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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


Lake Murray Wedding Day of Coordinator Do You Need One for Your SC Wedding
A Lake Murray wedding can feel relaxed, romantic, and personal in a way a traditional ballroom wedding often does not. The water, the sunset, the docks, the backyard tents, the family lake houses, the outdoor ceremonies, it all creates a setting guests remember. But beautiful does not always mean simple. When a wedding happens at a Lake Murray wedding venue, private lake house, Airbnb, family property, waterfront estate, or outdoor space near Lexington, Chapin, Irmo, Columbia

shaunaedwards80
Oct 110 min read


Who Actually Runs the Wedding Day If You Don't Hire a Coordinator?
One of the most common questions couples realize late in the planning process is: “Wait… who actually runs the wedding day?” When you hire a full wedding coordinator, that person typically manages the timeline, vendors, and flow of events. But many couples today are planning DIY weddings, cabin weddings, Airbnb weddings, or small destination weddings where they choose not to hire a full coordinator. That’s completely understandable, however, one problem almost always shows up

shaunaedwards80
Mar 163 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


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


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


Wedding Budget Tips: Affordable Venue & Airbnb Cabin Weddings
Want a beautiful wedding without the high venue price tag? This guide shares smart, budget-friendly venue ideas—including Airbnb cabin weddings and private property celebrations—in Texas (Austin, Fredericksburg, San Antonio) and Northwest Arkansas (Bentonville, Rogers, Beaver Lake, Bella Vista). Plus, what you must plan ahead so your day stays organized and stress-free.

shaunaedwards80
Sep 25, 20223 min read


Beautiful Wedding Pictures Anie & Daniel's Wedding
Have a look at these beautiful wedding pictures capturing this lovely couple! Congratulations again to such an awesome power couple Anie & Daniel. Wishing you nothing but the best in life and looking forward to seeing you again! Venue Location: The Magnolia https://themagnoliavenue.com/ Coordination: SJ Coordination & Events LLC https://www.sjcoordination.com/ Planning a wedding in Columbia, SC, Lake Murray, Lexington, Augusta, GA, Aiken, Anderson, Greenville, or Lake Hartwel

shaunaedwards80
Aug 18, 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


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
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