Any wedding planner will agree that the first step in preparing for the big day is deciding on the venue. The backdrop is of utmost importance because it inspires styles, color schemes and themes for flowers, decor and wardrobe. It can also influence the genre of music, ideas for a signature cocktail, the menu layout, tenting, seating and the guest list. Yet, with never-ending destinations to choose from in Charleston, the wedding capital of the world, how do couples decide which is venue “the one?”
For the total package that captures the Lowcountry history, culture, lore, nature and pristine views, look no further than The Venue at Springfield Estates at Springfield Plantation. Overlooking the Great Pee Dee River, Springfield is only a jaunt up the coast from Charleston to Plantersville, just outside of Georgetown.
In 1977, Dr. J. Howard Stokes purchased the plantation and found joy in spending his time there until he passed away in 2021. His daughter Michelle Stokes Blackstock, who grew up exploring the 250 acres of oak groves, rice fields and riverbanks while searching for historic artifacts, then took over the property.
Having hosted numerous private weddings onsite, not including her own to her husband Ed, and remembering how her mother Peggy had been the ultimate hostess of parties, Blackstock decided to share the unique property as a venue for weddings, events and photo shoots. She started by transforming one wing of the house into a bridal suite with a private entrance. In addition to an en-suite bathroom, painted in Peggy’s favorite eggplant hue, there is a separate changing area for bridesmaids. A wall-length makeup table can accommodate all the girls and is equipped with stellar lighting. An antique bed and standing mirror, along with art painted by Peggy, lend a high-end old-world charm to the room.
Downstairs in the main house is the groom’s suite. Outfitted with a fireplace, pool table, piano, chess set and T.V., the living room is a page that’s been ripped from a Ralph Lauren coffee table book. Decorated with masculine accessories like taxidermy and books lining a built-in shelf that converts to a Murphy bed, the space is the perfect man cave. The tastefully decorated adjacent bedroom has two queen beds and a fireplace. While waiting for the girls, the guys can also hang outside on the sprawling lawn with a cocktail and play cornhole or other outdoor games while taking in a panorama of historic rice fields.
The ceremony and post-party can be held anywhere on the plantation, whether under the Avenue of the Oaks’ canopy, a big tent on the front lawn or a tree overlooking what Blackstock calls the “Monet view” of lily pads floating lazily on the pond.
A special twist to the story of this venue is that Blackstock and her husband are beekeepers and produce their own honey products called Bee Bella Honey. It’s a special and convenient gift to share with each guest as a memento to take home in remembrance of the Springfield experience.
