Rachel + Brandon - A Charleston, SC Wedding

This was not your ordinary destination wedding. This was a week long affair embellished with family, friends, laughter, salty air, great food, and all of the charming southern details that make Charleston, South Carolina so unique. This wedding was especially touching for me because the bride just-so-happens to be my sister-in-law. Whoever said you shouldn't mix business and family, was clearly not a wedding planner. I had so much fun planning this wedding with the mother of the bride (my mom-in-law!), Stacy Dorn, and I am so grateful to have been given the opportunity to play such a role in Brandon and Rachel's special day! That being said, let's dive into the details:

The Sand Pit was an incredible beach-home venue with a lush green lawn and breath-taking ocean views. The most amazing part was it's sentimentality; Rachel's grandparents previously owned that exact plot of land on the beach. Throughout the week the family shared memories of visiting the old house that used to sit on the property.... all the while, new memories were being formed.

Friends and family traveled from every corner of the country (and a very special surprise from half way around the world!) to witness Rachel and Brandon's union.

Saving Your Date - and Your Wedding!

One of the first decisions you'll have to make as an engaged couple will be the date of your wedding. Sometimes, the calendar just aligns perfectly with your lucky number or first date, but what happens if it doesn't? How do you choose a date that works for you? After all, you're going to be celebrating this date every year for the rest of your lives! It's a minor detail, but an important one. So, here are some factors to consider when deciding which date to save:

A Backyard Bbq Birthday

Ken Norfleet turned 70 years old this weekend, surrounded by family, friends, and a whole lotta food. His wife, Mina's creativity shined through the gingham and grill decor that perfectly complimented the bbq theme. This party was all too fitting for Ken, who loves to cook....

The house was cleaned, the food was prepped, and the decorations were laid out by Friday evening. After months of planning, the next day would be busy but oh, so rewarding for everyone.

Venue Hunting - Hold on Tight!

These past few days in Charleston have reminded me of the emotional roller coaster each bride faces when planning her dream wedding. You think you're looking at the perfect venue only to learn that the building across the street is scheduled to be demolished the month of your wedding. You find the cutest earrings for yourself or bridesmaids, only to turn over the price tag and choke on your Benne Wafer. Ah, yes, the ups and the downs.

Evaluating Venues

One could write a book about how to find the right venue for your event. There is SO much to consider: cost, location, services, convenience, style, traditions, rules, restrictions, availability, capacity, presentation.... Not to mention that practically all other details of your event are pretty much on hold until this decision is made. I would indeed rate this as one of the most tedious tasks a bride will face while planning her wedding.

Repeat after me: Don't stress! 

This week I've traveled to Charleston, SC to track down that perfect venue for an Adorned bride. Having only been to Charleston on one other occasion, it has proven to be as arduous as expected. Still, that only makes finding the perfect venue that much sweeter! 

Charleston really has SO much to offer - from beautiful beachfront weddings, to historic ornamented churches, and classic plantations teeming with gardens - not to discount its rich culture and history.
Seriously, who wouldn't want to get married here?! 

Yes, to the ...What?

So, you have that beautiful ring on your finger! Or, maybe you don't, but you have that beautiful promise from the guy of your dreams. Perhaps, you had the ring, but that dreamy guy thought your finger was two sizes larger than it really is, so you had to part with it for a few days to have it re-sized. Wherever the ring is, you've got work to do, but where do you start?!

Brace yourself, because you are about to dive head  first into a world of taffeta, chiffon, dupioni, and silk...

That's right - the dress! While there is no written law stating that this is where you should start, its not a bad idea. It can take up to 6 months to come in and then you may have to add a few more weeks for alterations. Granted, you may want to decide on a venue first. You wouldn't want to get your heart set on that full ball gown for a beach wedding. Still, there's no harm in looking, right?

I was overwhelmed with all of the options, initially, but I realized that I liked a piece of this dress, or the strap on that dress...turns out, there was a dress that had all of those tidbits combined. Of course, it was the last one I tried on, but I knew it was the one. Corny, I know. However, I didn't have a big revelation like the TV show - I loved almost every dress I put on.... I just didn't want to take this one off.

So here's my advice to you:

• Don't try on a dress that's out of your budget.
• Do try on lots of different styles - you might just like that strapless look you thought you'd hate!
• Do move around in the dress - you're going to be dancing, tossing a bouquet, and hugging people all night in that thing! Take note of the weight and the mobility of the dress.
• Don't settle on a dress because it's your mother's/sister's/aunt's favorite. Get the dress that you want. (Sorry Mom, but you've had your day already!)  

Another little something for all you chic, vintage-y, pinterest-driven brides: take a peek in your local antique stores...you never know what kind of treasures you might find, like these authentic vintage wedding gowns:

A New Leaf

My hobbies have always been apparent to me. I love photography, crafting, nature, animals, sports, clothes, and a good book. It wasn't until recently that I realized how to bundle all of these things up into one perfectly wrapped package: My wedding.

Bridal magazines, lace, wedding photography, flowers, and etiquette books suddenly flooded my MIL-to-be's home last summer after Daniel's proposal. I discovered Pinterest and was instantly addicted (as are the best of us). Ideas and crafts and projects came to us like we had whatever it is David Tutera eats for breakfast. It was wedding planning bliss. 

On March 24, 2012, I married my best friend and all of those hand-made details and home-spun ideas were on display for the world to see. Well, our world anyway. It truly was a perfect day. 

Since our wedding, I've had this evoking sensation. It happens when I'm waiting in a check-out line and I catch the bride on the cover of The Knot smiling at me. Or, when I'm driving down the highway and get the sudden urge to pull over and pick the wildflowers in the median for inspiration. Mind you, two months ago I would have! 

So, in an effort to channel these urges, I am turning over a new leaf. Now my creative ideas, energy, and efforts can focus on all the brides-to-be that care to have it! If I can help even one bride in planning her perfect day - its completely worth it.