As the COVID-19 pandemic spreads, the majority of us are anxious and overwhelmed. And when you’re engulfed in worry, you often dig further and further down that hole and forget to take in the beauty...
Charles Baumbach & Blake Bush
November 3, 2018 / The Gadsden House
“I had been dreaming up our wedding ever since I met Charles,” says Blake, who bumped into her now-husband at the College of Charleston. Add to those years of dreaming her career (she’s a planner with Pure Luxe Bride) and she says coaxing this Big Day at the Gadsden House to life was a breeze. “While I love pulling together weddings that have bold palettes and trendy elements, I didn’t want to look back years from now and have regrets,” says Blake. So she stuck with a classic garden party style (complete with overflowing florals in planters) but added subtle, on-trend elements, too, like vellum in the paper suite; a custom monogram; and velvet ribbons in the bouquets, for the groom’s tux, and via select linens. Still, it wasn’t a one-woman show. “If I was having a hard time making a decision,” she says, “I would present two options to Charles, and let him decide.” Sounds like the right recipe for any day!
WHAT THEY RECOMMEND
• Share your dreams.
The bride hoped for peonies, but given they were out of season during her wedding, it was a long shot. Her florist special ordered them as a surprise.
• Let guests serve themselves.
Guests took champagne from serve-yourself shelves. (Drinks were poured just before the cocktail hour.)
• Think in circles.
The rounded bar was a space saver and its pattern mirrored the chair backs and other elements of the day.
• Show off your family’s talent.
The bride’s aunt made monogrammed pillows and linens that the couple now use in their home.
Vendors
Wedding design, planning: Pure Luxe Bride, www.pureluxebride.com
Day-of coordination: Sweetgrass Social, www.sweetgrasssocial.com
Images: Aaron & Jillian Photography, www.aaronandjillian.com
Venue, bar: The Gadsden House, King Street Hospitality Group, www.kingstreethospitalitygroup.com
Catering: Mosaic catering + events, www.mosaiccateringevents.com
Cake: Sablée, www.shopsablee.com
Florist: Petaloso, www.wearepetaloso.com
Rentals: EventWorks, www.eventworksrentals.com ; 428 Main (lounge), www.428main.com ; Ooh! Events (specialty items, lighting), www.oohevents.com
Linens: Nüage Designs, www.nuagedesigns.com
Paper suite: Whimsy B. Paperie, www.whimsyb.com
Calligraphy: J.Lily Design, www.jlilydesign.com
Monogram: Abigail J Studio, www.abigailjstudio.com
Music: Bob Williams Duo (ceremony), www.charlestonduo.com ; Charleston Groove Factory (reception), www.charlestongroovefactory.com
Dancefloor decal: Charleston Wrap, www.charlestonwrap.com
Painting: Wed on Canvas, www.wedoncanvas.com
Bride’s attire: Calla Blanche from Verità. A Bridal Boutique (gown) www.veritabridal.com ; Emma Katzka Bridal (hair accessory) www.emmakatzka.com
Bridesmaids’ attire: Amsale, Adriana Papell, Hayley Paige Occasions, all through Bella Bridesmaids Charleston, www.bellabridesmaids.com
Beauty: Ash and Co., www.ashandcobridalhair.com
Groom’s attire: The Black Tux (suit), www.theblacktux.com ; Brackish Bow Ties (bow tie) www.brackishbowties.com
Getaway vehicle: Charleston Style Limo, www.charlestonstylelimo.com
Video: Film Anywhere Productions, www.filmanywhereproductions.com
