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...
Classic white blooms, greenery, and wooden elements set off this stunning Charleston wedding under the oaks
When it comes to love and marriage, couples who pair well together tend to strike a beautiful balance—the yin and yang, or the solid “rock” and the outgoing “star.” When Jacqueline “Jackie” Savage met Nicholas “Nick” Harris for their first date, they already knew they were compatible (given that they’d met through a dating app). Though when Nick ordered a wedge with bacon salad thinking it was a cheese and bacon plate, and she learned that he’d never eaten a salad before, love was in the air. Their differences became opportunities for sharing and growing together.
“We were inseparable after that,” says Jackie, “I embarked on introducing him to as many vegetables as possible and he wanted to teach me all things fitness related,” one of his big interests.
Indeed, it was a great fit, as nine months later, they decided to blend their families under one roof (three dogs and Jackie’s daughter, Sofia). And it didn’t take long living together to realize they were each other’s forever person.
The Connecticut-based couple looked to Charleston for their wedding, namely because it was a good halfway point between their family and friends in the Northeast and her roots in Miami. Jackie had also lived in Charleston for five years while attending MUSC and loved the city. Their first venue tour in September of 2019 at Legare Waring House fit the bill perfectly. “When we saw the avenue of oaks we were mesmerized and knew immediately that this is where we would get married,” says Jackie.
The natural landscape played a central role in their September 18, 2021 wedding, for which they called on Ooh! Events to help with design and coordination. “We wanted to blend seamlessly with the outdoors,” says Jackie. They chose a classic look, with green and white as the main colors, as well as wooden elements. “It was important to us that we didn’t take away from the beauty of the park, but enhanced it with our wedding and reception. And the end result did just that.
“When our guests arrived, they couldn’t take their eyes off how well laid out and blended all the pieces were,” Jackie says. The moss-draped oaks were spectacular, and white flower arrangements by Out of the Garden presented a fresh classic look. “Every little area was a photo op, and people really had enough space to feel comfortable, dance, relax, and mingle.”
Jackie’s soft pink Monique Lhuillier gown was a showstopper and surprisingly light. “For a look so grand, I felt so so comfortable in it,” she says. As a nod to Jackie’s grandmother, butterflies were delightfully incorporated in small ways, including on her sparkly Sophia Webster heels.
Some of the small personal details included custom napkins with quotes from the couple’s favorite TV show, The Office, as well as custom Charleston-themed totes and magnets for guests to take home.
Given the couple’s food explorations together, they opted to offer various themed food stations, including one serving Spanish paella and another with Caribbean conch fritters and plantains (a nod to Jackie’s culture). Their wedding cake by Sweet Rhi offered a different flavor for each layer, including Royal wedding cake, strawberry, and key lime pie. And for an added sweet treat, Pure Fluff was on hand spinning organic cotton candy, complete with custom cones and decorative sugar butterflies.
Everyone danced away the night and said goodbye with a magical bubble send-off. It was a perfect night for this match made in heaven.
Design & Coordination: Ooh! Events
Images: Ava Moore Photography
Venue: Legare Waring House
Florals: Out of the Garden
Stationery: Roseville Designs
Rentals: Ooh! Events, (tent) Snyder Events, (draping) Tanis J Events
Catering: Cru Catering
Cake: Sweet Rhi
Cotton Candy: Pure Fluff
Bride’s attire: (gown) Monique Lhuillier, (shoes) Sophia Webster
Beauty: Slate Hair & Makeup
Groom’s attire: (tuxedo) State & Liberty, (shoes) Dolce & Gabbana
Rings: Hannoush Jewelers
Entertainment: Darby Events
Videography: Pretty Films
Transportation: Lowcountry Valet
Guest gifts: (totes) Half Pint Designs, (magnets) Texture Design Co.
The post Jacqueline Savage & Nicholas Harris | Legare Waring House appeared first on The Wedding Row.
