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...
We are totally in love with these two. Not only does their gorgeous wedding at Boone Hall Plantation and Gardens attest that you need not have an elaborate affair to have a sumptuously luxurious one, but their romance shows that the best love stories are those that unfold simply, without orchestration. Enjoy all their black-tie, black gown formal finery in the images (and ooh! catch that cool-weather vibe coming through, too), and soak up these tidbits from their three-and-a-half-year courtship.
Killer Kismet Action
One night out when Hannah was living in Charleston and Matt was here visiting family, both headed for a night out with their respective besties—it just so happened her ride-or-die was dating one his wingman. The entire crew ran into each other on King Street at O-ku, where Matt put the debonair move on Hannah by intentionally spilling his drink on her. “It worked!” laughs Hannah. “We finished the night at [the bar] Republic,” she continues, “and decided we would be marrying each other one day. Girls night turned into the best night of my life!”
Road Warriors
Soon after, Hannah moved to Atlanta and since Matt lived in Illinois, the two commuted to see one another every other weekend over the next two-and-a-half years. When Matt bought what Hannah calls a “precious” home in Barrington, Illinois, she moved in, too. They live there today, and Hannah says relocating to be with him was the easiest decision of her life.
Bathroom Break and Bling?
Not long after, it was Memorial Day weekend, and the two were taking a hike in Wisconsin before they were to meet up for “Friday Fish Fry” with his family. After begging for a break, Hannah says, she sat on a bench on an overlook while he disappeared into the trees supposedly to relieve himself. As she took in the views, he was actually setting up a GoPro to record the pending proposal. He came back, pulled out a ring, and … “It was so sweet,” says Hannah. “I am not positive if he fully asked me to marry him, but after a lot of very embarrassing jumping around, I said ‘Yes!’” When they headed back down the mountain, the fish fry had morphed into an engagement party with friends and family who were there to celebrate with the couple all weekend long.
About that Ring
“All I knew was that she like emerald (???) cut and preferred a three-stone style,” says Matthew. “Nothing more. To her credit, she wasn’t pushy and didn’t want to know anything. I ended up creating and designing it with the aid of a close friend’s ‘diamond guy.’ After hand-picking each stone, I moved on to the band and setting. It took a few months, but she was happy, and that’s all I care about.”
Black and White or Full-Color?
Hannah thought green and white was going to be her color combo for the wedding day, but after OD-ing on Pinterest, and talking with planner Natalie Knox of Boone Hall, they went with pops of color via the flowers and taper candles. The verdict? Classy and colorful!
Planning & Coordination: Natalie Knox | Florals: Out of the Garden | Photography: Dana Cubbage Weddings | Venue: Boone Hall Plantation | Rentals: Snyder Events + Ooh! Events | Draping: Duvall Events | Lighting: Innovative Event Services | Catering: Cru Catering Cake: WildFlour Pastry | Music: Right to Party | Bride’s Attire: Halfpenny London from Kelly’s Closet + Vince Camuto | Bridesmaids’ Attire: Azazie | Beauty: Paper Dolls Wedding Hair + Makeup
