Lowcountry Wedding {Details}

Can we talk about some of my favorite Lowcountry wedding details?!  I thought so :)  The coast of South Carolina is home to a few of my favorite beach towns: Hilton Head, Charleston and Myrtle Beach.  These coastal cities are full of Southern charm and have a distinct Lowcountry personality that makes our weddings every Southern girl’s dream!

These chairs are wonderful and when teamed up with those fabulous fans you’ve got pure perfection.   They’ll give your guests and extra breeze as they watch your intimate ‘I do’s’.  I’m picturing an gorgeous, outdoor ceremony under the grand Oaks with a beautiful Plantation home in the background.  Swoon.

Menus on printed on napkins…yes, please!  What an elegant touch to any place setting.  I just hope I wouldn't get it dirty!

Don’t you just love this idea?  Place note cards on each table with fun questions printed atop each one.  Throughout the reception guests have the opportunity to leave their comments on the card(s) of their choice.  I can only imagine how amusing/inappropriate the answers could get as the evening goes on.  How much fun would it be to read over their answers when you return from your honeymoon with a bottle of wine?  Tons!

I just had to include this.  I can’t think of a better way to really get your guests excited about your upcoming nuptials then to let them know there is going to be some serious celebrating taking place and you need to know what tunes get them out of their seats.  Forget the entrée choices, just make sure we’ve got some ‘Party in the USA’ and ‘Tootsie Roll’…you know what I mean!?

Joy Thigpen, just stop it with your seaside perfection.  I love everything about this.  It is oh-so Lowcountry.  Not only do I love the grey linen but that oyster garland is pure heaven.  If done right, and it’s done so right here, oyster shells are a laid back but chic touch.

I had to share these star lanterns.  What a beautiful touch to this Southern soiree.  They’ve got a clean, modern feel that would a darling addition to any tented reception under the Lowcountry stars.

Monogrammed veil, nuff said!

How fantastic would an eclectic mix of candles be lining the aisle.  Dreamy...

Litchfield Plantation {Meghan + Joshua}

I’m about to treat you to a big dose of preppy perfection from Carmen Ash Photography…so you can go ahead and thank me!  It took place just up the road in beautiful Pawleys Island, South Carolina at the picturesque Litchfield Plantation.  The sweet Southern couple enlisted a brilliant team of Lowcountry wedding vendors to pull off their big day.  Blossoms Events created a heavenly backdrop of lanterns that acted as the alter for their outdoor ceremony and it is bound to make you go weak-in-the-knees!  Bride Meghan dreamed up a classic pink and green color palette that she tasked Della Ramsey and crew with executing all of the whimsical details. Don’t you just love those adorable pinwheels and that fabulous bar?! Lastly, every last, dreamy moment was captured by the talented lenses of Carmen Ash Photography.  Enjoy!

Lowcountry Wedding Vendors

Photographer: Carmen Ash Photography  /  Dress Designer: Pronovias  /  Floral Designer: Blossoms Events  /  Cinema and Video: Hart to Heart Media  /  Equipment Rentals: Snyder Event Rental  /  Lighting: Technical Event Company  /  Band: Deas Guyz  /  Event Planner: Della Ramsey Weddings  /  Event Venue: Litchfield Plantation

Southern Weddings {Place Settings}

If it wasn't for Pinterest, I'm not sure I would get my daily fix of Southern wedding details.  Luckily, with all the talented wedding vendors that call the Lowcountry home, I don't have to go far to get my pin on!  So, today I'm sharing a serious round up of some of my favorite place setting that have recently graced my Pinterest account.  Boy, do I love a good tablescape.  It adds an instant dash of elegance for any Charleston, Myrtle Beach or Hilton Head Wedding!  Don't you agree?

Southern Weddings {Boutonnieres}

Who’s ready for a little bout-scootin’ Wednesday?!?  Today in the Lowcountry, we’re sharing our current obsession…boutonnieres!  I'm not sure why, but boutonnieres have become one of my favorite wedding details.  They sum up your entire wedding in one adorable little package and, let’s be serious, who doesn’t love accessorizing all the men in your bridal party?  You know I get a little Pinterest crazy sometimes and I live for beautiful, Southern wedding details, so here are a few that caught my eyes from some of our favorite Hilton Head, Myrtle Beach and Charleston weddings.

Southern Weddings {Cakes}

I have a slight tendency to go a little crazy on Pinterest and who can blame with all the fabulous wedding inspiration there is out there.  Today, I'm sharing a handful of my favorite cakes that have been floating around in Pinterest-land and I know you're going to love every single one!  I guess I'm having a gold moment because quite a few of these lovelies are dusted with a gold shimmer.  If you haven't already, don't forget to check out our previous posts on our favorite, swoon-worthy wedding cakes.

Southern Weddings {Bouquets}

If I don't immediately share all these whimsical wedding bouquets, I think my Pinterest account might just blow up! So, go ahead and daydream about your Lowcountry weddings as you gawk over these fab wedding bouquets.  Number four is my absolute favorite.  Oh, and next week, we're talking peonies, so don't miss it!

Southern Weddings {Save the Dates}

I thought about whipping up a whole post discussing the do's and don'ts of Save the Dates, but then I figured I should leave it to Charleston wedding stationer-extraordinaire, Scotti Cline Designs!  Located in Charleston, Scotti assists Lowcountry brides in creating all of their swoon-worthy wedding paper needs and, lucky for us, she's sharing a few must-read pointers on creating personal and informative Save the Dates!

"It's hard for me to write about why I think save the dates are important because my OWN MOTHER thinks they're silly. She's a little old fashioned about these sort of things but having been in the wedding industry for going on 5 years now, I think they have earned their place and aren't going anywhere. In a time when there is rarely a "hometown" wedding and destination weddings have become more popular and accessible, it's important to make traveling fun and as easy as possible for your guests. A save the date informs guests of all the pertinent information and hopefully you can convey some excitement about the wedding and their destination with the design of the save the date. That's where I come in..."

"I usually recommend brides include accommodation information and their expiration dates for room blocks in addition to their wedding website. Particularly for Charleston weddings, hotels book quickly and many guests don't understand that the room blocks do not guarantee they can book a room the week before the wedding. Guests may not even visit your website until after the room blocks have expired."

"For send out, I highly recommend sending out in the 6-8 month window. Yes, even for destination brides. Unless you have a large number of guests traveling internationally, none of your guests will be making travel plans any earlier than that. I understand brides are excited to share a first glimpse of their wedding with family and friends but sending out a year in advance is overkill. It will also make you want to send your invitations out unnecessarily earlier which will really diminish your RSVP return."

" Also, a word to the wise for European save the date recipients, always include the wording "formal invitation to follow". Save the dates are understood in the United States without that wording but if you don't include it for Europeans, you will be receiving some very strange phone calls about how to RSVP to the "invitation". Not kidding."

"For save the date design, there are so many wildly different options out there I would never go as far as suggesting what someone "should" do. I only suggest you should make yourself happy. Save the dates have a little more room to be fun because they are not as traditional as the invitation. I have some brides who come up with some really interesting ideas (I'll begrudgingly admit it's always the brides who have the best ideas, not me). Incorporating your destination, as many of my Charleston brides do, is a great way to get people excited about traveling there. I've done a ton of oak tree and iron gates for Charleston because it is such an iconic look for the city and very Southern."

 "I'm personally not a huge fan of photo save the dates strictly because I don't want to put the picture of you almost making out my fridge to see every morning before coffee and I kinda doubt people who know you do either. I've received and done some photo save the dates that are awesome though. I had a bride this year who included a photo booth strip tied to her save the date which incorporated an oak tree and a pattern that we will carry into the invitation. This way, the picture didn't dominate the save the date and we had plenty of room for design and information (and who doesn't love a good photo booth strip?). I recently received a photo save the date of my friends holding up signs (with their wedding date) like they were taking mug shots (he's a detective) and I laugh every time I look at it, it's great. I think that's the perfect save the date, make it about you and make your guests smile."

Southern Coastal Wedding {Lyndsey + Scott}

To bid the summer adieu, we're going to head into the holiday weekend with a laid back, Southern wedding of the North Carolina coast.  Lyndsey + Scott tied the knot with teir toes in the sand and the breeze in their hair as one of our favorites, Carolina Studios by Gillian Reinhardt, was there to capture the entire beautiful day!  Are those bouquets from Fiore Fine Flowers not to die for?

 Southern Wedding Vendors

Photographer:  Carolina Studios by Gillian Reinhardt  /  Hair Stylist:  Kozo Hair Designs & Spa  /  Caterer:  Art Catering  /  Floral Designer:  Fiore Fine Flowers  /  Cinema and Video:  Hart to Heart Media  /  Dress Store:  Bridals by Lori  /  Cake Designer:  Cakes by the Sea  /   DJ:  Scott Shaw Productions - DJ Entertainment  /  Transportation:  Wilmington Trolley Company

DeBordieu Club Wedding {Liz + Andrew}

You can't go wrong with a Lowcountry wedding at the Debordieu Club, photographed by Carolina Photosmith, and designed by Della Ramsey.   As if that weren't enough, add in flowers by Blossoms Events and you've got a heavenly mix of South Carolina's most-sought after wedding vendors for Liz + Andrew's preppy, Southern wedding.  Liz was breathtaking in a delicate, one-shoulder, lace Ulla-Maija gown that perfectly complimented Andrew's suit and classic bow tie.  The entire event was outfitted with a vibrant, citrus palette that allowed for fun pops of color and effortlessly, chic details.

 LOWCOUNTRY WEDDING VENDORS

Photographer:  Carolina Photosmith  /  Hair Stylist:  Stox & Co. Salon & Day Spa  /  Event Planner:  Della Ramsey Weddings  /  Floral Designer:  Blossoms Events  /  Reception Venue:  DeBordieu Club  /  Band:  East Coast Entertainment

Myrtle Beach Weddings {Sara + Corey} Marina Inn at Grande Dunes

The combination of the romantic color scheme of mocha and pink, a ceremony site overlooking the inner coastal waterway,  and the picturesque Lowcountry sky, was the perfect setting for Sara & Corey's Myrtle Beach Wedding!  With the help of Memorable Moments Event Planning, the entire Southern soiree took place at the beautiful Marina Inn at Grande Dunes starting with the ceremony on the Grande Lawn, followed by a lively reception in the ballroom.   The newlyweds and their spirited bridal party kept the guests up and dancing all night long.  Thanks to the talented Brooke Christl Photography for capturing Myrtle Beach weddings and all their glory!

MYRTLE BEACH WEDDING VENDORS

Cake: Tina Spaltro- Marina Inn at Grande Dunes  /  Flowers: Stefanie Colley - Piggly Wiggly Market Common  /  Gown Designer: Mikado  /  Shoes: Unlisted- Nautural Beauty  /  Bridesmaids’ dresses: David’s Bridal  /  Tuxedos: Men's Warehouse  /   Hairstylist: Salon and Spa 18  /   Make-up: Andrea Bushey with Hair by Orlando  /   Music/Entertainment:  Jake Hallonquist – Total Package Weddings  /  Photography: Brooke Christl Photography  /  Videography: Joe Productions  /  Clergy: Brody Hillman  /  Ceremony location: Marina Inn at Grande Dunes on the Grande Lawn  /  Caterers and Reception location: Marina Inn at Grande Dunes – Merrill Thompson  /  Rentals:  Little Shop of Flowers  /  Transportation: Ritz Limousine  /  Wedding Planner: Leslie Menich, Memorable Moments Event Planning

A Lowcountry Wedding Vendors!

Some of you may have noticed that A Lowcountry Wedding is in the process of welcoming a new addition to our site, and we couldn’t be more excited.  We are thrilled to FINALLY introduce all of our fabulous, Southern brides to the insanely, talented wedding vendors that call the coast of South Carolina home.  You’ll find we’ve divided things up into vendor categories, and even broken it down to different cities, so you’ll be able to locate approved A Lowcountry Wedding vendors in Charleston, Hilton Head and Myrtle Beach (perfect, right?).

Well, while we work on finalizing some details behind the scenes, we’ve decided it’s time for a contest!  To thank all of our vendor friends that have been overly supportive, this week we’ll be giving away one free vendor listing.  The listing will include a complete description of your company, contact info and even a photo gallery to show off your work right here on A Lowcountry Wedding!  To enter, it’s simple, if you don’t already, ‘like’ us on facebook and then, share this post.  Easy, huh?  We’ll announce the winner Friday, August 31st!  Good luck and thank you for your support!

If you’re interested in becoming A Lowcountry Wedding Vendor, shoot us an email at hello{at}alowcountrywed.com for an application, pricing and our stats!

Southern Weddings {Groom's Attire}

Don't you love a good-looking, Southern gentleman dressed to the nines?  You don't have to answer, I already know you're shaking your head 'yes'!   Luckily, our Lowcountry grooms sure know how to add their classic, Southern style to their wedding day, and this round up of our favorites will show you how the men of South Carolina do it best!  In Hilton Head, you'll find the boys draped in seersucker.  At a Charleston wedding, they'll be rocking classic, black tuxedos, and the men in Myrtle Beach are fans of a tan suits and preppy bowties!  So tell us, what will your dapper dudes be wearing?

Seaside Engagement {Sasha + Riley}

Oh, Paul Johnson!  What have you done to me with this gorgeous, coastal engagement session?  Snapped along the Florida shoreline in beautiful Seaside, the camera fell in love with the adorable Sasha + Riley.  Not only was the backdrop flawless, but the duo's effortless style combined with the talents of Paul Johnson Photography made for an engagement session that tops my list of favorites.  Simply perfect.

Lowcountry Weddings {Wine Barrels}

There are days where I just can't tear myself away from Pinterest and thanks to all the wonderfully creative people that I follow, I'm usually knee deep in some serious wedding inspiration.  Lucky you for you girls, I just can't keep these beautiful Southern secrets to myself!  One of my favorite recent findings is wine barrels (sigh!).  They're the perfect touch to a gorgeous Charleston, Hilton Head or Myrtle Beach Wedding!  They're classic charm and rustic appeal make them the perfect addition to your Lowcountry wedding!

Myrtle Beach Weddings {Stunning & Brilliant Events}

Now, don't get me wrong, married life is heaven, but I'll tell you what...being engaged was a blast!  It's an exciting time and I hope everyone takes full advantage of all the showers, cake tasting, venue tours and all the fabulous wedding related events.  You don't need to tell me, I know the whole planning process can be truly overwhelming (stressful, crazy...pick your choice of adjective!) but Lowcountry brides are in luck!  The Myrtle Beach wedding planners at Stunning & Brilliant Events are hosting a 3-hour interactive seminar on September 9th that is catered to you.  With what's sure to be a laundry list of the Lowcountry's top wedding vendors to assist and educate, this will be an event I promise you don't want to miss this.  Don't wait to RSVP, it's limited to a handful of lucky brides.  

Myrtle Beach Wedding Vendor Spotlight {Memorable Events}

It's no secret the Lowcountry is blessed with some seriously talented Myrtle Beach wedding vendors who, time and time again, deliver one-of-a-kind, customized Southern weddings that perfectly represent every Bride and Groom.  One of our favorites, Leslie Menich, is the owner of the Grand Strand's Memorable Moments Event Planning and is a pro at delivering the Myrtle Beach wedding of your dreams!  She takes pride in relieving her ladies of the stress the planning period can bring and makes sure to create a wedding that fits their needs, style and budget.  We caught up with Leslie where she filled us in on how she got started, what she offers, and why she loves her job!

How did you get started?

I have over seven years of event planning experience. I graduated from West Virginia University with a Bachelors of Science in Public Relations. I am originally from South Charleston, WV and moved to the Myrtle Beach area in May 2004. When my family or friends had parties, weddings, events, showers, etc., I always found myself becoming a part of the planning process.  There is true thrill and excitement in helping plan someone's special occasion and watching it turn into a lasting memory from start to finish. The passion I have for event planning started with this feeling and grew from helping friends and family while also planning and coordinating all events as the Event Planner/Marketing Manager at Celebrations Nitelife for over five years at Broadway at the Beach. During my time there, they became one of the Top 100 nightclubs and bars in the country (awarded by Nightclub & Bar Magazine).  From my past experiences and working with contacts and vendors through this full time job, I took the opportunity and decided to start my own business, and this is how Memorable Moments Event Planning was born!

What kinds of services do you provide for area brides?

I offer everything from Full Planning to Day of Coordination. Full Planning tends to be my most popular package. I become close with the couple, usually more with the bride because we do everything together. I am with her every step of the way from right after the engagement until the last event of her reception. Assisting in vendor selections and appointments, layouts of ceremony & reception, helping to determine an accurate total wedding budget, providing decor ideas and advice along the way are among some of the many things we will do together to create the bride’s vision, met with the couple’s personality and style.  Memorable Moments will act as the main point of contact for their venue & vendors and will continually make all the necessary accommodations, with their input, allowing the couple, especially the bride, to sit back and enjoy the experience. My signature wedding timeline and budget tracking sheet are also included along with everything included in the Day of Coordination Package.

For Day of Coordination, I come on board during the last months or weeks of the planning process to help the couple wrap up all loose ends with the vendors, assist with any last minute bookings, and coordinate the important events of wedding weekend. All the steps and timelines will be set into place and passed along to all major contacts so vendors, bridal party, family, the bride and groom, and more know where they need to be and when. The entire weekend’s events are put into order from vendors contracts and times confirmed to when the bouquet is thrown. This package also includes on site Rehearsal & Day of Coordination!

*Customized and a la Carte packaging are also available options. Every bride is entitled to a complimentary consultation to make sure we are a right fit before getting started.

What is the best part about your job?

Meeting wonderful couples and sharing in one of the biggest days of their lives. Nothing is better to help plan this day with them and then be there to see the whole process carried out to witness their happiness and appreciation! Many of my clients have become close friends due to the experiences we share together.

I feel the same about many of the wonderful wedding industry professionals I have met along the way while running my business. We all work hard and it is great to have a genuine group of colleagues who I can count on and have the pleasure of sharing stories of true success.

What is one of your most memorable moments on the job?

This past October, I had a wedding on my birthday. It was a 12 hour work day and the wedding turned out beautiful and the couple was more than pleased. Towards the end of the night, the bride and groom went up on stage and took the microphone from the DJ and had the music stop. They had all their guests tell me Happy Birthday and then proceeded to thank me for my friendship and work I had done over the past year. It was a small surprise that meant a lot to me and is something I will remember forever!

What do you say to a bride or groom who is having “cold feet?”

I am lucky that I have not had this happen yet. However, if I did ever have this happen, I would tell whoever is having the “cold feet” to remember how they got where they are in the first place and all the reasons to why they love and appreciate their partner.

What is the most important thing that you do for future brides?

Many brides are experiencing getting married for the first time, so I would say that the most important thing I offer to my clients is KNOWLEDGE! I know the places where she can save, the vendors she can trust, the unique ideas she can use, and more to help her customize her day, her way! When a bride books Memorable Moments Event Planning, she is relieved of much of the burden and work, since it is my job to help her create a wedding to not only meet her needs, wants, personality, style, & vision, but also her budget.

What are you waiting for? Give her a call!

Memorable Moments Event Planning!

Leslie Menich

116 Governors Loop

Myrtle Beach, SC 29588

843.450.9936