Saturday September 15, 2018
CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA
Love Story
We met Sophomore year of high school. We had one class together, a few mutual friends and occasionally spoke. Maybe….we can’t really remember, like most people we’ve suppressed our awkward teenage years. It was not until fall of Junior year when I decided, “he seems cute and nice” and made the first move. Alex, his older sister, and I danced together, making it slightly less random.
After a couple months of hanging out, things were going really well and we decided to go to the Winter Ball together. And the rest is history. This seemingly casual high school get together turned into something amazing.
Fast forward to May 2017, when we were set to move to Roanoke in June. The only thing left on our to-do list was to find Sophie a job, so off to Virginia we went for a couple interviews. Sophie was semi-stressed, it was a quick trip in the middle of the week and nobody was thinking about a proposal (or were they?). We decided to stay in Charlottesville at the most adorable inn and make the most of our short trip. When the interviews were behind us and we returned to our room, I suggested we open a bottle of cider that the hotel provided (Sophie’s suspicions began to build here), but obviously she agreed. Dinner was not for another couple hours, so we went for a walk on the University of Virginia campus, exploring the beautiful homes and gardens.
The "campus tour" concluded at what Andrew had read was the most beautiful of all the gardens, featuring peonies, which are my favorite! I was completely enthralled by the flowers and before I knew it, Andrew was down on one knee. * Cue the tears * No really, it’s a good thing there were no professional photos being taken. After months of speculation and hoping for a ring at every moment, we both agree this moment could not have been more perfect.
So, after 9.5 years, at least 10 formals, 2 Doctoral degrees, and an obscene number of banana bread loaves, we’ve landed in Roanoke together.
Many people have asked us, why did you choose to have your wedding in Charleston? Well, we've traveled there a handful of times together and if you have ever been, you'll know that it's simply perfect. There is no significance for us other than we love the city, the food, the beautiful homes and we both agree, it suits us well. We cannot wait for you all to join us as we tie the knot this fall!
Events
Friday, September 14, 2018
Rehearsal Dinner
6:00 PM
NOTE: Wedding party event
Welcome Drinks
8:30 PM
Once you settle in, join us for drinks as we kick off the weekend!
Saturday, September 15, 2018
The I Do's
4:30 PM
Cocktail Hour
5:00 PM
Dinner + Dancing
6:00 PM
It's party time! We encourage everyone to grab some drinks and get out on the dance floor. Don't be shy. We're all family and friends.
After Party
10:30 PM
Join us after the reception for a wind down before calling it a night!
Sunday, September 16, 2018
Farewell Brunch
11:00 AM
Whether you traveled from near or far, please stop by and join Sophie, Andrew and their families for one last toast before heading home.
Casual
Wedding Entourage
Elise Mench
Maid of Honor
Alex Tranmer
Bridesmaid
Abby Pfister
Bridesmaid
Kaeli Dunn
Bridesmaid
Alex Judge
Best Man
Skyler Davis
Groomsman
Travel, Transport + Fun
Charleston International Airport
25 minutes from Downtown Historic District
ACCOMMODATIONS
We have reserved hotel rooms at the following hotels from Friday, September 14 - Monday, September 17, 2018. Continue reading for individual links as well as information about additional discounted hotels.
King Charles Inn
Please follow this link to book at a discounted rate using our group code: MTW91418. Rooms are reserved until August 14, 2018.
Hampton Inn Charleston-Historic District
Please follow this link to book at a discounted rate. If you prefer to call, please use our group code: WMT. Rooms are reserved until July 31, 2018.
Embassy Suites by Hilton Charleston Historic District
Please follow this link to book at a discounted rate using our group code: MTW. Rooms are reserved until August 15, 2018.
Other Accomodations
Discounted rates are available at other hotels throughout Charleston using the link below. Please note these hotels do not have room blocks and rates will fluctuate.
In addition to hotels, there are a lot of wonderful rentals in the downtown area to choose from using Airbnb and Home Away.
THINGS TO DO DOWNTOWN
King Street - SHOPPING! A mix of high-end and local boutiques spanning several beautiful blocks
Visit Waterfront Park - home of the "pineapple fountain". Take a stroll along the boardwalk to The Battery for panoramic views of the inlet
The Ravenel Bridge - run, walk or bike across the 2.5 mile bridge for some of the best sunset views in Charleston!
Charleston City Market - a 200 year-old indoor/outdoor market and your source for famous sweetgrass baskets
South of Broad - take a stroll along the most beautiful streets imaginable. Follow the cobblestones and don't miss Tradd Street and "Rainbow Row"
Tour a Historic Home - the Nathaniel Russell House and Edmondson-Alson House are two great picks!
Marion Square Market - visit on Saturday morning for seafood, local produce, food trucks and local gifts
THINGS TO DO OUTSIDE DOWNTOWN
Boone Hall Plantation - known for it's 3/4 mile Avenue of Oaks. Fun fact! The movie "The Notebook" was filmed there! (25 min from downtown)
Middleton Place - America's oldest landscaped gardens. Need we say more? (30 min from downtown)
Sullivan's Island + Folly Beach - two stunning, white sand beaches to relax and escape the city. If you are into surfing, hit up Folly beach for the best waves (20-30 min from downtown)
Magnolia Plantation + Gardens - the oldest (and most beautiful!) public gardens in America (30 min from downtown)
Fort Sumter National Monument - American Civil War sea fort located in the Charleston Harbor
FOOD
DRINKS
Q & A
For all our friends and family who have lots of questions, please check out our FAQ first!
Are kids welcome?
In order to allow all guests, including parents, an evening of relaxation we have chosen for our wedding day to be an adult only occasion. We hope this advance notice means you are able to share our big day with us!
What time should I arrive?
Please arrive at least 15-30 minutes prior to the start of the ceremony.
Where should I park?
Parking is provided in the parking lot behind the venue and also in the parking garage across the street. No worries if you don't have a car, Charleston is very walkable and Uber or a taxi should get you where you need to go!
Are the ceremony and reception locations wheelchair accessible?
Yes, both the ceremony and the reception are handicapped accessible.
What should I wear?
If weather cooperates, our ceremony and reception will be outside. We are requesting that guests wear cocktail attire, including a tie for men. Don't worry, you can take it off when it's time to break it down on the dance floor!
When is the RSVP deadline?
We kindly ask that you RSVP by July 15, 2018 using the link at the top of the page.
Whom should I call with questions?
Please email Sophie and Andrew at sophie.mench@gmail.com with any questions! We are so excited for you to join us.
Registry