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Makeovers, Money-Savers, & a Pearl of a Shop

Monday, August 1, 2011


Photographs courtesy of Loluma.com

August 1, 2011

Makeovers, Money-Savers, & a Pearl of a Shop
Check out the latest in all things Charleston weddings this week!

Written by Melissa Bigner

Evolution Becomes You!
August 1, 2011

Who couldn’t use a little evolution from time to time? Just ask the team over at what has been known as Distinctive Events for the past five years. This month, they debut their new moniker, Loluma, and the group’s new website goes live. Yes, owner-designer Sha Sha Harnik and the gals will continue to create custom events galore—from weddings to rehearsals and other special events—but just peruse their site to see how, well, distinctive, their looks have become over time. Our favorite part of the new site is the “transformation” tab, where you see relatively generic event spaces’ (think hotel or conference rooms and even a concrete patio) “befores” redone into gorgeous “afters.” As a bride, the images show the possibilities that come with hiring an amazing event designer, and one with a warehouse of fantastic goods, which is what the Distinctive Events branch of the biz will become: a rental house with myriad “props” and décor overseen by event manager Christopher Durand.

Oh, and about the new name? We asked Sha Sha, who said, “Loluma was created from the word ‘luma,’ ancient Armenian for ‘brightness in an image,’ ie. luminous, luminance, and ‘lo’ which is the first syllable of ‘love.’  Our favorite images from weddings involve beautiful light, and our favorite couples are those who are truly in love. Their attitudes influence everyone around them and makes great occasions for them…as well as us.” Well put! We’re big fans of the evolution, and can’t wait to see more great things from the Loluma crew. 115 Calhoun St., Charleston, (843) 723-1355. Loluma.com and DistinctiveEvents.com.

DIY Workshop
August 4, 2011

Sharpen your pencils, DIY brides, and head to Founders Hall at Charlestowne Landing, ’cause Blue Planet, Green Events is putting on a three-and-a-half-hour workshop this Thursday to show you how to make your special day possible…with a little elbow grease. Expect eco-friendly project demonstrations, cocktails, tastings, and actual planning, in addition to door prizes. With sponsors like Charleston Cakes, Etc., Fabulous Frocks, ICE BOX, Newton Farms Catering, Other Brother Entertainment, and much, much more, it should be tops. 5:30-9 p.m. For more information, call (843) 633-1638 or visit BluePlanetGreenEvents.com.

There’s a New Jewel in Town
August 4, 2011

Last week we photographed the next issue’s fashion story—don’t even get me started on how amazing that was!—and were lucky to borrow jewels from Kiawah Fine Jewelry before it even opened its doors to the public. As of last Friday, the shop is welcoming every one and all to check out its fine wares. Head to Freshfields Village and pop in to take a look at their divine selection of chocolate and blue diamonds, and all the Mikimoto pearls we were loaned. The Akoya set even sports an enamel clasp that could count as your “something blue.” Visit this Thursday night for the opening soirée. For more information, call (843) 768-5357. 560 Freshfields Dr., Johns Island, KiawahFineJewelry.com

Tax Free Time!
August 5-7, 2011

The third busiest shopping time of the year is upon us—tax-free weekend, that is, second only to Black Friday (the day after Thanksgiving) and the weekend before Christmas for generating sales revenue here in South Carolina. For brides that means you can save a boatload of cash, since clothing, accessories, and footwear qualify for the break. And if you’ve registered for gifts, you might let guests know that tax-free weekend shopping includes many, many homegoods, too. For a list of what is covered, visit SCTax.org. And know that several wedding and bridal shops—including Gown Boutique of Charleston and Modern Trousseau are hosting special trunk show events that weekend with markdowns and other treats. For more information, click on the links above.

Don’t Forget “The Bride’s Wedding Planning Adventure”
August 5-7, 2011

A weekend seminar for couples and/or those looking to get into the wedding planning industry. $295 per person. For more information, call (843) 532-0559 or visit bridesweddingplanningadventure.com.

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

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