TO THE RESCUE
Laura Pascazio had already been beautifying Charleston brides for nearly a decade before she launched Silhouette on Site in 2018, providing on-site makeup service. “About three years ago, I started noticing how many brides and bridal parties would ask what they should do for touch-ups later in the night,” says Laura. “I feel like the day of the wedding, there are a lot of things you don’t realize you need until the last minute.” What if I cry and my lashes come off? It was a question she’d hear regularly.
“We were giving away so much product for free, like lipsticks, lash glue.” In researching makeup kits, Laura quickly noticed that nothing existed to provide women something just for touch-ups, so she decided to do something about it. In July, she launched the SOS Makeup Kit, which includes 14 essential and cruelty-free cosmetic products meant for Big Day touch-ups. Items including green tea facial oil-absorbing paper, eyelashes and adhesive, and long-lasting lipsticks and stains in a variety of popular shades come in a custom-designed black clutch. “It’s a necessity brides don’t even know they need,” says Laura, noting it’s also a great tool for wedding-day coordinators.
sosmakeupkit.com
TAKE ME HIGHER
Sand, waves, and sunset over the Atlantic make a pretty incredible backdrop for Lowcountry “I dos.” But as of this spring, Sweetgrass Inn at Wild Dunes just upped the ante.
The Indigo Room & Rooftop is Charleston’s first rooftop ballroom, accommodating up to 200 guests between a 3,000-square-foot indoor event space and an adjoining 6,000-square-foot open-air terrace with endless ocean views—elevating the already epic beach wedding experience.
destinationhotels/wild-dunes
DESIGN YOUR OWN
In May, Charleston jewelry designer Missy Newsom, whose label is
J. Melissa Designs, launched her first bridal collection, featuring statement earrings and necklaces. The jewelry is intentionally lightweight for all-day wear, and the 24k gold-fill signature wrapping offers a lasting look. She also launched a “Custom Create” option for brides, where she works with them one-on-one to create a design that fits their taste and budget. “People love the custom experience,” says Missy, “especially if they want something unique or have sensitivities to certain metals, want adjustable jewelry, or coordinating pieces for bridesmaids.”
shopjmelissa.com
THE PERFECT FIT
Kelly Durrette found herself buying gowns for awards shows and only wearing them once. “With social media these days,” she says, “you have pictures taken in a dress, and then you don’t want to wear it again at another event.” She saw the appeal in renting. Though she’s also a last-minute person, so online apparel rental companies, which require advance planning and often over ordering to ensure the right fit, aren’t ideal. To have a place where you can go in, try it on, and have the option to rent or buy—“I thought it would be such a fun idea for Charleston, because we have so many weddings, parties, and things going on here,” she says.
The Showroom Charleston opened its King Street storefront in July, and carries everything from cocktail dresses to ball gowns, all of which can be rented or purchased. 478 King St.; 843/737-5811,
@theshowroomcharleston
NEW PARTY PLACE
In the 25 years since North Charleston’s Navy Base closed, the effort to restore the graceful turn-of-the-19th-century buildings has resulted in several wedding venues, some with accommodations, as well as a chapel. Early this year, the newest—and largest—venue opened in the 1905 former residence of Navy admirals. Fittingly dubbed
The Admiral’s House, the five-bedroom neo-classical manse allows for a capacity up to 200, with the added bonus of accommodating up to 10 overnight guests. Naval base liaison Lisa Reynolds says couples can decide their own vendors and points to more exciting developments to come. By the end of summer, Momo restaurant by Chef Justin Moore will have opened at Riverfront Park, offering opportunities for catering, and plans for more historic restorations are also in the works.
northcharleston.org/visitors/attractions/riverfront-park
