Lemons, limes, grapefruits, kumquats, clementines—you name it, we’re partial to citrus around these parts. I love how natural and lush the lemons and dark green garlands looked against the antebellum carriage house at the William Aiken. Reminds me of the famed Medici gardens and manses- citrus was a symbol of the famous Renaissance family- fun fact. Choosing citrus-focused florals (and drinks! check out the lemonade libation below) echoed the intense, saffron yellow of the main house and came off feeling old-world and yet current at the same time.

{Heather Forsythe}

Case in point: flatware. There are so many amazing designs on the market that look great at the head table at the reception, yes, but  also go the distance in the couple’s first home. Not only that, but we like to think that every time a couple picks up a spoon to stir their coffee, they think back on their wedding and how much fun it was.

Our absolute favorite look? The solid stainless steel signature flatware from Viva Terra (below).

{Viva Terra}

It’s different from most stainless steel flatware for a couple of reasons: first, it’s round, not flat, which gives it a really elegant, sturdy look. Second, it’s solid stainless steel, so every piece is super heavy. And third, instead of a straight shaft, it’s bedecked with a tiny stainless steel “button” that’s equal parts modern and traditional and won’t ever fall out of fashion.

Don’t believe us? We like the flatware so much here at CCD that both Calder and myself own sets! We practice what we preach to a fault you might say!

Flipping through all the gorgeous work by our peers in the industry made us so proud to work in the Lowcountry and especially proud of our April 2011 couple, Tyler and Danny Newman.

You really can’t go wrong with a warm-weather color story that incorporates shades of Hermès orange and spring green, especially if the said colors are set against an organic backdrop of green marsh grass, magnolia trees, and live oaks at Lowndes Grove.

Huge,  huge thank you to local editorial talent and Editor in Chief of Charleston Weddings Melissa Bigner and her team. And big congrats again to Tyler and Danny!

{Gayle Brooker}

Read the whole article here. To see even more photos from their big day, please visit the lookbook on our website.

{clockwise from stairs: bijou and boheme, shop bando, no source, this is glamorous, modesty in vogue, everything fab, kate arends, the sweetest occasion, Martha Stewart Weddings (cake + gold table setting)

And it always helps to have a little extra homework already done for you, right? Right.

So this one’s for you, girls! Check out the cover-ups (below) that go to the beach and beyond. This little smattering hails from Echo Design. Yes, the company known for great printed scarves also does the cover-up routine brilliantly. Who knew?

{Echo Design}

Below, just a few gorgeous blooms and their cool/surprising/sweet meanings . . . enjoy!

The camellia stands for graciousness . . so apropos since it’s a Southern bloom at heart! Easy peasy for winter brides to incorporate in their florals down here.

Who doesn’t love a fragrant magnolia, which stands for dignity? I notice mine blooming in August, but we’ve had our girls tote them as early as June.

Driving around Hana last week, we had our windows down and Jeep top off and the scent of lilac literally wafted for 10 miles of our day trip. I’ve never experienced anything like it. Lilac means first love!

Bachelor button (or cornflower) is super fluffy and cute, inexpensive, and means anticipation . . . darling.

Hardly a bouquet goes by where we don’t use ranunculus, which mean “radiant”. And what bride isn’t radiant on her big day? I love the myriad of colors these little guys offer.

I don’t really have words.

{Clockwise from top L: Die, Yum, Delish, Yes.}

For instance, at the wedding below, we turned to the artisans at EmersonMade in New York for their modern “tie tacks” as groomsmen boutonnières. At the same wedding, we collected a passel of vintage brooches to use as part of the escort card easel to shake it up a bit. I love how effortlessly Cheree Berry picked up the punchy summer vibe for the stationery suite, too.

Both floral spin-offs felt just right for our one-of-a-kind couple, Ali and Paul!

{Heather Forsythe Photography}