A RUSSIAN WEDDING IN THE CAROLINAS
Styled by Gigi Noelle Events here's what the designer had to say about working with Pasha and this Russian pair: I first met this sweet couple when they visited Litchfield Plantation on Pawley's Island, South Carolina, looking for a wedding venue. I instantly knew I'd love working with them when Robertas informed me that his bride to be spoke little English, but that he would be able to share her vision of her dream wedding.Only 10 guests were to be in attendance and all were from other countries.
During our first meeting with the couple we chatted about which vendors would be a perfect fit! We are very fortunate to have a Russian photographer in Myrtle Beach and we knew Pasha Belman and his wife would not only be able to communicate and understand their vision but could create beautiful and amazing pictures. Our second thought was to find a Russian priest to conduct the ceremony. Unfortunately, this was not to be, although we did find a minister, who with a few short lessons online, was able to speak a part of the ceremony in their native language. This was a special surprise for their parents, who spoke very little English but were able to understand when their children said “I do”! It was very important for Polinas to have her bridal bouquet match a silk bouquet her Mother had made. Little did we know that when we created a bouquet filled with fragrant peonies and beautiful roses that it would perfectly match the Ukrainian headpiece her mother brought along with her custom design wedding gown from Russia.
A round table with 10 chevre chairs was placed under a crystal chandelier. We added beautiful flowers in soft shades of pink and cream, pink and gold candle holders, birdcages and designer china and crystal. Menu cards were tucked into the linen napkins. On the front side the menu was listed in English and on the back side in Russian.A dessert table was designed with both a traditional wedding cake and a traditional Ukrainian cake specially ordered for the couple provided a silver Russian samovar (tea urn). The family also provided a variety of Russian candies and cookies featuring Oreshki, a cookie baked in a walnut mold. Although the table featured a silver tea service, filled with Dulce de leche and traditional wedding spice cookies. Many shouts of “Gorko, Gorko” were heard throughout the night signaling that the bride and groom must kiss!The couple ended the night by dancing to “Unforgettable”, by Nat King Cole under a crystal chandelier hung in a 300 year old oak tree overlooking the rice marsh. Robertas translated for Polinas the feelings she was unable to verbalize in English. She said that the night had been magical and dreamlike with everything she imagined making the memories of the night “Unforgettable”!
