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 and Blake crossed paths in Summerville, South Carolina when she was nannying for a coworker of his. They started dating and fell in love, they say, while boating on Wappoo Cut when a thunderstorm hit and they had to jump onto a dock for safety. Blake held Lauren in his arms to keep her cozy and dry, and, well, that was that. Five years later he proposed at that very same spot. Since she’s a Summerville native and he’s been a Charleston local since graduating from The Citadel, they wed here in town at Summerall Chapel on his alma mater’s campus and then headed to The Dewberry for a swanky reception. And while the day was made special thanks to all who surrounded the couple, it was made even more so considering the homage they paid to those missing. “My Dad passed away a month to the day after Blake and I were engaged,” explains Lauren. “We were so fortunate to get to share the excitement with him during that time and we wanted to make him a part of the wedding day as much as we could. There were a few things my Daddy loved—the Lord, golf, aviation, America, and a good stogie …” So, in honor of him, Lauren had her parents’ wedding date stitched into her gown; she carried her father’s aviator wings with her bouquet, and the couple included a Cigar Row rolling bar in their reception. The bride said she felt her dad’s presence throughout the day, but remarks that it was especially palpable when everyone was enjoying cocktails on The Dewberry’s rooftop, when “Dad sent a beautiful rainbow for all our guests to take pictures with,” Lauren says. To see all Cana Dunap’s images from this lovely couple’s lovely day, scroll on.
Design + Planning: The Petal Report | Images: Cana Dunlap Photography | Reception Venue, Catering & Bar: The Dewberry | Ceremony Venue: Citadel Summerall Chapel | Videographer: Branch Wedding Co | Rentals: Snyder Events | Florist: OK Florist | Stage: Stage Presence | Draping: YOJ Events | Lighting: Lowcountry Entertainment | Day of Signage: Hatchcove Designs | Hair & Makeup: Madison Lecroy | Cigar Bar: Cigar Row | Wedding Cake: ABCD Cake Design | Reception Entertainment: PlaneJane | Getaway Car: Lowcountry Valet | Transportation: ACW Limo
