Once the purview of pirates, Union Army prisoners, and notorious criminal Lavinia Fisher, downtown’s Old Jail has been meticulously restored as an intriguing backdrop for all manner of gatherings. The 1802 landmark, rechristened Twenty-One Magazine, opened in April. With a flexible indoor area of 14,000 square feet that accommodates up to 500 guests, two-thirds of an acre of manicured outdoor space, a covered oyster pavilion, and tenting options, the venue is one-of-a-kind downtown—with ghost stories to boot. twentyonemagazine.com
Historic & Hip
Hammock Coast’s hip quotient edged up last spring with the opening of The George, a 56-guest-room boutique hotel, on Georgetown’s waterfront. With vintage European furnishings, custom headboards, and works by local artists, including Charleston’s own David Boatwright, the design-forward digs were curated by Jenny Keenan Design (and would make for an idyllic mini-moon spot). Two restaurants anchor the hotel, including seafood-driven The Independent, and private event space is generous, with a riverfront lawn that accommodates up to 200 for a cocktail reception. thegeorgehotelsc.com
Brides of a Feather
Ever since Brackish cofounder Ben Ross struck upon a unique groomsmen gift with his turkey feather bow tie, the company’s signature styles have become popular at weddings in the Lowcountry and beyond. Now, with summer soireés in mind, Brackish continues to add to their line, with accessories such as the dainty “Peoria” multi-bezel cuff, made with white goose feathers. And for couples who crave a pop of personality, their latest collection features a dusty pink and green bow tie and lapel pin with coordinating earrings. brackish.com
Modern Heirlooms
The couple behind AL&EM jewelry studio is opening a storefront this spring at 698 Rutledge Avenue, across from Hampton Park. Known for their clean lines and less-is-more aesthetic, Alex Klaes and Emily Hill launched their Love Line of engagement rings and wedding bands in November 2023 with an emphasis on collaborating with the customer to create made-to-order “modern heirlooms.” Stop by the studio to peruse their collection and check out the jewelers in action. xoalem.com
Old-World Charmer
The Ashley, a grand single house built in 1852, emerged from a total renovation last fall. Common areas feature original millwork, heart-pine flooring, and oversized pocket doors. With six rooms and a parlor that can host up to 49 guests, the inn is available for complete buyouts, perfect for a getting-ready base or an intimate wedding. theashleychs.com
Hamby’s One-Stop Shop
Opened last fall in the former Hominy Grill, The Rutledge Room boasts a central locale in the Elliotborough/Cannonborough neighborhood and 3,000-square-feet of event space with an enclosed piazza—ideal for a small wedding, rehearsal dinner, or welcome party. An in-house venue coordinator is on tap to plan your party, as is Hamby’s Catering and on-site accommodations managed by Stay Duvet. therutledgeroom.com
Photographs courtesy of Brackish; (hotel) Andrew Cebulka & (old jail interiors-2) Marni Rothschild; courtesy of (old jail exterior) Twenty-One Magazine; (jewelry-2) Brackish; (ring) Alex Klaes; (event space) Aleece Sophia Photogrpahy & courtesy of (Inn) Coastal Vacation Properties
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