To Hillary and Will Herring, married April 26th, 2008.

Since their wedding is being featured in an upcoming National publication, I can’t show wedding photos just yet, but thought I would feature their rehearsal party instead.

Hillary and Will held an intimate dinner for family and wedding party at McCrady’s Restaurant in the Long Room, followed by a late night lounge, sweets, and a dancing to a motown band at Hibernian Hall (a historic building built by the Irish Benevolent Society).

Here are some shots from Olivia and Zach’s thursday night party, whose wedding was featured on last week’s post…

I feel as if the Rehearsal celebrations often get overlooked in wedding publications, websites, etc. and sometimes these can be some of the best shots from the weekend… everyone is casual, relaxed and having fun. So, for the month of May, we’re going to feature shots from some of our favorite past rehearsal parties!

Ahhhhh, Fashion

Also, I’m very excited about the opening of a new boutique in Charleston- Pearl. It’s on Coleman Boulevard in Mt. Pleasant… Pearl will carry designers like Anya Hindmarch, Jason Wu (who did Mrs. Obama’s inaugural gown!), and Doo.Ri- thank you thank you for finally bringing haute design to us here! If you are in town, be sure to head to their preview party on Wednesday, April 29th from noon until 8pm at Old Village Post House at 101 Mill Street in the Old Village of Mt. Pleasant.

Bright Lights, Big City

I’ll be heading to our new office in New York this Thursday to help get things up and running. I’m so excited for mostly work and a little play- but I’ll be posting the “after” shots of the office space up there next week… And will have tons more to report!

To Olivia and Zach Wall, married April 19th. 2008.

Olivia Mansfield married Zach Wall at the home of her parents, in Athens, GA… How cute is her orange Oscar dress?

There is just something about a wedding at home…

I can’t share too many detail shots with you, because this wedding will be one featured in our new upcoming book (more on that later… ), but, I always love the history of the couple and their engagement story, I thought I would share some words on that from the bride:

Zach and I met within the first couple of weeks of school our freshman year at Washington & Lee. I have to say, I was not a fan at first. J We dated all through school and after we graduated during our first year in New York. In December 2007, Zach came to visit my family at Sea Island after Christmas and for New Year’s. On that Saturday night, he woke my parents up from a pre-dinner nap and told them he was going to propose the following day. Despite us being together for 5 years, they were groggy and SHOCKED! They barely said two words that night during dinner. The next day, we lazily watched tv because it was raining and not good beach weather. Looking back, I realize that mom told me multiple times throughout the day to get up and entertain my guest (Zach). Finally, around 4 o’clock that afternoon, I got off the couch and Zach and I walked to the beach to play bocce as the rain had stopped. Once we got to the beach, we realized it was freezing, and as I turned around to walk back up to the house, Zach was down on one knee with my ring in his hand. That evening, all my aunts, uncles cousins, parents and brothers gathered at our house for a champagne toast before we all went to dinner together. The next night was New Year’s Eve and we had a big family party and celebrated our engagement – it was definitely the best New Year’s I’ve had to date.

Olivia and Zach’s wedding was also featured in the recent Real Simple Weddings book, congratulations!

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The key to a pop up afternoon shower 1 hour before an outdoor wedding ceremony? BE PREPARED!

April 2008 at Drayton Hall… As the trolleys carrying all of our guests for an outdoor ceremony under an ancient oak, a thunderstorm rolled in from nowhere! Thank goodness we had rolls of plastic sheeting with us, which we used to cover all 300 silk shangtung covered chairs until the rain stopped and we could proceed. We also always have white umbrellas for all outdoor events as a backup- they can not only protect you from the last drops of rain, but also shield you from bright sun!

After the skies parted, the sun shone bright and the ceremony site looked like this! Stay positive when mother nature strikes… you will be rewarded. Photos by Liz Banfield.

This Year I Wish…

Brides would wear color, or texture that is subtle but unexpected…

Brides would wear a fabulous and fun short dress for their friday night parties- be a bride all weekend long!

Brides would splurge on amazing accessories- something you’ll have for a lifetime (much like the husband and wedding memories!), and you’ll actually get to wear again.