Part I: Lowcountry Plantations

We've received numerous emails and tweets asking about plantation homes across the Lowcountry.  So to assist our Charleston brides in the venue selection process, we'll be compiling a list and highlighting a handful of properties on a weekly basis until the round up is complete! 
Let's get started...



Middleton Place

Built in 1755, this picturesque Estate is the perfect backdrop for any wedding weekend. Sitting on 65-acres of immaculately landscaped gardens, Middleton Place offers multiple venue options, luscious scenery and a glimpse into Lowcountry history.

 Image via Middleton Place

Image via Middleton Place

 Image via Chi Photography

 Image via Karson Photography

 

Middleton Place

4300 Ashley River Road

Charleston, SC 29414

843.556.6020



Rose Hill Mansion

Tucked away, deep in the Lowcountry, construction on the Rose Hill Mansion
dates back to pre-Civil War days.  Located in Bluffton, South Carolina, this charming Gothic
Revival home combines with an abundance of live oaks dripping with Spanish moss to provide a breathtaking site for ceremonies and receptions.

All Images by Aislinn Kate

Rose Hill Mansion

199 Rose Hill Way

Bluffton, South Carolina

843.757.6046

robinwhite@hargray.com

Charleston Tea Plantation

In the heart of the Lowcountry, on South Carolina's own Wadmalaw Island, you will find the home of America's only Tea Plantation.  With it's enchanting atmosphere and tranquil setting, the fields, front porch and "wedding tree" of Charleston Tea Plantation can accommodate groups of all size for a magical evening.

Image via Fellici Studio

Image via  Tillman Branch

 Image via Juliet Elizabeth

 Image via Fellici Studio

Charleston Tea Plantation

6617 Maybank Highway

Wadmalaw Island, South Carolina 29487

843.559.0383

For Wedding information contact:

 Jane Knight

 843.559.0383 Ext. 207

jknight@rcbigelow.com

Olde Wide Awake Plantation

Nestled near the Stono River, this inviting venue lends itself to a relaxing evening in the Lowcountry.  With rolling hills, polo fields, spacious porch and live oaks, Olde Wide Awake Plantation allows for a variety of on-site ceremony options and a memorable reception.

 Image via Marni Rothschild

 Image via The Reason

Image via Tumbleston

Olde Wide Awake Plantation

5149 Trexlor Avenue

Hollywood, SC 29449

843.577.7129

Dennis Jarvis info@oldwideawakeplantation.com 

Image via Tumbleston

Maddison Row + Heidi Elnora

As downtown's premiere bridal salon, Maddison Row offers Lowcountry brides a

sophisticated experience complete with first-class service, top designers, timeless gowns and

polka dots...lots of polka dots!   Located in the heart of the new design district, this quaint boutique is a must-see for any bride-to-be.

Image via The Connellys

So, needless to say when we heard last week that Maddison Row will be hosting a Heidi Elnora trunk show on June 17th and 18th, we thought it sounded like a match made in Lowcountry Heaven.  Not only will Charleston brides have the opportunity to check out the new 2011 Heidi Elnora collection (see below), but they'll also have the opportunity to meet the sweet designer herself.

                       

We caught a glimpse of Heidi's designs this spring when she was the featured designer of 

Charleston Fashion Week's Bridal Show and we've been patiently waiting for her return to 

Charleston ever since!  Her 2011 collection provides Southern Belles with dreamy, feminine gowns complete with that Lowcountry ease...

All images by Leslee Mitchell

For more information check out Maddison Row's blog or contact them directly below:

171 Spring Street
Charleston, SC 29403

(843) 720.7979info@maddisonrow.com

www.maddisonrow.com

Puppy Wedding Day Attire

I'm a sucker for any wedding that includes a dog.  After seeing all of these keepsake images of
a bride with her dog(s), I kinda regret not having my little pup, Huckleberry, around the day of
our wedding.  It was probably for the best since he might not be the best behaved dog (he's a jumper AND a licker).  I know some people think it's strange to dress up dogs but don't tell me you don't like it when they sport their formal attire. 


I do love seeing a Lowcountry pooch in a bowtie!

Image via Liz Banfield

Image via Style Me Pretty

Image via Style Me Pretty

Image via Elizabeth Anne Designs

Image via Style Me Pretty

Image via Saved by The Southern Belle

silly buddy...

Thanks to Charleston bride-to-be Jen, I found this awesome Etsy Shop, Silly Buddy.  Based out of Chicago, Silly Buddy provides a wide array of collars, leashes and bowties!  Check out the website to see sweet Buddy himself model the large variety of sizes, colors and patterns. 

How precious is Buddy? Such a stud.

   

Follow Silly Buddy on Facebook and Twitter!



Engagement Session: Hailey + Justin

I was planning on posting this next week but since Hailey is currently in Charleston taking care of some wedding details, I thought today would be more appropriate.  Hailey and Justin are getting married next April and have booked the talented Stephen Blackmon to document their wedding day.  Recently, the fun lovin' couple met up with Stephen as he captured their sweet smiles on a picture perfect day...

What a good lookin' couple!

I love this one of them on the porch..so relaxed and natural

Sorry, Hailey but I'm going to have to agree with Justin on this one :)

Thanks for sharing.  Hope the planning goes well this week!



Pretzel Station

It might have a little bit to do with my past experience in catering but my favorite part of a wedding is ALWAYS the food.  How I see it, a wedding can be absolutely exquisite but if the food is blah or just flat out bad that will be the only thing guests take away from the evening.  On the other hand, if the food is out-of-this-world and they can experience items differently, either by presentation or taste, I can promise they will be raving about your big day for years to come.

I always love dreaming up menus that put a fun twist on an old favorite, so recently when I was snacking on a soft pretzel at a USC baseball game, it hit me...I love pretzels (of all shapes, sizes and flavors!) and I'd die for a late night pretzel station.  This is what I'm thinking...

Images via Dine and Dish and Picky Cook

Pretzel bites or miniature pretzels served warm in a variety of flavors like: original (all nice and buttered up!) cinnamon sugar, garlic or even stuffed like a little pizza with pepperoni and mozzarella.  For sauces: mustard, marinara, cheese and chocolate.  Present them in cute baskets (below) and have cups or pretzel bags available (that you can coordinate with your wedding colors) to allow guests to move freely around while snackin' and dippin'!

     

Images via Green Wedding Shoes and Martha Stewart Weddings

Most importantly, don't forget include some chocolate covered pretzels!

Shelley + Ryan {VanLandingham Estate Wedding}

I'm so happy to post this week's darling Southern Wedding photographed by the fabulous

Charlotte photographer, Lucy Parker.  The couple, Shelley + Ryan, chose the quaint

VanLandingham Estate as the backdrop for their November nuptials and it seemed

to be the perfect fit for this sweet loving couple.

The bridesmaids sported Dessy dresses from New York Bride & Groom while Shelley stunned in a Jessica McClintock.  {Sidenote}: Is Shelley not beautiful?!?  You've got to check out her gorgeous bridals (also taken by Lucy Parker). Ryan, you are a lucky man!

these last two are my favorites...

You can check out the rest of the charming details on Lucy's blog in Part I and Part II.

Thanks for sharing!

Vendors

vendor recap / hair + makeup: jamie svay / venue + caterer: vanlandingham estate   /
cake: tizzerts  / flowers: the blossom shop / bride's dress: jessica mcclintock / bridesmaids' attire: dessy via new york bride & groom   / dj: chris earnest / wedding coordinator: dottie maloy / officiant: peggy bridgers