praise and press Archives | Wedding Planner Hilton Head, Savannah, Charleston

Rose Hill Wedding Featured in The Knot Carolinas

I am thrilled to share this beautiful feature of Madeline and Joe’s wedding in the latest The Knot Carolinas 2016 spring/summer issue.

Our bride’s vision was clear from the very first time we met. She wanted to incorporate coastal chic style into a setting that was truly represented by the South. This venue had everything you would expect from the palmetto state: history, moss draped oaks, a long winding gravel driveway, and a home that dates back to the 1800’s.

This wedding had so many beautiful details, which were all captured by Scott and Melissa Hopkins of Hopkins Studios. To see more images from Madeline and Joe’s wedding, click here. To see the inspiration board for their design, click here. Their bar was one of my faves!

Embellished Events | Jen Leiti
Boutique Wedding Planning & Design
Serving Hilton Head, Savannah, Beaufort and Charleston, SC
(843) 757-7762
Hello@EmbellishedWeddings.com

How to Really Thank Your Wedding Planner

Let me be brutally honest here. Being a wedding planner is HARD WORK, both emotionally and physically. We cry. We laugh. We lose sleep. We cry some more, this time tears of joy. On wedding days, we sweat through multiple outfits while dropping linens, tying bows, moving tables and easily clocking in over 20k steps in a short period of time. We come home with battle wounds and bruises. We experience our version of a wedding “hangover” that impairs our ability to do anything physical the next day.

And we would go through it all over again for you in a heartbeat.

The rewards of our “job” as a wedding planner far outweigh the aches and pains we experience along the way. Seeing your vision come to fruition and the sheer joy on your faces throughout the journey is what keeps us coming back for more. While we do get paid to do this, I find the greatest payout is receiving love mail like this in our mailbox and inbox from clients.

If you want to know the best way to thank your planner and other wedding vendors, I’ll let you in on a little secret…one that has sadly become a lost art form. Putting your pen to paper and expressing your sincere gratitude in a good old fashioned thank you note.

Thank you Kara and Ashley for sharing your kind words with me this week. I’ll hold onto these beautiful notes forever.

From Kara and Phil, married May 30th, 2015 at Colleton River Plantation Club

From Ashley and Gavin (i.e. The Pittsburgh Newlyweds), married October 17th at Haig Point

Another way to thank your wedding vendors is by writing a positive review on resourceful websites like The Knot, Wedding Wire, Google, etc.

Hilton Head, Savannah and Charleston are a hot spot for destination weddings. New brides often refer to these websites when considering who they’ll use for wedding planning, photography, floral, ceremony and reception venues, etc. Reading reviews is a valuable tool for a bride planning her destination wedding because it provides insight on how well that particular vendor works with their clients and the quality of products they deliver.

Review by Ashley and Gavin, posted to Wedding Wire and The Knot

Embellished Events | Jen Leiti
Wedding Planner & Coordinator + Luxury Design Services
Serving Hilton Head, Savannah, Beaufort and Charleston, SC
(843) 757-7762
Hello@EmbellishedWeddings.com

Wedding Ceremony in Historic Charleston Churches

Voted #1 city by Conde Nast Traveler multiple years in a row, Charleston, SC is one of the most beautiful and most visited cities in the United States. With sweeping views of water, stunning antique architecture, and a rich historical heritage, the city is home to some of the most beautiful wedding venues for ceremonies and receptions in the country.

Some of the most prominent architecture in Charleston are the churches, which line the brick-laid streets that have been here for hundreds of years. Charleston offers over 20 different churches of different denominations to match your religious background and dream setting you’ve always wanted for your wedding ceremony.

If you’re planning a destination wedding in Charleston, SC and looking to exchange vows inside a church, we’ve compiled a list of those located in the historic district that welcome non-members for their wedding ceremony.

First Baptist Church of Charleston

First Baptist Church is located in the heart of Charleston on Meeting Street. This large white church that had its first congregation in 1662 is open to nonmembers and is a much sought after venue for Christian wedding ceremonies.

The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist

Although this church was opened in 2010, it was built with the historic, gothic architecture true to centuries ago. Available to nonmembers but is in such high demand there is at least a 6-month notice required!

Second Presbyterian Church

Located on lower Meeting Street and opened in 1811, Second Presbyterian is open to nonmember and even offers a smaller chapel adjacent to the larger worship area for smaller, more intimate ceremonies.

Here is a complete list of Charleston area churches, courtesy of Charleston Wedding Guide:

African Methodist Episcopal
Mt. Zion AME Church – 843.722.8118
Nichols Chapel AME Church – 843.577.7366

Baptist
First Baptist Church – 843.722.3896
First Baptist Mt. Pleasant – 843.884.8521
Friendship Baptist Church – 843.744.9935
Grace on the Ashley – 843.556.6802

Catholic
Charleston Anglican Catholic – 843.763.8873
The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist – 843.724.8395
St. Mary of the Annunciation Catholic Church – 843.722.7696
Sacred Heart Church – 843.722.7018

Episcopal
Cathedral Church of St. Luke & St. Paul – 843.722.7345
Grace Episcopal Church – 843.723.4575
St. James Episcopal – 843.795.1623
St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church – 843.723.8818

French Huguenot
The French Protestant (Huguenot) Church – 843.722.4385

Jewish
Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim – 843.723.7324
Birth Sholom Beth Israel – 843.577.6599

Lutheran
Martin Luther Lutheran Church – 843.795.4855
St. Johannes Lutheran Church – 843.722.8906
St. John’s Lutheran – 843.723.2426
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church – 843.884.3107

Nondenominational
Church Purchased with His Blood – 843.556.0029

Presbyterian
First Scots Presbyterian – 843.722.8882
Redeemer Presbyterian – 843.724.1164
The Second Presbyterian Church – 843.723.9237

Unitarian
The Unitarian Church in Charleston – 843.723.4617

United Methodist
Asbury-St. James United Methodist Church – 843.722.2826
Bethel United Methodist Church – 843.723.4587
Cherokee Place United Methodist Church – 843.747.9697
North Charleston United Methodist Church – 843.744.6669
Trinity United Methodist Church – 843.722.8449

Embellished Events | Jen Leiti
Wedding Planner & Coordinator + Luxury Design Services
Serving Hilton Head, Savannah, Beaufort and Charleston, SC
(843) 757-7762
Hello@EmbellishedWeddings.com

Wedding Dress Shopping – A Little Girl’s Dream

Every little girl dreams about her wedding day and this weekend, those dreams started for my 3 year old daughter. We were wedding dress shopping for my sister-in-law and this little cutie wanted to tag along for the fun. As my sis came out of the dressing room in the most amazing gowns, my sweet girl’s face lit up as if she were meeting her favorite Disney princess for the first time. My sis stood in front of the mirror admiring the intricate details of each dress while baby bug slowly and carefully circled her in sheer delight and amazement.

As we got through a few dresses, my little darling finally did what I expected any little girl to do – she asked me if she could try one on. It was in that moment that I knew her wedding dreams had begun. I explained to her how special one’s wedding day is and assured her that one day (in many many years!) she too will find her prince charming and get to wear one of these beautiful ivory gowns to her very own ball.

Embellished Events
Boutique Wedding Planner + Luxury Design Services
Serving Hilton Head, Savannah, Beaufort and Charleston
(843) 757-7762
Hello@EmbellishedWeddings.com

The Beauty of Live Wedding Painters

Photography and videography are the go-to ways to capture all of the special moments from your wedding day. In addition, social media has taken on an increasingly important role in capturing the experience…guests taking “selfies” at the reception, the photo of the bride as she passes your seat walking down the aisle, that tender moment between the newlyweds when they thought no one was around. But most of these “captured moments” sit in the digital world or in a photobook on your coffee table. Why not translate these memories artfully on your wall as a daily reminder of that special day?

Low and behold, we introduce to you the art of painting the moment. A unique experience and emerging trend, artists are popping up at weddings to paint a bride and groom’s most treasured moment, whether it may be the first dance, the first kiss, or the first look. In the Lowcountry, we have a handful of local and incredibly talented artists who love to do just that.

Meet Teil Duncan

Teil Duncan, a native of Columbus, Georgia who now resides in Charleston, South Carolina is inspired by social interaction (amongst other things!), according to her website teilduncan.com. On Instagram (@teilduncanart), we caught her doing just that. Teil was snapped painting a scene from a bride and groom’s first dance! Hair up, apron on, Teil means business as she is seen artfully capturing that intimate moment…one the couple is sure to hang on their wall with love, pride, and adoration for all to see in the years to come. Teil’s website not only offers information on commissioning one of these memorable paintings, but also proves she is an artful influence on others! Check it out!

Meet Ben Keys

Ben Keys, with Wed On Canvas, also resides in Charleston, South Carolina but keeps his studio based in Wilmington, North Carolina. As quoted on his website, “A live event painting not only adds an entertaining and unique touch to your wedding day, but is also a gift to be treasured for generations.” We couldn’t agree more! Even though he is based in the Lowcountry, Ben’s website boasts a wonderful gallery showcasing a well traveled man, painting special moments, up and down the east coast! Here are a couple of our favorite pieces from Ben:

Meet Laura Welch

Laura Welch of Artistic I Weddings is yet another talented live wedding artist in the area. While she is based out of Charleston, SC, Laura loves to travel throughout the Lowcountry. She recently worked with us on a wedding in May and painted the scene from our bride and groom’s first dance. Laura is professional, friendly and easy to work with and we can speak from experience! Here are some of our favorites from Laura:

If you’re still having trouble thinking of the perfect gift to surprise your bride or groom-to-be with on your wedding day, hiring a live wedding artist is the way to go. It’s clever and unexpected and is something you’ll both cherish for the rest of your lives.

If you are looking for that trend-setting, one-of-a-kind, unique, engaging, memorable, and artful moment, consider commissioning a live wedding painter for your big day!

xoxo
Jen

Embellished Events
Luxury Wedding Design and Planning :: Serving Hilton Head, Savannah and Beaufort
Phone: (843) 757-7762
Email: Hello@EmbellishedWeddings.com

5 Tips for Wedding Dress Shopping With The Bride

Let’s go, ladies! Tamra of The Real Housewives of Orange County, led the group as she went wedding dress shopping with her mother and maids of honor

For most brides, wedding dress shopping is one of the most important and most emotional decisions a bride can make. For this reason, a bride typically selects those closest to her to accompany her while shopping. However, Brides.com warns, “you don’t want too many cooks in the kitchen—the more opinions in the room, the more opinions you’ll get.” Here are 5 tips to keep in mind as an invitee of the bride-to-be while she finds the dress of her dreams.

Choose something that fits her personality, not yours – Guests that are invited to go dress shopping are just as excited as the bride-to-be. But you must keep in mind her style, her personality, and her vision. If the bride-to-be is a southern belle and you are an edgy city gal, consider selecting something for her that has lace versus a more structured, modern style. Remember, it is her dress, not yours!
She’s looking to you for support – She chose you for a reason. She values your support and opinion, but be careful not to be too opinionated. Your facial expressions and choice of words can either be her deciding factor or a dream crusher. Support her in the dresses she likes, even if you don’t particularly care for the style.
Bring along something old, borrowed, or blue– According to the 2012 American Wedding Study, 86% of brides wear something old, new, borrowed, and blue. As most brides think of their wedding dress as their “new”, consider bringing along something old, borrowed or blue to the dress appointment as a surprise. Not only will it help the bride envision the entire package, the sentimental value alone is priceless.
If the dress is slightly over her budget, consider chipping in – Most brides go shopping with a specific budget in mind. However, a dress might strike her fancy that is above her budget. If you’re a bridesmaid, friend, or family member along for the appointment, discuss with the others about chipping in toward her wedding dress instead of buying a wedding gift. Most brides won’t expect this, and it would make for a wonderful, emotional gesture.
If she has tears in her eyes, she’s in love – Wedding dress shopping is always emotional. But when the real tears come streaming down the bride-to-be’s face, you know that she has found “the dress” and that she has never felt more of a bride than in that instant. So, when you see those tears of joy, be sure to embrace her in that special moment.