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...
Blake, a wedding planner for Pure Luxe Bride, recently had the chance to plan her own Big Day. She and now-husband Charles met in an accounting class at College of Charleston, and a few years later he popped the question amidst twinkly lights and Christmas décor at The Biltmore in Asheville, North Carolina. Their wedding at The Gadsden House was featured in the latest issue of Charleston Weddings magazine. Read their story here, then check out the bride’s thoughts on planning a wedding from a pro’s perspective.
The Wedding Row: How was the process for you, being a planner? Tougher? Easier?
Blake: I loved being the bride! I really enjoyed the planning process and getting to make final decisions. Knowing all the options did make the decision making a little tough at times, but I always kept our overall vision and what was important to us in mind.
TWR: What were your “musts?”
Blake: We have a huge dancing crowd, so we knew we wanted a band to appeal to all ages and have everyone on the dance floor all night long. We collaborated with our caterer to create an “oyster boat,” which was a fun presentation that our guests really enjoyed. We were gifted a live painter (Wed on Canvas) to capture the magic of the reception, which was an interactive detail as guests were able to watch the masterpiece come to life.
TWR: Did you learn anything planning your own day and experiencing it as a bride rather than as a planner?
Blake: I certainly learned things here and there along the way, which has given me an even better perspective on how to help our brides and guide them in making certain decisions. For example, we don’t often dress shop with our brides since many of them aren’t local, so that was a fun learning experience. Make sure to set a budget and do research on the style of dress you are drawn to, since each bridal shop carries different designers. Go into it with an open mind, try something on that may be out of your comfort zone, choose your group wisely, and be sure that your dress goes with your wedding style—it will help tell the story!
Wedding Design and Planning: Pure Luxe Bride | Day-of Coordination: Sweetgrass Social | Florals: Petaloso | Photography: Aaron & Jillian Photography | Videography: Film Anywhere Productions | Venue and Bar: King Street Hospitality Group | Rentals: EventWorks; 428 Main (lounge); Ooh! Events (specialty items, lighting) | Linens: Nüage Designs | Catering: MOSAIC Catering + Events | Cake: Sablée | Calligraphy: J.Lily Design | Paper Suite: Whimsy B. Paperie | Monogram: Abigail J Studio | Painting: Wed on Canvas | Ceremony Music: Bob Williams Duo | Reception Band: Charleston Groove Factory | Dancefloor Decal: Charleston Wrap | Bride’s Attire: Calla Blanche from Verità. A Bridal Boutique | Bridesmaids’ Attire: Bella Bridesmaid | Beauty: Ash and Co. | Groom’s Attire: The Black Tux, Brackish Bow Ties | Getaway Vehicle: Charleston Style Limo
