What do you get when you combine a crazy, huge Greek family and a group of rowdy Steelers fans from Pittsburgh–one heck of a party!  On July 25, 2009, after a beautiful ceremony at Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Trinity, 225 guests packed the dance floor of the Country Club of Charleston to break it down.  1st Class Band played a mix of Motown favorites and traditional Greek music was intertwined to please the crowd.  Crystals hung from the centerpiece trees and created a romantic backdrop for all the guests as they danced into the night.  Even after the candles had burned guests stayed to send off the couple as they drove away in their vintage model T.  What a night–all the guests got their workout in for the week!

Click here for more pictures: megan and brian’s wedding

So, the planner is becoming the bride.  I used to steal the J. Lo line to explain it to my clients that “Those who can’t do, plan,” and then I went and got myself engaged!  He’ll probably wake up the morning after the wedding freaking out, but for now, we’re just excited about our future together.  As the word spread, everyone was telling me how easy it must be since I probably know exactly what I want…WRONG!  I like to think I do what I do because I can take any style and make it beautiful for a bride (or at least it helps me sleep at night).So where do you begin when you have no clue?  Any event needs to have some consistent theme running through it.  It doesn’t need to be blatant, but you want things to flow if you are going to wow them!  I started with some very complicated tools- a pen and a sheet of notebook paper.  I made a list of the things that made us, us.  Places and activities that meant a lot, quirks about him and me, funny moments, etc.  Then I went to everyone’s best friend- google.  I searched image key words for inspiration and came up with this inspiration for my design.  I won’t bore you with all the details, but along the way, I thought I would send out how I’m doing things, to help you.  From one bride to another, some things will be easier than others, but before you get started know where you are going.   OH!  I know you are wondering, so yes I do have a planner and day-of planning services booked.  I intend to enjoy my day!  We’ll talk soon. 

Charleston offers amazing venues–plantation homes, harbor views and historic buildings–so why cover them up?  Shelley and Jon celebrated their wedding on Memorial Day weekend at Stella Maris and reception at the Thomas-Bennett House in Downtown Charleston.  The Thomas-Bennett House has a vibrant garden that is covered in vines, blossoming trees and lush grasses.  With such an amazing space for their wedding day, the couple really wanted to show it off!  Choosing a neutral color pallet of tan, white, and green allowed the guests to focus on the amazing colonial home and grounds.   From the moment I met Shelley and John their main focus was that their guests had a great time.  The recipe for their happy guests: a rockin’ band, huge dance floor, and 5 hours of party!  It was a success!  Every guest danced their heart out and sang along with the band.  The combination of simple decor and a focus on the guests blended for a stunning day in the sun.   

If you love bright, bold color, USE IT!  Use it we did with Jamie’s fave hot pink and turquoise.  The couple wanted to fully enjoy their Charleston wedding beach-style, haveing made the trip from Indianapolis for the big day!  To pull it all together, have your accent color a more pale print.  Accessories in funky clear glass and simple loose arrangements are a must or no arrangements at all to stay away form being too busy.  Jamie and Matt were a fun couple, anyway, but how could you not have a good time with all of the happy color! 

images: Lazlo Wedding

More perfect weather could not have been ordered for the union of Nikki and Mason.  The couple and a close group of family and friends, made the journey from Indiana to Tybee for a retreat and intimate ceremony overlooking the waves.To fit in with the beauty of nature, Yoj stuck to natural colors, loose orchids and maile leaves and guests were seated  among the grass on beach blankets in the bride’s favorite color of pale yellow.   A cake to fit the beach scene was created by Art Cake Co, and a feast to match the Hawaiian-inspired decor was served up by Delightful Catering.  The beauty of the evening was captured by Sweet Tea Photography and guitarist Doug Povie kept guests relaxed and entertained. Tips for an eco-friendly wedding:

•  use florals grown locally and organically
• source decor and serving items from green companies like Bambu
• give locally created favors made by more eco-friendly companies (ie. all natural spa products, foods, candles)
• Save paper on invitations using alternative methods (printed keepsakes, plantable seeded papers

Check out a few visuals from Nicole and Mason’s special day at: http://www.me.com/gallery/#100023