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...
Claire and Jay are one of those couples that we just want to be friends with. They exude cool and have that “it” factor that makes you love them instantly (even though we have never met them). But enough of that. Let’s hear more about their story. New Jersey native Jay caught Claire’s eye while he was skateboarding on the streets outside their College of Charleston apartment building. The co-eds struck up a conversation and before long, they were sharing their first smooch in that same driveway on St. Patrick’s Day. “Our roommates and friends were peeking through the blinds, being nosy,” laughs Claire. Fast-forward six years later and during a camping trip to Edisto Island, the duo launched a paper lantern into the sky, scribbled with their hopes and dreams. And as the lantern went up, Jay got down … on one knee that is. Keeping that coastal theme going, they engaged booked the Creek Club at I’On for their nuptials and made sure that family played a large role in their Big Day, as both families, the bride’s and the groom’s, are super close-knit. Example A? Claire’s lovelier than lovely bridal bouquet. Roadside Blooms fashioned an arrangement that was fitted with a piece of satin fabric from Claire’s grandmother’s and mom’s wedding gown (they wore the same one!), with a hand-embroidered forget-me-knot flower. Example B? Claire’s uncle officiated the ceremony while the mother of the groom, Nancy, performed “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong—a tribute to the almost married pair. (We’re not crying, you’re crying.) Even their kitten Clover got in on the wedding day action. His namesake was the inspiration for their signature cocktail which looks mighty refreshing. Judging by these gorgeous photos snapped by Caroline Ro, this Saturday was nothing short of perfect.
Photography: Caroline Ro | Catering: Creek Club at I’on | Cake: WildFlour Pastry Bakery | Coordination: Cruz Coordination | Dress: Bridals by Jodi | Beauty: Lashes and Lace | Groom’s Attire: Generation Tux | Rentals: Eventhaus | Audio/Music: Darby Events
