinkin’ cute we just want to buy them all up! But the best thing about this playful line of fabulous frocks is the patterned selection! Every cut is youthful and the playfulness of the cut calls for a playful print … and that’s just what they have done! Add a simple bouquet of bright tulips and you have yourself a springtime wedding fit for Martha’s mag!

BHLDN

BHLDN is another fantastic site to do some bridesmaid dress browsing. Umm … hello … it’s from those who brought you Anthropologie. Enough said.

MAUDE COUTURE

For those who are into keeping it local (which we Yojers just love), Maude Couture is a great option. This is an eco friendly line fashioned by Caroline Baker, and boy does she have a tight grip on Charleston’s wedding scene. This girl knows what she’s doing and not only can she design your fun and flirty bridesmaid dresses, but she can custom make your wedding gown. That’s what we call one-stop-shopping (and customer service).

There are three zillion (or is it four … so hard to keep up) options for fashioning an unforgettable bridal party out there. But just bear in mind that putting a patterned party together makes a huge impact for the bold brides looking for something unique. Definitely more casual, not for the faint of heart … but totally timeless and sweet.

And then there is Yoj’s personal favorites from our own arsenal of styling:

Tracy Turpen 2011

The texture of these dresses lends them a very special pattern, and a gorgeous one at that! And the pop-of-color-bouquets … fuhget about it!

Charlotte Elizabeth Photography 2011

Look how happy our Yoj bride, Zhenya, is that she chose patterned dresses. So happy!

Bent Studio, 2010

There is really nothing like a good beach and a good patterned dress … wouldn’t you agree?