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(left to right) Gathering Floral + Event Design (photograph by Gayle Brooker); REEDS Jewelers; Mac & Murphy
March 19, 2012
 Five Days and Counting!
Our annual bridal show hits this weekend
INTERVIEW BY Melissa Bigner
Half the fun of coming to the Charleston Weddings Spring Bridal Show—at least for me—is checking out just how presenting sponsor Gathering Floral + Event design has transformed the regular Charleston Fashion Week® tent into a grand reception hall resplendent with lounge areas, a catwalk, and mini-shops where attendees can sample gratis sweet and savory bites, sip cocktails, and shop for Big Day jewelry. With a scant 12 hours to work their magic, Gathering directs a team of 20 to empty out the space that’s been set for regular CFW shows all week and start anew, hanging lights, reconfiguring the chairs, and adding all the icing (chandeliers, flowers, and more) to give all you brides-to-be (and wedding fans) ideas for receptions and more. What will 2012’s show hold? Mum’s the word till doors open at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, March 24. I am about to burst from holding in a few secrets—not my specialty—but just know it’s gonna be grand! Till then, click here for tickets, and check out the event’s off-runway offerings below.
Gathering Floral + Event Design
We’re known for: producing one-of-a-kind events with an intuitive sensibility and subtle, sublime style.
We’ve been a sponsor and founding designer of Charleston Fashion Week® since its inception six years ago and for bridal for four years.
We’ve been published everywhere from Martha Stewart Weddings to Modern Bride, Southern Living Weddings, the knot, and many more.
Stop by our lounge at the CW Spring Bridal Show to say hello, find out how we created the setting and to scroll through our iPad portfolio. There will also be a giveaway of our book, Southern Bouquets.
DETAILS: Gathering Floral + Event Design; 747 Meeting St.; (843) 723-3387; by appointment; www.GatheringEvents.com
BLOG: www.barrienewman.com
Mac & Murphy
OFFERING: custom wedding invitations, stationery, and paper accessories
What we are most excited about at our booth are our beautiful lines of letterpress wedding invitations that will be for sale, many made by local designers!
The best gift we carry for bridesmaids is stationery that can be custom-designed to suit their personality.
If we were looking to add “something blue,†we’d include a pop of color on save-the-dates, invitations, and all other wedding paper accessories. Love this idea!
DETAILS: 74½ Cannon Street; (843) 576-4394; Monday-Friday, 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday, 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. or by appointment; www.macandmurphy.com
Dee Ruel
OFFERING: handmade jewelry and stationery
Stop by my booth for my custom-made, one-of-a-kind bridal jewelry and affordable bridesmaids pieces.
For all the wedding parties you’ll attend, splurge on a statement necklace.
For your rehearsal dinner, wear a pair of my custom earrings to match your dress.
DETAILS: 826 Coleman Boulevard; (843) 568-3522; Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; www.deeruel.com
Newton Farms Catering
SERVING: light bites
Always splurge on the reception menu, because the guests will remember their meal!
Our signature creation is our pimiento cheese cornbread. It’s like eating dessert with your dinner! It’s so moist and is incredible when paired with a Lowcountry boil or our she-crab soup.
DETAILS: 515 Freshfields Drive; (843) 412-0753; by appointment; www.NewtonFarmsCatering.com
Elaine’s Events—Cakes of Distinction
SERVING: cake samples
People always come back to my booth for the samples! I’ve got the best cake you’ve ever tasted.
My signature creation is sugar magnolias. I have a talent for making flowers look realistic; people always think they are real.
I always say splurge on the wedding cake. It’s the centerpiece of a reception, and people love to eat cake.
DETAILS: Sweet Elaine Bakery; 2034 Maybank Highway; (843) 763-2704; Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; www.ElainesEvents.com
REEDS Jewelers
OFFERING: fine jewelry, diamonds, watches, fashion jewelry, and more
Stop by our booth at the bridal show to try on David Yurman and other fashionable jewelry brands.
For showers and wedding parties, splurge on diamond earrings—a classic choice that goes with many ensembles.
DETAILS: Northwoods Mall (843/572-4510); Mount Pleasant Towne Centre (843/416-3174); Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sunday, noon-6 p.m.; www.Reeds.com
Cru Catering
SERVING: savory hors d’oeuvres
If we could tell couples anything it would be have fun with your menu, don’t be afraid to think outside the box. It’s all about customizing a menu that reflects the bride and groom.
The wildest thing we’ve made for a wedding was a nine-foot-tall strawberry topiary tree.
Did you know? We’ve been voted Charleston’s best caterer by Charleston City Paper for 12 consecutive years.
Our signature offerings include our small plate stations and, of course, our famous four-cheese macaroni.
DETAILS: (843) 534-2433, by appointment; www.CruCatering.com
Stella & Dot
OFFERING: Trend-driven boutique style jewelry sold with exceedingly personal service through independent stylists
DETAILS: (312) 402-1412; www.stelladot.com/amyg
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