Life Imitates Art

Five years of friendship turned into a romance for Ashley Allen and Gavin Stark, and after seven months of dating, he proposed on the Marsh Walk at Murrells Inlet where the two live. In no time, Ashley launched into wedding planning, and she soon fell for a gown she tried on in Modern Trousseau’s King Street boutique. The frock—with its floral lace, bolero, and glittering beaded belt—was so striking, she gave a swatch of the material and photos of the details to baker Myra Ranta of Incredible Edibles on Pawleys Island with the hope that Myra could create a magnificently decorated cake that would act as a focal point for the reception. Sketches led to a five-tiered confection sporting seed-pearl-like beads, glittering flowers, and patterns that perfectly matched the lace on Ashley’s gown. There was even a row of buttons down the back. Ashley, who didn’t see the final product until she and Gavin walked into the reception, says she was stunned. “I was blown away,” she says. “It was just beautiful!” Her only regret? Not eating more of it on the actual day. “I am not a huge ‘sweets’ person,” says Ashley, “but oh my goodness, this lady can make a cake!”

Vendor List

Baker: Myra Ranta of Incredible Edibles in Pawley’s Island, SC; www.incredibleediblecakes.com
Bridal attire: Modern Trousseau; www.moderntrousseausc.com
Bridesmaid attire: Bari Jay; www.barijay.com
Caterer: Kimbels at Wachesaw Plantation; www.wachesaw.com
Ceremony venue: Belin Memorial United Methodist Church in Murrells Inlet; www.belinumc.org
Florist: Louis Hodge
Groom & Groomsmen's attire: Jos. A. Banks; www.josbank.com
Musicians: Right to Party; www.righttoparty.com
Photographer: Diana Deaver Weddings; www.dianadeaverweddings.com
Reception venue: Kimbels at Wachesaw Plantation; www.wachesaw.com
Stationery: Sixpence Press; www.sixpencepress.com
Wedding Planner: Bride’s mother