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...
Luxury cake designer Miri Nadler wields palette knives and buttercream the way Impressionists do brushes and acrylics. Her painterly process transforms wedding cakes into top-tier culinary masterpieces swathed in her signature textural style. “I don’t want to be just a checkbox item on a bride’s list,” she says. “I work closely with the planning team, and every cake becomes integral to the overall design of a wedding.”
Nadler creates flavorful cakes with carefully curated ingredients and well-honed techniques rather than artificial tricks that “leave a weird aftertaste.” (She never drenches cakes in simple syrup or decorates with fondant.) “I’m obsessed with the chemistry of baking,” says the self-taught pro, who started in Hollywood’s luxury catering sphere before opening a pandemic-era bakery near family in North Carolina.
Drawn by Charleston’s prolific wedding industry and the need for a personal and artistic reset, Nadler relocated here last year. While she delivers custom cakes globally, she also sells six-inch cakes (a perfect tasting size!) locally at Harvest Market on James Island and nationwide through Goldbelly. Among the offerings is newly launched flavor “The Wedding Cake,” an almond sponge made from almond flour and amaretto and filled with perfectly tart raspberry filling. mirinadler.com
Rich with honed marble, wrought-iron details, vintage French styling, and modern amenities, The Nickel Hotel (529 King Street) accommodates sophisticated couples seeking posh wedding spaces. From the group that brought The Pinch and Lowland to George Street, this charming Method Co. hotel boasts balconied rooms and luxury penthouse suites; a lush, lanterned courtyard anchored by a double fountain; and elegant gathering places including a rooftop lounge, cocktail bar, and club-like listening room. nickelhotel.com
This spring, event planner Cameron McKee threw her bouquet into the wedding ring with the launch of Charleston Premier Events. Having worked alongside her father, colorful private chef Brett McKee, for a decade, the industry newcomer is well-versed in the fast pace and minutiae of event planning. “Whether it’s a wedding steeped in Southern elegance or an intimate celebration, I handle each detail with care,” says McKee, who aims to “tell each couple’s story with grace, style, and heart.” Thanks to her hospitality background and local roots, the lively planner has already forged connections with choice vendors and gained exclusive access to a private venue on Wadmalaw. charlestonpremierevents.com
If shiplap, navy stripes, and a nautical vibe float your boat, the Daniel Island Yacht Club (101 River Landing Drive) might just be your wedding party port. Beginning this year, the first-class facility has opened to the public as a premium waterfront event space for up to 200 guests. The venue harbors handsome bars, an airy dining room, and outdoor verandas, as well as a charter cruise option. danielislandyachtclub.com
Photographs by (Miri Nadler) Michelle Behre Photography, (The Nickel) Matthew Williams,
(McKee) Mckenzie Watson, & Courtesy of Daniel Island Yacht Club
