As a Charleston wedding photographer, I love discovering unexpected spaces that show off the charm of our city. Recently, I had the opportunity to collaborate with Mudhouse Specialty Coffee Roasters, a brand-new coffee shop on King Street that is so much more than a café. Mudhouse features a stylish coffee bar on the ground floor, two beautifully renovated apartments above, and a hidden garden behind the shop — a true gem for Charleston micro weddings and intimate gatherings.
My first project with Mudhouse was capturing branding photography for their shop and apartments. Inspired by that collaboration, Lindsay Simpkins of Mudhouse reached out again, this time with the idea of a styled shoot to showcase Mudhouse as a multifaceted concept — blending café culture, stylish accommodations, and a romantic garden venue. To bring the vision to life, I partnered with Megan Papageorge of Sweet Peach Planning, who pulled together an incredible team of Charleston wedding vendors.
Charleston Styled Shoot Details
Guests were welcomed by a beautifully styled table featuring custom signage that instantly set the tone for the celebration. Nearby, curated welcome bags offered Charleston favorites such as The Buzz – Charleston Eau de Parfum and Lowcountry Kettle Chips, while the bridesmaids added their own sparkle, wearing handcrafted jewelry by Seyahan. These thoughtful details created a warm sense of place and highlighted the unique charm of celebrating in Charleston.
The styled shoot continued to unfolded like a love letter to Charleston. In the garden behind Mudhouse, Wisteria Designs filled the space with lush florals, softening the historic brick and greenery with romantic color. French Eclectic rentals and Stradley Davidson linens layered the design with texture, while IBA Event Rentals provided tabletop pieces that added a touch of refined charm.
The ceremony space was intimate and full of beauty, set against the greenery of Mudhouse’s hidden garden. Adding to the joy, Jack the Corg, proudly trotted down the aisle as “best dog,” stealing the show and hearts of everyone in attendance. His presence brought an extra layer of personality and playfulness to the day, reminding us how meaningful it can be to include pets in wedding celebrations.
The celebration also featured a unique guest book experience by After the Tone. Instead of signing a page, guests picked up the vintage phone to leave playful voice messages filled with flair, laughter, and heartfelt well-wishes. It added such a joyful, interactive element — this guest book leaves couples with memories they can listen back to for years to come.
In addition to After the Tone, guests enjoyed watching the talented baristas create specialty drinks at the café bar. From custom cocktails, lattes with delicate foam art, and bold espresso creations, Mudhouse beverage service brought a personal and elevated touch to the intimate gathering.
The espresso martini champagne tower was second to none — an unforgettable focal point of the celebration. Guests gathered as rich espresso cocktails cascaded down the sparkling glasses, blending the elegance of a timeless wedding tradition with the bold flavor of Mudhouse’s specialty drink. It was not only a show-stopping moment for the wedding inspiration but also a brilliant way to showcase Mudhouse’s award-winning coffee as a signature element for future celebrations.
The reception was a feast for the senses. Rise Bespoke Bakery created a stunning long rectangular cake adorned with fresh fruit and florals, its elegance perfectly complemented by the abundant grazing boards from Charcuterie Happy Board.
No reception feels complete without music, and Andrew Scardino’s live performance brought the garden to life with warmth and rhythm. Meanwhile, models from Charleston Modeling Agency infused the celebration with energy and charm, embodying the joyful spirit of the day.
To close the fabulous event, a vintage bus from Lowcountry Valet stood ready as the perfect prop for the couple’s grand exit, where guests tossed coffee beans in the air — a fantastic twist on tradition that tied the story back to Mudhouse’s roots.
Why I Loved Photographing This Event
This shoot was the perfect example of what makes being a Charleston wedding photographer so special. It celebrated local businesses, showcased thoughtful design, and transformed an unexpected venue into a romantic backdrop for love stories.
If you’re planning a Charleston micro wedding or searching for unique Charleston wedding venues, Mudhouse Specialty Coffee Roasters is a hidden gem worth exploring. With its inviting café, upstairs accommodations, and intimate garden, it’s proof that the heart of Charleston is full of surprises.
If you’re a wedding planner or couple who would like to work with Alisha Cory Photography, please inquire below:
Vendor Credits: Venue: Mudhouse Specialty Coffee Roasters | Event Planner & Designer: Sweet Peach Planning | Photography: Alisha Cory Photography | Florals: Wisteria Designs | Rentals: French Eclectic | Specialty Linens: Stradley Davidson | Tabletop Rentals: IBA Event Rentals | Catering: Charcuterie Happy Board | Bakery: Rise Bespoke Bakery | Hair: Slate Beauty | Lead Makeup Artist: SKV Makeup | Makeup Artist: Leighs Artistry | Event Assistant: Avery Roberson | Design Assistant: Sara Fischetti | Style & Beauty Assistant/Content Creation: Kylie King | Transportation: Lowcountry Valet | Musician: Andrew Scardino | Guest Book: After the Tone | Invitations: Minted | Stamps: Flourish Fine Writing | Jewelry: Seyahan | Woman’s fragrance: Versace | Champagne: Veuve Clicquot | Flat Lay Backdrop: Intuition Backgrounds | Bridal Magazine: South Carolina Bride | Welcome Bag Details: Low Country Kettle, Charleston Specialty Foods, The Buzz Skin | Model Agency: Charleston Modeling Agency | Beverage Manager: Jessica Bankos | Bride: Kate Scrivner | Groom: Jonathan Oravic | Bridesmaid: Holland Cartmill | Bridesmaid: Dajia Pope | Bridesmaid: Au’Shaunta Williams | Bridesmaid: Emily Berthiaume | Bartender: Danielle Wilham | Bartender: Matt Arvanitis | Dog: Jack the Corg
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