One of the things about being wedding-obsessed is that we’ve seen (more than) our share of Big Days thrown here in Charleston. So for us to pass on a post to you, it’s got to be an event that was...
Kelly Broad & James Affinito
October 12, 2013
The First Baptist Church of Charleston & Runnymede Plantation
Kelly Broad and James Affinito may both originally hail from Pittsburgh and call New York home now, but they each seem to have a native’s knack for Southern hospitality. Before convincing you with details from their classic Charleston wedding weekend, check out their courtship and James’ gentlemanly proposal.
The two, who met through Kelly’s best friend, first bonded in the Big Apple at group get-togethers where they found themselves cheering on the same hometown sports teams. Eventually, James invited Kelly to dinner and cooked a childhood favorite: his mom’s homemade pasta. That sentimental meal kicked off four-plus years of dating, much of which was spent dining their way across New York. The couple’s enthusiasm for good eats eventually pulled them southward. “It was our love of food that drew us to Charleston for our first weekend getaway,” says Kelly.
Then, last October, James conspired with Kelly’s office on a surprise trip. A car picked her up from work, and she was told how long she’d be gone, the forecast, and that it was time to pack. At the airport, James told her they were heading to South Carolina. The next morning, quietly in their hotel room, he proposed. Later, over coconut cake at Peninsula Grill, James surprised Kelly again with a pair of tickets to Pittsburgh so she could see her grandmother and brother on the way home to share the good news.
From there, the couple worked with Tara Guérard Soirée to fashion a welcome party at The William Aiken House, rehearsal dinner at Carolina Yacht Club, a ceremony at The First Baptist Church of Charleston, and a reception at Runnymede Plantation. Having a weekend brimming with events was critical, says Kelly, because getting to spend time with each guest was a top priority for the newlyweds. “Everything about it was just dreamy,” says Kelly graciously. “I’ll never forget it.”
Vendor List
Aisle Runner & Awning: Boutique Tents, www.BoutiqueTents.net
Bar Service: Spike by Snyder, www.SnyderEvents.com/Bar-Service
Bridal Party Transportation: Absolutely Charleston, www.AbsolutelyCharleston.com
Bride’s Gown & Veil: Vera Wang, available in Charleston through Maddison Row, www.MaddisonRow.com
Bride’s Dresser: Cacky’s Bride + Aid, www.CackysBrideAid.com
Bridesmaids’ Gowns: Monique Lhuillier, available in Charleston through Bella Bridesmaids, www.BellaBridesmaids.com
Cake: Wedding Cakes by Jim Smeal, www.WeddingCakesbyJimSmeal.com
Catering: Tristan Events, www.TristanEvents.com
Calligraphy: (invitations) Claudia Engle Lettering & Design, www.CEngleDesigns.com; (event) Elizabeth Porcher Jones, www.ElizabethPorcherJones.com
Carpeting: Christian Carpet & Binding, (843) 556-9568
Ceremony Location: The First Baptist Church of Charleston, www.FBCharleston.org
Groom’s & Groomsmen’s Suits, Slippers, and Bow Ties: Ralph Lauren Black Label, www.RalphLauren.com
Hair: Kristy Cuthbert, Sola Salon Studios, www.SolaSalonStudios.com/Stylist/Kristy_Cuthbert
Host Hotel: Wentworth Mansion, www.WentworthMansion.com
Food Truck: Diggity Doughnuts, www.DiggityDoughnuts.blogspot.com
Lighting: Production Design Associates, www.PDAStage.com
Makeup: Kori Mahoney, Gwynn’s of Mount Pleasant, www.Gwynns.com
Music: (ceremony) Beverly Bradley (organist), Little City Gospel Choir and Charleston Heartstrings, both Debut Inc., www.littlecitymusic.com; (reception) Big Swing and the Ballroom Blasters, EastCoast Entertainment, www.EastCoastEntertainment.com
Photography: Corbin Gurkin, www.CorbinGurkin.com
Reception Location: Runnymede Plantation, www.EventsatRunnymede.com
Rentals: (dinner) Berlin’s Restaurant Supply, www.Berlins.com; (facilities) Nature’s Calling, www.NaturesCallingInc.com; (general) Snyder Events, www.SnyderEvents.com
Stationery & Paper Goods: Lettered Olive, www.TheLetteredOlive.com
Wedding and Floral Design and Coordination: Tara Guérard Soirée, www.TaraGuerardSoiree.com
