Occasions Volume 2 Issue 1

many occasions one source your go-to-guide for entertaining

exceptional

PARTIES grand

& EVENTS radiant radiant

WEDDINGS

www.OccasionsGuide.com

COMPLIMENTARY

Catering events both large and small - from intimate backyard barbecues to formal corporate or luxury social events, posh weddings, brand parties and large festivals.

Our master mixologists, fresh ingredients, and tailored packages create a flawless experience.

Be served. Be served well.

| 800.818.2737 | Located in Charleston, SC

“There are exactly as many special occasions in life as we choose to celebrate.”

Robert Breault

Photo: Sara Bee Photography Florals: Tupelo Honey Flower Shop Location: Andell Inn Coordination: Eventfully Yours Event Rentals: Event Haus

many occasions one source your go-to-guide for entertaining

When longer days and warmer weather arrives, my predisposition visualizes white croquet matches, Lowcountry boils, and outdoor brunch gatherings - I just can’t help myself. It's that time of year when my pruned plants (which always look a tad barbaric) finally birth rich green leaves and new flowers. To me, the entire combination is the perfect motivation to slow down and make time for fun get togethers.

Party trends change, and this years predictions might be some of my favorites.

As a starter, our cover pays tribute to the color of the year, Living Coral. This vivid and happy color will make its way into the season by way of gorgeous florals and party decor. As an overall theme, color is making a very strong comeback. Gone are the days of all pale neutral color schemes. Table settings will have vibrant hues, patterns, and combinations of such.

Bourbon is being appreciated more than ever, and gin seems to be the new vodka. The food and drink pairing trend will continue but now enhanced with garnish and flourishes. Give your cocktails a little flair for the dramatic.

Our southern hospitality is catching on as strong emphasis is being placed on ensuring your guests feel warmth in every detail.

Thoughtful touches and experiences, such as a chef speaking about the wine and food pairings, bring a gracious touch to your intimate dinner party. Parties will see a return to elegance, including sit down dinners, sophisticated hosting traditions and formal cocktail parties.

Lighting is all the buzz. Perhaps stemming from ensuring your guest an experience, lighting can truly transform a space. High tech lighting will be bigger than ever.

The year 2020 will surely lend itself to roaring twenties and speakeasy themed parties.

Envision friends in flapper fringe and sugary cocktails with catchy names. Begin planning your Great Gatsby, birthday, reunion, graduation, or event with Occasions Guide.

Visit OccasionsGuide.com for inspiration, and to find the absolute best-of-the-best in the Charleston party industry. Our comprehensive resource guide (both online and in print) celebrates all of the wonderful occasions in our lives. Mark your favorites as your browse online to find that ideal venue, lighting and sound professional, caterer, florist, and entertainer. Find sources for that out-of-this-world look, invitations, transportation, photographer, rentals, and party supplies. OccasionsGuide.com makes party planning straightforward with 10 easy-tonavigate categories.

With that, I leave you to enjoy Occasions Guide. It has been our genuine pleasure to bring it to you. We wish you a spring and summer filled with laugher, memories, and yes, wonderful parties.

Cheers!

Sheryl Scholer Publisher, Occasions Guide

The lighting and production company Event Planners use for a seamless event

LIGHTING, AUDIO, EVENT PRODUCTION & DESIGN

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ies

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www.Vieuxtemps.net 843.577.6811 180 King St | Charleston, SC

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Striped Pig Distillery Planner: JMC Charleston

SIP, SAMPLE, AND SAVOR – , S IE R E W E R B N O T CHARLES DISTILLERIES AND VINEYARD Breweries, wineries, and distilleries befitting Charleston's constantly evolving and discerning foodie landscape continue to deliver a whole new flavor and social scene to Charleston. Locals are toasting to the delicious artistry of our makers.

These casual, often industrial-designed atmospheres are an obvious choice for a fun night with friends or perhaps a bachelor or bachelorette gathering. More and more, however, gleaming brewing tanks and tap-and-tasting rooms have become a favorite backdrop for many larger corporate and private parties. This barrel-background party trend begged us to peek into the libations scene of Charleston.

To date, there are nearly 30 breweries in Charleston. Like many, Frothy Beard Brewery—my personal bar stool seat on many occasions—started small, and today they are the fifth largest brewery in Charleston. So often brewers begin as friends, as it was for these four beards, Michael Biondi, Steve McCauley, Joey Siconolfi, and Wesley Donehue. Their spacious taproom, located at 1401 Sam Rittenberg, has 20+ beers on tap and includes favorites such as Strawberry Blonde Ale; Holy Water (saison); Sip Sip Pass IPA; Cluster Shuck; 9 and ¾ (9.0% ABV); and its two distributed beers, Tides of Galway Irish Red and !Andale! Pale Ale, featuring jalapeño peppers.

The nice burn of jalapeños couples well with Axe Throwing (yep, check out their events calendar).

Cocktails come in many varieties, and Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka combined with lemonade gives an “Arnold Palmer” a whole new twist. Firefly Distillery introduced this southern-flavored gem, and their fun flavors continually impress. Luckily for Charleston, the talents of High Wire Distillery, Striped Pig Distillery, and Charleston Distillery have joined in on crafting smooth spirits.

Charleston’s very own winery, Deepwater Vineyard, is home to delicious wines, affordable wine tastings, coveted festivals, and yes, a gorgeous setting for your family reunion, milestone birthday, private or corporate party. If hosting a party isn’t in your immediate future, spend an afternoon at the vineyard's “Weekend WineDown,” held each Saturday from noon till 4:00. This gorgeous Wadmalaw setting is the backdrop to great wine, food, and local musicians to entertain you while walking the tranquil property or visiting the vineyard animals. Be sure to bring your blankets, chairs, kids, and leashed fido.

Whether simply celebrating the day (because every day is a celebration) or a larger event, consider the array of Charleston’s vineyards, distilleries, or breweries when planning to sip, sample and savor.

Visit us at 1646 Ashley Hall Road | Charleston | 843.856.9121 | charlestonballooncompany.com | hello@charlestonballooncompany.com

What’s your flavor? ... Appletini, Cosmopolitan, Lemon Drop or Watermelon Lemonade Martini, Wine Pops, Orange Mimosa, Strawberry Daiquiri, Grape Sangria, Margarita, Blueberry Mojo, Mosccow Mule, Mango Rum Passion Fruit, or our Southern Belle ....

Let our team “roll up” and serve-up delicious fun to your 21 and over party.

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843.200.8422

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Booze Pops at your next event

Community Events Private | Birthday Parties Engagement Parties Bachelor | Bachelorette Happy Hour Events Charity Events Anywhere Fun!

boozepop@gmail.com

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Always A Party WITH

Paul Cheney Photographer

An An Ode Ode to to "The "The Thomas Thomas Crown Crown Affair” Affair” -A corporate event with a unique theme and A corporate event with a unique theme and interactive interactive fun. fun.

"Sips, "Sips, Sounds, Sounds, and and Tastes Tastes of of the the New New South" South" A A fun fun and and delicious delicious event event at at the the Cedar Cedar Room.

Room.

Corporate Corporate groundbreaking groundbreaking with with onsite onsite luncheon. luncheon.

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“Life is short, and it’s up to you to make it sweet.”

Sarah Delany

many occasions one source your go-to-guide for entertaining

Online@OccasionsGuide.com

Advertise, Join The Party!

Long gone are the days of playing Google “hunt and peck” looking for party venues, talent, great food, what to wear, invitations, photography, and more. Almost every Charleston party resource can be found at www.OccasionsGuide.com.

Advertising opportunities both online and in print. Please reach out to us at 843.737.6260 or at Advertise@OccasionsGuide.com.

Your first stop when planning any party, large or small, gala to oyster roast, and everything in between.

Our team has gathered almost every party resource available to you in Charleston.

Mark your favorites as you browse to find that perfect location, caterer, and entertainment professional. Find sources for that unique look, fun transportation, guest hotels, and thoughtful gifts all in one location. Refer to the network of experts to get the job done with ease. For some, go that extra mile and make your celebration an absolute breeze by finding that ultimate event planner. Yes, everything party related can be found in one perfectly organized source to ensure your memorable celebration.

Print Guide We thank you for reading; it has been our genuine pleasure to bring it to you.

Our highest quality print guide is published twice per year. We hope you will keep it and refer to it often.

Occasions Guide is available by subscription and local distribution in downtown Charleston, Mt. Pleasant, Daniel Island, Isle of Palms, Sullivan’s Island, James Island, Johns Island, Seabrook, Kiawah, Folly Beach, West Ashley, Awendaw, Summerville, and North Charleston. Subscribe online at www.OccasionsGuide.com.

Our Team [Publisher: Sheryl Scholer] [Design: Mark Graham] [Contributing Editor: Nancy Drown McWhorter] [Production & Sales: Krysten Coulter, Currie Bates] [Contributing Writers: Nancy Drown McWhorter, Siobhan Mendetzki]

Contact Us We’d love to hear from you. Reach to us at 843.737.6260 or at Publisher@OccasionsGuide.com.

Photographers Photos have been obtained from our advertisers and their sources. If anyone has mistakingly missed a proper credit please reach out to us so we can give you the utmost deserved kudos.

Vol. 2, Spring | Summer Guide All content © Occasions Guide 2018 | All rights reserved - Occasions Guide is a resource and information guide only. We cannot be held responsible for the failure of contractors or vendors represented or subcontractors of such to perform their duties. Occasions Guide (A division of Wheatfield Marketing, LLC) has made every attempt to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information provided on its website and print guide, however, the information is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind. Occasions Guide does not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained on this website. No warranties, promises and/or representations of any kind, expressed or implied, are given as to the nature, standard, accuracy or otherwise of the information provided in the website or print guide. We are not responsible for the suitability or otherwise of the information to your particular circumstances. We shall not be liable for any loss or damage of whatever nature (direct, indirect, consequential, or other) whether arising in contract, tort or otherwise, which may arise as a result of your use of any participants or representations on this site(s) or from your use of the information on this site(s).

Occasions Guide website provides links to other websites owned by third parties. The content of such third party sites is not within our control, and we cannot and will not take responsibility for the information or content thereon.

Links to such third party sites are not to be taken as an endorsement by Occasions Guide of the third party site, or any products promoted, offered or sold on the third party site, nor that such sites are free from computer viruses or anything else that has destructive properties. We cannot and do not take responsibility for the collection or use of personal data from any third party site. In addition, we will not accept responsibility for the accuracy of third party advertisements. The information provided herein is the author’s opinion of available vendors that provide party or like services, and are provided for informational purposes only. While Occasions Guide strives to make the information on this website as timely and accurate as possible, we make no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the vendors or content of this site, and expressly disclaims liability for errors and omissions in the contents of this site.

Host Your Party on Our Rooftop Bar Downtown, Upper King St. 843.459.2888 | Kiawah Freshfields Village 843.996.4898 Mt. Pleasant, Belle Hall 843.856.5798 | Northwoods Mall, N Charleston 843.863.8615

Lindsey Leigh Weddings Photography ACM Photography

EXPERIENCE EXPERIEN EXPERIENCE CE THE W WOODLAND OODL AND BEAUTY BEAUT Y OF DOGWOOD DOGWOOD DOWNS, DOWNS, HARLESTON’S PREMIER OUTDOOR EVENT VENUE. CHARLESTON’S C Just South of Charleston and Nestled Among 25 Acres, Dogwood Downs is a Distinctive but Versatile Venue, Holding up to 500 Guests. This Secluded Retreat Creates an Unforgettable Backdrop for Weddings, Receptions, Corporate Events, or any Special Occasions.

7058 Old Jacksonboro Road, Charleston, SC 29470 | 843.284.9095 | dogwooddowns@gmail.com

Tiki Lounge, Wiki Wiki

Park Cafe

Wave Room, Wiki Wiki

Sunset Room, Wiki Wiki

Taco Boy, Downtown

With three different dining experiences, we can host your party or event of any size and style!

Craving margaritas and Mexican? Then skip the siesta and head to Taco Boy for your next fiesta! In the mood for laid back beach vibes? Then check out the Wiki Wiki Sandbar and throw a luau in one of our private event spaces! Want tasteful food in a refined setting? Closed in the evenings, The Park Cafe becomes a gorgeous venue with flexible indoor/outdoor spaces available! Whatever your needs, we have you covered!

The Park CafĂŠ

Wiki Wiki Sandbar

Taco Boy

www.theparkcafechs.com

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730 Rutledge Avenue, Downtown

106 East Ashley Avenue, Folly Beach

217 Huger Street, Downtown

To book your next event at any of our delicious restaurants, please contact Rachael Rose at 843-518-8181 or email events@allgoodindustries.com

Why Settle For Anything But The Best?

Host your next event on-board one of our luxurious party yachts!

For groups of up to 24 people, our motor yacht "Kismet" is the perfect choice for a private charter on the Charleston Harbor.

Hosting a smaller party? Climb on board our incredible 50 foot sailing yacht "Fate" for groups of up to 6, and enjoy one of the most unique party experiences out there!

Book your next party with Captain Dustin Ryan at (843) 577-7403 www.charlestonsailingcharters.com | www.charlestonyachtcharter.com #1 ACTIVITY ON TRIP ADVISOR 5 YEARS RUNNING WITH OVER 700 5 STAR REVIEWS

Suits, Sport Coats and Tuxedos Hickey Freeman Samuelsohn Jack Victor L.B.M. Rentals available

Let us help you on your special day (843) 723-8603 | mdumasandsons.com | 294 King St, Charleston, SC | @mdumasandsons

M. DUMAS: PAST AND FUTURE Coco Chanel once said, “Fashion changes, but style endures.” She could have been describing the famed Charleston clothier, M. Dumas—the King Street men’s store that has dressed Charleston men for over a century.

“It’s a progressive 102-year-old company,” says Gary Flynn,

companies such as Tommy Bahama, Vineyard Vines, and Southern Tide followed. The store also offers its own label with a palmetto and crescent moon logo. “Dumas has never been the suit store,” Flynn explains with a nod toward the wide variety of sport coats available. Choice reigns in the custommade world, and M. Dumas has expanded to some European lines such as Eton (Sweden), LBM, and Eleventy (Italy), with elegant fabrics and perfect fit.

“The story behind this store is what got us “a reflection of here,” says Gary Flynn, President and CEO what’s happening of the business. The early store—almost a in Charleston.” thrift store—had evolved by the 1940s into providing uniforms for the U.S. Navy during World War II later morphing from work wear to country to outThese choices are part of the M. Dumas evolution, an evolution fitters. “It’s a progressive 102-year-old company,” says Flynn, “a that has made this store a menswear icon in Charleston. The reflection of what’s happening in Charleston.” clientele is half local, half visitor—some visitors coming to Flynn credits the forward thinking of David Dumas, grandson Charleston specifically to sample the offerings not available of the founder, as the genius behind turning this small in their own smaller cities. Occasionally the store has special Charleston business into a recognizable landmark, increasing events for these customers, such as the sit-down Italian its revenue five times what it was when he took over. As its dinner complete with Italian chef and wine when Dumas inthird-generation owner, Dumas is the inspiration behind the troduced its line of Italian clothing. The store also carries vibrant success of this store and its continuing story. “He is a a few women’s items such as Barbour jackets and some driver,” Flynn says. “If it wasn’t for him none of us would be accessories. where we are today.” Dumas has also been responsible for What makes M. Dumas worth its upscale prices? The store moving the company from thrift to luxury offerings. offers what can’t be found on the Internet: the most current Men’s styles have changed since our grandfathers wore hats and ties all day and to every event. In general, styles are more casual, especially in Charleston, and the Dumas family has listened to what customers want for a century now. When California-based military men returned from World War II, they talked about a company called Levi’s, and what followed was M. Dumas introducing Levi’s to the Charleston area. Other

styles, excellent quality, and exceptional customer service.

Although Dumas and Flynn recognize the appeal of ordering clothing from one-dimensional pictures flickering across a screen, they believe there is no substitute for choosing in person high-quality fabrics pleasing to sight and touch. In addition, two full-time tailors are on staff to ensure the perfect fit, regardless of size. Their customer service extends to more

than tailoring, however. Need a quick turnaround for a special event? This store can do it. Need your clothes coordinated and marked because you’re color-blind? They’re on it.

Need a glass of wine while you decide? You’re family at M. Dumas, so they can probably do that, too. Over the years, men have learned to trust this business, and the long-time sale associates are happy to advise them.

The King Street store doubled in size over the years, and a new store in Mt. Pleasant, Southern Tide by M. Dumas, has offerings for men, women, and children. In addition to expanding the business, David Dumas’ shrewd management is responsible for bringing Gary Flynn to Charleston three years ago from New Jersey. He sought Flynn because of

his extensive experience with Nordstrom, Hugo Boss, and Samsung, all over the United States. Flynn says he started with Nordstrom at 18 and did everything from picking up coat hangers to management to corporate leadership. He understands the fashion world and what it takes to keep customers happy: “It’s about the experience and the vibe in the store.”

And if you haven’t peeked inside the store lately and felt its unique vibe, make a special trip just to see how a $2 million renovation looks. The floors have been redone in reclaimed wood from a North Carolina barn and oriental rugs, an upscale, updated atmosphere that still feels rooted in the past—just enough of the past to know the store is marching headlong into the future.

By Nancy Drown McWhorter

H o s t t o w i n e ta s t i n g s , t o u r s , w e e k e n d f u n , a n d u n i q u e p r i v at e e v e n t s

PRIVATE TASTINGS & ROMANTIC OUTINGS OFFICE & TEAM BUILDING EVENTS BACHELORETTE & GIRLS WEEKENDS BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES FAMILY REUNIONS & PICNICS

LOCATED ON BEAUTIFUL WADMALAW ISLAND @ 6775 BEARS BLUFF ROAD | 843.559.6867 JOIN US ON FB FOR EVENT & WEEKEND UPDATES | WWW.DEEPWATERVINEYARD.COM

Charleston’s Most Darling Mobile Bar

All photos by: Kailee DiMeglio Photography

A TRULY PINT-SIZED NOVELTY The Chug-a-Lug Wagon is a fully customizable mobile bar - serving up a medley of beer, wine, prosecco + mixed drinks. We believe in variety, creativity and abundance.

With 6 separate taps, let your taste buds run wild.. choose your booze, wet your whistle and let's get the party started!

BOOK TODAY AT 843.701.1250 I HELLO@CHUGALUGWAGON.COM I WWW.CHUGALUGWAGON.COM

A brilliant combination of ambiance and outstanding

CHARLESTON CUISINE Transform your occasion into an unforgettable event.

Enjoy the sights and sounds of the beautiful Charleston Harbor as our celebrated Executive Chef delivers a dining experience second to none. Our Cruise Director and Planners will work closely with you to create an event that is detailed to perfection.

Experience the exceptional service, setting, and savory taste of SpiritLine Cruises.

SpiritLineDinnerCruise.com | 800.789.3678

HISTORIC CHARLESTON

CITY TOURS 300 Years of History Licensed Guides Group Rates Available Private Group City Tours Special Event Evening Transportion

TOLL FREE 800.423.0444 | LOCAL 843.722.4444 | Charleston@grayline.com GrayLineofCharleston.com

Party Prepared. Clothing, Gifts, Makeup & ooh! Event Planning & Rentals | 113 Pitt St., Mt. Pleasant | 843.856.3585 | ShopOutOfHand.com

The Art of Creating ooh! Visit Our Shops in The Old Village of Mt. Pleasant, 113 Pitt St. | 843.856.3585 | ShopOutOfHand.com

FRAGRANCE-FUN PARTIES | CUSTOM PRODUCTS & LABELS FOR YOUR EVENT | GIFTS PALMETTO SCENT STUDIO IS YOUR UNIQUE PARTY DESTINATION & ONE-STOP-SHOP FOR CUSTOMIZED GIFTS (CANDLES, ROOM/BODY SPRAYS, DIFFUSERS, TARTS & OILS).

COME CREATE WITH US AND EXPLORE THE ART OF FRAGRANCE! 843.718.3414 | palmettoscentstudio.com | info@palmettoscentstudio.com freshfields village, kiawah, 211 farm lake view (between cantina 76 and fuji)

Lowcountry Pianist & Company The leading choice for premier, professional music services featuring soloists and ensembles for

GRAND CELEBRATIONS & INTIMATE GATHERINGS

PIANO | HARP | VIOLIN | CELLO | GUITAR | WOODWINDS | BRASS | VOCALS

MEET OUR MUSICIANS AT LOWCOUNTRYPIANIST.COM HOLLY@LOWCOUNTRYPIANIST.COM | 843.471.4580 The Only Solo & Ensemble Company in SC Awarded The Knot Best of Weddings 2018

F IND YOUR FLAVOR AMONGST OUR EXTENSIVE COLLECTION OF VINTAGE & SPECIALTY RENTALS. WE CURATE AN ECLECTIC MIX OF SOULFUL FURNITURE AND DECOR PIECES FOR STYLING PRIVATE EVENTS, WEDDINGS, PHOTOSHOOTS AND MORE.

bonjour@thefrencheclectic.com

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843-996-6117

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www.thefrencheclectic.com

THE SUMMER SIZZLE SHE’S LOOKING FOR

A reputation for personal service, custom design, and unique selection.

Ken and Ann Hanchey; proudly serving the Lowcountry for over 40 years.

Diamonds, Gold and Silver Jewelry Specializing in Custom Design, Watches & Repairs

www.HancheyJewelers.com 1690 Savannah Highway, Charleston, SC | 843-766-1522 ken@hancheyjewelers.com

For Your Wedding, Event, or Special Occasion Full Service | Partial | Day Of Coordination

All photos by: Stephanie Adkins Photography

ParteEventsandDesign.com | 803.795.8664 annakate@parteeventsanddesign.com

Setting

THE

Scene

YOUR OUTDOOR SOIRÉE Warmer weather and longer days are usually the first ingredients that inspire an outdoor dinner party, boho brunch celebration, potluck picnic, bridal or baby shower.

The backdrop of your party, details both big and small, can make a difference. Make your outdoor soirée stupendous!

Plenty of comfortable seating and cool mingling spots are a necessity. A stunning expansive table, comfy seating, and conversation corners bring the indoors outside. Lounge seating is all the rave and is the specialty of The French Eclectic. Their mix of vintage and modern furniture, decor, rugs, and accessories provides the eclectic, effortless, fabulous look that your outdoor shindig calls for. If sitting outside in the Charleston Summer heat concerns you, worry no more. Herc Rentals offers power misters and fans to keep you and your guests cool.

Create a warm ambiance with lighting. Ever-popular cafe lighting is a fairly easy installation and adds an enchanting glow. Focal areas lend themselves to formal chandeliers or rustic basket pendants. For larger or more elaborate gatherings, seek help from lighting professionals such as Innovative Event Services to transform your venue into a striking, memorable, and well-lit setting.

The focal point for every party—food glorious food.

Your menu should befit your theme; however, if partyappropriate, keep the kitchen and cooking outside!

A delicious menu and touch of vintage goes hand-in-hand with Coastal Crust Mobile Eatery. Arriving in one of their impeccably restored 1950s classic trucks, Coastal Crust will roll up, set up, and serve up. Start with homemade appetizers such as crostinis, stuffed mushrooms, and

succulent salads before your guests are served heavenly wood-fired pizzas, pastas, or formal course settings.

The mobile eatery also houses beer and wine taps right on the truck, so beer and wine lovers, rejoice!

No matter the party, be it a milestone birthday, graduation, engagement, or garden party, your theme, colors, and vision can be easily created with the talent of balloon specialists. Balloon designs have become impressively sophisticated. If you can envision it, balloon designers such as Charleston Balloon can create it. Your beach bingo party decor is easily accomplished with a colorful beachball arch spanning your pool. Any shower is more festive with oversized balloons giving height to centerpieces with touches of greenery, fringe, or wide ribbon. Perhaps you're hosting a mermaid birthday: have a customized coral, fish, and mermaid "under the sea" entry that spans to great heights . . . yep, they’ve got that.

Introduce a refreshing spring and summer cocktail (or two) to your guests. Nothing is more fun than trying a new flavor palette of something citrus, sweet, sour or spicy. We all have our cocktail go-to, so a new concoction is always welcomed. At more formal or larger gatherings, bartenders are always a crowd and host favorite. Professional bar services such as ICEBOX Bar will customize packages specific to your gathering. ICEBOX Bar and their mixology team are known for their top-rated service and their extraordinary signature cocktails for events intimate to festival-sized.

Another fun trend to consider is a tasting bar; bourbon, tequila or cordial anyone?

No matter your reason for celebrating, enjoy warm weather months with family, friends, and cocktails under the stars.

Photo: Katherine Elena Photography Furniture & Decor: The French Eclectic

Signature Cocktails by ICEBOX

Photo: Kailee DiMeglio Photography Furniture & Decor: The French Eclectic

Grown out of a passion for creativity, culinary arts, zombies, epic novels, board games, the outdoors, and and beer. beer.

Mostly beer.

Brew adventure into your private gathering or event!

Contact the beards for information.

Looking to join-in on our shenanigans?

Live Music, Axe Throwing, Beer and Bingo or Bendy Brewski Yoga Anyone?

Check out our events calendar and join us, Zombie Bob’s Pizza is dead-icated to serving you killer slices of pizza. www.frothybeard.com 1401 Sam Rittenberg Blvd, Charleston, SC 29407 | 843-872-4201

Beautifully Restored ANTIQUE TRUCKS OUTFITTED TO cater your event IN THE MOST UNIQUE STYLE. WE’LL roll up early, set up, AND serve up DELICIOUS WOOD-FIRED PIZZA, ACCOMPANIMENTS, CRAFT BEER & WINE FOR you WWW.COASTALCRUST.COM | VISIT US @

and your guests.

catering - 843.654.9606 | brick & mortar - 843.936.3199

'our place’ - Coastal Crust Brick & Mortar

219 SIMMONS ST., MT.PLEASANT

INFO@COASTALCRUST.COM

H I S TO R I C E V E N T S .

MODERN PERSPECTIVE.

Located in the Heart of Charleston’s Historic District, The Vendue offers the city’s most unique setting for weddings and events.

Intimate Wedding Receptions | Corporate Meetings Group Luncheons & Gatherings | Private Dinners C O N TA C T: S A L E S @ T H E V E N D U E . C O M O R 8 4 3 . 2 0 3 . 2 8 2 9

Let Samira’s Gyros and More Cater Your Next Event.

843.810.6444 samirabh8@gmail.com

FARM TO TRUCK & TABLE Not just a tagline, it’s a lifestyle. Roti Rolls delivers local, fresh, and seasonal ingredients to cater your formal seated event or casual gathering. Voted Best Food Truck in Charleston seven years in a row, Roti Rolls is known for delicious eats on the streets, festivals, and fun gatherings such as corporate events, block and birthday parties. Bring that same popular goodness to your next formal or seated event, customizing to every party size and budget.

843.735.9664 | www.eatrotirolls.com

From a Charleston roadside, to festival, brewery, truck rodeo, or at the Container Bar, food trucks have become a delicious part of our landscape. Historians trace mobile dining back to the late 1600s but today, food trucks have become known for innovative and gourmet cuisine that caters to all tastes. For every cuisine conceivable … there’s a food truck for that.

Given the quality, variety, and hip nod, it should come as no surprise that food trucks have expanded into the catering arena. We’re talking far beyond the food truck rodeo … full-blown catering; soup to nuts.

Spring and summer gatherings are the best times to

embrace this trend.

Party hosts looking for particular cuisine are turning to food trucks to ensure an authentic food experience such as the popular Samira’s Gyros to cater Greek or Mediterranean parties.

The ever-delicious Coastal Crust recognized the fullcatering trend long before it hit, rolling out their fullcatering mobile eatery in the form of their classic and fully restored 1950s trucks. The popular Roti Rolls, a big RV of yummies, recently dished out its full service, fusion cuisine at the wedding of Alexandra and Charlie Poole. It begged for some photos and time with founder Cory Burke.

Catering: on a Roll

By Nancy Drown McWhorter Ever wished you could give a party that wows your friends, not worry about the food, and have no cleanup? It’s easy. Just ask the popular Roti Rolls food truck to come to your event. The first food truck in the Charleston area in 2010, and named Best Food Truck every year since, this big green food machine is a popular option for fun and delicious catering.

Roti Rolls’ staple is Singapore-style roti bread, a flatbread that’s flakier than most and gently cradles all manner of creative offerings. Burke describes roti as what you’d get “if naan bread and a croissant had a love child.” And love is the word that comes to mind with this moving kitchen’s local ingredients—organic veggies, chicken, fish, barbecue—vegan, and gluten-free options—kimchee—mixtures of foods you’ve never dreamed of combining but now can’t imagine doing without.

Cory Burke founded this enterprise in 2009 and was joined at the helm with his longtime close friends, Alton Ankersen (owner) and Cameron Wetzler (chef). “With the ‘office unicorn,’ Kirsten Celeste, they crush day-today operations in Charleston and are responsible for all the growth of the catering program,” says Burke. “My better half, Suzanne Dieter, and I travel the country slinging roti while juggling our three kids under three.”

Roti is known not only for the excellent food but also for its fun vibe, singing servers, and clever menu names.

This combination of food and fun probably explains why Roti can be found at so many festivals from coast to coast, including Tennessee’s famed Bonaroo, where they serve 2000 people a day (“it’s insanity,” says Burke); or Charleston’s own High Water Festival.

But if you don’t want to search for the truck, why not use

its excellent catering service, as did a recent Charleston bride and groom, Alexandra and Charlie Poole of Charleston. As a former sous chef for The Ordinary, Alex knows food, so she chose Roti Rolls for their elegant wedding. They were “super-professional,” Alex says, beginning with the tasting, complete with white tablecloth and china which “set the scene.” Roti set the tables and served the evening, the couple choosing eco-friendly bamboo plates. “The flavors were bright and vibrant,” she says, explaining that “being a chef in Charleston I wanted something progressive and fun.” While the food was unusual, “it was a menu that foodies and my grandmother enjoyed—not scary.”

Since the couple’s wedding venue was a plantation, it was impossible not to see the green truck, so Alex and Charlie decided to “embrace the food truck and put spotlights on it.” The truck “creates a fun atmosphere,” Burke explains, and Roti can customize the menu to your specifications, as they did for Alex and Charlie. They chose “family style,” so each table of eight was offered platters of pan roasted snapper over green rice and local seared beef tenderloin over roasted potatoes, with roasted brussel sprouts and curried local vegetables on the side. The service made it feel “just like having dinner with your family,” Alex says.

“We have found our niche in catering; it’s a natural fit,” Burke says. Because of the success with the trucks and their catering, the Roti partners will soon launch a new catering branch, Charleston Catering Group, specializing in handmade craft menus. The menus will include not only food but signature drinks, cocktails, local brew collaborations, and the full service of options for events and weddings. If past is prologue, this catering company should amaze the city. Alex and Charlie would agree.

Photo by: Monika Gauthier Photo by: Jenna Marie

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