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 how they saved their wedding foretells how they’ll live their marriage, we have every confidence in Jess and Geno. (And yoo-hoo to you other hurricane season brides, listen up extra close.) The couple, Pittsburgh-natives who now call California home, booked their wedding at Montage Palmetto Bluff, a resort community just outside Hilton Head Island, where her family has had a home for some 25 years. The two envisioned an elegant Boho garden wedding with lots of white (blooms, linens, pickled chairs, and porcelain side tables), green (garlands, lounge pillows, and live oaks aplenty), and blue (from the bridal party’s garb to the moms’ killer ensembles … and hopefully the skies). All seemed to be coming together, but then Hurricane Irma intruded, and they made the call to move every last bit of the party up by a day to avoid the storm. That decision gave their planner, florist, caterer, and more a mere 12 hours to set everything up from the chapel décor to the reception and its stunning al fresco sea of tables and lounges. And while the wind advisory nixed their tent, the crews more than made up for that shift with a canopy of beautiful lights (wait until you see them!). “The vendor team worked their magic through the night to pull off the most perfect day,” says a forever grateful Jess. Oh, and one big side note: On the fashion front, we must say the bride looked every bit the goddess in her floral crown and Limor Rosen gown. And as for her wedding party? Two of her bestie bridesmaids founded Show Me Your Mumu, so you know that troupe looked stunning. Check it all out (and be prepared for their super cute pup, Jack, too) below.
Planning & Design: Embellished Events | Images: Kelli Boyd Photography | Venue & Catering: Montage Palmetto Bluff | Cake: Custom Cakes | Floral Design: Branches of Hilton Head | Music + Entertainment: Voices of El Shaddei, Two Strings, Deas Guyz | Officiant: David Leininger | Images: Kelli Boyd Photography | Rentals: JLK Events (tent), Snyder Events (décor), Ooh! Events (decor) | Stationery: Lowcountry Paper Co. | Transportation: Old Savannah Tours | Bridal Gown: Limor Rosen available locally through Lovely Bride
