Since opening the doors of Soirée by Tara Guérard in Charleston, South Carolina over a decade ago, Tara has been noted as a leading arbiter of entertaining and southern style. In 2005, she was selected as a “Top 25 Trendsetter” by Modern Bride magazine. Soirée’s work has been featured by a wide range of media including Elegant Bride, Food & Wine magazine, Southern Accents, Martha Stewart Weddings and Town & Country Weddings, among other prestigious publications. Most recently, she was tapped by Martha Stewart and the editors of Martha Stewart Weddings to create a “Gorgeous and Green” Nashville, Tennessee wedding which was highlighted in the magazine and televised on the Style Network in December 2008.
Tara is a sought-after speaker for forums on design and has appeared before exclusive audiences at venues including the Mint Museum in Charlotte, Nashville Lifestyles magazine’s Bridal Ball, Baltimore’s Walters Museum and industry events including the National Association of Catering Executives’ (NACE) and International Special Events Society’s (ISES) annual meetings.
Her debut lifestyle book, Southern Weddings: New Looks from the Old South (Gibbs Smith) was published to rave reviews in early 2007. The follow up volume, Weddings by Tara Guérard will premier in January of 2010, further establishing her as a leading expert on wedding design.
In early 2008, Soirée launched The Lettered Olive, a line of invitation suites. The eco-friendly luxury paper collection features custom designs for special occasion invitations and other printed pieces including save-the-dates, wedding programs, menus and seating cards.
Tara lives in Charleston, South Carolina with her husband, Russell, their sons, Aiken and Myers, and Springer Spaniel, Georgia. For additional information and to view a selection of Tara’s events and stationery designs, please visit www.soireebytaraguerard.com and www.theletteredolive.com
