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Hot and Haute Times in the Holy City

Wednesday, July 6, 2011


Images courtesy www.bakehousecharleston.com and
www.gownboutiqueofcharleston.com (middle image)


july 6, 2011

Hot and Haute Times in the Holy City
We’re fired up over all the goings on ‘round town

Written by Melissa Bigner

Now that June has passed and we’re in the deep throes of another blazing Southern summer, most everyone is trying to stay cool, brides and industry folks alike. Here at Charleston Weddings, we’re neck-deep in the next issue of the magazine—due out in August—and burning past deadlines as we huddle in the AC. Just last night we started printing out proofs and are wallpapering the office with spreads to see how everything looks. So far, fabulous! It’s awesome to get to showcase the work of so much local talent, killer vendors, brides with great ideas (hint—get ready for DIY couples!), and this stunning part of the world.

As we’re crafting our way toward the printer, we’re hearing all sorts snippets and buzz worthy bits. Here’s a small sampling we hope you enjoy somewhere shady. Cheers!

Tax-Free & 10 Percent, Too?
In the last Buzz, we mentioned the smattering of trunk shows happening about town in the coming months. But here’s the uber one: August 5 and 6 (that’s tax-free weekend in South Carolina), Gown Boutique of Charleston on Daniel Island will be pulling out all the stops as the Espy gals reveal new arrival gowns and trunks show samples from Augusta Jones, Amy Kuschel, Martina Liana, Romona Keveza Legends, and Junko Yoshioka. As if that extravaganza weren’t enough, on top of the tax-free savings, they are also offering 10 percent off any gown ordered that weekend. Talk about a hot summer sale and showing! Just think what the savings might mean…you could order those cute little favors you’ve been craving; afford your dream bouquet; or maybe just make your bottom line without skimping in high style. All sound good to us. Gown Boutique of Charleston, 225 Seven Farms Dr., Ste. 401; (843) 856-2682; gownboutiqueofcharleston.com

Tie One On
If you haven’t visited ProudMary.org or visited Hope and Union Coffee Co., now’s the time. Harper Poe is behind the former and runs the latter with her husband, John, and we at the mag couldn’t smile quite as broadly without the coffee the two offer over on St. Philip Street, edit quite as thoroughly as we ought to, nor hold off-site meetings in such style and comfort. And no offense to the beaners, but we love the ambiance there as much as bevs. What in the world does this have to do with weddings? We’ve mentioned before that they rent out the upstairs to events (hello rehearsal dinner, shower, or wedding brunch) but we never mentioned the ethnically fab pillows that Harper’s Proud Mary textile business dresses the place in. And now? She’s on to neckwear! Super stylish and boldly graphic without an ounce of fey, the ties—and most recently bow ties—are timeless classics. Made from cotton, woven by Guatemalan women, and part of a sustainable, fair trade business, there’s everything to love about them. Groomsmen, anyone? Find the ties for sale at Hope and Union or online. Hope and Union Coffee Co., 199 St. Philip St.; (843) 922-1023; hopeandunioncoffee.com; proudmary.org

Sweet Cake Stands
We’re mildly obsessed with Charlestonians on Etsy.com right now and most recently have fallen for Olivia Rae James and the cake stands she makes and sells there. Check out her shop, Lovely Little Cake Stands, and swoon over the sweet vintage china plates that she marries to crystal candleholders. We like her pairings as much as sweets that could perch on them. And that’s saying a lot. A whole lot. Perfect for dessert bars and great for newlywed homes long after Big Days—we likey. Lovely Little Cake Stands, etsy.com/shop/oliviaraejames

(Bake) House Party!
Speaking of treats, last year, Tracey Ditizio and her husband bought the Charleston branch of Baked, the New York-based hipster bakery with sweets that are as tasty as they are stylish. A pastry chef by training, Tracey promised to delivery a suite of new sweets, and as of this month, she’s offering even more: a new name and makeover of the place, at least as far as the goods are concerned. Yes, the East Bay location still is as cozy as ever, but since Tracey bought it outright from Baked, she’s now debuting it anew as Bakehouse Charleston. What that means for brides is that the dynamic downtown spot is now formally churning out wedding cakes and wedding bar desserts galore in addition to their regular fare. Check out their site for a grand gallery, or even better, pop in to taste test their scrumptious daily offerings! 160 East Bay St.; (843) 577-2180; bakehousecharleston.com

Give Them a Break!
This one is so good, we’ll keep mentioning it till the event is over. Bridal House of Charleston is participating in the “Brides Across America” campaign. Women who are active military—or engaged to someone currently serving in the military—are eligible to “win” a gown (valued between $500-5,000) if they simply show up at the store July 20. Gowns will likely be samples or overstock, will run the gamut of sizes, and are given out on a first-come, first-serve basis till the supply has been exhausted. For more information, contact the store. Bridal House of Charleston, 1055 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., Mount Pleasant; (843) 971-1477; www.bridalhousesc.com

Fashion Emergency?
Need some stylin’ to help with your high-profilin’ come your wedding day? And coordinating your bridesmaids’ looks and décor with your own? Enter Alexandra Munzel, the former marketing director for Mary Norton’s glam handbags, whose work with that company had her playing Hollywood stylist and occasional bag designer, Alexandra will have you and your wedding crew walking down the aisle in red carpet fashion. (843) 224-8659; alexandrastyles.com

Got great buzz? Let us know! Please e-mail mbigner@charlestonmag.com.

Want to read past Buzz issues? Click here!