Written By Melissa Reardon
Photographs By Lucy Cuneo
A transplant from Virginia, Weston “Wes” McAfee vividly remembers the first time he saw his future bride-to-be. Charleston native Dana Elaine...
At a recent “Bliss & Bespoke” workshop for planners, Samantha Anderson of her eponymous design group, was tasked to define her dream wedding style via adjectives. “Romantic, elegant, clean, and classic,” were the bon mots that came to her. Following up on the exercise, she and colleague Lindsay Pope fashioned this Big Day in miniature to showcase those guidepost words come to life. Using rose gold as the mainstay, ice blue as a mellow complement hue, and a mix of artisanal elements—hammered metals, raw linen, pickled wood—they fashioned a setting that is at turns high-style and earthy. Another boon? This rose-gold infused look is scalable for lavish or pared-back affairs, both. Take a peek to see what might work for your nuptials, and check out Samantha’s great tips, too.
Mix metals.
“Rose gold has more pink undertones,” says Samantha, “while copper has more orange undertones.” Because the two are close cousins and vary according to the light (inside versus outside, for instance), mixing them gives a layered look.
Stick with a theme.
See the climbing roses on the gown's lace? A theme that includes your gown, palette, and setting exudes peace.
Make ’em melt.
Seal invitations with rose-gold wax. Order a state stamp like this one online. (We’re fans of BacktoZero.co.)
Get the look for less.
“If I were planning this tablescape on a tight budget,” says Samantha. “I would recommend ivory linens, distressed wooden chairs, loose greenery on table, and copper candle sticks with ivory tapers.” Your splurge? Rose gold flatware.
Rest easy.
A lounge like this works best closest to the dance floor, says Samantha, so foot-weary guests can relax. A brass cocktail table echoes the metallic accents elsewhere without being overly matchy.
Use metallics as accents.
A little of a shimmer hue goes a long way. Here, a bold stripe of rose gold is tempered by the pale blue fondant, while soft-petaled sugar flowers offset the straight lines of the cake.
Be pennywise.
In lieu of styled floral arrangements, Samantha suggests a less pricey alternative: seeded eucalyptus. Run it (or other greens) down the course of a table and you’ve got instant organic interest. Another tip? Hit up shops like TJ Maxx for décor you can later use in your newlywed home.
Vendors
Design: Samantha Anderson Events, www.facebook.com/samanthaandersonevents
Images: Lauren Jonas Photography, www.laurenjonas.com
Venue: Gadsden House http://www.gadsdenhouse.com
Florals: Duvall Events, www.duvallevents.com
Stylist: Candice Lorraine, www.oohevents.com/candice-broyles
Location: The Gadsden House, www.gadsdenhouse.com
Rentals: EventWorks (flatware, linen), www.eventworksrentals.com, Snyder Events (table, chairs, bench, dinnerware, glassware, lounge), www.snyderevents.com
Cake: ABCD Cakes, www.abcdcakes.com
Stationery: The Silver Starfish, www.thesilverstarfish.com
Gown: Stella York from Gown Boutique of Charleston, www.gownboutiqueofcharleston.com
Beauty: Pink Dot Beauty Bar, www.pinkdotbeautybar.com
Model: Taryn Berger, www.tarynberger.com
