Autumn's Splendor

Fall/Winter 2013

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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

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