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...
After Chris Roper proposed to the Christy Ruthsatz in the cupola of the Wentworth Mansion in downtown Charleston, she had no shortage of ideas for their wedding. Having worked in the food and beverage industry and with A Charleston Event and Bridal Library for years, Christy quickly enlisted family and industry friends—like Elyn Rahman from A Charleston Event—to pull off a mellow waterfront ceremony at the Creek Club in I’On. “We were looking for our guests to feel relaxed, experience Charleston charm, and enjoy a great party,” says Christy.
After the “I dos,” the couple joined guests to dine on local fare, like shrimp and grits, crab cakes, and fried green tomatoes from Granville’s Catering. Soon Christy’s brother’s band, Permanent Vacation, cranked up and everyone hit the dance floor. “We couldn’t have danced more and Chris hates dancing! You would have never guessed on our wedding day,” says Christy.
Since Elyn had dressed the clubhouse in fall colors (and following a theme of “A Perfect Pair”), each guest took home a caramel-covered pear created by Laura Mittnerer of Wildflour Pastry. Says Christy of the day? It wouldn’t have been the same without the Charleston event community. “Though not my real family,” she says, “some of the Charleston weddings vendors reached out to me as if I were. That made me feel so proud to be part of this business here.”
Bridal Gown: Amy Kuschel from Gown Boutique of Charleston
Bridesmaids' Dresses: David's Bridal
Cake: Ashley Bakery
Caterering: Granville’s Catering
Ceremony & Reception Location: Creek Club at I’On
Favors: Wildflour Pastry
Groom's Suit: Charpia's
Groomsmen's Suits: Charpia's
Linens: Connie Duglin
Music: Brad and Tina Gettelfinger; Permanent Vacation
Photographer: Heather Forsythe Photography
Rentals: Snyder Event Rentals
Stationery: Carlson Craft
Transportation: Absolutely Charleston; A Charleston Wedding
Wedding Design, Transportation, Florals, & Rentals: A Charleston Event
