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...
TWR: Where did you meet?
Madison: At work. A role in my job “allowed” me to go to Paul’s desk every day. Four months of professional interaction and happy hours led to us dating.
TWR: When did you shift from dating to couple?
Madison: We both decided it was time for us to move on from Boston, where we met, and picking a new place to call home together—Charlotte, North Carolina—completely changed our relationship for the best.
TWR: The proposal?
Madison: We spent the day boating and swimming and when we pulled up to the dock to find an amazing setup of balloons [that Paul had coordinated with two of his best friends], I was blown away. He brought me over to the setup and got down on one knee. And as if the engagement wasn’t enough of a surprise, we went to Dilworth Tasting Room in Charlotte where friends had decorated their amazing garden space for a huge celebration. [All of it] was more than I could ever ask for.
TWR: Why Charleston and The Cedar Room for your wedding?
Madison: I went to school at the College of Charleston and my parents got married in Charleston, so it will always have such a special place in my heart. When the day came to decide on a wedding location, we both were excited to show our friends and family how special Charleston is. Since the Cigar Factory was renovated, I had my eye on The Cedar Room as a venue. I remember seeing pictures online and telling my mom, “That is where I am getting married.”
TWR: Tell us about your style.
Madison: I love the beauty in simplicity, so we wanted to convey this for the wedding. I knew early on the colors were going to be beautiful pinks with touches of greenery. My vision was always feminine and simple.
TWR: We love the palmetto rose bouquets you had for your bridesmaids.
Madison: I wanted to do something unique for the girls and my hope was to give them something from Charleston they could keep. The [“roses”] dry over time making them a unique piece for your coffee table. (We have one on ours now.) So many of my girls went to school in Charleston so I think it was special for them to have something to remind them of the city we all love so much.
TWR: Any funny moments from the day?
Madison: My niece, Aubrey, is the most independent 4 year-old I have ever met. [After her first walk] she decided to pick up her petals and start over. Just as Paul and I were starting to say our vows, a huge burst of flower petals were thrown into the air. That was my favorite laugh of the day. Also, our dog Charlie was just supposed to be the “best dog,” walk down the aisle, then immediately be released to a dog walker. After a mix-up with seating, the dog walker ended up on [the wrong] side, so Charlie became a bridesmaid. He spent the ceremony playing with the ring bearer and trying to eat every flower petal on the ground.
TWR: What was your first dance to?
Madison: Otis Redding’s “That’s How Strong My Love Is.” We really wanted something that was timeless, but also something we could see ourselves dancing around the kitchen to while we cook dinner.
TWR: Favorite reception moment?
Madison: When we went to the roof with Dana to take pictures. That was just after the ceremony and it was really the only time we had completely to ourselves. I appreciate those moments so much because the rest of the night was such a blur as we tried our best to catch up with everyone possible.
Photography: Dana Cubbage Weddings | Venue: The Cedar Room | Planning + Coordination: Amy DeVito | Floral Design: Sue Henderson | Cake: The Cedar Room | Wedding Dress: Legends by Romona Keveza from Bridals by Lori | Hair: Stella Nova | Makeup: A Jolly Occasion | Bride’s Shoes: Badgley Mischka | Bride’s Jewelry: personal | Bridesmaids Dresses: Lulus | DJ: DJ Wade | Men’s Attire: Indochino | Catering: The Cedar Room | Rentals: EventWorks | Men’s Grooming: Barrelli Barber
