 This August, Charleston’s newest venue in the heart of the Historic District, Merchants Hall, opened its doors for its first-ever public event. The Charleston community gave a warm welcome to this brand-new venue! Charleston's top caterers Salthouse Catering, Duvall Catering & Events, Tristan Events & Catering showed off their chops and served delicious Lowcountry-themed cuisine, while Spike by Snyder served up local beers and an assortment of wines. Loluma styled the event to perfection, going with a rustic chic theme. Pictured below, the crowd favorites were Duvall’s Pimento Cheese Fritters, Salthouse’s Smoked Pork Shank with Hoppin’ John Roasted Carrots & Molasses Pot Licker and Tristan’s Coconut Cake Truffles and Caramel Milk Chocolate Tarts with Sea Salt. It was a spectacular public debut for Merchants Hall! Merchants Hall provides a chic canvas for weddings and events in the Holy City. This circa 1856 building features exposed brick, wood columns, crystal chandeliers and views of City Market. 
 
 
      VENDORS:
Venue: Merchants Hall Photographer: Kate Dye Photography Caterers: Duvall Catering & Events , Tristan Events & Catering, and Salthouse Catering Drinks: Spike By Snyder Rentals: Snyder Events Event Designer: Loluma By Hannah Moses a contributing author for Charlie Mather Photography  Charlie Mather Photography Wedding favors for guests are made to be small tokens of appreciation for attending the wedding and they also serve as souvenirs from the wedding as well. Most couples want to be sure that people remember their special day, so they give out favors that are meaningful as their expression of appreciation. However, some wedding favors can become expensive as your guest list grows. Below, are DIY trendy wedding favors that will be a hit with your guest and save you money. 
 Charlie Mather Photography 
It's no surprise that we love food in the south and sometimes we just want to have a good burger and fries to celebrate life's occasions at home. Because of our busy lives, it's easier to have a small gathering at home versus meeting at a local diner. Cook up our angus burger with homemade sweet potato fries and our sweet, heat aioli (recipe below--you'll definitely want to try it out! We slapped it on our buns and dipped our fries in it!!). Although our burgers are pan-fried, they'd taste even better on the grill ;-) 
 Photo credit: Florian Klauer It goes without saying that we cannot control everything in life. Of course, we all want our celebrations to be perfect; whether it's our child's first birthday, our baby shower, or our wedding day. We've obsessed over details for months (and sometimes years depending on the occasion). It's only natural that we would want everything to be perfect. Here's a few tips that we've come up with to help you to NOT stress over the small things:
Stress can cause a lot of things to happen, both physically and emotionally and we would never want you to stress over the small things. At the end of the day, what is important is that you are surrounded by family and friends that are there for you to help celebrate your occasion, no matter what it is! Remember that they are there for you and while the small details are pretty to look at, that's not why they are truly there; so don't stress yourself out wrapping your brain around those things.  Photo credit: Brooke Lark  1-Don't expect to get much attention from service personnel by saying "we're on our honeymoon." Bora Bora gets many newlyweds, and the special treatment goes only so far. 2-Do pick up a fish identification guide so you'll know what you're looking at when you're snorkeling or diving. 3-Do sign up for one of the shark- and ray-viewing lagoon tours offered at Bora Bora. Be aware that these trips involve getting in the water with feeding reef sharks, something dozens of visitors do every day without incident. If you're not convinced, it's also possible to stay in the boat for that part of the tour. 4- Don't expect to find many bargains on Bora Bora. This is easily the most expensive island in the South Pacific—and also one of the most memorable. 5-Do ask about the operator's policy on shark feeding if you plan to scuba dive or snorkel. Shark feeding is a common practice on Bora Bora, though some experts feel it's unwise to make the animals dependent on handouts and to make them associate people with food. If you agree, or if you just don't like the idea of being near hungry sharks, seek out an operator who doesn't engage in feeding, though they can be hard to find.  6-Do take along everything you need (from camera supplies to sunscreen) if you want to save money. Prices for most items are far higher than what you'll pay at home. Also consider stowing a few food items in your suitcase to save on a trip or two to the pricey restaurants. 7-Do be careful if you're swimming near an offshore motu. At certain times, strong currents can be created that have the potential to sweep you out into the open sea. 8-Don't be frightened if you find a gecko in your room (usually you'll find more than one). They're harmless unless you're an insect, though their high-pitched "barking" can be a strange sound to wake up to. 9-Do book flights and hotels well in advance, especially if you're interested in the high-end resorts or if your vacation falls during a school holiday. 10-Do invest in a pareu and experiment with a few of the many ways to wear it. 11-Do take in the view of tombstonelike Mount Otemanu from the pier at Bloody Mary's Restaurant and Bar. 12-Don't feed the local dogs. There are so many strays that they have become major pests.  13-You can rent a bicycle or small car to circle the island on its winding, two-lane road. Jeep safaris take you up steep tracks to interior viewpoints. Seven large cannons installed at four different sites during World War II can still be visited. (Bora was the site of a U.S. base during the war.) Several ancient ceremonial sites, or marae, are also open to visitors. 14-Crime is relatively rare on Bora Bora. Still, it's wise to practice commonsense precautions. 15-Bora Bora gets its drinking water from a modern desalinization plant, and drinking it from the tap isn't as risky as it is elsewhere. However, if you would rather not take any chances, prepackaged water and other drinks are widely available. 16-When swimming on rocky or coral-laden beaches, always wear sandals, flip-flops or some other footwear to avoid stonefish, the lagoon's only common danger. These fish look just like rocks and have spines that inject a poison if you step on them, which can be extremely painful and occasionally fatal. If you do step on one, apply heat immediately and head to the nearest doctor or hospital. 17-Couples Retreat, starring Vince Vaughn, was filmed at the St. Regis Bora Bora Resort. 18-Transvestites (or mahu) are an accepted part of the French Polynesian community and often work in restaurants, on airplanes and in boutiques on Bora Bora. Ready to jump off your own over water bungalow into the crystal blue waters? The best way to get the most out of a honeymoon like this is to let a travel professional handle the details. This way you will not encounter any unexpected surprises!
 Your engagement is coming to an end, and the big day is weeks away! What to do now? You have the venue, dress, and photographer all locked in. Now it is time to shift focus on what you should devote your energy on. Check out these small investments that are sure to give you a peace of mind leading into the best day of your life! Sneak away for a girls day at the spa Your bachelorette party has come and gone but considering all the pre wedding stress, it might be a good idea to take a relaxing day trip to the spa with a couple close friends! Stepping back and taking a day for some self-care is just what the doctor ordered! Being pampered with your besties will provide you with the perfect distraction so you are fully prepared to take on the best day with your future husband! Invest in a quality bra Out of all the things to be worried about on your wedding day, like the weather, messing up your vows, and hoping everyone has a good time, feeling comfortable shouldn’t be one of them! But, when your bra wire is digging into your rib cage during your father daughter dance, it will shoot to the top of your list! Investing in quality undergarments will ultimately make you forget you have anything on under that dress! True & Co., an online bra company has plenty of bras that comfortably form to your body. Trust me, you won't regret this when you're heading to the after-party still in your wedding dress!
 Research a dependable deodorant As much as you prepared for this day to come, the nerves will kick in as soon as you wake up! When those nerves happen, the nervous sweat is following closely behind. Taking time to do your research when purchasing the perfect deodorant can go a long way. Plus, you’ll need to make sure you’re fully prepared when you’re rocking the dance floor with your guests! You do not want to be the bride with those smelly departing hugs! Remember, buy and test your deodorant weeks before your nuptials to ensure that it lasts for your body type! Buy stand-by flats Rocking those beautiful bridal heels feels amazing! Down the aisle, and throughout your pictures, you’ll look like a queen while feeling extremely confident. Then comes the best part, the reception! Constantly walking around, greeting everyone and dancing the night away with your new hubby can put a toll on your poor toes. Investing in an elegant pair of back up flats becomes almost necessary. You’ll be able to comfortably move around the reception, while not getting your bare feet crushed by your crazy uncle dancing next to you! Create an emergency kit One of the worst fears brides may have is ripping their gorgeous dress the day of. Being stuck with no way of quickly fixing the pull or tear can give you anxiety just thinking about it! An easy and simple solution to this potential problem is creating a bridal survival kit filled with the essential items days before the wedding. Don’t forget to include tissues for those sentimental moments! Make these personal investments, and your wedding day will be an amazing beginning to the rest of your marriage! Written By: Emily (Guest Blogger) Written By: Emily (Guest Blogger)
Author bio: Emily is a content creator who loves to write about lifestyle topics. She’s obsessed with keeping up with the current bridal trends of the month. Her favorite hobby includes binge watching Say Yes to the Dress with a refreshing face mask on! Fall weddings have got to be our favorite wedding season of the year! With summer coming to an end soon, wedding couples should be wrapping up last minute details for their Fall celebrations. Hopefully, some of these Fall trends will make their way into your planning! Fashion Trends
Fall weddings mean cooler temps (hopefully) and that means long sleeves and haute, cozy layers. Fashion week was all about 2 piece separates, cashmere sweaters, and full-length skirts. Cake Trends
Less is more! Couples are forgoing the fondant designs and sugar paste flowers and are instead opting for a newer version of the naked cake (instead of totally bare layers showing, a thin amount of frosting is spread which allows for the cake to show through) and decorating them with caramel drizzles. They are also ditching traditional cake toppers and opting for small bunches of flowers and greenery. You may also notice that the size of wedding cakes will be getting smaller, as more couples embrace other fun desserts to share with their guests. Color Trends
Deep burgundy and plum shades are dominating the Fall wedding scene and we can't get enough of this moody jewel tone combination! Complimentary colors include crisp whites and smokey blues paired with metallic. And while gold is always a timeless classic, silver and copper are the must-haves this Fall season. Flower Trends
Where the wild things are! Fresh, wild flower-themed designs are still the hottest trend; mix with the jewel tones of the season and you have the perfect floral designs for your bouquet, centerpieces, and ceremony! Food Trends
Food is probably hands down one of our favorite aspects of any celebration! And who wants to serve boring food to their guests?! Get creative and have different food and drink stations. From mashed potato bars and build-your-own mac n' cheese station to snowball and gourmet coffee stands with donuts; you can truly make your reception a unique experience.
The time has finally arrived: your wedding day! You probably didn't sleep much, but it's now morning and we're here to tell you that the nervous, jittery feeling that you're feeling: is completely normal! Every detail that you've been dreaming of is about to come to fruition! A wedding has many moving parts; there's your dress, your hair and makeup, your venue, your caterer, your florist and planner, and it's worrying about whether or not your groom is prepared......... STOP! And just breathe!  Photo Credit: Matthew Kane Here's a list of things to tell yourself the morning of your wedding: It's Going To Be Okay Like really, everything is going to be okay! It's your wedding day, whatever happens, just let it go! At the end of the day, you'll still be married to the person you're going to spend the rest of your life with! You Are Beautiful Yes, you are truly beautiful! We all have our issues when it comes to our appearances, no one is immune to that. But remember, your groom loves you and is marrying you for who you are, not what you look like. Don't let the little voices in your head weigh you down....you are beautiful! Trust Your Vendor Team You hired your wedding professionals for a reason. For many vendors, this isn't their first rodeo. Now trust that they'll have your back and give you a day that you'll always remember!  Photo Credit: Sweet Ice Cream Photography Love Surrounds You Remember that on your wedding day, you are surrounded by people that love you. Your friends and family are there to support you because of their love and they only want to see you happy. Enjoy A Moment Alone With Your Spouse Your wedding day will feel like a whirl wind that's going ninety to nothing. Remember to take a moment to yourselves, even if it's just for a short period of time. It's your wedding day! Yes, your guests are there to celebrate your union and will be excited to congratulate you, but at the end of the day, it'll just be you and your groom; show him during your wedding that he's the most important thing in your life. Our suggestion is to take a moment after the ceremony/post-ceremony photos and before the reception to sit down in solitude with your groom. Have a quick, intimate meal, have a drink, or just enjoy the alone time, before the whirlwind of wedding events continue.  Photo by Natalie Thornley  Whether you're getting married in Louisiana or North Carolina, searching for a rustic venue or plantation, we've complied a list of the top venues to get married in the South!  Photo credit: London Lane Studio  Photo credit: Captured By Mary  Photo credit: The Wise Image  Photo credit: Light Up Wedding Photography  Photo credit: Breath of Light Imagery  Photo credit: Yaste Photography  Photo credit: Carolynn Siebert Photography  Photo credit: Photography by Brea  Photo credit: Double Windsor Photography  Photo credit: Grant & Deb Photographers  Photo credit: Ripperton Films  Photo credit: Kristy Roderick Photography  Photo credits: Heather Durham Photography  Photo credit: Allison Jeffers Photography  Photo credit: K. Jugar Photography  Photo credit: The Oberports
Photography by: MLM Photography | Bride: Shruhi Modi | Groom: Ravi Patel 
 An Engagement Story by Shruhi: "After 3 and a half years and a year of asking “when are we gonna get married?” it finally happened. So the Thursday before Father’s Day weekend, Ravi shows up at like 10pm out of nowhere at my house. My parents are like “uhh Shruhi did you know Ravi was coming?” And I’m like “no he didn’t tell you guys at least?!” So everyone was shocked to see him and he surprises me and shows up out of nowhere all the time, so I didn’t think anything of it. And so every year all my aunts and uncles in my hometown get together on St. Simons island for Father’s Day and we grill and hang out. So my dad had mentioned that the Father’s Day Get Together was on Saturday and I was like “oh okay sounds good, Ravi and I will be there.” So Saturday comes around and Ravi says “oh let’s go a little early and we can get just spend time together and get ice cream at Fuse” (it’s a frozen yogurt shop on St. Simons and every time Ravi and I are together we get frozen yogurt, so again I didn’t think anything of it.) So we get to the island and we get frozen yogurt and walk around and Ravi says “oh hold on I forgot napkins I’ll be right back.” So I’m just sitting on the bench eating my ice cream and he comes back with napkins and says “oh they were having some kind of raffle at Fuse so I entered our names in.” (So Ravi is literally always entering raffles at his job every few months and he’s always winning, it’s crazy.) So when someone called him 15 minutes later saying he won the raffle, I didn’t think anything of it. So we go back to Fuse and they’re like “you guys won tickets to the lighthouse! Enjoy!” And I’m like oh that’s awesome, I’ve only been once when I like 8 years old. Little did I know, that when he went back to “get napkins” he actually gave the people fake Tickets to the lighthouse and asked the Fuse worker to call him saying he won the raffle. So we go over to the St. Simons Island lighthouse and Ravi hands the desk clerks these tickets. They look at him a little weird but I have to go to the bathroom so again, I don’t think anything of it. Again, little did I know they were fake tickets and he had the real ones on his phone in an email that he conveniently showed them while I had to go to the bathroom, without me knowing. So I go to the bathroom and come back and Ravis like okay let’s go up. So we start walking up and get to the top and it’s just us and some random lady who looks like a classic tourist with a camera and fanny pack. So then I, myself, go to this lady and ask her to take a photo of Ravi and I. Little did I know, this lady was the photographer Ravi had hired to take photos of the proposal. So she takes a photo on our phone and then she says “oh here, I have a professional camera I can take a better photo of you guys and just send it to you. You guys are so cute.” So in my mind I’m like well that’s a little weird but that’s really nice of her so sure. So I pose for the photo and she says “look turn around!” And I turn and Ravi is on his knee with the ring and he’s like “look down.” So I look down from the lighthouse and there’s someone at the bottom holding a sign saying “will you marry me.” And of course I’m freaking out. So after the whole freak out he puts the ring on and we take some more photos and then walk down the lighthouse and from behind the lighthouse my entire family and all of Ravi’s family come out with flowers and I’m again shocked to see everyone. And then we take more photos and everything calms down and Ravi and I take some his family walking around the island and on the Pier. Then he and I finally head back to my house and we walk in and my whole family and everyone is there and they’re like “surprise!” and they had decorated the house and had food and we had a small engagement party with everyone that’s close to us. It was absolutely the most perfect day of my life."
 
 The Photographer's Favorite Moments:
"My favorite moment was when she told me she was really convinced that he was never going to propose to her. That even as he walked ahead of her on the path to the lighthouse she was looking at his pockets to see if she saw a ring box bulge and she didn't. So this surprise proposal was exactly what is was suppose to be a ......TOTAL SURPRISE!"  Hey Florist Friends!! Want to be featured in Vol 8 (May 2019)? We're looking for bouquets that make a statement for an editorial we're working on for our next issue! We're all about inspiring our readers, so fresh designs are always welcomed! *Submit 1-3 professionally edited photographs of bouquets you have designed for a chance to be published in Vol 8. Please include the type of floral used, including any greenery.  Here in the South, every occasion is worth celebrating and sometimes we need to stick to a budget. Here are 5 tips to keep your next celebration on a budget, while still having fun! {Please keep in mind that these tips are not suggestions for weddings, as those budgets are much different.}
  Photographer: Acadiana Photography It’s time for “one last fling before the ring!” That’s right, it’s time to plan the Ultimate Bachelorette Party! This is a great occasion to share a memorable evening or weekend with your besties, and let loose before the wedding. Here are some ideas and tips to help you create an unforgettable soiree. What is a “Bachelorette Party?”, you may ask. The modern day bachelorette party was modeled after the ever popular bachelor party, as a way for a single woman to celebrate with her closest friends and family before her marriage. This party is usually hosted by the ladies in the bridal party, but may be thrown by a close friend or relative, much like a bridal shower. It is a great time for bonding, and general merriment. Check with the Bride first. What would she do for a Klondike Bar? Ask her what she envisions for her party. Does she just want a wild night out, or a relaxing weekend with her nearest and dearest? Does she have a location in mind? She may want to go club-hopping, and to dance with tons of people. She may want to go to a winery for a tasting, or a sip and paint party. The bride may want to stay local in her hometown and have a great meal and a movie with her friends, or she may want to head to the nearest metropolitan area to catch a Broadway-worthy show. Renting a vacation home in a place like Edisto Beach, South Carolina, or taking a riverboat cruise are also fun options. Las Vegas is always a popular destination for bridal parties. Are there any special requests or hard limits to the bachelorette fun? Would the bride like to see an exotic dancer or sip a favorite alcoholic drink throughout the evening? Does she enjoy games? A fun scavenger hunt, with pre-planned clues and small gifts at several locations, could provide lots of excitement and photo opportunities. Bachelorette Bingo or Pin the (insert item of choice here) on the body part of choice is always good for laughs. Just remember to keep it tasteful, depending on the bride-to-be’s personality. Also, remember that if there are guests that are under the legal drinking age, or simply do not indulge in adult beverages, to plan accordingly. This includes having pre-arranged transportation, or designated drivers.  Photographer: Acadiana Photography To Theme, or not to Theme? That is the question. Many times, the party has a theme, such as Spa Day, or “Pop, Fizz, Clink!” Channeling our inner Mermaids, Unicorns, and Goddesses have been popular themes in recent years. Group fitness classes are also fun, with lots of choices available. Hot Yoga, Pilates, Spin Class, Bungee Cord and Fabric Aerial Classes, and yes, even Pole Dancing are all great options. Does the bride love music? A trip to Nashville would be a great theme, including cowboy boots, denim, rhinestones, and a visit to the Grand Ole Opry. Or perhaps a jaunt over to New Orleans, to sample beignets, gumbo, and the famous French Quarter would be perfect. If your bride is mad about the mouse, then slide on down to Orlando, to the Happiest Place on Earth – Disney World! Is the bride an avid traveler, or sports fanatic? Or does she prefer to wander leisurely through bookstores and flea markets? Does she enjoy shopping for pretty lingerie and accessories? Why not book a hair and makeup team, and a talented photographer, and host a boudoir marathon? Build the party around the bride’s interests and hobbies. Sometimes a theme can be as simple as using the colors of the wedding, and carrying it through the décor of the bachelorette party, from the invitations, to the tableware. Search a website like Pinterest for really cute and creative ideas. Don’t forget to coordinate the guests’ attire, with fun t-shirts or accessories to announce to all that you are part of the Bride’s Tribe. The bride should stand out among her crew, so add a great tiara and sash and you are ready to hit the town! Be sure to provide awesome swag for everyone, including a hang-over relief kit! There are so many options available, you can’t really go wrong in personalizing the celebration for the bride.  Photographer: Acadiana Photography Time is Money, or Divide and Conquer. Just as planning a very detailed wedding takes time, so does planning a smaller celebration, like the bachelorette party. The bachelorette party can take place anywhere from a few months to a week or two before the wedding. The sooner that the date is selected for the party, the sooner you can put your ideas into motion. Consider hiring an event planner to assist. Create a guest list. If the party is to be a surprise for the bride, consult with the other members of the bridal party and close friends, and decide on date, location, theme and overall budget for the party. Divide the party planning tasks accordingly: finding a venue for the party and making reservations, buying or making decorations, invitations and favors, planning activities or entertainment, ordering food and beverages, and transportation such as a limo, party bus, Uber or taxi. Also consider hiring a photographer to play paparazzi for the evening. They will capture the moments others may miss. Total up the costs of everything, and divide equally. Then collect the necessary amount of money from each guest to cover the bill, including tips. The only person that should not pay for anything is, of course, the bride. All she needs to do is enjoy spending time with her besties!
 Appetizers are the new dinner party! Years ago, a good dinner party in the South consisted of BBQ and good drinks! Now that we’re getting a little older, our we’ve made our dinner parties a little more sophisticated—BUT we still love our BBQs! A fun –and delicious—way to incorporate appetizers into your dinner parties is by creating a charcuterie board. What exactly is charcuterie? Charcuterie is a French word for any smoked, dry-cured or cooked meat. {You had us at meat!} You can add a variety of items that can be paid in many different combinations. Talk about an explosion of flavor in your mouth! Combinations usually include various ingredients that compliment the meats and cheeses for a fun do-it-yourself appetizer experience for your guests. Basic Tips for Assembling a Charcuterie Board:  · Select a variety of meat and cheese, meaning an assortment of mild, medium and bold flavors. Some people prefer softer, mild meats and cheeses, where other folks love big, bold flavors. Be sure you have options for both mild and bold flavors, as well as middle-of-the-road options. · Add seasonal fruit to the mix. While the main event attraction of a charcuterie board should be the meat, it is always smart to include fresh in-season fruit to add sweetness to the salty and to change up the experience. If you want to get extra fancy, you can roast or grill fresh fruit. · Jams or preserves: Include 1 or 2 jams or preserves for some added flavor and sweetness to balance out the dry and salty meat and cheese. Fig spread goes marvelously with many cheeses and meats, so I always like to include it. I also like to include apricot jam, but raspberry or grape jam works, too. Again, you can step this up by using homemade jams, but store-bought works great and chances are you already have several options in your pantry. · Provide something briny to pair with the meat and cheese. Pickled vegetables, such as gherkins or pickles, olives, pickled jalapenos or pepperoncinis are great on charcuterie boards. They can be paired easily with the bold meats, such as salami or sopressata, and add a mouth-watering tang. · Other spreads: You may also include any of your favorite spreads, such as stone ground mustard, tapenade, pate, hummus, and/or white bean dip. These spreads are great for smearing on sliced baguette for stacking meat and cheese on top.   · Etc.: Get creative by including anything else you think your friends would enjoy. For instance, cheese or chocolate fondue with fresh fruit and bread for dipping, dark chocolate bars, roasted or raw nuts, compound butters, nut butters or hazelnut spread, etc, etc. · Alcohol: When appropriate, include alcohol to your charcuterie experience. Wine and beer pair excellently with meat and cheese and can enhance the flavor experience. Generally speaking, you want to pair bold-flavored meat and cheese with bold-flavored alcohol. For instance, goat cheese, smoked salmon and prosciutto pairs well with white wine, while salami, cheddar and blue cheese go great with red wine. · Crackers & bread: While your guests can get along perfectly well without crackers or sliced baguette, these items can be great for pairing a variety of ingredients for providing stability to the bite. I like to provide gluten-free crackers as well as regular crackers. I choose crackers that don’t have a huge amount of flavor, added herbs or salt so that the crackers don’t detract from the flavor of what’s being added to them. · The finished product: Putting all of these elements together, you will end up with a board that has a variety of pairing options. Here is what I included on the board pictured in this post: For the meat, I chose prosciutto, pancetta, sopressata, and Genoa salami. For the cheese: goat chevre, Gruyere, English blue cheese. In the fruit department, I added fresh red grapes, figs, blueberries and dates. For the spreads, I used a fig spread and apricot preserves, both of which I already had on-hand. Last, but not least, my briney elements were brown mustard and olives. I also had a variety of white and red wines, as well as beer available in the refrigerator for whoever wanted it. Credit: The Roasted Root  The “Grand Board” at City Pork in Baton Rouge, Louisiana is mainly made up of St. Andre Triple Cream Brie, Gruyere, Roquefort, Gouda, Lonza, Smoked Duck, Chicken Liver Paté, Hog’s Head Cheese, and Truffle Sausage. Photo Credits: Rachel Erin Photography | City Pork, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Want to see this in print? It's featured in our Special Edition: The Food & Drink Issue.  James and Michelle met in college. He was the shy guy who caught the eye of many ladies. Through a mutual friend he met Michelle and she caught his eye. It was love at first sight and they haven't taken their eyes off of each other since. He is the classic southern gentleman and she is the epitome of a modern southern belle who brings out the best in him. The two dated throughout college and their relationship grew as they supported and helped each other meet their own personal goals. After graduation and as James began to secure things for the future, he finally felt the time was right. James asked Michelle to go with him to visit the Old Sheldon Church ruins. One of their favorite things to do is visit new places and take little weekend trips so of course, she agreed. James had a planner create a picnic with a little bohemian flare and asked along a photographer to capture their time together at the ruins. They walked and danced around the ruins. They enjoyed fresh fruit and sharing love and laughter while talking about the blessings they have been given in this life. As they sat on the blanket sharing their love for each other, James slipped a ring on her finger and asked her to share forever. Of course, she said yes! What else is there to say when you are real sweet on your sweetheart?
 
  
 
  Vendors:
Venue: Old Sheldon Church Ruins , Yemassee, SC Planner and Stylist: Real Memory Designs by Sharon Announcements: Adaria Designs by ahd Photographer: Torianna Brooke Photography and Cinema  Hawaii has been a sought after destination for decades for honeymooners. There is good reason as to why. Hawaii offers so many things for couples, especially honeymooners. There are mountains, beaches, city life, history, culture,ambiance, food and so much more. Here are 3 top reasons why Hawaii is an excellent destination for honeymooners. 1. The Resorts. There are resort styles that will fit any couples budget and style. From quaint boutique resorts to high rise hotels to lavish beach resorts. Honeymooners can experience the type of rooms they want for their honeymoon. A variety of choices gives them options. 2. Island Options. There are several islands that make up Hawaii and each island is unique and has its own personalities. You have islands that are filled with adventure, an island for the more laid back, an island for those that want to be isolated and an island for those that crave the hustle and bustle of city life. The beauty of it is you can do more than one island in a trip giving you multiple experiences for your honeymoon. 3. Romance. Romance is a priority in honeymooning. Hawaii offers so many romantic options. The islands are filled with flowers, views, food, hula dancing, amazing sunsets, breathtaking sunrises. There are thousands of excursions and activities for couples to take part in for fun and romance. Hawaii is an excellent honeymoon choice. In the upcoming blogs I will feature each island and what they have to offer so stay tuned!
The age old question: what's the difference between escort cards and place cards? While both tell each guest where they will be sitting at a reception, there is a notable difference.  Judy Pak Studio | Petal Floral Design | TRUE Event What is an escort card at a wedding? Escort cards are a little more informal. They will tell yours guests which table to sit at, but not which seat to sit in, allowing your guest to sit where they prefer at their assigned table. Some couples do, however, choose to have both an escort card and a place card, but it is not necessary if you choose to do an escort card only.  Double Windsor Photography | Pure Vintage Rentals | Truly Haute | Blooming Flowers & Events | The Floral Cottage Florist | Hummingbird Floral Studio | Merry Memories Event Planning | The Carriage House Weddings So, what is a place card? Place cards are more detailed. They will tell your guests which table and seat to sit in. These are for more formal wedding receptions where the wedding couple may be having a seated dinner. This will help the caterer determine who gets the chicken, beef, fish, etc. dish (sometimes these will have a slight variation such as a dot or color to signal to the caterer on who gets what to help distribute meals). Whatever you choose, have fun and get creative when designing a way to display your cards!
 Some of the best moments in life are created around a table with good food and good company. Create a tablescape that is warm and inviting to your guests that make them feel as if they were at home.  THE MINIMALIST When designing your tablescape, keep your meal in mind. If you want your food to shine, keep your tablescape simple. Add a few layers and texture to a minimal tablescape to ensure a warm and inviting table. 
+ Mix metals! Who says you have to just use gold or silver. Mix it up with chrome, rose gold, or copper!
 THE FARMHOUSE The farmhouse table is warm and inviting to all! It's a table where family and friends can gather for laughter and good food. Your farmhouse tablescape can be simple, elaborate, full of lush floral, layered with textures, and varying elements or a mix of it all! 
+You can add a runner of greenery down the middle and place varying heights of candlesticks. You can add bud vases and colorful wildflowers (as seen). The possibilities are truly endless with a farmhouse table.
Photo Credits:
Photographer: Double Windsor Photography China, Flatware, Glassware: The Prissy Plate Company Vintage Rentals: The Vintage Rental Co Floral: The Botanical Studios Venue: Atlanta History Center - Swan House & Smith Family Farm Styling: Blush Pink Weddings Catering: Sun in My Belly Hair & Makeup: B. Young Studio + Spa Model: Hannah Lee Yoder  After much discussion and debate, Southern Celebrations Magazine, is making a move to an annual print publication; where our contributors, sponsors, and advertisers who are featured in print can get the maximum exposure all year long! Vol 7 will still be launched in May 2018. Moving forward with Volume 8 being launched in October 2019 (I know, I know; that's such a long time away) but it will be SO worth it! So, where does that leave SouthernCelebrationsMag.com? We'll keep featuring Real Weddings, Celebrations, and Styled Inspirations like we have been! Nothing here changes, if anything, we'll actually be updating our website more often to keep up with the demands of our online community! Want to advertise in Volume 7? Request our Media Kit.
The weather is warming up here in the South and Spring wedding season is in full bloom! Many couples get their inspiration for their celebrations from the colors of Spring itself. These 10 Real Weddings are full of Spring inspiration!  Photographer: Oscar Rajo Fresh flowers! What else says Spring like a hanging floral backdrop for your cake table. See more of this Real Wedding HERE.  Photography: Roya Ann Miller Photography The pops of red in this beautiful diy wedding is what hooked us on Shelby & Brandon's wedding! From the shoes to guys' socks, the color is beautifully balanced with the greys, even the pops of red in the bouquets are gorgeous! See more of this Real Wedding HERE.  Photographer: Kimberly Smith Photography A simple ceremony arbor adorned with coral and peachy hues for a late-Spring wedding. See more of this Real Wedding HERE.  Photographer: Christa Rene Photography Peonies, babys breath, and cascading greens are just some of the few floral elements that make up this fun, Spring bouquet. See more of this Real Wedding HERE.  Photographer: Fusion Photography and Video Bridals in a field of flowers! There's no way you could pull off such a beautiful shot in Winter! This late-Spring wedding in North Carolina is super dreamy! See more of this Real Wedding HERE.  Photographer: Unveiled Radiance How fun are these?! Upside down umbrellas filled with flowers and greenery! See more of this Real Wedding HERE.  Photographer: Jennifer Jones Photography The soft hues in this wedding cake that Baking on the Bayou designed is perfect for this Spring wedding New Orleans. See more of this Real Wedding HERE.  Photographer: Rebecca Ellison Photography A gorgeous floral crown is the perfect accessory for this Texas bride! See more of this Real Wedding HERE.  ​​Photographer: Corner House Photography The soft hues of lilac and lavender are what Spring weddings are made of! See more of this Real Wedding HERE.  Photographer: Bobbi Brinkman Photography Blush and soft hues, green grass, and lots of sunshine! This Georgia wedding is full of Southern charm that's perfect for a Spring celebration!
See more of this Real Wedding HERE. Choosing a cover for a new issue is never an easy task! Sometimes we wish that we could have 5 different covers, but in reality we can't! What we have done though, is narrow down our choices; and even narrowing them down was a hard decision! In no particular order, we have our final Vol 7 cover choices below! While this isn't a contest, we'd still love to know which one is your favorite cover choice! The Vol 7 cover choice won't be announced until we open pre-sales in April. We'll also be choosing one of these for a Fall cover change for Vol 7! {Scroll down to pick which is your favorite.} Cover A: Bear Claw Vineyards & Winery, Inc. | Planning + Design: Cathy Nugent / A Hosting Home | Custom Table + Ceremony Backdrop: A Hosting Home | Photography: Shannon Ford Photography | Cake: Cake Envy | China + Flatware + Napkins: The Prissy Plate Company | Dress: Wedding Angels Bridal Boutique | Tuxedo: Savvi Formalwear – Mall of GA | Stationary: Paper Made Lovely | Florist: Bantam & Bloom | MUA: Vigilante Cosmetics | Macrame Piece: MyMacramania | Ring and Bridal Jewelry: Misayo House | Models: Hope + Justin Cover B: Kandi Daniel Studios | Paper Flowers: Bess of 622 Press | Cookies/Cake: Not As Famous Cookie Company | Rentals: The Vintage Rental Company | Styling: Blush Pink Weddings Cover C: Double Windsor Photography | Wedding Angels Bridal Boutique | The Botanical Studio | Atlanta History Center | Cassie Young | B. Young Beauty Studio + Spa Cover D: Danielle Brown Photography & Film | Paper Flowers: Bess of 622 Press | Cookies/Cake: Not As Famous Cookie Company | Rentals: The Vintage Rental Company | Styling: Blush Pink Weddings | B. Young Beauty Studio + Spa Cover E: Rentals: Pure Vintage Rentals Invitation: Invitobella, LLC Cookies: Sweet Stirrings Cake: Whole Foods Market Styling: Merry Memories Event Planning Floral Designs: Hummingbird Floral Studio Antique Tub: Antiques at the Crossroads Balloon Decor: Animated Art Balloon Decor and Entertainment Photography: Rachel Erin Photography Venue: Mount Hope Plantation House "I love mushrooms, and I think seafood is a perfect stuffing for them. They are small but oh so full of flavor... perfect for an appetizer! Most restaurants around the New Orleans area have these on the menu as an appetizer. They've always been a favorite of mine, so it was only natural for me to make my own at home! " - Joy Monnerjahn 
With over 70 entries, our first Creative Challenge contest was a huge success and a little overwhelming making a decision! So much so, that we just couldn't narrow down our print winner to just one group of Creatives, we actually chose two groups of Creatives to have their work featured in Vol 7 and one group to be featured online (which the two print choices will also be featured in our online Inspiration gallery as well). The main part of the challenge was that creatives had to use at least one or more of Pantone's Spring 2018 Top Colors. We truly wish we could feature all of the amazing entries that we received, as they were all fantastic! Say hello to our Creative Challenge Winners: Creative Challenge Winner #1
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Venue: Bear Claw Vineyards
Planning + Design: Cathy Nugent Weddings Custom Table + Ceremony Backdrop: A Hosting Home (Cathy + Rob Nugent - SHOP COMING SOON) Photography: Shannon Ford Photography Cake: Cake Envy China + Flatware + Napkins: The Prissy Plate Company Dress: Wedding Angels Bridal Boutique Tuxedo: Savvi Formalwear – Mall of GA |
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Stationary: Paper Made Lovely
Florist: Bantam & Bloom MUA: Vigilante Cosmetics Macrame Piece: My Macramania Ring and Bridal Jewelry: Misayo House Models: Hope + Justin |
Creative Challenge Winner #2
Print Feature - Vol 7
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Photography: Jamie Marie Photography
Design & Styling: Devyn Leigh Events Venue: 1812 Hitching Post Models: Trever Lance & Jade Thatcher Bridal Boutique : Paige & Elliott Mens Wear: Tuxedo Lady Hair & Makeup: Impeccably Made by DJ A Bushel and A Peck Rentals: Vintage Chic Stationery: Feathered Heart Prints Floral: Sweet T Flowers Cake: The Icing and The Cake |
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Creative Challenge Winner #3
Online Feature
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Planning/Styling: Kimberly Lehman of Love, Laughter & Elegance: Wedding & Event Planning Styling Assistant: Michal Elaine Johnston Venue: Sunset Vista Ranch, LLC Photography: Stephanie Uptmor of Imagine It Photography Videography: Volodymyr Kashuba of Video Memories, LLC Linens: L'Nique Florist: Jessica Colon of Blush Custom Weddings |
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Stationery Suite: Angela Giaco of A Pink Sunset
Cake/Desserts: Ann LoParo of Annie's Signature Sweets Decorative Signs and Items: Trish of Lola's Design Loft Jewelry: Susan Kurtz of Susie Kays Design Bridal Gown and Veil: Radiant Bride Bridesmaid Gown and Glass Floral Crown: Doreen Leaf Designs Makeup Artist: Heather O'Boyle Erman of Heather O'Boyle Makeup Models Bride: Lauren Simpson Groom: Brandon Klaehn Bridesmaid: Sammy Kay Smith |
Volume 7's issue will be distributed to registered brides at our October Bridal Show in Natchez, Mississippi; a popular destination for weddings in the South!
You are engaged!! Can you believe it?? So what now? Where do you start after you have made it Social Media official? Who, What, Where, When and How?
First you have to decide on date, budget, vendors, venue………here are a few tips on making appointments with vendors. They will be the first people you will share your excitement with outside of your friends and family.
After you have done all of your internet searches and narrowed it down to about 3-4 (or less) of each. You may have received package information and prices already but, you will most certainly want to meet these wonderful people you have been in contact with. Make sure you have a notebook, datebook, calendar or a program that will track your appointments.
When you call, email, text or contact them through a website or social media, first thing to do is get the name of the person you are speaking with if they have not already offered this information.
Be direct with your request: “I would like to set a time for a consultation about flowers, cake, photography etc. “When you say “consultation” they know that you want to sit down and discuss details not just have a walk through. It will also help them to schedule enough time with you to not rush through the details. Plan to spend at least an hour with each vendor. Always leave extra time for traffic and travel time in between.
Then add what day and time is best for you or a few. That way there is less back and forth on what times are available. Please keep in mind that Friday and Saturday are the busiest times for wedding vendors. Try to find a day that you are off during the week or after work that you are available. Not to say that Fridays and Saturdays are out of the question. Understand that you will more than likely be getting married on one of those days. Wouldn’t you want your vendors to give all of their attention to you on your day?
So, here is an example of what your appointment information can look like:
Date: Tuesday March 12, 2018 Time: 2:00-3:00
Vendor Name: ABC Company Phone Number: 888-888-8888
Contact Name: Sally Jones Personal contact number: 888-888-8888
Address: 123 Main Street, Perfect Town, Perfect State (for GPS)
Directions:
First you have to decide on date, budget, vendors, venue………here are a few tips on making appointments with vendors. They will be the first people you will share your excitement with outside of your friends and family.
After you have done all of your internet searches and narrowed it down to about 3-4 (or less) of each. You may have received package information and prices already but, you will most certainly want to meet these wonderful people you have been in contact with. Make sure you have a notebook, datebook, calendar or a program that will track your appointments.
When you call, email, text or contact them through a website or social media, first thing to do is get the name of the person you are speaking with if they have not already offered this information.
Be direct with your request: “I would like to set a time for a consultation about flowers, cake, photography etc. “When you say “consultation” they know that you want to sit down and discuss details not just have a walk through. It will also help them to schedule enough time with you to not rush through the details. Plan to spend at least an hour with each vendor. Always leave extra time for traffic and travel time in between.
Then add what day and time is best for you or a few. That way there is less back and forth on what times are available. Please keep in mind that Friday and Saturday are the busiest times for wedding vendors. Try to find a day that you are off during the week or after work that you are available. Not to say that Fridays and Saturdays are out of the question. Understand that you will more than likely be getting married on one of those days. Wouldn’t you want your vendors to give all of their attention to you on your day?
So, here is an example of what your appointment information can look like:
Date: Tuesday March 12, 2018 Time: 2:00-3:00
Vendor Name: ABC Company Phone Number: 888-888-8888
Contact Name: Sally Jones Personal contact number: 888-888-8888
Address: 123 Main Street, Perfect Town, Perfect State (for GPS)
Directions:
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Always ask for the direct number where the person you will be meeting with can be reached on the day of the appointment. Just in case you are running late or need to reschedule. Or if by chance you show up and no one is there goodness knows things happen!
Get the address for your GPS and ask for directions just in case it is hard to find or you are not familiar with the area. They will know about short cuts and road closure that your GPS might not.
So what happens if on the day you are not able to make the appointment? Maybe you are sick and need to reschedule. ALWAYS contact the contact person as soon as you know. This is just the right thing to do. They will be glad to help you reschedule. So what happens if you think that you have decided on your vendor before you have meet with them all ??? How do you know if you haven’t met them all? Don’t be pressured into booking until you have explored all the options you have chosen. You were interested in the 3-4(or less) you made appointments with for a reason. However, if you have, PLEASE contact the other vendors and cancel your appointments. This person has set aside time from their day to meet with you, sometimes they have made arrangements with a baby sitter for instance or arranged their day around meeting you at the shop or venue. Not all wedding vendors are a 9-5 store front. They have families and lives too so as a courtesy to them always contact them as soon as you can.
Now the hard part deciding………I didn’t say that would be easy. My best advice to you is go with your gut, how did the person make you feel? Were you comfortable in the space? Did you feel as though they had your best interest at heart? Did they like your ideas and offer options? It’s not always about price. Your wedding day is all about feelings right? LOVE is an awesome feeling that you want to share. So do your vendors LOVE what they do? If they do you will feel it!
Get the address for your GPS and ask for directions just in case it is hard to find or you are not familiar with the area. They will know about short cuts and road closure that your GPS might not.
So what happens if on the day you are not able to make the appointment? Maybe you are sick and need to reschedule. ALWAYS contact the contact person as soon as you know. This is just the right thing to do. They will be glad to help you reschedule. So what happens if you think that you have decided on your vendor before you have meet with them all ??? How do you know if you haven’t met them all? Don’t be pressured into booking until you have explored all the options you have chosen. You were interested in the 3-4(or less) you made appointments with for a reason. However, if you have, PLEASE contact the other vendors and cancel your appointments. This person has set aside time from their day to meet with you, sometimes they have made arrangements with a baby sitter for instance or arranged their day around meeting you at the shop or venue. Not all wedding vendors are a 9-5 store front. They have families and lives too so as a courtesy to them always contact them as soon as you can.
Now the hard part deciding………I didn’t say that would be easy. My best advice to you is go with your gut, how did the person make you feel? Were you comfortable in the space? Did you feel as though they had your best interest at heart? Did they like your ideas and offer options? It’s not always about price. Your wedding day is all about feelings right? LOVE is an awesome feeling that you want to share. So do your vendors LOVE what they do? If they do you will feel it!
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