Southern Weddings

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!

Written with love by Emily