Written By Melissa Reardon
Photographs By Lucy Cuneo
A transplant from Virginia, Weston “Wes” McAfee vividly remembers the first time he saw his future bride-to-be. Charleston native Dana Elaine...
The Blooming Business Is Booming!
Leave it to Lindsay Bishop Events to simplify buying wedding flowers. With the company’s newest endeavor, Seasonal Stems (above, @seasonalstems), discerning brides choose from one of Lindsay’s collections of floral suites, which include bridal and wedding party bouquets, boutonnieres, tabletop arrangements, aisle markers, and more for a flat $2,000. Add-ons (additional bouquets, etc.) are priced out on her site. (And ppst! We spy Kristin Chambliss as a model bride in that shot—so lovely!)
Remember Frampton’s Florist? After buying the long-time Charleston business almost a decade ago, owner Elaine Savarese has rebranded the outfit into Fresh Weddings and Events (@freshweddings_chs). You’ll still get the CofC grad’s signature professional treatment and ultra pretty-flowers, of course, just under the new moniker.
Tiger Lily Florist, downtown since 2000, has opened a second location on James Island as headquarters for their design studio and home of Tiger Lily Weddings (@tigerlilyweds). We popped in and couldn't believe their bridal appointment room; check it out and you'll score—promise—gorgeous ideas for your shower, wedding, and rehearsal dinner selfie stations.
Repeat Roses (@repeatroses) showed up for Meghan Markle’s NYC baby shower, and now they’ve branched into Charleston. Book them to hit your reception after you’ve exited, gather the blooms, reconstruct small arrangements, and share those with hospitals, shelters, mental health centers, and more. Tax deductible fees start at $1,750 and you can register for the service on Zola.
Pile on the Pastries!
Monica Jaramillo-Tatis’ Sablée Patisserie & Chocolaterie (@sableepc) is a go-to for wedding cakes that taste as good as they look. But watch out, waistlines, because Monica—who moved here after chefing in Brooklyn to lead the pastry team at Belmond Charleston Place Hotel—has opened a shop with take-out pastries, breads, and more. For a preview of what’s in the way-West Ashley shop, check out her feed.
Bar-a-Go-Go
Wander Bars (@thewanderbar) wants to save you money and stock your newlywed bar. Here’s how: They help you make your booze order based on guest count and preferences, you buy the beverages outright and then pay an hourly serving rate. One of their caravans pulls up to your party and staffers mix, pour, and offer up drinks to your crew. When the gig is up, they pack up your leftovers. Add that they have the insurance, and wandering might be just your style.
Sweet Ride
Charleston’s cobblestone streets, colonial buildings, and gardens make for incredible backdrops when you want sweetheart photos for your wedding website and more. But let’s face it, lots of grooms are not exactly riled up about all the posing and PDA. Enter Sweet T CHS (@sweettchs) and owner Mark Bily’s 1925 Model T Ford, “Henry.” Henry will roll into your shoot to accent whatever romantic address you pick, and likely make your car-and-history-buff fiancé’s day. Last we heard, he was considering offering Henry as a getaway car, too …
Rent a Ravishing Garden
Couples can now say “I do” in the gardens of The Nathaniel Russell House (@historic-charlestonfoundation). Since the 1808 house is still for tours only, host a short post-ceremony parade to the nearby South Carolina Society Hall for your reception to round out a truly local Big Day.
Photographs courtesy of Sablée, Sweet T, & Historic Charleston Foundation & by (bar) Sloan Photography & (bridal bouquet) Emily Anne Hughes
