Modern Hues

Fall/Winter 2013

WRITER CREDIT:

PHOTOGRAPHER CREDIT:

Modern Hues | An early-autumn affair marries the best of both Vietnamese and Charleston wedding tradition

Charleston Wedding The Mighty Kicks wedding wedding cake Wedding Cakes by Jim Smeal Big Day Bridge Run Hannah Alexander weddings wine gown Paulo Geiss Wedding Rings WED

SNEAK PEEK: Guests were introduced to the bride's picks for the color palette—coral and navy—via the invitation stationery suite by Studio R.

FINISHING TOUCH: The groom's papaya-hued boutonnière popped against his gray suit, and the navy blue tie echoed the hue of the bridesmaid frocks.

DIY DETAILS: To cut costs, Linda crafted the ceremony programs and dinner menus herself. The bride printed programs on linen card stock from www.PaperAndMore.com and assembled them with coral grosgrain ribbon from a local craft store.

DAPPER DUDS: For the ceremony, Linda wore a Wtoo gown from Gown Boutique of Charleston; Vu sported a suit from Suitsupply.

ALL HANDS ON DECK: White hydrangeas (Linda’s favorite bloom) cooled off a floral and décor palette dominated with bright, bold hues.

PAST PRESENT: Linda and Vu changed from modern wedding wear into traditional Vietnamese áo dài garments in vivid silks.

CENTER OF ATTENTION: Blooms with varying textures and shapes in shades ranging from orange to peach accented simple clear glass hurricane vases to form sophisticated centerpieces.

TABLE TOPPERS: The bride requested the customary wedding palette also include coral and navy.

BRING IT ALL TOGETHER: An outdoor lounge tied together the wedding’s varied palette: yellow orchids harkened the event’s golden elements; coral pillows echoed its blooms.

FLORAL NOTES: Tall, branch-filled arrangements accented with white hydrangeas filled the airy reception space.

WORDS OF WISDOM: When Linda found herself overwhelmed by the wedding planning process, wise words from her husband-to-be helped: "While it is great to have a beautiful wedding, having a beautiful marriage is all that truly matters in the end."

SEEING RED: Red is a must-use color in many Asian celebrations, so table assignments were scripted on red craft paper.

BEST BUDS: Petite drop vases holding yellow orchids added golden touches to reception florals.

HAPPY DAY: Sara York Grimshaw tucked dainty, bold-hued blooms into glass vessels for cheery table décor.

THE TABLES ARE SET: Deep gold Chiavari chairs and round cocktail tables draped in navy linens from Snyder Event Rentals offered patio seating in keeping with the wedding's rich palette.

A PERFECT 10: The navy-printed menu featured 10 courses from Georgia’s Happy Valley Catering. “Food is very important in Vietnamese celebrations,” says Linda.

DIG IN: For one course, Happy Valley Catering served roasted quail.

KEEP 'EM COMING: Other reception dishes included baked lobster, pan-fried sea bass, shark fin soup, and rambutan.

NOVEL NOSH: On the reception fare, including the lightly battered crab claws pictured here, Linda says, "It was a fantastic surprise for our non-Vietnamese friends—they raved about the exotic food choices."

FLOWER POWER: Sara York Grimshaw Designs filled arrangements with hydrangeas, protea, tulips, dahlias, and orchids.

ABOVE AND BEYOND: Panels of coral fabric added color to the dance floor's clear-top tent, while a crystal chandelier provided an oh-so-elegant finishing touch.

COPY CAKE: Jim Smeal replicated the intricate lace detail from the corset of Linda's gown onto the towering confection, which alternated between amaretto- and lemon-coconut-flavored cake tiers.

Photographs by:

Marni Rothschild Pictures

Linda Nguyen & Vu Nguyen
September 22, 2012
Blessed Sacrament Church & Founders Hall at Charles Towne Landing

Vietnamese weddings incorporate the color red for good luck, but it seems like Vu Nguyen and Linda Nguyen specialized in good fortune long before their Big Day. Proof? They met at the 2007 Cooper River Bridge Run where Vu skinned his elbow after slipping on the slick pavement; his on-site medic turned out to be Linda, and after she tended his wounds, they began a courtship that led to a ceremony at Blessed Sacrament Church and reception at Founders Hall at Charles Towne Landing. The two pharmacists (who now live near Washington D.C.) returned to the birthplace of their relationship for a day rich with culture. Hannah Alexander of WED took classic Vietnamese celebratory colors like red and gold and added Linda’s modern picks of coral and navy to the mix. “Everything came together beautifully,” says Linda. “Our Vietnamese guests respected our traditional customs, while our non-Vietnamese guests appreciated being a part of a unique wedding experience.”

Vendor List

Bridal Gown: Wtoo by Watters, www.gownboutiqueofcharleston.com
Bridal Reception Gown: Tadashi Bridal, www.tadashishoji.com
Bridesmaid’s Attire: Carol Hannah, www.bellabridesmaid.com
Cake: Wedding Cakes by Jim Smeal, c http://www.bellabridesmaid.com
Caterer: Happy Valley Gourmet, (678) 218-0888
Ceremony Location: Blessed Sacrament, www.blsac.org
Draping: Loluma, www.loluma.com
Florist: Sara York Grimshaw Designs, www.sygdesigns.com
Hairstylist & Makeup Artist: Kelli Hoff, www.elysiumsalon.net
Lighting: TEC,www.te chnicaleventcompany.com
Music: The Mighty Kicks, www.themightykicks.com
Photography: Marni Rothschild, www.marnipictures.com
Reception Venue: Founders Hall at Charlestowne Landing, www.foundershallcharleston.com
Rentals: Snyder, www.snydereventrentals.com
Transportation: Charleston Black Cab Company, www.charlestonblackcabcompany.com
Wedding Design & Signage: Hannah Alexander, www.charlestonevent.com
Wedding Rings: Ritani through Paulo Geiss Jewelers,www.geissjewelers.com
Wine & Bar Service: www.snydereventrentals.com

The Wedding Row

April 21 2020

Liz & Patrick | The Gadsden House

A Globetrotting Courtship When Patrick (United Kingdom native) met Liz (Mizzouri born) in Atlanta, they hit it off … and then realized they only had a few weeks to get to know each other. Five...

April 15 2020

Dena & Drew | Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina

A Charleston Pup-Posal Dena moved to Charleston from New York City and Andrew (Drew) moved to Charleston from Columbia, South Carolina … then eHarmony worked its magic to bring the pair together....

April 14 2020

Meghan & Robert | The Gadsden House

Swipe Right On a Sunday afternoon in Michigan, Meghan downloaded Tinder … and there was Robert (Rob). “He was SO handsome, like movie-star handsome, and his profile was interesting and genuine,” she...

April 9 2020

Charleston Coronavirus | Our Wedding Community Gives Back

One of the blessings amidst the worry and tragedy of COVID-19 has been stories of everyday people serving their communities. The Lowcountry is filled with good-hearted helpers doing what they can....

April 8 2020

Kierstin & James | Lowndes Grove

Hello There James moved to Chicago from Ireland to experience life American-style; Kierstin had moved to Windy City from Atlanta to pursue her PhD in childhood special education. His roommate knew...

April 7 2020

Hayley & Collin | Middleton Place

The year: 2009. The setting: a high school homecoming dance in Columbus, Ohio. The cast: Hayley, a junior and Collin, a senior. The sparks: flew. That sweet start propelled today’s cuties into a 10-...

April 3 2020

Getting Married and Freaked About the Pandemic? Here’s Your COVID-19 Chill Pill

First, take a deep breath. Lisa Thomas, the guru behind Charleston, South Carolina’s Ooh! Events (an event goliath that’s part planning hub, part florist, part rental house, etc.) and owner of the...

March 31 2020

Pandemic Elopement Package Rescues Rescheduled Weddings

We can’t say it enough during these worry-filled days: a planner sure takes the worry off your wedding planning plate. Not only do they thrive in the middle of fast-paced crises, their fix-it selves...

Feature

Pretty Smart

Check out Open Door Shop, an urban (and urbane) registry boutique packed with curated pieces you’ll use day in and out

Feature

Clubbin' Downtown

A classic Charleston wedding on Church Street with a parade and party at the yacht club shares a bevy of clean, crisp ideas

Feature

Saving the Day - 4

Local event planners share their expertise on how to avoid or overcome wedding-day mishaps.

Feature

Portraits of a Lady

The last plantation house on the peninsula provides the perfect backdrop for portraits of a lady.

Feature

Earthly Delights

Megan Sones & Marty Clapton; June 17, 2006, Mingo Point, Kiawah Island Resort

Feature

Winning Looks

Stray off the beaten fashion path like these Lowcountry couples and their wedding parties

Feature

Hot and Cold

Julie Sonkin & Michael Belgraier, May 26, 2012, Runnymede Plantation

Feature

Pull It Together

Got a lot of ideas to tie into one day? Here’s how Southern Protocol is making things stylish and tidy for one lucky couple

Feature

Simply Perfect

From a welcome party aboard The Carolina Girl to the send-off with Callie’s Hot Little Biscuits, the mother of the bride planned a flawless wedding weekend