The Dewberry

Welcome Party

Francis Marion Hotel

Transportation to Lowndes Grove

Lowndes Grove

Wedding Ceremony & Reception

Parcel 32

After Party

Our Wedding

Have you ever seen a Hallmark movie? This isn't one yet, but it should be! Haha :). So… In February of 2021, my brothers and I planned a ski trip to Aspen. We were excited to have a fun, sibling trip together and hit the slopes. Being from South Carolina, it's the kind of thing that we only do about once a year. I decided to hop on an earlier flight and get into town to explore for the day, knowing that they would later arrive from Charleston just around dinner time. Upon arrival, I immediately put on my snow boots and set out to peruse around town. Aspen had gotten a ton of snow and had more on the forecast; this made everything feel like a winter wonderland and so special and different from home! When I was ready to take a break and relax a bit, I headed into J Bar at Hotel Jerome for a beer, because, where better could you go for a great vibe on a snowy day?! I had my Kindle with me and was happily taking myself on a date.&nbsp; As I sat there enjoying a relaxed day, I noticed a couple of guys come into the bar as well. Spoiler alert...one of them was my fiance, Adam :).&nbsp; As it turns out, they noticed me too. Adam, being a New Yorker, immediately remarked to his buddy that, "there's a blonde girl with a southern accent drinking a beer alone on the other side of the bar!" To which his friend told him he had absolutely no shot at approaching me, as it would be extremely impossible that I would be in Aspen, at Hotel Jerome, alone. Haha!&nbsp; Well, after much observation, curiosity, and confusion on their part, given the obvious fact that I was still alone after some time, Adam decided to order his "last" drink, shoot his shot with me, and bee line it out of there if it didn't go over well. To his surprise, I was happy to "make some friends while killing time" as I waited for my brothers’ arrival into town. I joined their table and we spent time trading stories, all getting to know each other. I was from South Carolina, they were from New York. I was a snowboarder, they were skiers. I was doing a sibling trip, they were doing a boys trip (including Adam's dad, who was resting after a big day of skiing). We were enjoying getting to know each other, and I remember thinking to myself, these are exactly the kind of guys I would be friends with if we had grown up together in the same town versus living states away! It felt easy, like we were already fast friends.&nbsp; A few hours later, my brothers finally arrived and called me. I notified them that I was already out on the town making friends and invited them to join us. We all went out to dinner together as they met up. Luckily, Adam's buddy reminded him to get my number before the brothers arrived, just in case. I have to admit that I was a little apprehensive too, because my brothers are very protective over me as their only sister! However, throughout dinner, I was pleased that everyone seemed to get along really naturally and we all had such a fun night together, merging our groups! At the end of the night, Adam asked me if I would like to go on a date with him the very next night. Of course, I had to "talk it over with my brothers to see what plans we may already have" before letting him know. Immediately, I received strong approval from them that, "Adam is a cool guy," and "you should definitely go!" Normally, their favor doesn't come so easily, so I knew that this was a good sign. I agreed to go out with him again the next night, just the two of us, and we made our plans. As I mentioned before, I was definitely feeling like a character in a Hallmark movie by this point!

How We Met

The next night in Aspen, after meeting, Adam came to pick me up for our date. Things had gotten a little crazy with the weather, and there was practically a snow storm, so I was impressed that he continued to be insistent on picking me up. Being from the south and very traditional, I was pleased with this thoughtful and gentlemanly gesture. He took me back to Hotel Jerome and we started our night at the Library Bar, which is a very romantic setting. Now, I do remember thinking, while getting ready for the date, that it could be awkward as we hardly knew each other and wondering what we would talk about. However, as soon as we were together and settled into such a beautiful and cozy spot at the bar, I felt so relaxed, and we connected so naturally. It felt easy being around him, as if we had known each other for a long time.&nbsp; After a couple of drinks to start our night, Adam took me to dinner at Matsuhisa, the sushi restaurant owned by Nobu. How he got us in for a reservation the day before, I still don't know, but it made me feel that he really wanted to put in effort to let me know that he was interested in me! We had a great time, ended up sharing our dishes to try different things, and after dinner, decided that we weren't ready to call it a night yet. It was a gorgeous and snowy night out, and we were bundled up appropriately, so we went strolling around town.&nbsp; It was quiet out and it seemed like the world was completely still for us. We went walking around the ice skating rink, which was closed and covered by at least a foot or more of snow, and with no one else in sight, Adam kissed me. The whole night felt so magical! After having such a great time together, Adam took me home, and we decided that we would "Apres Ski" together every remaining day of the trip, including my brothers, his dad, and his buddy - which we did! We had an absolute blast that week :).

Our First Date

Following the trip in Aspen, we decided that we definitely wanted to see each other again and continue getting to know each other. He invited me to Sag Harbor, I invited him to Charleston; he invited me to the City, I invited him to Charlotte....We enjoyed showing each other different places in our respective areas. It became a running joke with each other and amongst our families that every time we planned a trip to see each other, we inevitably would move our flight in order to stay longer. We ended up dating for a little over two years before getting engaged, and it never felt like long-distance at all. Throughout that time, I spent about a year commuting between New York and Charleston, and then I moved fully to New York City in the beginning of 2023, which is where we are still living now.&nbsp;

Dating before Engagement

Adam had some elaborate plans to take me back to Aspen, where we first met, to propose to me. Naturally, as soon as he let me know he was planning this trip, I became confidently suspicious that he was planning this trip in order to propose. So, I&nbsp; was spending my free time searching for the perfect white sweater dress to buy for the trip, haha! Once the ring came in, he started feeling that he really could not wait and was getting too excited and nervous over it. He decided to make an alternate plan, which he felt would be a good idea, as he also suspected that I probably suspected what would happen in Aspen. So, the trip could be a decoy!&nbsp; He planned a dinner reservation for us at The River Cafe in Dumbo, Brooklyn, which is an iconic, old-school New York restaurant that sits on the water and overlooks the skyline of the city from the other side of the river. There's a gorgeous garden out front which is strung with twinkle lights and is all lit up at night and very romantic. In order to get to the front door of the restaurant, you have to walk through the garden, so before taking me in for dinner, Adam stopped me in the middle of the garden and got down on one knee, pulling out the ring and telling me how much he loved me! I was so caught off guard, thinking with certainty that it wasn't happening until the Aspen trip, that he truly and successfully surprised me. We walked in for dinner, toasted champagne, and had an incredible night feeling so happy. It made it even more fun when we went to Aspen a week and a half later, as we got to just celebrate and soak it in together!

Proposal Story

Our Story

Photos

Q + A

Booking Link:&nbsp;<a href="https://bookings.travelclick.com/76320?groupID=4277231" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://bookings.travelclick.com/76320?groupID=4277231</a> Phone:&nbsp;877-756-2121&nbsp;-&nbsp;Reference the&nbsp;Hudson Clay Wedding (CLAYWRB) Rooms &amp; Rate: Starting at $239-$329/nt + taxes/fees Nights Blocked:&nbsp;Thursday,&nbsp;Friday, SaturdayAdditional nights may be available. If the link is not showing your desired nights, or you'd like to upgrade your room please call reservations for assistance.&nbsp; Booking Deadline:&nbsp;April 14, 2025

Booking&nbsp;Link:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=1709748969232&amp;key=GRP&amp;app=resvlink" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=1709748969232&amp;key=GRP&amp;app=resvlink</a> Phone:&nbsp;843-805-7900 Reference the Hudson Clay Wedding Rooms &amp; Rate:&nbsp;$369+/nt + taxes/fees&nbsp;If guests have questions, or need to book additional nights please email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:team@blockbirdie.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">team@blockbirdie.com</a> Booking&nbsp;Deadline: April 16, 2025

Courtyard by Marriott Charleston Historic District

<a href="http://stayduvet.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">StayDuvet.com</a>&nbsp;is a local, professionally managed vacation rental company. Use code: BLOCKBIRDIE on the check out page for 5% off any rental.&nbsp;

Stay Duvet | Vacation Rentals

If you are interested in staying at one of Charleston's luxury properties please contact&nbsp;<a href="mailto:team@blockbirdie.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">team@blockbirdie.com</a>&nbsp;for assistance&nbsp;booking. They can add&nbsp;complimentary VIP&nbsp;amenities at the current&nbsp;public rates such as $100 resort credit,&nbsp;daily breakfast for two, potential upgrades and more. Participating&nbsp;hotels&nbsp;include&nbsp;Hotel&nbsp;Bennett, The Dewberry, Charleston Place, and Zero George.

Luxury Hotels with VIP Perks

Travel

Take a stroll around the Battery, at the southernmost tip of the Charleston peninsula, and enjoy the views of the water as well as the historic mansions

The Battery

The Market is an exceptionally unique Charleston experience. There are both open-air and indoor shops and stalls filled by many small, local businesses and artisans. It's a perfect place to take a stroll and possibly find a souvenir! I also recommend stopping into Kaminsky's for a coffee or a sweet treat!

Charleston City Market

Sullivan's Island is one of the 3 beaches in the area and is my personal favorite!

Sullivan's Island Beach

Isle of Palms is one of the 3 beaches around town and is very accessible for parking! It also has a boardwalk and a number of fun bars near the beach with live music.

Isle of Palms Beach

Folly Beach is one of the 3 beaches in town, mostly known for it's surfer culture, eccentric vibes, and fun bars. This one is on James Island, which is the opposite direction from Sullivan's and IOP.

Folly Beach

Taking a ghost tour of Charleston can be one of the most fun ways to learn more about the history of the city and see it's haunted landmarks! This company also offers Food Tours and History Tours if ghosts aren't your thing :).

Charleston Ghost Tours (and Food & History Tours)

The Ravenel Bridge has a pedestrian and cycling lane that can be enjoyed for an exercise outing paired with great views of the city. This bridge connects the downtown Charleston peninsula to Mount Pleasant.

Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge

Colonial Lake is a public park nestled into a residential area of downtown Charleston and is a short walking distance from King Street. In strolling through this area, you will enjoy looking at the many historic mansions in town, noted for their wide porches, quaint courtyards, and famously colorful window boxes.

Colonial Lake Park

Shem Creek is a waterfront area of Mount Pleasant that accommodates many restaurants and bars as well as creek activities such as kayaking and paddleboarding. It is well known for it's shrimping boats that dock there and attract pods of dolphins that will often playfully swim right next to you if paddleboarding or kayaking!

Shem Creek Boardwalk

Captain Greg Handal is a family friend who runs a Sailing Yacht Charter business in Charleston. He can be contacted for a fun outing to get on the water and see the city from a more breezy view!

Sailing Yacht Charter 

Captain Garrett Lacy is a family friend who provides Inshore Fishing Charters around the Charleston marshes. Reach out to book him for an experience of fishing for Reds, Flounder, and Trout.

Charleston Fishing Adventures

Taking a loop around The Citadel's campus is an intriguing way to view South Carolina's Military College, where David, Bobby, and Lee Hudson all went to school in addition to a couple of other family members. It is very close to Lowndes Grove, as it is located on the Ashley River.

The Citadel

Ladies! You cannot come to Charleston without a pit stop into Croghan's Jewel Box. Croghan's is a generations-old, family owned local jeweler who carries many beautiful jewelry and antique collections. The owners are close family friends who are near and dear to our heart, as they helped Adam and I pick out our rings!

Croghan's Jewel Box

The Windjammer is a classic, beach front dive bar on Isle of Palms, another famous beach in the Charleston area just past Mount Pleasant. It is known for having great cover bands and beach front volleyball.

The Windjammer

Sullivan's Island is the epitome of a traditional South Carolina beach and beach town, with local favorites Poe's Tavern and Home Team Barbecue. The beach itself is breathtakingly beautiful and the lighthouse is a historic landmark that has become a symbol of Charleston.

Sullivan's Island Lighthouse

One of our favorite coffee &amp; pastry shops in general, and if you are a matcha lover, this is your spot, too! In the bottom of Hotel Bennett right on King Street, this location is most convenient for guests staying on Marion Square.

La Pâtisserie

Grab your morning coffee and a quick breakfast before strolling the Battery and exploring the historic charm of Charleston's "Lower King."

Harken Cafe

The Daily embodies chill, laid back coffee shop vibes. You'll see people both dropping by for quick take out as well as hanging out all day on their laptops. Located "Upper King", this is a great spot for an afternoon pick me up if you've been exploring all day.

The Daily Cafe - King St

Rooftop cocktail bar atop the Dewberry Hotel. This bar has the most gorgeous views of Charleston, including the many church steeples that have led to the nickname of the "Holy City" and is a very fun and vibey atmosphere!

Citrus Club

One of my favorites! This is a go-to always.

The Cocktail Club

Live band! Rooftop! Whiskey Room! This bar literally has it all and is one of the most fun (rowdy) places to hit around town. Always a mix of all ages.

Henry's On The Market

If you know, you know. Pretty much all the locals go here. Very chill dive bar vibes, but with a huge back patio! Great for groups hanging out and wanting space to stand together.

Blind Tiger Pub

The Lobby Bar has one of the best martinis in my opinion, AND, for the ladies, you will have to check out the champagne room, Camellia's! Men, humble yourselves.

Hotel Bennett Lobby Bar

Check Halls Chophouse out any time for a cocktail or a great meal, including an order of the creamed corn, but most fun of all is the Sunday Gospel Brunch with live music!

Halls Chophouse

167 Raw is first come, first serve only and does not accept reservations. You can, however, go by and put your name on the waitlist. They will give you an estimated wait time and take your phone number down, so that you can walk around town in the meantime. You will get a text message when your table is ready. So, we recommend that you go by 1-2 hours before you'd be ready to eat and then enjoy exploring the charming streets and homes of Charleston in the meantime, or walking to Bar167, their sister restaurant, for a drink as you wait. Once back at 167 Raw, it's worth noting that they are known for their martinis, rose wine, fresh oysters, and lobster roll.

167 Raw Oyster Bar

Hit up Leon's for lunch or dinner for the incredible fried chicken, oysters, and vibes. Note: Leon's does accept reservations and they open up 30 days in advance. It's best to snag one or else the walk-ins wait time is usually around 2 hours.

Leon's

Iconic Charleston restaurant. Serves all of the classic South Carolina cuisine staples. Located in a old historic home with a beautiful courtyard. Need we say more :). Reservations can be made online.

82 Queen

Costa is a newer restaurant that everyone is raving about and happens to be one of our favorites! Plan to enjoy both the comfort of something familiar as well as the adventure of a new take on traditional dishes! We always try to get a reservation when we go to town and have to plan ahead to book in advance! You can make a reservation up to 30 days ahead.

Costa Charleston

Home Team Barbecue on Sullivan's Island is one of Adam's personal favorites, and I'd recommend hitting the beach beforehand and then coming here very hungry!

Home Team BBQ

Italian in Charleston! Yes, it does exist :). This is Adam's favorite spot and has an intimate and cozy feel along with delicious pizza and pasta.

Melfi's

Famous for a reason!!! Southern cuisine at it's finest.

Husk

Prime location in downtown, delicious food, and really beautiful interior design inside an old home.

Lowland

Romantic and cozy with excellent food! Even just going to the bar is a scene!

Sorelle

Off the beaten path and VERY hidden, which is part of it's allure! Just when you think you are lost, you will stumble upon this charming restaurant with a back-in-time French vibe inside an old Charleston home.

Chez Nous

Chef's Tasting Menu. Epitome of Charleston hospitality and ambience. This is a great option if you want to go big and try out a creative, multicourse menu - maybe even add the wine pairing!

The Restaurant at Zero George

David and Carey Hudson's favorite seafood in Charleston! Absolutely delicious and so fresh.

Hank's Seafood Restaurant

Poe's is a classic burger joint on Sullivan's that is a laid back &amp; local staple! Do not skip the fries :). No reservation required and feel free to show up in beach attire.

Poe's Tavern

Post House Inn is just across the Ravenel Bridge in the historic old village of Mount Pleasant. It is one of the most charming boutique hotels in town with a phenomenal southern food &amp; drinks, and we recommend coming here for Brunch...don't sleep on the quiche!

Post House

Chubby Fish is one of the most talked about restaurants in town! Walk-In Only means that you will need to likely go around 4:00pm to wait for entry. Seahorse is an intimate cocktail bar next door by the same owners and is a great place to grab a drink while waiting. Despite the wait, the food is more than worth it!

Chubby Fish

Aka - S.N.O.B. - is a Charleston right of passage. In one of the most beautiful areas of town, this restaurant is classic in every way.

Caroline & Adam

Caroline & Adam

C&A

Welcome Party

Transportation to Lowndes Grove

Wedding Ceremony & Reception

After Party