Hello: had my babies

And then a child was born. Really three of them.

First, I gave birth to the Charleston Wine + Food Festival. It wasn’t my idea but after a few of Charleston’s top chefs starting participating in festivals in other cities, they all came back and asked me about starting one here. I knew it was a HUGE undertaken and the only way it could happen was if the right people came together to do it. And that is exactly what happened. Legends like Natalie Dupree were instrumental in formulating a plan and sending out invites. People like Mickey Bakst moved into the area and quickly became a part opening doors like no other could. Hundreds and thousands of people came together to pull if off including the queen of all volunteers Lisa Buzzelli. I could list a million people part of it but none of it could have happened without the people God put in my life to make it a reality–especially my two amazing team members Randi Weinstein and Sara Donahue. They were my everything and still are to this day. And even though he doesn’t ever get credit or is not really in the spotlight, if it were not for Ken Vedrinski believing in me, supporting me, teaching me, inspiring me, and feeding me, none of it would have happened. The festival was amazing and for sure one of the greatest accomplishments of my life, but nothing could top to the two babies I had during my years leading it.

Both Riley and Chase were in my tummies during the festival. I can only imagine what they had to endure during those incredibly taxing weekends and months leading up to the event. Oh the things they heard, the pain their mama felt on her feet all of those hours, the complaining, the partying (not by me of course), the crying (by me at least once that weekend). I am sure it had an impact on who they are to become. I adore this photo of Riley at the hotel when set up was happening. My goal with the festival was that I would create something that would be around long enough for my kids and hopefully their kids to go to and enjoy. So far so good, and even though they are not old enough yet, they are close and I cannot wait until the day we can go to an event together and say “remember when.”