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...
Rachel Kozemchak never considered herself a romantic, until she got paired with Cole Blankenship for a semester-long senior project at the University of South Carolina. Love eventually blossomed at a tailgate party—where they discovered a shared appreciation for food, travel, and Lord of the Rings—and the rest, as they say, is history.
Rachel and Cole spent a year and a half doing the long-distance thing before she moved to be with him, and in 2023, the couple built a home in Charlotte, where they plan to raise a brood of corgis. In the middle of it all, the big question came at North Carolina’s Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens. Cole flew in Rachel’s best friend (and future maid of honor) then set them up for brunch and an afternoon at the gardens. The receptionist directed the girls down a path, where they discovered flower bouquets, champagne, charcuterie, and a telescope trained on a proposal sign. As Rachel tearily peered through the lens, the groom popped out of the bushes, down on one knee.
“I honestly never dreamed of getting married and certainly didn’t imagine being the first of our friends to do so,” says Rachel, “but I turned into a hopeless romantic once I met Cole.” That dreamy sensibility guided her vision for their September nuptials at Lowndes Grove, which the couple chose for its scenic Lowcountry aesthetic. The bride wanted the day to feel effortless, airy, sophisticated, and private with a garden vibe and worked with planner Alexandra Woodlief to pull it off.
Against an enchanting backdrop of live oaks, the Ashley River, and the historic waterfront venue, romance floated through the air. A mossy green hue served as the foundation for the fall décor and organic florals by Bliss in Bloom. Shades of peachy orange, dusty rose, and light taupe, along with pops of yellow and tons of texture, set the scene under an airy tent. Alexandra played up patterns with the linens, wooden table numbers, rattan furnishings, and chandeliers. The custom oyster bar, encrusted with hundreds of painted shells, and lattice beverage bar also leaned heavily on texture. Above the dance floor hung the pièce de résistance, a stunning floral centerpiece dripping with amaranth.
As the sun set, the warm glow of cafe lights and candles elevated the romantic ambience while laughter among loved ones set the party in motion. And a surprise visit from Cocky, the Gamecocks mascot, gave a nod to that fated tailgate party where Rachel and Cole first clicked, bringing this love story full circle.
Planning, Design, Stationery, & Signage: Alexandra Madison Weddings
Venue: Lowndes Grove
Photography: Ava Moore Photography
Florals: Bliss in Bloom
Catering & Bar: Patrick Properties Hospitality Group
Cake: Ashley Bakery
Rentals: CRUSH by EventWorks, EventWorks, The French Eclectic, Snyder
Linens: Stradley Davidson, EventWorks
Entertainment: Palmetto Strings (ceremony), Bunn DJ Company (reception)
Getaway Vehicle: Whip Dash
Live Painting: Nicole Schmitz Studio
Bridal Attire: Calla Blanche (gown), Anjolique Bridal & Formal (boutique)
Beauty: SLATE Hair & Makeup
Bridesmaids’ Attire: Revelry
Groom’s Custom Tux: Tom James Company
Groomsmen’s Attire: Jos A. Bank
Videography: Yall House
