Autumn Warms Up

Before Charleston, Charleston Home, and Charleston Weddings magazines’ editor-in-chief Darcy Shankland wed Wally Seinsheimer on November 24, 2009, she gave Tara Guérard of Soirée a couple of simple adjectives (casual and elegant); her favorite flower (a dahlia); a palette (red, ivory, and a touch of chocolate); and the location (Boone Hall Plantation) as inspiration before backing off to let a “dream team” of vendors do their thing. “I’ve always liked that idea,” says Darcy, “of working with professionals I know and trust and letting their creativity shine.” In this case, the result was an evening during which the plantation’s Cotton Dock glowed with candles flickering from nearly every surface; racks of wine bottles lined the walls as a salute to Darcy’s California roots; boughs of fiery-colored maple leaves sprouted from the timbers; and velvety red blooms dressed tables where guests sampled tapas. To borrow some of the magic from their magical night, check out these stylish and money-smart DIY ideas.

Vendors

Cake: Wedding Cakes by Jim Smeal
Catering: jbc catering, (843) 971-5215
Ceremony Music: Classical guitarist Nikolai Svishev
Chocolates: Sweeteeth
Invitations: The Lettered Olive
Photography: Squire Fox Weddings
Reception Band: Triple Lindy
Rentals & Bartending: Snyder Event Rentals
Wedding Design & Florals: Soirée by Tara Guérard