Knowing that the chances of us ever attending a Charlestonian wedding in a historic home were pretty slim, I purchased tickets for The Big Fake Wedding®. This evening is billed as a bridal show alternative, complete with an emotional vow renewal ceremony, light bites and a dance-party reception. "Wedding guests" are brides- and grooms-to-be who get to truly experience the wedding vendors in action. And some of the guests (us) just came to have a unique evening in a truly unique place.

The party started before we even entered the venue with Chelsea's Lil White Box traveling photo booth- combining three of my favorite things: photography, props and a VW van... so cool.

While we waited for the ceremony to begin, we sipped Hall Wines (from Napa of all places) while listening to the amazing guitar playing of Thomas.
This looked like a 'real' wedding with spectacular floral arrangements provided by Lux & Union.
'Dinner' was sumptuous bites that were unbelievably unique. Monte Cristo Egg Rolls (pictured), Watermelon Gazpacho, Gnocci and Carpaccio were expertly created by Duvall Events. 
Dessert was a chocolate fountain with Sweet Belgium-Taste's heart waffles on a stick. So creative. The attention to every detail was quite evident.
And the location, oh my! The Gadsden House (1798) is a grand Federal style Charleston manor, listed on the National Historic Register and celebrated as one of the top 10 historic properties to save and restore in Charleston. Built by Christopher Gadsden, a revolutionary war hero and statesman, it was given to his son as a wedding gift. What a perfect place for weddings to occur.
I totally got emotional during the vow renewal ceremony for Christopher & Jessica. I don't know if it was because our son had just gotten married or that fact that we had just celebrated our 29th anniversary. It was surprisingly emotional and quite remarkable, even though they were total strangers to us. Their love and commitment was wonderful to witness.