Talk of the Town

Photographs (from left to right) courtesy of the Schooner Welcome; The Lake House at Bulow; and Oyster House Farm.

February 8, 2013

Talk of the Town
Swellegant bridal news that's fit to buzz about…

written by Melissa Bigner

We know you need a little break this afternoon. So why not perk up with some of the good news that's rolling around the local wedding world? Here’s a quick roundup of some of the coolest tidbits to be had.

All Hands on Deck
What better way to celebrate spring than by getting outside? We recently clamored aboard the Schooner Welcome (843/566-3984, www.schoonerwelcome.com), a 62-foot wooden ship modeled after a 17th century cutter, to take in the fresh breezes, and—with room for 31 guests, private charters lasting up to three hours, plus catering and bar options—it’s a great alternative to the normal shower, rehearsal party, or bachelorette/bachelor night out.

Resurrected!
Two awesome venues have found new life. First, the one-time Boathouse on East Bay (and most recently The Rice Market) is now FourFiveNine, The Venue (843/577-7847, www.fivefournine.com). Its downtown location, brick warehouse exterior, chic interior, ample on-site parking, and covered patio will make this hotspot a winner for weddings, especially when you add in catering from the newly formed Salthouse, and that the outfit is overseen by event veteran (and always affable) Tanya Gurrieri. In Summerville, 1906 Greek mansion Woodlands Inn (843/875-2600, www.woodlandsinn.com) is back in business for events only. Under its new ownership, the entire estate can be rented for events by the weekend or week.

Twice as Nice
Anyone who worked with Newton Farms Catering when it came onto the scene a few years ago knows how terrific teaming up with Francesca DiSalvo-Follmer is. Well, not too long ago she left the food biz, and last year founded the wedding planning group Pure Luxe (843/412-2495, www.pureluxebride.com) with her husband, Justin Follmer. The two down-to-earth Pennsylvania natives are one of the rare husband-and-wife event teams here in town, and their chemistry is making for some gorgeous Big Days. Congrats to them on recently winning the WeddingWire’s Bride’s Choice Award.

Recycle the Romance
Charleston’s Pet Helpers (843/795-1110, www.pethelpers.org) needs help stocking their community food bank on a pretty regular basis, and local planners Blue Planet Green Events (843/633-1638, www.blueplanetgreenevents.com) have pitched in to help. Teaming with the bartending services they work with, they recycle spent aluminum cans from weddings and donate the dollars to Pet Helpers. Last year, a six-month span of recycling funds bought 1,500 cans of pet food. Interested? Talk to Blue Planet or your current wedding planner.

Location, Location, Location
Hop online to preview some of these newer wedding locations that are a little off the beaten path but stunning Lowcountry gems. Oyster House Farm (www.oysterhousefarm.com) is perched on the river in Hollywood, about 20 minutes from downtown. Dock, palms, live oaks, and a lush template to tent in? It’s all there. Drive South on Highway 17 to Red Top (about 10 minutes from Charleston), and you’ll find a new gem in the crown of Charleston County Park and Recreation. The Lake House at Bulow (843/795-4386, www.ccprc.com) is a refined (yet rustic) luxury cabin set on a small private lake complete with a wooded island, lily pads aplenty plus decks and porches and bridges. We think it’s tops for a reception or rehearsal dinner, or even a bachelor/ette weekend. Also in the CCPR portfolio is the Olde Town Creek County Park (843/795-4386, www.ccprc.com), a huge swath of land in West Ashley dominated by grassy fields and live oaks with a creek view to boot. Just next door to Charlestowne Landing, it’s prime for tented events.