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...
These days, it’s pretty common to meet your S.O. on a dating app, but Tanya and Joe met in real life, sans any electronics. Can you believe it? While checking out a new store opening in Crown Town (Charlotte, North Carolina, for all those unfamiliar with our neighbor to the North) the two crossed paths, literally and figuratively as Tanya was on a walk with her girlfriend and pup, Rio. From there, the two bumped into each other a few more times about town and Joe finally struck up the courage to ask this pretty lady on a date. One year later, the pair headed to Savannah for a quick trip to celebrate their anniversary. After a spa treatment gifted to her from her beau (Joe, what a guy), she was also gifted something sparkly. Focusing her eyes on the Savannah Theatre marquee in front of her as she was strolling the streets on her way to dinner, Tanya realized that there were no movies playing but what there was … was a marriage proposal from Joe! Sweet. Their Big Day was heavily influenced by bride Tanya’s beginnings, as she was born in Belarus. The whole shebang began with a precious outdoor ceremony held at our beloved Hampton Park. As Tanya walked down the aisle, she had both her biological father from Russia, and her American father figure (she had a host family who helped raise her when she moved here as a child) each take turns escorting her toward a teary-eyed groomie. After the vows, the pair and their participants headed to The Wickliffe House for dancing, laughing, and general merriment. And it wouldn’t be a Russian wedding without an authentic Vodka toast. After the big sig, everyone yelled “Gorko” which translates to “bitter” in Russian. As tradition instructs, the newlyweds had to kiss to make everything “sweet” again. OK, now that is the cutest.
Photography: JB Marie Photography｜Ceremony: Hampton Park｜Getting Ready Location: French Quarter Inn｜Reception: The Wickliffe House｜Dress: The Savvy Bride Boutique｜Groomsmen Suits: The Black Tux｜Bridesmaid Dresses: Shona Joy｜Florals: Roadside Blooms｜Caterer: Scratch Kitchen｜Hair & Makeup: Emma Collins Beauty｜Planning: Reynolds Treasures｜Cake: Publix｜Photo Booth: The Little White Box Photo Booth
