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...
“My incredibly witty introduction goes here.” With that one liner, sent to Emilie over Match.com, Brian caught her attention, made her laugh and set off the relationship that led to this gorgeous Big Day. Their first date was for tea at Starbucks on Valentine’s Day, and before the year was over, Brian knew Emilie was the one for him. He wanted to propose when both their families would there to witness it, so when they all gathered on Thanksgiving, he got down on one knee between the turkey and the pumpkin pie. (Nine months might seem like a blink but Emilie says it felt like “forever.”) When it came to choosing a venue, the bride says, “We wanted our guests to experience all of the natural beauty that Charleston has to offer. We chose Lowndes Grove because it has beautiful live oaks, is right by the water, and could give us a gorgeous sunset.” Add to that ethereal draping, green garlands, and the custom light-fixture-meets-floral-installation courtesy of Ashley Nicole Events, and you’ve got one dreamy wedding. Of course, there were some perfectly not-so-perfect moments, too, like when Brian forgot to take off his transition lenses during the ceremony, that only added to the day’s memories. To remind guests of those memories, the couple gave Candlefish candles as favors. There were his-and-her scents, and each tin bore the date, location, and the happy duo’s names. What a sweet reminder of an even sweeter day!
Wedding Planner: Ashley Nicole Events | Florals: Stephanie Gibbs Events | Photography: Billie Jo & Jeremy Photography | Rentals: Snyder Events | Lighting: Technical Event Company | Venue, Catering, Bar, and Cake: Patrick Properties Hospitality Group | Calligraphy: Hatch Cove Designs | Ceremony Music: Charleston Virtuosi | Reception Music: DJ Doug | Beauty: Paper Dolls | Favors: Candlefish | Transportation: Lowcountry Valet & Shuttle Co.
