wed / affordable charleston wedding venues

We are officially less than a year from our wedding and we're making awesome progress on the planning side! Venues, caterer, photographer, and hotel room blocks are all booked and we're close to booking florist and day of coordinator too. I am keeping our official plans under wraps, but I thought it would be fun to share some of the awesome wedding venues in Charleston, SC we considered. 
First, Marion's in the French Quarter. The space is super neutral and can easily be decorated in all different ways. Located right downtown, Marion's is easily accessible for all your guests and definitely an affordable option. It's great that you can bring in your own catering as well.

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Next up is the Charleston Yacht Club Flag Room which has beautiful views of the Ashley River. The space is also very simply decorated so you have a lot of flexibility to make the space your own. For a very reasonable rental, you can bring in your own caterer, stock the bar yourself, and utilize their included chairs and tables. If there was a little more space, this would have been perfect for us!

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The Historic Rice Mill is actually right next to the Yacht Club and also faces the Ashley River. There is a beautiful patio facing the water where you can host a ceremony for up to 120 guests and the exposed brick interior is a stunning backdrop for dinner and dancing. 

Catering and bar are provided in house, but when all is said and done, this was actually one of the most cost effective options we looked at.

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What wedding venues in Charleston does everyone else love? We also inquired at the Carriage House at Magnolia Gardens and Alhambra Hall (best for Mt. Pleasant residents), but when we factored in shuttles from downtown for everyone, it didn't make sense. 

I've done tons of research in the area, so let me know if anyone has questions!

travel / wanderlust

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A and I have been lucky enough to do a good bit of traveling this year. First Providence and New York, then Las Vegas, Charleston and Toronto, and Charleston again. Plus I went to Florida to see my grandpa and A did a ton of traveling for interviews and to see his family. 
Now that fall is turning into winter, I have a serious case of wanderlust mixed with the need to snuggle in and watch movies. Ever since Brandi and her hubby moved to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, I've been itching to go for a long weekend to cozy up in front of the fire, take long drives through beautiful scenery, and--if I was feeling adventurous--learn to ski! 
Where are you itching to go next?

weekend

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This pumpkin party cooler from THE Martha Stewart is so easy and adorable! It makes me want to throw a Halloween party!! Anyone have some fun plans for tonight? I'll be poking around Beacon Hill with some friends/coworkers. 

It's been awhile since I posted links and it's high time I brought that back.

In case you missed it, be sure to check out my Charleston recap.

Fun movie and snack pairings from Cupcakes and Cashmere.

These dogs of the world posters are so cute! 

It seems like all of my favorite bloggers are doing the One Room Challenge and I'm especially loving the living room Mackenzie is doing and Molly's new bedroom. 

Are you a City Girl or Southern Belle? I got Southern Belle!

Disney Princess in historically accurate outfits.

A and I have been on a bit of a BBQ kick and can't quite decide if we like Soul Fire or Sweet Cheeks better. 

wear / southern belle

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While I was in Charleston, I of course stopped into the C Wonder store since there isn't one in Boston and spotted these flats. I knew they were a necessary wardrobe addition, but I was hoping to wait for a sale or promo. I happened to take a look online a few days later and saw they were sold out so I quickly made a call to the Charleston store and they are on their way to me! If "Southern Belle" doesn't describe you, be sure to check out the "City Girl" pair. 

travel / charleston

I have returned from my trip to Charleston and after a crazy couple days of catching up at work, I am mostly back to normal. I hope some of you followed along on Instagram but I wanted to share some of my favorite snapshots, along with some pictures I didn't share on Instagram. Here's a quick recap of the trip!

Day 1 / Travel and QT with Mom, Dad and Carly (the dog)

Day 2 / Poked around King Street and helped put together a bachelorette party for my friend who got married. Carly tried on my necklace too. 

Day 3 / Took A to the Old Village of Mt. Pleasant and then we all had dinner at my grandparent's. 

Day 4 / Wedding on Edisto!

Day 5 / Dinner at Husk...Amazing!!!!

Day 6 / Explored the Historic District with A, and a quick trip to see my grandparents and the beach

Day 7 / Breakfast with my brother and some window shopping on King Street before the airport

Sorry for such a long post, but trips home to Charleston are always so fun!!!

travel / charleston

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It has been a busy couple of weeks at work. I could not be more excited to slow down, eat good food, see my family, show A more of Charleston and dance the night away at my friend's wedding on Edisto. I'm flying out tomorrow and in an effort to truly unplug I won't be posting here until later next week. I'll definitely be on Instagram and maybe Pinterest and Tumblr, so be sure to follow along!

weekend / charleston

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Tomorrow morning I get to fly home to Charleston, SC and I am SO EXCITED I CAN’T STAND IT! Not only do I get to see my wonderful family and introduce them to my boyfriend, but I get to spend time in such a beautiful place. I hope everyone else has great plans to welcome summer, even if those plans include simply a fun summer movie and a crisp glass of wine.

I can’t stop wearing my boyfriend’s Brooks Brothers cricket sweater with light jeans similar to this photo. 

JCrew Factory has a pineapple shirt. Enough said. 

How Essie nail polish started. #getitgirl

I LOVE goat cheese and avocado toast.

Did you catch this amazing backyard wedding?

These 60 rare historic photos are so cool!

30 commonly mispronounced food words.

Have a great weekend!

travel / charleston

Church Street in #charleston. #vscocam

travel / charleston

Got a chance to head into downtown #charleston :) That’s the actual color of the sky! #vscocam

eat / charleston

And I like mine raw. #oysters #charleston

travel / charleston

So so so proud of Leah and Rebecca for @planteclothing!!!

travel / charleston

#sunset from the back of my grandparent’s house. #charleston #follybeach

weekend / travel

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I’m heading home this weekend for the first time since May! I can’t wait to see my family, play with the dog, and be back in my beloved city again. I hope everyone has a great weekend!!

travel / charleston

Homesick a little bit. :(