Strike a Pose
Getting professional pictures taken with your squad is typically an afterthought, especially compared to the time and energy spent on wedding portraits. But why should they be? wondered Lashaunta Flowers The part-time photographer had noticed the roaming clusters of bachelorettes downtown, suspecting an untapped market. After quitting her full-time gig at a dentist office in 2020, she founded
Charleston Bride Tribe, which focuses exclusively on bachelorette photography. “I got the courage to leave my job, and it took off from there,” she says. She now does up to six shoots a weekend, snapping pics of clients at their Airbnb, on rooftops, or at iconic spots like the Pineapple Fountain.
Pink Ahoy
Maybe you’ve tried frosé? Well now, The Co-op—the Sullivan’s Island spot that popularized the slushy-inspired libation in the Lowcountry—has doubled the frosé fun with its new boat. The Flocked Up charter is an all pink, 37-foot Sea Ray Sport Cruiser available to hit the high seas for anywhere between two hours and all day. BYOB or let the frosé flow—Captain Jenn and first mate Gavin have got this.
thecoopsi.com/home/boat-charter/
Hot Wax
Between all the eating and drinking and beaching and boating, a little crafting time may be in order. Charleston Candle Co. has become known for its fragrances that represent the Lowcountry, from “Botany Bay” to “Isle of Palms,” but the family business also hosts private candlemaking classes at its flagship store on St. Philip Street. Learn how to mix a custom scent and pour candles, and take home two of your creations as souvenirs.
charlestoncandleco.com
Beach Bound
No beach gear, no problem. Folly Beach Chair Company will secure a spot in the sand with resort-style lounge chairs and umbrellas and hold it until you arrive (and while you hit Center Street for lunch). They can also hook you up with surf lessons, bike rentals, and even a half-day fishing charter.
follybeachchairrentals.com
Now You’re Cooking
Nordic Cooking injects a whole lot of fun into its cooking classes. Instead of the demo model, company owner Louise Rakers involves all participants, pairing them off in a light-humored competition. “It’s 100-percent hands-on,” says Rakers, a Danish chef who specializes in plant-based and gluten-free dishes with locally sourced ingredients. “Most people think we’re going to shred lettuce and pour olive oil over the top,” she jokes, but they’re pleasantly surprised when they learn how to make spicy Korean cucumber salad, buffalo cauliflower wings with ranch dressing, or homemade corn tortillas pressed with edible flowers, all while sipping champagne. Rakers works with groups to develop a menu and holds classes at her studio on Daniel Island or brings her setup to you.
nordic-cooking.com
Dining Out
Brunch is an institution in the Holy City, with more and more restaurants opening their doors on weekend mornings, including Brasserie la Banque—think caviar service and croque madame—The Longboard on Sullivan’s Island serving up its grilled pineapple salad and avocado bowl, and Nico Romo’s paean to his grandmother, Laura, in Summerville, where Sunday morning means a ricotta omelet and, of course, pizza. If grab and go is the vibe, pick up coffee and pastries at Sorelle’s mercato or provision a picnic from its lineup of Italian sandwiches.
brasserielabanque.com;
thelongboardsullivans.com;
laurasummerville.com;
sorellecharleston.com/mercato
For fewer crowds and more girl time, head uptown for happy hour. The Pickled Beat is a speakeasy-style lounge upstairs at Harold’s Cabin that serves cocktails pretty enough for an Instagram close-up, like the Beetlejuice, made with Monkey Shoulder whiskey, ginger, beets, and honey. Or grab a table on the back patio of HERD Provisions for a couple bottles of chilled pet nat from their tightly curated wine collection.
haroldscabin.com/pickled-beat;
herdprovisions.com
Booking dinner reservations in this town can get tricky and some restaurants are better than others at accommodating large parties. Rancho Lewis will customize a prix fixe menu for a group—you can’t go wrong with the Sun City Ceasar salad, fajitas and a frozen margarita with mango. And Blu Oyster Sushi and Seafood on John’s Island allows you to book all nine seats at its sushi bar for the chef’s omakase experience.
rancholewischs.com;
bluoystersushi.com
Tassel Time
You know The Tiny Tassel from its signature tassel earrings, now check out the full collection in a private shopping session at the brand’s first boutique. Founder Mimi Striplin and her crew welcome small groups to have the Spring Street shop to themselves after hours. Sip champagne and work with in-store stylists to help curate looks from the store’s clothes and accessories from brands led by women of color, including a line handmade by Striplin’s mother, Keiko.
thetinytassel.com
Get Glowy
From 20-minute mini masks starting at $45 to full-on hydrafacials, the menu at Face Foundrié on Upper King Street reads “luxury spa but accessible.” The first outpost of the national franchise to open in the Southeast, the salon is to facials what Drybar is to blowouts, with many treatments focused on getting your glow on for same-day occasions. When groups of six or more book one of the six 40-minute Focused Facials—ranging from removing dead skin with oilplaning to firming with cryo-technology—the bride or guest of honor receives a free facial.
facefoundrie.com
Shake It Up
Pulling talent from some of the city’s top bars, Charleston Cocktail Co. comes to you to show how to mix three great cocktails. Whether you lean sweet or sour, bourbon or bubbles, these pros work with your preferences to develop custom drink recipes you’ll have in your back pocket to make at home. Your “personal cocktail connoisseur” arrives equipped with a complete bar setup for the two-hour class. They’ll even help the bride judge a friendly competition after everyone has nailed their new skills.
charlestoncocktail.com
