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When Emily told me we were considering an editorial shoot for our tenth-anniversary issue in Mobile, Alabama, I knew I simply HAD to be there! You see, I grew up in Mobile, and it will always hold such a special place in my heart. And when I found out we would be staying at Fort Condé Inn, I was even more excited.

Fort Condé Inn is located in a secluded enclave of brick-paved streets in the heart of downtown Mobile (just a couple blocks from the church I grew up attending!) and could not have been a more perfect way to introduce my fellow SW gals to the history and beauty of my hometown. Mobile’s second-oldest home, Fort Condé Inn was built in 1836 and then meticulously restored in 2011 to a boutique hotel. It now serves as the centerpiece of Fort Conde Village which includes two courtyards, a veranda, and adorable cottages — including the Blakely, where we had the pleasure of staying.

Y’all, the Blakely cottage was everything I had hoped for when imagining our trip! It was spacious, including three beautifully decorated bedrooms with large wood armoires, high ceilings, and perfectly restored original character. I was in Southern heaven! Especially when I walked past the sweetest smell from my childhood, the honeysuckle bushes that flanked the walk from our cottage to the front of the Inn. And let me tell you, with all the back-and-forth we do on shoot days, I walked by the bushes a LOT.

Oh, and breakfast! This was so fun, y’all! Each morning, we were greeted in the main dining room by the kindest gentleman who would bring us fresh fruit, biscuits, muffins, and our choice of coffee or juice while we waited for our breakfast. We were then served some of the yummiest Southern food made fresh just for each of us based on their daily menu at a large estate table. Let’s just say that there may have been double orders of the pecan pancakes, cheese grits, and crispy bacon!

Throughout our entire stay, we continually spoke about how much fun the cottage would be for a girls’ weekend, or as a getting ready spot for a bridal party. Though you WILL need a few brave gals in your squad, as rumor has it the Inn and cottages are haunted ;) And I’ll be the first to say that I absolutely believe it – but eek, that’s a whole other story!

And of course, we couldn’t share a post about our trip for an editorial shoot without a little behind-the-scenes goodness. Can you spot the never-before-seen photo below?

That’s my favorite honeysuckle wall right there behind our darling Emily. I wish you could smell it right now!

On a scale from 1 to 10, how excited are you for our tenth-anniversary issue? I’ll go first: 12!!

marissa Written with love by Marissa
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A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of speaking at the Ariella Chezar flower workshop, cosponsored by our friends at Easton Events, in Charleston. Early spring turned out to be the perfect time to visit one of my favorite Southern cities, and my short trip was filled with delights for every sense, from the gorgeous blooms to the delicious eats to the charming facades down every charming cobblestone street. Had I not even ventured beyond the gates of my hotel, however, I think I still would have touched on all five senses – Zero George Street is a property that’s clearly been designed to delight!

First, though, the blooms! I wanted to share a snippet from the workshop here to give you a taste of what I experienced, but you can see much more in the current issue of Smitten Magazine!

All photos are by the talented Corbin Gurkin.

If you saw my first instagram upon arrival at Zero George, you might remember that I described it as “the home of your favorite Southern aunt – the one with exquisite taste.” This delightful boutique hotel really does go out of its way to treat guests like family – with warmth, ease, and joy.

Zero George makes it easy to continue my home metaphor, since the concierge desk is located inside the original carriage house and directly adjacent to the property’s (teensy but beautiful and custom) kitchen – the heart of any home.

On our way to my room, I learned a bit more about the property’s history, which is fascinating! The four main buildings all date from the early 19th century — two are original to the property and two were carefully relocated from elsewhere in Charleston, and they are positioned to form a garden courtyard that is the match of any in downtown. (That’s one of my favorite Charleston activities, by the way – peeking into lush and gorgeous gardens through ironwork gates!)

Photo by Meredith Perdue via Map & Menu

Since their transport, the four buildings have been painstakingly renovated with each detail thoughtfully considered. There are now eighteen studios and suites, each featuring original architectural elements like heart pine floors, high ceilings, period millwork details, and classic piazzas. The attention to detail did not surprise me in the least, considering that Lynn and Dean, the geniuses behind Easton Events, are also the proprietors of Zero George!

The particular guest room I stayed in had me rethinking the colorful palette of my own home, with its layers of texture from natural linen fabrics, casual slipcovers, inviting bedding, and sisal weave area rugs. SO calm and relaxing!

Photo on the left by Jamie Beck – I loved the keys!

And the bathrooms – oh, the bathrooms. Crisp, white perfection.

Breakfast is complimentary and served each morning in the main carriage house. It was so yummy I made sure to wake up early enough to partake every day (which is saying a lot for this late riser). Tart yogurt, house-made granola, fresh fruit and juices, pastries, and hard-boiled eggs, among other things, made up the European-style spread.

Personal instagram

Evenings at Zero George kick off with a wine and cheese hour, which quickly became a favorite daily treat. It was also the perfect opportunity to try out the many porches located throughout the property! I didn’t have a chance to sample it, but the Zero Cafe + Bar serves light bites in the evening if you’re worn out from walking the day away.

Photo by Meredith Perdue via Map & Menu

If you didn’t know better, you’d think Zero George had been around for years and years – from their well-proportioned porches to their tucked away drawing rooms, this place combines classic Southern charm with everything you could want in terms of comfort. It could not be a more perfect backdrop for a relaxing Southern getaway, a sweet Southern honeymoon, or even an intimate Southern wedding! (Yep, they do private parties!)

Photos by Jamie Beck

Zero George is situated in the historic Ansonborough neighborhood, which is to the east on the Charleston peninsula but just a short walk from King Street and the French Quarter.

Personal photos from around Charleston!

I promise that if you choose to stay at Zero George on your next trip to Charleston, your hotel will be much, much more than just a place to lay your head at night – it might even be the highlight of your stay. More info on this lovely spot here!

Now, on a bit of a different topic, I would love to hear: What are your favorite places to eat in Charleston? This time around John and I tried Poogan’s Porch, Husk, Hominy Grill, and Xiao Bao Biscuit (all delicious!). Let us know in the comments!

emily Written with love by Emily
9 Comments
  1. avatar Jessica reply

    I’m a huge fan of Kaminsky’s dessert cafe in downtown Charleston. Their sweets are fantastic and their dessert beverages are the perfect late night treat. A must try!

    • avatar Emily reply

      We almost went there for dessert one night!! Definitely on the list for next time.

  2. avatar Corinna Hoffman reply

    Love the pink bouquet!

  3. avatar Mariana Symecko reply

    Emily, you are such a sweetheart! It was so nice meeting you at Ariella’s workshop!!! And thank you for the rides! :)

  4. avatar Meghan G. reply

    The bride holding the pink bouquet, could anyone tell me where I can find that wedding dress??

  5. avatar Coral & Orange Floral Fall Wedding Inspiration Board | B Loved Blog reply

    […] // Orange & lace chair ribbons by Nadia Meli via Magnolia Rouge // Redhead bride by Unknown // Coral and peach floral centrepiece by Corbin Gurkin via Southern Weddings // Seed packet favours by Nadia Meli via Magnolia Rouge // […]

  6. avatar Emily reply

    These pictures are absolutely beautiful! I love everything about this location! Do you know who the designer of that second wedding gown is? What a beautiful dress!

  7. avatar Melissa reply

    is there any way I can get information about the wedding dress with the pink bouquet?

  8. avatar Floral Fridays // Poppies – The Project Lifestyle reply

    […] From southernweddings.com. […]

Southern Weddings reserves the right to delete comments which contain profanity or personal attacks or seek to promote a business unrelated to the post.  And remember: a good attitude is like kudzu – it spreads.  We love hearing your kind thoughts!

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