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...
Ride Into the Sunset
When Caleb Coblentz started Coastal Pedals and Paddles (843/460-2605; www.CoastalPedalsandPaddles.com), a bike and stand-up paddleboard (SUP) rental outfit, his shutterbug wife, Carmen Ash, snapped shots of brides and maids cycling the Battery. The images capture what CPP aims to do: introduce visitors to Charleston’s most photogenic and inspiring spots. Details: $35 per bike for two days; $40 per SUP for one day (discounts for group rentals available). Image by Carmen Ash Photography
Pretty Is As Pretty Does
Pink Dot Beauty Bar (843/637-4111; www.PinkDotBeautyBar.com) owner Meghan Walker fashioned her boutique to be a place where sales folks in the know school you in skin care and makeup lines, sans pressure. So whether you and your gals want to sort out wedding day looks, crave makeovers just because, or need a few low-key beauty treatments, book a wedding party party. Details: See site for the service menu. Reserve the second floor for private parties, $50 per half day. Photograph by Rebecca Wash
Put the Girls to Work
Whether you’re a DIY bride or just want a handmade keepsake for you and your maids, Pinspiration Labs (www.Facebook.com/PinspirationLabs; pinspirationlabs@gmail.com) offers sessions to craft décor for the Big Day or favor-making showers and bachelorette parties. Best? They bring the supplies and know-how to you.
Details: Prices range from $5-$50 per person or involve flat fees based on the cost of projects. Image by Becky Williamson Photography
Get Blown Away
What the humidity in Charleston does to a girl’s hair ain’t no joke. So whether it’s just you and one friend or your entire posse, book an appointment at King Street’s Tease Dry Bar (843/724-9493; www.TeaseDryBar.com) to make smoothing your ’do a party. Choose from stick-straight to beach waves and more, and tack on add-ons ($35 for makeup; $10 for a head massage; $15 for braids) for even more glam luxury. Details: Prices start at $35 for a blowout. Photograph by Louise Lawton
Pin ’Em Down
Rally at least 20 friends and book the bowling bar at The Alley (843/818-4080; www.TheAlleyCharleston.com) downtown for great drinks, silly sporting (bowling, video games, basketball tosses, pingpong, and air hockey), and killer food from Fiery Ron’s Home Team BBQ guys. Set in a hipster paradise in the Upper King area, it’s great for bachelorette and coed parties alike. Details: $500 food and bar tab minimum, and a two-lane, two-hour minimum ($30-$40 per hour). Photograph by Jonathan Boncek
Stretch Yourself
We spend a lot of time talking about how to get good looking for weddings, but what about feeling good on the Big Day? Enter Deborah Kaufman of Pretty Bride Yoga (646/824-9799; prettybrideyoga@gmail.com), who aims to help you achieve both. Deborah brings her mat and expertise to your hotel or rental house, or to some pretty part of Charleston’s great outdoors for a session. Offering packages for individuals (brides or grooms, for instance), couples, and wedding parties, the options are a breath of fresh (hold one, two, three…) air.
Details: $40-$60 per hour for individuals; $100 per hour for couples; $120 per hour for six or fewer, Image by Shannon Noel Photography
