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See the Shots!

Monday, March 25, 2013

Anne Barge images by Leigh Webber Photography (runway) and Brianna Stello Photography (backstage); Gathering: Floral + Event Design lounge image by Shannon Michele Photography

March 25, 2013


See the Shots!
Check out décor and fashion photos from this weekend’s bridal show

written by Frances Bramsen

Truth be told, everyone here at Charleston Weddings magazine (CWM) and The Wedding Row (TWR) are having a case of the post Spring Bridal Show blues. It’s a fashion-related cousin to the post-wedding blues in that after months of planning and anticipation, the day passes in a blur, and now we’re left to pore over photos galore. In that respect, we’re rich beyond measure thanks to the talents of Leigh Webber, Shannon Michele, Brianna Stello, and others. We wanted to share some of our favorite shots of theirs with you, in case you were there and—like us—want to relive the most fetching parts, or if you weren’t able to join and wondered what happened under the fashion tents.

Décor and Details
Presenting Sponsor Heather Barrie of Gathering Floral + Event Design went with a spring garden theme, setting up lounge areas with settées garden linen sofas laden with plump silk pillows. Overhead, and assortment of whitewashed, twig, and salvaged wood chandeliers shed soft light on the crowds. Cocktail highboys and coffee tables were dressed in seasonal spring flowers that reflected the cool, rainy weather outside. Tulips, daffodils, and forsythia branches mingled with Jessamine and bridal wreath spirea, all blooms local to Charleston, and perfect for any March wedding. After guests sampled and shopped, they took their seats, and CWM editor Melissa Bigner took to the stage in a debut frock from LulaKate (it was made especially for the show but will be released in the local designer’s next collection—stay tuned). The festivities began when Palmetto Vocal Project did a flash mob version of “All my Lovin’” until all 25 members of the all-male acapella choir were on the stage. If you’re keen on them serenading your sweetie, helping with a proposal, or singing at your wedding, contact the guys.

Fashion and Freebies
If you take a peek at our Instagram and Twitter accounts, both our crew and the audience were fired up over fashion and freebies. As for the freebies, we debuted “Random Acts of Swag,” the brainchild of TWR editor Della MacNicholas. A feed of photos of great wedding-themed gifts, randomactsofswag gifted attendees who followed us on social media everything from pearl cuffs and necklaces to pocket squares and Tervis cups. As for fashion — where to start. With the chic stylings of Liz White Couture, perhaps? (Loved the floral skirt and prairie-smart gown.) Or the new must-haves: a gold-link caplet from Birdsong Designs; fluffy flower girl gowns from The Fresh Stitch ; the resort wear meets runway stylings of Suite 33’s lanky bridesmaid gowns; or One Love by Rachel Gordon’s curve-clinging gowns in shimmering earth and pearl tones? Closing out the first half, Emerging Bridal Designer winner Brooke Ray toyed with layers (silk slips with vestments, sheer overlays, peplum tops, and more), sleek and slim silhouettes, and finished and raw edges, all showing she’s a great talent in the making. Have fun at your prize-winning internship at Modern Trousseau this summer, Brooke!

The second half brought in the nationally known players, including White on Daniel Island and store owner Jodi Moylan, who predominantly showed Jenny Packhams (“because they are so stunning and just pick up the light on a runway,” Jodi said) and Alvina Valentas, plus a lovely, fun taupe and cream confection of her own making. Next up was Modern Trousseau’s Callie Tein. We had a sneak preview of the gowns—which debuted here in Charleston before April’s New York Bridal Market, something of a coup for the Holy City—on Friday afternoon and we’re smitten with the blush tones, tea-lengths, and the fluffy chiffon-embroidered floral lace on one shortie. Our absolute favorite, though? The pinstriped taffeta gown with a lace overlay and tails. Utterly perfect for the Charleston bride. Last came featured designer Anne Barge. Anne’s gowns are carried at White, and she’s known worldwide as a doyenne of elegant bridal wear. Her ball gown silhouettes, impeccable tailoring and proportions, and mix of feminine allure meets sophistication really knocked us out. We featured her ombre skirt and short lace gown in the current issue of CWM, but were blown away at the breadth of her work.

Whew! Another great year. We can’t wait for our next big show. And in the meantime, keep following us to see what other events we have up our sleeves for 2013. Many more surprises to come…