You are currently browsing the monthly archive for September, 2008.
…of Columbia!
By Invitation Only…Event Planning & Design was so thrilled to find out we had been voted ‘Best of Columbia’ by The State Paper. We could not be more honored-
As a thank you to all of those that believe in us and have supported us, we decided to host a black tie event to allow us to stop for a brief moment and enjoy an evening of fun. I wanted all of those wedding vendors that work non-stop to come and enjoy being ‘catered’ to for a change. Many of our couples getting married in the next year were also present and got a glimpse of what we can help create at their event…
When we began planning this event, I looked high and low for the perfect venue- I wanted something that no one has seen before, a blank space to just create whatever we wish- I came across a project in the works which some of you may know about, the restoration of 701 Whaley. Please take a moment to look at the blog they have, it is a unique space.
Richard Burts, owner of 701 Whaley, worked day and night (literally) with his team to make it ready for us to come in a have this wonderful event. We wanted to show off his new [old] space, that will hopefully be one of Columbia’s newest ‘reception venues’. As you look through the pictures, keep in mind they still have many things to do- but this phenomenal space was TOO great to pass up- thank you so much Richard – we of course could not have done this without you!!!!!
It took many, many people to get this event all together and I NEVER could have done it without them:
Catering was by Applause Catering- Richenda and her team were BEYOND wonderful and the food, oh the food- it was to die for…I have had so many compliments on the food (which they deserve) and its presentation- it was so beautiful and tasted even better!!! Thank you so much Richenda for making this event all it could be!
The spirits were provided by Ed’s Bartending. Now I have to say, Victoria (our attendant) can make one mean martini, but she also had a fabulous personality- everyone just adored her! Their set up was perfect as always, they come prepared for everything! Thank you so much Tom, owner of Ed’s and Victoria.
Partytime DJ kept us moving and shaking through the evening. Josh was spectacular as always, I so enjoy working with him- he adapts to anything and gets along with everyone- the music was perfect!
I was very lucky to have two floral designers work with me on this project- Leslie Wacker, Southern Stems and Debby West, Think Floral. They just blew me away with their creations. I wanted all different arrangements with the same flowers so everyone could see how the options can change – they went beyond my expectations-
Thank you to Palmetto Party Rental – they worked hard to get me everything I needed and when I needed it, their crew was wonderful as always.
Thank you to Classical Connections for the beautiful strings performance.
Another great thank you to Ice Sensations for the lovely palm tree ice sculpture- he does just the most amazing work 
We had two fabulous cakes- the ‘hanging cake’ which I sadly don’t have a photo of just it yet but you can see it in one part below, was created by Slice of the South. Her art work was show stopping. We actually suspended the cake from the ceiling on a platform, it was so neat.
The cake we enjoyed was from Parties to Go – it was so yummy, thank goodness I got a few pieces to go, it went fast!
Now to the photos- well sort of…thank you to All Dressed Up Photography, Brantley and Richard Freeman. They were so wonderful to come in and document this entire event- we are so lucky to not only have a professional relationship with such talent , but we also have an amazing friendship with this lovely couple that were so gracious in providing us with these images!!
Last and definitely not least is a thank you to all of those that helped ‘put it together’! Tons and tons of hard work went in to this event- more than you can ever realize. From Sharolyn Miller, Shabby Chic Shar, helping create the invites and making the wonderful doll, to Richard Freeman helping us with those darn chandeliers J
Many, many thanks to Jill Areheart and Keith Marsh – we could not have done it without you.
And the biggest thank you of all…to my wonderful mother, Harriet, for all of your time , energy and dedication and my loving, spectacular husband, Darren, who never leaves my side. Without you NONE of this is ever possible…ever!
Now so you can see…
The invitation- that is actually the front of the building- we took a picture and used it to create our on invitation using the entrance.
The hanging cake behind the print…
Photo by Kathy Moore
Full shot of the space before we got started.
Champagne was presented in the silver bowl-
Here is the cake created by Parties to Go and the doll made especially for this party by Shabby Chic Shar
We wanted a cabana at the event, a little different seating option for fun.
Sculpture by Ice Sensations
My personal favorite from Applause, cucumber and tomato sandwiches!
The breathtaking arrangement is by Southern Stems, and look at that beautiful strawberry tree! The chandeliers were brought in by By Invitation Only…
Another gorgeous creation by Southern Stems.
This arrangement is by Think Floral- we placed black and white photos of couples we have worked with in each window!
As a special treat, we gave away ‘Columbia’s best treat’- Cromer’s popcorn, peanuts and candy apples!
Darren and myself, enjoying our favorite song!
Jill Areheart and myself- she is just lovely!
Jill and her husband Keith!
Brantley and Richard Freeman- All Dressed Up Photography
My wonderful parents!
Oh- and look at the talent captured in this shot…Ricki Ford, John Wrightenberry and Clark Berry!!!
Take two on the talent: Kathy Moore, Brooke Turner, and Brantley Freeman
And one of the greatest shots – the original ‘knotties’- all back together under one roof for a special night- their friendship means the world to me- there is nothing like this group of women!
This entry is written by Jill Areheart- one of our planners, the wedding was September 20:
When we first started working with Paula and James, they had a great idea of the things that were important to them for their wedding day. They had already booked Seibels House and Gardens for the ceremony and reception because of the wonderful setting it would provide. They had been to other weddings there and loved the whole feel of the house and grounds. They were so wonderful to work with. They had clear visions on specific things, but didn’t sweat all the details. They just wanted a beautiful, but fun celebration with their family and friends.
We were a bit worried about the weather in the weeks leading up to the wedding day, since September in South Carolina can be so unpredictable. They had rented a tent, so we knew we could adjust to have the ceremony and reception between the house and tent, but we were really hoping for great weather so the ceremony could be out in the open and guests could fully enjoy the gardens. Well, the day couldn’t have been more perfect. It was one of those fabulous fall days that are sunny, but not too hot. And by the 6pm ceremony, the light was gorgeous and the temperature just right for a fabulous outdoor ceremony.
Guests entered through the Garden gates at Seibels House.
We set up shepherd hooks with lanterns to mark the path to the ceremony site.
From the opposite angle – Guests were escorted from the fountain area to their seats.
Paula and James made bride and groom bears for the flower girl and ring bearer. I couldn’t resist taking this picture when the flower girl set hers down in front of a glass of champagne.
The tent from Palmetto Party Rentals held 2 bars, the DJ and dance floor as well as seated guests tables.
You can see the ceremony setup in the background of this photo. The couple’s simple color scheme of black and ivory really let the natural colors of the garden shine.
We hung simple paper lanterns around the grounds to add a little extra flair.
The flower girl was slightly more interested in playing in the grass that standing for a picture, but I’m sure the photos will be beautiful nonetheless. Kathy Moore is the very talented photographer you see setting up the after-ceremony shot with Paula and James and the wedding party.
Inside the house, we put a few of the bridesmaid bouquets on one of the mantels for added decoration.
Catering was by Kathy’s Catering from Saluda and included a combination of traditional southern foods with some yummy Lebanese delicacies from the groom’s side of the family.
The delicious – and beautiful – cake was from Parkland. Paula’s portrait in the background was taken by Kathy Moore at the governor’s mansion grounds on one of the hottest days of the year. Paula was amazing…all the rest of us were dripping with sweat, and she not only looked absolutely flawless, but was incredibly easy-going and patient…even when I know she was about to pass out from the heat!
You just will not believe how AMAZING this wedding was this weekend…Rebecca and Patrick were just AWESOME- so, where shall I begin?
They contacted me at the beginning of the year about their wedding- they had not set a firm date, they were flexible- but wanted to make sure they could get all of their ‘wants’ included. They sent me a wonderful document describing what they were looking for and how they wanted things to feel and happen during their wedding ‘weekend’. After reading it over and discussing it with them, we began working away ‘on location’.
Becca and Patrick live in D.C. so it made it a little challenging for them- can’t just pop around the corner and take a look at something but that did not stop us.
As the title of this entry describes- this wedding had an ‘old Hollywood/Mann’s Chinese Theater feel. (That is actually how Patrick described it to me in our first meeting) They picked the most amazing color combination- red, purple and silver!
The couple got married at St. Luke’s Episcopal- Patrick’s family’s home church. It was standing room only- the day was bright, brisk and beautiful! Becca looked beyond amazing and Patrick was so dashing- she was given in marriage by her Godfather- who was so honored to have been right by her side. I don’t think I have connected with such a group ever- it was very touching.
When it comes to reception, we took their idea and totally RAN with it- they wanted it all from red carpet and spot lights, to feather boas and sunglasses! They decided on the Marriott in downtown Columbia for their reception – the hotel’s atrium gave a great space to create our cocktail hour yet we had to add a unique twist. We wanted guest to come in to a ‘new room’ so Tony Sharpe, owner of Aspire 4 More Productions, came in a created a ‘room’ with the pipe and drape. He brought in the classic moving spot lights as well.
Ruth Rackley did the photography which I CANNOT wait to see!
By Invitation Only…brought in the sofas and ottomans accented with fluffy red pillows. Guests entered on the red carpet and ladies donned a black or white boa and the gentlemen grab a pair of glasses. The party was underway.
Now- here is where it gets wild…Patrick is a study of Martial Arts and he actually is a drummer that participates with the ‘Lion Dance’. Now I don’t know all the details- but look at the pictures. The Lion came out of the ‘private lounge’ we created, then made its way into the cocktail hour area- it led bridal party (with Patrick playing the drum); Becca was behind them and the rest of the guests followed into the ballroom for dinner. It truly was powerful and unique!
I love it- Becca with her boa!!!
Here is the amazing ballroom with the lanterns we hung , this turned out so lovely, I am sorry it is a little dark, I am not the professional photographer
The PHENOMENAL floral arrangements were created by Southern Stems (Leslie Wacker). She totally outdid herself. They wanted that Asian flare with a different twist- and they got it!
Look at this orchid arrangement!!!
Here is the room set up- Tony Sharpe, Aspire 4 More did the lighting- it totally made the room come alive when he put spots on the arrangements- pictures do not do it justice!!!!!
Last and definitely not least, the cakes…both cakes were created by Slice of the South. And yes, the second cake is made to look like the drum Patrick plays back home- yep, that is a cake folks- unreal!
Here is the slide show from Jennifer and Joey’s wedding – Kathy Moore was the photographer and did an AMAZING job!!!
I know we have not blogged a wedding recently however that does not mean we are not SUPER busy. September and October have so much going on some so we are working very hard with those couples to get those last minute details in order-
One couple I am so lucky to be working with is Kate and Marc. Their wedding is taking place in Charleston and we are beyond excited- this is such a neat, fun couple.
In this business, people seem to think we have a “set” group of vendors that we use and that is it – that cannot be further from the truth, well at least not for THIS company!! It is our job to find/supply the best fit of a vendor for the couple, event and budget.
I have blogged before about paying attention to the details of your wedding- that is what makes it “YOU” and one of those details is your printed material.
*Remember, your invitation sets the tone for your event – your other printed material can tie it all together so pay attention to this.
So back to Kate and Marc and vendors…I am ALWAYS up for adding new, talented, reputable vendors to our ‘perferred vendor list’. I don’t know them all so as my fabulous clients- you can many times introduce me to new ones, which I just love.
Kate and Marc introduced me to an amazing new talent when they began to design/create their invitations that were very special to them – Voilà!
Voilà! creates customized stationery for any event (weddings, parties, announcements), business (logos, business cards, corporate event invitations), or personal (note cards, letterhead, labels). Nicole (owner/designer) works with the clients to ensure they love their product and make their budgets. Nicole’s past clients have raved about her elegant designs and quality production. See for yourself at www.voilacustoms.com.
Below are a few images of her work she created and one from Kate and Marc’s printed items – she is just wonderful- enjoy checking her work out!!
