As market proved, color is the new white, and this bridal gown by Katherine Mullins McDonald shares that sentiment in soft hues of pink, gold, and citrus, along with another trend: pattern. The designer (known for her LulaKate brand) debuted her new spinoff line of bridal frocks, Kate McDonald, at the party.
Ramscale Studio hosted the kickoff to the fashionable week in New York.
The penthouse loft in the Meat Packing District offers an amazing view of the city
The day before the party, Tara Guérard Soirée loaded a truck full of décor treats and sent it north for the fete.
Guests left with totes emblazoned with Charleston’s best picnic spots from Tara Guérard Soirée’s Life Is a Party line.
Sweets from two more Charleston star brands—Grey Ghost Bakery and Rewined Candles—were among the swag.
Especially now that fall is in full swing, Rewined Candles makes a superior wedding or shower favor.
Guests texted us from hotel rooms saying they'd already gobbled down their lemon sugar, molasses spice, chocolate espresso, and cinnamon pecan cookies from Charleston’s own Grey Ghost Bakery when they were back in their hotel rooms. Hint taken—they make great welcome bag and favor fodder.
A host of mannequins sported Kate McDonald creations
Everyone from besties to staffers pitched in to get the party started
The airy Ramscale Studio veritably floats above the city’s Meat Packing District
When night fell, the skyline was taken over with distant fireworks and a full moon.
The tone-on-tone embellishments on this Kate McDonald gown add subtle elegance to a classic bodice.
Sparkles, high-low skirts, and crop tops were all over the runways. This two-piece number from Kate McDonald captured them all.
We love the slim ivory bow belt on this head-to-toe lace Kate McDonald gown.
Here's Kate McDonald's more conservative take on the trendy high-low silhouette.
A tulle bow adds a touch of fairy tale to this Katherine McDonald frock.
Bling brings glamour to halter-cut Kate McDonald gown.
For a mega centerpiece, Tara Guérard Soirée placed leafy boughs in floral foam anchored in a heavy urn.
Guests snacked on bites from James Burn Catering (J.B.C. Catering).
Seasonal soups from J.B.C. Catering
Tuna tartare from J.B.C. Catering
Pimiento cheese finger sandwiches from J.B.C. Catering
Layered cured meat and cheese from J.B.C. Catering
Guests sipped cocktails enlivened with Bittermilk and High Wire Distillery Co. spirits throughout the evening.
A little pattern (like these ikat fleur de lis pillows) adds energy to a space without detracting from the show-stopping view
Copies of Weddings by Tara Guérard were available for browsing... and offered as take-home treats as well.
Printed pillows and lively dahlias brought texture and pattern to the setting.
The Ramscale Studio terrace also received the Tara Guérard Soirée touch with lounge pieces that invited kicking back.
Luxe cream blankets placed outside brought an inviting, cozy feel to the brisk evening.
As the evening took on a glow, the blush hue of this Kate McDonald gown grew warmer.
Lettered Olive printed custom party labels for the Grey Ghost Bakery goodies.
(from left) Melissa Bigner and Tara Guérard donned LulaKate designs.
(from left) Katherine McDonald with her bestie (left), sister, and mother
Revelers at the New York Bridal Market Kickoff Party
(from left) 2014 Charleston Weddings Spring Bridal Show Style Icon Mark Ingram, Charleston Weddings Editorial Director Melissa Bigner, Director of Development Della MacNicholas and Gulfstream Communications Principal Jeff Drew
Event designer Tara Guérard (center) and friends pause to pose for the camera.
Revelers at the New York Bridal Market Kickoff Party
Melissa Bigner gets a more than a little goofy with frequent contributor, photographer Corbin Gurkin. The goal of the night? A casual gathering with market and magazine pals to kick off the week with an easy-going Charleston fete.
Revelers at the New York Bridal Market Kickoff Party
Tara contrasted earthy décor with modern silhouettes.
Corbin Gurkin met up with New Yorker Kelly Affinito, one of the real-life brides she photographed in Charleston for our fall-winter issue.
Kelly Affinito re-lives her Big Day that Tara Guérard Soirée just-so-happened to design.
Revelers at the New York Bridal Market Kickoff Party
Mark Ingram and Indira RIvera, sales manager at his atelier, catch up over cocktails.
The gathering lasted well into the evening.
Revelers at the New York Bridal Market Kickoff Party
Revelers at the New York Bridal Market Kickoff Party
A trio of the Charleston Weddings fall-winter 2014 covers (shot by Corbin Gurkin, who has a home in Charleston) floated above a bar Tara and her crew had made that very day.
Revelers at the New York Bridal Market Kickoff Party
Simple pairings set a warm mood for a cozy evening
Della MacNicholas, Melissa Bigner, Corbin Gurkin, and Charleston Weddings Style Director Ayoka Lucas
Mark Ingram and Tara Guérard
Revelers at the New York Bridal Market Kickoff Party
Wedding planners joined with Corbin Gurkin, Melissa Bigner, and Tara Guérard to talk the night away.
Revelers at the New York Bridal Market Kickoff Party
A few of our New York-based crew catches up: Ayoka Lucas and Andrea Tallent, director of business development and sponsorship sales for Baker Motor Company Charleston Fashion Week.
Revelers at the New York Bridal Market Kickoff Party
(from left) Nicole Miller’s Public Relations Manager Kate Sadler and Bridal Director Jessica Spazok popped in for a little party time.
Designer Hunter Bell, winner of "Fashion Star" and former Charleston Fashion Week Featured Designer
Katherine McDonald’s bestie styled her killer red jump suit with a fierce red lip.
Revelers at the New York Bridal Market Kickoff Party
Revelers at the New York Bridal Market Kickoff Party
Revelers at the New York Bridal Market Kickoff Party
Heather Hall (far right), public relations director for Amsale, gets the scoop on Charleston Fashion Week and the Charleston Weddings Spring Bridal Show, where Amsale will star as the 2015 featured designer.
Melissa Bigner and Della MacNicholas
Night night, New York!
