Real Wedding: Suzanne & Jeff

We know that we have been a bit quiet on the blog this past week, but we're happy to come back with a fabulous real wedding feature. Suzanne and Jeff were married this past October in an intimate ceremony at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church followed by a reception in the gallery at McCrady's. The images from this wedding, courtesy of Virgil Bunao, are stunning and will speak for themselves. The team at Charleston Stems did the floral work, and did an amazing job as always. We had a great time working with this sweet couple. Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Anderson! 

 Vendors: Coordination: Sweetgrass Social Event & Design; Floral: Charleston Stems; Photography: Virgil Bunao of CVI Photography; Lounge: Snyder Lounge; Invitations, Menus, Signage: Studio R Designs; Event Venue: McCrady's; Church: St. Stephen's Episcopal Church; Band: Two Three Ways

Wedding Inspiration: A first look with Dad

Although it may break tradition, we love the concept of first look pictures. It captures that special moment when a groom first sees his bride-to-be and that is such a special memory to have documented.

Well we have a bit of a twist on this idea for you today. Why not take this idea one step further and have a first look moment with your Dad! We are loving this idea and found these images of Dads and their daughters especially inspiring. We hope one of our brides will do this soon!!

{via Bridal Guide}

Baby It's Cold Outside..

....well, maybe not here in Charleston! Unfortunately, we haven't been able to experience that winter chill yet, but despite the weather, we hope you are cuddling up with the ones you love by a Christmas tree as lovely as this one. While we're snuggled up with our sweeties, we're going to be serving something sweet too! Try out this recipe for the perfect hot chocolate!

Ingredients

3 1/2 cups sugar
2 1/4 cups cocoa
1 tablespoon table salt
Whole milk for serving

Directions

In a large bowl, combine sugar, cocoa, and salt, and whisk to combine well. Store the mixture in an airtight container.
For individual servings, pour 1 cup whole milk into a microwave-safe mug, and microwave on high just until hot. Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa mix, and stir to dissolve. For a larger batch of cocoa, warm the milk in a saucepan set over medium-low heat, taking care not to let the milk boil; as it warms, stir in 2 tablespoons of mix for each cup of milk.

While you're in the holiday entertaining mood, why not take some inspiration from some of these table settings for your special holiday gathering with family and friends!

 {via Southern Living}

 

{via Country Living}

{via Country Living}

{via Country Living}

{via Better Homes and Gardens}

 

{via Martha Stewart}

 

{via Southern Living}

We hope you will feel inspired to bring your loved ones close together this year and 

spread a little holiday cheer! Happy Entertaining, y'all!

Spotlight: Hardink Calligraphy

We are loving the idea of custom invitations, especially handwritten ones. So, of course, we wanted to share with you a vendor that can handmake everything from your wedding logo to your invitations to even cocktail napkins! This girl is talented and a friend of ours, so we are happy to introduce Elizabeth Hardin of Hardink Calligraphy. She is based out of Nashville, Tennessee, but we are so happy she agrees to work with us across state lines.  Check out her website and blog, as well as some of her images below. Thanks for sharing these with us, Elizabeth!