Culture Crush in Charleston



WRITER CREDIT: 
PHOTOGRAPHER CREDIT: 
Culture Crush in Charleston | This couple chased their Greek Orthodox wedding with a Mariachi band ... and more!
ANDREI OPRISAN & JAZMIN MUÑOZ
 
September 1, 2018 / Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Trinity & the Governor Thomas Bennett House
 
Jazmin and Andrei might have met in Boston—where they still live—but choosing Charleston as the place for them to say “I do” was like coming home for the groom. (Andrei’s family moved from Romania to New Orleans and then to the Lowcountry when Hurricane Katrina forced them to evacuate.) With his family being members of the Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Trinity here, only the reception venue was in question. “We chose the Governor Thomas Bennett House because it felt like a plantation mansion with the comforts and accessibility of the city,” says Jazmin of their downtown pick.
 
Her other requirements? “Elegant, intimate, and ... Mexican!” says the Jazmin, whose family originated from Jalisco, Mexico, where mariachi began. “A wedding without mariachi is considered blasphemous according to Mexican tradition,” she laughs. Returning to one’s roots—all of them—has never looked so stylish.
 
What They Recommend
 
• Huddle up. Taking advantage of their small guest list, Jazmin and Andrei joined all 55 attendees for dinner at one long table. (The wedding party was seated toward the middle.)
• Keep it cool. All-white florals, gauzy white draping, and icy acrylic touches impart a welcome, cooling aesthetic that helps offset potentially high temps.
• Go big with blooms. From hydrangea heads to lilies and orchids, clustering large like flowers made for a bold, clean look.
• Honor your families. Aside from swapping vows in the groom’s family’s church and inviting a mariachi band to perform, Andrei’s mother also baked traditional Romanian cozonac bread for guests to take home. as favors.
 
Vendors
 
Design: Intrigue Design & Events, www.get-intrigued.com
Images: Aaron & Jillian Photography, www.aaronandjillian.com
Florals, drapery, lighting: Loluma, www.loluma.com
Venues: Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Trinity (ceremony), www gocharleston.org; Governor Thomas Bennett House (reception), www.governorthomasbennetthouse.com
Rentals: Ooh! Events, www.oohevents.com
Catering, wine and bar service: Cru Catering, www.crucatering.com
Cake: Delicious Desserts, www.verydeliciousdesserts.com
Paper goods: Minted (invitations), www.minted.com; Katie Janey Design (calligraphy and signage)
Bride’s attire: Ines di Santo (gown), www.inesdisanto.com; Paris by Debra Moreland (hair accessory), www.paristiaras.com; Manolo Blahnik (shoes), www.manoloblahnik.com
Beauty: Lashes & Lace, www.lashesandlacecharleston.com
Groom’s attire: Alan David Custom (suit), www.alandavid.com; Gucci (shoes), www.gucci.com
Dog’s tuxedo harness: Olivia’s Doggies Design on Etsy, www.etsy.com/shop/OliviasDoggieDesigns
Music: Mariachi Amigoz (mariachi band), www.mariachiamigoz.com; DJ Rehab (reception), www.djrehab.net
Transportation: Charleston Style Limo, www.charlestonstylelimo.com; Charleston Rickshaw (getaway vehicle), www.charlestonrickshaw.com