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...
A mutual friend and a 90s cover band are to thank for uniting Kristen and Shane back in 2016. The two, while listening to some live tunes, were introduced and it seems they have never looked back. Two years into their relationship and after a delightful vacay to Montage Palmetto Bluff, the duo grabbed a late night dinner on the back porch of the Octagon Bar. With the entire outdoor section to themselves, Shane got down on one knee and proposed, cementing what Kristen now calls, “the best vacation ever!” But that wasn’t the last they’d seen of Palmetto Bluff. In pursuit of a Southern wedding, they returned to the Lowcountry venue. Their ceremony overlooking the May River was picture-perfect (kudos, The Happy Bloom) minus one tiny little mishap turned memory. The blushing bride was mere moments away from strolling down the aisle when her planner realized her bouquet was not, in fact, in her hands. What could’ve been chaotic was nothing but a chuckle once the wedding team sprinted back to Kristen with her found bouquet. Phew! For their reception, they used a photograph collection of the Palmetto Bluff area as their guest book, hand-painted oyster shells for seating cards, and served shrimp & grits for dinner. Southern hospitality at its finest! What’s next for this duo? Well, aside from reliving their Big Day through photos and videos, they’re planning a honeymoon in November in order to escape the cold. “We know we will be on a beach somewhere with a cocktail (or two) in hand,” says the new Mrs. Bottoms up, you two.
Images: The Happy Bloom | Planner: Kelli Corn | Venue: Palmetto Bluff | Flowers: Flowers by Sue | Hair + Makeup: Bride’s Side Beauty | Bride’s Dress + Veil: Mikaella | Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Jenny Yoo | Bride’s Shoes: Badgley Mischka | Bride’s Jewelry: Olive & Piper | Music: OtherBrother Entertainment + Low Country Pianist | Rentals: Eventworks | Suits: Jos A Bank | Invitations: Savannah Print Factory
