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...
It’s been said that every sailor needs a first mate. For Lindsey of Englewood, Florida, and Atlanta, Georgia, native Christopher, this saying came true and then some. What began with a competition on the water—they sailed against each other at the 2009 Charleston Race Week Regatta—unfolded into romance once back on land at the after-race festivities. Following a two-year courtship, Lindsey joined Christopher on a camping trip in the mountains to launch his newly finished wooden boat. After setting up camp beneath a waterfall, Christopher presented Lindsey with a ring and asked her to be his wife. Of the moment, “It was perfect, just the two of us doing the things we love, and a total surprise,” says Lindsey.
When choosing a venue, the pair turned to Christopher’s parent’s private property located on John’s Island’s Church Creek. With their shared interest in both nature and boats as inspiration, they turned to eco-friendly experts Toni Reale and Lori DeNicola of Blue Planet Green Events. A palette of neutral shades with pops of happy hues—yellow, green, and orange—enhanced the venue’s natural beauty, while the designers’ method of using reclaimed wood for décor worked seamlessly with the bride’s passion for architectural preservation. On April 28, Lindsey arrived by boat and joined Christopher on the bank beneath the rich live oaks where they said “I do.” Following an alfresco Southern feast, things heated up with sailor-inspired specialty rum cocktails, outdoor games and swings, and a long night of dancing to the music of The Sneakers. The night ended with a bang as fireworks lit up the sky and the newlyweds sailed off in their wooden-hulled 1959 Lyman boat.
Vendor List
Baker: Twenty Six Divine and Elizabeth Guimont (the bride’s cousin); www.twentysixdivine.com;
Bar Services: MIX Premier Bartending; www.mixcharleston.com
Bridal attire: Amsale from White on Daniel Island; www.whiteondi.com
Caterer: Fat Hen Restaurant and Catering; www.thefathen.com
Ceremony and reception location: Groom’s family’s property on John’s Island
Florist: Toni Reale and Lori DeNicola with Blue Planet Green Events; www.blueplanetgreenevents.com
Getaway vehicle: Bride and groom’s 1959 Wooden Lyman Boat
Hair & Make-up: Ashley Burg, Tabula Rasa Salon; www.tabularasacharleston.com
Lighting: Stage Presence; www.stagepresencellc.com
Photographer: amelia + dan photography; www.ameliaanddan.com
Reception music: The Sneakers
Rentals: Snyder Event Rentals; www.snyderevents.com
Stationery: dodeline design; www.dodelinedesign.com
Wedding planners: Toni Reale and Lori DeNicola with Blue Planet Green Events, LLC; www.blueplanetgreenevents.com
