TRUE LOVE FEATURING LAUREN AND JOHN

From the moment Lauren showed us and Kristin Newman Designs her wedding style file - full of rich jewel tones, texture, and composition - we were eager to get started! Lauren and John's passion for one another, is evident in their photos. This dreamy couple was inspired by flavorful flood, a zest for life, and longed to celebrate with close family and friends, in an atmosphere that seemed warm and inviting. It is ALWAYS an honor exceeding our bride and grooms expectations, in bringing to life a wedding day they had always envisioned. We strive to get to know the bride and groom, to bring in personal touches here and there and really make the wedding their own. In this blog post we share a few inside details from the bride herself. After reading this post and viewing the video clip by Blink of an Eye Photography, we hope you too, get an idea of this special day that took place last April at the Daniel Island Club.

All flower arrangements had been carefully crafted - each its own design. All had been arranged in an array of silver vessels, collected from past generations from the brides family. Guests dined under hanging bell jar lanterns and 10-foot trees planted in one of a kind terra-cotta pots. The tables were set with a hammered glass charger outlined in a silver rim, and accompanied by a custom screen printed napkin.

From the words of Lauren:

"John and I met 2008 through a mutual friend at a birthday party. Over the years we pieced together that our paths had crossed multiple times before that day, but for one reason or another we had never met. From the moment we finally did, our conversation flowed so effortlessly and our love progressed so naturally that it seemed obvious we were meant to be. In each other, we found home and felt like the luckiest people in the world for it. These sentiments inspired every element of our wedding weekend."

"When I define home, I immediately think of my mom. She has this way of mixing textures, patterns, colors, time periods, cultures, and price points in her decor. Despite the meticulousness that goes into creating her rooms, the ambiance is effortlessly warm, comfortable, and home-y. You still want to nap on the couch, which, while being beautiful and interesting, is beyond cozy. We wanted our wedding weekend to feel like this."

"We come from colorful and diverse backgrounds, which encouraged many of our choices. From our Latin-themed rehearsal dinner inspired by John's Puerto Rican heritage to our love letters recited at the wedding ceremony, each detail reflected our personal stories. Family heirlooms lined the tables at the reception. Cousins contributed hand calligraphy to the invitations and place cards and home-backed brownies to the dessert table."

For more photos see Lauren and John featured on The Wedding Row:

http://theweddingrow.com/lauren-john-daniel-island-club/

Also, be sure to watch Lauren and John's wedding story by Blink of an Eye Photography:

https://blinkofaneyephotography.com/lauren_john_w/

Int'l Love: Party Around the World

Well folks its hard to believe it is already that time of year... Charleston's central park, Marion Square, is BUZZING. After a successful Southeastern Wildlife Exposition in February, March is hot to trot with BB&T's Charleston Wine and Food Festival. The official kick off took place last night at the South Carolina Aquarium. Today started with a breakfast at The Grocery followed by a number of exciting events happening throughout this weekend in restaurants, private homes, and other venues around Charleston.

Before we get ahead of ourselves first things first, BB&T's Charleston Wine and Food: Festival After Hours PARTAY! We are so EXCITED about this year. This is our second year as planners and designers for this event, which takes place tomorrow night at the Charleston's Visitors Center Bus Shed. The Bus Shed is approximately 400 feet long, stretching across the block from John Street to Ann Street. Twenty-one food vendors, wine, liquor, and beer sponsors, as well as an entourage of performers will be there to entertain guests during the entire event. Jenny Broe, Executive Director at DanceFX of Charleston and The Charleston Dance Project, has been working side by side with Kristin Newman Designs to create a night chock-full of back to back choreographed dance routines, a deejay battle with DJ Rehab vs. DJ C. Nile, an aerial artist, and a drumming ensemble.

The costumes each performer is wearing will knock your socks off! BUT let's not forget the amazing decor planned by Gathering Floral + Event Design. Last night Heather and I operated a boom lift to reach the rafters, installing flags of all nations from one end to the other. Specialty lounges, representing three different countries, will be housed under 10x20 tent structures and adorned with customized lighting and decor.  Production Design Associates will start their rig manning all lighting, sound duties, and backdrops to create a good time for us all.This year we are bringing "international love" to a whole new level! All this talk about global warming... well you'll really feel the heat tomorrow night!

Photos from 2012's TAKING IT TO THE STREETS! : 

http://www.gatheringevents.com/wp/events/food-wine-fest/

http://charlestonwineandfood.com/about-the-festival/photo-gallery/?id=72157629227978402

See what Charleston Wine + Food has to say about our event:

"If you thought the 2012 Festival After Hours was a great party, you haven't seen anything yet! This year's event will return to the expansive Bus Shed and will feature a new international twist to bring an even wider variety of food, drinks, performers and music. Experience cuisine and beverages representing a variety of countries for an evening that's sure to be a party in every language! Guests are encouraged to dress in attire inspired by their favorite feature country." - Wine + Food Festival

If you are unfamiliar with this exciting weekend please do enlighten yourself... 

"The annual BB&T Charleston Wine + Food Festival celebrates the best that the city of Charleston, SC has to offer: a local food culture rich in tradition, James Beard award-winning chefs, and the top U.S. city and top destination in the world, according to Conde Nast Traveler's 2012 Readers' Choice Awards. The four-day event, praised as one of the top five food and wine festivals in the U.S. by Forbes Traveler, infuses home-grown flavor with the most celebrated chefs, culinary professionals, and winemakers in the world. The Festival, a non-profit organization, benefits local culinary scholarship programs aimed at producing our future culinary workforce." - Wine + Food Festival

Gift Ideas for Holiday Hosts

Its the time of year to spread some holiday cheer! The calendar is filling up with all kinds of celebrations between now and the New Year. Here are a few gift ideas for your holiday hosts. Whether you are staying for a few nights or attending a dinner party, a small token to show your thanks is always appreciated.

I love the simplicity of this Bee Raw honey jar (above). There are a number of flavors available - even seasonal options. Pair this gift with a loaf of bread from a local bakery... yum!

 

Clockwise from top left ...

**The early nights and cooler weather makes us want to curl up with a soft throw blanket. West Elm carries a great throw in a variety of colors. One is likely to suit your host's home decor palette.

**Cheers! Who doesn't love a holiday cocktail? These clever coasters are bound to strike up conversation at a holiday gathering. What royal character are you... Pink Lady, Bloody Mary, White Russian, or Brandy Alexander? This coaster set is from Rifle Paper and Co. 

**Talk about a gift that makes a lasting impression... this little Mediterranean Olive Tree is perfect for a bookshelf, kitchen windowsill, or side table.  Its low maintenance, already potted and mossed! Perfect holiday accent for your host's home.

**Treats for taste buds of all ages! Olive and Cocoa does an excellent job of putting together an assortment of sweet and salty snacks. The goods arrive in a hand crafted wood crate adorned with a satin ribbon.

SUSAN AND CHARLIE ON BRIDES BLOG!

Susan and Charlie have been featured on Brides blog! This elegant wedding took place last November at Lowndes Grove. Susan envisioned an "elegant and simple, yet unique and clean" reception. Her decor was fresh and simple with a twist of modern and oriental elements. The recent post provides a number of personal details from their wedding as well as photos by A Bryan Photo. We enjoyed every minute working on this wedding.
Congratulations Susan and Charlie on a one year anniversary November 12th!

Brides blog: http://www.brides.com/blogs/aisle-say/2012/11/wedding-at-lowndes-grove-plantation-charleston-sc.html

A Bryan Photo: http://www.abryanphoto.com/weddings/selects.php?id=103

 

Thank you to all who were apart of it!

Venue: Lowndes Grove || Planner: Kristin Newman Designs || Stationery: Oscar & Emma Design Studio || Floral design: Gathering Floral + Event Design || Rentals: Snyder Event Rentals || Linens: La Tavola Linen || Catering: Fish || Cake designer: Wedding Cakes by Jim Smeal || Ceremony music: Other Brother Entertainment || Reception music: Quiana Parler and Friends || Bridal gown:Vera Wang || Veil: Vera Wang || Bridesmaids: J. Crew || Groom's suit: Hugo Boss || Transportation: Charleston Black Cab Company || Photography: A Bryan Photo || Videography: Artistic Eye Productions || Perimeter and Market Lights: TEC

BEHIND THE GATHERING WEBSITE UPDATE!

We have been very excited about our updated website! We put a lot of creative thought into our approach. Heather and I researched for months creating new ideas and verbiage, as well as pulling different elements we liked from other websites. We wanted to show our clients two sides of our everyday work experience. In order to do so, it was no question to enlist writer Jenny Badman. After a few interviews Jenny quickly put our actions into words.

In the "ABOUT US" segment of the website we wanted to show you the many layers that make up who we are, what we do, and why we do it... "More than a collection of people assembled in one place, a gathering is a celebration of the things that matter most - and it's for that reason this is our art and passion. Our palette is people, flowers, fabrics, fine fare and drink, treasures gathered on our travels, art, architecture, lighting, and life, our purpose is simple: creative spaces and celebrations that bring our client's vision to life - visually, emotionally, and beautifully."

As event planners and designers, so much of what we do is done prior to the actual event and afterwards. The segments "WHAT YOU SEE" and "WHAT YOU DONT" were established to show both sides.

Who is Gathering Floral + Event Design? Who is Barrie Newman?

The most exciting part about the website update was the opportunity to include some of our most recent events! We are currently gathering photos for the Decor gallery... however, the wedding and event galleries are up and running. Check them out! Also, don't miss the videos from Wine + Food Festival and Charleston Fashion Week.

After you scroll through our galleries don't miss our press sections - printed and online - for the latest & greatest buzz!

A sneak peek of "Southern Bouquets" by Melissa Bigner and floral design by Heather Barrie is included.

We are loving our new blog. We wanted to create a place that was in keeping with the website but a little different. The categories are our favorite! Keep in touch for up-to-date posts.

Drop us a note! www.gatheringevents.com

BEST CITY IN THE U.S.: CHARLESTON!

"Conde Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards have been the gold standard in travel industry awards for more then two decades. Charleston, South Carolina was voted for the second consecutive year, "Top City in the U.S." in the 2012 Conde Nast Reader's Choice Awards, based on six categories: Atmosphere and Ambiance, Culture and Sites, Friendliness, Lodging, Restaurants and Shopping."

- Charleston Area Convention and Visitors Bureau

We are please to be apart of this great city and the great people and businesses it offers!

SEPTEMBER BLISS

The first day of Fall is almost here... school has started and so has the September breeze... football games are in motion, the shelves are stocked with Halloween candy and Starbucks is offering pumpkin spice lattes! Who doesn't enjoy the hustle and bustle the Fall season brings?

The back to school madness always inspires me to stock my office with new gadgets, notebooks, totes, etc. Here are just a few fun finds I wanted to share... 

From top left... Gold Foil Pocket Notebooks by Rifle Paper Co., Illustration by Inslee by Design, Reusable Coffee Cup from Leif Shop, Backpack and Paper Clips from Madewell.