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...
A random friendship on Facebook started up a “Words With Friends” match with a rare win by Anthony. The winner’s prize? Tommy owing Anthony a drink. After the initial meetup, weekly dates turned nightly and the two have been inseparable since. On a trip to Greece, Tommy surprised Anthony with a private yacht ride (uh, so jealous). As they paused for the sunset over the Aegean Sea, Tommy asked Anthony to be his guy forever. Loving warm weather and the history of their home state, Pennsylvania, the two visited Charleston and were enthralled by Lowndes Grove, falling silent upon arrival. Anthony and Tommy told us exactly what they were thinking during this moment. “As an interracial gay couple, we had a few things to take into consideration, given the nature of the venue. We ultimately decided that this is what brings change, people like us and our guests enjoying something at a location that originally would have no seat at the table for us.” To give guests the same sensation, the venue was kept secret until hours before the ceremony start. The hosts wanted to give their guests a “full Southern Charm Charleston experience,” so the week was full of wedding events, including brunch, bowling and a ghost tour, a private boat ride, and a rooftop bar crawl. Now, that’s how to celebrate in style.
Wedding Planner: Zachary Andrew Events | Florals: Palmetto Bloom | Photography: Twisted Oaks Studio | Videography: Blu Couture Weddings | Venue: Lowndes Grove | Catering: Patrick Properties Hospitality Group | Rentals: Ooh! Events | Lighting: Technical Event Company | Music: OtherBrother Entertainment | Calligraphy: CalligraPhilly | Groom’s Attire: Boyds Philadelphia + Magnanni | Transportation: Lowcountry Valet & Shuttle Co.
