Caitlin + Ryan's Grande Dunes Ocean Club wedding in Myrtle Beach, SC by Carolina Studios by Gillian Reinhardt, Memorable Moments Event Planning and Eventworks
Myrtle Beach Weddings {Juliemar} Tilghman-Boyce Cottage
Who's in the mood for a little Lowcountry wedding loveliness!?! When it comes to all things Myrtle Beach weddings, the wonderful Carolina Studios by Gillian Reinhardt always captures the best of the best...and it's not different with bride Juliemar. This natural beauty stunned as she spent a beautiful Southern afternoon on the grounds of Tilghman-Boyce Cottage. Outfitted in a gorgeous gown, M. Gladden Designs bouquet and adorable teal Converse, we're mesmerized by her effortless ease in front of the camera and the ah-mazing natural light. Thanks to Gillian for always blessing us Myrtle Beach weddings and their pin-worthy inspiration.
Photographer: Carolina Studios by Gillian Reinhardt // Floral Designer: M. Gladden Designs // Dress Store: David's Bridal // Event Venue:Tilghman-Boyce Cottage
Myrtle Beach Wedding {Jennifer + Carl} Grande Dunes Ocean Club
I wanted to get back to sharing all of these beautiful weddings that graced the pages of our first online mag and this Grande Dunes Ocean Club bash is one heck of a stunner! Jennifer + Carl hail from the great state of Michigan and decided the Lowcountry was the best place to host their destination wedding...and we're sure glad we did. M. Gladden Designs took Jennifer's black and white color palette with pops of yellow and orange and translated it into some jaw dropping arrangements. Thanks to Carolina Studios by Gillian Reinhardt for showering us with this beautiful Myrtle Beach wedding! Even though we wanted to (and we sure did try!), we couldn’t include everything in the magazine, so to find out a little more about Jennifer’s big day, check out her answers below and to see all the details you can purchase a digital edition of the Mag here!
What made you choose your venue? What elements drew you to it? My family has been traveling to Myrtle Beach for the past 15+yrs for annual family vacations. A few years back, my parents purchased a second home in the area and decided to make Myrtle Beach their “winter home”; we are from MI. Over the years, Myrtle Beach became our family’s second home. My brother now lives there full-time; my parents live there about 6-7 months out of the year and Carl (my husband) and I both travel frequently throughout the year to visit.
We elected to host our destination wedding in Myrtle Beach, at the Ocean Club, over Memorial Weekend, for our friends and family (all from MI) because Myrtle Beach is considered a “home” to us and we wanted our friends and family to know and understand why we spend as much time as do in the area. We chose the Ocean Club because my family and I are members and it was also a perfect place for us to start our lives together – a venue that we (Carl and I) frequently visit.
Out of the entire day, what was the most memorable moment? LOL – my hair appointment, of all things! Horrible experience, but best attitude anyone could ask for! Keep in mind, this was a destination wedding – but the salon that I had booked my MOH and my hair appointments at months in advanced lost our appointments and refused to take us; another salon was willing to take us (probably feeling horrified for us!) last minute after my cousin explained the situation. Despite the moment .. it’s something that I will never forget. My cousin (MOH) couldn’t believe how calm and reserved I was about it. I had a “it’s ok to whatever happens today” attitude! And nothing was going to ruin it.
How many guests attended - 37 total (all from MI)
Color Palette – black, white, yellow, orange, cream colors
Tell us all about the details! Did any have special meaning? What was your favorite?
Tell us a little bit about your menu… We chose a cocktail and hors d'oeuvre wedding reception offered by the Ocean Club. It was the perfect choice for our small and intimate setting. We had approx.. 37 guests total (including ourselves) and wanted to mix & mingle with our guests who took the time to fly down and spend their holiday weekend with us. We absolutely did not want to separate anyone or exclude guests.
What’s your favorite picture from your wedding? My absolute favorite picture was the very last photo that Carolina Studios’ captured of Carl and me as they were headed out for the evening. It was an amazing shot that captured a very special moment for us.
Photographer: Carolina Studios by Gillian Reinhardt // Cake Designer: buttercream cakes and catering // DJ: DJ Scott & Company // Floral Designer: M. Gladden Designs // Officiant: Simple Wedding Day, LLC // Reception Venue: Grande Dunes Ocean Club
Marion's in the French Quarter {Meaghan + Loyd}
I love when two of my favorite vendors, Chancey Charm Weddings and Carolina Studios by Gillian Reinhardt, team up for a Charleston wedding, and this bad boy is bound to knock your socks off! Meaghan + Loyd said ‘I do’ in a beautiful, traditional ceremony in the heart of the Holy City at the majestic Cathedral of St. John’s the Baptist. After tying the knot, they headed over (via carriage ride, of course!) to Marion’s in the French Quarter where they celebrated the evening away with family and friends! The entire black and yellow affair was dressed in white hydrangeas, sunflowers and sweet grasses roses for that added Lowcountry touch. To top off the perfect day, the couple rode off rickshaw-style down East Bay Street!
Planner: Chancey Charm Weddings / Photographer: Carolina Studios by Gillian Reinhardt / Venue: Marion's in the French Quarter
Myrtle Beach Wedding Engagement at Pavilion Nostalgia Park
Lighthouse at Shem Creek Wedding {Jennifer + Dane}
A few of our favorites, Carolina Studios by Gillian Reinhardt and Sweet Grass Events by Stephanie Gibbs, teamed up for a rustic affair on Shem Creek that is sure to have every Lowcountry lady pinning away all these Southern details! Thanks to Jonny Cosmetics and Wedding Hair by Charlotte, Jennifer dazzled in a strapless ballgown from Amy Lee Bridal. The adorable couple tied the knot at the stunning Cathedral of St. John the Baptist before heading over to the Battery to capture some frame-able images of the bridal party. The celebration kicked off at the Lighthouse at Shem Creek where guests were greeted to a pink and white color palette with touches of birch and sweetgrass roses. They sipped on pink lemonade, dined on cuisine from Cork Bistro, raved over the boiled peanut bar and enjoyed a few rounds of cornhole!
Photographer: Carolina Studios by Gillian Reinhardt / Hair Stylist: Wedding Hair By Charlotte / Caterer: Cork Bistro / Event Planner: Sweet Grass Events By Stephanie Gibbs / Reception Venue: Lighthouse at Shem Creek / Dress Designer: Amy Lee Bridal / Cake Designer: P.I.E. Bake Shoppe / Ceremony Location: Cathedral of St. John the Baptist / Makeup Artist: Jonny Cosmetics / Tuxedo and Mens Attire: Joseph A. Ban
Conway Riverwalk {Jessica + Joel}
Is it Friday already?!? Isn't it crazy how fast we can blow through a week? In case you missed it, we're in the midst of hosting a Southern Living Weddings giveaway. That's right! You can win yourself one free copy of their latest edition, so check out all the details right here. To top off this winter weekend, we're leaving you with a gorgeous Lowcountry shoot from Carolina Studios by Gillian Reinhardt. The adorable Boston duo of Jessica + Joel had always hoped for a fall-themed engagement session and that's just what they got, well, Southern style anyway, at the Conway Riverwalk. Don't you just love it!
Photographer: Carolina Studios by Gillian Reinhardt
Charleston Engagement {Holly + Chris}
I felt compelled to share a little loveliness on this gorgeous, Lowcountry weekend and who better to assist than our friend and Charleston wedding vendor, Gillian Reinhardt of Carolina Studios! The sweet couple, Holly + Chris, joined Gillian for an afternoon in the Holy City before wrapping up the day at the picturesque Waterfront Park. I have to say I'm loving those personalized chalkboards!
Photographer: Carolina Studios by Gillian Reinhardt
Heritage Plantation Wedding {Jessica + TJ}
Grande Dunes Ocean Club Wedding by Gillian Claire Photography
Southern Coastal Wedding {Lyndsey + Scott}
To bid the summer adieu, we're going to head into the holiday weekend with a laid back, Southern wedding of the North Carolina coast. Lyndsey + Scott tied the knot with teir toes in the sand and the breeze in their hair as one of our favorites, Carolina Studios by Gillian Reinhardt, was there to capture the entire beautiful day! Are those bouquets from Fiore Fine Flowers not to die for?
Southern Wedding Vendors
Photographer: Carolina Studios by Gillian Reinhardt / Hair Stylist: Kozo Hair Designs & Spa / Caterer: Art Catering / Floral Designer: Fiore Fine Flowers / Cinema and Video: Hart to Heart Media / Dress Store: Bridals by Lori / Cake Designer: Cakes by the Sea / DJ: Scott Shaw Productions - DJ Entertainment / Transportation: Wilmington Trolley Company
Myrtle Beach Wedding Vendor Spotlight {Memorable Events}
It's no secret the Lowcountry is blessed with some seriously talented Myrtle Beach wedding vendors who, time and time again, deliver one-of-a-kind, customized Southern weddings that perfectly represent every Bride and Groom. One of our favorites, Leslie Menich, is the owner of the Grand Strand's Memorable Moments Event Planning and is a pro at delivering the Myrtle Beach wedding of your dreams! She takes pride in relieving her ladies of the stress the planning period can bring and makes sure to create a wedding that fits their needs, style and budget. We caught up with Leslie where she filled us in on how she got started, what she offers, and why she loves her job!
How did you get started?
I have over seven years of event planning experience. I graduated from West Virginia University with a Bachelors of Science in Public Relations. I am originally from South Charleston, WV and moved to the Myrtle Beach area in May 2004. When my family or friends had parties, weddings, events, showers, etc., I always found myself becoming a part of the planning process. There is true thrill and excitement in helping plan someone's special occasion and watching it turn into a lasting memory from start to finish. The passion I have for event planning started with this feeling and grew from helping friends and family while also planning and coordinating all events as the Event Planner/Marketing Manager at Celebrations Nitelife for over five years at Broadway at the Beach. During my time there, they became one of the Top 100 nightclubs and bars in the country (awarded by Nightclub & Bar Magazine). From my past experiences and working with contacts and vendors through this full time job, I took the opportunity and decided to start my own business, and this is how Memorable Moments Event Planning was born!
What kinds of services do you provide for area brides?
I offer everything from Full Planning to Day of Coordination. Full Planning tends to be my most popular package. I become close with the couple, usually more with the bride because we do everything together. I am with her every step of the way from right after the engagement until the last event of her reception. Assisting in vendor selections and appointments, layouts of ceremony & reception, helping to determine an accurate total wedding budget, providing decor ideas and advice along the way are among some of the many things we will do together to create the bride’s vision, met with the couple’s personality and style. Memorable Moments will act as the main point of contact for their venue & vendors and will continually make all the necessary accommodations, with their input, allowing the couple, especially the bride, to sit back and enjoy the experience. My signature wedding timeline and budget tracking sheet are also included along with everything included in the Day of Coordination Package.
For Day of Coordination, I come on board during the last months or weeks of the planning process to help the couple wrap up all loose ends with the vendors, assist with any last minute bookings, and coordinate the important events of wedding weekend. All the steps and timelines will be set into place and passed along to all major contacts so vendors, bridal party, family, the bride and groom, and more know where they need to be and when. The entire weekend’s events are put into order from vendors contracts and times confirmed to when the bouquet is thrown. This package also includes on site Rehearsal & Day of Coordination!
*Customized and a la Carte packaging are also available options. Every bride is entitled to a complimentary consultation to make sure we are a right fit before getting started.
What is the best part about your job?
Meeting wonderful couples and sharing in one of the biggest days of their lives. Nothing is better to help plan this day with them and then be there to see the whole process carried out to witness their happiness and appreciation! Many of my clients have become close friends due to the experiences we share together.
I feel the same about many of the wonderful wedding industry professionals I have met along the way while running my business. We all work hard and it is great to have a genuine group of colleagues who I can count on and have the pleasure of sharing stories of true success.
What is one of your most memorable moments on the job?
This past October, I had a wedding on my birthday. It was a 12 hour work day and the wedding turned out beautiful and the couple was more than pleased. Towards the end of the night, the bride and groom went up on stage and took the microphone from the DJ and had the music stop. They had all their guests tell me Happy Birthday and then proceeded to thank me for my friendship and work I had done over the past year. It was a small surprise that meant a lot to me and is something I will remember forever!
What do you say to a bride or groom who is having “cold feet?”
I am lucky that I have not had this happen yet. However, if I did ever have this happen, I would tell whoever is having the “cold feet” to remember how they got where they are in the first place and all the reasons to why they love and appreciate their partner.
What is the most important thing that you do for future brides?
Many brides are experiencing getting married for the first time, so I would say that the most important thing I offer to my clients is KNOWLEDGE! I know the places where she can save, the vendors she can trust, the unique ideas she can use, and more to help her customize her day, her way! When a bride books Memorable Moments Event Planning, she is relieved of much of the burden and work, since it is my job to help her create a wedding to not only meet her needs, wants, personality, style, & vision, but also her budget.
What are you waiting for? Give her a call!
Memorable Moments Event Planning!
Leslie Menich
116 Governors Loop
Myrtle Beach, SC 29588
843.450.9936
Heather + Bryan {Peanut Warehouse Wedding}
Charleston Bride {Brittani}
One thing we love to share with our Lowcountry Brides (well, besides stunning, jaw-dropping wedding inspiration, of course!), is tried and true tips straight from our horses, I mean, brides' mouths. Our gal, Brittani, is back today to give us a few pointers about what she's learned thus far as she navigates her way to her big, Charleston wedding day!
Yay it’s time for another ALW update! Last time I dropped by, I updated the fantastic ALW readers on my DRESS! That was such an unexpectedly exciting part of the process and I actually go for my first fitting in just a few weeks! I cannot WAIT to get back into my beautiful wedding dress, cowboy boots and all! The last few months since making that big decision have been CRAZY! I have been blown away by how quickly the time has gone, and I’ve learned a lot about wedding planning. Phew! I’d love to share some of the things I’ve learned you probably want to do, and some of the things you probably don’t want to do…
DO:
- Do hire a wedding planner! Ugh, what a mistake it was thinking wedding planners aren’t always necessary. As a wedding photographer, I of all people should know how important it is to have someone running the show. Oops! If I could do-over, that definitely would have been the FIRST vendor I would have hired!
- Do be realistic about what weddings cost. I LOVE weddings, trust me…there’s nothing more exciting and special and exhilarating than a wedding day. BUT, having said that, there is SO much that goes into a wedding. I was the bride that wanted to be able to spend big on the things that were most important to Dustin and I (photography, the venue, and food), and DIY and save as much as possible elsewhere. I’ve learned that’s not really realistic, at least for me and my lifestyle. When you have a full-time job, wedding planning is a whole other full-time job. That’s why planners are so important! There were so many “great big ideas” we had to save money but there’s just no TIME to make these things a reality. Life happens, and you have to be realistic about how much time you can really put aside to manage, create, and plan all of these things that seem so easy to do yourself.
- Do start whatever DIY projects you are doing early. In my mind, August was going to be wide open (the hot summers are usually my slower time work-wise), so I could do sooooo much DIYing then. Wrong. August is already halfway crazy for me. I’ve started tackling some projects now but honestly at the end of the workday, I just want to relax! I know some brides are so into crafting for their weddings and it is their way to relax at the end of the day, but between taking care of my dogs and horses, trying to work out (gotta look good for the big day!), cooking dinner, cleaning, regular household and farm chores…there never seems to be enough time at the end of the day.
DON'T:
- Don’t get too caught up in Pinterest. Used the right way, Pinterest can be such a great tool for planning your wedding and coming up with fun projects. BUT, the trick with Pinterest is to not feel like your wedding has to look like someone elses’s. The whole point of getting really creative with your wedding is to make it a true representation of you and your fiancé and the things that are most special in your relationship. It’s so easy to look at pin after pin and think “that’s perfect!” but you should really start with a list of unique traits or themes you want to include in your wedding and search out inspiration from there. For us, since we were long distance for so long and spent a LOT of time flying and driving, travel is going to be a big theme. We’re also super dedicated to our farm and both grew up with horses, so that’s a big shared passion. We love our dogs like kids, so of course the dogs and being a blended family (Dustin has a 5-year-old son) are also very “us.”
- Maybe this is just me, but if I had to do it again, I would not try DIYing invitations. I work with a really good print lab because of my business, so I totally thought I could handle this on my own. Invitations are important, but to me they weren’t one of the biggest priorities. In reality, invitations are basically the first impression you are giving your guests. It’s worth it to invest in a talented designer (I love Sarah at Dodeline Design) who gets what you’re going for and can handle this for you. Invitations have Stressed. Me. Out. You can even find TONS of great invitation suites on Etsy, if going through a designer isn't for you. At the end of the day, by weighing the pros and cons, spending another $200 or so on invitations would have been totally worth it, rather than dealing with the headache I’ve caused myself.
- Don’t lose sight of what your wedding is really about. There are going to be things you want to do but won’t get done. There are things that aren’t going to go as planned. Don’t forget what the day is really about…you and your new husband, your new life together, and the opportunity to have all of the people you love the most in one place at the same time, celebrating together. What will be, will be.
Hopefully those little tips are helpful in some way or another. There are definitely some things I wish I could re-do but we’re this far in and we’ve just got to roll with the punches! I know the next three months are going to FLY, and although I can’t wait for the day to be here, I don’t want the days to fly by too fast because I don’t want our actual wedding day to fly by too fast! I know that no matter what happens, the day will be wonderful and I really look forward to the celebration!
What’s going on next? I’ll be back pretty soon with some insight into the vendors we chose and some other fun details like bridal portraits and what we’re doing for bachelor/bachelorette parties! See ya soon ALW!
Myrtle Beach Bridals at Pine Lakes Golf & Country Club
Myrtle Beach Engagement by Carolina Studios by Gillian Reinhardt
I can't believe it's already May. After months and months of patiently waiting for warm, summer weather, I've quickly been reminded that my hair and humidity don't mix well...at all. But, I'll gladly take a little frizz as long as that means it's beach season! I adore the coast (and I know all of you Lowcountry brides feel the same way!) and I love when couples incorporate a little salt water and sand into their wedding engagement sessions. Well, Myrtle Beach couple Caitlin + Scott did just that! Along with the help of our friend Myrtle Beach wedding photographer Carolina Studios by Gillian Reinhardt, the sweet duo spent a beautiful Lowcountry afternoon with their pooch at The Myrtle Beach Market Common before heading to the shore...
Photographer: Carolina Studios by Gillian Reinhardt
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Dying for even more Lowcountry wedding inspiration!? We'll don't worry, we've got more where that comes from!
Historic Downtown Charleston wedding engagement from Carolina Studios
Myrtle Beach Wedding at Grande Dunes from Brooke Christl Photography
Dunes Golf & Beach Club wedding from Paula Player Photography
Samantha + Scott {Pawleys Island Wedding}
Just up the road from Charleston, on the South Carolina coast, there's a little gem of town called Pawleys Island. It's the epitome of a Lowcountry lifestyle...fresh seafood, laidback locals, Southern charm and the perfect mix of the ocean and marsh. It's those qualites that Northeastern natives Samantha + Scott wanted to share with their wedding guests. The couple had recently relocated to Myrtle Beach and wanted their wedding to reflect their love for their new Lowcountry home. Samantha looked like the perfect Southern bride thanks to her gorgeous strapless gown from The Little White Dress and her fabulous up-do from R. Lozier Signature Salon. They selected the Reserve Harbor Yacht Club to host their ceremony and reception and this new wedding venue did not disappoint. One of our favorite photographers, Carolina Studios by Gillian Reinhardt, did her usual fabulous job capturing the Lowcountry entire affair. Their elegant poolside reception looked stunning with the help of a talented team of vendors, Greenskeeper Florist and The Trestle while Steve & Company kept the guests up and moving all night long!
Photographer: Carolina Studios by Gillian Reinhardt / Reception Venue: Reserve Harbor Yacht Club / Hairstylist: R. Lozier Signature Salon / Floral Designer: Greenskeeper Florist / Dress Store: The Little White Dress / Cake Designer: The Trestle / DJ: Steve & Company / Transportation: Carolina Limos / Officiant: Simple Wedding Day
Jordyn + Joe {Myrtle Beach Engagement}
It's October and you know what that means in South Carolina...it's time for the Fair! From the bright lights and joyful rides to the deep fried Snickers bars (yum!) and fantastic entertainment, you can't beat a cool crisp October evening at the Fair. Last week, the South Carolina State Fair kicked off in the Capitol City and in just a few days the Coastal Carolina Fair begins in Ladson. In honor of all the fun that's to be had in the Palmetto State over the next few weeks, we just HAD to share Jordyn + Joe's (you may remember their gorgeous wedding we shared this past summer) Pavilion Nostalgia Park engagement session from our talented friend Gillian Reinhardt of Carolina Studios. The Groom, Joe, was not thrilled about the idea of taking engagment photos, so his one request was it had to be somewhere fun and what better place than the Pavilion! To give the session a little variety, the couple then headed over to the beach to catch the sunset and wrap up the day.
Favorite shot...
