Tying the Knot: The Buzz

Three hot new shops have recently joined the bevy of bridal boutiques offering fashion-forward lines to the Lowcountry. Laura Kirkman opened Maddison Row, the only spot in the state to carry the über-exclusive Carolina Herrera, Ulla-Maija, Elizabeth Fillmore, Angel Sanchez, and super-luxe custom bridesmaid dresses by local designer Kate Nevin. In gilder Smitty Coleman’s former studio at the corner of Hasell and Anson streets, the intimate space is a masterpiece itself with exposed brick walls, towering ceilings, and gorgeous natural light.

Also downtown, Bella Bridesmaid specializes in bridesmaid dresses and carries lines like Melissa Sweet, Charsa, and Jenny Yoo, along with shoes and accessories. Both shops are by appointment only. Over on Daniel Island, look for White. Brought to us in January by Jodi Moylan of Bridals by Jodi, this chic shop—complete with martini bar—carries gowns by Kenneth Pool, Jenny Packham, Pronovias, Watters & Watters, and others, including Jodi’s own line of designs. (www.bellabridesmaid.com, (843) 425-8079; www.maddisonrow.com, (843) 720-7979; www.bridalsbyjodi.com, (843) 817-0832)

Perennial fashionista favorite LulaKate has jumped on the bridal bandwagon, too. Starting in February, nationally known Katherine Mullins will offer custom-made silk dupioni bridesmaids dresses in a rainbow of colors and array of necklines and lengths. (www.lulakate.com, (843) 723-5885)

On the location front, a fresh crop of wedding venues have opened to the public this year. The newly constructed Daniel Island Club reception area boasts a 23,000-square-foot facility with a ballroom big enough to hold more than 500 people, a bridal suite, kitchen, and separate bride’s entrance, as well as food, beverage, cake, and silver services. On James Island, The American College of the Building Arts now welcomes weddings to the grounds of the historic McLeod Plantation. While the house is restricted, guests can freely wander the rest of property, which includes a host of cabins, barns, and majestic oak groves. South of town, nestled atop the bluffs of the Edisto River, sits Prospect Hill Plantation. Recently added to Good Food Catering’s list of available locations, the historic house makes a sweet backdrop for an outdoor ceremony and reception. (www.danielisland.com, (843) 971-3555; www.buildingartscollege.us, (843) 266-7847; www.goodfoodcatering.net, (843) 723-7952)

Downtown, the Mills House finished an $11 million restoration that completely refurbished all its 215 guest rooms and bathrooms, plus spruced up the lobbies, dining room, lounge, and more with new furniture and décor. Convenient to downtown churches, the historic landmark has long been a great spot for wedding guests, but the massive facelift makes it prime for rehearsal dinners and receptions, too. (www.millshouse.com, (843)
577-2400)