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

February 20 2019
The Wedding Row: Tell us about how you met. Rachel: It was in Nashville, and Shaun was there on weekend trip for a University of Georgia-Vandy football game. I was there on a whim, on an impromptu...

February 19 2019
Ryan and Paxton chose Charleston for their engagement photos because the city holds a special place in the heart—if he hadn’t been a Citadel cadet, the two may never have met. Here’s how they came to...

February 18 2019
Allison and Josh met at a two-stepping bar, so we would expect nothing less than a seriously Southern wedding from the two, and as you can tell from the photos, they did not disappoint. After Josh...

February 15 2019
North Carolina natives Taylor and Bennett met when the two were sophomores at N.C. State. Five years after they had become an item, they were in Manhattan where, says Bennett, “The ring was burning a...

February 14 2019
After going to the same high school in Spring Lake, New Jersey, Carly and Chris’s paths finally intersected long after graduation at a mutual friend’s house. “Late nights drinking and playing games...

February 13 2019
Trust us when we say that you won’t find a more low-key pair than these two. Nashville, Tennessee couple Emily and Daniel wanted an intimate, family-only wedding for their Big Day, and they chose to...

February 12 2019
OK, prepare yourselves—this is a sweet one. It began when Stephanie was working at the front desk of a chiropractor’s office in the Philadelphia area, one that Bryan’s father frequented. Bryan’s dad...

February 11 2019
You really can’t beat Charleston’s sunset views over the water, and Katie and Zane’s nuptials at Harborside East took full advantage of just that with the gorgeous harbor as their backdrop. The...