Charleston is blessed by an abundance of warm weather and sunshine year-round, which makes our historic city an especially perfect wedding destination for couples who dream of an outdoor ceremony and reception.

Of course, everyone can appreciate a little insurance – and for Grace and Ryan, who envisioned al fresco dinner and dancing beneath the stars, one Southern tradition brought a bit of extra luck to keep rain clouds at bay for their big day at The William Aiken House.

Exactly one month before saying “I do”, the couple buried a full bottle of bourbon upside down at their Downtown Charleston wedding venue according to this well-loved folklore. Sure enough, their early autumn celebration was as bright and beautiful as they’d imagined!

Guests mingled along sunlit piazzas with fresh cocktails before a down-home dinner party in the home’s private gardens and bluestone courtyards, featuring mason jar salads, fried chicken with gouda mac & cheese, and blackened swordfish from the Patrick Properties Culinary Team. Afterward, everyone joined the newlyweds on the open-air dance floor beneath twinkling bistro lights – a fitting end to a truly magical day in Charleston. Enjoy a few of our favorite moments thanks to Dana Cubbage Weddings.

P.S. – What do you think of burying the bourbon, friends? With our team of PPHG event pros at the helm rain or shine, we’d say it’s a win-win – especially since tradition follows that the bourbon should be dug up post-ceremony and shared with the bridal party!