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...
Now this is a wedding story full of fun, food, and … fish. (Wait for it. You’ll see.) Arkansas natives Elle and Miles met in college and dated for four years before this groom seriously reeled in a catch when he proposed to Elle at their go-to fishing spot on Dog Island, Arkansas. He was just about to pop the question when Elle says she began to feel a bite, successfully pulling in a fish herself, and delaying the proposal. But as soon as Miles got the chance to ask the big Q, of course, little lady said yes. Looks like she got her prize fish and prize hubby all in one day! Flash-forward to the Big Day: The Mills House in Charleston for their destination venue, powder blue bridesmaids dresses, and a darling blue bus (named Dorothy!) to transport the couple and their bridal party to and fro. This duo held their nuptials in hospitable, Charlestonian fashion with goodie bags for their traveling guests filled to the brim with Charleston-made candles and custom matches, mini Prosecco bottles, and Charleston Chews to boot. But wait, there’s more! They outdid themselves with their cocktail hour: small bites of deviled eggs and crab cakes, and our Holy City favorite, shrimp and grits. As for the sips, the pair served signature grapefruit margaritas for their friends. Oh, and those Instagram-worthy snapshots with the firemen? A smoke detector went off at the reception but these newlyweds took it all in stride by asking the firemen to pose for a few quick photos. Between the stunning ceremony and all the delectable eats, this wedding truly brought on the heat. Just ask the firemen!
Photography: The Happy Bloom｜Planner: Samantha Anderson Events｜Venue: The Mills House｜Flowers: Pretty Petals of Charleston｜Hair: Lashes and Lace｜Makeup: Anna Grace Medford｜Gown: Inverness Bridal｜Gown Designer: Laine Berry｜Bridesmaid Dresses: Fame and Partners｜Shoes: Stuart Weitzman｜Music: Lowcountry Pianist｜Entertainment: Emerald Empire Band｜Cake: Ashley Bakery｜Groomsmen Suits: Banana Republic｜Invitations: Alexa Nelson Prints
