New Engagement: Amanda & Marcus

Amanda and Marcus were brought together by their strong love of the sea.  We are so glad they shared their amazing journey to love with us!

How did you meet?
Marcus and I have known each other for years but we never knew it.  We met at a sailing regatta where I sat down next to him.  He was very "casual" about our initial conversation, however, I told him about my recent mission trip to Africa and in that moment he says he "knew I was different."  As our conversation grew we learned our paths had crossed many times through our lives, and we shared the same love for most everything in life: sailing, horses, travel, friends, family, and church.  That night we planned to spend Sunday together - Church then Hyde Park for a Polo match - and we have been inseparable ever since. (Special Note - Amanda & Marcus will be getting married at Hyde Park where they shared their first date! So romantic!)

Tell us about your "engagement story"
Marcus is great at planning and making every event perfect and grand.  For weeks we had planned to go sailing on a good friend's sailboat.  Marcus talked the day up; we had not been sailing in a while.  The weather was great for a December Saturday.  What I had planned for the day was to go riding, sailing for a bit and then we had a work Christmas party that night and would need to get ready for that late afternoon.  We packed a picnic lunch and headed down to the boat with our golden retriever, Riggs, in tow.  The day really was great for sailing; we sailed around the harbor all afternoon.  As we headed back to the dock from Fort Sumter we set the autopilot, and I enjoyed sitting on the bow watching the sunset and all the picturesque surroundings.  Marcus and Riggs joined me on the bow with a wrapped present, he told me it was a late birthday present.  It was a Tervis Tumbler (background is we love our Tervis, drink out of them daily and travel everywhere with them).  The Tervis had a golden retriever on one side and on the other side my initials (new one "T").  I did not really notice at first, everything was happening so fast.  After Marcus finally got me to stand up, he got down on one knee, took the ring out of the Tervis, and asked me to marry him as we sailed literally into the sunset.  He said great words "spending our life together loving one another even through the stormy seas," it was very romantic.  Afterwards we celebrated with a great sunset and champagne.  Marcus had also planned a party at the Carolina Yacht Club; my friends and family thought it was a surprise birthday party.  The day was amazing: riding horses in the morning, sailing and a sunset, a proposal and a party with the greatest family and friends who also had a surprise of their own.

What are some things you both enjoy doing together?
Riding horses at Seabrook with our good friends
Spending time on the water in a boat (motorboat or sailing)
Eating good food and Mexican weekly
Riding the motorcycle
Walking our dog, Riggs
Watching movies
Cooking
Spending time with family and friends
Going to church

If you had to pick one characteristic you love about one another what would it be?
It is so hard to only pick one characteristic I love about Marcus.  I love his joy and sense of adventure.  Together we are a great team sharing the same loves in life and always growing in our faith.

For me, I love that from the beginning I have seen her as a partner in life.  Someone to laugh, love, and fave the challenges of life with.  She is the only person I have met that I would face anything with and know that she would stand by my side supporting me.  She knows just when to be strong, but allows me to be strong for her.

We are so excited to be a part of this special time in your lives! Congratulations Amanda and Marcus! We wish you a very special and happy engagement!

Real Engagement: Amy and Trent

Amy and Trent!

How did you meet?

During out freshman year of college at the University of Georgia, we met briefly at a social event in downtown Athens through mutual friends. We realized during that quick encounter we were in the same biology class. About a month after our meeting, I was sitting in class and received a text message from an unknown number asking if I was enjoying the Biology lecture. I realized it was Trent and immediately texted him back. We walked home from class together that day, not realizing that we were about to start a five-year courtship that would eventually lead us down the aisle.

How did you become engaged?

Trent: Amy and I love to travel, and this past December we took a trip to St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands. While we were planning our trip, I decided I was going to ask Amy to marry me. I decided to pop the question after dinner on our second night there. Usually being a pretty cool and collected guy, I was surprise by how nervous I was to ask Amy to be my wife, especially because we had already dated for over five years. It was such an important decision, but it was one I knew was going to make me the  happiest man in the world. After the proposal, it has been nothing but exciting times. I am so grateful that on August 25th I get to marry my best friend.

 

What are some things you both enjoy doing together?

Traveling, trying new restaurants, spending time with friends and going to the movies.

If you had to pick one characteristic you love about one another what would it be?

Trent: "She makes me want to be a better man"
Amy:  "He is so patient and always knows how to make e feel better when I am down. "

New Engagement: Bridgette & Asher

Bridgette and Asher share with us a little about their lives together and their adorable love story describing their journey to true love!

How did you meet?
Asher and I met through one of my best friends in college, Cam.  Cam started classes at Charleston Law in fall of 2008, and Asher was in his section and they became great friends.  When I moved to Charleston that summer Asher and I began to hang out more, and we became inseparable and really the rest is history. :) We owe it all to our great friend, Cam!

Tell us about your "engagement story"
Well, this is a funny story.

Asher and I had been talking for months prior about a vacation for Spring Break.  He kept asking me if there was one place that I could go where would it be, and I said, "Disney, of course!" I have had a love for Disney since I was a little kid.  It was the one place that we could go at least twice a year as a family.  Even when I was in high school, I'd rather go to Disney World with my family than to the beach with my friends.  It was just a special place to me, and the place I can always think of and not help but think of my parents!

So for months I had searched for hotels and dates and I had planned out our Spring Break! I did nothing but talk about it for months! So as soon as March rolled around Asher told me to send him all the hotels I had found and he would book the trip for us, so I sent him the hotels I found for super cheap, because I love a good deal! I was expecting a cheap, fun week long trip to the happiest place on earth!

Without me knowing, Asher had been planning a lot more!

Asher had bought me the bike I had been looking at forever but would never buy! He planned to bring the bike to MUSC where I work and he was going to have it outside the hospital when I got off work, with a huge Disney balloon and inside the bike basket would be my ring.  I would find him down on one knee ready to propose, and we would then be off to Disney!! How romantic right??

Well...leave it to me ruin that...I was so excited about leaving for Disney the next day that I called out sick to work!!!

So when I told him the night before that I wasn't going to work, he kept insisting that I HAD TO go to work!  But me being stubborn and completely clueless I told him, "No, we are leaving early for Disney, I don't want to work when I could be at Disney, silly!" So right then and there, in that moment in his apartment when he know I wasn't going to budge about going to work, he pulled out his guitar, and in the case where he had been hiding the ring, he pulled out his mother's engagement ring, and dropped down on one knee and proposed to me! Even though I ruined his big plans, it couldn't have been more perfect!

So we celebrated the rest of the night, and the next morning he showed me the bike and his plans... We laughed about the whole situation, and set off for an amazing week at Disney one day early!

What are some things you both enjoy doing together?
We both have a great love of music, so we absolutely love going to concerts and music festivals.  Bonnaroo has been a tradition for us.  We just love it, and the atmosphere.  We both also love just being outdoors, anything from fishing to hiking.  Whatever will get us outside.  Our newest adventure however is trying to eat at every restaurant in Charleston! We've even thought about starting a blog about it.  We love to be adventurous .  As far as the future goes, we hope to be able to travel as much as we can!


If you had to pick one characteristic you love about one another what would it be?
My favorite characteristic about Asher would be his sense of humor.  The guy literally can impersonate so many voices.  And the random things and jokes he thinks of... I just can't get enough of it, but his sense of humor would also be tied with his huge heart.  He is just a greatly compassionate person!

My favorite characteristic about Bridgette would be her combination of wit, attention to detail, and sense of humor.  She often puts these together to plant a seed that turns into a joke that will ambush you 10 seconds after you realize what she's gotten at.  Without missing a beat, she knows how to put these together when laughter is needed the most and turns your frown upside down in a way you think you've only seen in the movies.  I'm the luckiest man alive because I get to enjoy her for more than just two hours long.

Congratulations Bridgette & Asher!! We wish you a happy engagement and a long and happy life together! Thank you for letting Sweetgrass Social be a part of this special time in your lives!

Marriage License

Stressing out about all the details involved in planning your wedding? Here is one easy way to check one off the "to do" list. Getting your marriage license can be confusing, however it is a simple task that can be done in one day. Here are the guidelines and information you will need to obtain your marriage license.

Give yourself time. Although the application process does not take long, there is a 24 hour waiting period after the wedding application is made before the license can be picked up. Plan to give yourself sometime before the wedding to have all your information together and fill out the application in plenty of time before the wedding. Two weeks prior is usually enough.

Judaical Center is located at 100 Broad street. Just before you get to the Cathedral of St. John The Baptist.


Requirements for  Marriage License in South Carolina

1.  Bride and groom must fill out written application together, in person. This application must contain the following:
• "Both persons seeing the contract of matrimony are legally entitled to marry together with the full name of the persons, their ages and places of residence." This is a sworn statement that must be signed by both parties. It must also be notarized in the office of the Probate Judge,  where the license if being issued.
2. Applicants between the ages of 18 and 25 must present one piece of identification. Identification may be ONE of the following:
• Valid drivers license
• Original birth certificate or a certified copy of the birth certificate.
• A valid S.C. identification card issued by the S.C. Highway Department
• Current military identification card
• A current passport. 
3. NO blood test is required.
4. NO residency requirements
5. There is a $70.00 dollars CASH fee for filling out the application.
6. A South Carolina marriage license is valid only for marriages performed n South Carolina.
7. "Only ministers of Gospel or accepted Jewish rabbis are authorized to administer a marriage ceremony in South Carolina."

Contact information:
Hours: Monday -Friday
            8:30-4:30 p.m.
Judicial Center
100 Broad Street, Suit 469
Charleston, SC 29401
Phone: (843) 958-5183 Fax: (843) 958-5191
Information: (843) 958-5182

To obtain the form for certified copy of marriage license and to see more of all information included in this blog, visit the Charleston County, Marriage License department online at:  http://www.charlestoncounty.org/departments/probatecourt/marriagelicenseinstructions.htm

Suit or Tux?

Whether you are going for a traditional or trendy look, you need to understand the elements of style at your disposal. When deciding if you want a suit or tux think of your venue, theme of wedding, color scheme and what your personal style is, differences in style convey different moods and messages. Regardless of what you decided to do, make sure its a great fit! Make sure it fits you correctly and it fits with the mood theme of wedding and your personal style. 

Tuxedo

The tuxedo is  formal wear at its very best. The tuxedo has been the standard for men's formal wear for years, they come in several styles and are easily updated with different accessories Black tuxedos can be for multiple events, gray or white tuxedos are strictly wedding attire. To get an idea of the classic tuxedo, think Frank Sinatra.

Go with a vest. You can have color but remember that there are flowers to coordinate with, and don't forget to match the handkerchief! Cuff links are a great accent of class and style, they can also make great grooms men gifts. Either a bow tie or long ties are appropriate. Ties can be modern and sleek and are a nice alternative to the traditional bow tie. The bow tie is mainstay of a classic tuxedo. If you decided to go with a real bow tie, make sure you or someone else knows how to tie one! For step by step directions and pictures check out the knots website. http://wedding.theknot.com/groom-groomsmen/tuxedo-styles/articles/how-to-tie-a-bow-tie.aspx

Traditional tuxedo or black tie: Usually worn after 6pm, but can appear at a formal daytime wedding or anytime in the afternoon. A back or gray jacket with a single button is the most classic look. For a more modern look, think Danielle Craig in 007.

Cutaway or morning coat: In its traditional design, this coat is for the most formal morning weddings. Coats are black or gray with a single button at the waist and one broad tail at back. Above, Real Wedding: Ann & Ryan

Dinner jacket: Great for a casual wedding or rehearsal dinner. It has peaked lapels or a shawl collar. It works well in summer months or in warm climates, in the afternoon or evening and is considered an appropriate substitute for a standard tuxedo. Think Sean Connery in 007 (above) or Humphrey Bogart in Casablanca (below) both in white.

Stroller Coat: Variation of the morning coat, usually hip length, looks good with fancy waist coats. (Ambassador formal wear by Gilda)

                   
                                                           Modern gray tux, clean lines and sleep look. Vera Wang

Update black tie: These tuxedos are worn with a regular tie or bow tie and often a belt rather than suspenders. A classic look infused with modern elegance, a perfect fit for everyman.

Suit

A refined suit can leave a lasting impression Think of Don Draper from Mad Men, who wears a sleek clean cut suit with a trimmer waist. Inspired by trends in the 1960's, this classic style is and forever will be popular. Depending on your style a suit may be a better choice. It can be a practical option for many grooms. After the wedding, a suit can be used for variety of occasions. Think of your grooms men as well when choosing your wedding attire. It is always nice to have your own tux, but depending on your lifestyle a suit may be a much more useful. However, quality rarely comes cheap, but if a well-made suit is properly taken care of, it can last a lifetime.

Usually, suits have a plan front shirt, long sleeved, with full length buttoned. The jacket lapels are made of same material as the rest of the jacket. Formal shoes like Oxfords, Derbies or smart slip ons are suitable for more conservative and formal affairs. Hip colored tennis shoes can also fit in perfectly with the theme of your big day. Find what works for you and what you are conformable with.

A nice suit can be very classy at a less formal event. Find a brand that matches your budget, fit and style and stick with it. Above, Real Wedding: Jenny and Will.

Beach weddings can be extremely causal. Linen pants, a fine white pressed suit and barefoot. Above, Real Wedding: Stephanie and T.

Seer sucker is a classic Charleston look. It is comfortable and great on hot days. Real Wedding: Chuck and Elyse

The gorgeous dark suit: For a dressy but not formal wedding or for the groom who absolutely won't wear a tuxedo. Choose charcoal, black or navy and a solid-color or patterned tie to dress it up. (Men's Warehouse)

Some other fun colors and accessories ideas....

                                                                               Real wedding: Shelley and Greg

                                                                                 J. Crew- Modern gray suit

Men's Warehouse-White suit

                                                                          Men' s Warehouse -Brown suit

Kate Spade for you and the girls!

Kate Spade is always a great resource for the perfect piece of jewelery to complete any outfit. Here are a few pieces that we're loving for bridesmaids and brides!

 

The Bridesmaid Idiom Bangle $58.00

 

The "Partner in Crime" Bridesmaid Locket  $78.00

 

"I do" necklace $78.00

 

"Mrs." Necklace $78.00

 

"Mrs." Earrings $48.00

 

New Engagement: Kristy and Timothy

Love at first sight

Kristy and Timothy were two American’s living in Hong Kong; they will be getting married this September! This unique love story is a real case of “love at first sight”. Kristy and Timothy give us the inside scoop of their foreign romance

How did you meet? – “I was having dinner with my good friends Dave and Jen and Dave kept saying I needed to meet a great guy.  He kept bugging me and asking me to point out a guy who was my "type" in the bar.  I finally did from across the room (I pointed at Tim) and he finally quit bothering me.  Somehow Tim's friend Marelize bumped my chair and we ended up meeting that night.  Tim gave me his card and the rest is history.  We were all watching the World Cup that night in Hong Kong.”

How did you become engaged?- “We were getting ready to go to brunch with our friends on the weekend and it was just before Christmas.  Tim said he wanted to have a picture taken by the Christmas tree.  You would have to see this tree to understand, but it's the world's tiniest "Charlie Brown" Christmas tree.  We didn't have a big tree since we planned on spending Christmas in the US with our families.  I told him we could take the photo later but he persisted and said he had decorated the tree and everything.  Wondering how in the world he could decorate such a tiny tree I walked over to find the ring under it.  He walked over, took it from my hand, got down on one knee and asked me to marry him.  I responded with OF COURSE!!  Our friends are still picking on us for being late to brunch.  Ha ha.

What are some things you both enjoy doing together? - Tim and I love to travel and we've seen most of Asia together over the past 2 years.

If you had to pick one characteristic you love about one another what would it be? – “I love that Tim has such a kind heart.  He's truly a great guy and I'm so lucky to have him in my life.”

Tim says he doesn't love any one thing about me, but everything about me...well that was super sweet.

To see their love story in film check out this great video!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5pV6Csgx3o

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