charleston - part two :: greensboro wedding photographer

So continuing on to part two of our Charleston trip...

A few weeks ago, Josh's cousin Buddy from Texas had gotten in touch to see just how far we live from Charleston, since he was going there for a friend's wedding. Because it was too far out of the way for him to come to us, we decided that we would drive down to Charleston for the weekend instead.

On Saturday morning, we met up with Buddy and his family and had a great time exploring the city together. Josh and Buddy hadn't seen each other in a really long time (like 10+ years), I had never even met him, and neither Josh nor I had met his wife, but we all got along like we were old friends.

Cousins.

Buddy and his beautiful and so very sweet wife, Sherry, and below, their itty-bitty baby girl, Abbie... the most precious little princess I've ever seen.

This little one was a trooper all day. Despite the heat, humidity and being hauled all over Charleston, she was perfectly happy just to nap in her stroller.

After getting aquainted and having a dose of Starbucks, we caught a breakdance show on the street...

We spent the rest of the morning just strolling around downtown, checking out the market, and trying not to fry in the heat. We decided to rest a little while by taking a carriage tour...

That was our horse, Kevin. We learned all about Kevin, his likes and dislikes, and his complete schedule for about the first 15 minutes of the tour.

Our tour was of the residential district, which was full of really interesting information that we probably wouldn't have found out just by walking around. Unfortunately, the tour stomped out any hope of ever moving to Charleston, since we were informed that just the normal, moderately sized houses go for about a million bucks. YIKES! We're gonna need to book ALOT more weddings before we reach that goal.

After the tour, we grabbed a late lunch at Hyman's Seafood on Meeting Street, which has apparently been visited by a ton of celebs. Now they can add us to that list :) The seafood was really good, and the fried green tomatoes with creole mayo... YUM. 

Unfortunately, this was our last stop of the trip, and we had to part ways, but we will certainly be better about staying in touch with the cousins alot more often. Buddy, Sherry & baby Abbie - we had an awesome time hanging out with y'all and we can't wait to see you again (hopefully very soon). Watch out Texas, here we come!

charleston - part one :: greensboro wedding photographer

Last year, Josh and I took a trip to Savannah, Georgia for our first wedding anniversary, and promptly upon returning, it seems like everyone told us, "If you like Savannah, you'll love Charleston." So when the opportunity arose for us to take a little weekend vacay to Charleston, we jumped at the chance.

We left early this past Friday morning but were met with torrential rain (i'm talking cats and dogs, folks. cats and dogs.), delaying our arrival by a couple of hours and resulting in my husband having a very wet pair of Toms, which happened to be the only pair of shoes he had with him since I mistakenly listened to him when he said he wouldn't need more than one pair of shoes for the trip. After arriving and checking into our hotel, we made a trip to the nearby outlets to purchase Josh a new pair of sandals and were on our way to downtown Charleston.

Our first stop was for a late lunch at Hominy Grill, and let me tell you people, I am in LOVE. I know I say that i'm in love with things alot, but this time, I really, really, really mean it. This place has been featured in all kinds of magazines, The New York Times, and on Food Network's "$40 a Day" hosted by Rachael Ray, and there's a reason for it.

The waiter had two recommendations for us, so we decided to just order exactly what he said and split both entrees. I had my camera prepped and ready for when the food came out, but I was so drawn in by these gourmet delights, that I forgot to take a picture before I devoured it like a ravished animal. In all seriousness - this could very well be the absolute best food i've ever eaten.

Pictured above is the tasty shrimp and grits (a Carolina dish that we've grown to know and love). Below is the fried chicken in a little puddle of sausage gravy, the scrumptious mac 'n' cheese, and a Southern staple - collard greens. Seriously people, if you don't eat greens (collards, turnips, mustards, etc.), you are truly missing out on some good eats. In the words of Rachael.... YUMM-O!

After we were thoroughly stuffed, we strolled around Charleston for the next several hours. Honestly though, this would be the way to get around. We decided that next time we visit, we will definitely be bringing our bikes...

We made our way to the waterfront, which was a great place to relax on a park bench, rest our aching feet, and cool off a little. I saw this cute couple laying in the grass talking and giggling and asked if I could take their picture... they, of course, obliged. Oh so young and in love!

Josh let me take his picture in front of the fountain...

Then I got in the fountain... 

I look a little scared, but honestly, I could have stayed there all day, despite strange looks from my fellow adults since I was probably the only one over the age of 8 that we had seen in the fountain. 

After playing in the water for a little bit, we made our final stop at the Candy Kitchen, where we had chocolate pralines (you can't even imagine how good these are) and gophers, which are pecans and caramel with a dollop of dark chocolate on top. So yummy! If your mouth is already watering, you can order these goodies online here.

Part Two of our trip to Charleston will be up tomorrow, so be sure to check it out!