OUR STORY
With decades of experience, our unyielding commitment to excellence and extensive industry wisdom have fueled our growth, culminating in the establishment of our very own event venue at Mitchelville Place. Come get to know us better!
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At Mitchelville Place, family is at the heart of what we do, making us the best in the business when it comes to creating unforgettable experiences. With over 30+ years of invaluable experience in the wedding and events industry, Bill Winans has honed his craft to perfection, bringing a wealth of knowledge, tradition, and time-tested insights to every event and passing it down to his children to continue the tradition of helping throw the best events in the Lowcountry.
Alongside Bill is daughter Nikki, who leads as the Head Coordinator of Carolina Weddings, bringing a fresh, modern touch to every wedding she orchestrates. Complementing this dynamic duo is Ross Winans, who serves as the dedicated Property Manager, ensuring that every corner of our picturesque venue is meticulously maintained.
Our unwavering commitment to excellence and deep industry knowledge have paved the way for our continued growth and the opening of our own event venue here at Mitchelville Place. For us, Mitchelville Place is not just a venue; it's a family tradition of excellence that sets us apart in the world of weddings and events. As a team, we seamlessly blend the timeless elegance of the past with the innovative touches of the present, ensuring that each wedding they coordinate is a truly unforgettable and cherished experience for couples and their guests.
MEET OUR FAMILY
Bill Winans
Owner and Corporate Events
Ross Winans
Client Relations and Property Manager
The History of
Mitchelville Place
Nestled on 4.5 acres in the heart of Hilton Head Island, The Mitchelville Place residence was hand-built as a replica of Civil War Post Commander General Ormsby Mitchel's three-story home in nearby Port Royal during the Civil War. This house celebrates General Mitchel's role as the Union Army General and visionary for Mitchelville - where freed slaves were each given property and established the first self-governed freedman's town in the United States. Today, the story is being told to visitors at the adjacent Mitchelville Freedom Park.
THE HISTORY OF THE PROPERTY
When Jerre and Nancy Weckhorst, along with John Crago bought parcels of property in 1981, they had no idea of the historic scope and significance of their investment.
As soon as they started clearing the land to build their forever home, they came across a literal treasure trove of artifacts. It seemed as though with every step Jerre and Nancy took on the grounds, something new was unearthed. A chip of a ceramic dinner plate from the mid-1800's, a Union soldier's button, a small toy from the Gullah Freedmen's Town or ancient earthenware pottery pieces.
The significance of these artifacts was not yet known, but the new owners knew they had something important on their hands. So, they took it upon themselves to contact the state of South Carolina and inform them of their discovery. The State, in turn, called in Chicora Foundation, a public, non-profit heritage preservation organization, to assess the ruins.
Chicora was astounded at the vastness, value and volume of the haul. Knowing that Jerre, Nancy and Crago had a limited budget, the Foundation brought in a slew of volunteers to help gently excavate the property. Chicora provided detailed assessments of the collection and advised a long-term preservation strategy of the estate. Then, Jerre took it upon himself to submit some of the find to the National Register of Historic Places. He also single-handedly endeavored for the property be put on the official list of the Nation's historic places worthy of preservation. This recognition allowed for preservation easements, grants for planning and rehabilitation and a bronze plaque.
