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...
Maggie Vickrey and Greg Rothman met in 2018 during an encounter through mutual friends, with the pair walking the docks of Charleston Harbor long into that first night. From her initial intrigue at the marine biologist’s dream to sail the coast to his appreciation of the Illinois native’s connection to camping on her family’s land, their romance lay rooted in outdoor adventure. After nearly five years together, Greg dropped to one knee during a stroll in James Island’s Melton Peter Demetre Park; afterwards, the duo enjoyed tiramisu at Wild Olive, just as they had on their first date.
For their special day, the couple wanted to focus on natural elements while maintaining an air of romantic sophistication. “We loved the idea of the marsh, live oaks, and Spanish moss as the backdrop for our ceremony. That felt more ‘us’ than a floral arch or chuppah,” says Maggie, who was eager to immerse visiting loved ones in the Lowcountry’s wild spirit. After choosing Runnymede as their venue for its proximity to the Ashley River, the pair turned to Carla Moss of Perfect Peony Events to help cast a wedding that would be simultaneously rustic and elegant.
Maggie and Greg’s day was laced with personal touches and nods to the great outdoors, from a restored dinghy-turned-drink cooler to the clever use of oyster shells as place card holders and in chandeliers. Both avid fishermen, the bride and groom eagerly incorporated their beloved pastime into the celebration, setting out handmade rigs and poles for riverfront entertainment. Instead of a guest book, they asked attendees to write date ideas, marital advice, and wishes on postcards to be read on the anniversaries corresponding with their table numbers. And rather than cut a traditional cake, the newlyweds delighted in a slice of Wild Olive’s tiramisu for two, a sweet reflection of their story.
