17 Nov Kristen & Chetan {William Aiken House}
I hope that you are in the mood for fabulous because this lavish Blue Moon designed fete is is so stunning, so flawlessly planned and so full of vibrantly hued prettiness that it is mere wedding perfection. We had our first glance at this soiree in one of our favorite publications, Charleston Weddings Magazine…a must read. The uber talented team at Blue Moon Events created a day brimming with gorgeous personal details all perfectly photographed by the extremely gifted Gayle Brooker. We love EVERY.SINGLE.DETAIL. It is the kind of wedding that immediately makes you giddy from all the goodness. But, then you read how the design elements all came together under the direction of the ridiculously talented Calder Clark and just cannot help but to fall in love with it all over again.
The talented and creative minds at Blue Moon Events are masterful at creating an indelibly posh affair and make impeccable look easy. There are so many sylistic elements woven throughout the event that we just melted when we read the symbolism behind this culturally fused wedding.
Did you see all of the perfectly placed hidden ladybugs? Yes, they are one of the many over the top design components in this exquisite union. Ladybugs, a traditional sign of good luck were tucked throughout the party. I heart the ladybug on the double faced Swiss satin looping “ribbonerie”…LOVE! Other ladybugs made discrete appearances on the Make and Wish ~ Take a Wish Table. On the cake atop the tiny marzipan oranges. On the serving tray filled with chocolate ganache rice krispie treats. And on the parting gift basket for the groom and the lovely bride whose family nicknamed her “Ladybug” as a child. Yes, wedding perfection!
The gates of the William Aiken House were adorned with a mango leaf and dahlia floral flats with branching fig. Traditionally, mango leaves are a sign of prosperity and happiness. The residence of every Hindu bride and groom are decorated with festoons of mango leaves. Blue Moon Events created this surprise for the Chetan’s family to feel “at home” and hospitably received at the Southern affair.
Orange blossoms pervaded the big day as well. While they have a history in southern weddings, they were selected because of the slight scent that reminded the bride of her home that is surrounded by oranges groves. The wedding cake was infused with orange blossom water as well as a bit of orange zest and small grouping of marzipan oranges and delicate sugar orange blossoms.
The goodness does not stop there…oh, no Blue Moon spent months gathering quotes and well wishes that were meaningful to the couple and had them printed into tiny scrolls. Blank card stock tied with super-fine ribbon dotted with little ladybugs were left beside the “Wishing Wells” for guests to leave a wish. Calligraphered signage encouraged guests to also take a wish. Love, love, love!!
The bride and bridegroom preferred not to have a grandiose send off from the reception. Instead, guests took little bells and started to ring them as the couple left the celebration. The ringing of the bells offered layers of significance to the couple. Church bells ringing on a Saturday evening for a couple being wed but they are also significant throughout India as call to worship. A thoughtful touch to make their Indian guests feel welcome at such a distinctly Southern American locale.
Photography by Gayle Brooker | Event Planning and Design: Blue Moon Events | Wedding Reception Venue: William Aiken House | Caterer: Fish | Florist: Blossoms Events | Stationer: Dulles Designs | Wedding Cake: Elaine’s Events | Chocolate Ganache Rice Krispie Treats: Baked | Reception Band: Sandy B and The Allstars | Lighting: PDA
