Okay!  So we’ve all been drooling over the new lines from Bridal Fashion Week, and now that the latest and greatest is out in the public eye, it is time for the after party- trunk shows!

Models strutting their stuff in gorgeous Oscar de la Renta

If you are a bride on the hunt, the gorgeous gowns and beautiful bridemaids’ attire you oohed and aahed over on the runway are beginning to appear  in boutiques near you.  If you have been holding out, start your engines and get shopping as trunk shows with larger versions of collections are popping up every weekend.

It’s a great time for maids’ attire as well because those great new collections and colors are arriving in many stores.  When you call to make your appointment, definitely find out if new collections are still coming in or have arrived, and make your appointments for after the shiny new things are in!

The showroom at Bella Bridesmaid is waiting for you to have some fun!

Bella Bridesmaid (one of my personal faves) is having a few fun trunk shows this winter, so get your name on the books now!

January 6-7 is Amsale

January 20-12 is LulaKate

January 27-28 is Joanna

Cute boutique Maddison Row

On the bridal side, Maddison Row is having everyone over early spring with the following:

January 6-7 is Vera Wang

February 10-11 is Romona Keveza Legends

March 9-10 introduces Hillary Paige Blush

March 30-31 is Monique Lhullier and BLISS

Things to know before you go:

Lindsey Nowak of Maddison Row has some great tips for brides.  Take it from the pro:

“1. Bring someone you trust their opinion…less is more with groups so don’t overwhelm yourself with lots of opinions.

2.Keep an open mind, we always encourage brides to try things on that they would normally think is out of their box, that way they either love a new style they would have never tried on or it reassures them of the style/silhouette they were thinking.

3.Enjoy it! It is such a special time and gown shopping is so fun and memorable. Do not pressure yourself into thinking you have to buy a dress and find the one. Most brides think they have to cry and have the “this is the one” moment, but every bride is different and goes at their own pace, so enjoy the moment and find the gown you can’t live without, you need to be 120% in love with it!”

Meaghan and Jason are one of the happiest couples I’ve met, and their personalities shown through on such a bright and happy palette of color. From the pops of pink to the glowing happy faces, it was certainly a joyous occasion.  Many thanks to MCG photography for capturing the moments for us!

Ceremony Venue: St. Luke’s Chapel * Reception Venue: Citadel Beach House * Photographer: MCG Photography * Floral: Branch Design Studio * Catering: Cru Catering * Entertainment: DJ Darius * Transportation: Charleston Wedding

Tiffany and Clinton wanted a classic night with a few hundred of their nearest and dearest to celebrate their big day and did they ever have one.  The aquarium is one of those venues that once you fall in love with it, nothing else is like it.  Throw in a classic Charleston carriage ride, and a beautiful downtown church, and you have the components of a truly Charleston Wedding.

These images from the lovely and talented Carmen Ash keep the fond memories alive.

Ceremony Venue: Mother Emmanuel AME Church * Reception Venue: South Carolina Aquarium * Photography: Carmen Ash Photography * Catering: Crew Carolina * Cake: Cakes by Kasarda * Carriage: Old South Carriage Company

I said it.  Lately, more and more couples are going over the planning checklist with me and going “we don’t need anything!” when it comes to registering.  Don’t think yours truly had no problem filling a few pages when they put that scanner gun in my hand, but hey, some of you out there want a little more fun and a little less oohs and aahs over the pasta dish Aunt Betty got you.

I have had fun with finding these brides different shower and girls weekend options, so here are some simple local fun things to try, outside the norm.

FOR THE PAMPERED

Shopping  the Right Way

Ripped straight from her blog, get your B2B (Bride-to-Be) a stylist.  She may not be able to think of a single dish or linen she needs, but no woman in her right mind will ever turn down some wardrobe updates- especially leading to the big day!  In lieu of gifts, everyone goes in on the shopping budget, and take her out on the town for the day with a stylist, like the amazing Alexandra based here in town.

Pretty maids from Alexandra

Brunch with Bubbles then meet her for a Frumpy to Fabulous party.  Who knows! You may snag some great tips and treats for yourself along the way.  The best part, Alexandra does wedding styling, so you can be sure with her input, you may get a bridesmaid dress you will actually want to wear again!

A Car with Cocktails

Step one, get a DD.  Pick the party mobile to fit your style.  Step two, go drinking.  Yes, it sounds trashy, but Charleston has some amazing places to visit and taste everything from beer to vodka straight from where they are born.  Spend the mid day on Wadmalaw with Firefly Vodka and nearby Irvin House Vineyards.  Sip both and tour the grapes, all the while spending a little quality time catching up on the latest gossip.

The fun tasting room at Westbrook Brewing Co.

Next it’s time for lunch, and after that, but you still have the afternoon for Westbrook Brewing Company and Coast Brewery.  Not only do you get to taste some of the finest Charleston has to offer, you can stock the bride and groom’s bar for those future dinner parties!  Just remember, a heavier lunch is probably a good idea for this one, and it’s a great couples’ activity, as well.

FOR THE CRAFTY

Sew Something

The precious new storefront

If you have ever wanted to sew or slipcover something, you have been in the tired, less-than-cool fabric store.  You stare at all the bolts and wonder if you look long enough, you will find something.

ou have ever wanted to sew or slipcover something, you have been in the tired, less-than-cool fabric store.  You stare at all the bolts and wonder if you look long enough, you will find something.

Cute patterns and happy fabrics line the walls

There is an answer to that, though, and it is in West Ashley and ready for you to take on.  Five Eighth Seams hit the scene this summer, and is not just fantastic fabrics, but also a classroom and party space.  Take the bride-to-be who has everything here for a private class.  Food and Bev is permitted so a little wine and cheese while you stitch never hurt.  They have patterns to make the perfect party dresses for a bachelorette night on the town or, if that seems daunting, some truly homespun linens for the home of the new Mr. & Mrs.  At the very least, the conversation and atmosphere will have your creative juices flowing!

The inspiring classroom space at Five Eighth

Channel Your Inner Cezanne

So, not all of us fancy ourselves painters, but a trip to Bottles ‘n Brushes can have you and your girls feeling like you can take on the Sistine Chapel…or not.  No matter what, you will walk away having had a good time and laughed through it all.  They post the projects so you can pick one that fits the bride’s style.  At the end, no one goes home empty handed.

Katie and Gary had only the closest family and friends, which left room for plenty of smiles.  Here are some of the sweetest memories captured by Amy Prikazsky from their adorable day!

Fab Contributors:

Photography: Amy Prikazsky Photography

Ceremony Venue: Confederate Home

Reception and Catering: McCrady’s

Sweets: D’lish Dessert

Yoj Events llc

Beautiful weather, an always adorable venue in Magnolia Plantation, and the talented Diana Deaver made for the perfect combo in Meg and Johns wedding day.

The artsy couple wanted it simple and intimate, and they had just that.  We hope you enjoy your peak just as much as we enjoyed being a part of it!

Photography: Diana Deaver Weddings

Makeup Artistry: Pamela Lesch Makeup

Hair: Affair Hair by Tanesha LLC

Ceremony and Reception Venue: Magnolia Plantation

Design and Coordination: Yoj Events llc

Catering: Cafe Catering

Florals: Ginny Strom Severs

Emily and Bochet are the cutest stinking couple.  When it came time to tie the know.  A nice downtown evening was definitely called for.

St. Luke’s Chapel and Wycliffe House were the perfect setting for their fall day.  Add a dash of gorgeous color in happy florals to reflect their winning personality, and the perfect day came together!

The weather was perfect.  The night was beautiful and it was all captured through the lens of the talented Jen Snyder Design.

One thing I totally loved is the Pittsburgh tradition of a cookie table.  Every imaginable bite-sized delight.

Catering: Mediterra

Cake: The Cake Stand Charleston

Florals:  Mary Scott Florals

Photography:  Jen Snyder Design

Band:  Unkle Funkle

Transportation: Charleston Black Cab Company

Yoj Events llc

Starting the day off in the quaint area of the Old Village in Mt. Pleasant is never a bad thing.  With its narrow streets, adorable cottages and charactered churches, you just have to smile.  Lucky for me, beautiful Elizabeth felt that way, too and Mt. Pleasant Presbyterian was the chosen site for her special day with sweet fiance Chip to tie the knot.

Everything about their day was intimate and romantic, from her gorgeous Claire Pettibone gown, to the warm and detail of the Boone Hall Cotton Dock.

Juliet Elizabeth did a fantastic job capturing beautiful memories of this sweet day, of course, and I can help but look back through these and smile.

How stinking cute are these kids?!

A lace gown is always a great way to go if you don’t want to wear a ton of accessories.  Her gown simply speaks and sets the mood for the rest of the day.  It goes perfectly with Chip’s classic suit.

Of course the Cotton Dock loved some natural elements, and we had such a gorgeous mix of floral elements from the talented Branch Design Studio!

Who couldn’t love a cake like this with two of the most adorable love birds ever?!

Candlelight, a garden bunches warmed the room and gave everyone thoughts of spring amidst the cold outside.

Happy bouquets and sweet notes from friends kept everyone smiling the whole night through.  That, and some tailfeather-shaking from the Kat Williams Band

Photography: Juliet Elizabeth

Ceremony: Mt. Pleasant Presbyterian Church

Reception: Boone Hall Plantation Cotton Dock

Catering: Duvall

Cake: D’lish Desserts

Florals: Branch Design Studio

Transportation: Absolutely Charleston

Gown: Belle Couture

Hair: Affair Hair by Tanesha

Makeup: Pamela Lesch Makeup

Rentals: Snyder Event Rentals

Oh my, but Legare Waring is one of the most beautiful venues in Charleston, and Laura and Mike wanted to be sure their guests got to see every inch of it!

For such a sprawling property, guests had to stay happy about all the movement by preparing not just a tour of turf but also of tastes!

We started with a beautiful natural ceremony under the largest oak on the property, followed by cocktails on the lake at the main house, and as cocktail hour ended, guests were lured down the Avenue of Oaks by the enticing sounds of Calvin Taylor.

From the pre-ceremony welcome of mini pilsners of microbrew and boiled peanuts served up in coated newspaper cones, to the late night snack of none other than Krispy Kremes, everyone simply followed their noses and palates.

Amazing fare from Mediterra, a delightful cake from Dolce, and nothing short of jaw dropping florals from Sarah York Grimshaw Designs made it the perfect evening under the oaks.

Congrats to one hilarious couple!

Florals: Sarah York Grimshaw Designs

Decor Photography: Parris Photography

Wedding Photography: A Charleston Wedding

Rentals: Events DRS, Stage Presence LLC

From the monograms to the vintage brooches, it was all about tradition for Tiffany and John’s sweet day on Sullivan’s and the Isle of Palms.

Guests attended a ceremony at the quaint Church of the Holy Cross followed by a night in from the chill in the air at the Citadel Beach House.  The wood floors and red runner really made you feel like the place itself was steeped in romance having seen many happy days before.

As if the sweet chapel wasn’t enough, a couple of caddies from years gone by made even their trips from place to place like a scene from older movies.

The chill was definitely setting in with the sunset, so the outside was brought in to keep everyone relaxed and dreaming of spring.

Of course, I have to thank the fab team at Tillman Branch for capturing all of it!

Photography:  Tillman Branch

Hair: Affair Hair by Tanesha

Makeup: Cover Girl Brides

Catering: Cafe Catering

Floral: Country & Lace

Cake: Elaine’s Events

Rentals: Event Drs