Autumn's Splendor

Fall/Winter 2013

WRITER CREDIT:

PHOTOGRAPHER CREDIT:

Autumn's Splendor | A native son returns home to wed his beloved alongside the Ashley River

Charleston Wedding The Maxx JoS. A. Bank wedding wedding cake Wedding Cakes by Jim Smeal White calligraphy wine gown JCrew Lettered Olive lulakate PDA runnymede Tristan

TURNING SIGNAL: Runnymede is tucked away off winding Highway 61, so Lettered Olive fashioned a custom sign to show guests were to turn in.

TOP IT OFF: Because the couple exchanged vows during a traditional Jewish ceremony, male guests were offered yarmulkes.

WHITE OUT: Jessica’s bridal bouquet by Tara Guérard Soirée featured pristine white peonies, roses, and anemones.

KEEP IT SIMPLE: A single, showpiece dahlia tied with ribbon can make a stunning boutonniere.

MAMA'S BOY: Jeff walked his mother, noted Charleston philanthropist Anita Zucker, down the aisle to her seat.

TRUE BLUE: Bridesmaids sported cheery blue LulaKate frocks.

PATTERN PLAY: Charleston-based stationer Lettered Olive created the couple’s monogram, invitations, and signage.

FANCY AFFAIR: To suit the occasion, hour, and season, guests donned formal wear.

GREEN DAY: Glossy magnolia leaves blanketed the altar space to create planner Tara Guérard’s favorite chuppah to date, she says. Magnolia branches planted in iron urns marked the aisle.

TWICE AS NICE: Jessica wore Amy Kuschel from Gown Boutique of Charleston, while Jeff sported Jos. A. Bank. Tara Guérard embroidered the bridal bouquet’s silk wrap with the couple’s initials.

PERFECT PENMANSHIP: Elizabeth Porcher Jones Calligraphy penned tags like this well-wish one, and seat assignments for each guests, too, all in the same blue that ran throughout the entire event.

WHET YOUR WHISTLE: Crisp lemon drinks were offered to guests as it was still relatively warm before the sun set.

SPOON FED: Tristan, the notable downtown restaurant, catered the evening with gourmet treats.

SILVER PLATE: China rimmed in platinum and navy further dressed the night in the wedding's colors.

ON A LIMB: Guests found their table assignments on hand-lettered cards tied to tree branches.

WATER VIEW: Outdoor lounges created intimate gathering areas; here, bridal party bouquets doubled as floral arrangements when artfully placed atop a coffee table.

MADE IN THE SHADE: Butler cards sprouted from a tree that sported its own canopy.

LIGHT IT UP: A mod light fixture brightened the tent with its ruched ceiling fashioned from patterned fabric.

SOFT SPOKEN: Candlelight gave a garden feel to the outdoor dining hall.

TABLE TALK: Gray suede tablecloths gave a sense of warmth to the chilly night, while gold and silver accents added a hint of sparkle.

TONE ON TONE: Wedding Cakes by Jim Smeal replicated the monogram and invitation pattern in ivory buttercream on an immaculate cake before adding fresh garden roses for accents.

GLOW TIME: “We loved the patio under the trees with its beautiful white couches and strings of lights and lanterns,” Jessica says.

GIFTED: Grits—a novelty for guests from "Off" and a favorite for locals, too—were offered as favors.

LAYABOUT: Lounges took on a sultry vibe as the sun set and candlelight took over.

THE LUCKY ONES: Jessica and Jeff exited in style, leaving their guests with one final message: Mazel Tov!

Jessica Gerrick & Jeffrey Zucker
October 21, 2012
Runnymede Plantation

When Chicago resident Jeffrey (Jeff) Zucker told his girlfriend Jessica Gerrick that he had a surprise for her, she thought little of it; after more than a year together, she was used to his adventures. But this outing was a little different: Jeff picked Jessica up early in the morning, took her to her favorite spot in the city (the iconic Buckingham Fountain), and then got down on one knee to ask her to be his wife.

Though the bride was raised in Fort Worth, Texas, they decided to marry in Jeff’s hometown of Charleston at Runnymede Plantation. “It seemed absolutely perfect,” Jessica says of the Ashley River spot. For the details, they turned to event guru Tara Guérard, who had designed Jeff’s sister’s wedding in 2006. As for the Windy City couple’s wedding, “We pictured a brisk fall night on the water,” says Jessica, “under the old oak trees, surrounded by our loved ones, and celebrating the best day of our lives.”

The pair chose classic navy and white as their leading colors, then accented those with shades of peach, gray, and forest green, pulling from the natural palette of the surroundings—Spanish moss, salt marshes, and plantation ruins. When the day arrived, guests warmed themselves with offerings from a cocktail-hour soup station. By nightfall, candles, chandeliers, and cozy sitting areas added an intimate feel to the affair, despite the guest count of 400.

“I would give anything to do it all over again,” says Jessica. “It really is the only day in your life where everyone you love is
celebrating your happiness.”

Vendor List

Baker: Wedding Cakes by Jim Smeal, www.weddingcakesbyjimsmeal.com
Bridal Gown: Amy Kuschel, www.gownboutiqueofcharleston.com
Bridesmaid Attire: LulaKate, www.lulakate.com
Caterer: Tristan, www.tristandining.com
Flower Girls: J. Crew, www.jcrew.com
Groom, Groomsmen, and Ringbearer’s Attire: Jos. A. Bank, www.josbank.com
Makeup Artists: Leslie Moore of Moore Makeup (www.mooremakeup.com) and Kori Mahoney
Musicians: Charleston Heartstrings Quartet (ceremony); Steven Fiore Trio (cocktail hour); The Maxx (reception), www.eastcoastentertainment.com
Photographer: Orange Slice Productions, www.squirefox.com
Rentals: Snyder (event rentals), www.snydereventrentals.com; PDA (generator, lighting and sound), www.pdastage.com
Wedding Designer, Florist: Tara Guérard Soirée, www.taraguerardsoiree.com
Signage: Lettered Olive (www.theletteredolive.com)and Elizabeth Porcher Jones Calligraphy (www.elizabethporcherjones.com)
Stationery: Lettered Olive, www.theletteredolive.com
Venue: Runnymede Plantation (www.eventsatrunnymede.com)
Video: Artistic Eye Productions; www.artisticeyeproductions.com)
Wine and Bar Service: Spike Bar,www.snydereventrentals.com

The Wedding Row

March 14 2019

Jaye & John | Historic Rice Mill

Jaye and John fell for each other when both were students at the College of Charleston. Soon after they began dating, the pair headed to Savannah for a short trip and dinner at The Olde Pink House,...

March 13 2019

Emilie & Brian | Lowndes Grove Plantation

“My incredibly witty introduction goes here.” With that one liner, sent to Emilie over Match.com, Brian caught her attention, made her laugh and set off the relationship that led to this gorgeous Big...

March 12 2019

Styled Shoot | Hampton Park

Elopements keep cropping up with good reason here: not only can wedding venues be hard to come by in Charleston these days (especially during weekends and on short notice), but also can you blame a...

March 11 2019

Haylee & Charlie | Boone Hall Plantation

Houston, Texas, natives Haylee and Charlie have known each other since childhood; their families have been friends for years, and the two were even on the same swim team when they were eight years...

March 8 2019

Kristen & Morgan | Lowndes Grove Plantation

Kristen didn’t know many people in Charleston when she moved here for a three-month rotation during medical school. Neither did Morgan, who had recently moved here to begin his residency at the...

March 7 2019

January’s Top Five Instagram Posts

We welcomed in the New Year in a big way with these photos that popped up on our feeds. Two of them aren’t only among our most-liked ‘grams of the month, but are also among our most liked. Of. All....

March 6 2019

Abigail & Grant | Engagement Session

Here’s some good news for anyone struggling with that pesky mid-week slump: Your future hubby may be sitting next to you … at this very moment. At least, that was how it went for Abigail and Grant....

March 5 2019

McKenzie & Ryan | Lowndes Grove Plantation

McKenzie and Ryan met during their junior year at the University of Toledo in northwest Ohio, when she moved in across the street from him. She already knew of a few of his roommates, who invited her...

Feature

Great Escape

Ooh! Events and Tusk Events team up to show you how chic a teepee lounge can be

Feature

A Cut Above

Decorate your Big Day with storied (and snipped) art forms

Feature

Pretty in Pink

Connor Timmins & Justine Black September 5, 2015 / Legare Waring House

Feature

In the Moment

Picturesque Palmetto Bluff played host to a multiday celebration of love

Feature

Lace Me Up

Layers, tiers, and new patterns—oh my! Designers embrace the old-world material in myriad forms for modern looks

Feature

Storybook Romance

Following an oh-so sweet courtship, this Brooklyn pair heads south to wed along the banks of the Ashley River

Feature

Lowcountry Sparkle

Feature

Name Your Pleasure

A host of trends hit the Charleston Weddings Spring Bridal Show catwalk

Feature

Easy Does It

Mary and Alejandro invite you to their castaway wedding on the ever-rustic Goat Island, where the only way in or out is by boat

Feature

Justin Alexander: Spring 2015

Feature

House Party

Nancy Germain & Bob Creed; March 7, 2009, Family Home on Sullivan’s Island

Feature

Shop the Latest Looks in Bridal Gowns

Charleston bridal boutique experts present their favorite new wedding dresses

Feature

Saved by the Belles

Spring and summer weddings carry their own threat of disasters but leave it to Charleston pros to save you from a scary scene

Feature

Tea Party

Jackie Hall & Tyler Robinson; July 11, 2009, Charleston Tea Plantation, Wadmalaw Island

Feature

Strike Gold

Love a bold hue like gold? Work it into your wedding in unexpected ways and temper it with anchor colors

Feature

Your Day, Your Way

One of the Lowcountry’s most iconic venues might be known for massive weddings, but see how they are throwing open their storied gates for microweddings and elopements