top of page
Welcome to the SJ Coordination & Events blog — practical wedding planning advice, day-of coordination tips, and real-world guidance for couples planning weddings in Columbia, SC, Lake Murray, Lexington, Augusta, GA, Aiken, Greenville, Anderson, and Lake Hartwell.
Whether you’re planning a lake wedding, Airbnb celebration, intimate elopement, or traditional venue wedding, you’ll find straightforward advice to help you stay organized, avoid common planning mistakes, and enjoy a smoother wedding day.
No question is too small, no idea is too big — this is your space to learn, prepare, dream, and feel supported every step of the way.
“Have fun, try new things, laugh out loud, and make memories that last a lifetime.” — SJ Edwards
Military Wedding Coordinator in Columbia SC and Augusta GA
Military weddings often come with a moving target: leave dates, training schedules, PCS plans, deployment timelines, and family traveling in from several states. Even when the ceremony and reception are already planned, the final weeks can feel like a second job. SJ Coordination & Events provides professional day-of and month-of wedding coordination for military couples in Columbia, SC, Fort Jackson, Augusta, GA, Aiken, Lake Murray, Lake Hartwell, and surrounding areas. As a
shaunaedwards80
Oct 108 min read
Augusta GA and Aiken SC Wedding Coordinator Do You Need Day of Coordination
You can plan the prettiest wedding in Augusta or Aiken and still spend the whole day answering questions like, “Where do the flowers go?” and “Who has the rings?” That’s the part couples don’t always see coming. You’ve booked the venue. You’ve picked the colors. You’ve found the photographer, caterer, DJ, florist, and cake baker. You’ve saved the inspiration photos, made the seating chart, and thought through every detail. But on the actual wedding day, someone still has to m
shaunaedwards80
Oct 79 min read
Wedding Food Ideas & Decisions That Can Ruin Your Timeline (What to Choose Instead)
Your wedding food decisions don’t just affect what guests eat… They directly impact your timeline, your flow, and whether your day feels smooth—or chaotic. Most couples don’t realize this until it’s too late. Here’s exactly how to choose the right food style for YOUR wedding day. Before choosing your wedding food style, ask yourself this: Light or bashful eaters: Passed Hors d'oeuvres: 2 will work perfect! Yours guests will be hungry by cocktail hour and looking for food but
shaunaedwards80
Sep 25, 20254 min read
16 Things Your Day-of Wedding Coordinator Can Help With
So you just got engaged and you are getting MARRIED!! Whether it's your first rodeo or second, we have all been to THAT wedding where it was absolute chaos because there was no coordinator. Vendors were late, no one had a clue what to do and where to go, what is being set up, or who is setting what up? So many questions and so little time! Well you learned from THAT wedding and you decided to be smart and hire a day of coordinator. Great job! So now what? Well, it's time to
shaunaedwards80
Jul 11, 20254 min read
6 Cocktail Hour Games & Ice Breaker Ideas for Wedding Guests
Cocktail hour can feel long for guests who don’t know many people, especially while the wedding party is taking photos. A few simple games or interactive activities can help guests relax, mingle, and have fun before the reception begins. Wedding Cocktail Hour ideas for your wedding day! Axe Throwing - A mobile axe-throwing setup can be a fun option for outdoor weddings and gives guests something unexpected to talk about and enjoy together. 2. Wedding Day Piñata - Customize a
shaunaedwards80
Nov 4, 20242 min read
DIY Napkin Folding | Elevate Your Wedding Reception Tables with a Two-Pocket Napkin Fold
Want your wedding tables to look instantly more elevated? This simple two-pocket napkin fold is an easy DIY detail that upgrades your place settings and looks beautiful in photos—perfect for weddings in Texas (Austin, Fredericksburg, San Antonio) and Northwest Arkansas (Bentonville, Rogers, Beaver Lake, Bella Vista).
shaunaedwards80
Sep 19, 20242 min read
How to Create a Wedding Seating Chart Without the Stress
Creating a wedding seating chart can feel overwhelming. Who gets along? Who needs to sit near family? Who prefers a quieter table? You’re definitely not the only couple who puts this task off. These simple seating-chart tips can make the process much easier. Match guest counts to the floor plan. Make sure the number of guests assigned to each table matches the actual chair count. A missing seat creates unnecessary confusion when guests arrive. Don’t remove extra tables or cha
shaunaedwards80
Aug 16, 20242 min read
Dessert Station Ideas For Weddings
Looking for wedding dessert station ideas? From donut walls to cupcake towers and dessert tables, these sweet station ideas add style and fun to your reception—plus tips to keep your timeline smooth and stress-free.
shaunaedwards80
Mar 19, 20243 min read
Wedding Table Place Settings Ideas
Wondering what your wedding table place settings should include? This guide covers place setting essentials, styling ideas, and simple tips to create an elevated guest experience—plus how a wedding coordinator helps your reception setup run smoothly.
shaunaedwards80
Sep 24, 20233 min read
First Look vs. First Touch
Not sure whether to do a first look or a first touch on your wedding day? This guide breaks down the differences, the pros of each option, and how it affects your wedding timeline—plus why having a coordinator makes the moment stress-free and seamless.
shaunaedwards80
Aug 8, 20234 min read
Napkin Folding Ideas: The Classy Black Napkin Fold For Your Wedding Day To Consider
Want an elevated wedding table look with almost no effort? This classy black envelope napkin fold is a simple, elegant way to upgrade your place settings—perfect for modern receptions, romantic candlelight tablescapes, and timeless wedding design.
shaunaedwards80
Mar 6, 20232 min read
Simple Wedding Day Hairstyles
Are you having a hard time deciding on where to start when it comes to hairstyles for your wedding day? Say no more! Take a look at some simple wedding hairstyles and designs below and if you are looking to get married in the WNC mountains, don't forget to contact these local hair stylists. Hair & Makeup Stylist: Perri Jones email: luxebeauteclt@gmail.com Hair & Makeup Stylist: Alesha Badger https://www.instagram.com/ladyb_beauty34/?hl=en Above: Bride & Mother of Bride- H & M
shaunaedwards80
Jan 18, 20231 min read
Beautiful Wedding Pictures Beth & Thom's Wedding
Take a look at this couples' beautiful wedding pictures of their day! Congrats Beth & Thom! You two are such a fun and silly couple that brightens a room. Wishing you all the best in life. Venue Location: The Lodge at Bear River https://www.thelodgeatbearriver.com/ Coordination: SJ Coordination & Events LLC https://www.sjcoordination.com/ Photos Provided By: Scott Henry Photography scott@scotthenryphotography.com Planning a wedding in Columbia, SC, Lake Murray, Lexington, Au
shaunaedwards80
Aug 9, 20221 min read
Beautiful Wedding Pictures Elle & Andrew's Wedding
We just love these beautiful wedding pictures and the couple was fantastic! What a fun celebration of marriage in the mountains with these two! Such an easy couple to work with. We really enjoyed getting so much questions from them as they really wanted to learn about the experience of planning their day. Congratulations Elle & Andrew! Venue Location: The Parker Mill https://www.theparkermill.com/ Coordination: SJ Coordination & Events LLC https://www.sjcoordination.com Pho
shaunaedwards80
Jul 30, 20221 min read
Wedding Day Send Off Ideas
Let's face it, this is always a struggle. Start researching ideas first...ok after dessert selections. There are so many ways to make your grand finale cool. Here are a few wedding day send off ideas to get your wheels turning. Paper Airplane- easy, cheap, and fun. Just be careful and duck. You don't want to loose an eye on your wedding day. Glow Sticks- awesome, awesome, awesome. These pictures really bring light to the night. Floating Lanterns- so romantic and classy. It re
shaunaedwards80
Jul 21, 20221 min read
Beautiful Wedding Pictures Virginia & Grant's Wedding
We all fell in love with this couple and your beautiful wedding pictures! It's another beautiful day in wedding paradise! Congrats Virginia & Grant! Your wedding was so much fun with all the dancing. Music well done! Venue Location: The Chetola Resort https://chetola.com/ Coordination: SJ Coordination & Events LLC https://www.sjcoordination.com/ Photos Provided By: Lynsey Teague info@lmarieweddings.com Videographer: Derek Allen, Catawba Cinematic Events dda6913@gmail.com Of
shaunaedwards80
Jul 1, 20221 min read
Beautiful Wedding Pictures Bailey & Bax's Wedding
This couples' beautiful wedding pictures are turning heads! Thank you for sharing your day with us! Congratulations Bailey & Baxter! What a beautiful wedding in Charlotte, NC and a beautiful day with a beautiful couple! Many blessings for you both. Venue Location: Project 658 https://project658.com/ Coordination: SJ Coordination & Events LLC https://www.sjcoordination.com/ Photos Provided By: Rob Chavis https://robsnapped.com/ Floral By: CLUX Jonathan Davis https://www.cluxr
shaunaedwards80
Jun 20, 20221 min read
Summer Wedding Weather Prep Tips
We all know that when it comes to weather in the south, well..... WE HAVE NO IDEA! From nice and sunny, to partly cloudy, it's just one of those things that is out of our control. Take steps in the beginning to help alleviate last minute changes or headaches. Here are some summer wedding weather prep tips to think about. Summer Wedding Weather Prep Tips Tip 1# Rent the Tent Go ahead and rent the tent! If you are doing an outdoor wedding consider having a tent for the cocktail
shaunaedwards80
Feb 12, 20222 min read
bottom of page