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...
With couples getting anointed “Mr. and Mrs.” every weekend in the myriad nooks and crannies of Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, the site’s seen more than its fair share of wedding day décor. And as Magnolia’s former event director (and current owner of Cruz Coordination, one of Charleston’s top-notch planning outfits), Jessica Cruz has seen almost every last iteration. So when she was tapped to design the finale reception last January for the venue’s annual wedding showcase, “A Lowcountry Love Affair,” she wanted to give one of the most popular parts of Magnolia a totally new look. “The whole design was to create an extension of the outdoor garden parties that had taken place throughout the rest of the beautiful gardens of Magnolia Plantation that day,” says Jessica. “I wanted to create a lush, over-the-top, indoor garden party in one of my all-time favorite venues. I envisioned everything hanging from the ceiling—from flowers and greenery to the food displays and the insanely beautiful hanging dessert display. All the vendors took the vision and ran with it in their own way.” To understand how differently they styled things, consider the “before:” the waterside spot has towering bare-timbered ceilings that preside over a barn-like open floor plan, a recipe that planners tend to go rustic with. But Jessica and her dream team? Nope. Think hot pinks and purples. Think massive, brightly hued floral walls and installations from Roadside Blooms and WildFlowers Inc. And think pick-your-own pretzels from MOSAIC Catering & Events. (As for those guests plucked a hanging soft pretzel from those that dangled over the bar and opted for cheddar and beer cheese, basil-mustard dip, or a cinnamon creme anglaise.) Says Jessica, “The final product was truly more than I ever hoped it could be!” Curious? Don’t wait. Scroll on for all of the imagery from Philip Casey and happy pinning, all!
Venue: The Carriage House at Magnolia Plantation & Gardens | Coordination & Design: Cruz Coordination | Floral Design: Roadside Blooms | Floral Design: WildFlowers Inc. | Rentals: EventWorks | Lounge Furniture and Vintage Pieces: 428 Main | DJ, Draping, and DJ lighting backdrop: Lowcountry Entertainment | Mocktails: Spike by Snyder | Catering and Pretzel Display: MOSAIC Catering & Events | Bakery: WildFlour Pastry | Transportation: Lowcountry Valet & Shuttle Co. | Images: Philip Casey Photography | Vintage Mirror Photo Booth: Charleston Booth Co. | Succulent Favors: Living Décor Charlotte
