We invite you to join us this September 27th at 6pm at The Millstone at Adams Pond for the inaugural dinner in a brand new pop up dinner series, The Table. The Table will feature a locally curated and handcrafted menu from our own Chef Michael Stuckey and proceeds from each dinner will benefit a local charity. At this intimate dinner party, you will experience some of Southern Way’s finest cuisine and great conversation, all while helping to raise funds for a good cause.

For our first dinner, we have chosen for the proceeds to go to Camp Cole. Camp Cole is an ADA-compliant, state-of-the-art facility being built in the Midlands for children and adults facing serious illness and other physical and mental health challenges. The camp is founded in memory of Cole Sawyer who lost his battle with cancer in 2004 at the age of 11—his experience with a special summer camp while fighting cancer is the inspiration and guiding light behind Camp Cole.

Our own Chef Michael curated a menu for the evening based on Cole and his mother Stacy’s favorite foods for our first dinner.

Menu for the Evening
1st Course – Tomato Pie with Goat Cheese & Heirloom Tomatoes and an Asparagus Salad with Shallot Vinaigrette
2nd Course – Crab Cakes served with Charred Okra Succotash, Crispy Collards, and Roasted Corn Beurre Blanc
3rd Course – Confit Fried Chicken with Hominy Grits, Roasted Heirloom Tomatoes, Green Tomato Chutney, and Honey Tabasco Jus
4th Course – Chateau of Beef Tenderloin with Lions Mane Mushrooms, Duck Fat Roasted Fingerling Potatoes, Bleu Cheese Creme, and Cabernet Reduction
5th Course – Peach Panna Cotta with Candied Pecan Brittle, Grilled Peaches, Peach Caramel, Makers Mark Ice Cream, and White Chocolate Rocks

Tickets are $125 per person and each event is limited to only 40 attendees. Reserve your seat at our table now for a truly unique and absolutely delightful dining experience!

Purchase tickets here.

Photo by JoshuaAaron Photography

There are a plethora of decisions faced when planning a wedding; from the venue, to the color themes, the flowers, etc. Not to belittle any of these decisions (after all, they keep us in business), it just that when it’s all said and done, the day is about the promises made between two people.

We often hear that one of the most difficult decisions is deciding whether or not to write your own vows. They are so personal and so important and couples often default to tradition – whether or not it’s what they truly want. To help you, we’ve put together some pro’s and con’s and a few ideas to spark ideas for the other words before “I do.”

Traditional Vows

“I, [name], take you [name], to be my lawfully wedded [husband/wife], to have and to hold from this day forward; for better or for worse; for richer, for poorer; in sickness and in health; to love and to cherish from this day forward until death do us part.”

There is something special about saying the same vows that so many have said before you. These lines cover the bases and there is a richness to them that cuts you straight to the heart. Plus, there are other ways to personalize your ceremony while sticking with these classic words.

Custom Vows

There is something hopelessly romantic about writing your own vows, however, there is a lot of fear that bubbles up the moment a couple decides to write their own vows. What if they’re too cheesy, or too mushy, or too cold? What if you’re not able to really express how each other feels or can’t think of the right words to use?!

Tell us what you think! Did you and your spouse recite traditional vows or did you write your own, and why? If you went the custom route, what did you say and where did you find your inspiration?

We were thrilled to see and meet so many of you at the Columbia Bridal Show last week! As fun as it was, we know you have a ton of decisions to make and we want choosing a venue to be the easiest one. We’ve put together a list of questions to ask and things to consider when you tour a venue. Relish and loose yourself in the beauty of the landscape and dreams of your big day, but first, ask smart questions and keep the following in mind while on your venue tours:

-If you’re planning an outdoor wedding, ask the venue about their rain plan.
-Maybe you want your dog as your ring barrier, are pets allowed?
-Is there a reception package & what is included?
-How long can you have the reception space for and is there a fee if the party is popping after the agreed upon end-time.
-Do they have an in-house caterer?
-Do they have a coat check and bathroom facilities that meet your standards?
-What is the parking situation?
-Is there a venue coordinator who will be there on the day of your wedding? What are their responsibilities?
-Are tables, chairs, utensils, glasses, etc., available for your guests or will you need to rent them elsewhere?
-Is there a payment schedule?
-Are there enough outlets for your awesome DJ?
-How many guests can dance in the dance space?
-Sparkler exits are trendy and fun – does the space have an open flame policy?
-Be sure to look out for and ask about the best places for photographs!
-Will any other events happen at the same time as yours?
-Is there a private area for the bridal parties to change or rest?
-Will there be air conditioning or heat available?

We are happy to answer any more questions you think of, and look forward to giving you a tour of our beautiful venue! Best wishes with all your wedding planning. – Adam’s Pond Team