A Classic Southern Wedding Complete With a Jaw-Dropping Tulip Chandelier Installation

Lauren Megerdichian
May 7, 2020
Categories: Real Weddings, The Blog, Traditional Elegance

A tulip chandelier? Yup, you read that right. This wedding is the epitome of springtime in charming Charleston, one of our favorite wedding destinations in the whole wide world. The bride and groom tied the knot with their sweet four legged friend by their side at the French Huguenot Church, followed by a tulip-adorned reception thanks to On A Limb at the timeless William Aiken House. Meredith Tanton of Sweetgrass Social planned their southern affair to perfection, complete with classic antebellum elements at every turn. Head on over to the full gallery to see it all!

1. What did you envision your wedding being prior to planning?

From the Bride… I studied Historic Preservation and Community Planning at the College of Charleston, and of course fell in love with the famous historic charm of Charleston during my time at the College. It was very important to me to incorporate those classical antebellum elements into our wedding. Naturally, the French Huguenot Church and the William Aiken House were the perfect backdrops for our wedding day.

2. What was your color palette and your style vision?

A classic southern feel with a natural color palette.

3. What unique elements or DIY details did you include?

I love how we used the watercolor wedding crest from our invitation suite and incorporated it into almost every element of the day. From the bottom of the cigar bar ashtrays, escort cards and cocktail napkins, to the showstopper dance floor with a stunning tulip chandler installation above it. And we absolutely loved that our golden retriever, Hampton got to be the star of the show. It was truly everything we could dream of. I actually designed my own rings. I took my dad’s mother’s diamond that was left to me when she passed away, and my mother’s father’s wedding band to make my engagement ring. My wedding band was my mom’s 5th anniversary ring that I added 2 diamonds to. Ron, the owner of Michael’s Jewelry in Columbia, SC made them for me.

4. What was your favorite moment? Your favorite crafted detail?

It is hard to choose just one. Meredith and her team from Sweetgrass social left no detail undone. Everything was thought of and every area had something unique to our style and it was absolutely stunning. We chose a lace fabric overlay for the dining room tables that mirrored the lace on my gown – creating a soft but formal look in the dining room. I also loved the crest on the dancefloor.

5. Tell us about your flowers, your gown, your favors, your cake, etc.

I am actually allergic to pretty much any strong fragrance flower – so tulips were the natural choice. They are not only my favorite flower, but also the best bloom for my allergies. Heidi from On A Limb did an amazing job creating the most beautiful cascading french tulip arrangements for an elegant addition to the dining room and the showstopping tulip chandler over the dance floor. My gown was a custom Sareh Nouri. I had so much fun working with Sareh and the Saks Bridal team in New York. We took the blush Olivie gown, created a strapless top, then added a tulle shawl bolero – with pieces of the cut out lace from the gown for a softer look. We finished the look with the Oh So Lovely Veil from Sareh’s veil collection. My Reception Dress was the Beatrice Little White Dress by Kate McDonald with a custom aline skirt. We had a welcome letter with things to do on back and filled the welcome boxes with little favors from Charleston. ‘Cheers from Hampton’ Koozies, grits with a classic southern recipe, custom cookies, Charleston Tea Plantation Tea, and water bottles with custom labels. For the wedding we had white shawls with “to have and to hold incase you get cold” tags, Cigars with a custom monogram and dated band, and match books with the watercolor wedding crest.

6. What is one piece of advice that you could give brides-to-be?

I know everyone tells you this, and honestly I didn’t listen, but wish I would have. The day goes by in a blink of an eye, make sure you stop and take it in because it will be over before you know it.

7. Where did you purchase your wedding dress?

The Bridal Salon at Saks Fifth Avenue in New York City. (Sareh Nouri gown)

8. What attracted you to the dress that you chose?

The saying is true that ‘you know when you know.’ I was not originally looking for a lace or embellished gown, but when I put it on, I just knew. Sareh Nouri and the Saks Bridal Team did an amazing job capturing the perfect balance between my traditional and eclectic style.