Yoj had a great time chatting with Weddings Unveiled’s Completely Unveiled blog about why we love what we do!

So, I went to college with John, and having from day one felt like my brother, I can’t imagine being more excited about helping with his wedding.  Not to mention, Lauren is an awesome girl, and has absolutely stunning taste in wedding gowns, while John, dear as he is, has terrible taste in music, and Lauren is slowly saving him

They decided it would be amazing to have everyone come to Charleston to get a taste of the lowcountry, and of course, I agreed with them!  I couldn’t think of anyone more perfect to capture the memories than Evan Laettner.

They had simple requests, keep it elegant but loose, and let everyone have good food and a good time.  We were happy to do just that.  On a warm and sunny Island House day in July, the two tied the knot, and everyone shook a tail feather.

Special Thanks to: WildFlowers Inc, Florals * Evan Laettner, Photography Awesomeness * Cafe Catering, Catering * Dolce Bakery, Desserts * Paloosh Salon, Styling * Ines di Santo, Gown * Nina, Shoes

So what am I doing blogging about a baby store?  Because it’s my blog and I can!  With so many Yoj babies (we are proud of so many happy marriages in our midst, lol), I am lucky enough to have a dear friend who moved here from Chicago and from the wedding industry to open the hippest spot in town for the young crowd called Sugar Snap Pea.

When Zhenya asked if I could help out a little with setting up her swanky digs and inviting some friends (which is hilarious, because this girl needs NO help in this area), I was flattered!

Throw in the gorgeous florals from Charleston Stems, photography by Matt Daniel Photography, sweet treats by D’lish Desserts and some of the most adorable tots in town, and you have a recipe for fun!

Stop by 161 1/2 King and check out Sugar Snap Pea soon.  If you’re a Yoj couple, expect your wee one to be receiving a treat from this cute spot soon!

The Wedding Row shared some more of Sarah and Steven’s special day here!

Check out what I and some other pros say are the must-do’s for destination weddings on The Wedding Row!

Evan Laettner Photography

All Images Charlie James copyright 2010

So what is more fun than a surprise party?  Quite possibly nothing!  The look on the faces of the honored guests at this surprise party in particular was priceless.

Some notes on this one:

-Use the landscape when you’re outisde!  Trees, water features, and a good lawn all make for gorgeous party elements

-announce the arrival in fun ways!  As Natalie and David crossed the bridge with a bevy of good friends in tow, they were welcome by none other than the infamous vuvuzela

Natalie and David have a big day coming up this Sunday, so a few weeks ago, some dear friends and family got together to honor them on a private spot called Daisy Island.

Not only is it fun to have a venue that is all yours, but their friends amped up the personal touches by making sure I knew all of their favorite things.  They even announced the arrival of the couple fresh off the plane from the World Cup, with the ever-entertaining vuvuzela.

While I’m looking forward to their fun nuptials this weekend in Greenville, I had to share some memories of the most fun engagement party I’ve ever attended!

Who can resist lounging under the trees or relaxing by the lake at a decked out bar?!

First and foremost, thank you to Diana Deaver for the amazing images of Sarah and Steven’s special day.

So Sarah loves her hometown of Charleston, and Steven couldn’t be from further away, with all of his family in Guam.  The couple now enjoys the warm sand and sun of Key West.  For their wedding, Sarah wanted everyone to get a taste of her mainland home, and in true Charleston hospitality, she and Steven planned a party to make those travelers from afar right at home!

Start with some orchids, lilies and other exotics, and laid back attire.  Add in gorgeous bouquets by Country & Lace for a punch of color. Bridesmaid dresses that could be worn a million ways had a true beach wear feel while still being elegant.

Since guest were just getting acquainted, who wouldn’t love a photo booth with crazy props!  I absolutely love this photo of Steven’s dad in a straw hat a la Huck Finn.

Long tables brought everyone to family dinner, and layers of linen, burlap, satin and greens filled an otherwise empty rectangle.

To get those recipes just right, I heard Regal Catering had a Polynesian chef tucked away, and did they ever deliver with amazing dishes like pancet and full roasted pig presented luau style per the tradition.  Add in fresh fruits and other traditional recipes, and it was a feast for the eyes as well as the appetite.

Polynesian woven fans and bright rose petals really amped up the ceremony- that along with some serious shoes worn by Sarah!

Custom stationery with textured jute and a wide open view of the Charleston Harbor had everyone sensing the islands.

The real kicker came when Steven was surprised by a little treat by his wife with the talented Efrain Martinez Avila spinning fire poi to authentic Polynesian drum beats on the lawn of Alhambra Hall!

To be sure we had just enough of the fire, nothing could be better than a sparkler finish!

Two Thomas Bennett weddings in a row, but what a great way to illustrate how different a space can become depending on your personality!  Shannon Michele Photography made sure each little detail was captured on this beautiful day.

Stephanie and Kevin love the classic downtown Charleston feel, but they wanted the homey charm of the Thomas Bennett House.  Their fun personalities burst through with great little hints like these fabulous shoes for Stephane!

The Wedding Row liked Ike and Ange’s fun afternoon! click here

Check out Evan’s sneak peek of Lauren and John!