This smile is because she knows that a surprise is coming to the reception. Cocky made a grand entrance!
Mary & Gene at Summerall Chapel with Reception at Citadel Beach House, September 2015
"This wedding was a Destination Wedding for all, guests and bridal party. There is no way our beautiful event could have ever taken place without Holly Simpson. MOB (myself) being a control freak, I was completely confident that we had hired the right event planner from the first time we met with her. Nothing was impossible, no detail overlooked, mindful of our budget, lead us in the right direction from the bridal salon, flowers,cake,rentals, DJ and hair-makeup stylist's. Oops almost forgot transportation! Everyone that we dealt with couldn't have been kinder or more helpful. I learned from Holly, there is never a "dumb" question or idea! Without a doubt if I had another daughter to marry this is the person I would turn to again. That being said, I would fly her to Maryland to do it here! Can't say enough about this pleasant experience we had. Did I mention, she has now become "family". How she does all that she accomplishes is beyond me. A big shout out to Richard Bell Photography, whom I forgot to mention above. Thanks, Holly...we love you." ~ Dede Burton (Mother of the Bride), Annapolis, Md
"This wedding was a Destination Wedding for all, guests and bridal party. There is no way our beautiful event could have ever taken place without Holly Simpson. MOB (myself) being a control freak, I was completely confident that we had hired the right event planner from the first time we met with her. Nothing was impossible, no detail overlooked, mindful of our budget, lead us in the right direction from the bridal salon, flowers,cake,rentals, DJ and hair-makeup stylist's. Oops almost forgot transportation! Everyone that we dealt with couldn't have been kinder or more helpful. I learned from Holly, there is never a "dumb" question or idea! Without a doubt if I had another daughter to marry this is the person I would turn to again. That being said, I would fly her to Maryland to do it here! Can't say enough about this pleasant experience we had. Did I mention, she has now become "family". How she does all that she accomplishes is beyond me. A big shout out to Richard Bell Photography, whom I forgot to mention above. Thanks, Holly...we love you." ~ Dede Burton (Mother of the Bride), Annapolis, Md
OHIO Fans at Brookgreen Gardens in Myrtle Beach, SC.
Stephanie & Kevin at Brookgreen Gardens, June 2015
"Holly is an angel. We live in Ohio and hired her to be our full planner for our wedding in SC. We couldn't make any trips down so all the planning was done through communication and pinterest photos. Everything, I mean everything!, was just as we asked for. She worked with our budget and gave us every vendor/service that we wanted. She planned our hair and make-up appointments, even a short notice nail appointment the morning of, she did a just beyond perfect job. Everything was perfect. She listened to us and really made it about what we wanted. We can't say enough about what she did for us. Our families were and are still raving about what she did. She's not just your planner through the wedding process, she's your friend and that's what makes her team and what she does even more special." ~ Stephanie Saneholtz (Blushing Bride)
"Holly is an angel. We live in Ohio and hired her to be our full planner for our wedding in SC. We couldn't make any trips down so all the planning was done through communication and pinterest photos. Everything, I mean everything!, was just as we asked for. She worked with our budget and gave us every vendor/service that we wanted. She planned our hair and make-up appointments, even a short notice nail appointment the morning of, she did a just beyond perfect job. Everything was perfect. She listened to us and really made it about what we wanted. We can't say enough about what she did for us. Our families were and are still raving about what she did. She's not just your planner through the wedding process, she's your friend and that's what makes her team and what she does even more special." ~ Stephanie Saneholtz (Blushing Bride)
One last kiss under the beautiful skies of Charleston, SC before flying to Hawaii. Aloha!
Susan & Tom at Waterfront Park, January 2015
"Holly Simpson, owner of A Charleston Event, was absolutely amazing in helping me plan my wedding! I had TWO WEEKS to put the whole event together because my fiancee is in the Navy and we decided at the last minute to have a ceremony and reception before being relocated to Hawaii on Jan 28. Holly was brilliant with her suggestions of all the vendors I would need and helped with introductions, negotiations, contracts, all the hundreds of questions I had, and keeping me sane (not to mention on budget) throughout the process. Our wedding day was more than I could ever hope for, and our friends & family agreed. Even though we only had 24 guests total and a $3500 budget, Holly's ideas made our day feel like we'd spent millions. Thank you Holly!" ~ Susan Schultz II (Bride)
"A Charleston Event did an amazing job with a constrained budget and on fairly short notice!!! Absolutely overjoyed with the entire event!!!" ~ Tom Schultz II (Groom)
"... was fantastic at planning my brothers wedding. Down to the smallest detail,she was awesome! " ~ Annie Schultz (Wedding Officiant and Sister to the Groom)
"Holly Simpson, owner of A Charleston Event, was absolutely amazing in helping me plan my wedding! I had TWO WEEKS to put the whole event together because my fiancee is in the Navy and we decided at the last minute to have a ceremony and reception before being relocated to Hawaii on Jan 28. Holly was brilliant with her suggestions of all the vendors I would need and helped with introductions, negotiations, contracts, all the hundreds of questions I had, and keeping me sane (not to mention on budget) throughout the process. Our wedding day was more than I could ever hope for, and our friends & family agreed. Even though we only had 24 guests total and a $3500 budget, Holly's ideas made our day feel like we'd spent millions. Thank you Holly!" ~ Susan Schultz II (Bride)
"A Charleston Event did an amazing job with a constrained budget and on fairly short notice!!! Absolutely overjoyed with the entire event!!!" ~ Tom Schultz II (Groom)
"... was fantastic at planning my brothers wedding. Down to the smallest detail,she was awesome! " ~ Annie Schultz (Wedding Officiant and Sister to the Groom)
Making their grand entrance from the Cotton Dock at Boone Hall Plantation located in Mt. Pleasant, SC.
Rebecca & Thomas at St. Johns Church and Boone Hall Cotton Dock, March 2014
"Holly was awesome throughout the entire process of coordinating our wedding. Any questions we had were answered quickly, all of our requests were met, and our wedding day was more than we could have ever imagined. Ever since our wedding day all I have heard from guests was that ours was the best wedding that they had ever been to and that we had set the bar high for any future weddings that they will go to. I know for a fact that without Holly, we could not have had a flawless night!" - Thomas McCarthy (groom)
"Planning my daughters wedding from 800 miles away would have been impossible without the services of Holly. The day went seemlessly and I was able to enjoy the day as Hostess without a care in the world. My daughters dream wedding went off without a hitch!!!!" - Carrol Mercer (mother of the bride)
Published in Borrowed and Blue
"Holly was awesome throughout the entire process of coordinating our wedding. Any questions we had were answered quickly, all of our requests were met, and our wedding day was more than we could have ever imagined. Ever since our wedding day all I have heard from guests was that ours was the best wedding that they had ever been to and that we had set the bar high for any future weddings that they will go to. I know for a fact that without Holly, we could not have had a flawless night!" - Thomas McCarthy (groom)
"Planning my daughters wedding from 800 miles away would have been impossible without the services of Holly. The day went seemlessly and I was able to enjoy the day as Hostess without a care in the world. My daughters dream wedding went off without a hitch!!!!" - Carrol Mercer (mother of the bride)
Published in Borrowed and Blue
Picture perfect family - cheers to you all!
Cate & Andrew at the Charleston Battery, March 2014
"Holly planned my last minute elopement perfectly! She arranged for an officiant, location, flowers, and a photographer $300 under the budget that I set. Since we are from Richmond, VA, having someone at the destination to arrange for vendors was very relaxing. On our way down, we got stuck in traffic for hours, meaning we were not able to apply for our marriage license in time to pick it up for the Saturday ceremony. Holly met us to notarize our license on Monday before we went home. She also went totally beyond the call of duty by showing up on the day of to meet me, even though the officiant and photographer (who were both wonderful) could have easily handled the day. Holly is quick to respond to e-mails, calls, and texts, and plans beautiful events. She definitely made the wedding :)" - Cate and Andrew, married at White Pointe Gardens with dinner at McCrady's.
"Holly planned my last minute elopement perfectly! She arranged for an officiant, location, flowers, and a photographer $300 under the budget that I set. Since we are from Richmond, VA, having someone at the destination to arrange for vendors was very relaxing. On our way down, we got stuck in traffic for hours, meaning we were not able to apply for our marriage license in time to pick it up for the Saturday ceremony. Holly met us to notarize our license on Monday before we went home. She also went totally beyond the call of duty by showing up on the day of to meet me, even though the officiant and photographer (who were both wonderful) could have easily handled the day. Holly is quick to respond to e-mails, calls, and texts, and plans beautiful events. She definitely made the wedding :)" - Cate and Andrew, married at White Pointe Gardens with dinner at McCrady's.
Jordan & Jared at St. Lukes Chapel and Francis Marion, May 2013
Stealing kisses after ceremony at St. Lukes Chapel.
"We hired Holly as a full service planner for our downtown Charleston wedding in May. This was a must since we live in North Carolina and had limited visits to Charleston to plan. She helped us find vendors from afar and kept track of payments and due dates. She also gently reminded me of my tasks that I had yet to accomplish...She was always available to chat on the phone, through text, and responded promptly to emails. I think I really realized how we couldn't have done it without her, though, on the day of the wedding when she somehow managed to direct everyone (guests, bridal party, bride and groom, family, vendors) so that the whole event ran completely smoothly. She even followed the photographer around to make she he had taken the pictures that I had listed as "must-haves." Since I really had nothing to worry about, I just enjoyed my wedding day and did not have one ounce of stress." - Jordan & Jared, ceremony at St. Lukes with reception at Francis Marion Hotel.
Published on The Wedding Row Charleston
Published on The Wedding Row Charleston
Rachel & Dan at Francis Marion, March 2013
Cathedral of St. Luke & St. Paul in Charleston SC
"A Charleston Event is the best decision I made during our wedding planning process. Holly and her team were outstanding in the months, weeks, days and hours leading up to the wedding. They exceeded expectations and truly made our wedding dreams come true. Holly helped us get in touch with great Charleston area vendors and was with us every step of the way to guide us in the decision making processes that go along with every wedding. When we talk about the wedding, we constantly talk about how A Charleston Event made everything just work. My husband and I were (in addition to our families) able to focus on the celebration, knowing that Holly and her team truly were on top of everything. A few fun memories of working with Holly and her team: seeing her smiling face when we arrived at the Francis Marion in preparation for the wedding, her calming presence, bringing me fresh contacts from my groom's toiletry kit on the day of the wedding, setting up our night of suite, running to grab additional gin because we were running out, everything was on schedule!
In sum, if you are not sure if you need a wedding planner for your wedding, I recommend taking the leap of faith with A Charleston Event - to reiterate - best decision we made! It was completely worth it. " - Rachel & Dan McLaughlin, reception at Francis Marion Hotel.
In sum, if you are not sure if you need a wedding planner for your wedding, I recommend taking the leap of faith with A Charleston Event - to reiterate - best decision we made! It was completely worth it. " - Rachel & Dan McLaughlin, reception at Francis Marion Hotel.
Judi & Zach Rovner at Creek Club at I'On, June 2013
Truly romantic ceremony at Creek Club I'On.
"Holly is a girl after my own heart! She always understood everything I wanted and made the entire process flow smoothly. She never put down any of my ideas and made it her goal to make everything happen exactly how I wanted it no matter how many 100's of emails or meetings it took with vendors. And believe me even with all the stress of the wedding I knew on the day of she had it all handled. The entire wedding from the moment we walked down the aisle to the sparkler exit went perfectly. In fact it was so perfect that it flew by in a flash. I am so relieved that I had her that day. I don't know what I would've done without her. From keeping me calm to ensuring that all vendors knew what they needed to do and where they needed to be when she had it all. If you are looking for an awesome, creative, organized, sweet and caring wedding planner then look no further! A Charleston Event is the planner for you! I will definitely be looking to Holly again for any future vow renewal plans!" - Judi & Zach Rovner, married on the lawn of the Creek Club at I'On with reception following at the same location
Cindy & Bobby at The Gazebo at Battery Park, August 2013
Family vacation and wedding at downtown gazebo
"We chose Charleston, SC as a vacation destination with our grown children and grandchildren, thus decided to get married while there. We couldn't have pulled it off without Holly. We'd never been there before so we knew nothing about the town and Holly helped to incorporate Charleston's history and charm into our wedding theme. It was truly a beautiful day!!
All we had to do was simply show up! She took care of everything! Thanks Holly!!" - Cindy & Bobby
All we had to do was simply show up! She took care of everything! Thanks Holly!!" - Cindy & Bobby
Whitney & Tom Kazanova at Seabrook Island, May 2013
Candlelight kisses shared by two.
"I have been waiting to write this review simply because I do not think there will ever be enough words or a description good enough to truly describe the service & experience you receive when planning your wedding with A Charleston Event (Holly). I live in New Orleans- approximately 750 miles away from my favorite childhood city- Charleston, SC. With so many miles separating me from my ideal wedding destination, I knew right away there needed to be a wedding planner in my future.
I interviewed a few planners in the Charleston area and made several phone calls early on; however, none seemed to make me comfortable. Finding Holly was love at first phone call and the trust immediately began to flow.
Throughout the entire process Holly was easy to reach, accommodating, understanding, sincere and just genuinely a great person to chat with during such a crazy period of life. In our opinion, there would have been no wedding without Holly.
Holly can guide you to the best vendors in town, represent you and your ideas when you are unable to be present, run your wedding day show and simply eliminate any worries that strike on your wedding day.
Hire A Charleston Event as your wedding planner. If you don’t think there is room in your budget, make room. I promise that she and her company are worth more than you will pay. All of our friends and family agree that Holly and her services were the best purchase of the wedding. Her friendly personality with go smoothly with everyone, her organization will keep you afloat and her knowledge is all that you need. When your wedding is over you will miss her as we already do! Thank you so much, Holly. We love you! " - Whitney & Tom Kazanova, married at Seabrook Island with reception in the Deveaux Room
I interviewed a few planners in the Charleston area and made several phone calls early on; however, none seemed to make me comfortable. Finding Holly was love at first phone call and the trust immediately began to flow.
Throughout the entire process Holly was easy to reach, accommodating, understanding, sincere and just genuinely a great person to chat with during such a crazy period of life. In our opinion, there would have been no wedding without Holly.
Holly can guide you to the best vendors in town, represent you and your ideas when you are unable to be present, run your wedding day show and simply eliminate any worries that strike on your wedding day.
Hire A Charleston Event as your wedding planner. If you don’t think there is room in your budget, make room. I promise that she and her company are worth more than you will pay. All of our friends and family agree that Holly and her services were the best purchase of the wedding. Her friendly personality with go smoothly with everyone, her organization will keep you afloat and her knowledge is all that you need. When your wedding is over you will miss her as we already do! Thank you so much, Holly. We love you! " - Whitney & Tom Kazanova, married at Seabrook Island with reception in the Deveaux Room
Shea & Josh at Folly Beach, May 2013
Folly Beach wedding waves
"My fiancé and I live in Atlanta, but decided to get married in Folly Beach so that we could be closer to my family. I am an event planner for a living and knew that I would not be able to handle this on my own while working full time, traveling for business and being 400 miles away, so I decided to start looking for a planner. I called every event company in Charleston and no one would even quote a wedding under 100 people. I felt so defeated and discouraged, a wedding is supposed to make you feel like a princess and I couldn’t even get anyone to speak to me.
I decided to make a few more phone calls and that is when I found A Charleston Event. Holly listened my needs and was respectful of what we were able to afford. She worked so hard to get everything I had dreamed of at a budget I could afford. She was patient and kind as I changed my mind over and over and never once made me feel like I was anything other than the most important person in the room. Holly made trips to our venue to look at tide levels, she made wonderful suggestions for decorations, lay out and schedules. In the end mother nature decided to destroy all of the plans we had made: we had 30mph winds, a VERY high tide and torrential rains. None of which are conducive to a sunny beach wedding. In the face of this unexpected change in weather, Holly never panicked and her confidence helped keep me calm. Less than 24 hours before the wedding we had to move the wedding indoors, put up a tent and change where all of the vendors were supposed to set up. She handled this with poise and grace and my wedding went off without a hitch.
I could not have been more pleased or impressed with Holly’s patience, professionalism and attitude. Everyone at my wedding raved about how wonderful she was. My guests had no idea that we had not planned to have the wedding just the way it happened. If you are considering getting married in Charleston, you must call Holly Simpson at A Charleston Event!!!! You will not be disappointed!" - Shea & Josh Kimbrough, married May 2013 at private Folly Beach house
I decided to make a few more phone calls and that is when I found A Charleston Event. Holly listened my needs and was respectful of what we were able to afford. She worked so hard to get everything I had dreamed of at a budget I could afford. She was patient and kind as I changed my mind over and over and never once made me feel like I was anything other than the most important person in the room. Holly made trips to our venue to look at tide levels, she made wonderful suggestions for decorations, lay out and schedules. In the end mother nature decided to destroy all of the plans we had made: we had 30mph winds, a VERY high tide and torrential rains. None of which are conducive to a sunny beach wedding. In the face of this unexpected change in weather, Holly never panicked and her confidence helped keep me calm. Less than 24 hours before the wedding we had to move the wedding indoors, put up a tent and change where all of the vendors were supposed to set up. She handled this with poise and grace and my wedding went off without a hitch.
I could not have been more pleased or impressed with Holly’s patience, professionalism and attitude. Everyone at my wedding raved about how wonderful she was. My guests had no idea that we had not planned to have the wedding just the way it happened. If you are considering getting married in Charleston, you must call Holly Simpson at A Charleston Event!!!! You will not be disappointed!" - Shea & Josh Kimbrough, married May 2013 at private Folly Beach house
Alexis & Ross at Island House, April 2013
Outdoor ceremony at Island House on Johns Island
"Holly is much more than just a wedding planner. She is Martha Stewart and Mary Poppins rolled into one - organized, focus and detail oriented, yet creative, compassionate, comforting, accommodating and extremely personable. She truly does go above and beyond the call of duty.
Holly even took the time to learn about our cultural and religious practices to help us create an unforgettable, heart-felt ceremony that truly honored our families' beliefs and traditions.
She helped make our wedding more amazing than we could have ever expected. My only regret is not hiring Holly from the very beginning.
I wholeheartedly recommend her! You will not be let down!!!" - Alexis & Ross, married April 2013
Holly even took the time to learn about our cultural and religious practices to help us create an unforgettable, heart-felt ceremony that truly honored our families' beliefs and traditions.
She helped make our wedding more amazing than we could have ever expected. My only regret is not hiring Holly from the very beginning.
I wholeheartedly recommend her! You will not be let down!!!" - Alexis & Ross, married April 2013
Rachel with her father, John at the Francis Marion, February 2013
Dad's first glimpse of his beautiful daughter
"We live in Atlanta, and the wedding was in Charleston. My daughter's initial position that we needed a wedding planner was an initial proposal made early in the planning process. This was our second wedding, how much different would this one be? Well, the decision to go with "A Charleston Event" was perfect. Just in the initial planning sessions, I knew that we made the right decision. It was one of the most important planning/execution decisions we could have made. The day before the wedding and the day of are the two most important execution times if the wedding will go as planned. Things will go wrong, and you will make some decisions that need to be augmented, changed, adjusted, and some you just give to Holly and she will figure it out. Great decision, great planning and great execution with great follow up. Use the Francis Marion and the vendors she suggest, and you will not be disappointed. Come on FOBs, it will not be that much money looking at the total big picture amount...and Holly is worth it. She will save you whatever amount she proposes, and that is a fact!! Email me with specific questions!" - John Hettinger, father of the bride, he gave her away February 2013.
Megan & Steve at Creek Club I'On, May 2012
On the dock of Creek Club I'On.
My husband and I live in DC, so when we decided we wanted to get married in Charleston, I knew I wanted to get a planner involved. I do event planning for work and know how many little details are involved to get an event (especially one like this) to go off without a hitch. And, I knew that I didn't want to have to worry (and I didn't want my friends and family to have to worry) about setting up for our wedding the day of, cleaning up after, etc. After having calls with a few of the top planners in the area, I chose to do the full package with A Charleston Event becuase not only did they have the experience and relationships in the industry, but they made us feel comfortable and were so easy to talk to. Holly is amazing. She was so on top of everything and would go above and beyond, doing research for us on various favors, traditions, etc. to ensure our day was special for us. When I first began the planning process, I didn't have a clear idea of what I wanted, but after looking through pictures and websites and consulting often with Holly, I finally came up with something I loved. Holly kept detailed notes on everything I wanted and of all our conversations and kept everything in order. She worked directly with vendors and got us some great deals. Holly and her team made our dream wedding come alive and when I arrived at our venue I started crying because I couldn't believe how perfect everything was. I highly recommend Holly and A Charleston Event to future brides. Having a planner is so helpful, but it needs to be someone you can trust and Holly is that person. Both my family and my husband's family were so impressed by Holly's friendliness and professionalism and hopefully you will be, too!! - Megan and Steve, married May 2012
Matt & Briane on the Yorktown, March 2012
The Yorktown Flightdeck kiss
"Without question Holly made our wedding happen. Our wedding was the best day of our lives and without her support, it would not have been what it was. Not only was she essential on the day of the wedding making sure that we could enjoy ourselves without worry, she was indispensable from day one. From introducing my wife to her hair stylist to helping choose the best flowers, Holly made sure that every detail was taken care of. If you are thinking of planning a wedding in Charleston and you want to make it extraordinary, you must contact A Charleston Event. Holly will always be in our memories for what she has done." - Matt and Briane, married March 2012.
Wanda & Ron, Hospital Wedding - June 2012
I worked with Holly Simpson with A Charleston Event and she was absolutely wonderful. We decided on an excursion wedding on the water and as a typical bride, I'd decide on something change my mind then change it back and Holly was always right there answering my questions, sending me vendor information and making my changes, always happily doing so. The last and biggest change actually came the day of our ceremony. My soon to be groom was taken to the emergency room in the middle of the night with chest pains then soon transferred to Roper St. Francis. Once there they repeated an EKG and a few hours later blood work was repeated and we soon were told a heart cath was going to be necessary later that day. I had put a call into Holly letting her know what was going on and she in turn had notified all the vendors. As the day we had chosen had special significance to us, we decided to go ahead with the ceremony so I promptly put in a call to Holly and she made all the necessary arrangements to not only move the ceremony to earlier in the day but from the yacht to my grooms hospital room. She arrived with the officiant, my bouquet, boutineer and wedding cake. I could not have ask for a more special day and would not change anything about it. We're now home and my hubby is doing great and Holly has arranged for us to have our excursion, June 5, 2013 for our 1 year anniversary.
Marc & Lauren, Bed and Breakfast Elopement - June 2012
"Thank you all for arranging this at what was truly the last minute. It was wonderful! You folks are all magicians! Tremendous day; beautiful. Really; wow! And let me add, that anyone reading this site that may be considering another event planner for their wedding day? Don't! If you want it to be truly special; tailored for you and stress free (well, except for family, can't do much about them), then please, use these folks. Very simply, they're the best in class." - Mark Turcotte, very happy groom.
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