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...
The inspiration for my wedding last September came from a vintage globe I found at a flea market. Not only had my now-husband, Sean, and I traveled a lot together and spent part of our relationship on different continents, but also the vast majority of our 55 guests would be flying in from around the world to see us tie the knot. And so a theme and palette were born: we took the turquoise of the globe and combined it with our love of travel and all things vintage.
When you’re pulling together most of the details yourself like we did—Sean is a graphic designer and created all of our paper products, while I’m the crafty sort who loves do-it-yourself—remember foremost that continuity is everything. So stick to your theme and colors and infuse the event’s elements (setting, printed goods, serving materials, flowers, wardrobe, and more) with both. When it comes to palette, trios seem to work best, with a bolder color balanced by two neutrals—we added charcoal grey and gold to the headlining turquoise. Don’t be afraid to use the strongest color in unexpected places: The chunky turquoise earrings I wore with my traditional white dress were one of my favorite details of the day—except, perhaps, for the turquoise shoes peeping out from under it! Pick a font with flourish for your printed materials—ours is called Feel Script, and we used it on everything from the invitations to our crossword puzzle and our restroom signs—but complement it with something more simple and understated. Keep things consistent by using this pairing everywhere.
As for surviving all the DIY? First, delegate. My mother made our cake, my youngest brother and dad played our first dance song, my other brother bought pashmina wedding favors on his way in from Singapore, and my sister put in countless hours of manpower. School these helpers in your theme and palette, but be hands-off enough to enjoy their assistance. Next, manage your time and tasks to the letter. Plan what you can realistically take on in the hours you have and enlist others—pros or pals—for the rest. And last? Have fun! It’s your party!
Banner: Sara Woodward
Butler card map: Blick Art Supplies
Catering: by Culinary Concepts, California
Car: Cory Price, California
Crossword puzzle software: Eclipse Crossword
Cufflinks: Etsy seller Bella Moda Artist
Flowers: wholesaler
Font: “Feel Script” from Veer
Glassine bags: Michael’s Arts & Crafts
Heels: Nine West
Heirloom miniature portrait on bouquet: paternal grandmother’s
Paper and cardstock: Cards and Pockets [www.cardsandpockets.com and www.paperandmore.com]
Photography: Erin Hearts Court
Salted caramel recipe: Epicurious
Stationery and printed materials: Sean Slinsky
Turquoise earrings: Etsy seller Frolik & Frufru
White paper lanterns: Asian Ideas
Wedding design: Holly Burns
