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...
The Wedding Row: Tell us about how you met.
Rachel: It was in Nashville, and Shaun was there on weekend trip for a University of Georgia-Vandy football game. I was there on a whim, on an impromptu trip that my sister convinced me to tag along to. I had no reason to say no (and thank goodness I didn’t!). Prior to this I was signing up to do travel nursing, but I couldn’t decide where to go first. Shaun and I started up a random conversation about our college rivalries and we just clicked. We talked all night, danced all night, laughed all night. After a few months of chatting nonstop, I decided to sign a contract for my first travel nurse assignment in Atlanta, where he lived—bold, right? I had to give this a shot!
TWR: Well, hello, boss lady! How’d you all choose Charleston for your wedding?
Rachel: I’m a sixth generation Charlestonian. When Shaun and I got engaged, we knew we were going to live in Atlanta, and since we were going to live in his hometown, we knew we had to have the wedding in my hometown.
TWR: Ah! What can you share about the proposal?
Rachel: It was April Fool’s Day, and also the day before Shaun’s birthday. We were in Charleston for the Bridge Run (which we missed because we overslept), and he told me his parents, who vacation in the city frequently, were in town and that they wanted to meet up for family photos. He asked me where we should go, and I said Sunrise Park because it’s where I’d spent a lot of my childhood—it’s one of my favorite places on earth. When we got there, he got down on one knee and asked me. Best. Day. Ever.
TWR: From your pup with the ring on his head to that box of candy and its sign about marriage being an endless sleepover with your fave weirdo (true)—what’s the story behind these funnies?
Rachel: That’s Gus, our mini dachshund. He gets wildly tired out as soon as there’s more than 10 people in a room. He was so pooped with all the people around he could barely keep his eyes open. My old roommate put the ring on his head. And the box? Gosh, I can’t think of anything more true about me and Shaun! We have a very fun-loving, lighthearted relationship. At least once a week we hit up a grocery store for a “goodie-run”—we have major sweet teeth. We’re best friends and at the end of the day, that’s what marriage should be, an endless sleepover with your best friend.
Wedding Planning: Bouquets & Bowties | Florals: Pretty Petals of Charleston | Photographer: Sara Bee Photography | Videographer: Rachel Owart Media | Venue: Harborside East | Rentals: EventWorks | Catering: B. Gourmet Catering | Bar: Creek Club at I’On | Cake: Cakes by Kait | Invitations: Dodeline Design | Music: Nick Zareski at Lowcountry Entertainment | Bride’s Gown: Gown Boutique of Charleston | Hair and Makeup: Paper Dolls, Callie Vega | Transportation: Lowcountry Valet & Shuttle Co. | Officiant: Rev. Will Mercer, Charming Charleston
