Burying the bourbon…

Southern Wedding Tradition

Rain on Your Wedding Day?

Wondering what Mother Nature has in store for your wedding day?  Want to hedge your bets?  Well, if you are getting married in the South, you may just want to try “burying the bourbon.” Yes, that’s right, “burying the bourbon.”

Southern folklore claims that burying a bottle of bourbon at your wedding venue exactly one month prior to the big day ensures a rain-free event!  Of course, there are a few details you don’t want to overlook: use a FULL bottle of bourbon; bury the bottle UPSIDE-DOWN; and be sure to MARK your burial site so you can enjoy the bourbon later on.

Effective?

Now, I’m sure you are all asking the same question – DOES IT WORK?

Speaking from personal experience, I’d have to answer, YES!

We recently buried a bottle of Maker’s Mark (our bride was from Kentucky) at the wedding venue exactly one month prior to her wedding day and though the forecast called for a 40 percent chance of rain, the weather for the outdoor ceremony and cocktail hour was absolutely beautiful.

At 7:45 pm  we moved the party inside to the ballroom for dinner and dancing.  Exactly two minutes after the last person walked through the ballroom doors, the skies opened up and the rain poured down.

Pure luck or a little Southern divine intervention?  I’d say a little of both.

Bury those bottles!

Nancy Paris, President
Sea Star Events
Hilton Head, SC
www.seastarevents.com

Just A Few Things…

When she first called our office, bride-to-be Kali of Charlotte, North Carolina was looking for help with just a few things.  She wasn’t looking for someone to manage every aspect of her wedding, she only needed assistance securing a venue and locating vendors that fit her needs and her budget.

Kali was referred to us by one of the amazing brides we had the pleasure of working with over the summer so we couldn’t wait to get started!  We met Kali and her mother on a Sunday afternoon and spent the next two days discussing vendors, visiting venues, and looking at different accommodations.  In the end, Kali selected the Harbour Town Yacht Club as the ceremony and reception site and secured a discounted rate at the beautiful Crowne Plaza Hotel in Shipyard Plantation for her out-of-town guests.  She also walked away with a list of recommended vendors who fit her specific price point.

If you are planning a wedding on Hilton Head Island or the surrounding lowcountry and need help with “just a few things”, please do not hesitate to contact us.  We are more than happy to help.

Sea Star Events — Creative & Unique Celebrations on Hilton Head Island         843-682-2225   www.seastarevents.com

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A Bicycle Built For Two

Tiffany and Brian of Charlotte, NC exchanged vows this past August at Singleton Beach under a clear blue South Carolina sky. Family and friends gathered for the celebration which was officiated by Revered David Leininger.

The couple stood beneath a bamboo arbor decorated with tulle and starfish while their guests sat in chairs adorned with seagrass. After saying “I do”, they asked all their guests to join them in a prayer circle as Reverend David offered a special blessing for the newlyweds.  Once the pictures were taken, the bride and groom hopped on a bicycle built for two and took off for a scenic ride down the  beach.

Guests later joined the couple at their home in the Village at Singleton Beach for a reception.

Sea Star Events — Creative & Unique Celebrations on Hilton Head Island         843-682-2225   www.seastarevents.com

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Wedded Bliss At Harbour Town

The Harbour Town Yacht Club is one of our favorite venues on the Island.  With views of the Yacht Basin, Daufuskie Island, and the Calibogue Sound, what’s not to love?  Our bride and groom, Lindsay & Brian from Arlington Heights, Illinois, agreed and selected it as the venue for both their ceremony and reception.

Carl Schroeder of Weddings By The Sea officiated the rooftop ceremony and Monica Jenks, The Wedding Violinist, played as Lindsay walked down the aisle.  The two exchanged vows with the Harbour Town Lighthouse as the backdrop in a scene that could only be described as quintessentially Hilton Head.

After the ceremony, the entire wedding party joined Brian and Lindsay for photos at the Liberty Oak Tree.  Our bride and groom then took pictures with their immediately family as well as portraits around the Harbour Town Yacht Basin.

The reception took place in the fourth floor Club Room as well as the on rooftop deck.  Guests enjoyed some of Lindsay and Brian’s favorite foods and a few lowcountry specialties while sipping Mojitos, the signature drink, from “Buccarelli’s Bar.”  A key lime cake topper as well as key lime and wedding cake flavored cupcakes from Sweet Carolina Cupcakes were perched high above a chandelier tier.  Lindsay and Brian made sure that there were more than enough of both flavors so their guests could pick their favorite.

Since the bride and groom are both teachers at the same high school, we paid homage to their professions by featuring green apples throughout the event – using them as place cards, centerpieces, and props.

Meredith Barouth of Island Love Photography captured the day’s festivities for the happy couple…

Sea Star Events — Creative & Unique Celebrations on Hilton Head Island         843-682-2225   www.seastarevents.com

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A Beautiful Beach Wedding

We spent Saturday afternoon on Adler Lane Beach celebrating the union of Bobby & Erin from Flowery Branch, Georgia.  Carl Schroeder of Weddings By The Sea officiated the ceremony and Meredith Barouth from Island Love Photography captured the memories that will last a lifetime.

Upon arriving at the ceremony, guests were invited to join the bride and groom barefoot on the beach and, later, signed seashells in place of a guest book.  After the ceremony, guests joined the happy couple for dinner at a local restaurant.

Congratulations Bobby & Erin!!!

 

Sea Star Events — Creative & Unique Celebrations on Hilton Head Island         843-682-2225   www.seastarevents.com

 

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Petal Power

Let’s face it, it is very easy for your flower budget to spiral out of control very quickly.  One quick and easy way to keep your flower budget in check is to use flowers that are in season at the time of your wedding.

So, before you plan on filling the room with Sunflowers in November or Hydrangea in July.  Check out the list below for your best bets…

Year Round Favorites

• Roses – a year round favorite but keep in mind prices will rise dramatically near Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day

Winter Wedding Flowers

• Tulips
• Hydrangea
• Amaryllis
• Lilies
• Orchids
• Stephanotis
• And don’t forget about ivy and evergreens

Spring Wedding Flowers

• Tulips
• Peonies
• Anemones
• Calla lilies
• Hyacinths
• Irises
• Daffodils
• Hydrangea
• Lily of the valley
• Sweet pea
• Delphinium

Summer Wedding Flowers

• Sunflowers
• Asiatic lilies
• Gerber daisies
• Peonies
• Delphinium
• Irises
• Calla lilies
• Lisianthus

Fall Wedding Flowers

• Gerber daisies
• Hydrangea
• Delphinium
• Amaryllis
• Carnations
• Viburnum
• Irises
• Narcissus (I suggest smelling them before you order them in  your bouquet)
• And of course, those beautiful autumn leaves.

Sea Star Events — Creative & Unique Celebrations on Hilton Head Island         843-682-2225   www.seastarevents.com

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When A Limo Just Won’t Do…

No wedding is complete without a means to get you to the church (or the venue) on time but brides today are looking beyond the traditional limousine.

Here are some things to think about when a limo just won’t do…

Trolleys – Grab your wedding party and hop on a trolley.  The photos are sure to be fantastic and a great time will be had by all.

Segways – Make an entrance no one is sure to forget with one of these self-balancing, zero emissions personal transportation vehicles.

Golf Carts – Whether it’s a cart for two or one that seats eight, nothing is better than a parade of decorated golf carts.

Boats – Does your venue have a water view?  Take advantage of the opportunity and arrive by boat!

Horse & Carriage – Have your Cinderella moment without traveling to Walt Disney World or just channel your inner Kate Middleton, many stables provide wedding transportation upon request.

Classic Cars –  Transport your wedding party in style with a fleet of classic cars.  Check out local car clubs for owners who might be interested in working with you.

Bikes & Scooters – Sometimes two wheels are better than four!  Just be sure to practice your “ride” while wearing your wedding dress.  (We find that shorter dresses often work better in this case.)

In the end, your wedding transportation options are really only limited by your imagination so don’t be afraid to dream big!  Happy planning!

Sea Star Events — Creative & Unique Celebrations on Hilton Head Island         843-682-2225   www.seastarevents.com

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Sea Star Events is a division of Sea Star Concierge LLC.

Get Thee To The Spa!!!

You’ve spent countless hours reading every bridal magazine and wedding blog known to man.

You’ve tasted cake and sipped signature drinks. You’ve even allowed your fiance to weigh-in on the entree.

For all this hard work, you should be rewarded – Get thee to the spa!

A visit to the spa before your wedding is an opportunity to indulge in some well-deserved pampering. Whether alone, with mom, or with your bridesmaids, few things in this world rival a day at the spa and, lucky for you, Hilton Head has a number of venues that will cater to your every wish!

Click away to find out which one best suits your needs…

Faces Day Spa, The Village At Wexford – http://www.facesdayspa.com

Heavenly Spa By Westin, Mid-Island – http://www.westinhiltonheadspa.com

The European Spa, Mid Island – www.european-spa.com

The Sanctuary – A European Day Spa, South End – http://www.sanctuaryeurospa.com

Fountain Spa, South End – www.fountainspahhi.com

Le Spa, Sea Pines – http://www.lespahiltonhead.com

Sea Star Events — Creative & Unique Celebrations on Hilton Head Island         843-682-2225   www.seastarevents.com

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Sea Star Events is a division of Sea Star Concierge LLC.

Getting Married on the Beach?

The sand, the surf, and a guy in a speedo?  Yup, it’s a possibility.  “Speedo Man” has been known to make an appearance in the background of some wedding photos.  And, while it makes  for a humorous story, it’s not really a moment you want to treasure for all eternity.

So, before you resolve to exchange vows on the beach.  Take a moment and ask yourself the following questions:

What are the ages of the youngest and oldest guests? If your youngest guests are six and younger, keep in mind that they may be more interested in playing in the sand than watching your wedding ceremony.  If your older guests have issues walking, think of the obstacles sand may present.

What about the weather? Photos of Hilton Head beaches feature bright blue skies but, trust me, it does rain – especially late in the day during the months of July and August.  Always have a back-up location in case a summer storm should roll in late in the day.

Want a sunset wedding? Then the first thing you need to do is visit sunrisesunset.com to figure out exactly what time the sun will be setting.  It can be as early as five or as late as nine depending on the time of year.  Next, visit the NOAA website to check the tides.  The beaches on Hilton Head change drastically based on the tides.  At high tide, you may be forced to say your “I Dos” on the dunes rather than the beach.

Can you handle “Speedo Guy” and his relatives? The beach is public and unfortunately as much as your wedding planner will beg and plead beach-goers to refrain from participating in the ceremony, they have a right to be on the beach too.  The majority of people will watch from a safe distance and congratulate as you depart but there’s always the chance “Speedo Guy” and his family might show up.

Still not swayed? Good for you!  Beach weddings are beautiful.  Nothing can really compete with the beauty of the sand and the surf – not even “Speedo Guy!”  With some careful planning and preventive steps, you can exchange vows with your toes in the sand and friends and family at your side.

For more information on planning your beach wedding, we invite you to contact Sea Star Concierge at 843-682-2225.

Sea Star Events — Creative & Unique Celebrations on Hilton Head Island         843-682-2225   www.seastarevents.com

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Sea Star Events is a division of Sea Star Concierge LLC.

Planners, Dresses, and Cakes – Oh, my!

Perhaps you opened up a little box with a big shiny diamond for Valentine’s Day or maybe you’ve been wearing that ring for the past few weeks (or months).  Either way, you’re probably spending your spare time surfing theknot.com or Martha Stewart Weddings.

Here’s our advice, don’t risk getting caught planning your wedding at work.  Spend your Sunday afternoon at Hilton Head Monthly’s Bridal Showcase.

Hop in your car, cross the bridge, and scoot on over to Hampton Hall this Sunday, February 20^th from 1-4pm.  Not only will you have the chance to win fabulous door prizes, see some amazing dresses, and meet some incredible vendors including Sweet Carolina Cupcakes (psst, they are sampling mini-cupcakes during the event), you will also have the opportunity to rub elbows with Sea Star Concierge!

We will be on hand to answer all of your burning questions like…

“Can I get married on the beach?” Of course as long as you have a permit but take into consideration the tide, the weather, and most importantly, your guests (not to mention your dress).

“Any recommendations on reception space?” Tons, but it really depends on the number of guests not to mention your personal preferences.  Modern, shabby chic, a little bit country, it all comes into play.

“What am I going to do?” Hire us!  Sea Star Concierge offers full service wedding planning but if you are looking for a little help with specific tasks or maybe just on your wedding day, don’t fret, we offer packages that can be customized to your specific needs.  After all, it’s your wedding, not ours.  We’re just here to help.

For more information on Hilton Head Monthly’s Bridal Showcase. visit www.hiltonheadbridalshow.com and don’t forget to stop by the Sea Star Concierge booth with all your burning questions.

Sea Star Events — Creative & Unique Celebrations on Hilton Head Island         843-682-2225   www.seastarevents.com

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Sea Star Events is a division of Sea Star Concierge LLC.