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...
OK, prepare yourselves—this is a sweet one. It began when Stephanie was working at the front desk of a chiropractor’s office in the Philadelphia area, one that Bryan’s father frequented. Bryan’s dad kept telling his son that he had found the young man’s future wife. Eventually, Bryan had to see for himself, so he made an appointment … and then another … and another, each time showing up earlier and earlier. As fate would have it, though, Bryan moved to Charleston soon after, while Stephanie remained up North. They stayed in touch for a couple of years, until Stephanie came down for a visit that went so well that the two began dating long-distance. Nine months later, Stephanie moved here for good. Their courting time was filled with more family moments. Like the time the couple went to Pitt Street Bridge in Mount Pleasant to release balloons filled with letters for Stephanie’s father, who had passed away some 15 years prior. They forgot one important element—the helium—and Bryan promised Stephanie they would come back and try again later. When Bryan made good on his word, he had a new balloon, one that included a note asking Stephanie’s father for permission to marry his daughter. (Bryan waited to tell Stephanie as much after she’d watched the balloons float off and turned around to find him on one knee.) See that sweet moment captured in a painting displayed at their Lowndes Grove Plantation reception, where the family released even more balloons to commemorate their nuptials, their proposal, and loved ones absent. (Don’t say we didn’t warn you!)
Wedding Coordination and Design: Ooh! Events | Florals: Forever Flowers Charleston | Photographer: Aaron & Jillian Photography | Videographer: Penny Lane Productions | Venue: Lowndes Grove Plantation | Linen and Tent Rental: Snyder Events | Bar, Catering, and Cake: Patrick Properties Hospitality Group | Calligraphy: Leigh Amrhein | Invitations: Lovepop | Ceremony Music: The Midnight City Band | Reception Music: Right to Party | Hair and Makeup: Paper Dolls | Transportation: Lowcountry Valet & Shuttle Co.
