We’ve found the Southern glory land of giant oak trees, adorable little houses with giant front porches, and plenty of charming hospitality. The best part? You can get married right smack dab in the middle of this romantic South Carolina getaway.
Montage Palmetto Bluff is situated on 20,000 acres of pristine South Carolina coastal marsh. There are about 50 little cottages making up the luxury resort, all saddled up right to nature’s doorstep. Days here are spent fly-fishing, biking through the trails, paddling down the river, horseback riding, and doing just about any other outdoor activity you can think of. And if hanging out in a rocking chair with a good book is more your speed, that’s always an option too.
Since nearly everything Tara Guerard Soiree gets her hands on designing ends up on wedding Pinterest inspiration boards around the world, we were thrilled to be able to chat with her about this gorgeous wedding she did at Montage Palmetto Bluff. With Corbin Gurkin behind the lens on these photos, we can’t imagine a more beautiful capture of this lush, historic property.
The details of this wedding set amongst the wetlands and maritime forests could not have been more stunning, starting with welcome baskets filled with warm biscuits that were delivered to each guest on the morning of the wedding.
Later that day, as the ceremony started, it was blessed by an impromptu rain shower and the good graced guests laughed from underneath their green and white striped umbrellas, as the loving couple exchanged their sweet vows. We all know that rain is a good luck sign from the heavens above, and this little drizzle soon cleared up to reveal bright skies just in time for friends and family to sip on spicy jalapeño margaritas before enterening the spectacular tented reception.
Tara and her team adorned the dinner tables with 150 hand stitched monogrammed napkins and wooden lamps topped with raw burlap shades casting a soft amber glow upon the place settings.
The pièce de résistance was the oh-so-royal lily of the valley bouquet to rival that of princess Kate Middleton. Wowsers. Now that we have chatted your ear off, you can go take a peek of this stunner for yourself.
Words by Tara Guerard of Tara Guerard Soiree, Photos by Corbin Gurkin
Tell us a little bit about the wedding you planned and why the couple chose this venue.
The couple wanted to host a destination wedding, but not out of the country. Living in New York City, it’s quite easy to get to Palmetto Bluff and the property offers a totally different feel that that of the Northeastern coast. The groom was also originally from Georgia, so that offered an even strong reason to choose a Southern venue.
Why did you make the design decisions you did? What about this venue influenced your design direction?
The design was completely inspired by the bride and her taste. We spend a lot of time with each client and are eager to understand their personal style, which includes how they dress, how they decorate their home and even checking out their Pinterest boards. It all helps us capture their unique personal style which drives our design decisions. With Palmetto Bluff, the property offers these splendid natural backdrops which offer the perfect compliment for our neutral palette.
Favorite existing design elements of the venue?
The river and water backdrop dotted with live oaks and Spanish moss is hard to beat. Those natural element worked well with the neutral tones and textures we incorporated throughout.
Is there anything existing on the property or the town that you incorporated into the event?
The wood behind the bar not only provided a textured and interesting backdrop, but the oak was provided and chopped by a local woodsman. We also loved the bridge onsite that worked well as an aisle for the ceremony.
The venue also baked fresh biscuits that were delivered to guests for breakfast on the wedding day along with homemade preserves.
Any tips for prospective couples looking to get married here?
We love Montage Palmetto Bluffas a wedding venue because Its like hosting guests at your home. Everybody can stay together in rooms or in home on the property. Once you arrive, you no longer need a car, there are bikes to get you everywhere. There are so many fun outdoor activities – from golf to bike riding, swimming to the spa. It’s like a big playground.
Credits: Planning & Styling: Tara Guerard Soiree | Photography: Corbin Gurkin Venue + Catering: Montage Palmetto Bluff Calligraphy: Lettered Olive | Tent and Rentals: Snyder Event Rentals
