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...
Any first date can be intimidating, and especially so when it’s a blind date. In fact, butterflies got to Kierstin so bad when she was set up by a friend to meet Mike, she canceled. Luckily, Kierstin rallied for a later date and the two have been together ever since. Shortly after the pair moved to Charleston from Pennsylvania, they were taking a walk along The Battery when butterflies struck a second time. “Mike planned a night out,” says Kierstin, noting her beloved never does that, “and I totally knew it [the ask] was coming.” (Hint to the fellas: Be a little more subtle about that selfie stick if it’s not your typical tote-along. Also? Know that we don’t care if we know it’s coming—because it’s coming!) Some months later their wedding at Boone Hall Plantation was like a boho-chic Pinterest-meets-Instagram board come to life thanks to the bride’s fantasies and the prowess of the team at Beautiful Bride Events. As for our favorite moment? Photographer Allison Hanson tells us that when it was time for the happy couple to recite their vows, Mike said that when he met Kierstin, he knew that she was the girl of his dreams and that he still gets butterflies over her to this day. (These two!) And here are a few more backstories you have to know: They named a cocktail “The Oliver” after their sweet little Yorkie, who was in the wedding party; and, after practicing at home a few times, says Kierstin, the newlyweds reenacted the final dance scene from the movie “Dirty Dancing.” Here’s hoping this pair continues to have the time of their lives for a lifetime to come.
Venue: Boone Hall Plantation | Wedding Planner: Beautiful Bride Events | Hair and Makeup: Paper Dolls | Florals: Pretty Petals of Charleston | Catering: Hamby Catering & Events | Bar Service: Spike by Snyder | Rentals: EventWorks and Simply Elegant | Cake: ABCD Cakes | DJ: Darby Events | Videography: Francis West Studios | Stationery: Elisabella Weddings | Dress Designer: Divine Atelier | Dress Shop: Gown Boutique of Charleston | Transportation: Lowcountry Valet | Live Painter: Briahna Wenke | Live Music: Palmetto Strings | Donuts: Glazed Gourmet | Officiant: Gracefully Wed
