When it comes to planning an event, some people think that we at ECE have it easy because we are “only responsible for the band.” In Historic Charleston, SC, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Many venues in the Lowcountry present unique challenges. Some were built before electricity and therefore don’t offer elevators for getting up to the higher floors. Others are limited on space due to being historic homes that have been converted into modern event spaces. A couple are even situated very near water which is beautiful, but can be tricky on a really high tide. For most, these challenges are worth facing for the history and beauty of the venue. (Insider tip: It is always beneficial to have vendors who are experienced with the nuances of your particular venue.)
One particular venue that stands out to me is Boone Hall Plantation. A drive down the avenue of oaks is enough to take your breath away. As you pass the ponies playing in the pasture, you finally catch a glimpse of the house and it is nothing short of amazing.
Somehow it gets better. The Cotton Dock is a rustic building on the banks of Horlbeck Creek. The best thing about the Cotton Dock is that it can be almost anything that you want it to be. I have attended weddings where the building’s rustic design was left virtually untouched and you felt the charm of the natural beauty and history. I have seen it dressed up so fancy that you would never even imagine that you are in a building that was actually a working piece of plantation life.
The staff at Boone Hall goes above and beyond when it comes to understanding what a bride and groom envision of their event. Natalie Knox is great to work with and will be sure to make any occasion magical. Natalie designed a Great Gatsby themed party on the front lawn of the main house. Everyone was blown away by the period décor including vintage cars parked out front.
As one can imagine, the plantation is extremely popular for weddings. Reflecting upon her wedding day, Boone Hall bride, Kathleen Shuler, adds, “Boone Hall was the quintessential plantation setting that every bride dreams of. Framed by ancient oaks and Spanish moss, the simple yet natural setting of the Cotton Dock was the perfect venue for our special day! We danced the night away with East Coast Party Band surrounded by such beauty and history.”
Photography Credits: 1. Billie Jo & Jeremy Photography | 2. Boone Hall Plantation | 3. Chart Group | 4. Dana Cubbage Photography | 5. Richard Bell Photography | 6. Richard Bell Photography | 7. JoPhoto | 8. Studio Webber Photography | 9. Studio Webber Photography | 10. Amelia + Dan Photography | 11. Studio Webber Photography | 12. Studio Webber Photography | 13. Studio Webber Photography
