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...
Ever wonder how a super fancy blockbuster wedding gets pieced together while still coming off as personal? We took a look at Mary and Reid’s fantastic Fenwick Hall wedding, planned exquisitely by Tara Guérard Soirée, and asked the bride just that. Her answer—that it all launched off her Pinterest board—might come as a surprise to those of you Pinning your own celebration together. Take a listen to how Mary’s boards worked as the perfect go-between for her and her event guru, and see what tips therein you can pick up. (Also, check out our boards at https://www.pinterest.com/TheWeddingRow/pins/, and know you can Pin straight from this post, too.) Oh, and before we forget. Fenwick Hall recently sold to a new owner who doesn’t plan on renting the fabled site for events, so unless we all are invited to one of their personal fêtes, enjoy this near-last peek at the Lowcountry treasure.
The Wedding Row: Give us the scoop on how you worked with Tara?
Mary: I have to say that Pinterest was the best tool. I could never have described in words what I wanted, but Tara was able to take the things I had pinned and come up with the perfect “organic” vibe, as she put it. And it was dead on! My wedding board was a mix of wood, greenery, neutrals, and subtle metallics.
TWR: We love how rustic some of the elements were—the magnolia arrangements on the aisle and the arbor, the antlers on the tables, the seagrass runner, and more. Can you talk about why you wanted those things?
Mary: Again I have to give most credit here to Tara for having excellent mind-reading skills [a la Pinterest]. I did know from looking at other weddings that I loved the unique look of magnolia leaves—they are “pretty” but also very earthy and grounded looking with the mix of green and brown on their undersides.
TWR: We love your chocolate cake. How did you choose that instead of a traditional white cake?
Mary: Pinterest of course! I am honestly not a huge fan of “wedding cake,” but I really liked the look of cakes that are more rough around the edges. Apart from aesthetics, I am a total chocolate fiend so I love that we were able to have a cake that was a little less conventional, and with flavor combinations that I actually liked!
Wedding Design, Florals, and Linens: Tara Guérard Soirée | Photography: Corbin Gurkin | Venue: Fenwick Hall (privately owned) | Rentals: Snyder Events | Catering: Cru Catering | Bar Service: Spike by Snyder | Cake: Wedding Cakes by Jim Smeal | Save-the-Date: Catherine Kraft Designs | Stationery and Signage: Lettered Olive | Bridal Gown: Eddy K | Bride’s Veil and Bridesmaid Attire: BHLDN | Bride’s Shoes: Toms | Hair: Salon Vari | Makeup: Deidre Outlaw | Groom’s Attire: H. Stockton| Groomsmen Attire: Menguin | Ceremony Music: Charleston Virtuosi | Reception Music: Big Blast and the Party Masters | Getaway Vehicle: Lowcountry Valet and Shuttle
