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...
Lauren Schaal & Chad Arango
April 15, 2018 / Boone Hall Plantation
Check out College of Charleston alum Lauren’s feed (@Lauren_Arango) and you’ll see that she and Chad are wedding veterans. You’ll also score a fashion show—these two are a primer for what to wear to any Big Day. When it came to their own ceremony and reception at Boone Hall Plantation, the New Yorkers (she’s worked at Burberry, Glamour, and more) brought that same flair. Lauren wore Marchesa the entire night (her mother bought it off the runway with one stipulation: no gown changes); and Chad donned a white tuxedo jacket, then changed into Tom Ford to receive guests. The setting was just as stylish, with its streamlined palette echoing the blush of her dress, run through with hot pink, and accented with gold. In the end, all the elegant appointments (and elegant attendees) simply stunned against the rustic backdrop. Considering the day’s stars, would you expect anything else?
WHAT THEY RECOMMEND
• Remember stamps.
Tulips on the invitations inspired the custom stamps. Reply card envelopes bore Oscar de la Renta postage in honor of the bride’s love of haute couture.
• Let your flowers smooch.
Blooms and greenery woven into the lighting nearly touched the tabletop flowers. That reach offers maximum impact with minimal florals; planner Christina calls the look “kissing tulips.”
• Get a coach.
With 27 vendors to coordinate and the couple living in Manhattan, Christina says having a planner on board was critical for the bride and groom’s sanity.
• Sheath candles.
Slender chimney glass sleeves sat atop candle holders for a safe touch that was more elegant than hurricane glasses.
Vendors
Wedding design, planning: Christina Baxter Weddings & Events, www.christinabaxterweddings.com
Photography: Virgil Bunao, www.virgilbunao.com
Venue: Boone Hall Plantation, www.boonehallplantation.com
Florals: Branch Design Studio, www.branchdesignstudio.com
Catering, bar: Cru Catering, www.crucatering.com
Cake: Cakes by Kasarda, www.cakesbykasarda.com
Rentals: EventWorks, www.eventworksrentals.com ; Nüage Designs (linens: head table, cake table), www.nuagedesigns.com
Lighting: Technical Event Company, www.technicaleventcompany.com
Stationery: Mac & Murphy, www.macandmurphy.com
Calligraphy: Tara Jones, www.tarajones.com
Rings: Howard Engle, www.howardenglediamonds.com
Bride’s attire: Marchesa (gown), www.marchesa.com ; borrowed (veil); Nadri (earrings), www.nadri.com ; Sophia Webster (shoes), www.sophiawebster.com
Dresser: Cacky’s Bride + Aid, www.cackysbrideaid.com
Beauty: Patrick Navarro (hair), hairbynavarronyc@gmail.com ; Classic Beauty (makeup, Cheryl Quinn), www.classicbeautysc.com
Bridesmaids’ gowns: Nordstrom, www.shop.nordstrom.com ; JJ’s House, www.jjshouse.com
Flower girl’s dress: Dollcake, www.us.dollcake.com.au
Ring bearer’s attire: Black n Bianco, www.blacknbianco.com
Groom’s attire: SuitSupply (ceremony), www.us.suitsupply.com ; Tom Ford (reception jacket), www.tomford.com ; Louis Vitton (cufflinks), www.us.louisvuitton.com ; Del Toro (reception slippers), www.lifestyle.deltoroshoes.com
Groomsmen’s shoes: Del Toro Slippers, www.lifestyle.deltoroshoes.com
Music: Charleston Virtuosi (ceremony), www.charlestonvirtuosi.com ; Right to Party through East Coast Entertainment (reception), www.bookece.com/artist/right-to-party
Video: Life in Rewind, www.lifeinrewind.com
