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’s confirmed: Heather and Chuck absolutely let the dogs out. The pet lovers (and now newlyweds) met back in Gainesville, Florida, while in veterinary school. Chuck was getting his PhD in animal nutrition, and Heather was in her second year of school, busy focusing her studies on equine surgery and doting on her fur baby, Ryder. From what Heather can tell us, it seems that Chuck would flaunt his recently adopted puppy, Kili, around the vet school as an effort to meet the ladies. Heather remained unimpressed by his use of Kili as a babe magnet until Chuck messaged her individually, asking to take her out. She suggested Swamp Head brewery, a local hangout for students. While they hit it off on the first date, the next few left them agreeing that it might be better just to be friends. “They felt a little forced and awkward,” admits Heather of these following few meetings. That was until they went on one more doggy play-date, a week after Heather hadn’t heard anything from Chuck. With the pressure off and the stress of forced dating at bay, they realized that hey, this could be worth a real shot. In 2018, Chuck proposed and the wedding planning commenced. The Sunshine state couple decided to join us here in the Lowcountry at The Carriage House at Magnolia Plantation for their Big Day and it was one for the books. Pink everything (umm, that corn hole board is tops), a candy and coffee bar, and you guessed it, Ryder and Kili as wedding attendees made this a summer affair to remember. And to celebrate their love for each other and animals, duh, they had not one but two cakes. A girly one for Heather and a lifelike fish-shaped cake from ABCD Cakes for the groomie. If this story has taught us anything, it’s that man’s best friend can also be a man’s best wingman.
Images: Aaron + Jillian Photography | Planning + Design: Charleston Wedding Planner | Venue: The Carriage House at Magnolia Plantation | Bar: Spike | Beauty: Ash and Co.| Bridal Attire: Badgley Mischka + BHLDN | Bridesmaid’s Attire: Piyama + Kleinfled’s Bridal | Cake: ABCD Cakes | Calligraphy + Invitations: Do Tell Designs| Catering: Salthouse Catering | Entertainment: Palmetto Strings + DJ Wade | Draping + Lighting: Lowcountry Entertainment | Floral: Petaloso | Men’s Attire: Men’s Warehouse | Linens: Eventhaus | Rentals: Ooh! Events | Photo Booth: Charleston Booth Company | Transportation: SC Express Charleston |
