15 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com Rain and chilly weather weren’t enough to dampen the spirit of Mount Pleasant Magazine's Best of Mount Pleasant 2026 photoshoot at Boone Hall Plantation’s Cotton Dock. Despite the gray skies and cool breeze coming off the nearby tidal creek, the day was filled with warmth, laughter and a true sense of community. From the moment guests arrived, it was clear this photoshoot was going to be something quite special. The scent of fresh, warm donuts and coffee from Annie’s Hot Donuts filled the air, and with umbrellas in hands, our fearless Best Of winners accepted the challenge and braved the less-than-ideal conditions. Photographer Mark Staff’s vision for the shoot exceeded our expectations per usual. To capture the essence of Mount Pleasant’s vibrant community, he brought in an oldfashioned rowboat, anchoring it along the water’s edge. The rustic charm of the boat juxtaposed with the contemporary energy of the participants created a timeless feel. Local business owners posed together, their smiles radiant against the backdrop of the tidal creek. The setting at Boone Hall’s Cotton Dock provided a picturesque stage for the event. This iconic venue, known for its sweeping views and serene waters, became an outdoor about the cover BEST OF MOUNT PLEASANT 2026 WINNERS AND FINALISTS Back row (from left): Betsy Fraser, Compass VisionCare; Annie Vola, Annie's Hot Donuts; Jim Westerhold, Boone Hall Plantation; Stephanie Kelley, East Cooper Community Outreach; Ty Gosnell, Players Golf Academy; Marianna Ross, Soulshine Aesthetics; Darla Rourk, Palmetto Christian Academy and Jeff Filosa, LoLA. Front row (from left): Joshua Long, Senior Resource Specialists; Vanessa Steele, The Art Place Studio; Charlie Capasso, Capasso Planning Partners; Cliff Hudson, Hudson's Automotive; Andrea Meier, Holistic Wellness Collective; Dr. Farrow DuRant, Sweetgrass Pediatrics and Scott Herron, M. Dumas & Sons. Photo by Mark Staff. studio where every frame told a story. Guests wandered along the dock, laughing under umbrellas, chatting by the water’s edge and admiring the overcast beauty of the Lowcountry. The human element brought a sense of camaraderie that overshadowed the cold December drizzle. Southern hospitality played a huge role in keeping spirits high. Staff ensured everyone had what they needed to stay comfortable. I personally sacrificed my boat shoes, which got engulfed in the palmetto pluff mud for the greater good of the photoshoot. Other team members literally gave the jackets off their backs to make sure our guests stayed warm and looked their best. These small comforts allowed participants to focus on the experience, enjoy each other’s company and fully immerse themselves in the photoshoot. By the end of the day, it was clear that the Best of Mount Pleasant 2026 photoshoot wasn’t just about taking pictures but rather celebrating the heart of the community. These photographs will live on and serve as a lasting reminder of the resilience and strength of the Mount Pleasant community. This image reflects a town that comes together when it’s needed the most and shines its brightest even without help from Mother Nature. BY ZACH GIROUX
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