I'm on Sea Island Time

Helllllooooo Friends!

I figure while launching SOCIAL here in St. Simons in the next few months, like a teenager begrudgingly waking up at 2 p.m., slowly but surely, I can start blogging again and fill my posts with the services and event locations I've come across in the year and a half I've been here.

The first location, and one that is closest to my heart, because my hubby works here, is the Cloister at Sea Island. These photos, by Tim Zielenbach (stunning photographer if you're ever looking for one) show the best of the 5-star resort. I met Tim a few times when we worked in Charleston, SC. He has to be one of the nicest people and his photography is no less than amazing!

When we first moved here I worked as a freelance event designer with Sea Island, and having been around the block a few times with venues and vendors, I can tell you everything from the flowers to the food is top notch (read $$$), and worth it.

Settled in SSI

Forget about that whole West Virginia thing! This year has been a crazy ride... through the mountains of WV back down south to the shores of St. Simons Island, GA. I'm so glad to be back in the "Lowcountry", of sorts, and with just a 3 hour drive to Charleston, I'm sure I'll be back and forth quite often to check out the new restaurants, and check in with old friends!

I'm doing some freelance event work back in Charleston, and here at the Cloister on Sea Island, while I'm also watching my little baby J turn into a big boy, and we are having so much fun. My next big personal projects are planning a best friend's bachelorette party and helping her plan her March destination nuptials in Costa Rica, so life's pretty sweet right about now! Check in again soon.

Xoxo, Sarah

Real Wedding: Megan and Alex

We had the pleasure of coordinating the wedding of a beautiful couple who reside in California, but who came back to the Lowcountry for a stylish Southern affair. Megan and Alex had a beautiful and intimate wedding of only about 40 guests. The ceremony took place at Megan's Aunt's house on Stono Plantation in Hollywood, SC and then guests were transported to McCrady's in downtown Charleston for an intimate, candle-lit dinner with heartfelt toasts from family and friends. Photos were shot by Caleb of A Bryan Photo.

Blog Updates

Hi there, I'll be updating the blog more than I have in the past six months! I'm revamping my music player right now and can't wait to get back to blogging more!

Xoxo,

Sarah

Talk about a Christmas tree!

Ran across this AWESOME photo on Green Wedding Shoes and love this never-before-seen decor idea. Wow! This tree was covered in painted ornaments...how's that for time consuming?!

Photo: Green Wedding Shoes

Real Wedding: Alina & Nathan

Alina and Nathan's photos are up on CVI Photography's blog! This intimate 22-person affair took place at the hauntingly beautiful Confederate Home on Broad Street. SOCIAL had the best time designing this event from the large dining table and oversized patterned runner which was a modern twist on the shape and designs of the vintage plates Alina rented for her 3-course seated dinner. Way more photos CVI's blog!

Aisle Style Pics

SOCIAL Event Design & Planning was the design sponsor for the Aisle Style Opening Reception for the Charleston Museum's new exhibition. The party was really great and I have some amazing photos taken by my friend and owner of 120 Design, Christina Bailey!

Ashley Bakery did the cake, which was even more stunning in person and they also provided a variety of other desserts in the monochromatic color scheme of peach and gray (gray sugar crystals on the sugar cookies, cool!)

Other sponsors of the event included PDA Stage for lighting, Tiger Lily Florist for...flowers, Charleston Weddings Magazine, and relatively new and fabulous caterer, Newton Farms Catering.

At the last moment I was racking my brain for a simple garnish for the specialty cocktail, a peach bellini and I bought these sugared peach rings which fit perfectly on the rim of the glass!

Check out the exhibit at the Charleston Museum if you get a chance, the vintage dresses and trousseau items are so interesting!

Photos: 120 Design

Fashion Education

I highly doubt that brides of the 19th century were as concerned with color palettes and ice sculptures as the modern brides of today. Nevertheless, I’m sure that brides of the past were still very much concerned with style. The Charleston Museum has a special exhibit that highlights all things wedding from the past 150 years; starting with the bride's dress to groom's garments and even accessories. Not to mention all of your burning questions about wedding traditions will be exposed. Why was white so significant in choosing the gown or does blue really ensure great things for your wedding day?

This event's opening night is this Thursday, October 15, 2009 at 6pm to 8pm at The Charleston Museum at 360 Meeting Street. For more information, check out The Charleston Museum website at http://www.charlestonmuseum.org/aislestyle.html#about.

Shhhh, a real proposal will happen, don't miss it!

Musings of the Moment

Photos: Josh Goleman, A Bunch of Bliss

Bonjour Charleston Weddings

SOCIAL's most colorful and electric wedding design made it onto the pages of the beautiful Winter issue of Charleston Weddings Magazine! It's really exciting to see Kristin, Russell and their bold style shine through in their wedding photos (well, mostly Kristin's, but Russell was a good sport as long as there was Miller Lite involved)

photos: Jennifer Kemp, Charleston Weddings Magazine