Ribbon ceiling treatment makes the most of ocean breezes

A beachfront reception takes advantage of breezes off the southeastern Georgia coast.

A private beachfront home on Sea Island, Ga., the colors of a sunset and ocean breezes combined for a dreamy tented summer wedding by Tara Guérard of Tara Guérard Soirée, Charleston, S.C. White gable tents were the perfect choice for a decor plan that included a liner and an elaborate ribbon ceiling treatment. “We floored the entire front yard for tenting,” Guérard says. “This elevated it anywhere from 2 to 6 feet. Not only did it level the party, it gave us the most spectacular view of the ocean.” Beachview Event Rentals & Design, Brunswick, Ga., installed multiple tents ranging from 20 by 20 to 50 by 70 feet, with flooring by Snyder Event Rentals, North Charleston, S.C.

Custom touches

The bride wanted the wedding color scheme to be all of the hues of a sunset. “At that time of year, luckily, many beautiful flowers are available in that palette,” Guérard says. To avoid a blank white space in the middle of the tent, a custom monogram decal by Guérard’s printing company, Lettered Olive, was added to the dance floor. Cocktail napkins and embroidered pillows with the couple’s favorite quotes added another custom touch. “One of the most important elements at any wedding is ambient lighting,” Guérard says. “We used low lamp lighting placed on the bars, stations and dance lounge. Makes for a lovely mood-setting atmosphere.”

Fluttering ribbons

With a photo from the bride as inspiration, Guérard designed the ceiling treatment in the sunset palette, tying the ribbons while the piece was on the floor and raising it after the fabric liner was installed. Once in place, the ribbons fluttered with the ocean breeze. “The breeze coming off the ocean can be quite challenging when working with fabric ceiling treatments and pole covers, but I have professional riggers on staff who have all of the tools of the trade to ensure everything is secure,” Guérard says. “We have gotten so many comments from our clients and their guests on many of our social media posts about it being the best wedding ever!”