Lakelands Bride

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GLAMOROUS

WEDDING ENTERTAINING

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INVITATION ETIQUETTE

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GREENWOOD’S ABNEY HALL

NOW OPEN FOR EVENTS

s d n a l e k a Two L " o D I " y a S Couples

Christine Kaeris + Ti Barnes Haley Loggins + Sergio Alvarez 1

FOR LIFE’S SPECIAL EVENTS MAKE IT MEMORABLE

AT A B N E Y H A L L

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8 1 2 C a l l i s o n H i g h w a y • G r e e n w o o d , S C 2 9 6 4 6 • 8 6 4 - 9 8 0 - 8 0 0 4 • w w w. a b n e y h a l l e v e n t s . c o m

YOUR

L VE ST RY AWAITS

Financing and Layaway available

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contents 20 GREENWOOD PHILANTROPIST BEQUEATHS HER ICONIC HOME AS ELEGANT EVENT VENUE

22 FLOWERS ARE THE ART OF THE PARTY

The Other White Dress 06

WEDDING IN A BOX

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GLAMOROUS ENTERTAINING

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WEDDING JEWELRY NOT JUST THE RING

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SO IN LOVE, THANKS TO TWO PROFILES THAT MATCHED ONLINE

24 WEDDING INVITATIONS: BOTANICALS, MONOGRAMS AND SEEDED INVITES 26 INVITATION ETIQUETTE 28 MERRYWOOD LEADS TO MARRIAGE 31 THE WEDDING BUDGET

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T h e

B r i d e ’ s

R e s o u r c e

Executive Publisher

Web/Digital

GREG AND SUZANNE FOX

CLAIRE THOMAS

Managing Editor

Writers

SUZANNE FOX

CLAUDIA HANLIN MARY SHARP MADELINE GARDNER LORIA CLARENDEN RILEY ANDERSON SUSAN MANNING MUNDY PRICE KAREN PETIT ST.CLAIRE DONAGHY

Copy Editor CHRISTIAN DISCHLER

Creative Director SUZANNE FOX

Design SUZANNE FOX CLAIRE THOMAS

©2021 Jumpstart Publishing, LLC. • PO Box 8, Mandeville, LA 70470 69185 Sky Brook Road, Mandeville, LA 70471 All rights reserved. • info@igofox.com

President/Publisher MUNDY BURNS PRICE

Sales Team BETH CAMPBELL TAMMY FARMER BRETT STACKHOUSE

Guest Photographers JAY RODRIGUEZ of Incredible Moments Photography

TRINITY PHOTOGRAPHY 113 Trinity Street, Abbeville, SC trinityphotographyweddings.com 864-366.9232

ABBY WILLIAMS

Facials • Massage Makeup • Waxing Services Tinting Services • Nail Services Bridal-Party Packages “Merle Norman Cosmetics of Greenwood”

M-F 9:30am - 5:30pm Sat. by appointment (864) 229-3322 • 201-B Hampton Street, Savannah Court, Greenwood, SC • www.MerleNormanGreenwoodsc.com

This elegant small wedding designed by Claudia’s Wedding Library displays the perfect way to use Freshly Set’s designer tabletop products to add charm, elegance and detail that is fit to your personal style.

Claudia explains her inspiration and design thought process when she designed this beautiful reception dinner in Tuxedo Park, New York.

Wedding in a box

Top Tips for Designing a Small Wedding by Claudia Hanlin

Freshly Set is an e-commerce service offering brides the opportunity to rent designer tabletop pieces for their small wedding or party. “I created an opulent lakeside dinner, evoking a glamorous party that I imagined at a villa overlooking Lake Como. I love the combination of pinks and burgundy, and the Penny Morrison linen evoked the handmade, informal and cheeky look I was going for. An added bonus was the complex color combinations that challenged me and I think in the end worked really well! I wanted it to feel slightly homespun, complete with tarnished silver containers and (slightly) kitschy candle shades."

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UPGRADE. SERVE YOUR FAVORITE CHAMPAGNE. MAKE IT A PARTY TO REMEMBER!

CLAUDIA'S TIPS! • T hrow out your pre-conceived design ideas that you might have for a big party.

It’s the perfect opportunity to make it personal, not cookie cutter!

• Think home entertaining: time to break out the fine linens, antique silver and heirloom china. Don’t have enough? No problem. Mix and match to make it super personal.

• I ndividualize! Use place cards, hand write menu cards, leave a personal note at each place setting. Toast every guest!

• Don’t skimp on flowers. This is not the time for a DIY project.

Hire your dream designer and get a few lush centerpieces.

• Make it comfortable. If it’s outside, make sure you have cozy blankets available or pashminas, pillows and a few fire pits.

• Don’t forget pacing.

You might not have a planner, maitre d’ or band leader to keep the party going. Have someone watch the clock and keep the timing and pacing lively.

We like having a little surprise or “moment” every half hour or so.

(This could be a toast, cake cutting, tequila shots, first dance or sparklers). Make it fun!

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Glamorous WeddingEntertaining

By Mary Sharp SIGNATURE COCKTAIL Make your day memorable and easy at the same time.

Create a signature cocktail that will satisfy the masses and serve it in pitchers on each table. This will keep the line shorter at the bar and save money on alcohol.

The same is true if you are having a non-alcoholic event.

Use antique and etched glass pitchers to serve mocktails that even your most critical aunt will love.

STRAWBERRY COCKTAIL Strawberry Lemonade Vodka Triple Sec Prosecco Sparkling Water Lime Juice (For mocktail, leave out the alcohol)

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FRESH OFF THE GRILL Grilled anything is the perfect wedding food for lunch or dinner. Shrimp with a side of cous cous is light and filling.

Be careful not to serve heavy foods at your wedding. Keep your guests and your fare light.

We can provide Food or Bar Catering for your Reception Your place or ours.

Call to book your date!

Howard’s on Main Deli • Sandwich Shop • Bar A SECOND OPTION Another light and tasty grilled favorite is blackened scallops on top a bed of spinach.

Always have two options for your guests. A carb-free option has become very popular in the days of keto, fasting and lean and green diets!

330 Main St., Greenwood

229-3700

howardsonmain.com C2-AT220107_144446

STARTERS Equally pretty and delicious, a salad is probably the most cost effective starter to a premium meal. Make it colorful and tasty with different textures. Here, we have arugula, strawberries, feta cheese and pecans. Mix with strawberry vinaigrette dressing and it pairs lovely with your signature cocktail.

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BRACELETS, RINGS & EARRINGS,

Oh My!

By Mary Sharp

WEDDING JEWELRY NOT JUST THE RING! WEDDING JEWELRY DOESN'T HAVE TO BREAK THE BANK AND IT DOESN'T HAVE TO BE ROYAL CRYSTALS. ELEGANT, TIMELESS JEWELRY IS MEANT FOR ALL OF YOUR WEDDING EVENTS, FROM THE SHOWER TO THE HONEYMOON. Today's bride is elegant and practical. She understands the value of money and planning a wedding on a budget. This makes today's weddings some of the most memorable events to come. There will be special mementos and family heirlooms; the traditional more than the outrageous.

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Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue. These words mean more to today's bride than they did five or even ten years ago. The value of every purchase for your wedding should be scrutinized. That's why your wedding jewelry should be versatile, timeless and

elegant. It doesn't have to be expensive, but it should follow your everyday style.

You may wear it to your wedding, your shower and your honeymoon, but you should be able to wear it for many years to come. Make it practical. Jewelry pictured is from Ring Concierge, a line of vintageinspired jewelry.

After the Yes...

Thayers

Invite your guest beautifully…

Then....

Entertain your guest beautifully!

302 Main St. • 864-229-4000 C2-AT220107_143622

Trinity Photography

Talk of the Town Catering Let your next event be the talk of the town

We Specialize in Wedding and Event Catering Penny Richey, Owner Call to Schedule Your Consultation and Tasting Today!

864-366-2582 • 864-378-2582 105 South Main Street • Abbeville, SC Trinity Photography

C2-AT210112_095403

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orilee by Madeline Gardner proudly launches "The Other White Dress" Collection which is comprised of clean timeless looks fit for a casual or small intimate ceremony, chic wedding reception or other events. Weddings and their surrounding events are evolving past the wedding chapel, into intimate backyard gatherings, memorable vineyard and beach ceremonies & beyond.

By Madeline Gardner

The Other White Dress

FOR YOUR INTIMATE WEDDING OR EVENTS BEFORE AND AFTER YOUR CEREMONY, "THE OTHER WHITE DRESS" WILL COMPLETE YOUR WEDDING TROUSSEAU.

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STYLISTICALLY SPEAKING Brides can look forward to a flirty, Jackie O, tea-length style dress, a jaw dropping silky chiffon column dress with plunging low back, a wide leg jumpsuit which perfectly cinches the waist & romantic billowy sleeves that catch flight to have gorgeous movement to them. The iconic pieces all hold a timeless style infused with endless inspiration.

“I’ve designed The Other White Dress collection with personalization at the forefront of each style. A blank canvas for my brides to make their own, and bring their wedding day vision to life. From effortlessly chic to sophisticated and ultra-glamorous, this collection provides simple, sleek looks that can be versatility styled to beautifully complement any type of wedding setting.

The perfect modern-day dresses for today’s everevolving bride.”

–Madeline Gardner

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SO

In Love, THANKS TO TWO PROFILES THAT MATCHED ONLINE

Christine Kareis + Ti Barnes

I

May 22, 2021 The Richmond on Greene Augusta, Ga.

t was an “intentional swipe” on an online dating site in 2018 which ultimately led to the May 22, 2021, wedding of Christine Kareis and Ti Barnes.

Barnes entered the world of high-tech dating, “with trepidation because of the horror stories that you hear about online dating,” as did Kareis, who previously had experienced some of the pitfalls of internet romance. But both, with interesting, demanding careers leaving little opportunity for finding the perfect match, were open to the possibility of finding someone online to date.

Barnes, then the executive director of the Bowers-Rodgers Children’s Home, had placed his profile online not long before attending a friend’s engagement party. He went to the event and left his work and personal cell phones in the car. When the party ended, he checked his cell phone and discovered that a lovely blonde had made a “swipe” on his profile to indicate that she liked his online presence.

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By Karen Petit

“Our best quality as individuals and as a couple is our adaptability,”

Photos by Jay Rodriguez of Incredible Moments Photography

“When we matched, I thought this beautiful woman had made a mistake,” said Barnes with a laugh. “I looked at her profile and thought ‘this is an inadvertent swipe.’ ” But he was intrigued and bold enough to make his own swipe. She responded.

He knew: That first move was an “intentional swipe.”

They exchanged messages, which led to daily phone calls. Barnes still had reservations – not about Kareis per se – but because “many people are not dating with intention,” he said.

It was a concern for Kareis, too.

“We soon realized that we weren’t going to date just to have fun.”

They had their first date at Finch & Fifth in Augusta on May 22, 2018.

The chemistry was instant, and the desire to see each other continued.

Barnes traveled to Augusta during the week to have dinner with her or see a show. Kareis visited Greenwood on weekends. It was a shift in lifestyle for both. Barnes, a single father with

three daughters, had spent the 15 years since his divorce focusing on his career. He also completed a master’s degree program in public administration after earning a bachelor’s degree from the University of South Carolina.

“I was completely immersed in my work, a 24-hour, seven-days-a-week job helping abused, abandoned and neglected children,” he said. “Not everyone would be understanding of the demands of my career. But Christine understood and appreciated my work. She even would volunteer to help. She knew why my work was meaningful to me.”

The couple took a trip to Europe before COVID-19 shut down the world, and, “survived the trip and traveling as a couple,” Kareis said. “I knew that I wanted to marry Ti, or I wouldn’t have made a decision to change my life as I did.”

As their relationship continued, Kareis said, “I was amazed that he would drive an hour just to take me to dinner. He was more attentive.

He was more focused on me than anyone had ever been. He was just more everything.”

Because Kareis’ job was flexible enough that she could work from home and travel as needed, she rented out her Augusta home and relocated to Greenwood. About a month later, COVID hit, “and I never left the house again,” she said.

Gone were the days of travel. She was confined to working from home completely.

Ahead of her was a milestone. In November 2020, Kareis was turning 40 years old. Barnes knew it was time to make a move for a permanent relationship. “I knew this was the ‘someone’ I wanted to be with long term. She had prioritized me and my career, and she was focused on my life,” he said. “I knew that lightning was not likely to strike twice and that I couldn’t take this relationship for granted. It was time to marry her.”

With her bir thday approaching, Kareis had some disappointment. A trip to England and Ireland, planned for two years with her parents and siblings, was not going to happen in a pandemic.

“I’d never sat home for my birthday,” Kareis said.

So, the intrepid traveler found herself looking for a more subdued and intimate celebration. She found Chateau Elan Winery and Resort to be a perfect birthday choice.

For Barnes, it was the perfect opportunity to propose. The hunt was on for the perfect ring. Not happy with choices that he found, he spent evenings on the internet searching for a ring that Kareis would love. She already had made the search less complex. “I sent pictures,” she said, “so that he would know. I tried to make it as easy as possible.”

Finally, he found the ring online at the Shane Co., a fine jeweler specializing in engagement and wedding rings.

He “pulled the trigger” and made the purchase. There was only one problem: Kareis was home every day, and he didn’t want her to intercept the package. He followed the tracking schedule for the package, and, when he realized that it was out for delivery, he went home to wait. “She was working in her office. I saw the truck driving up, got the package and hid it for about a month.”

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He arranged for a college fraternity friend, who was a photographer, to do a “faux birthday shoot” in front of the winery. “I got into a couple of photos and then stepped away. When she turned around, I was on one knee, and I proposed,” he said.

Kareis had suspected that something was up, but she wasn’t completely sure that he was about to ask her to marry him. She accepted without hesitation, and the wedding planning for May 22, 2021 – the same date as her parents’ wedding anniversary -- began in earnest, in spite of the pandemic swirling around them.

Yet, it wouldn’t be a totally smooth course to the altar.

After 30 years of serving children throughout South Carolina, the Bowers-Rodgers Children’s Home was closing, along with its resale store.

Barnes found himself having to make arrangements for the children in the facility’s care and new plans for his own career.

“It was a really difficult time because I loved my job so much,” he said. “COVID decimated our organization and our ability to find workers.

It was the end of years of service to children throughout the state, and that was hard.”

Nevertheless, the couple kept moving forward. Kareis, who had worked for a catering business as a student at Augusta University, tapped into the wedding resources she knew, and the couple selected The Richmond on Greene in Augusta for their wedding. Mindful of the health and safety of their guests, the couple chose to have their wedding outdoors and the reception in the spacious ballroom. They provided masks for their guests, used disposable products for food and distanced reception tables.

“We did the best we could to protect our guests,” Kareis said.

Throughout the wedding planning, Barnes was applying and interviewing for jobs. On the Thursday before the couple’s wedding weekend, Barnes

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learned that he had been selected

by Allen University to become its new Vice President for Institutional Advancement and Director of Development.

“We had a wonderful wedding weekend, honeymooned in Hawaii and came back to South Carolina,” Barnes said. “We stepped off the plane, and I started my new job the next day.”

In the following weeks, the couple sold their home in Greenwood and purchased a home in Columbia, where they now reside. Throughout the months of wedding planning and job relocation, the couple met each challenge with determination to work together for the good of their marriage.

“Our best quality as individuals and as a couple is our adaptability,”

he said. “We’ve been leaders in our respective careers and found balance in the tug of war of relationships and a marriage. We focus on compromise and flexibility. We work really well together.”

In the whirlwind that’s followed, the couple are moving ahead with their careers, adjusting to life in Columbia and enjoying their time with Barnes’ three daughters, ages 15 to 22.

“Everything that happened in 2021, once we could see the result, we saw the hand of God. It was a setback for a ‘come up,’ ” Barnes said. “Everything unfolded, a romance emerged, COVID forged a partnership and a bond between Christine and me. We worked together after I lost my job,

planned a wedding, sold a house and moved from a community we loved.

But every time there was a setback, there was a comeback. That is faith, and we are blessed.”

But it will be nice, Barnes’ new bride said, “if 2022 can be calmer.”

No one ever imagined – certainly not Barnes himself – that an “intentional swipe” could lead to a future that each wanted but weren’t certain they would find. And it happened online, in spite of their trepidation.

“I knew that lightning was not likely to strike twice and that I couldn’t take this relationship for granted. It was time to marry her.”

AD 864-992-0580

Email: info@enchantedacres.events www.enchantedacres.events C2-AT220107_145455

Greenwood Philantropist Bequeaths Her Iconic Home As Elegant Event Venue

By Mundy Price

C

onstruction of Abney Hall, located in southern Greenwood County at 812 Callison Hwy., began in the late 1950s and was completed in the fall of 1961. This iconic, Southern estate was the home of Mrs. Josephine Abney. Mrs. Abney exuded grace and, as her obituary stated after her passing at the age of 101 in 2020, she was a consummate hostess, opening her beautiful home for parties and fundraisers to help support the vast number of philanthropic causes about which she was passionate.

Prior to her passing, Mrs. Abney had plans in the works for the approximately 450-acre estate, and the concept of the house becoming an event venue was a way for Abney Hall to become an income-producing property and to continue in Mrs. Abney’s tradition of entertaining and hosting people within the walls and on the grounds of one of the grandest

homes in the Lakelands.

Property manager and events coordinator for Abney Hall, Kevin Coursey said, “She loved this place and wanted to see it continue on long after she passed. After Mrs. Abney’s passing in July of 2020 the family began the process of honoring her wishes, and the following year preparations were begun to offer Abney Hall in this manner, with the start of several projects such as grading (for tenting and ceremony areas), forest clean-up for aesthetics adjacent to the house overlooking a beautiful pond, parking enhancement, and remodel of the bath house restrooms,” Coursey said. “There wasn’t a tremendous amount that had to be done since Mrs. Abney had kept the grounds and house in immaculate posture for the past 60 years.”

Abney Hall offers a variety of options as an event venue from corporate meetings and dinners to elegant

Photos by Abby Funderburk Williams

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gatherings around the pool for a variety of social occasions. For brides, Abney Hall Events offers the home and grounds as a backdrop for elegant bridal portraits. The property offers a host of beautiful settings, including several interior and exterior staircases, that make for wonderful portraits in which a bride can be showcased in her gown. Abney Hall offers a four-hour session for the bride and her photographer to roam the property for just the right light and portraits.

When a bride and groom come to tour Abney Hall and talk about hosting their wedding ceremony and/ or reception there, Coursey says he and his staff will sit in the library for a brief time to visit and find out what they have in mind for their special day.

They determine what time of year the couple hopes to schedule their wedding for, how many guests they’d like to have, if the ceremony be on Abney Hall grounds or at a church, if there’ll be a band or DJ, and if they need any help with caterers, a florist, makeup artists, hair stylists. etc. Events can also include use of the additional amenities Abney Hall has to offer, such as to the pool, tennis courts, shuffle board, fishing, hunting, clay shooting, nature walks.

Coursey said, “Abney Hall Events does have a list of preferred photographers, videographers, caterers, DJs and bands for suggestive purposes, and we can also offer a host of florists, and others to help make the planning process smooth and easy.

Abney Hall does have a master gardener that plans, plants and tends to all the flowering plants, who is a floral designer too.”

“We always talk with our brides and let them know that, while we offer the down stairs to the bride and her entourage to spend the day to enjoy breakfast, makeup, hair styling and even a little lunch. Abney Hall is primarily an outdoor venue for weddings and receptions,” Coursey said. Utilizing the outdoor space for weddings and receptions requires considerations for

portation to and from Abney Hall Kevin Coursey has vast experience as needed. Coursey’s own daughter, in event planning to help take the Hillary Coursey Childress, was married pressure off hosts and hostesses. “I in 2021 at First Baptist Church in have always enjoyed the planning and Greenwood with a reception hostimplementation of events for many ed at Abney Hall. Course said, “For different organizations over the years. my daughter’s wedding reception in For the past 9 years I have worked May of last year, we used a trolly to at Greenwood Country Club as the transport the bridal party to Abney Food and Beverage Director/Club Hall from the church, and then we had House Manager. One of my responsia 1960s Packard for the get away car bilities was to book, plan and produce that was rented out of Aiken. We have wedding receptions, parties, dinners, a host of connections for just the right and various gatherings. Mrs. Abney was venders to make that day special with kind enough to allow me to use Abney the perfect touches.”

Hall for a charity event that I was in Coursey said Abney Hall’s calendar charge of which needed a beautiful for 2022 is booking rapidly and with setting for a party. Abney Hall has aladditional brides also looking at dates ways functioned well for any gathering, for 2023. and it was always a delight for guests Abney Hall is unique in location and to come to such a grand home and for the grandeur of the house that was be able to experience the setting and built some 60 years ago. The architecambiance of a past era that has been ture and grounds make guests feel as so well preserved.” though the estate could be 100+ years For Abney Hall Events booking inforold. The house is built of handmade mation, see the venue’s ad on page 2.

Virginia brick with a slate roof and is decorated with special pieces from Europe, Denmark, and various locations throughout the globe.

The evening sun setting in the west through the massive pines and various hardwoods create the perjoyofcakesgwd@gmail.com fect lighting for timeless pictures.

While the front of the house has a true southern, colonial appeal, the back of the Catering for any occasion house overlookfrom very casual geting the pool area togethers to formal weddings. will make you We do more than think you are on set for the Great Gatsby.

We look forward to working with you to make Properyour event a very special one. ty manager

Cakes for All Occasions @JoyofCakesGwd

BBQ!

Marion Moore

C2-AT220110_135941

tents to provide cover for the music, dance floor, and guests, just in case of a rain shower.

While the bride is enjoying the day with her bridesmaids, the groom can enjoy his day at the secluded guest house across the pond for fishing, watching the game on television or just hanging out after a day of golf or other pre-wedding activities. Coursey said that grooms and groomsmen have enjoyed this feature of the venue to have their own area to enjoy themselves prior to the ceremony and reception.

Abney Hall Events currently does not offer overnight stays, but there are plans in the works to offer such accommodations in the near future.

Those plans include newly constructed cabins, which can double as hunting lodges.

Parking is offered adjacent to the grounds’ tennis court, behind the pool area. Coursey said, “This keeps the front of the house clear and clean from looking like a parking lot and also offers the guests the ability to enter the “party area’’ on the same grade level.” For any guests with disabilities or physical limitations, the back driveway allows for someone to be dropped off right at the pool area with no stairs or hindrances to access.

The pool bath house has a ladies’ and men’s restroom available with one stall each, so venue staff suggest couples reserve a portable restroom trailer with two or four restrooms to avoid any lines or wait for facilities.

For couples interested in a holiday wedding, Coursey said Abney Hall looks beautiful at Christmas with trees in most all of the rooms and the beautiful grand staircase decorated as you enter through the front door on the main level. “With a fireplace in each room,” Coursey said, “the twinkle of Christmas is everywhere.”

Couples wishing to host their reception at Abney Hall but have their ceremony in a church or other location can consider using one of the venue’s several sources for trans-

206 Johns Creek Rd • Hodges, SC 29653

(864) 229-1095 • (864) 980-7579

Flowers

ARE THE ART OF THE PARTY

By Deanne Marks

GREEN HYDRANGEAS & WHITE RANUNCULUS One of the most cherished flowers, hydrangeas blossom in well-tended gardens and grace floral arrangements around the world. They symbolize sincere emotions, gratitude, and deep understanding. In particular, Green Hydrangea flowers symbolize renewal and rebirth. The white ranunculus are a staple in high-end flower shops and wedding bouquets. The tissue-thin petals of the ranunuculus create a delicate addition to the bolder green hydrangea. Together, the two are a stark statement to your bouquet.

PEONIES A peony represents wealth and honor. It also embodies romance and love, and is regarded as the omen of good fortune and happy marriage. Peony plants can live to be 100 years and still produce flowers. They are an excellent addition to a bi-color ensemble of green and white.

WHAT IS INSPIRING YOU? Find inspiration in layering patterns. From bold geometrics to feminine florals, have fun piecing together unexpected patterns from the linens and flowers, to place settings. Let your floral linens steal the show.

SILVER PITCHERS Gold, sliver or even patina vases and pitchers filled with pink peonies, green hydrangeas and accented with shades of bold pink filler flowers create the ultimate vintage look. Save money on vases and ask relatives to let you "borrow" a family heirloom. Place a card on the table with credit to the contributor.

VINTAGE The vintage bouquet of variegated dark and light pink garden roses and draped with wisteria in a tarnished antique urn. The wisp of green ruscus gives this bouquet balance. This bouquet can accent an intimate candle light ceremony or a formal dinner with ease.

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WEDDING INVITATIONS botanical styles

By Riley Anderson MONOGRAM Monograms are a wonderful way of adding a personal touch while keeping your botanical invites simplistic and classy.

Match your wedding flowers to your botanical invites.

The wife's initial is first in the monogram, followed by the initial of the couple's last name and completed with the groom's first initial. While marriage monograms are not as common as personal monograms, they are the perfect detail to add to any wedding or celebration of newly-weds!

SUSTAINABILITY Sustainability is a major trend throughout wedding planning and it's coming into wedding stationery, too. Use recycled and plantable seed paper for your invitations. It's great way to share the growth of your union with your friends and family. Be sure to print on the card, "This paper is embedded with plantable seeds. Plant with care and sow the love and joy we have for each other."

Plant this invitation and wildflowers will grow

Greenwood’s Premier Historic Wedding Venue Whether you prefer an inside wedding or one in our garden, we can accommodate your special day!

For weddings, family reunions, or other events, please contact Rob Jones at 864-942-2456

COKESBURY COLLEGE 210 College Drive, Cokesbury, SC P.O. Box 206 Hodges, SC 29653 www.cokesburycollege.com

Invitation Etiquette

By St.Claire Donaghy

WEDDING INVITATIONS SET TONE, EXPECTATIONS FOR SPECIAL DAY Invitations are the first connections guests have to your wedding day.

They relay important information such as who, what, where and when you are tying the knot. They also give invited guests context clues about how formal or laid-back your ceremony will be.

Invitations can be ways to share with others a bit about your personalities as a couple or your love story.

And, invitations later framed and matted can become beautiful keepsakes of a momentous occasion.

Traditionally, what you send to guests includes the main invitation, a response card, and any other enclosure card containing helpful information for guests (reception card, travel and accommodations card, attire card, wedding website card, etc).

It's recommended you send invitations to international guests at least 12 weeks in advance and to others six to eight weeks before the

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wedding, according to etiquette tips at: brides.com.

Thayer's in Greenwood, at 302 Main St., has been a go-to source for engaged couples for generations, for everything from invitations to china patterns, flatware, gifts and home decor.

Taylor Wilson Tucker of Thayer's says it's key to give weight to your invitations‑—literally.

"You want invitations to be set apart from regular stationery," Tucker said. "It's nice if card stock has some

weight to it. We carry a line called Crane and Company that is the gold standard for invitations and stationery.

Crane's papers are made of 100% cotton and they are so beautiful."

Once your invitation paper is selected, Tucker says it's important to consider the printing process, too.

Tucker said flat printing is the least expensive method, while thermography can give an engraved look at a lesser cost than engraving.

Top of the line printing techniques for an elegant look include actual engraving and letterpress, Tucker said.

"I actually tend not to recommend people include RSVP cards with their invitations, for the simple fact is that more than half are never returned and a couple has incurred a lot of expense," Tucker said. "If they are not returned, it gives an inaccurate count of the number to attend." Etiquette dictates, however, that if you do send an RSVP card with your invitations, a stamped and addressed return envelope should be included. Postage on RSVP return envelopes that potentially goes unused is another unnecessary expense.

Tucker said she advises couples to plan on at least three-fourths of their invited guests attending, if not more.

"If there's a sit-down dinner reception, the number needs to be precise," Tucker cautions. In that event, an RSVP card and stamped return envelope should be included.

Brides.com also encourages couples to leave off wedding registry

information on printed invitations.

Many couples today create personalized wedding websites where registry information and links are appropriately included. Referencing a couple’s wedding URL is appropriate on a wedding invitation and will provide guests with a way to find registry information without printing it directly on formal invitations.

Invitation recipients should take cues from how envelopes are addressed to determine who exactly in the household is invited to the wedding. If you want to invite an entire family, address the envelope to “The Smith Family” or write out all names of the household underneath the names of the primary invitees. If you only want to invite Mr. and Mrs. Smith, address the envelope as such. If you intend for a single guest to invite someone to attend your wedding, be sure to include “and Guest” on the envelope.

Educator Cecily Bradford Ferguson of Abbeville has taught calligraphy classes and has fulfilled orders for elegantly hand-lettered addressed envelopes for wedding invitations.

"I am seeing renewed interest in addressing invitations with calligraphy," Ferguson said. "I am seeing mostly white paper or card stock with black embossing or engraving. While many colors of calligraphy ink are available, black ink is what's requested for the majority I do.

"With so much digital these days, calligraphy conveys tradition," Ferguson said, noting that extra effort signals the invitee is important and wanted at the ceremony.

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Merrywood Leads to

Marriage Boy Meets Girl in Elementary School, Marries Her After College

I

t’s not very often these days that you come across a newly married couple who has known one another since elementary school.

Sergio Alvarez had recently moved to Greenwood, South Carolina from his native country of Colombia, South America and was a new student at Merrywood Elementary School when he attempted to make new friends, including with a girl named Haley Loggins who was in a different class. Both were fifth graders, but only interacted at recess or in the hallway. Haley was a self-described shy pre-teen, while Sergio was outgoing and eager to meet new classmates.

“He would always seem to find his way next to me in line while coming back for class,” Haley recalls.

“I thought nothing of it, but he sure loves to mention how I would pay him no attention back then.”

Perhaps even as a young fifth grader Sergio could sense a connection between himself and Haley. This

Haley Loggins + Sergio Alvarez May 15, 2021 Hollow Oaks Farm Event Barn, Cross Hill, SC

By Mundy Price

connection wouldn’t resurface until a number of years later, after the two students attended different middle and high schools, but they ended up at the same college–in the same major–taking the same classes at Lander University. While at Lander, both majoring in biology, Sergio finally managed to get Haley to pay attention to him and the two began talking and eventually began dating.

Despite having what they say are completely opposite personalities, Haley began to come out of her shell in college and, as she says, find her true self. Sergio helped bring that out in her and the couple’s relaPhotos by Trinity Photography Forever Bridal Articles

tionship continued to grow over the next four years.

Haley had come to love Sergio’s strong sense and love of family, and she especially admired the close relationship he maintained with his family in South America, namely with his grandmother. The two were able to travel after graduating from Lander in the summer of 2019 to Colombia so Haley could finally meet many of Sergio’s family members in person, including his grandma. Making the trip to his home country even more memorable, Sergio had taken the proper steps beforehand, including speaking to Haley’s parents, to pull off a remarkable proposal, which entailed a horseback ride and breathtaking mountain views overlooking the town where Sergio had grown up. Upon riding back into town, the Alvarez family celebrated the new engagement with the happy couple and welcomed Haley with warm arms into the family.

Wedding plans began swirling around in their heads following that June 2019 trip to Colombia, but not long after their engagement, the world was turned upside by Covid-19.

Finally, after having dated for four years and a two-year engagement, Sergio and Haley were able to have a wedding on May 15, 2021.

Those two years allowed the couple to take their time planning, and they utilized close friends and family members to help iron out all the de-

tails. Their pre-Covid plan included a larger guest list than the number they finally settled on, but that was the only big thing they had to change due to the pandemic. Like many young couples, Sergio and Haley relied heavily on the internet and websites like theknot.com and Pinterest to glean ideas for their big day. They decided

on a boho, laid-back theme with natural décor and greenery that included succulents and eucalyptus, with touches of color in dusty rose and gold. They each had input in selecting the other’s wedding attire, and they worked together to choose complimentary colors for their groomsmen and bridesmaids.

The wedding location was Hollow Oak Farm Event Barn in Cross Hill, about 15 miles from Greenwood.

The property features 60 acres with a newly built 4,200 square foot event barn and 2,300 square feet of outdoor decks. The country setting was especially attractive to the couple.

“Sergio saw the cows out in the pasture and fell in love with the place.

He absolutely adores cows,” Haley said.

Sergio’s dear grandma was unable to travel from Colombia to attend the wedding, however Haley worked with Sergio’s family members to help his grandmother create a sweet surprise for her grandson on his wedding day.

Haley and Sergio decided to have a “first look” photo session before their nuptials, and it was during this special time that Haley pulled out her cell phone to play a video message from

Sergio’s grandmother. In this special message, sent from South America with love, Sergio’s grandma wished the couple all of the best and a happy, long-lasting marriage.

“She is one of the most meaningful people in his life, and he was not expecting the message from her,” Haley said. Knowing how important it was for Sergio to include his grandma in some way on his wedding day, Haley’s mother gifted him with a very special pair of cuff links that were engraved with a sparrow. These were so meaningful to Sergio because it indicated Haley’s family welcomed him and understood the meaning behind his grandma’s nickname for him, which is “little sparrow”.

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Vendors/Services Another special way Haley and Sergio decided to include family in the ceremony was to ask Haley’s uncle, Tom Cavanaugh, to become an ordained minister so that he could be the one to officiate the ceremony.

Although some might consider it to be a tall order, Haley’s uncle obliged and was able to marry the couple.

• Wedding Gown – Dimitra Designs • Groom’s Attire – David Lindsey Clothier couple had placed a basket of antique handkerchiefs at the venue for guests to use to dry their happy tears.

• Bridesmaids’ Dresses – Dimitra Designs • Groomsmen's Attire – David Lindsey Clothier • Her Rings – Total of 3 rings were bought from Kays and Walmart • His Ring – Walmart • Flowers/florist – Carolina Petals • Catering/Food – Stump’s BBQ and Catering • Cake/Treats – Publix • Musicians/DJ – DJ2XS • Photographers – Trinity Photography • Bridesmaids' gifts – Etsy • Grooms’ gifts – Etsy and liquor store

During the reception after shedding tears during the couple’s first dance and dances with the groom’s mother and bride’s father, the guests were treated to Stump’s BBQ, a strawberry “naked” cake and cupcakes by the Publix bakery, and tunes by Sergio’s high school friend DJ2XS. The wed-

Displayed on a table at the reception were photos of family members near and dear to the couple’s hearts who had passed. This special touch was comforting to Haley and Sergio to feel as though their loved ones were there in spirit. The couple’s close bond is evident to their families and close friends, and there weren’t many with dry eyes after the ceremony or first dance. A thoughtful touch, the

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ding party and guests let their hair down and tried to compete with Sergio’s moves on the dance floor.

Those moves apparently were quite impressive to Haley’s grandmother, who rewarded Sergio with some big tips!

The couple’s wedding day was a true reflection of their love for one

• Spirits/bar services – Keg truck provided by Hollow Oak Farms and Event Barn • Hair stylist – Glam by Jessie Hamby • Makeup artist - Glam by Jessie Hamby • Invitations – Etsy • Calligraphy – Handwritten by Sergio • Wedding gift registry – Amazon and the Knot.com another and the union of two big families with heartfelt, sentimental touches and a celebration full of life.

Haley and Sergio’s words of advice to couples planning a wedding are to, “take your time. Trust your photographers, florists, and all vendors that you have chosen and listen to their advice.

They have amazing ideas that can make your day extra special.

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