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Wedding & Event Venue Near Mt. Pleasant, SC.

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Your Magic Moment Awaits

Your wedding day. Without a doubt, it's one of the most significant events you will ever experience - when you and the love of your life officially seal the deal and get married. On this day, your friends and family will gather to celebrate the next step in your life. Photographers will be running around snapping photos, catering plates delicious food for guests to enjoy, and the DJ sets the mood for a night of fun and libation. You've worked extra hard to make everything look perfect and run smoothly. You have examined every moving part down to the tiniest detail. At the center of all your effort is your wedding venue in Mt. Pleasant, SC.

Your event space can mean the difference between an unforgettable event and an average occasion. Capturing your uniqueness as a couple is paramount to a memorable wedding. But, without the right venue location and staff, your unforgettable event can turn into a painfully average occasion. Fortunately, at Abney Hall, you won't ever have to worry about dingy reception spaces and crummy chow halls.

Constructed in Mt. Pleasant, SC, in 1962, Abney Hall is 15,000 square feet and sits on 500 acres of land, making it a large wedding venue unlike any other. Abney Hall was originally the home of Mrs. Josephine Abney, a Mt. Pleasant native who was a lifelong philanthropist. Mrs. Abney devoted much of her time and effort towards supporting charities, educational institutions, hospitals, and other noble efforts. Today, Abney Hall stands tall as a symbol of love, both in our community and for the couples who choose to get married here.

Abney Hall is an exclusive event experience unlike any other, surrounded by verdant forests and sparkling ponds. Our venue is a natural fit for several occasions, including:

Special Event Space Mt. Pleasant, SC

Weddings

 Event Venue Mt. Pleasant, SC

Bridal Showers

 Event Space Mt. Pleasant, SC

Bridal Portraits

 Rehearsal Dinner Venue Mt. Pleasant, SC

Rehearsal Dinners

 Bridal Shower Venue Mt. Pleasant, SC

Corporate Events

 Business Event Space Mt. Pleasant, SC

Much More!

 Wedding Space Mt. Pleasant, SC

The Top Wedding Venue in Mt. Pleasant, SC

The beginning of your life starts at Abney Hall. With our team by your side, we can create the fairy tale wedding you have dreamed about since childhood. Whether you have 100 guests or 1,000, our waterfront ceremony locations and French-inspired courtyard are perfect for your big day. Celebrate in luxurious style surrounded by shady magnolia trees, a private forest, large ponds, and the beauty of Mother Nature. While our venue location and aesthetic have been praised far and wide, so too have the practical aspects of Abney Hall. Looking for a relaxing, comfortable spot for your bridal party to get ready in? We offer an entire floor in the Abney Hall residence to get the bridal party ready. Want to make your groomsman feel extra-special too? We've got a private, plush house just feet from a sparkling pond that is a proper hangout spot for the guys in your group.

To make life easier on you, we also offer Abney Hall as your go-to spot for rehearsal dinners. Why book an expensive restaurant or travel to another location when unmatched beauty and convenience are right at your fingertips? Abney Hall is just the place for that very important dinner the night before your big day. We are also happy to host your bridal shower at Abney Hall. Our venue makes for one of Mt. Pleasant's most unique bridal shower settings, where your family and friends can gather to give gifts and be merry before you walk down the aisle.

With such a large, magnificent house and a vast property, Abney Hall also makes for an unforgettable location for your bridal portraits and other wedding-related photography needs. Don't take our word for it - book a tour and see for yourself why so many new brides and grooms choose Abney Hall as their wedding venue in Mt. Pleasant.

 Wedding Venue Mt. Pleasant, SC

What Sets Abney Hall Apart from Other Wedding Venues in Mt. Pleasant?

You've already found the person you want to spend the rest of your life beside. The next step? Finding the perfect wedding venue for your ceremony, reception, and celebration of your lifelong commitment to one another. Remember, the backdrop for photos, dancing, eating, and all other activities will be at your wedding venue. That's why we work so hard to set Abney Hall apart from our competitors - so you and your guests can focus on love and living your new life while we work with your vendors and photographers to make your magic night a reality.

Here are just a few reasons why guests choose Abney Hall as their wedding venue in Mt. Pleasant, SC, along with some helpful tips from our experienced wedding venue staff:

Venue Size

Choosing the appropriate-sied venue for your desired guest count is a critical decision. A venue's capacity affects the number of people you need to consider having at your ceremony and reception. As you're first starting out, we recommend having a guest count in mind as you're searching for the right venue. Try to stick with that number. You may fall in love with a particular venue, but if its max capacity can't accommodate your guest count, it may be time to cross them off your list.

 Corporate Conference Hall Mt. Pleasant, SC
Abney Hall Pro Tip

Abney Hall Pro Tip:

Keep in mind that this is your big day. You shouldn't feel obligated to invite the college roommate you shared a dorm with for one semester. At the end of the day, your wedding venue should be one that can accommodate those closest to you. Abney Hall is equipped for both small and large weddings, consisting of 500 acres of forest, ponds, and lush natural beauty. Whether you want an intimate wedding with only your best friends or a grand ceremony with hundreds of people, we have the right amount of room to make you comfortable.

Location and Nearby Lodging

On your big day, you're likely to have friends and family traveling in from other parts of the state or country. These folks will need a place to stay during and even after your wedding. Accessibility and ease are important factors when it comes to choosing your wedding venue for both you and your guests.

Located in Mt. Pleasant, SC, Abney Hall is situated in a memorable, natural setting, giving your wedding a private vibe in the midst of Mother Nature. While we pride ourselves on having a secluded wedding event space, our venue is within an easy driving distance of hotels and vacation rentals.

Abney Hall Pro Tip

Abney Hall Pro Tip:

When you contact us for a tour, make sure to speak with our experienced venue manager about nearby hotels and shuttle service options. We understand that your guest's comfort and convenience are important, and we're happy to work with you to figure out the best way to get your guests to Abney Hall.

Venue Staff

At Abney Hall, our staff has earned its reputation as one of the industry's most friendly, accessible teams. We will provide you with a purpose-minded point of contact that can help answer questions relating to timelines, preferred vendors, and every aspect of your wedding. When you tour our wedding venue in Mt. Pleasant, SC, for the first time, we want you to feel like you have all the information you need to make an informed purchasing decision.

We would be happy to go over:
  • Venue Pricing
  • Ceremony Specifics
  • Reception Specifics
  • Catering Possibilities
  • Decorating Possibilities
  • Entertainment Options
  • Photography and Photo Opportunities
  • Venue Amenities
  • Bridal Party Needs
  • Groomsman Needs

At Abney Hall, our goal is to be your first resource when it comes to setting up and coordinating the details of your wedding day.

Decor

When it comes to your wedding's decor, you probably already have a few ideas in mind. We love it when our brides and grooms have a vision in mind because one of our greatest joys is turning that vision into a reality. At Abney Hall, our team is available to help you and your decorator fit, accent, and accommodate your fairy-tale wedding - whatever that may be.

Are you looking to dress up your wedding with decorations galore? Just want to add a few accents that tie into your preferred color palette? Abney Hall is versatile and ready to help however we are able.

 Reception Hall Mt. Pleasant, SC
Abney-Hall-Pro-Tip

Abney Hall Pro Tip:

If you're thinking about bringing in your own greenery, lighting, floral pieces, and more, we recommend discussing your vision with us on your initial tour of our event space. That way, we can get a head start on making your big day exactly how you envision it.

Photo Opportunities

10 years from now, when you and your spouse are celebrating your anniversary, you will pull out photographs from your wedding and will reminisce about the unforgettable time you spent at Abney Hall. Your wedding photos will be with you forever, and as such, we work closely with you and your photographer to suggest extra-special photo op spots that you can only find on Abney Hall grounds.

From the grand staircase and French-inspired courtyard to our manicured gardens and lovely pond, there is no shortage of photo-op locations for your photographer to choose from. As one of the most popular wedding venues in Mt. Pleasant, SC, we have worked with dozens of photographers over the years.

Our experience has allowed us to cultivate a list of preferred photographers - all of whom have the talent to take your pictures to the next level in a setting they're familiar with. We encourage you to check out our gallery to get a sense of the scope of our wedding venue and gain inspiration from other happy couples.

Abney-Hall-Pro-Tip

Abney Hall Pro Tip

The gallery on our website is extensive but be sure to check out our Facebook and Instagram pages as well. We keep our social pages updated with recent wedding photographs, giving you an incredible resource that you can use for your own photography purposes.

Special Event Space Mt. Pleasant, SC

The Premier Corporate Event Venue in Mt. Pleasant, SC

Abney Hall is known across the United States for our stunning weddings, but we also play host to some of the largest corporate events in South Carolina. Why choose a bland, lifeless meeting space when you can enjoy the beauty of Mother Nature coupled with a professional atmosphere? If you have an important team-building event or corporate conference that you have to coordinate, look no further than Abney Hall.

The epitome of class and style, our corporate event space is large, lavish, and chock-full of onsite amenities for you and your co-workers to enjoy. If your team needs a morale boost, don't bring them to the local Olive Garden for a cheap lunch. Treat them to a refreshing experience in our main dining room, where we can work with you to incorporate your catering options with the goals of your event.

When the hard work is done, and your team needs a breather, what better way to relax than with a quick dip in our pool? To burn off a little steam, head over to our brand-new tennis court - the perfect place to get some exercise in an ultra-private setting while you enjoy the sights and sounds of nature. Don't forget to bring your fishing poles for a couple of hours of fishing. There's even an opportunity to go hunting if you wish.

 Event Venue Mt. Pleasant, SC

Elegance at Its Finest - Only
a Phone Call Away

If you're ready to learn more about Abney Hall as your wedding venue, don't hesitate to reach out. We would love to hear more about your plans, your vision, and your needs. We know that planning a wedding isn't easy. It takes time, attention to detail, and a whole lot of patience. Our goal is to help provide you with all the info you need to learn more about our venue. Once you decide on a date, we'll work closely with you and your vendors to craft a wedding experience that you will treasure for the rest of your life.

Our available dates for your big day are going quick, especially during peak seasons like spring and fall. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

Contact us today for a FREE initial consultation
 Event Space Mt. Pleasant, SC

Latest News in Mt. Pleasant, SC

Women's Tennis Visits South Carolina for Three Spring Break Matches

Bucknell (9-7, 1-1 PL) at College of Charleston (7-4, 0-0 CAA) When: Sunday, March 12 – 10 a.m. Where: CofC Tennis Center at Patriots Point – Mt. Pleasant, S.C.Bucknell (9-7, 1-1 PL) at South Carolina State (2-3, 0-0 MEAC) When: Monday, March 13 – 1 p.m. Where: Hardeep Judge Tennis Center – Orangeburg, S.C.Bucknell (9-7, 1-1 PL) at Charleston Southern (5-5, 1-0 Big South)...

Bucknell (9-7, 1-1 PL) at College of Charleston (7-4, 0-0 CAA) When: Sunday, March 12 – 10 a.m. Where: CofC Tennis Center at Patriots Point – Mt. Pleasant, S.C.

Bucknell (9-7, 1-1 PL) at South Carolina State (2-3, 0-0 MEAC) When: Monday, March 13 – 1 p.m. Where: Hardeep Judge Tennis Center – Orangeburg, S.C.

Bucknell (9-7, 1-1 PL) at Charleston Southern (5-5, 1-0 Big South) When: Wednesday, March 15 – 12:00 p.m. Where: Gary Clark Banks Sr. Tennis Center – Charleston, S.C.

Bucknell at a Glance • Bucknell heads to South Carolina to play three matches over spring break. The Bison went 1-2 on their spring break trip to Hawaii last season. • Bucknell has been on a roll lately, collecting wins in seven of its last eight matches. The Bison are coming off a 2-0 weekend with wins over Patriot League rival Loyola and Marist. They improved to 9-7 (1-1 PL) with those victories. • Freshman Abby Platt, who earned an honorable mention for Patriot League Player of the Week for a second straight week on Tuesday, has won eight in a row in singles. She's also won six of the last seven in doubles and leads the team in dual match singles victories. • Junior Tyne Miller has won four singles matches in a row, and sophomore Anna Lajos has collected each of the last three. Lajos remains the team's leader in overall singles wins with 13. • Bucknell went 12-10 (3-3 PL) during the 2021-22 season, securing its highest win total since 2018-19. The Bison ended up falling to Loyola in the quarterfinal round of the Patriot League Championships, 4-2. • The Bison graduated their lone All-Patriot Leaguer, Daniela Bellini, in the spring. They welcomed two freshmen in the fall and entered the spring season with eight total on the roster. • Juniors Kate Novak and Miller are serving as team captains this season. • Bucknell played its first seven matches of the spring on the road before hosting its first home match on Feb. 19. • Bucknell is under the direction of fourth-year head coach Tammy Cecchini. She was previously the head coach at Valparaiso from 2015 to 2018 and spent the 2014-15 season with Valpo as an assistant coach.

Category Leaders • Overall Singles Wins: Anna Lajos (13) • Dual Match Singles Wins: Abby Platt (8) • PL Dual Match Singles Wins: Six tied (1) • Overall Doubles Wins: Abby Platt (14) • Dual Match Doubles Wins: Anna Lajos (10) • PL Dual Match Doubles Wins: Four tied (1)

College of Charleston at a Glance • The Cougars are 7-4 after falling to Samford and earning a win over SIUE on Thursday. They'll also face Miami of Ohio on Saturday before hosting the Bison on Sunday. • Graduate student Nicole Stephens currently leads the Cougars with an 8-3 singles record, followed by Halli Trinkle at 7-2. • College of Charleston finished 19-7 (7-1 CAA) last year before falling to Elon in the CAA semifinals. • College of Charleston welcomed four freshman to the team this year. The Cougars are under the direction of head coach Angelo Anastopoulo, who is in his 32nd season with the program.

South Carolina State at a Glance • The Bulldogs are 2-3 following a 5-2 win over Eastern Kentucky last week. • South Carolina State finished last season 9-9 (4-2 MEAC) and won the MEAC Championship before going up against No. 1 UNC and falling in the NCAA regionals for a second straight year. • The Bulldogs are led by long-time head coach Hardeep Judge.

Charleston Southern at a Glance • The Buccaneers are 5-5 (1-0 Big South) and will face Rhode Island and UAB before hosting the Bison on Wednesday. Charleston Southern most recently defeated Miami of Ohio 4-3 on Thursday. • Charleston Southern posted an impressive 17-6 overall record last year and went undefeated in the Big South with an 8-0 record before defeating Gardner-Webb in the championship finals and falling to Georgia in the NCAA championships. • Sophomore Noa Boyd was named the Big South Women's Tennis Player of the Week last week after going undefeated in the team's three matches. Senior Luiza Fullana has played each match at No. 1 singles. • Buccaneers head coach Anca Dumitrescu is in her fifth season with the program.

A Look Ahead • Bucknell's remaining matches on the schedule are all against Patriot League foes. The Bison host Navy at the Varsity Tennis Courts on Sunday, March 26.

Bison Club support is the driving force behind Bucknell Athletics. Your donations directly impact the holistic development of student-athletes from 27 Division I varsity programs who are building a foundation at Bucknell to become leaders and difference-makers around the globe. Make your gift online, or call 570-577-1771 to support your favorite Bison team today. 'ray Bucknell!

SC bill proposes to allow retailers to sell alcohol curbside or delivery

MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (WCIV) — SC Senate bill 425 would allow retailers to sell alcohol curbside or through delivery, including beer and wine.ABC News 4 asked a local liquor store owner what he thought about the bill.POLL: Should alcohol be available through curbside pickup and delivery in SC?Bill Colven has own...

MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (WCIV) — SC Senate bill 425 would allow retailers to sell alcohol curbside or through delivery, including beer and wine.

ABC News 4 asked a local liquor store owner what he thought about the bill.

POLL: Should alcohol be available through curbside pickup and delivery in SC?

Bill Colven has owned O'Neill spirits in Mount Pleasant for seven years.

"There is lots of tourism in the area. We bring in out-of-towners who shop in-store. It's a great environment. People come in friendly, happy come into a liquor store," said Bill Colven, Owner of O'Neill spirits Mount Pleasant

Lowcountry Senator Sandy Senn is one of the bill's sponsors. She said it ties back to the early days of the pandemic.

SC bill proposes to allow retailers to sell alcohol curbside or delivery. (WCIV)

"During COVID, many people were uncomfortable getting out and going to grocery stores and liquor stores. They preferred curbside service a lot, and that went on during COVID. People decided they would like to see it continue," said Senator Senn.

Colven said he is 50/50 on the Senate Bill.

The curbside part said he supports it because they would serve customers curbside during the pandemic.

"We would get calls ahead of time to ask if we would be able to do that. We were able to process credit cards over the phone. Of course, when they show up, (we would) check the ID and make sure it's legal," said Colven.

Read More: SC Senate introduces new bill that could allow beauticians to travel to offer services

For the delivery option, he wants to know a bit more.

Culven said third parties have proven to work in other states through apps like Drizly.

But, when it comes to if his store would do delivery...

"Delivery is kind of a slippery slope for me. There are a lot of challenges that could bring businesses; we are a small family-run business. I want to see how my numbers would look and if it makes sense economically," he said.

Read More: Tax money for students for private school on SC Senate floor

Senator Senn said if the bill passes, retailers would have a separate license. And it would be an option, not a requirement.

"There’s a separate provision for ABC/SLED to come up with a license. They could get in order to something need risk/loss if they (retailers) do something improper. Also, they would have to carry a 1 million dollars worth of liability insurance," said Senator Senn.

The most important thing to Senator Senn and Colven: is that the current rules on alcohol sales remain intact.

"The license has to be checked. Obviously, a retailer could lose their license in a heartbeat (if they don't follow the laws)," said Senator Senn.

The bill now goes to the full Senate; if it passes there, it will head to the house.

Mount Pleasant Towne Centre welcomes the community to attend the annual ArtFest

MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (WCIV) — One of Mount Pleasant Towne Centre’s most beloved traditions, the annual ArtFest in partnership with the Town of Mount Pleasant, is back today, March 11.From local music, dance and visual art studio performances, the complimentary festival brings families and cultural enthusiasts together to enjoy an educational and enriching experience. Beginning at 11 a.m. and continuing until 3 p.m., the event will showcase a diverse array of creative talent, ranging from beginners to professional artists, ...

MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (WCIV) — One of Mount Pleasant Towne Centre’s most beloved traditions, the annual ArtFest in partnership with the Town of Mount Pleasant, is back today, March 11.

From local music, dance and visual art studio performances, the complimentary festival brings families and cultural enthusiasts together to enjoy an educational and enriching experience. Beginning at 11 a.m. and continuing until 3 p.m., the event will showcase a diverse array of creative talent, ranging from beginners to professional artists, according to a press release.

Read more: Charleston hosts Operation Neighborhood in Sherwood Forest-Ardmore neighborhood

“Celebrating the community’s rich culture and talented individuals of all ages is incredibly important to us, and we’re honored to be able to host this event alongside the Town of Mount Pleasant and our incredible sponsor AV Connections,” said Kathleen Herrmann, the marketing director at Mount Pleasant Towne Centre, in a statement. “We’re proud to be a part of an initiative that inspires children and provides them with opportunities to create their own masterpieces in whatever art form they choose.”

Beginning at 11 a.m., the event will showcase stunning performances from Mount Pleasant’s most talented acts, according to the press release. Performers taking the main stage include Jennie Moore Elementary School Chorus, Jennie Moore Elementary School Mini Monarchs, Lucy Beckham High School Choir, Palmetto Twirlers, Lowco Suzuki Guitar, and Deakins Suzuki String. After catching a show, take a stroll on the Art Walk and enjoy stunning creations from local artists such as Seaside Mosaics and Ceramics, Joe Benton Photographic Art, Tara M. Kellner Art-Jewelry-Design, KLM Jewelry, Seaglass by Sandra, Gina's Gems, Art by Donna Murray, Rustic Charm by The Lake, You Grow Girl, and The SeaFoam Emporium.

Read more: Parking alert issued for N. Charleston Coliseum and PAC Saturday

Additional activities include a Spin Art Bike with Good Clean Fun, Jason the Juggler, Peet de Arteest, Sweet Grass Demonstrations, caricatures, face painting, arts and crafts, a Viking Axe throw game, and more. Bites will be available for purchase from Madrigals Tacos & Latin Cuisine, Caribbean Fresh, New Dog Hot Dog, The Ice Cream Team, Kona Ice, Holy City Popcorn, Holy City Homemade Italian Ice, and Nothing Bundt Cakes, according to the press release.

The press release says ArtFest is sponsored by AV Connections. Admission, activities, performances and parking are all free of charge and the event is open to residents and visitors of all ages.

Pitcher's Duel Goes Down To Wire As Lancers Fall At College Of Charleston 2-1

MT. PLEASANT, S.C. – Longwood baseball was right in the mix in a pitcher's duel on Wednesday night, but the College of Charleston eked out a 2-1 win over the Lancers (3-12). The Lancer pitching staff put together its most complete performance of the season, but the Cougars (9-3) matched Longwood pitch for pitch.SCORE: R H E LWU 1 5 2 COFC 2 7 3Top Longwood Performers: : 2.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K : ...

MT. PLEASANT, S.C. – Longwood baseball was right in the mix in a pitcher's duel on Wednesday night, but the College of Charleston eked out a 2-1 win over the Lancers (3-12). The Lancer pitching staff put together its most complete performance of the season, but the Cougars (9-3) matched Longwood pitch for pitch.

SCORE:

R H E LWU 1 5 2 COFC 2 7 3

Top Longwood Performers: : 2.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K : 1.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 K : 1.0 IP, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K

HOW IT HAPPENED:

Pitchers ruled the day, as the Lancer arms combined to surrender their fewest runs and earned runs in a game this season. A five-headed hydra of , , , and limited College of Charleston to two runs, with only one counting as earned, on seven hits and six walks between them in the nine innings.

Meanwhile, the Cougars returned the favor and fended off an aggressive Longwood squad that was constantly hunting for extra bases. A trio of pitchers combined to limit Longwood to five hits and one run while only giving up two walks.

For Charleston, Jake Brink went 4.2 scoreless innings before exiting in the fifth inning to set the tone. He didn't earn the win though, as Connor Campbell finished the fifth with his team in the lead. He went 0.2 innings. Alex Lyon, a freshman, evaded trouble with a late base runner to earn the save.

Bunch took the loss for Longwood despite a solid outing in his first collegiate start. The freshman gave up four hits and a walk that led to one run, but he limited the damage in his two innings. Gibbons, Walker and Dittner all tossed scoreless frames, and Vanvickle was charged with an unearned run in the fourth inning.

The Lancer offense started slow but posted hits in four of the final five innings to put the tying run on base repeatedly.

Longwood got on the board in the sixth after hit an RBI groundout to score .

In the final two innings, the Lancers had the tying run reach in each frame. However, a strong throw from left prevented the tying run from touching home plate to end the eighth, and a heads up play in the field erased the first opportunity in the ninth. then poked a single to center with two outs to give Longwood one last chance, but Lyons recorded a strikeout to end the game.

ADDITIONAL NOTES:

Longwood wrapped up a seven-game road trip.

College of Charleston has yet to play a road game.

The two runs were the fewest allowed by the Lancers this season.

recorded a career-best 2.0 innings in his fourth collegiate appearance.

had his third scoreless relief appearance for the Lancers.

The Lancer stole three bases in the game, one shy of a season high. , and all stole a base.

Kowalski was hit by a pitch twice.

UP NEXT:

Longwood heads home to open a five game homestand. First, the Lancers host Iona to begin a four-game series on Friday night. First pitch is set for 4 p.m., and the game will be aired on ESPN+.

#GoWood #HorsePower

For Whom the Seaview Inn Calls: Meet the Mayor of Dreams, Cheese and Pawleys Island

Push and pull. Ebb and flow. These are the cadences of the ocean — and the rhythms that have governed Brian Henry’s life. The boy who grew up in southern Louisiana’s Cajun country before relocating to bustling Atlanta, now lives in the heart of the “Hammock Coast” that his efforts helped nickname so appropriately.What started as a call from a tiny rustic inn on the ocean, luring in a couple looking for something more and less at once, has now become a lifelong legacy in the making for Brian Henry and his ...

Push and pull. Ebb and flow. These are the cadences of the ocean — and the rhythms that have governed Brian Henry’s life. The boy who grew up in southern Louisiana’s Cajun country before relocating to bustling Atlanta, now lives in the heart of the “Hammock Coast” that his efforts helped nickname so appropriately.

What started as a call from a tiny rustic inn on the ocean, luring in a couple looking for something more and less at once, has now become a lifelong legacy in the making for Brian Henry and his bride, Sassy. A leap of faith has led to thriving businesses, a mayoral seat and advocacy for an unspoiled oasis along a pristine coastline.

When people meet the Henry’s now, they see success. They see a power couple with political clout, they see one of the most famous pimento cheese companies in the U.S. (Palmetto Cheese) and they see owners of a thriving beachside bed and breakfast. What they don’t see, however, is the journey past and the future ahead.

The story starts for the Henry’s when each were born with a little something extra that made the go-getters want to better the world around them. That sauce is more secret and steeped in mystery than whatever makes that famous cheese sing so well (my mouth waters thinking about it).

The story that affects us, the fellow coastal South Carolina residents, begins at the Seaview Inn some 20 years ago when the Henry’s decided to leave the corporate cityscape to nurture a charming inn with no air conditioning, no television and perfect ambiance.

“We took over the Seaview Inn, and it was all slamming screen doors, rocking chairs and good Southern food,” Brian Henry reminisced. “That’s where the pimento cheese started. It was served as an app there.”

What he didn’t say yet was that everything actually began at that little inn. However, as the delightful recalling of his path to becoming mayor of Pawleys Island progressed, he realized just that.

After the Seaview was sailing smooth seas and their two small children were attending school, the Henry’s found themselves looking for their next opportunity to grow. That’s when Brian Henry asked Sassy, “What are you passionate about?”

“I’m passionate about my cheese,” she answered.

Sassy Henry, who revolutionized the Southern classic pimento cheese with flavors of cayenne pepper, draws from a traditional Georgian holiday cheese and whole shreds of textured cheddar. She teamed up with her husband to market the Pawleys Island vacationer’s favorite, which now rests on shelves in 9,500 stores in 40 states.

About a decade after the commercial birth of the South’s favorite cheese, Brian Henry felt what he calls “a pull, not a push” to become mayor. A respected town business owner and family man who was known to care about the future of the island, he decided to run for the seat at the urging of other townspeople who hoped to keep Pawleys Island the wonderful hideaway it is. He won.

“I was never interested in politics,” he remembered, “I’ve just always been involved. If you care about something being better, you can’t just sit on the sidelines and watch. You have to get in there.”

So, he got in there. He now speaks with pride about the amazing Fourth of July celebration that is “true Americans,” and about the founding of organizations that can keep big box stores and over-development out of Pawleys Island.

“The goal for the island is to maintain,” Henry offered. “Like the bumper sticker on my truck says, ‘love it and leave it alone.”’

Though sameness is the path to success for the island itself, the Henry’s still strive for more growth on the business front. The two are in the process of expanding their small Pawleys Island business Get Carried Away Southern Market into Mount Pleasant, where they hope to establish a flagship store for a future franchise. The business currently focuses on scrumptious Southern catering and take-out made easy. The Henry’s aren’t sure what the future holds for this venture, but once again, they are doing it together under a sky, not a ceiling.

Reflecting on all the accomplishments, Brian Henry recounted with a nostalgic tone, “Seaview was the genesis. This all happened because we bought that inn 20 years ago.”

Perhaps the inn is the energy source, embodying the soul of Pawleys Island itself. That is a soul of humility, simplicity and staying power. Just never forget, it is a soul powered by the force of all the Atlantic, which comes in and fades back every single day.

By Lorna Hollifield

The Mount Pleasant Lifestyle: Meet Real Estate Agent Robyn Jones Hall Saying Yes to Your Dress: Local Boutiques Offer Trends and Timelessness Intellectual Disability Inclusion Event Educates Community and Hopes to Address Workforce Challenges The Matthews Group: A Team that Gives

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