The Coffee Meeting That Started It All
I first met Whitney over coffee at The Mills House Hotel in downtown Charleston alongside her planner, Megan Papageorge of Sweet Peach Planning. Within minutes, I could tell this wedding would be something truly special. Whitney’s warm, easygoing energy paired perfectly with Megan’s calm, detail-oriented approach.
As we chatted about her vision, Whitney carefully unpacked several sentimental items. Each one was handcrafted by her fiancé, Brandon, who happens to be an incredibly talented woodworker. Among them was a custom wooden ring box that immediately caught my attention. The box featured a delicately carved red flower on top with the words “How about forever?” engraved just beneath it. It was the same box Brandon had given her when he proposed. A symbol of love and craftsmanship that would become the heartbeat of their wedding day.
Those early moments told me everything I needed to know. This wedding would be personal, meaningful, and designed with intention. Every element, from the décor to the smallest detail, reflected who Whitney and Brandon are as a couple: creative, thoughtful, and deeply connected.
An Emotional Washington Square First Look
Charleston gifted us a picture-perfect October day for their celebration. The skies were clear, the light was soft, and a gentle breeze moved through the palm trees. Whitney spent her morning getting ready at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Charleston Harbor in Mount Pleasant. She was surrounded by family and the kind of laughter that always sets the tone for a joyful day. Brandon prepared at The Mills House Hotel, just a few blocks from their venue, keeping the morning relaxed yet full of anticipation.
Before the ceremony, Whitney and Brandon shared a first look in Washington Square, one of Charleston’s most picturesque and historic parks. The towering oaks, iron gates, and nearby cobblestone streets created an atmosphere that felt peaceful and timeless.
It was one of the longest first looks I’ve ever photographed. When Whitney gently tapped Brandon’s shoulder, he froze. No matter how many times she whispered his name, he couldn’t bring himself to turn around. He stood there, overwhelmed with emotion, trying to take it all in before facing his bride. Whitney laughed softly, glancing back at me with a smile that said, “He’s not turning around!”
Finally, after what felt like forever, Brandon turned and the world seemed to pause. Tears filled his eyes as he saw her for the first time. “Why aren’t you getting emotional, Whitney?” he asked with a grin. She laughed and reached out to fix his boutonniere. It was such a heartfelt moment, full of warmth and sincerity.
Jaime Goulet of Sit Stay Goulet brought Whitney and Brandon’s two dogs shortly after. Seeing them wagging their tails and snuggling into Whitney’s dress added such a personal touch to the portraits. Those photos, full of laughter, love, and happy energy, perfectly captured the spirit of who they are.
Whitney & Brandon’s Heartfelt Ceremony
Their ceremony and reception took place at Parcel 32, one of downtown Charleston’s most intimate and welcoming wedding venues. Parcel 32 sits on King Street in the heart of the historic district, blending classic Charleston architecture with modern sophistication. Its exposed brick, extensive windows, and sweeping balcony capture the essence of the Holy City while offering an intimate, elevated setting for couples.
For Whitney and Brandon, this Parcel 32 Charleston wedding was everything they envisioned. The space felt timeless and romantic yet cozy enough for guests to relax and celebrate freely. With the thoughtful direction of Sweet Peach Planning, every element came together seamlessly. Warm candlelight flickered against the brick. Mixed floral arrangements with blush, ivory and pops of blue softened the rooms. And elegant table settings reflected a sense of Southern hospitality without ever feeling overdone.
Parcel 32’s Unique Ambiance
Parcel 32 offers an intimate and refined setting for weddings in the heart of Charleston. Upon entering, guests are greeted by a charming parlor and reception area. It features a glassed-in wine cellar that adds a sophisticated touch to the space. Just off the entryway sits a well-lit bar framed by exposed brick and a front area perfect for serving hors d’oeuvres or setting high-top tables.
When hosting catered dinners, the main dining room—located downstairs to the right as you enter—sets the tone for a warm and elegant evening. This space is filled with natural light from the front windows, complemented by beautiful artwork and distinctive angled mirrors that reflect and bounce the light throughout the room, creating a soft and inviting glow.
Upstairs, the ambiance continues with a parlor-style room anchored by a faux fireplace decorated with candles, books, and a curated mix of vintage and modern artwork. The upper level, with its white vaulted ceilings and floral wall art, often serves as the ceremony space—chairs arranged to face the front of the room where vows are exchanged beneath soft, evening light. Beyond the ceremony room, a balcony and patio overlook King Street, offering guests an open-air spot to mingle, while a smaller upstairs bar provides easy access for post-ceremony cocktails and appetizers.
Handcrafted Details and Personal Touches
Every wedding tells a story, but this one spoke through craftsmanship. Brandon poured his heart into creating handcrafted details that turned their Parcel 32 Charleston wedding into something uniquely their own. Each guest received a personalized gift: engraved leather luggage tags, custom wooden keychains, and coasters etched with a map of Charleston, all finished with a glossy acrylic seal.
He even built a wooden welcome sign that greeted guests as they arrived at Parcel 32, setting the tone for a celebration filled with thoughtfulness and creativity. Every piece he made felt intentional and personal, reminding everyone that this wasn’t just a party. It was an extension of the couple’s shared life and values.
I still have one of those Charleston map coasters displayed in my home, a small token from a day that continues to remind me how powerful design can be when it’s filled with meaning.
An Evening Filled with Southern Elegance
As the evening continued inside Parcel 32, golden candlelight reflected off the brick walls, and the sound of laughter filled the rooms. Guests dined on Lowcountry-inspired dishes that paired beautifully with the relaxed yet elegant setting. The venue’s intimate scale created a feeling of closeness. Every toast, every laugh, and every tear felt like part of one shared story.
What makes a Parcel 32 Charleston Wedding so unforgettable is how the space embodies the city’s character. It offers historic beauty, authentic Southern warmth, and the kind of modern elegance that feels effortlessly refined. Whether framed by soft candlelight or natural daylight streaming through the tall windows, every photo taken here seems to carry the soul of Charleston — a blend of history, love, and grace.
The Perfect Ending to a Gorgeous Day
For Whitney and Brandon, the night ended surrounded by the people they love most, celebrating not just their marriage but the creativity and care that brought it all together. Every element, from Brandon’s handcrafted details to their emotional first look and cozy dinner reception, reflected their personalities and their commitment to one another.
A Parcel 32 Charleston Wedding to Remember
As I packed up my gear and took one last look around the softly lit venue, I couldn’t help but feel grateful to have witnessed such a beautiful celebration. This Parcel 32 Charleston Wedding was more than stunning décor and perfect timing. It was intentional, heartfelt, and deeply personal.
Whitney and Brandon’s day reminded me that the most memorable weddings are the ones that truly reflect who you are at your core. For them, that meant artistry, love, and a shared promise of “forever.”
Wedding planners or couples who would like to work with Alisha Cory Photography, please inquire below:
Participating Vendor Credits Include:
Wedding Planner: Sweet Peach Planning | Venue: Parcel 32 | Photography: Alisha Cory Photography | Catering & Bar: Parcel 32 Catering / Bar | Hair & Makeup Artist: A Brush with Destiny @abrushwithdestinyhmua | Groom Getting Ready Location: Mills House Hotel Charleston | Bride Getting Ready Location: Embassy Suites by Hilton Charleston Harbor, Mount Pleasant | Officiant: Personal Friend | Bakery: Sugared Magnolia Bakery | Content Creation: A Knotch Above Events | Watercolor Artist: Event Portraits by Caroline | Violinist: Christie Bates Violin | Musician: Tea for Two | Florist: Forever Flowers | Dog Walker: Sit Stay Goulet @sitstaygouletllc
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