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...
Funnily enough, romantic gestures aren’t the only way to find love. New York natives Lauren and Austin met when he boldly cut in front of her in line outside of a bar in the Hamptons. She took notice of him for this snub, of course, but she also couldn’t help but notice how devilishly handsome this stranger was. Later, when he caught her eye across the bar, Austin sidled up to Lauren and profusely apologized, explaining that he sometimes worked at the bar and had connections. He extended a peace offering in the form of some of bubbly, and the two got to chatting. Only a few days passed before Lauren and Austin were toasting the night away on their first date and two years down the road from that, and Austin was down on bended knee—not even a nor’easter couldn’t stop him. He popped the question on the porch outside Lauren’s parents’ home while their family and friends watched from a hidden door camera upstairs. (Everything was recorded on film so Lauren could watch it back time and time again.) And as the newly engaged had, just a week earlier, taken an impromptu road trip to South Carolina and fallen hard and fast in love with our Holy City (can you blame them?), the runaway winner for wedding locale was Lowndes Grove Plantation, overlooking the scenic Ashley River. Their nuptials were infused with all kinds of romance, from whimsical spools of fabric draping the dance floor, to luxe velvet emerald-green lounge areas, to gold laser-cut place cards. Embracing their southern surroundings, the couple handed out weddings favors of grits so that everyone could bring a little bit of Charleston back up North. Oh, and did we mention they had candy bar station at the end of the night? What’s sweeter than sweet? This darling couple and their beautiful Big Day.
Venue: Lowndes Grove | Florist: Ooh! Events | Images: Taylor Rae Photography | Hair + Makeup: Meg Workman & Paper Dolls | Ceremony Music: Charleston Virtuosi | Band: Steel Toe Stiletto | Caterer: Lowndes Grove | Dress: Pronovias & Castle Couture | Groom’s Attire: Suit Supply & The Black Tux
