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...
Katie and Mike met through work (she was the chief of staff for the Republican National Congress and he was her predecessor), so it made sense that his proposal was touched by politics as well, albeit across the pond. As she explained to St. Louis magazine, Mike is half-British and one of their first photographs snapped together was in front of 10 Downing Street (headquarters of the Prime Minister). After they’d been dating for some time, he invited her to a New Year’s Eve party at 10 Downing; the party was a ruse, the address and his proposal there wasn’t. Because Katie always dreamed of a beach wedding, they headed to Kiawah Island for the festivities. Why Charleston for this well-traveled pair? “I was shocked by how many hotels up and down the East Coast didn’t have great venue space that incorporated the beach and ocean,” says Katie. “After visiting what felt like dozens of venues one of my very best friends (the gentleman who walked me down the aisle) recommended I visit The Sanctuary. It was exactly what I had envisioned.” Add direct flights from Washington D.C., the Lowcountry food she and Mike love, and everything came together. On the day itself, Katie’s vision—“To have all of the people we love in one spot, with the beach and ocean in the background, for a special getaway weekend where we celebrated not only our love for each other but all of our friends and family who had helped us get to that point in our lives…”—played out in stunning fashion. Curious? Let the photos from Perry Vaile introduce you to the elegant day styled by Ooh! Events.
Floral: Out Of The Garden | Images: Perry Vaile Photography | Videography: By Design Films | Venue: The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island | Catering, Cake + Drinks: The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island | | Ceremony Music: Charleston Virtuosi Quartet | Reception Music: Atlanta Groove Factory | After Party Music: DJ Illumination | Dishware Rentals: Polished | Officiant: Doug Farmer | Hair + Makeup: Paper Dolls
