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...
If you’re craving a love story and the tale of how this wedding at The Gadsden House came together, click here for the original story that ran in summer 2019 Charleston Weddings. If you’re wanting to pin a million bonus shots and hear why we picked this special day to feature out of the nearly 100 that came into our inboxes for that same edition, read on. [Tick-tock-big clock-pause while you make that choice…] For those whom remain with us: I look at a bajillion Charleston Big Days all at once when we’re pulling together the content for a new mag. We see many of the same uber-fabulous locations over and over, and we often see them in the colors of the moment (still neutrals as of today), and we even see a lot of the same rental furniture, too. It’s actually awesome, like feasting on the best macaroon buffet you can imagine amid the most romantic of vibes over and over again. Nice work, if you can get it! Usually there are a handful of weddings that are hyper fancy blockbusters, ones that show some aspect of the Holy City that we all want a peek of. Those are usually over-the-top affairs where no expense seems to have been spared (and pssst! our pending fall-winter issue is going to only feature such luxurious affairs; prepare to be floored). But in looking at a mix of those big-timers, I like to balance things out with something that’s altogether different so y’all don’t drown in sameness or think that Charleston is a one-tone wonder. Thus enter Shannon and Russell’s fabulous day at The Gadsden House, dressed to chic urban perfection by the glam squad at Sweetgrass Social. One look at those wreaths by Roadside Blooms hanging over the courtyard, and I knew we had to show this wedding to you guys. We have a tendency toward traditional stylings in this corner of the South, and when designers and planners can bridge classic elements (greenery garlands) with a fresh zing (hoops suspended overhead), it’s a winner. And I loved how they kept that circle theme going with the embroidery hoop frames for the table assignment display; how the florals at the “altar” were similarly curved; and how donuts played in as the night went on. The end result gave the location such a cohesive, crisp, mod look it felt as fresh as this lovely couple’s love. So ta to the da, everyone!
Wedding Design: Sweetgrass Social | Florals: Roadside Blooms | Images: Sara Bee Photography | Venue: The Gadsden House | Rentals: EventWorks | Linens: La Tavola | Catering: Maybank Catering | Bar: King Street Beverage Co | Doughnuts: Krispy Kreme Doughnuts | Stationery, signage: Viri Lovely Designs | Bride’s Attire: Pronovias from Gown Boutique of Charleston + Nadri + Ti Adoro Jewelry + Sam Edelman | Bridesmaids’ Attire: Jenny Yoo from Bella Bridesmaids | Beauty: Lashes and Lace | Groom’s Attire: The Black Tux
