Jess & Garrett | Private Home & College (ceremony) & Historic Rice Mill (reception)



One of the boons to hosting a destination wedding here in Charleston? Giving your guests a true taste of the city. So it went for Washington D.C. residents Jessica Friedes and Garrett Nichols, high school sweethearts who married this past March. The pair were clever enough to book a private historic site, an “unlisted” venue that has one of the most charming courtyard gardens downtown, that’s tucked between Broad and Chalmers streets for their nuptials. With St. Michael’s bells chiming in the distance and Washington Square Park just over a mossy brick wall, this spot is as local as it gets. Before the ceremony there (officiated by a pal in perhaps the best mustache this blog has ever seen), they shared a quietly humbling first look, then headed out to revel at the moment (and that Hayley Paige gown) with portraits snapped on the cobblestone street. Following their vows, they invited everyone to yet another Holy City gem, the Historic Rice Mill, which sits on the Ashley River and looks out upon the Charleston City Marina. So secret garden—check. Cobblestone lane—check. Drinks, dining, and dancing in a centuries-old building with water views—check. Yep, these two nailed it. Enjoy the insider’s tour of the town with all the lovely stylings by Samantha Anderson Events (and a newbie to us, Lux & Union florists).

Photographer: Ava Moore Photography | Planning & Design: Samantha Anderson Events | Ceremony Venue: Private Venue | Reception Venue:  Historic Rice Mill | Florist:  Lux & Union | Cake:  ABCD Cakes | Band:  Travis Allison Band | Hair & Makeup:  Lashes & Lace | Catering:  Good Food Catering | Invitation Suite:  Minted | Videographer:  Siegel Films | Gown: Hayley Paige found locally at  Lovely Bride. | Bridesmaids dresses: Dessy Group | Ring:  Vatche | Officiant: Chuck Waugh

The Wedding Row

October 21 2019
Office acquaintances, Amanda and Matt, turned friends at a karaoke work party. One evening after said work party, the pair strolled by the Empire State Building (at 1 a.m., mind you). Matt...

October 18 2019
We’ve all probably dreamt at one time or another of marrying the “boy next door.” Luckily for Kaitlyn, she fulfilled that dream in a kinda sorta way. Back in college, Kait and her roomies had a group...

October 15 2019
You know that person you keep running into over and over, no matter how many times you move, no matter what state you happen to be in? No? Well, some lucky romances are grounded in just that recipe,...

October 13 2019
Here’s a confession: We have seen a bajillion shots of couples and wedding parties on the cobblestones of Chalmers Street (specifically on the block between Church and Meeting streets), and after...

October 10 2019
We can honestly say we’ve never seen a couple with so many photos of themselves on their wedding website having so much fun in so many different hot spots across the globe (check out TrevorandGrace....

October 9 2019
It all started in Hollywood, California, with a bright yellow truck. When Corey dropped his friend off to meet his wife at her pal’s place, he spotted a stunning pickup in the driveway there. The...

October 8 2019
We are totally in love with these two. Not only does their gorgeous wedding at Boone Hall Plantation and Gardens attest that you need not have an elaborate affair to have a sumptuously luxurious one...

October 7 2019
If you need help believing in love at first sight, take a look at Cassi and Dan. Some years ago in Allentown, Pennsylvania, on the balcony of Dan’s Muhlenberg College dorm room, the pair first locked...