Something Old, Something New
….something borrowed, something blue, and a sixpence for her shoe! Folks routinely forget about the final part- and we just love the lore:
Each item in this wee poem represents a good luck token for the bride. Legend says that if she carries all of them on her wedding day, her marriage will be a super sweet one. “Something old” symbolizes continuity with the bride’s family and the past. “Something new” means optimism and hope for the bride’s new life ahead. “Something borrowed” is usually an item from a happily- married friend or family member, whose good fortune in marriage is supposed to carry over to the new bride. The borrowed item also reminds the bride that she can depend on her friends and family.
As for the blue … the fabled color has been connected to weddings for centuries. In ancient Rome, brides wore blue to symbolize love, modesty, and fidelity. Christianity has long dressed the Virgin Mary in blue, so it is associated with purity and love. Before the late 19th century, blue was a popular color for wedding gowns, as evidenced in proverbs like, “Marry in blue, lover be true.”
And finally, a silver sixpence in the bride’s shoe represents wealth and financial security. It may date back to a Scottish custom of a groom putting a silver coin under his foot for good luck. The coin was traditionally minted in Britain from 1551 to 1967 and was made of silver and worth about six pennies. You can still get them today at Silver Sixpence, among other places. These days, our brides still wear one in their shoes, sewn into the hem of their gowns, or simply carried with their bouquets or in their clutches for that spot of good luck!
Some ideas:
Nothing better than a vintage hanky from the matriarch of the fam! Talk about your old and your borrowed. Spend some QT on ebay or etsy for fabulous finds.
Dare we say this little gem could be both your something “blue” and your something “old” from your groom? This little gem is from one of our favorite jewelers, Southern Classic.
Thought: find a graphic artist or calligrapher to pen your new married monogram and translate it into embroidery on a simple handkerchief or on the inside hem of your gown for that heirloom touch.
Ok, dream a little dream…but what if you borrowed a vintage blue car from a good friend? How fun!
For your something “new”, does it get any better than this stunning Lela Rose confection? Wethinks not.
Don’t forget this little guy!
Wintry Wedding
We’re in the holiday mood, aren’t you? This season just begs for a fur capelet-clad bride replete with blood red bouquet, sky high closed-toe Louboutins, and a dusting of snow on her wispy chignon. Insert darling groom and husky-drawn sleigh and count us in. Below, a few ideas on how to style a wintry affair:
Play Dress-up
Harken back to your grade school days with a rack full of vintage real and/or faux furs and boucle wools. Tag each with a custom-made note from an Etsy artisan letting the guests know they are for them to enjoy and take home.
Go bold
Although bouquets of white palettes are certainly stunning, perhaps a snowy backdrop deserves a splash of color.
Hot toddies
Classic Hot Toddy
1 glass or mug with a handle, as it is best served warm.
1 shot of whiskey (about two tablespoons)
1 tablespoon honey
¾ cup boiling water
6 – 8 cloves
1 lemon sliced
Cover the base of your mug with honey.Add the whiskey shot. Fill the mug to ¾ full with boiling water. Add 6 – 8 cloves into the a thick slice of lemon. Add the lemon slice with cloves into the mug. Serve hot.
Hot Spiked Cocoa
4 cups whole milk
1 (3-inch) cinnamon stick
2 star anise
1/2 lime, zested
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon grated nutmeg
11 1/2 ounces semisweet chocolate chips
6 to 8 tablespoons bourbon or brandy
Lightly sweetened whipped cream, for garnishing, if desired
In a 2-quart saucepan, combine all the ingredients except the chocolate, bourbon and cream. Heat over medium low heat, stirring occasionally, for 20 minutes. Do not allow the mixture to boil or it will bubble over. Add the chocolate to the pan and continue to cook over low heat, stirring or whisking until all of the chocolate has melted. Continue to cook the cocoa for another 10 minutes to allow all of the flavors to blend. Remove the cocoa from the heat, add the bourbon or brandy to the pan, and stir to combine. Serve the cocoa in warm mugs, topped with a dollop of whipped cream, if desired. Serves 4-6.
Mocha Chocolate
1 quart 1% low-fat milk
6 ounces high quality bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
1/2 cup Dutch process cocoa
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup hot, strong-brewed coffee
Whipped cream, for serving, optional
Grated bittersweet chocolate, for serving, optional
In top part of a double boiler, mix milk, chocolate, cocoa, and sugar. Place over simmering water and cook, stirring occasionally with a whisk, until chocolate has melted and mixture is smooth and hot, about 20 minutes. (Don’t have a double boiler? Heat chocolate mixture in a small saucepan over a larger pan of boiling water.) Stir in coffee and heat through. Pour into mugs, top with whipped cream and the chocolate shavings, if desired, and serve while warm. Serves 8.
When Cake is not Enough
Because let’s face it, when is it ever? A few sweet treats for a late night pass:
Chick-n-minis
No need to re-invent the wheel. If you can’t get a-hold of the real deal, just ask your caterer to mimic for a sure-fire crowd pleaser.
Peking Duck Rolls
Let’s face it: a little late-night Chinese is always in order, especially if we’re talking piping-hot spicy Peking Duck rolls sliced bite-sized and served with a warm plum dipping sauce.
Mini Strawberry Rhubarb Pies
Or blueberry, blackberry, apple: whatever floats your boat, but any way you cut them, they’re bound to please.
Destination Charleston: PLAY
And you thought we’d say: DRINK….after our “DINE” post from Monday- don’t you know we’re a wee bit more creative than that? Ok, confession: we have to weave a little celebration-via-toddies into today’s thoughts- because drinking and playing go hand-in-hand in Charleston for quite a few of our brides, grooms, and their families and friends.
First question from folks “from off”, (aka “not from ’round these here parts”), is usually about the best rooftop bars. Charleston is positively chock-full of beautiful vistas- especially at sunset, but mostly on any given sunny day of the week … of which there are many here. We are sub-tropic after all! Best watering holes with a view:
Flipflops not allowed- which is so UN-Charleston, but you’ll understand why when you step inside this lovely boutique hotel with its dark oil paintings and top notch restaurant, Grill 225. Head on up to the Rooftop for a no-reservations scene with glass half-walls up during chillier months and ocean breezes during warmer months.
Suggested drink: the bubbly, natch.
Cliff’s Notes: dress code is non-existent, day-drinking is encouraged, and there’s always a perfect breeze and plenty of people-watching.
Bonus: You can tell people you’re at the Library and they’ll think you’re super-dedicated to finishing up that MBA.
Suggested drink: imported on draft, or maybe a mint julep!
Not for Louboutin-wearing ladies- this is for the salty dog and his lowcountry lass. Rustic is putting it lightly, but you can’t beat the views of Shem Creek- Mount Pleasant’s idyllic old shrimping village. Locals boat in and out and fresh oysters are served up in tin buckets.
Suggested drink: ice-cold PBR, in a (gasp!) can.
Another fun consideration is where to be photographed for your hair and makeup trial run, and/or bridal portrait, engagement session, and more. A lot of our clients are closet amateur photogs and venture to Charleston on down weekends just to soak up the sights. Here are a few suggestions:
Deets:
Height: 65 Feet
Length: 89 feet
Circumference: 25.5 Feet
Area of Shade: 17,000 sq. Feet
Largest Limb Circumference: 11.25 Feet
The Angel Oak is a Live Oak (Quercus virginiana) that is a native species found throughout the Lowcountry. Believed to be in excess of 1500 years old, its massive, draping limbs and wide-spreading canopy present the aura of an angel but the naming of this tree was acquired from the tree’s previous owners, Martha and Justin Angel. It’s no wonder folks flock to view this special tree on Johns Island, about 20 minutes from downtown Charleston proper.
This pre-Revolutionary gem along the banks of the Ashley River is one of the most stunningly well-preserved (vs. restored) pieces of architecture in the country. Although probably not an easy task, one could get to the right people and perhaps wrangle a half hour to be photographed inside its hallowed halls. Can you just imagine?
Not your usual coral sand beach…our local beaches have a metallic tint and a raw, natural beauty especially lovely as a contrast in black and white photography. Since actual beach weddings are a veritable hassle and the “elements” can be a problem, we suggest nabbing some beach shots in another ensemble in lieu of your gown.
