Cool Thinking

Jenny Jackson and Ryan Abbate are no strangers to humidity—their three-year long-distance relationship found them shuttling between Charleston and Florida, after all. So when it came to a summer wedding here, they knew an outdoor reception was not for them, especially since Ryan’s two “95-years-young” grandmothers were coming. The couple aimed indoors and selected McCrady’s not only for its foodie status but equally for its brisk air-conditioning and across-the-street proximity to The Vendue, the equally cool hotel where guests could retire with ease. As for the setting, Jenny craved a garden-like style that, she says, Sage Innovations and Branch Design Studio nailed. The effect was romantic enough to warm the newlyweds’ hearts and cool enough to keep the party going for hours on end. Proof? One of the nonagenarians closed things down at 11 p.m.

Top Tips
Learn from the Abbates...
• If elderly guests attend, ensure that your venues have elevator access and air conditioning.
• Book hotels within easy walking distance of events.
• Be seasonal by bringing abundant greenery and florals inside.
• Schedule first-look photos a few hours before the ceremony to give yourself cool-down time before the real festivities.
• Challenge your florist to innovate. We’ve never seen McCrady’s look this lush!
• Ask your planner to reinvent some favorites.
 

Vendor List:

Wedding design: Sage Innovations, www.Sage-Innovations.net

Ceremony location: First Baptist Church of Charleston, www.FBCharleston.org

Reception location, catering, wine, bar service: McCrady’s, www.McCradysRestaurant.com

Florals: Branch Design Studio, www.BranchDesignStudio.com

Photography, cinematography: Timwill Photography, www.TimwillPhoto.com

Chairs, lounge furniture: Snyder Events, www.SnyderEvents.com

Flatware, china, chargers: EventWorks, www.EventWorksRentals.com

Lighting: Technical Event Company, www.TechnicalEventCompany.com

Linens: I Do Linens, www.IDoLinens.com

Stationery: Seventh&Gray, www.SeventhAndGray.com

Calligraphy: Elizabeth Porcher Jones, www.ElizabethPorcherJones.com

Cake: Chocolate Cake, www.ChocolateCakeCharleston.com

Bride’s attire: (gown) Legends by Romona Keveza (available locally at Maddison Row), www.MaddisonRow.com; (jewelry) Levinson’s Jewelers, www.LevinsonJewelers.com; (shoes) Jimmy Choo, www.JimmyChoo.com

Hair: Patrick Navarro, (917) 880-6639

Makeup: Elizabeth Quinton, www.ElizabethQuinton.com

Maid-of-honor’s dress: J.Crew, www.JCrew.com

Menswear: Jimmy Au, www.JimmyAus.com

Children’s attire: (flower girl) Isabel Garreton, www.IsabelGarreton.com; (ring bearer) Gordon & Company

Music: (ceremony) The Unwind Duo, www.HelenGreenfieldCello.net; (reception) Yacht Rock Revue, www.PleaseRock.com/Tributes/Yacht-Rock-Revue

Transportation: Charleston Black Cab Company, www.CharlestonBlackCabCompany.com

Guest accommodations: The Vendue, www.TheVendue.com

Dog nanny: Dog Tired, www.DogTiredSC.com

Wreath sign, envelop liners: Bon Vivant, www.Be.net/BonVivant

Gold table numbers: Z Create Design, www.Etsy.com/Shop/ZCreateDesign

Draping: JLV Creative, www.JLVCreative.com