Written By Melissa Reardon
Photographs By Lucy Cuneo
A transplant from Virginia, Weston “Wes” McAfee vividly remembers the first time he saw his future bride-to-be. Charleston native Dana Elaine...
Magic brought Mary Jane and Alex together. No, really, it did—they met while working at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, part of Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida. Five years later, while on a lunch date, Alex popped the question and Mary Jane made him immediately drive her to her mother’s house so she could show off the ring. The two knew they wanted an outdoor wedding, but the bride says that Florida is just too hot and humid year-round, they went on a “tour of the South” searching for the perfect spot for their Big Day. After visiting venues in Greenville and Savannah, Georgia, as well as Charleston, they decided that The Gadsden House was just the right mix of elegance and Southern charm. They picked Monday, November 19 (their dating anniversary) for their nuptials, both as a sweet nod to their beginnings and as a way to make the most of their budget. And did we mention that the couple lost a total of 200 pounds (130 of those being hers) together in the years leading up to their wedding? Mary Jane tells us, “After Alex surprised me with a trip to Disney’s Animal Kingdom for a special trek where they take pictures, we decided it was time to get our health under control. I had a feeling we would be getting married in the next couple of years and was extremely motivated to not have to pay more for my dress because of my size.” And what a dress it was! Congratulations to this pair of true partners.
Wedding Planner: Carolina Occasions | Florals: OK Florist | Photographer: Olivia Taylor Photography | Venue, Catering, and Bar Service: King Street Hospitality Group | Rentals: Snyder Events, Something Borrowed K&S | Lighting: Lowcountry Entertainment | Desserts: Cakes by Kait | Getaway Car: Lowcountry Valet & Shuttle Co.
