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...
Courtland Crosswell & John McBroom
October 26, 2013
The Second Presbyterian Church of Charleston & The William Aiken House
A laid-back black-tie affair: an oxymoron, perhaps, but that’s just what Houston, Texas, native Courtland Crosswell envisioned for her October 26, 2013 wedding to John McBroom of Corpus Christi, Texas. “Both our families are extremely traditional, so we wanted a wedding classic in design but relaxed and festive in feel,” Courtland says. Ellen Robinson of WED brainstormed with the bride—a food blogger who also dabbles in home décor—to fill The William Aiken House with verdant topiaries; an elegant palette of ivory, green, and silvery light blue; and patterned linens and pillows. “Using a variety of textures and prints made the space feel like someone’s home,” says Ellen, “while capping it at two patterns in the same palette helped keep the design cohesive.” Last, Wedding Cakes by Jim Smeal pulled inspiration from the décor, as well as from the bride’s Monique Lhuillier ensemble (available in Charleston through Maddison Row), for a five-tier confection that stunned. On the day itself, the newlyweds and their 400 tux- and gown-clad guests noshed, lounged, and danced the night away. Safe to say, mission accomplished
Vendor List
Baker: Wedding Cakes by Jim Smeal, www.WeddingCakesByJimSmeal.com
Bar Service: Fish Restaurant, www.PPGHCharleston.com
Bridal Attire: Monique Lhuillier, available in Charleston through Maddison Row; www.MaddisonRow.com
Bridesmaid Attire: Amsale from Bella Bridesmaids, www.BellaBridesmaids.com
Caterer and Bar Service: Fish Restaurant, www.PPHGCharleston.com
Ceremony Location: Second Presbyterian Church of Charleston, www.SecondPresbyterianChurch.org
Florist: Sara York Grimshaw Designs, www.SYGDesigns.com
Groom’s Attire: Jack Victor, available in Charleston through Berlin’s for Men, www.BerlinsClothing.com
Getaway Vehicle: Charleston Coach Carriage, www.charlestoncoach.com
Hair and Makeup: Stuart Laurence Salon, www.StuartLaurenceSalon.com
Linens: Nüage Designs, www.NuageDesigns.com
Musicians: The Carolina Bagpiper (ceremony), www.TheCarolinaBagpiper.com; Atlanta Showstoppers (reception), www.AtlantaShowstoppers.com
Photographer: Marni Rothschild Pictures, www.MarniPictures.com
Reception Location: The William Aiken House, www. PPHGCharleston.com
Rentals: Snyder Events, www.SnyderEvents.com
Signage: Studio R, www.Studio-R-Design.com
Stationery: Crane & Co., www.Crane.com
Wedding Design and Coordination: Ellen Robinson of WED, www.CharlestonEvent.com
Videographer: Reel Weddings, www.TheReelWeddings.com
