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...
Tricia and Brandon were in the same fourth grade class at Springfield Elementary here in Charleston, but their love story didn’t begin until a college football game 14 years later. The South Carolina Gamecocks were playing the Florida Gators in Gainesville, Florida, and Tricia decided at the last minute to make the road trip down for the game. The two reconnected amidst all the excitement, and they chatted (and flirted) all day long. Now, eight years, two apartments, two houses, and three dogs later, we’re writing about them. The pair describe themselves as homebodies—mainly, they say, because their pooches turn on the puppy-dog eyes whenever they leave the house—so Brandon decided a low-key proposal was just their style. It happened the year that, in lieu of a long wish list, Tricia told him to surprise her for Christmas, and she woke up to find one huge box under the tree. She opened it to reveal a smaller box … then a smaller one … then an even smaller one … until she got down to a tiny ring box (and promptly burst into tears). Lauren Myers Photography captured their short and sweet ceremony and subsequent big dance party at Founders Hall at Charlestowne Landing. Before they headed to the altar proper, the two took time during their first look to read vows to one another. (Apparently Tricia loves to cook and Brandon loves to eat her cooking, so when they both referenced the same three meals in their promises to each other, they took it as a really, really good sign.) “If I could wake up and repeat the day over and over (just like Groundhog Day),” says Tricia, “I would do it in a heartbeat. I’d be nervous, I’d wear the dress, I’d smile, I’d laugh, I’d cry … it was literally the best day of my life.”
Planning and Florals: WildFlowers Inc. | Photography: Lauren Myers Photography | Videography: 326 Films | Venue: Founders Hall | Rentals: EventWorks | Catering: Stratford Culinary | Bar: MIX Charleston | Cake: Cakes by Elisabeth Hanckel | Cupcakes: Cakes by Kasarda | Officiant: Ty Zeigler | Keyboardist: Pat Gould | Reception Music: Soul Fish – EastCoast Entertainment | Bride’s Gown: David’s Bridal | Hair: Mirabella by JAC | Makeup: Silhouette on Site | Men’s Attire: Men’s Wearhouse | Photobooth: Charleston Booth Co. | Getaway Car: Charleston Black Cab Company
