Sew Stylish



PHOTOGRAPHER CREDIT: 
Sew Stylish | Celeste Rose & Joshua Pratt; December 21, 2008, The William Aiken House
Celeste Rose is a crafty woman. When she and fiancé Joshua Pratt were engaged, they embarked on a long-distance planning fest (she from Arkansas, he from Texas). They chose Charleston after vacationing here and decided that the romantic location suited their far-flung family conundrum. Once they settled on the Holy City, Celeste, who loves to sew, got busy. Even though keeping overall expenses in check was a definite priority, “I knew I would not compromise on carefree, handmade elegance,” Celeste says. Her advice? “Even if you aren’t a Martha, finding a few parts to do yourself goes a long way,” she says. “And ask your creative friends and family how they might help, too. Doesn’t everyone love helping with a wedding?” she grins.

Cost-Saving Tips

The Location

Booking the William Aiken House during December meant a lower, off-season rate.

The Fashion

Hair & Makeup: Celeste had a friend do her hair and makeup.
Barrettes & Boutonnieres: Using vintage fabric and feathers, Celeste made a hairpiece for herself and boutonnieres for the groomsmen.

The Details

Décor: The couple hired Luke Wilson Special Events to oversee the day-of event coordination, florals, and rentals, but otherwise opted to minimally decorate the already ornate home.
Linens: Celeste sewed table runners that matched the bridesmaids dresses.
The Groom’s Cake: Joshua’s grandmother baked the groom’s cake.
Welcome Bags: In lieu of favors, guests (most of whom were from out of town) received bags with homemade spiced nuts and preserves, San Pellegrino, and Charleston “trolley” route maps.
Accessories: Hurricane lamps, candles, and the getaway car were borrowed from friends.

Photographs by Jess Terry (3) & Amanda Moore

The Wedding Row

July 16 2019
The Wedding Row: So, tell us how it all began.  Meaghen: We met at Fisher College back in 2005. It was my second semester and Brett had just transferred in. He frequented the house parties my...

July 15 2019
Back in high school, Brian stood at the top of his football field’s bleachers and screamed into a megaphone while holding a 10- foot sign. All in the hopes that this cute cheerleader named Lindsey...

July 12 2019
A mutual friend and a 90s cover band are to thank for uniting Kristen and Shane back in 2016. The two, while listening to some live tunes, were introduced and it seems they have never looked back....

July 11 2019
A week before Mary Lake was to depart for her freshman year at Clemson University, a mutual friend introduced her to Tyler, a fellow Charleston-ian, and a fellow incoming Tiger. Having written off...

July 10 2019
These two Terps Alumni (that’s the University of Maryland, for those fans only familiar with the SEC) Natalie and Will dated for six whopping years before getting engaged. Over their stint of time as...

July 9 2019
You’re now welcome to board the love story that is Anne-Kyle & Drew. Now, this first sentence may not make sense at the moment but trust us, the meaning will hit you in just a second. These two...

July 8 2019
It’s not like we needed it (we already live on the surface of the sun), but this wedding warms our hearts up to the highest degree. Megan and Chase exchanged their vows last fall at the Gadsden House...

July 2 2019
Claire and Jay are one of those couples that we just want to be friends with. They exude cool and have that “it” factor that makes you love them instantly (even though we have never met them). But...