Susannah + Gardner: Downtown Charleston

Recently, I was trying to explain to someone why so many people are drawn to Charleston. 

I was attempting to describe what the scenery was like, the laid-back personality of the locals, the delicious lowcountry cuisine and just the whole coastal lifestyle in general.  The thing is,

you can't really appreciate Charleston and truly understand it until you've been here and then,

once you've visited, it will forever hold a special little place in your heart.

I about died when I saw this engagement session from Charleston photographer Monica Day. 

I'm pretty sure I could post all of these images, not write a single word and just about

everyone would know exactly where the photos were taken...am I right? 

This darling, young couple, Susannah + Gardner, enjoyed a beautiful June day exploring

everyone's favorite Lowcountry city.  Their attire perfectly matched the setting and

Susannah stunned in her classic, lace dress. From the cobblestone streets to the secluded 

alleyways  to the views of the Charleston Harbor, nothing compares to Downtown Charleston.

 

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Chair Options

The great thing about planning your wedding is if you can dream it, your vendors can make it happen.  Luckily for Lowcountry brides, we're blessed with some of the most talented vendors in the industry and rental companies full of beautiful goodies you can't find anywhere else.  There are SO many options when it comes to every aspect of the planning process (which can almost be bad if you're indecisive like moi) and the possibilities are endless.  Just make sure you keep an open mind!

It's no different when it comes to finding seating for your guests.  The days of chair covers and ties are loooong gone!  Now, you can feel free to mix and match chairs of different sizes and colors to match the mood of your wedding at a relatively similar cost.  We've managed to compiled some of our favorite seating options for you to peruse.  Check out how each one brings a whole new element to the overall appeal of the wedding.  They all bring so much character to these weddings.  Not only can you go for a different chair option, but don't forget that you can spice up any old chair with a patterned cushion or a beautiful floral adornment.

Image via Honey Bee In the City

Image via Merriment Events and Style Me Pretty

Image via Mario Testino

Images via Ruffled  and Ada and Darcy

Images via Style Me Pretty 

Images via Style Me Pretty

Images via Style Me Pretty

   

Images via Style Me Pretty

Images via Snippet & Ink

Images via Snippet & In k and Style Me Pretty

Image via Suddenly I See

Image via Mary Ruffle

Images via Postcards & Pretties and Jose Villa

Image via  Simply Bloom

Images via Style Me Pretty

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Sarah + Patric: The Swamp

Story time!  I grew up outside of Atlanta and after graduation attended the University of Georgia.  One summer during college I moved to Charleston and met a studly Citadel cadet who hailed from the Sunshine State.  As our relationship blossomed, it quickly became very apparent we had a serious issue on our hands...he was a huge University of Florida fan (insert Gator Chomp here).  Uh-oh.

A few years ago, bets were made on the Georgia/Florida game (which, if you've never been it's a fantastic time) and I lost.  As punishment, I was suppose to sport orange and blue at the following year's game.  Well, being the poor sport (and Georgia grad) that I am...I pouted and didn't do it :)  Since I politely declined, my now-husband has decided I need to make up for it by attending a game at "The Swamp" and at this point we just haven't made it down.  So, I figured, until we're able to plan a fall weekend to Gainesville, I'll just live vicariously through  Sarah + Patric as the spend an afternoon trouncing around the UF stadium with the lovely ladies of Stay Forever Photography for a killer Engagement Session.

Does this not make you excited for football season or what?

Does this not make you excited for football season or what?

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Part II: Wedding Weekend Venues

So you've got your ceremony and reception venue and are slowly but surely lining up all your wedding day venues, but wait...what about your rehearsal dinner and bridesmaids luncheon?  Well if you're having trouble with your other Wedding Weekend Venues, don't fret, we're here to help! 

You may remember a few weeks ago we started our "Wedding Weekend Venues" series with the Maverick Southern Kitchen's crew: featuring Old Village Post House and High Cotton.  Well, we're back this week with more of our favorites and are featuring the appetizing treats of Hospitality Management Group, Inc., better known to most as the Culinary Row of Blossom, Magnolias and Cypress. Besides their exquisite lowcountry cuisine, these neighbors and sister restaurants enhance their already amazing dining experience with a prime Charleston location off historic East Bay and are  the perfect spot for engagement parties, bridal showers, bridesmaids luncheons, rehearsal dinner and bon voyage brunches.

Magnolias

Oh Magnolia's, how I love thee!  Executive Chef Don Drake has a knack for presenting upscale Southern cuisine with an "uptown" twist.  Even your friends from up North won't know what hit 'em after they've been introduced to this supremely Lowcountry menu...chicken livers, anyone?

Magnolia offers two exquisite dining rooms that both share access to the private entrance off the quintessential Charleston, Lodge Alley and the beautiful spiral staircase that leads you straight to Upper Level Galley and lounge area (ideal for cocktail hour).  With its beautiful bay window overlooking the streets of Charleston, The Wine Room can comfortably accommodate 36 of your closest friends and family.  For large groups maxing out at 85, Magnolia offers The Primrose Rose.  Your guest will gawk at the beautiful French doors, balconies with views of Lodge Alley and a neighboring courtyard. 

 

  

Images  via Sposa Bella Photography

 185 East Bay Street

Charleston, SC 29401

Pat Pettus - Director of Group Sales

843.937.4012 ext. 241

patpettus@hmgi.net

Blossom

 Known for their wide variety of fresh, off-the-boat seafood and ah-mazing wood burning oven pizzas (seriously, you've got to try them), Executive Chef Adam Close and his team work closely with their guests to design a menu that incorporates your personal tastes and preferences.   

Blossom can accommodate intimate affairs ranging from 8-22 but also has the ability to welcome larger groups up to 200 by utilizing the entire dining room.  You'll be more than pleased with the staff's impeccable attention to detail  down the very last personalized menu card.  There is no doubt you and your guests will enjoy a truly memorable dining experience with first-class Southern hospitality.

   

Images  via Charleston Cocktail

171 East Bay Street

Charleston, SC 29401
Pat Pettu - Director of Group Sales
843.937.4012 ext. 241
patpettus@hmgi.net



Cypress

So, Chef Craig Deihl is pretty awesome.  I mean, he did win the James Beard award for Best Chef - Southeast in both 2010 and 2011, impressive, eh?  Well, his top notch, Charleston restaurant, Cypress, incorporates the regional fare by taking advantage of the Lowcountry's finest farmers and fishermen.   Additionally, it has a killer 3-story wall o' wine that features over 4,500 different bottles!

Complete with exposed brick walls, contemporary chandeliers and a gorgeous bay window, Cypress offers private dining options that can accommodate up to 75 guesets.  This room overlooks the main dining room and can be divided into 2 separate spaces.

167 East Bay Street

Charleston, SC 29401

Pat Pettus - Director of Group Sales

843.937.4012 ext. 241

patpettus@hmgi.net

Hope this helps!

 

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