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...
“We cut a lot of corners for our wedding because we were young, just starting out, and didn’t have the finances to do otherwise,” says makeup artist Marilu Segura of her and husband Cesar’s 2005 nuptials. Back then, a relative took photos of their Big Day; over the years, when the long-ago bride would look at the images, she loved how special they were, but says she also came to wish for a do-over. “A second chance,” says Marilu, “with new hair styles, new makeup, and a new dress.” The Texas-born-and-raised couple, who lived in Charleston for years before moving back to the Lone Star State, had to rule out a vow renewal ceremony due to hectic times in their greater family. But with Marilu returning to the Holy City to work each Charleston Fashion Week® (CFW) since 2013, and with the pair visiting annually for vacation, she saw an alternate option. So last March, 11 years after they first said “I do,” Marilu signed on for another CFW, booked flights for a two-week second honeymoon here, and planned that fantasized-about portrait session. “My dream was to have portraits done in this city that is so dear to us,” she says, “but I never imagined that we would end up with such stunning photographs!” Sometimes fairy tales just take a while to get to that picture-perfect ending.
Top Takeaways:
- Save and splurge. Know you want a Charleston wedding but short on the resources when you get engaged? Stick to your Big Day budget then start a “someday” fund for a vow renewal, second honeymoon, or wedding-style portrait session here. (Marilu and Cesar turned their trip to Charleston into a two-week vacation!)
- Scout out locations you love. Boone Hall Plantation, the John Rutledge House Inn, and streets South of Broad were “must-photograph” spots for the couple
- Don dapper duds. Marilu wore her dream dress (one with long lace sleeves that was nothing like her original wedding gown) while Cesar slipped into hipster attire
- Put your new photos on display. Marilu had images printed on canvases to hang throughout their home.
Vendor List:
Locations: Boone Hall Plantation, www.BooneHallPlantation.com; downtown Charleston
Photography: Judy Nunez Photography, www.JudyNunezPhotography.com
Bouquet: Publix, www.Publix.com (florals); Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft, www.Joann.com (ribbon)
Bridal gown: Nouvelle Amsale from Bridals by Jodi, www.BridalsByJodi.com
Beauty: Marilu Segura, www.MariluSegura.blogspot.com
Groom’s attire: H&M, www.HM.com/us (clothing); Aldo, www.AldoShoes.com (shoes)
