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

January 4 2019

Virginia & Stephen | Magnolia Plantation & Gardens

Now, we’ve run our fair share of gorgeous weddings at Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, but we swear we think this wins the award for most gorgeous to date. It makes sense, though, considering...

January 3 2019

Top 10 Most Liked Instagram Posts of 2018

January 2 2019

Vera & Brien | The Gadsden House

On the heels of New Year’s we needed a classic wedding with black-tie panache to carry us through the rest of this holiday-wind-down week. Enter Vera and Brien’s dreamy day, lovingly designed by A...

December 31 2018

Annie & Matt | Boone Hall Plantation

We searched high and low for a wedding to close out the New Year, and what better pick than Annie and Matt, whose ceremony ended with the officiant (the bride’s brother-in-law, or in this case, we’re...

December 28 2018

Vendor of the Month: Bow Tied Weddings {Sponsored Post}

Here’s a little discussed fact: A great DJ can make (or break) a wedding. And the difference between a first dance that has everyone sighing and posting (instead of cringing) and a party that...

December 27 2018

Kristina & Michael | Engagement Session

Here’s the thing: Charleston’s in the tropics, more or less. And here in the jungle, it rains from time to time, which can put a damper on a portrait sesh out and about if you don’t plan well. The...

December 26 2018

Jesse & Will | Old Village Post House Inn

Ok, people. Yes, you’re gonna love Jesse and Will’s wedding photos (al fresco reception in the Old Village? Yes, please!). But their proposal story? It might even beat the pretty out for best in show...

December 21 2018

Lindsey & José | Middleton Place

Lindsey and José didn’t start off on the right foot (he didn’t do a double-take when he first met her at Boston College, so she gave him the same indifferent treatment, and sparks didn’t fly for...

Feature

Love It!

Pretty little things you never knew you needed

Feature

Indulging in Romance

Crystal Hardwick & Matthew Herring, June 16, 2012, The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island Golf Resort

Feature

Breezy Barefoot Nuptials

A Mount Pleasant pair say “I do”—or in the groom’s case, “Absolutely!”—along the Charleston Harbor shore

Feature

Great Escape

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

Feature

Get Schooled

Want to DIY your wedding day blooms? Check out hands-on classes like those from the Charleston Flower Workshop

Feature

Bulb Favors

Give the gift of growth with these simple favors, designed by Annie Mueller of A New Leaf Studio. Choose a flower that has special meaning to you and share it with friends and family

Feature

Kid-Friendly

Got children on your guest list? Keep them entertained—and self-contained—at rehearsal dinners, receptions, and more

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

Marriage Advice

New venues and the latest resources for Lowcountry brides

Feature

Cool Thinking

A Florida pair's florabundant summer wedding marries an outdoor garden-party feel with the cool comforts of an indoor venue

Feature

Rosy Times

Allison Clark & Matt Laughridge, October 30, 2010, The French Huguenot Church & Lowndes Grove Plantation

Feature

Sweater Weather

Feature

LEGENDS Romona Keveza: Spring 2015

Feature

At Home Down South

Romance rules at this sophisticated, shabby chic soirée

Feature

Gossip, Girl!

From new dress shops to chic stuff for your mom (and mom-in-law), and lipstick that’s so pretty you’ll pucker right up, here’s the latest in wedding style headlines