Mary Alice Monroe's Blog, page 15

MY FRIENDSHIP WITH THE QUEEN OF SOUTHERN COOKING

Nathalie Dupree, Chef/Author

Anyone who knows Nathalie Dupree will agree that this petite woman is actually larger than life. She’s a woman of the world whose zest for life is a surprise for those who first meet her, much like the taste of fresh lemon zest in one of her recipes.  She is vibrant, scintillating, and unforgettable.

 

Nathalie is the grande dame not only of southern cooking but of the Charleston author scene as well.  This South Carolina native is an award-winning chef, instructor, television star, food writer, and bestselling author of 15 cookbooks, a few of which have earned her the prestigious James Beard Award. I can’t count how many times she has hosted author events in her downtown Charleston home. Her parties are a literary institution in the Holy City.

 

Dining with friends at Wild Dunes Resort

Many moons ago when I was a new author in the city, Nathalie hosted a luncheon for me, introducing me to other women authors in the Lowcountry. We’ve been friends ever since.  Our relationship cemented, however, when she went on a trip to France with her husband, professor and author Jack Bass, while he taught a “year abroad” program.  My college-age son at the time, Zachary, was in the class and Nathalie was mother hen to my child and all the students that year.  She made sure they were well fed, and she even let me know when Zack needed a warmer coat!

 

Since then I’ve counted Nathalie and Jack among my closest friends. Both of us work very hard, travel a lot, and have little free time, but whenever I reunite with Nathalie, my heart soars at the sight of her wide grin. One of my cherished memories with Nathalie was a luncheon she served for a small group of women at her home.  The meal, as expected, was amazing.  But what I remember most was the dessert.  She carried out what looked like a giant snowball!  We were agog.  Then she cut into it and inside was a dark chocolate cake that melted in my mouth.  I not only loved the taste but I adored the presentation.  I begged her for the recipe and now I serve it to my family every Christmas. They demand it!

 

Nathalie kindly granted me permission to share the Chocolate Snowball recipe in my holiday novel, A Lowcountry Christmas, along with several other holiday recipes from her newest cookbook Mastering the Art of Southern Cooking, which she co-wrote with Cynthia Graubart. These recipes are Nathalie’s gift to me, and now it is my gift to you this holiday season.

A perfect southern pair!

If you make one of the recipes in the back of my holiday novel, post a photo of your culinary accomplishment. I’d love to see it and hear what you think about the recipes too.

And to celebrate the holiday spirit of giving, we’re giving away a great prize to one lucky winner– a copy of A Lowcountry Christmas and a copy of Mastering the Art of Southern Cooking, plus holiday cookie cutters. Just go to my Facebook page here  and post a comment to enter the contest.

 

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A HOLIDAY GIVEAWAY INSPIRED BY SWEETGRASS BASKETRY

 

There is a small stretch of Highway 17 not far from my house called the ‘Sweetgrass Corridor’, where dozens of sweetgrass stands line both sides of the road, with artisans sitting on metal folding chairs, weaving a new creation that is an art form more than 300 years old.

I am lucky enough to own a few of these prized baskets, which I proudly display in my office. They are investments, just like buying an original painting and sculpture. This particular form of basket making is an African American tradition that has been taught by mother to daughter to grandchild in South Carolina for generations. The baskets are made from the indigenous plant sweetgrass, which is disappearing from the coastal landscape because of growing development. Several years ago, I even wrote the novel Sweetgrass based on this historical art form.

So when I stumbled across local jewelry inspired by sweetgrass basketry, I was delighted to tell others about the gorgeous creations made by Sweet Charleston Designs. And thanks to their generosity, my readers get a chance to WIN a beautiful piece from one of their creations.The giveaway is happening right now on my Facebook page. One random winner will be chosen Monday to receive this beautiful Bulls Bay Penta Necklace by Sweet Charleston Designs featuring five custom cast sterling silver medallions. Retail price: $650.00. CLICK HERE to enter giveaway.

This necklace is a holiday season favorite since debuting at the newly opened Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, DC. I love how Sweet Charleston Designs describes the necklace:

The necklace represents a collection of sweet grass basket beginnings, linked together with a sweet grass textured chain and will grace any wardrobe for generations to come.  Sweet Charleston Designs selects patterns from traditional rice winnowing baskets found in the Lowcountry from North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida and captures the spirit of the oldest designated African American art with origins dating back to the late 1600’s.”

A huge THANK YOU to Sweet Charleston Designs for their generous prize. Together we will make someone’s holiday extra special with this treasure that can be enjoyed for generations to come! Click here to learn more about how Charleston’s sweetgrass basketry history and Lowcountry landscape inspire their unique jewelry collections.

Happy Thanksgiving weekend y’all! I am grateful for all of my friends and readers.

 

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LAUNCHING A MISSION IN HONOR OF VETERANS

Thank you, veterans … my heroes.

Words fail to convey our heartfelt appreciation for the selfless commitment and sacrifice made by our veterans and their families to protect our freedom. I hope my sincerity and gratitude ring true when I say a simple Thank you.

Now we can put our words to action! I’m excited to announce a special mission done in partnership with my publisher, Gallery Books, and Operation Gratitude. We are kicking off the Lowcountry Christmas Letter Campaign. It’s a small task with big meaning.

Between now and December 3rd, I’m asking my readers to write a letter to our heroes to let them know we care about them and appreciate them this holiday season. Our letters will be included in care packages that will be sent by Operation Gratitude to deployed troops, veterans, first responders, and wounded warriors. Invite your family and friends, neighbors and colleagues to join us in this letter writing campaign. Colorful drawings (especially by kids) are welcomed and encouraged!

When your letter is ready, mail it to this address (postmarked by December 3rd):

Mary Alice Monroe Lowcountry Christmas Letter Campaign

c/o Gallery Books

Simon & Schuster

1230 Avenue of the Americas, 13th floor

New York, NY 10020

CLICK HERE for the full details, which includes tips to help you get started if you don’t know what to say. If you want to include items beyond letters and drawings, there’s information about that too.

We’ll get an update by mid-December from my publisher about how many letters were sent for our letter writing campaign. I’m giddy with excitement knowing that together we will all be spreading a little joy to those who deserved to be thanked for their service and bravery.

I’m so proud that Gallery Books will donate boxes of A LOWCOUNTRY CHRISTMAS for Operation Gratitude as well. In addition Gallery will randomly select readers who contribute to our letter writing campaign to win a copy of my holiday novel. Again, CLICK HERE for all the details.

In stores now

In A LOWCOUNTRY CHRISTMAS a wounded warrior and his younger brother discover the true meaning of Christmas in this timeless story of family bonds. I dedicated this book to my favorite veteran, my son.

Proud parents of a Marine

And I wrote A LOWCOUNTRY CHRISTMAS with all of our veterans in my heart. This novel is special to me because it raises awareness about the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) on veterans and their families.  It also delivers a strong message of hope and inspiration for all, especially for those currently battling PTSD.

At no greater time than the holidays are hope and inspiration needed, and together, we can help spread the spirit of Christmas around the world to our heroes this season through this special letter-writing mission.

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HOLIDAY RECIPES FROM THE QUEEN OF SOUTHERN COOKING

Nathalie Dupree is the queen of southern cooking. She’s a celebrated chef and bestselling author in Charleston, SC, whom I am lucky enough to call my friend. And she has kindly allowed me to share some of her recipes with you this holiday season.

You can find the specially selected recipes in the back of my new novel, A LOWCOUNTRY CHRISTMAS, in stores now. Most of the recipes can be found in MASTERING THE ART OF SOUTHERN COOKING by Nathalie Dupree and Cynthia Graubart. It’s a heavyweight of a book with more than 700 pages of recipes, stories, food facts and history. My copy is proudly displayed in my kitchen. It’s a treasure for anyone who loves and appreciates southern cooking.

A perfect pair this holiday season!

The recipes featured in A LOWCOUNTRY CHRISTMAS are perfect for your next holiday gathering. They include:

       Pickled Shrimp (please use wild caught American shrimp);

       Spicy Sausage Balls;

       Mess of Greens or “Pot likker”;

       Chocolate Snowballs (my personal favorite)

The chocolate snowballs are from Nathalie’s personal recipe collection. I had the chance to try it at a private luncheon. It was unforgettable! And since that first bite, I’ve been serving the snowballs as my Christmas dessert ever since. It’s a gorgeous presentation and y’all, it’s easy to make! I cherish this recipe and I hope you will enjoy it too.

If you want to offer a special holiday drink, I recommend the grown-up cider recipe aptly named ‘A Lowcountry Christmas.’ It’s made with Firefly Apple Pie Moonshine, a Charleston-based distillery that I adore. Good people, great products. And their moonshine is sold nationwide. Warming the drink up on the stove will fill your house with the most wonderful aroma. (I’ll post the drink recipe for you soon.)

These are some of my favorite recipes this holiday season. Be sure to let me know which recipes you try at home. I’d love to know. And post a photo too!

What are some of your family’s favorite holiday recipes?

 

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THE INSPIRATION BEHIND “A LOWCOUNTRY CHRISTMAS”

I’ve been dreaming about Christmas since July! Seriously.

In less than two weeks, Gallery Books will release my first ever holiday novel, A LOWCOUNTRY CHRISTMAS. This is a story I’d been wanting to write for a few years, and when the opportunity finally came, I was surprised by how quickly I wrote it. It’s one of those books that flowed from my heart and mind through my fingertips to the page, like a divine gift. And now it is my gift to you, my readers.

Available Oct. 25th. Pre-order now.

Available October 25, A LOWCOUNTRY CHRISTMAS is the story of a Marine, Taylor McClellan, who returns from war with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and grapples with the effects of his mental health problems on his financially-strained family in their small shrimping community of McClellanville, SC. Through the miraculous gift of a service dog, Taylor and his family are led on a journey to rediscover their strengths, family bonds and the true meaning of Christmas.

CLICK HERE to read an excerpt.

PTSD is a heavy topic, so this is a hard-hitting and honest story. But like my favorite holiday classic film “It’s a Wonderful Life,” there is an inspiring, happy ending.

The inspiration for A LOWCOUNTRY CHRISTMAS came a few years ago when I was at Florida’s Dolphin Research Center doing volunteer work as part of my research. My time there included working with the Wounded Warrior Odyssey Program, where I witnessed the power of connection between injured veterans and dolphins. I struck up a conversation with one stoic veteran standing on the dock with his dog. You would never know he had PTSD, which is common among veterans because the injuries are on the inside.  As we talked, I noticed he was constantly stroking his dog, never once taking his hand off of his furry companion. He told me why his service dog meant so much to him. One thing he said in our conversation that struck me was I love my wife but I need my dog. Seeing that bond between service dog and master was inspiring.

There’s a growing national awareness about the deadly effects of untreated PTSD among veterans, and this makes A LOWCOUNTRY CHRISTMAS all the more timely. 

I owe a great deal of thanks to Fmr. Army Capt. Luis Carlos Montalván whose personal testimony and books deepened my understanding of the important role of service dogs for veterans. I highly recommend his award-winning book UNTIL TUESDAY: A Wounded Warrior and the Golden Retriever who Saved Him.

I’m also grateful for all I learned from Pets for Vets, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that supports veterans with PTSD by locating, adopting and training shelter dogs as lifelong companions. I’m honored to support the Charleston chapter of Pets for Vets at my book launch event on Oct. 25. Join me if you’re local! See event details here. 

CLICK HERE to see all book tour events.

I dedicated A LOWCOUNTRY CHRISTMAS to my son, a Marine. And I wrote this story with America’s veterans in my heart. At no greater time than the holiday season are hope and inspiration needed, especially for the military families living with PTSD.

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LIVING A SCENE FROM ONE OF MY SUMMER BOOKS

I’m writing my next summer book titled Beach House for Rent, which is the conclusion of my The Beach House Series–The Beach House, Beach House Memories, and Swimming Lessons.  I find myself filled with all the strong feelings again I have for the characters: Lovie, Cara, Brett, Toy, Little Lovie. And the sweet Primrose Cottage that, though a house, became a character in the series.

I’ve just returned home this week from fleeing Hurricane Matthew and outside my window the sounds of chain saws fill the air as neighbors and work crews come together to repair the damages left in the wake of the storm. I thought how very much like the opening of Beach House Memories it all is!  Thankfully, our island sustained minimal hurricane damage this time. But I thought it’d be fun to share with you the opening of Beach House Memories to share with you life post hurricane–and bring to mind the characters we will revisit next summer when Beach House for Rent is released.

BEACH HOUSE MEMORIES

by Mary Alice Monroe

Published 2012 Gallery Books

Chapter One

Lovie Rutledge believed memories were like the tides. Sometimes they rushed in with a pounding roar to topple you over.  At other times they gently washed over you, lulling you to complacency then tugging you back, back to halcyon days that, with the passing of years, seemed even sweeter.

She seemed to spend more time with her memories of late, especially on evenings such as this when the sun was a red orb that lazily descended over the Intracoastal Waterway and the jeweled tones of the sky deepened.  From the trees the pensive cries of birds called all to home. Lovie sat on the windward porch, still and silent, attuned to the moody hour.  Sunset was her favorite time of the day, an introspective hour when the sky brought down the curtain on what she knew were her final days.

Lovie leaned her snowy white head against her chair, gave a slight push with her foot, and sighed as she rocked back and forth in a rhythmic motion, like the waves slapping against the shore.  A small smile eased across her face.

Peace, at last, she thought.

The wailing winds of the hurricane that had blown across her small island a week earlier had left in its wake the incessant guttural roar of chain saws.  The Isle of Palms had been pummeled, as had most of the South Carolina coast.  It would take weeks to clean up. As though in apology, Mother Nature graced the island with crisp, after-storm breezes that spurred the populace to a frenzy of repairs. Lovie was glad for the activity–the bellowing of voices, honking of horns, laughter of children, whoops from the beach, high pitched calls of greeting as families returned home from evacuation.  She heard in the noise the shared exuberance of hope.

And yet, Lovie longed for the hush and lull of pace that came at the day’s end.

Stop your complaining, old woman, she admonished.  You should be grateful that you wake up at all!  Bird call or hammering on wood–whichever! The sounds of life around her were welcome–especially now as death hovered like a thief, waiting for its opportunity to snatch her last breath away.

Lovie sunk deeper into the cushion and let her tired body ease as she stared out again at a riot of flowers, and beyond, the sea.  The Atlantic Ocean breathed like a serene beast snoring in the distance.  The gentle rolling water cloaked all the secrets it held, while the earth revealed all.  Ah, but she wasn’t fooled by her old friend.

I thought you were going to take my house with this last storm–and me along with it, she thought with a faint chuckle. Well, I thank you for leaving us be.  At least for a little while longer.  She sighed and kicked off again with her foot.  I’ve known you too long and too well not to be wise to your mercurial nature.  You appear so gentle and peaceful tonight.  But Lord help the fool who ignores you.

Lovie suddenly coiled in a spasm of coughing that wracked her frame, so thin now she could be mistaken for a child.  When at last the fit subsided, she bent forward, clasping the arms of the chair, gasping for air.

“Mama!  Are you okay?”

Lovie turned her head to see Cara’s worried face inches from her own. She felt Cara’s larger hand tighten over hers in a reassuring squeeze.  Dear, sweet, daughter, she thought as her pale blue eyes found refuge in Cara’s dark brown ones.  There were crow’s feet at the corners, adding maturity to the wide-eyed worry.  Cara had been dismayed at turning forty, crying that her youth was over and how she was on the downhill slope.  Lovie knew better.  Cara was still so young!  So strong and confident. Lovie felt the panic that always came with the coughing spells loosen its grip.  Gradually her breath came more easily.

She nodded weakly.

Cara’s eyes narrowed, quickly checking for signs that Lovie needed oxygen or a dose of pain medication.  “Mama, it’s getting chilly.  Let’s go inside.”

Lovie didn’t have the breath to answer, but she weakly shook her head no.

Cara hesitated, then with a tsk of mild frustration, she didn’t force the issue, as she might have just months earlier.

Lovie leaned back again in her chair.  Staring at her from the settee across the room was a large calico cat.  The cat had mysteriously appeared after the hurricane, lost and mewling piteously. Cara fed her daily, cleaned up after her, and petted her long fur whenever she passed.  Cara called the cat, “The Uninvited Guest,” and pretended not to care one way or the other about her.  But Lovie could tell she was secretly pleased the cat had decided to stay.  It was Cara’s first pet.

Cara was rather like that cat, Lovie thought with some amusement.  The previous May, Lovie had asked her only daughter to come home for a visit.  She hadn’t thought Cara would come.  They’d been estranged for some twenty years and Cara was always too busy.  Lovie had prayed that she and her headstrong daughter could patch up their differences before she died.  How did one reconcile after so long a time?  It was in faith that she’d written, and Cara had come. In a twist of fate, Cara had been laid off from her high powered job at an advertising agency in Chicago. She’d arrived at Lovie’s door at the onset of summer feeling lost and restless, uncharacteristically adrift.  She’d stayed the summer on Isle of Palms, ostensibly to take care of her mother.  And yet, over the past months Cara, like the lost cat, had been cared for, stroked, needed.  The summer had made Cara wiser and more content– not so quick to chase the mouse.

And in the process, she’d rediscovered her mother’s love. This had been the answer to Lovie’s prayers.

It was autumn now, however, and with the season’s end Lovie’s strength was ebbing with the receding tide.  She had terminal cancer and both she and Cara knew that soon the Lord would call her home.

“Okay, Mama,” Cara conceded, patting Lovie’s hand.  “We’ll sit out here a little longer. I know you hate to miss a sunset. Would you like a cup of tea?  I’ll make you one,” she replied, not waiting for an answer.

Lovie didn’t want tea just now, but Cara needed something to do.  Though they didn’t say the words often, Lovie knew that Cara expressed her love with action. Cara rose effortlessly from the chair, a move Lovie could hardly recall being able to make.

Cara was strikingly good looking, tall and slender with glossy dark hair she usually wore pulled back in a carefree ponytail.  But tonight was cooler and the humidity low so she let it fall unkempt to her shoulders.  It swayed in rhythm with the few long strides it took her to cross the wooden porch.

Her gaze swept across the porch of her beloved beach house that was showing signs of age. Time… it passed so quickly!  Where did all the years go?  How many summers had this dear house survived? How many hurricanes?  Two white wooden rocking chairs sat side by side where mother and daughter sat most nights to enjoy the lowcountry sunset.  The recent hurricane had destroyed her pergola, and the new screens Cara had just installed hung in tattered shreds, waving uselessly in the offshore breezes. She heard the teasing hum of a mosquito in her ear.

Her little house on Ocean Boulevard had always been a place of refuge for Lovie, a sanctuary through good times and bad, ever since childhood.  In the twilight the quaint and tidy lines of her 1930s beach cottage appeared part of the indigenous landscape beside the tall palms, the raucous wildflowers, clumps of sea oats and wild grasses on the dunes.  This late in October, the sweetgrass was a breathtaking explosion of cotton candy pink. From her seat on the porch she could see straight out to the Atlantic Ocean without the obstruction of one of those enormous houses that bordered the island’s coastline.  It was the same view she’d always had, all these many years. When the wind gusted, it rippled across the tall, soft grass like rosy waves and carried her back to happier days when the island was a remote outpost.

Lovie’s parents had given the modest, pre-war cottage to her when she’d married and she, in turn, would leave it to her daughter.  Her house on Tradd Street in Charleston with the heirloom furniture and silver she had already handed down to her son, Palmer. Once upon a time she’d loved that house with a grand passion, yet never as much as she’d loved Primrose Cottage.  She’d created wonderful memories here.  The best…

 

Click here to see my complete list of book titles. BEACH HOUSE FOR RENT will be released in summer 2017. Coming soon on Oct. 25th, A LOWCOUNTRY CHRISTMAS in stores nationwide. Click here to read an excerpt. 

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THE MISSING PECAN TASSIES

“Where are the pecans?” 

This was a question I received from several readers just days after the release of my latest novel, A LOWCOUNTRY WEDDING. They were referring to the pecan tassies recipe published in the back of the book.

It turns out that the pecans are missing from the ingredients because it’s actually a lemon bar recipe. Whoops! It too is a delicious recipe, but today, I’d like to share the actual pecan tassies recipe with you that was supposed to be in the novel (it will be corrected in future printings). Pecan tassies are the perfect dessert at your next special dinner event or backyard barbeque or book club meeting.

Thank you to my friend, Johnathon Barrett–a Georgia native, foodie, and author of RISE AND SHINE: A Southern Son’s Treasury of Food, Family & Friends–who kindly shared a few of his recipes with all of you. Johnathon is a true Southern gentleman who calls Savannah home.

Here’s a picture I snapped of Johnathon’s pecan tassies at one of our events together during book tour. If you decide to try your hand at Johnathon’s recipe, post your pecan tassies pictures here, or on my Facebook page. If you decide to make the lemon bars too, show us the delicious results. You can’t go wrong with either recipe. Enjoy!

Pecan Tassies

This dessert is popularly served throughout the South.  The tassies are basically miniature pecan pies, and the recipes for this classic are all very similar. Usually made with a cream cheese pastry dough, I bypass that route and use a commercially made pie crust that you can unroll, cut, and you’re ready.

1 package (2 rolls) of pie dough

1 egg

¾ cup dark brown sugar

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup finely chopped pecans

Lightly grease a 24 count mini-muffin pan.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Roll out the pie crust dough and lightly dust one side of each crust with flour.
With a cookie cutter slice out 24 discs. Place one disc into each tin, flour side down.
In a mixing bowl, beat together the egg, sugar, butter and vanilla until smooth.
Equally measure out the pecans, placing some in the bottom of each of the pastry shells.
Pour the egg mixture over the pecans so that each tin is about 2/3 to ¾ of the way full.
Bake for 25 minutes, or until the filling is set.
Remove from the oven, and allow to cool for 5 minutes or so. Remove the pies from the pan, and place them on a wire rack to cool.  Refrigerate in an airtight container until ready to serve.

  Makes 24 miniature tarts. Originally published in “Rise and Shine” by Johnathon Barrett.

 

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A LOWCOUNTRY WEDDING … DREAM COME TRUE

I’ve never been a part of something quite like this! With the generous support of some of my favorite Charleston wedding businesses, together, we are showering one engaged couple with the ultimate gift–a lowcountry wedding worth $40,000.

The contest received more than 150,000 votes! It was neck and neck between couples Ryan & Julie and Jonathan & Yolanda. All of the couples are deserving of a lowcountry wedding but we only have one to give.

The public voted and you chose Ryan & Julie from Bluffton, South Carolina!

If you missed their story, you can watch it again here.

And in the coming days and weeks, I’ll find out more about the couple and we’ll follow their journey planning their dream wedding here in Charleston, working with luxury wedding planner Ashley Rhodes.

Thank you all for your votes, for your video submissions, and for all of your support of A LOWCOUNTRY WEDDING Giveaway. We’ll cheer on Julie and Ryan as they plan the wedding of their dreams. It will be like a scene right out of my novel A LOWCOUNTRY WEDDING.

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MAKING A WEDDING DREAM COME TRUE

We have the finalists for A LOWCOUNTRY WEDDING Giveaway!

I confess it was tough to choose only three.  We received so many heartfelt videos sharing story after story about why a couple should win the $40,000 dream wedding in Charleston, SC. Thank you ALL for your entries.  But we only have one wedding to give away.  After much discussion the committee selected the three entries.  But the final decision is not mine to make. Now it’s up to YOU to vote!

Click on the contest image to watch the brief videos from the finalists and cast your vote. And please share it with your family and friends. Everyone gets to help play a part in making one couple’s wedding dreams come true!

This contest wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of Charleston’s best, award-winning, A-list businesses in the wedding industry. They make wedding dreams come true every week of the year!

 

You don’t need to be getting married to enjoy their services and products. These wonderful businesses are spotlighted in my new novel A LOWCOUNTRY WEDDING, and I want to share some ideas of how you too can enjoy some of Charleston’s best businesses:

Wear something classy and new from the LulaKate collection. For you brides, you’ll love everything at Kate McDonald Bridal!

Brackish Bow Ties

Get dressed by Charleston Tuxedo for your next special event, and complete your look with a handcrafted original feather bow tie from Brackish that you’ll cherish forever.

Buy something special from Croghan’s Jewel Box, Charleston’s oldest family owned jeweler and engraver. It’s a treasure trove!

Find Sweet Lulu’s Bakery on Wheels (cutest food truck in town) in Charleston so you can enjoy one of Karen’s gorgeous desserts in mason jars!

Croghan’s Jewel Box

Let EventWorks and Squeeze On Site  transform your space into the most memorable party. And Charleston Virtuosi (Kiral Productions) will set the tone with music entertainment.

If you need a party planner, try luxury event planner Ashley Rhodes Event Designs. Her talents are front-cover magazine worthy. Another highly regarded talent in town is Christy Loftin, who can help plan your special day or be your officiant.

Preserve the memories of your special event on video with Dock House Digital Videography.

Sweet Lulu’s Bakery on Wheels

Then, send out customized party invitations from Studio R.

And don’t forget your floral arrangements from the superb team at Wildflowers Inc.

Looking for things to do in Charleston? Take the family to Charles Towne Landing to experience the city’s history, enjoy the views, trails, and animals. Also on site is the historic Legare Waring House, an antebellum plantation home where legendary parties of past and present are held.

Firefly Distillery on Wadmalaw Island is a popular destination in Charleston. Get a tour of the state’s largest distillery and have fun with friends in the Firefly Tasting Room where you can sample any of the Firefly brands (ask them to make you ‘A Lowcountry Wedding’ while you’re there).  Drink responsibly and hire a driver from Carolina’s Executive Limo Line.

Cru Catering

Want a taste of the Lowcountry? Enjoy lunch or dinner at Cru Cafe/Cru Catering in downtown Charleston. Food tip: order the Four Cheese Macaroni! (Cru is voted Charleston’s #1 caterer)

Make a reservation at one of Charleston’s best bed & breakfasts, The John Rutledge House Inn. Located in the heart of downtown Charleston, you’ll enjoy southern hospitality at a national historic landmark. Perfect place to celebrate anniversaries and love!

Pamper yourself with a fresh haircut or manicured nails at SalonSalon of Charleston. I’ve gone there for years. And a new favorite in town is Stox and Co, where you can treat yourself to a luxurious facial or massage. You won’t regret it!

Whatever adventure you go on this summer in Charleston, perhaps give yourself the gift of an on-location photo shoot with Riverland Studios. Isn’t it time to update the family album?

Again, thank you ALL who entered this $40,000 LOWCOUNTRY WEDDING Giveaway! Who will win this dream wedding in Charleston? We’ll find out June 27th–so vote now!

© Dana Cubbage Weddings

 

Happy summer reading season my friends!

 

 

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WEDDING DREAMS DO COME TRUE

Hubby and I are happy to be home (and out of the car)

What a whirlwind! We’re finally settled back at home after being on the road for nearly a month celebrating the release of A LOWCOUNTRY WEDDING. It’s been wonderful sharing the new installment of the New York Times bestselling Lowcountry series, and I’ve loved talking weddings with so many of you! Thank you for kicking off the summer reading season with an exciting book tour!

Fun luncheon hosted by Bookmiser (Roswell, GA)

In A LOWCOUNTRY WEDDING, the Muir sisters are preparing for not one–but two–weddings in Charleston, South Carolina, which is a top wedding destination in America. And what excites me right now is one of my readers is going to experience a dream wedding like one written in my novel! This is the final day to enter the $40,000 Lowcountry Wedding Giveaway.

CLICK HERE TO ENTER THE CONTEST

Wedding at Legare Waring House (Charleston, SC) © Dana Cubbage Weddings 2015

This dream-filled wedding will be organized by luxury wedding planner Ashley Rhodes, and this incredible event will be held at the historic plantation Legare Waring House for bride, groom and 50 of their closest friends and family. Thank you to the generous A-list, award-winning wedding vendors who are making this dream wedding a reality. The lucky couple will work with the wedding planner and vendors to personalize their special day within the parameters of the prize. Click here to read official rules. Anything that exceeds the prize package will simply be handled as an upcharge. So if you want to invite more friends to the wedding, you can!

Photo provided by: Brackish Bow Ties

Entry deadline is May 31st. Finalists will be revealed June 13th. Then you–the public–will vote on the most deserving couple. Winner announced June 27th. I can’t wait to see who you choose for this dream wedding in Charleston!

Photo provided by: Charleston Tuxedo

To enter: fill out the brief form and then upload your 90-second candid video from your computer or cellphone to YouTube. (Tip: make sure your video setting is “Unlisted” so the judging panel can view it.) We don’t care video effects, fancy graphics, or how you look. We care about YOUR LOVE STORY. Tell us in 90 seconds or less why you want to win this dream wedding in the heart of the Lowcountry.

CLICK HERE TO ENTER CONTEST

 

My love and gratitude go to the amazing vendors of this Lowcountry Wedding Giveaway. They are among the best in Charleston!

Someone will have their wedding dreams come true!

 

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