The Charm of Charleston: What to See and Do

We've already talked about annual events and festivals, but- truth-be-told - Charleston has a lot to offer, regardless of when you decide to visit. There is the ever-enchanting aquarium, as well as tons of shopping, museums, state-of-the-art golfing, theaters and historic landmarks. Where else can you explore South Carolina's only distillery and see where the Civil War began?
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We've come up with three of our absolute favorite things to do: Getting lost in some of Charleston's gorgeous gardens, bronzing by the beach and taking a carriage ride down Charleston's cobblestone streets.

Gardens

We love the plantations and gardens in Charleston. Middleton Place is simply breathtaking. It's where you'll find America's oldest landscaped gardens and you can even stay right on the premises at the renowned Inn at Middleton Place. Down the road at Magnolia Plantation, we watched Jessica and Todd tie the knot just last month. With the gardens, a boat tour, a petting zoo and a nature train ride- this is the perfect place for adults and children alike. Boone Hall Plantation, home to the world's largest oyster roast, boasts that it's "America's most photographed plantation" and it always has something fun going on. Check out the Beach Blast on Saturday, June 26. Other great plantation homes and gardens to visit include Drayton Hall, Cypress Gardens and the Charles Pinckney plantation.

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Beaches

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You definitely can't come to Charleston without a visit to the beach. Folly beach, Sullivan's Island and Isle of Palms are all located within minutes of downtown Charleston. Folly beach- known for it's young, hip vibe- is home to Morris Island Lighthouse and is a great place for surfing. Both Sullivan's Island and Isle of Palms are laid-back and perfect for family fun. Seabrook and Kiawah are also great vacation spots, offering luxurious resorts with a plethora of relaxing amenities. If you see a beach wedding in your future, you'll definitely want to consider the Charleston area!

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Carriage Rides

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Taking a carriage ride is an absolute must when you're visiting Charleston. It's the best way to see sites and learn some fun facts that will surely impress your friends. You'll find a slew of carriages waiting up and down Market Street to take you on a majestic tour of the Holy City. There are also walking tours and ghost tours, but why walk when you can ride? Some carriage companies offer private rides and we happen to think that they are one of the most romantic ways for a couple to leave their reception!

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No matter the time of year, there is always something fabulous to do in Charleston. Check out the Charleston Area Convention and Visitor Bureau for more ideas on how to spend your time in the city!

Excuse Our Mess...

Please excuse the appearance of our blog. We are currently making some updates. We will be back to normal within the next week.

In the meantime...check out some of the blogs that we love to visit daily for inspiration...

Charleston Weddings Magazine Blog:

Southern Weddings Magazine Blog:

The Party Dress:

Make sure to check back with us soon! In the meantime, Happy Blog Browsing!

Sweetgrass Festival this Saturday!

In light of our recent post about festivals, and because we are Sweetgrass Social Event & Design, we thought it only fair to share with you some information about the upcoming Sweetgrass Festival.

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In case you weren't aware, sweetgrass is used to make many wonderful woven creations. In our downtown Market and along Highway 17N in Mount Pleasant, you'll find many talented artists practicing the beautiful Gullah art of weaving sweetgrass baskets and roses. The Lowcountry is very proud to have such a talented cultural group that shares its heritage through its stunning sweetgrass creations.

If you're having a Lowcountry wedding- or would like some authentic Lowcountry swag at your Charleston destination wedding- sweetgrass creations are the way to go! You can use sweetgrass additions as decorative centerpieces, part of your bouquet or even as gifts for your bridal party.

The baskets would be lovely as placecard holders...

Favors for your guests...

Or even to decorate your cake!

And the roses are the perfect addition any Lowcountry affair!

(That's our very own Jacqueline on her wedding day... isn't she gorgeous??)

The possibilities are endless! For more sweetgrass ideas, check out the festival this weekend. The annual event takes place this Saturday, June 5 from 10:00am- 8:00pm at Waterfront Memorial Park (located under the Ravenel bridge). The best part? It's free!

As noted in today's Post and Courier, the festival will feature artists, crafters, quilters, gospel singers, Gullah storytellers and the Adande African Drummers and Dancers, along with Gullah cuisine, barbecue and beverages provided by local food vendors and restaurants. This is an event you won't want to miss!

Real Wedding: Jessica and Todd

Last fall, we donated one of our packages to the Junior League of Charleston's Whale of a Sale auction. We were so happy when Jessica Heilman (now Jessica Trego) quickly contacted us after the event to let us know she had won the package and was ready to start planning. Jessica was the most relaxed bride we had ever encountered. She was perfect to work with and we were so honored to be a part of her special day as she married her husband Todd. The wedding and reception took place at Magnolia Plantation carriage house on May 1, 2010.

Alice Keeney, of Alice Keeney Photography, captured the evening beautifully. Below are some of the pictures from the event that she so graciously shared with us! (Thanks, Alice!)


The fire pit behind the carriage house was filled with a gorgeous arrangement done by Justin Wham of JW Weddings & Events. Justin did all of the floral design for the event and we loved what he put together. He was a pleasure to work with on this event.




The guests took home their choice of Charleston Chews, Lemon Bars, or Brownies that were displayed in brown gift boxes.

Granville catering did a very nice food display and left the guests very satisfied. D'Lish of Daniel Island baked a beauiful square shaped cake with touches of brown and green detail.

Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Trego! Thank you for letting us be a part of your big day. You were both such a pleasure to work with!