stationery Comparing Notes (clockwise from top left) Invitations in a mod shape get a touch of tradition with a two-color letterpress design. The Lettered Olive, (843) 577-9100, www.theletteredolive.com. The “Ashley and Robert” letterpress invitation, response card, and notecard feature tropical orchids. Saima Says Design, (202) 370-6381, www.saimasaysdesign.com. Vintage palm illustrations accent a letterpress save-the-date booklet with its stair-step pages and raffia tie. The Lettered Olive, (843) 577-9100, www.theletteredolive.com. An outdoorsy couple inspired this earthy topo-map letterpress set. Sideshow Press, (843) 722-6296, www.sideshowpress.com. 54 |CHARLESTON WEDDINGS P H O T O G R A P H B Y T E R R Y K U Z N I A R Choosing the right stationery sets the tone for your special day, and with one of these designs, how could any guest refuse? ❘ receptions Summer Solstice Text by Sarah Allison • Photographs by Peter Frank Edwards Easy elegance defines this intimate Sullivan’s Island reception inspired by a casual beach house and a sweet silk fabric SUMMER 2008 | 161 receptions Beachy Keen RELAXED STYLE RULES THIS FAMILY AFFAIR 50 ESTIMATED COST: $55,000 NUMBER OF GUESTS: EVENT DESIGN: B WED (Weddings Elegantly Designed) each ceremonies and receptions don’t have to be barefoot affairs. Take this sweet but sophisticated reception at a Sullivan’s Island beach house, for instance. Here, WED owner and designer Katie (this page) Huebel and manager Ellen Robinson conspired to create ROCK ‘N’ ROLL: Katie and Ellen placed rocking chairs to take in the setting sun and accented the porch with lush clusters of yellow “Massage” roses displayed in antiqued vases and on this topiary form. a uniquely Lowcountry party that took its cue from the shabby chic style of a green, breeze-filled beach house, and an elegant silk fabric embroidered with yellow flowers that echoed blooms growing on the nearby dunes. INVITATIONS & FAVORS Using the motif from the patterned floral fabric, invitations were decorated with yellow flowers and tied off with a modest grosgrain ribbon to complement the casual setting. Burlap totes embroidered with yellow flowers and stuffed with local treats became handy welcome bags for guests. And (opposite page, to add a homespun touch to the end of the clockwise from top) night, Katie and Ellen popped mini lemon poppyseed loaves into tins belted with a pale green ribbon and sealed with a wax stamp bearing the initial of the couple’s surname. SETTING & DÉCOR When working with a location as magical as a seaside cottage, you need only accent the area’s existing natural beauty. Given that, and since the reception’s Sullivan’s Island location epitomizes old-time Lowcountry style, Katie and Ellen designed the fête to have a relaxed, vintage look with a contemporary twist.That meant cushioning weathered wicker chairs with custom-made pillows of their favorite silk floral fabric, dressing sun-bleached porches with whitewashed iron vessels filled with 162 |CHARLESTON WEDDINGS LOW RIDERS: Low floral arrangements like these facilitate conversations. SIP IN SUMMER: Fresh lemonade can be served au naturel for kids or spiked for adults. Place different swizzle sticks in each to set the types apart. DO ME A FAVOR: The yellow and green color theme played out from start (welcome bags) to finish (favor-filled tins). SUMMER 2008 |163 “Family-style meals are great for small gatherings where you can enjoy food and conversation.” —Ellen Robinson HANGING OUT: Small copper lanterns hung with humble twine and filled with yellow rose blooms cast their sweet scent over the ambling waterfront porch. antique yellow roses, and topping off gently worn green dining tables with elegant runners and a host of candles and bouquets. FOOD Maximizing interaction among the small guest party, playing up the season, and celebrating the seaside location each influenced the colorful menu.And since Katie imagined wedding goers would retreat to the screened-in porch for a fun, family-style (or passed dish) dinner, heaping vessels of locally raised vegetables also played a starring role.To continue with the casual, colorful theme, Katie and Ellen skipped a traditional wedding cake and instead loaded a sideboard with lemon desserts. “There’s something inspirational in being different,” says Katie, who opted for just that and succeeded tenfold. (counterclockwise from top left) RED ALERT: Cocktail hour began with succulent, colorful lobster tails. BURGERETTE: Tiny lobster patties were served on fennel yeast rolls as an appetizer. HOMEGROWN GOODNESS: John’s Island heirloom tomatoes made the dinner’s salad irresistible, while fresh local fingerling potatoes in thyme and olive oil accented certified prime Angus sirloin. TIN TO GO: Small lemon poppyseed bread loaves were goodies-to-go for guests. 164 |CHARLESTON WEDDINGS Reception Resources China, glassware, furniture, & linens: WED Florals: HB Stems Food: Granville’s Catering Lighting: Production Design Associates Location: Exit Realty Charleston Group Printed materials: Studio R Sweets & lemon poppyseed bread: The Cake Stand Wreath: Katie Huebel, WED TIE THE KNOT: Trifold invitations bearing a floral pattern reminiscent of Katie and Ellen’s “starring” fabric were secured with a sweet yellow grosgrain ribbon. LEMON TWIST: A classic Southern sideboard is covered with an assortment of tart homemade desserts in lieu of a wedding cake. Katie accented the lemon and lime wreath above with delicate white bavardia. SUMMER 2008 | 165 stationery (clockwise from top left) A paisley print band and lined envelope complements a clever gold and ecru offset print save-the-date timeline. Studio R, (843) 762-5793, www.studio-r-design.com. Cranberry and mustard are a regal pairing on this letterpress invitation and reply card. Dulles Designs, (843) 805-7166, www.dullesdesigns.com. Strikingly simple, this elegant typographed invitation and response card slip into a lined envelope. Reaves Engraving, (877) 610-4499, www.reavesengraving.com. This thermographed invitation teams dusty rose with brown type and marries a modern font with a feminine design. Open House, (843) 766-2467. SUMMER 2008 | 55