Tons of Texture

Spring/Summer 2013

WRITER CREDIT:

PHOTOGRAPHER CREDIT:

Tons of Texture | Sara Jacoby & Dominick Maggio, April 21, 2012, Lowndes Grove Plantation

Charleston Wedding The Maxx Snyder Event Rentals Lowndes Grove Plantation Flowers Fish Inc Lettered Olive Lowndes Grove Monique Lhuillier

A MOD MATCH: “We both knew early on we had something special,” says Sara, who wore an Amsale gown. Dominick donned a Tom Ford tux.

QUITE THE HANDFUL: Bridesmaids carried white ranunculus, cream-colored spray roses, and ivory peonies accented with lamb’s ears and Dusty Miller.

A SOFT TOUCH: Tara Guérard Soirée combined spray roses, light pink peonies, Dusty Miller, and orchids for Sara’s textured, elegant bunch. The bride’s stitched initials lent a subtle something blue to her look.

WITH THIS RING: The couple exchanged vows beneath an altar of sheer fabric and fresh flower garlands. Sara’s uncle officiated the ceremony. “Even with no experience, we knew he would do an amazing job,” says Sara.

SETTLE IN: The lounge was made cozy by layered carpets, plush couches from Snyder Event Rentals, and large drum-shaded lights.

MIRROR, MIRROR: For an airy effect, table assignments were calligraphed onto mirrored circles, which Soirée attached to silver sticks and presented in metal baskets.

FEAST FOR THE AGES: Sara says she and Dominick wanted the reception to convey an “old world,” traditional feel, which a charcuterie spread and grand florals helped to create.

CRYSTAL CLEAR: Chandeliers gave a shimmering finish to the dinner tent top’s panels of ruched chiffon.

MAKE YOUR MARK: The bride and groom’s reception seats were designated by strings of flowers—the same garlands that adorned the ceremony’s altar.

LETTERPRESSED: For a personalized pop of color, Soirée sewed a “D” for Dominick, “S” for Sara, and “M” for Maggio (the couple’s newly shared surname) on the three table clothes.

LET’S DO DINNER: Unfussy place settings and pale-hued arrangements lent understated charm to the long tabletops, which were framed by textured Chiavari chairs.

BAND TOGETHER: The Lettered Olive printed dinner menus on paper bearing a soft gray and white design. Blue bands with names calligraphed by Elizabeth Porcher Jones doubled as place cards.

HOW LOW CAN YOU GO? Short arrangements of hydrangea, roses, and Dusty Miller kept tables clear for conversation.

SWEET SWEETS: The mini cakes by A Matter of Taste were topped with real flowers and arranged on a soft gray display. Says Sara of the dessert spread, “I saw the idea in Vogue and thought it was adorable.”

PEEP SHOW: Patterned paper peeked out from beneath the mini cakes from A Matter of Taste, brightening the neutral-hued dessert spread. The tiered display echoed the shape of a traditional confection.

A STRAIGHT SHOT: Guests enjoyed a clear view of the Ashley River. Of Lowndes Grove Sara says, “It had a very Charleston feel, and we wanted our guests to feel like they were on vacation.”

SHOE FAIRY: Wrought iron vessels holding palette pleasing flip-flops were stationed next to the dance floor.

LAST BUT NOT LEAST: The one thing the bride would change from the day? “I would’ve made the wedding longer!”

Photographs by:

Liz Banfield

When Sara and Dominick met at a mutual friend’s birthday party in December 2007, conversation came easy. Chatting throughout the night, things went smoothly until, says Sara, “Dom asked for my phone number and got my name wrong!” Nonetheless, three years after she shared her digits, he proposed. For their nuptials, the New York residents chose Charleston—where Sara’s mom lives—then teamed with Tara Guérard Soirée to realize their vision of an old-world affair. After exchanging vows amid the oaks of Lowndes Grove, the couple and their guests celebrated with a three-course meal. Long tables were made intimate with textures—votive holders wearing intricate patterns, china with perforated trim, and flowers in slick, mercury glass vessels. Overhead, ruched blue chiffon panels and ivory drum shades broke up the sheer tent top—an effect that was colorful, layered, and relaxed. “We really wanted people to enjoy themselves,” Sara says of the night. “It was absolutely amazing.”

Vendor List

Bride’s attire: Amsale; www.amsale.com, short dress; Rachel Gilbert; www.rachelgilbert.com
Bridesmaids’ attire: Monique Lhuillier; www.moniquelhuillier.com
Calligrapher: Elizabeth Porcher Jones
Cakes: Kim Morgan of A Matter of Taste
Catering: Fish Restaurant; www.pphgcharleston.com
Ceremony music: String Ensemble through Debut, Inc.
Ceremony and reception location: Lowndes Grove Plantation; www.lowndesgrove.com
Event planning and design, floral, lighting, guest bags: Tara Guérard Soirée; www.taraguerardsoiree.com
Groom’s attire: Tom Ford; www.tomford.com
Hair: Kristy Cuthbert at Velvet Salon; www.velvetsaloncharleston.com
Makeup: Moore Makeup; www.mooremakeup.com
Photographer: Liz Banfield Photography; www.lizbanfield.com
Printing: The Lettered Olive; www.letteredolive.com
Reception music: The Maxx through East Coast Entertainment; www.eastcoastentertainment.com
Rentals: Snyder Event Rentals; www.snydereventrentals.com
Transportation: Absolutely Charleston; www.absolutelycharleston.com
Videographer: Joel Serrato Films; www.joelserratofilms.com
Vintage Lincoln: COMPASS Transportation; www.ridecompass.com

The Wedding Row

September 5 2018

Katie & Scott | The William Aiken House

Need a silver lining story? Here’s one: If it weren’t for Hurricane Katrina, Katie and Scott would have never met. When the cataclysmic storm him during Katie’s freshman year at Tulane University,...

September 4 2018

Libby & Byrd | Private Downtown Club

When Libby and Byrd met, sparks didn’t immediately fly, but a fast friendship was definitely formed. It wasn’t until over a year later, when Charleston-native Libby returned home from a...

September 3 2018

Jennie & Greg | The Cedar Room

What are the two most important aspects in dating, you ask? Well, for today’s couple, Jennie and Greg, it just so happen to be timing and family. The pair met when they were neighbors in New York...

August 31 2018

Mary & Cole | Engagement Session

The Wedding Row: Alright, let’s start at the beginning. How did you all meet? Mary: We met through mutual friends when we were in college. We were introduced over winter break and we learned that we...

August 30 2018

Madeline & Sam | The Island House

The Wedding Row: Alright, you lovebirds. How did Sam propose? Madeline: We dated for almost four years before we got engaged. There were a lot of highlights, but the biggest one was when we purchased...