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...
It was nothing but pure sparks (red, white, and blue perhaps?) when Alissa met Rick at a political fundraiser in Chicago. They were both supporting the Governor of Illinois and after hours of talking, the two realized they may be just the perfect candidate for one another. Well, at least in the love department. Three years, many dates, and an Amalfi Coast engagement later—uh, can you say goals?—the duo started schemin’ and dreamin’ up their ideal version of a Charleston wedding, starting with the venue, the iconic William Aiken House on King Street. Their nuptials were most definitely family-oriented and got most everyone participating. During the ceremony, there was a “warming of the rings,” a tradition where the wedding bands are passed from seat to seat, allowing guests a chance to bestow their blessings upon the metals. After the newlyweds slid those rings on each others fingers and shared their first smooch as hubby and wife, they joined partygoers for a roaming cocktail hour. Each historic room inside the home revealed different appetizers and sips, allowing those who had traveled from near and far to take it all in and experience all the Southern feels. Talk about maximizing your space! As for the biggest sensations of the whole shindig (besides the couple, of course)? That would be a Lowcountry boil served in individual tin buckets, and the signature chicken and buttermilk waffle slider. Nom! And as it turns out, the bride and groom weren’t the only ones present day-of with a deep adoration for politics. Alissa and her father shared a sweet embrace to “Proud to be an American,” by Lee Greenwood, as he was the one she credits as instilling in her a love of her country. Now, does it get any more precious than that?
Venue: The William Aiken House | Florist: Palmetto Bloom | Photographer: Brandon Lata Photography + VOW | Wedding Planner: A Charleston Bride | Rentals: Snyder + La Tavola + Ooh Events | Caterer: Oysters XO | Cake: | Calligraphy: J. Lily Designs |Invitations: Studio R | Cigar Row | Music: Ear for Music + Other Brother Entertainment| Valet: Lowcountry Valet | Lighting: TEC | Beauty: Wild Ivory
