Posh Spice

A fusion of cultures heat up an early evening reception overlooking the bluffs of the Stono River

With the Lowcountry's unpredictable weather, tents are a necessity for most local outdoor weddings. But shelters don't have to be boring, says Lisa Thomas of Ooh! Events. "We have 32 amazing tents designed just for us," she says. With an exotic oasis in mind, Lisa let the Indian-born tents lead the way and designed this fantasy fusion reception at Hollywood's Wide Awake Plantation on the Stono River.
PAPER GOODS & FAVORS
Spicy Indian, Middle Eastern, and Northern African colors, scents, and tastes informed the entire event from start to finish. Fuschia and orange orchids headlined the florals and established the palette for the invitations, place cards, and menus. Those same shades also graced the handmade paper that served as gift wrap. For favors, Lisa bundled short incense sticks with ribbon and paired them with matchboxes wrapped in more of the same special paper.
SETTING & DECOR
"Wide Awake Plantation is so spectacular- seven acres on the water- so we had a great opportunity to create outdoor rooms and special areas," say Lisa. Lanterns hanging from tree limbs lit up the bar, a billowing enclave of tents created the alfresco dining room, a separate alcove tent formed a lounge, and a sette by the water gave sweethearts a place to nuzzle. The overall effect was a warm and welcoming enchanting setting. On the tables, paprika-colored fabric overlayed with sheer organza set a base for intentionally mismatched china and crystal, napkins bound with saffron ribbons, and chairs swathed in shimmering sashes. The overall effect was that of spicy sophistication.
FOOD
Middle Easter, Indian, and Northern African cuisine are known for fantastic spices. To fuse those flavors with the event design and Lowcountry location, appetizers ranged from Tandoori Carolina shrimp and Moroccan scallops with watermelon and mustard oil to lamp sandwiches with Indian cucumber raita, and a zesty salad with squid and green papaya. Entrees included fresh fish, as as a pomegranate-lacquered roast duck with Swiss chard and lentil cakes