Historic Rice Mill

Rehearsal Dinner

Legare Waring House

Wedding Day

Gene’s Haufbrau

After Party!

Spring

Our Wedding

Our Story

It went down in the DMs

Lauren:Michael and I were around each other for the first time at my best friends' annual New Year's Eve party. I wouldn't say we really "met" because I don't think I spoke a word to him - I just didn't know who the random dude at my friends' house was. A few months later I went to a wine bar with my friends who hosted the NYE party and Michael joined, which was the first time we ever really talked. He was awkwardly funny and really nice, but I thought nothing of it. Some time after that, he hung out with our friends without me and told my best friend Taylor that he wanted to ask me out, which she immediately told me, but we thought it was a joke and I knew that he was fresh out of a relationship, so we kind of laughed it off. A few weeks later he slid into my DMs and started quoting Avril Lavigne lyrics. It was strange but kind of cute and then he said something about how it would only be weird if he asked me to go out for drinks with him, to which I replied, "hahaha".....I didn't realize he was actually asking me to go out with him. While my immediate reaction was "absolutely not" since we had mutual friends and it could get sticky if things didn't work out, I figured there was no harm in just going for a few drinks. Drinks turned into dinner and Michael let me know that it was in fact a date (news to me). Little did we know that this meet up for drinks/date would end up changing our lives forever. We hung out 4 out of the next 7 days and we have been glued to each other since. I knew after just a few weeks that he was the one because as soon as we parted, I couldn't wait to see him again (okay so I still feel the same to this day). Michael is the sweetest, most thoughtful, hilarious, authentic person I have ever met and I am so excited for him to become my husband! Michael:I remember distinctly meeting Lauren for the first time. NYE and she was uninterested in me, but I immediately had a crush on her. She was bubbly and blonde and did not think I was very funny. I couldn't wait to see her again. That night at the wine bar my persistent attempts to make her laugh finally started to pay off. A few weeks later, I started methodically responding to any Instagram story she posted, which eventually led to DM'ing. Our first date was fantastic; what was supposed to be a drink or two turned into a 6 hour date on a weeknight...I did not feel so great the next day at work, but it was totally worth it! I had to present to upper management hungover! But I knew Lauren was different. She is the perfect kind of weird, and makes me laugh like I never have. I don't ever want to spend a day without her. She's everything to me, and she's going to be my wife!

Photos

My random college roommate turned best friend! T and I met in 2011 when we were both looking for a new roommate in Athens, GA (Go Dawgs!). We quickly became very close and have been inseparable since.  Taylor moved to Charleston in 2015 and I hated being away from her so much that I followed her here a year later! She and her husband Chas just celebrated their baby boy Charlie’s first birthday in November 2022, who has brought us so much joy. I was Taylor's Maid of Honor and am so excited to have her stand next to me now!

Taylor Perry

My oldest friend. Alexander and I met playing soccer when we were 8 years old and we've been hanging out ever since. In high school, I would essentially move into the Rivera house every weekend, becoming their unplanned (but most loved) third child. There was no way I could get married without Alexander being there. 

Alexander Rivera

Aka my sister. Astin and I were 18 months old when we met at daycare in our hometown of Conyers, GA. We are so thankful that our parents kept us close for so long and that we are still the best of friends. We have been through every single season of life together and I could not imagine celebrating this day without her. Fun fact - both of our middle names is Nicole, so obviously we were meant to be sisters from birth! I was her Maid of Honor and am so happy to have her by my side.

Astin Fowler

Greg and I also met playing soccer, but didn't become friends until 5 years later when we started at Indian Springs School for 8th grade. We were basically inseparable from that point on. I was Greg's best man in his wedding in 2021, so I'm happy to have him return the favor! No pressure writing the speech Greg...

Greg Francavilla

Courtney and I met in 2016 at my new job when I first moved to Charleston. She made me laugh so much from day one and I am so grateful for the amazing friendship and bond we have created since. Court is SO thoughtful and remembers every single thing going on in my life at all times and always follows up to check in and make sure everything is okay. I truly could not imagine my life without her (or Shelley). Courtney and her husband Jeff welcomed a beautiful baby girl, Emilia Joanne (Emi Jo), on November 3, 2022 and I am so excited to be Aunt La again!

Courtney Bird

My favorite dad. 'KP' has always been incredibly supportive in all of my adventures. Except when I decided I wanted to ride  motorcycles for a brief time in my late teens, he wasn't so much a fan of that. Equally quick with a word of advice and sarcastic remarks about your outfit, he is a one-of-a-kind guy. Couldn't be happier to have my dad standing by my side on my big day. 

Keith Pigue

Amy was my manager at one of my jobs in college! We hit it off as soon as we met and have been glued together since. Amy is constantly my voice of reason and is not afraid to tell me what I need to hear. She is also always ready to take a shot - don't say I didn't warn you. I am so thankful for our friendship and so excited to get to share this day with her!

Amy Griffin

My big brother. As I said in my speech at his wedding, we've been brothers for 29 years and friends for 11. We weren't always the closest growing up, but now I consider him one of my best friends. David and his wife Kathryn have finally let me fulfill my ultimate destiny of becoming Uncle Mike - the fun uncle.

David Pigue

Karen and I have known each other since middle school, but got very close in 9th grade. We dyed our hair together often, I drove her to high school until she got her driver’s license, and we spent just about every weekend together! We went to college in different cities, but we visited each other often and have remained super close even while living in different states. Her daughter Blakely calls me Lollie and we are the best of friends. Karen and I have waited for this day for what feels like forever and I am so honored to have her stand by me!

Karen Chambers

My baby brother. Robert never misses a chance to let everyone know that he is the tallest in the room. He is also good at pretty much every thing that he does, be that juggling, pickleball, or having oddly large feet. Robo-cop is a truly unique character and I wouldn't trade him for anything. 

Robert Pigue

The best cousin on Earth. Lindsay (aka Lu) was the youngest of the cousins and the only girl until I came along 6 years later! She was so excited to have a little “mini me”/guinea pig to try new hair and makeup styles on. Growing up, I spent most of my weekends at her house and I wanted to be just like her! We loved spending time together at our grandparents’ house, where we drank a lot of chocolate milk and learned to love animals more than we love most humans. When I feel like others don’t really “get me,” Lindsay always does. I’m so happy to have her next to me on my wedding day!

Lindsay Gunnyon

My first friend in Charleston. Through many rounds of Wii golf, actual golf, and $10 pitchers at Charleston Sports Pub, Nick and I have developed a very easy going friendship that has been essential to my positive experience in the Holy City. I will forgive him for moving to Charlotte... eventually. 

Nick Brettingen

Our funny, brilliant, and adorable niece! She is such an entertainer and is very excited to “throw flowers,” but asked if she can carry the rings with her brother.

Sadie Ayers

Our goofy nephew who is just happy to be here. Guys, watch your girl because he WILL steal her!

Asher Ayers

Did you really think we would have a wedding without her?

Honey Ham Pigue

Pigue Party

Legare Waring House is located in Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site1500 Old Towne Road, Charleston, SC 29407 Learn about the history of our beautiful venue here: https://southcarolinaparks.com/legare-waring-house/history

Parking

Please park in designated area only.No cars are to be left in the circle overnight! If you need to leave your car, it must be moved to the main visitor lot. We highly encourage you to Uber or Lyft, especially if you will be having drinks!

Our Venue

Accommodations

Please be aware that the Southeastern Wildlife Exhibition (SEWE) is this same weekend. Hotels will become more expensive and sell out, so we recommend booking as soon as possible. There will also be more traffic than usual - please plan accordingly. There are so many great places to stay in Charleston! If you want to be closer to the venue, look at hotels in the West Ashley area. If you’re looking for a more Charleston-y experience, look for places close to King Street in the downtown area, which is around 15 minutes from the venue. Below are the hotels that we have room blocks for at discounted rates in West Ashley, as well as a few other suggestions downtown.

$179/night with our room block - click "website" below or call the hotel at 843.571.2955, press 1 for reservations, and book over the phone using the code APW.

Home2Suites Charleston West Ashley

$219/night with our room block - click "website" below to book.

Comfort Suites West Ashley

The Mills House Wyndham Grand Hotel

The Dewberry Charleston

Eat & Drink

There are SO many great places for food and drinks around all of Charleston - it's hard to choose what to recommend! Our biggest suggestion is to support our local businesses by trying a local spot.

Our Favorite Spots

DowntownRevelry Brewing Co.Blind TigerThe Watch Rooftop Kitchen &amp; Spirits (rooftop of The Restoration Hotel)The Rooftop at the VendueMarket Pavilion Rooftop (rooftop of Market Street Pavilion Hotel)Citrus Club (rooftop of The Dewberry)Camellias (pink champagne bar in Hotel Bennett)167 Raw (lobster roll &amp; tuna burger are musts!Bar167167 Sushi BarHome Team BBQ (get a Game Changer or frozen Irish coffee!)Leon’s (fried chicken sandwich, iceberg stack, oysters, frose', frozen gin &amp; tonic)Miller's All Day (brunch)Daps Breakfast &amp; Imbibe (brunch - MUST get a Fruity Pebble pancake!)Graft Wine Shop &amp; Wine BarChubby Fish (no reservations) West AshleyFabio’s Ristorante Italiano (our favorite spot!)Charlestowne FermentoryMex 1 Coastal CantinaMetro DinerCharleston Sports Pub (our favorite wings)Three MatadorsTriangle Char BarLocals SushiBoxcar Betty's (think fancier Chick-fil-A)Community Table Mount PleasantGrace &amp; GritTavern &amp; Table (our first date!)Red's Ice HouseSaltwater CowboysRed DrumHustle Smoothie BarPage's Okra GrillFive Loaves Cafe (sandwiches &amp; salads) Sullivan's IslandThe Obstinate Daughter (Lauren's favorite)Home Team BBQ (get a Game Changer or frozen Irish coffee!)Mex 1 Costal CantinaThe Co-Op

Eat + Drink

Drive or walk along the Battery and visit White Point Gardens. Go see Rainbow Row! Head to Waterfront Park and swing on the pier. Shop around on King Street and check out Charleston Place.

Explore Downtown Charleston

Our first date was at Tavern &amp; Table, but we also love Saltwater Cowboys and Reds Ice House for drinks, dinner and beautiful sunset views. Lauren actually took this photo!

Shem Creek - Mount Pleasant

Stop by the Co-Op for a coffee &amp; breakfast or frosé &amp; lunch and walk on the beach. Alcohol is prohibited on all of our beaches, so just pour any drinks in a cup :)

Sullivan's Island

We love Rita's Seaside Grill, Snapper Jacks, &amp; Taco Boy. Lost Dog Cafe has great breakfast, but get there early! Alcohol is prohibited on all of our beaches, so just pour any drinks in a cup :)

Folly Beach

The U.S.S. Yorktown was the 10th aircraft carrier to serve in the United States Navy. Lots of stairs, ladders and small spaces so bring your walking shoes!

Visit & Tour The U.S.S. Yorktown (CV-10)

There are several fun events to attend for SEWE! Go to Brittlebank Park to watch the DockDogs competition (photo above is our friends’ dog Brody, who competes every year!) or check out all of the local vendors in Marion Square. See their website for a list of events.

Southeastern Wildlife Exhibition (SEWE)

Walk around this beautiful plantation, see tons of wildlife & even visit the petting zoo!

Lauren & Michael

Lauren & Michael

Our Venue

Legare Waring House

Parking