I think that one of my favorite parts of this summer thus far has been Bastille Day!

Fish welcomed hundreds of partygoers and had a blast right along with them.  There was a pomme frite guillotine, a grape stomper, two gorgeous bunnies named Mr. and Mrs. Confit, and, of course, the entertainment.  The singing, the dancing, the all around revelry, was fantastic.  Even we can’t wait to see how we top this year’s event!

Next up for Fish is our 10^th anniversary!  It’s quite a feat to last 10 years in this business, so we are incredibly proud of our accomplishment.  To celebrate we will be offering our $25, 3 course prix fixe, Mercy of the Chef, all week long next week!  From Monday through Saturday join us to enjoy the best deal in town!

In addition to all the festivities at Fish, Lowndes Grove and William Aiken House have hosted some amazing weddings this season.  As week turns into weekend we always look forward to seeing the coordinators arrive and turning the properties into someone’s dream.  It’s truly wonderful to be a part of the best day in someone’s life.

We would like to share these gorgeous properties with everyone, so we are offering a fabulous deal for the remainder of the year.  The venue rental rate is now 50% off for August, September, October, and November of 2010.  For the holidays, we will offer our special 4 for 4 deal in December.  4 properties for $4 per person!

Call soon to book your event before all the dates are gone!  843-853-1810.

We are blessed to do what we do, and thank you all for being a part of it!

Here’s to keeping cool through the dog days!

You look great, but I'm just not feeling you...

I want to like them, I really do.   I love the idea that they are so limited and coveted and fleeting.  I love that chefs work tirelessly to create the perfect accompaniments to show off their delicate flavor. I love that people in the food community start salivating at the first mention of a soft shell crab.  What I don’t love…is the soft shell crab.  I don’t know what it is about it that is not working for me this year.

What I do love and dream of as winter turns to spring are morels, ramps, spring onions, asparagus (Oh, asparagus!!!), peas……the list goes on and on.

You I want to eat.

Now I say, bring on the tomatoes and the peaches.   I’m ready for you, summer.

You are gorgeous!

]]> http://blog.patpropllc.com/food-shame/feed/ 4 http://blog.patpropllc.com/meet-the-interns-part-how-do-you-write-four-in-french-featuring-elizabeth-lewis/ http://blog.patpropllc.com/meet-the-interns-part-how-do-you-write-four-in-french-featuring-elizabeth-lewis/#comments Wed, 28 Apr 2010 19:04:01 +0000 Patrick Properties http://blog.patpropllc.com/?p=1369

My name is Elizabeth Lewis and I am from Sumter, SC, a small city about two hours outside of Charleston.  My grandparents lived in Charleston most of my life, so it was almost my second home.  I fell in love with the city during the duration of my numerous visits, so when it was time to choose a college I could not think of anywhere I would feel more at home.  I am currently a senior at the College, anxiously awaiting graduation with majors in Business Administration and Hospitality & Tourism.  As school concludes, I find myself searching for a job within the Wedding and Event Industry.

My internship with Patrick Property Events as enlightened me more than I ever imagined it would.  I have been focused on event planning for quite some time.  Seeing the looks of pure joy on guests’ faces at events has convinced me that this is the industry I belong in.  Of course, preparing for events is not all the glitz and glamour many people think it is, but working with the staff at PPE has made the “dirty” work enjoyable as well.  One of the most prominent lessons I have learned at PPE is how important teamwork is; an event is impossible to run smoothly without good communication.

As frequent readers know, Patrick Properties owns several one-of-a-kind locations, all of which I have thoroughly enjoyed.  The William Aiken House is abundant with historic ambiance and each event looks gorgeous.  The American Theatre is a classic theatre, but I feel that the venue is perfect for modern events with a classic feel.  The few times I have gone to Fish have been great as well.  Working with the chefs has been a good experience and I love how the restaurant practices sustainability.  Though I love all four locations, Lowndes Grove had my heart from the beginning.  While the plantation is located downtown, once you step foot within the gates you feel as if you are in another world.  This location is full of classic southern charm.

The event that stands out the most to me took place at Lowndes Grove.  My description of the event would be extravagantly simple.  Navy blue linens with bright purple and pink flowers adorned the wedding, with a long rustic table as the center of the floor for the bride & groom and family.  The ceremony faced the Ashley River, and the reception took place outdoors as well, a perfect setting to view the beautiful sunset over the river.  All of the guests expressed abundant happiness for the couple and danced the night away.  Catching glimpses of the groom’s loving glares at his new bride reinstated why I love being a part of the event industry.

As the internship with Patrick Property Events comes to an end, the only regret I have is that I did not have more time to be involved.  Constantly, I would catch myself wishing I were doing some kind of work with PPE rather than my current job, or anything with school.  Everyone I have gotten to work with at PPE has been wonderful and have all taught me many new insights to the industry.  Just as with graduating, leaving Patrick Property Events is a bittersweet goodbye.  I will never forget the experiences I have had and will be forever grateful to have had such a fantastic learning experience with the amazing PPE staff; so thank you, to all of you.

My name is Ashley Stiegman and I originally from Greenville, South Carolina.  I have been vacationing with my family to the Isle of Palms area of Charleston for about 15 years before I came to attend the College of Charleston.  I am currently a Senior here double majoring in Business Administration and Hospitality & Tourism Management.  While finishing up in school over the next year I planned to use my degrees in the Wedding and Event Industry somewhere in the Southeast.

In my spare time I enjoy being with my friends and family as well as my 2 year old Yorkshire Terrior, Jude. I enjoy being active whether it be working out or dancing; primarily jazz, tap, hip-hop and my most recent favorite, Latin ballroom.  I enjoy doing anything creative, that includes decorating, scrapbooking, photography, painting, and especially organzing everything.  Something people may not know about me is that I am a dessert fanatic.  I even order my desserts first at a restaurant because I think it’s always best to start with something sweet; and maybe even order another to go!

My internship with Patrick Properties Events is quickly coming to an end, and has been a true blessing for me.  PPE have given me the opportunity to be involved not only in the preparation that goes into these “special days” for their clients but into everything that is included in a couple taking their next steps in life together.  One of PPE greatest attributes for it’s clients is that they have the options of three different types of venues for their special day.  The William Aiken House is a historic home built in the 1807 on what is now King Street.  Located next to the William Aiken House is The American Theater, which opened in 1942 as Charleston’s premiere movie house.  Then there is Patrick Properties Events most recent investment, a 14 acre plantation located on the Ashley River, Lowndes Grove.  Lowndes Grove was first acquired through a land grant from King Charles and the house which was orginally built in 1860 still stands today.  I believe that Lowndes Grove has this lovely historic plantation charm that, when you see it, just draws you in.

One of my most memorable events this season was a Filipino wedding held at The William Aiken House at the end of March.  One of the biggest advantages about having your wedding in Charleston during this time of the year is that most any decor will look fabulous, and the floral pattern which overflowed on each table was no exception.  Although, what I remembered most was the entertainment that was hired from Atlanta.  The band was amazing and added in just the right personal touches; however, adding in the videographers, who filmed throughout the night, made one incident that night something memorable to look back on.  There was even a point where the Bride, Anna took one of their cameras to film a guest’s classic, but mostly entertaining, dance moves.  But with the night coming to an end, the last song that was played to get everyone up for one last dance to OutKast’s “Hey Ya!”.  The band had everyone huddled and dancing around Anna while singing during the chorus “Anna, Anna” instead of the orginial “Hey Ya!”.  It was absolutely adorable and you could see the Bride glowing with excitement.

In the time I have spent with Patrick Properties Events, it has made me realize that there is no other field I would rather work in and build my career in.  Everyone I’ve been able to work with at PPE have truly been amazing by going above and beyond what I expected to see.

My name is Stephanie Orlando and I’m from Alpharetta, GA, just a little outside of Atlanta.   I’m currently a sophomore at the College of Charleston majoring in Corporate Communications and minoring in Hospitality and Tourism Management.  I’m in love with both of my areas of study, and it was actually through the Hospitality program that I was able to land this internship with Patrick Properties.  I came into the internship with an open mind, ready to learn as much as I could about a field that I could potentially see myself part of in the future.

The internship has opened my eyes to the various aspects of managing an events company that I would have never considered before working here.  It’s amazing how much actually goes into an event, and how many people are necessary to keep it running smoothly.  As an intern, I’ve been able to experience many different facets of the company.  I wasn’t limited to just events or just catering or just sales; I got to see how it ALL worked, and it’s that experience that I will be able to carry with me through the next couple years of schooling and into the workplace later.

As the end of the semester, and my internship, draws to a close, I have mixed emotions.  While I’m extremely grateful to have had the ability to work with such an amazing company and group of people, I’m very sad to have to leave them.  I wouldn’t have changed one thing about my semester working with Patrick Properties Events.

It takes a team to pull together the amazing events that we host, and our interns are an important part of that team.  They tirelessly give of their time because they are interested in what we do and they gain valuable experience that they can take with them into the workplace.  We have a deep appreciation for these guys and wanted to show them a little love, so for the next few weeks we will take time out of our schedules to focus on them.  Thanks for all that you do to make us shine!

First up, Lauren Sweeney….

My name is Lauren Sweeney and I grew up in the small suburban town of Cold Spring Harbor, New York. The water is my lifeline so it is no wonder I chose to attend the College of Charleston as the beach is a quick step away and the sun is (mostly) always shining. Currently, I am a Senior at the College majoring in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing. It has been an exciting semester for me, and my internship here at Patrick Properties Events has been full of activity. Prior to this internship I had no real experience or in-depth knowledge of events management, but after working with PPE I can’t imagine a profession in any other field.

This internship has introduced me to the many aspects of managing an event facility and catering operation. As an intern, I have been exposed to the all the stages of transforming an event proposal into a reality. It is hard to understand all of the intricacies involved in the execution of an event, and I am amazed daily with what the staff here at PPE is able to produce and accomplish. PPE’s properties, Lowndes Grove, The William Aiken House, and The American Theater, offer the perfect event space for any type and any size of event. Not being limited to one type of event has kept my intern experience exciting and fresh.

In my few months working here I have realized the staff at Patrick Properties Events is one to be admired and revered. The entire organization works together to challenge the impossible and produce truly incredible and one of a kind events. I could not have asked for a better experience or more welcoming organization than Patrick Properties Events!

River view at Lowndes Grove

Think you know everything about Charleston?  It might surprise you to find out that Patrick Properties is home to Charleston’s best-kept getaway secret.  Both The William Aiken House and Lowndes Grove have guest accommodations for out of town guests or for Charlestonians looking for a getaway in your own town.

Carriage House

Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of King Street but still steps from everything, The William Aiken House guest suites reside in a beautifully restored Gothic-style carriage house.  Originally the property’s stables, the two luxurious suites each have a living and dining area, kitchenette, master bedroom and full bath, bluestone courtyard and views of our gorgeous 200-year-old magnolia tree.

Carriage House interior

Lowndes Grove Plantation

When you are a guest at Lowndes Grove Plantation, the Charleston peninsula’s last great waterfront estate, you feel as though you’re miles from anywhere.  The truth is, you’re right in the middle of the eclectic Wagener Terrace neighborhood and mere minutes from dining, shopping, and enjoying the sights and sounds of Charleston.  The estate offers five perfectly appointed guest suites: three in the Plantation House and two in the River House.  All with private baths, stunning period furnishings, and did we mention the incredible river views?

Pool at Lowndes Grove

Lowndes Grove

Amenities at both properties include:

• Mini bar & hair dryer
• Luxurious Nancy Koltes bed linens & bath towels
• L’Occitane bath products
• Cable television, local phone service & wireless internet
• Complimentary goodies upon arrival, featuring treats from local producers

Lowndes Grove

The best part?  The price.  These charming retreats are far less expensive than almost anything in historic Charleston.  Rates at both sites are from $175-$195.

For more information on rates and reservations, or for any other questions that you might have, simply call 843-853-1810 or email us at info@patpropevents.com

We look forward to you visiting us soon!

We just received our copies of the most recent Charleston Weddings…always an exciting day!!  Both Lowndes Grove and William Aiken House are featured throughout the magazine.  Well, after flipping through the issue to find ourselves (admit it, we all do it!), we noticed a really interesting piece entitled “Rain, Rain, Go Away.”  Though rain on your wedding day is supposed to be good luck, most everyone dreams of sunny skies on their special day.  The Mother of the Bride in this story just wasn’t having it so she decided to take matters into her own hands.  Noticing a storm brewing on the morning of the wedding, she buried a bottle of bourbon under the oak tree where the ceremony was to be held, a superstition meant to ward off the coming rains.  The family believes that it worked, as the storm held off until the ceremony was finished.

Listen, we’ve heard a ton of superstitions here at Patrick Properties.  Many of us grew up in the South, a breeding ground for superstitions and legends, and many of us grew up in the lowcountry, an even more fertile breeding ground.  Between all of us, however, we couldn’t find one person who knew about this one.  We googled it, we called our friends who know such things, we even called our mothers…all to no avail.  So, we’re turning to you guys for help here.  Does anyone know the origin of this legend?  We’re dying to know.

In the meantime, don’t forget to pick up your copy of Charleston Weddings and look for our ad on page 52 and the story on page 108, “A Class Act,” about Jordan McLain and Jason Padgett’s beautiful wedding and their reception at Lowndes Grove.

Jordan McLain & Jason Padgett's reception at Lowndes Grove

Have you ever seen anything more precious?  Congratulations, Keimi and Jesse.  We wish you a long and happy life together.  Thanks for letting us be a part of your special day.