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...
Amanda got an early gift the year Zach walked into her pre-birthday celebration with a couple of their mutual friends. The two Wilmington, North Carolina, dwellers hit it off immediately, and nearly two years later Zach surprised Amanda with a trip to Chimney Rock, North Carolina. The morning after they arrived, they hiked to a nearby waterfall, where Zach had secretly hidden a love note behind an informational sign about snakes. He kept telling Amanda to go read the sign, she responded that she already had, and he finally had to tell her to look behind it. “I read this heartfelt letter that he wrote,” Amanda tells us, “and when I turned around, my best friend was down on one knee and asking me to marry his goofball self.” Since many of their wedding guests would be traveling from out of state, the couple wanted to choose a destination for their nuptials that would give guests an experience, and Charleston fit the bill. While venue hunting, they decided to schedule a tour at Middleton Place on a whim, and they ended up falling in love with the space’s water views and giant trees. For the Big Day itself, Amanda wanted to incorporate one of her favorite colors, navy blue, without making things too dark. “With the help of Francesca and Blake from Pure Luxe Bride,” she says, “we brought in the navy at the reception through the candles, napkins, and name cards. They did an excellent job putting it all together!” And, aside from a buzzing bee getting trapped among the many layers of Amanda’s sparkly skirt while trying to get in on some group photos, the day went off without a hitch.
Wedding Planning | Pure Luxe Bride
Ceremony/Cocktail Hour | Octagonal Gardens-Middleton Place
Reception | Pavilion- Middleton Place
Cake | Nothing Bundt Cakes
Flowers | On A Limb
Rentals | Event Works
Specialty Rentals | 428 Main
Lighting | Ooh!
Ceremony/Reception Music | Melodic Entertainment
Photographer | Aaron and Jillian Photography
Videographer | Matt Rouse Films
Officiant | Bill Schitt
Hair/Makeup | Paper Dolls
Guests Transportation | Coastal Limo
(bridal party via Middleton Shuttle)
Bride/Groom getaway | Lowcountry Valet
Invitations | J.Lily
Specialty | The Photobooth People
Wedding Dress Designer | Calla Blanche
