I loved talking walks or going for a jog in the beautiful surrounding residential neighborhoods of Charleston. The homes were stunning…charming, historical, well preserved – but what I couldn’t stop obsessing over were the beautiful private gardens – most of which seemed to be for the viewing pleasure of the home owners only, as they were tucked away from the street or hidden behind [beautiful!] gates…
Here were some of the secret little oasis’s that caught my [wandering] eye:
Loved the gates, arched doorways and walkways that prevented snoops [who, me?!] from getting a closer look…
Fountains frequented many of the verdant settings.
And if there wasn’t enough open land for a proper garden, people added plantings where they could…I particularly LOVED the ground cover used in between the steps!
While others, still, had to rely on the existing trees lining the streets and modest window boxes to get their flora fill.
But…don’t be fooled – there were plenty of Charlestonians that had ample space for one heck of a garden spread!
I loved the use of rich, hardy and sculptural boxwood, paired with the brighter, airier maiden hair ferns.
Come on, with the sculpted perfection of these yards! Who has time to maintain!? [Hired gardeners, no doubt…]
While historic Charleston and the nearby residential neighborhoods only fill up about a mile by mile area and one can easily explore it all in a day or two…I loved that I had multiple days [perfect opportunity to take advantage of The Man playing golf] to roam the darling streets over and over, looking for these perfect little hidden gems.
Without an early start to today’s Bliss wedding, we took a family trip [the man, the pooch and I] to the Green City Farmers Market [J’s first time…ever] and I was thrilled to see how beautiful and bountiful the Celosia Cristata [aka crested coxcomb] was looking!
This single stem of bold magenta Celosia was sufficient enough for my vase sans any foliage!
Perfect pick-me-up for this gloomy Chicago weekend!
After a chaotic day back in the office, I simply can’t ignore the pit in my stomach that I’m associating with my longing for more of the charm and beauty of our trip to Charleston last week.
Or….
Perhaps that funny feeling in my stomach is my body telling me that I’m still full from the obscene over-indulgence that the week provided!
Needless to say, the Lowcountry Cuisine did not disappoint!
Now – as a disclaimer – please note that I do not pretend to be much of a serious foodie. While I immensely enjoy dining out, trying the hot new spots [known and unknown], and have become quite spoiled with the elite restaurants and chefs we Chicagoan’s have at our fingertips, I really must admit that I am simply a girl who has spent most of her adolescent and adult life abiding by a fairly strict diet of modest deprivation and utter boringness – all in the name of vanity. But now that I am pregnant, I also come clean to the fact that I seem to have misplaced my iron will these last 7 months and have regularly wondered where my determined diet resoluteness has gone and am, simply put: enjoying being a bit of a cow these days. All of that said, it seems to have been The Perfect way to explore a city with such a strong culinary presence as Charleston, South Carolina. And so, here were just a few of our favorites, each located in the heart of the darling historic district:
Magnolias – 185 East Bay Street
Crappy iphone pic – sorry!
Umbrella in tow, we ventured the couple block journey to our first dinner date of the trip: Magnolias. The regarded restaurant offers traditional southern cuisine with a fresh, current approach to preparation and presentation. We shared the vanilla bean poached pear and arugula salad, a perfect and lighter way to start the meal. Joel got the blackened chicken and I ordered a salmon special that left me painfully full, yet seriously yearning for more. We loved our meal!
Sermet’s menu is influenced by the Mediterranean and was a wonderful change of pace from the amazing lowcountry cuisine we were quickly growing accustomed to.
We started with the artichoke torta, followed by delish entrees. Perhaps one of Joel’s favorite dishes of the trip, he ordered the chicken sautéed with bacon, granny smith apples and mushrooms in a light marsala/parmesan sauce over sweet butternut squash ravioli. I chose the shrimp in a light curry/citrus sauce with pearl couscous, sun-dried tomatoes and cilantro.
The atmosphere was cozy and comfortable with exposed brick, warm timber and beachy, crisp white linen.
And our favorite evening was spent on the eve of our return trip home at Bon Appetite’s Best New Restaurant in America:
Husk – 76 Queen Street
Via
The exterior of the stunning two story 1893 Queen Anne building that houses Husk has Charleston’s undeniable charm with its welcoming porches and towering magnolia trees that provided a romantic patchwork of shadows to the picturesque scene. The interior is refined, rustic and welcoming. We were lucky enough to be granted a table outside on the porch, overlooking Queen Street.
Husk is Southern. Coreshakingly so. “If it’s not from the south, it’s not coming through the door”, said James Beard award winning chef Sean Brock. The menu changes daily based on the seasonal offerings and local visits to farms and markets.
We started with the boiled peanut hummus and house made crackers, followed by a couple of entrees that made us appreciate and agree with the frenzied buzz that still surrounds Husk. J ordered the chicken breast with sweet potato pepper mash, spicy [!] pumpkin greens and garlic and chili broth. I enjoyed every last morsel of my wood-fired flounder with risotto-esq Carolina rice middlins, the freshest most verdant green peas, chanterelles and green garlic. Oh – and we must not forget the cast-iron skillet of fresh cornbread that tasted like it was cooked over a campfire, to accompany our meal!
While the convenience factor of the rooftop/pool eatery was just plain silly since this was our hotel…the food was wonderful! From fresh flatbreads and wood-fired pizzas to salads and sandwiches – everything is delicious…including the views.
Sweet Cece’s on Market Street
A self-serve yogurt shoppe with heaps of unique toppings and adorable pink and white stripe chairs that I’m fairly certain made the frozen treats taste even better.
Lovely for interesting sandwiches, the fluffiest quiches and indulgent baked goods.
Avoidance:
We seriously enjoyed every meal, everyday…with the lone loser of the group: Poogan’s Porch. I must admit, I was blinded by the idea of dining al fresco [not knowing what the incomparable Husk had in store for us later in the week!] and ignored the grimy setting, mobs of [quite tacky] tourists and funky odor of the main entryway. I had to send my meal back to the kitchen and Joel left half of his on his plate. With so many amazing restaurants to choose from, we were disappointed to have wasted an opportunity here.
Overall:
The Charleston dining scene is both understated and world-class. Forget about pretentious attitudes – the southern charm and hospitality of places that offer street-fare or fine dining seem to be authentic and inspiring!
I am heartbroken to admit that our little get-away is coming to an end…Charleston was The Perfect way to spend some time before Sweet Baby S joins us later this fall.
I’m composing a few posts to include some favorite highlights about shopping, dining, accommodations and scenery [ooooh the hidden gardens…] in Charleston. Too much to share, I promise I’ll try to edit the content!
The only silver lining is that we have our adorable doggie awaiting us, Illiebelle. [Simply can’t imagine what the feeling will be like when it’s our little boy [ah!] waiting to greet us – in addition to a cutie crumb-hustling beggar of a pooch!]
We’re heading to Charleston for the week as a way to celebrate the culmination of an amazing wedding-packed summer in addition to enjoying a little time together pre-bébé.
As I am starting my third trimester this week, the doctors wanted us to keep stateside and didn’t want us flying for much over three hours. Charleston seemed to offer much of what we were looking to experience on our little get-away!
And so, we’ve got a bit of everything planned for our little babymoon – from relaxation poolside, to exploring antebellum mansions and plantations, to wandering the charming historic streets, to a little fussy pampering [while the man golfs], to catching up on some pleasure-reading, to deliciously indulgent meals [hey, elastic waistbands do have their advantages…] and dreams and discussions of what our lives will be like in 3 short months!
There has been some big wedding-related news straight outta Hollywood recently! Here’s what I can offer…
Jennifer Aniston is Engaged! While we all claim to tire of the media circus that surrounds anything Jennifer Aniston, [and therefore Brad and Angelina related] I was secretly pleased when news broke of her official engagement to Justin Theroux on Friday.
I imagine everyone will try to predict any and all wedding-related details from the date to the cuisine to the floral and guest list…but before we want to pull out hair out with yet another speculation about the impending nuptials I thought I could at least weigh in with regard to my vision for her gown….
I would think a simple column/sheath/mermaid silhouette would be perfect for Jennifer – we rarely see her in voluminous or avant guard looks. Here are just a few fitting frocks that caught my eye:
So while we can keep dreaming, guessing, projecting – we will just have to sit tight to see how her wedding really unfolds.
Natalie Portman Weds Benjamin Millepied
Dancing darlings Natalie Portman and Benjamin Millepied wed last weekend at a private residence on a bluff overlooking the ocean in Big Sur. The wedding seemed to be quite simple, traditional and unfussy. I haven’t come across anything that leads me to think this was anything short of an understated [even normal!] celebration of the couple and their love for one another.
The outdoor ceremony was held at sundown followed by dinner and dancing under a tent. Apparently, the couple served all guests a vegetarian meal [Natalie is famously a vegan], which is a bold move as most couples prefer to ‘appeal to the masses’ rather than stick with their strict diets – way to be strong! [Not sure I would suggest it for most crowds…] I loved reading about the 20 minute hora [my personal favorite part of a Jewish wedding] as well as their seemingly outdated preference to offer guests wedding favors upon their departure: a packet of wildflower seeds. She had also fallen prey to the French macaron craze – choosing to forgo a traditional wedding cake for the delicate confections.
Natalie wore a tea-length dress with a chiffon overlay and long sleeves. The gown was designed by the brides’ close friends Laura and Kate Mulleavy of Rodarte. It looks like she wore little ballet flats for the outdoor ceremony and a dainty floral crown of chamomile. While I’ve yet to come across her bridal bouquet or crazy jewels, I’d have to say her best accessory was undoubtedly her gorgeous smile!
I’m busy with preparations for another client wedding this weekend. In fact – as I eluded previously, this is officially my last wedding of the summer season!
Tomorrow’s Ivy Room wedding is certain to inspire indulgent romance in us all. The brides’ style is very much shaped by visions of Romeo and Juliet – above was the inspiration board I created months ago.
My long-time partner in crime, Jesse of Event Creative, will be bringing her inspiration to life with lush florals in subtle pastels spilling to the tables, billowing chiffon curtains framing the Ivy Room’s Juliet balconies, and a chuppah woven with vines, florals and fabric so fitting it’s as if the charming courtyard was responsible for it’s growth, overnight.
I’m also excited for the special and incredibly delish menu created by Entertaining Company. The restaurant-style meal will include custom orders taken table-side for an elegant and personal touch.
And that’s just the beginning…
Hope you have great weekend plans, filled with loads of romance of your own!
Just when I was starting to fear I was too old and lame [and pregnant!] for concerts…
Coldplay swoops in and saves the day with an awesome set-list, seemingly kid-inspired gimmicks and effects that were so simple and beautiful I found myself with a perma-grin plastered on my face from the moment they went on stage, and a group of musicians that clearly have HEAPS of fun performing for their adoring fans.
The night could have only been better with a Gwynnie sighting.
Well, well, well! I wasn’t certain I’d see the day – the light at the end of the tunnel! Yet – here it is…staring me straight on! My lastwedding of the summer is this weekend – and I can’t wait for it to come together!
As you’ve certainly noticed, life has gotten the best of me lately. Both with a summer jam-packed with dreamy client weddings as well as the early preparations for our first bébe later this fall…However, I am excited to get back in the swing of things with The Art of the Occasion!
And oh, I’ve missed you so…
And, so, I can’t think of a better way to get my feet wet again, then by dedicating a post to our darling new website – unveiled this summer.
You MUST pop on by and check it out! Here are some of my favorite features:
Just another day at the office…
And so we’re now three! Learn more about Renny, Katie and I here…
So…what IS Bliss?
Be sure to peruse the updated photo gallery featuring our wonderful weddings and clever events!
Hear about the Bliss Experience – straight from former clients…
Love our adorable contact page. How mad-lib of us!
The website was an absolute labor of love – Renny absolutely logged the most hours – at all hours of the day – but we hope you love it as much as we do!
[And a VERY special thanks to the insanely talented team at Cheree Berry – there was no one better fit for the job!]
This weekend I have another DREAMY client wedding – the bride has become an absolute favorite client…impeccable style, appreciation for detail and charm, a personality bubbling with grace and humor…and all of this with priorities falling perfectly into position and a practical head on her gorgeous shoulders [which can’t be said for all brides]!
This weekend, the traditional ceremony will take place at St. Josaphat with dinner and celebration to follow at the Union League Club.
The formal ballroom room is often viewed as masculine – and we’ve got just the solution: Bountiful blooms in Creams, dusty blushes, punchy rhubarb and perfect peaches. Formal and classic details like crystal, rented china, ornate goblets and beautiful printables will help add the brides undeniable ladylike touch.
This weekend will mark the end of [toooo-many] back-to-back weddings. While I still have a few more weddings before Baby S makes his debut this fall, I hope to have a little more downtime soon, as I’ve been collection some photos from this years weddings that I hope to share in the near future!
