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...
Taylor and Sam may be from Virginia and live in Waco, Texas, but the Palmetto State holds a special place in their hearts. They met at the University of South Carolina when Sam, a freshman fraternity pledge at the time, had to serenade Taylor and her roommates while blindfolded as one of his pledge challenges. That encounter led to a close friendship (it didn’t hurt that Sam rescued a pup named Coach and Taylor had an excuse to go hang out at his place). Friendship turned into love, and the two dated throughout the rest of their college years. After graduation, Sam moved to Waco to attend law school at Baylor University, and Taylor followed once she had finished her physical therapy doctorate. Just before Sam left for Texas, though, he suggested they go to one last baseball game at their alma mater. Pre-game, they killed time walking around campus, and Sam pulled out his GoPro (which was not unusual for him), and then he proceeded to get down on one knee (which was unusual). They chose Charleston for their nuptials because they wanted beautiful scenery, live oaks, and Spanish moss. While touring venues, Taylor fell in love with Wingate Plantation on Johns Island, and she is just as smitten with it post-wedding as she was initially. “I think one of the most important reasons that I chose Wingate, other than being absolutely in love with its scenery, was that it is a family-owned and -run venue,” says Taylor. “Sarah, the venue coordinator, made me feel like we were family.” She also credits Willow Event Designs florist and coordinator Jessie with making the Big Day so special. “I told her my budget for flowers and she worked magic, y’all!” the newlywed exclaims. Add to all that a scrumptious chocolate cake from Thurston Southern Catering (a nod to Taylor’s sweet tooth), and it’s clear the stars aligned for this couple, the venue, and their vendors. Are there any better wedding goals than that?
Month-of Coordination and Florals: Willow Event Designs | Photography: Courtney Price Photography | Videography and DJ: EPIC Charleston | Venue: Wingate Plantation | Rentals: EventWorks | Lighting: Charleston Uplighting | Catering: Thurston Southern Catering | Bride’s Gown: Mikaella Bridal | Bridemaids’ Attire: Lulus | Beauty: Canary Rock Salon | Transportation: Carolina’s Executive Limo Line
