I have received many congratulations through LinkedIn on my work anniversary.  It is hard to believe that 5 years ago, I became the owner of A Charleston Event...and I haven't looked back.  I have been in the industry for close to 15 years in some capacity of events - catering, venue rentals, banquets/receptions, award galas, fundraisers, etc - and it has all paid off to make me successful in living my dream.  
Hard work, dedication, and the love and support of family and friends that have cheered me on have led to my success.  It is the trust and commitment and strong relationships with my brides that keep me excited. Just wanted to say thank you to everyone for believing in me.

I wholeheartedly believe that Everyday is a gift for it to be what you want. I am living my dream. Are you living yours?

I am writing this today from the salon chair while I wait for my stylist to mix the solution that will soon hide the...well you know what she is going to hide.

As she walked away I said to her "I trust you."

She knows me. My personal style. Yet when I walk out of here, it may be 6 weeks until I sit in her chair again.

It takes a lot for me to use those words. Think about it. You trust someone with your kids, your livelihood, to ensure your safety on the roads, etc AND then you get engaged....

Of course you know the person that you are marrying and trust him with your heart and future but you now have to trust complete strangers with creating a day you have been anticipating for some time.

I tell my brides all of the time that you have to be comfortable with your decisions. You want to find someone that listens to you, is available to discuss your concerns, and is confident enough to offer solutions that work specifically for you.

This is a relationship that you are building!

Your planner, stylist, photographer, florist, DJ, limo company, caterer...they are all new to you. Make certain that you read reviews, schedule face time, ask questions, and choose professionals.

Your heart led you to the one you will marry and will also lead you to the right vendors.

As for my hair today, I leave the salon with a smile on my face and extremely excited that I again made the right choice.

The wedding reception is a party centered on the commitment made between the bride and groom. By keeping guests relaxed and focused on this simple fact, a fun time will be had by all.

Despite the fact that the recent economic recession saw a downtrend in the wedding planning industry, it remains a multi-billion dollar business in the United States alone ($47.5 billion to be precise). And little wonder: with the seemingly endless stream of details involved, planning a wedding can be an overwhelming experience.

However, whether you are planning for a large or intimate wedding, in the middle of deciding about flowers and ice sculptures, it is best to remember that your wedding day should be about celebrating love and the beginning of a life together. Otherwise, it’s just another party.

Keep it Personal

In particular, the seating arrangement can be a cause of undue stress for the bride and groom. Seating Aunt Lydia next to Cousin Hank, who ran over her prize petunias in a summer long forgotten (except by Aunt Lydia), can be a recipe for disaster. However, random seating can be equally disastrous, with people shuffling around looking for open seats or accidentally taking someone else’s table.

One method of smoothing over potentially awkward or difficult moments among seating partners during the wedding reception is to give them something fun to do. Plan a table activity that will remind them that this day is about two people in love beginning their life together and not about a past best forgotten or at least set aside for the day.

Whenever possible, choose narrow rectangular tables over large round ones. A big round table discourages conversation with people on the opposite end. Seated along a narrow rectangular table however, your guests can talk to people on either side of them, the person in front of them, as well as the people on either side of this person. Be sure to seat your guests in comfortable, attractive seating like padded chiavari or banquet chairs. A wedding reception can last for three or four hours; that’s a long time to be fidgeting in an uncomfortable position.

A wedding reception is a special celebration. Keep it festive, keep it centered on the bride and groom, and keep your guests relaxed. There is no better way to end a long day and begin a new life together.

About the Author:
Beth is an Atlanta based writer who enjoys covering topics like event planning, home improvement, and pet care. She writes on behalf of Classroom Essentials Online, a family owned and operated business that offers a wide range of beautiful chiavari chairs for sale.  

At the end of a beautiful Lowndes Grove wedding, the bride came to me and said that she didn't want any of the centerpieces.  "Take it all - I don't want to deal with it."  Scanning the room all I could think of, "Is my car big enough to handle all of this?"  
The next morning, I unpacked my car and my living room was full of mason jars.  They were everywhere!  Close to 30 cases and I had no plans of doing any canning...I don't know how but maybe I should learn.  
I began doing calculations and approximately $450 + time + transport of mason jars were crowding my living room.  That is quite a bit to throw away for just one night.
Most brides dispose of their centerpieces or pack their items in a box that goes into storage after the celebration.  Vases, arbors, bows, card boxes, even dresses... you name it and it is either going to a landfill or into someones garage or closet.  
So after a glass of wine or two, I created the Facebook Group:  Charleston Weddings Recycled.  It is a place where brides can buy, sell, swap, trade with other brides their gently used ceremony and reception items.  Its a great place to find a deal!  
The group is growing quickly and all you have to do is find us on Facebook.  The more brides the merrier!!! 

Nestled in the Old Village of Mt. Pleasant, SC is a gem of a location for wedding ceremonies and receptions - Alhambra Hall; located at 131 Middle Street.

This space has it all with the lush green lawn, a magnificent view of the Charleston Harbor, and an old oak tree that is perfect for ceremonies.  The main building on premise is two stories but it is the 2nd floor that  hosts the reception.  The space is approximately 3200 sq. feet (40x80) of open hardwood floors and exposed wood beams.  Two fireplaces are centered on both side and there are windows that surround the space so that you are able to enjoy the outdoor views.  Many guests enjoy the wraparound porch that surrounds majority of the ballroom.  If you are worried about space, you can also utilize this porch for bar service, cocktail tables, etc.  

There are many great reasons to take a look at Alhambra Hall:

• Open to outside vendors
• Available for setup throughout the entire day
• Very versatile
• Tables and chairs with the rental 
• Bridal Suite available to get ready (additional fee)
• Indoor space can accommodate groups up to 350 yet not overwhelming for smaller groups

With many of my clients we always try to utilize as much of the property as possible - ceremony outside followed by cocktail hour and then dinner and dancing indoors.  Of course with Charleston, the weather is never predictable and a concern for brides would be what to do in case of inclement weather.  Depending on the guest count, you could always use the indoor space for both OR there is always the option of renting a tent.  

Regardless of your event - rehearsal dinner, wedding ceremony, reception, after wedding brunch - Alhambra Hall is a must see.  

Give us a call if you would like to schedule an appointment.  

Now ladies, this is something you have to actually discuss with your fiancé since it has to be "our" wedding style.  Some guys will actually leave all of the planning up to you but it is good for the relationship to at least ask.  Hehehe!  

So with the wedding style, what you are trying to do is figure out colors, theme, the vibe, possible location...that sort of thing.  Having an idea of how you want your wedding to actually be will work in your favor when you begin meeting with vendors - caterer, venue, florist, dress designer, etc...

Don't feel that you have to lock yourself into anything at this time.  You may find your inspiration at the time that you secure your venue.  Online tools, such as TheKnot and WeddingWire, offer inspiration boards that can help you build your vision.  Magazines are a great tool as well - rip out the pages of things that strike your fancy and put in your Wedding Binder (you should have one if you followed step one - LOL)  You could always take a quiz - 

I always ask my brides to visit Pinterest.  Yes, it can be overwhelming at times but what I ask brides to do is create a wedding board where they pin everything they like.  Yes - everything!  After enough researching online and pinning left and right, you will find upon review of the board that your actual "style" will show itself.  Maybe you pin a ton of images of couples getting married on the beach or maybe your board is full of bridal bouquets filled with bold colors  What I am saying is that if you pin it, it will come.  Just give it time and don't stress.  

It usually takes 2-3 bottles of wine to get all of the answers you are seeking.  (This does not mean 2-3 bottles in one night...pace yourself!)  Take a few nights to sit down with your fiancé and work together on your dream wedding.  

Happy Planning...I'm off to insure my ring.  (Check out tomorrow's blog)

The elegance of a Charleston event doesn’t end once the festivities are over. Historic Charleston is home to some of the finest accommodations that Southern hospitality has to offer. Of all Charleston’s historic inns, The Governor’s House Inn offers by far the most romantic grandeur. A bed & breakfast with a history almost as interesting as its location, the Governor’s House was named the most glamorous of Charleston’s inns by one travel magazine, and it’s easy to see why.

The Governor’s House Inn was built in 1760, and served as the residence of Edward Rutledge from 1776 until his death. Mr. Rutledge served in both the First and Second Continental Congresses, and was the youngest signer of the Declaration of Independence. His integral role in the formation of our country led his home to be named a National Historical Landmark by the U.S. Department of the Interior. Though Mr. Rutledge only served as governor for two years, 1798 until his death, it is from him that the inn got its name. The Governor’s House Inn now pays tribute to this founding father with a portrait hanging in the foyer beside a copy of the Declaration of Independence.

Aside from its fascinating history, the Governor’s House Inn boasts a variety of beautifully decorated rooms and suites. The gourmet breakfast includes traditional southern favorites on a rotating menu including homemade quiche, sausage cheese bake, and banana French toast strata with amaretto sauce. Taking Southern hospitality seriously, the inn also offers afternoon tea, evening sherry, and wine and cheese.

The Governor’s House is also located conveniently near many of Charleston’s finest attractions. Just a short walk from the legendary Battery, Old Market, and Spoleto Venues, the Governor’s House is a perfect spot no matter what your business in Charleston. A short drive will also take you to four of South Carolina’s most beautiful beaches- Folly Beach, Isle of Palms, Kiawah Island, and Sullivan’s Island.

The rich history of the Governor’s House Inn combined with its tradition of hospitality make a stay here unforgettably Southern. The glamour and sophistication of the house itself is echoed in magnificent drawing rooms, boudoir staterooms, and expansive verandah porches, calling to mind images of a genteel lifestyle native only to beautiful Charleston. 

Romance is what comes to mind when a bride desires peonies in her bridal bouquet and decor.  The soft pink, ivory, and white full blooms are absolutely stunning.  Brides have been extremely busy pinning away on Pinterest and there are hundreds of boards dedicated to this gorgeous fragrant bloom.  
According to greek myth, the peony is named after Paeon (also called Paean), a mortal pupil of Asclepius, the Greek god of medicine and healing.  So the story goes, the teacher became jealous of his student and Zeus turned Paeon into a peony to save him.  Not certain how Zeus "poofed" him into a flower but the plant does have biological activities that include antioxidant, anti tumor, and much more.  
Although an interesting fact, it wouldn't be why a bride would necessarily want it in their bouquet but maybe this would:  
          It is regarded as an omen of good fortune and a happy marriage.  

Additional facts:

• Traditional flower of China
• Indiana's State flower
• 12th wedding anniversary flower
• Plant can live to be 100 years and still produce flowers
• Peony flowers come in every color except blue
• Peony flowers can be 1 to 10 inches in diameter
• Grow best in full sunlight in well-drained soil

Ceremony and reception selection for your wedding day is one of the most difficult decisions.  After all of the site visits, checking and double checking availability, anguishing over whether it fits the theme, and wrestling with sleepless nights...you finally breathe a sigh of release and make a decision.  Or have you?
Take a look at your budget and rationalize what you have allocated for rentals, for catering, for florals, and other line items in your budget.  Ask the site manager what is actually included with the venue.  You will find that many of them provide the tables, the chairs, even the linen.  These things will only add to your bottom line.  You might pay a heftier price for the venue but in the end you are making up in savings.  
Catering is something that you should also ask about.  Do they have a required caterer for their property or are outside vendors allowed.  Having a specified caterer can help because the vendor and their staff are familiar with the venue and know what works well.  But before signing a contract with the venue, make certain that you review the caterer's menu and pricing as well.  Does their selection fit your individual tastes, vision, and pricing?  
There are many amazing venues in Charleston for your wedding.  You will find the

And when her lips touched mine, I knew that I could live to be a hundred and visit every country in the world, but nothing would ever compare to that single moment when I first kissed the girl of my dreams and knew that my love would last forever." - Dear John, 2010 movie


Charleston is an extremely popular locale for couples to visit, fall in love and to say "I Do."  Don't believe me, just watch the movie.  South Carolina has seen its share of movie crews throughout the State. (approx 100)  With Valentine's Day right around the corner, the love stories interested me the most.  (sorry Ace Ventura:  When Nature Calls)  
Folly Beach, Downtown Charleston, Edisto, Boone Hall, and Cyprus Gardens are all locations that I have enjoyed throughout my dating years.  Watching the stars fall in love, share their first kiss,  or have their heart broken in the these locations brings the movie to life for me.  I have to say that I wish that I had had their scripts for some of the scenes in my life.  
For the month of February, enjoy love quotes from movies, books, and songs on A Charleston Event's Facebook and Twitter account.  Can you figure out where the quote came from?  Play along.  

 "At the end of every day I drive through the city of Charleston and I cross the bridge that will take me home. I feel the words building inside me, I can't stop them, or tell you why I say them, but as I reach the top of the bridge these words come to me in a whisper. I say these words as a prayer, as regret, as praise, I say: Lowenstein, Lowenstein."  - The Prince of Tides, 1991 Movie