26 www. ReadMPM. com | www.MountPl easantMagaz i ne. com | www.MountPl easantPodcas t . com best of mount pleasant Cady was photographing the cover for the summer edition of Charleston Women. During the shoot, some of the team strolled outside to explore the grounds. As we walked toward the newlybuilt Hilton Embassy at Charleston Harbor, it was hard not to be mesmerized, even as we viewed a structure we had seen so many times before. The Ravenel Bridge was framed by a piercing blue sky with fluffy white clouds that resembled cotton balls, and the sun was directing its rays down to the blueish-green field of grass that separated Harborside East and Hilton Embassy Suites. Soon, we were inspired to select this location for the 2022 Best Of photoshoot. As the photo deadline drew closer, I reached out to Hilton Embassy Suites about using what we felt was the best vantage point to view the Ravenel Bridge. I was put in touch with Lindsey McQueary, director of sales, who reached out to corporate, getting us clearance. Although there was still much to do, at least Mount Pleasant Magazine had the perfect location to capture an image to honor Mount Pleasant business owners. As we moved toward the special day, I would check my weather app every morning and at least once more in the evening. Would there be rain, sunshine or an overcast sky? Regardless, I just needed to move forward — there was nothing I could do anyway. I reached out to Angie Balderson, owner of Haven’s Furniture, as we did last year. She was excited to provide furnishings again, and we were excited to have her. As we continued toward the big day, we discussed the category pages that introduce each section: Food & Drink, Personalities & Services, Shopping & Goods, Pets, Health & Wellness and Entertainment & Leisure. Each year, we have six categories and hundreds of subcategories in which readers can vote. We invite local businesses from each of the categories to join us, so they can introduce their respective category. Crafting the right image for each category was left to photographer Mark Staff, @markstaffphoto. His images were captured at the back of Harborside East, on a path that winds along the Charleston Harbor’s water’s edge. This year, Mark Staff also captured the Best Of 2022 cover photo, which highlights several winning businesses and the iconic bridge between Mount Pleasant and Charleston. The images shared with our readers are not only a result of the hard work and the creative talent of the team at Mount Pleasant Magazine but also a result of the generosity and professionalism displayed by the staff at Harborside East, Hilton Embassy Suites and Bennett Hospitality. At the beginning of each year, we strive to bring the community we serve together through the pages of Mount Pleasant Magazine’s Best Of edition. We hope you will enjoy this issue as much as we enjoy bringing it to you.
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