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...
Jackie and Conor both went to College of Charleston, but they didn’t meet until the New Year’s Eve after graduation. That’s when both were secretly set up by mutual friends (and Jackie’s sister) at the mega party downtown hosted by 95SX, aka Charleston Wonderland. The couple hit it off immediately, and at some point they entered a photo booth where they shared a few fun snaps … and their first kisses. What they didn’t know? The snaps were being live-streamed in the main ballroom and their crew saw every last smooch. Unfortunately, after that magical evening, Jackie, in Charleston, and Conor, in Pensacola, Florida, where he was stationed as a Marine, lost touch. A year later, though, it was game on when Conor was transferred a little closer, to Camp Lejeune in North Carolina, and they took turns driving 8-and-a-half hours roundtrip every weekend to visit each other. Add a seven-month deployment and several eight-week exercises to the mix, and they managed to weather a fair bit of reality, if we do say so. Then? The two were strolling in the historic district here when Conor pretended he had a rock in his shoe while they crossed the cobblestones of picturesque Chalmers Street; of course, it was his ruse to get down on one knee and propose. Six months later, he and Jackie hosted this gorgeous wedding at The Dewberry (chosen for its rooftop views and outdoor setting). Now, how’s that for a love story?
Wedding Planner: Parte Events + Design | Florals: Roadside Blooms | Photography: Stephanie Adkins Photography | Venue: The Dewberry | Rentals: EventWorks | Calligraphy: J.Lily Design | Bride’s Gown: Chosen by One Day | Bride’s Headpiece: Emma Katzka Bridal | Hair and Makeup: Ash & Co. | Photobooth: Booth by Demand
