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...
March 20, 2025 / The Palmetto Cafe
Sparks flew when Sabrina Galiney and Mike Armstrong first crossed paths at a party in Boston. But just two months into dating, the pandemic’s arrival threatened to upend their budding romance. Mike’s job as a project manager required him to continue working in-person, and the couple spent nearly 60 days apart. Then, shortly after reuniting, a new project assignment three hours away quickly separated them again. But the distance brought their intentions sharply into focus. “Even when life kept pulling us in different directions, being together was always our priority,” Sabrina says. Four years later, Mike proposed in the observation deck atop Boston’s Prudential Center. High above the heart of the city, his big question was swiftly met with an overjoyed “Yes!” from Sabrina.
Seeking to hold a majestic, multiday Indian wedding the following spring, the couple began exploring East Coast destinations with reliably pleasant weather and easy access for both of their families. Charleston quickly rose to the top of the list, especially when they learned that each of the venues they scouted for their four-day extravaganza was available on the same weekend.
Festivities kicked off at The Palmetto Cafe with a welcome party and mehendi, a traditional Indian celebration during which a bride receives her wedding henna. “We also gave our guests bangles and bindis to wear, which added a playful touch and introduced everyone to some Indian customs,” says Sabrina. Pure Luxe Bride painted the party in vibrant hues, with dramatic draping, clusters of upside-down umbrellas, and bright blooms transforming the restaurant into an atmosphere both cozy and lively—a vibe further encouraged by abundant lounge areas ripe for mingling. The joyful evening set a heartfelt tone for the celebratory weekend ahead.
