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...
Both C-17 pilots and captains, it was through the United States Air Force that Atlanta native Lyndsey met Brian, of Chicago. Introduced by mutual pals, the two quickly became friends—a connection that turned to romance after a year’s time.
After two years of dating, Brian (who was still on deployment overseas) whisked Lyndsey (who was stationed stateside on reserve) away to Napa Valley under the guise of celebrating his homecoming and her new position with Delta Air Lines. “He had to do all of the coordinating with the bed and breakfast and the wineries from the desert!” explains Lyndsey, who soon discovered the real reason behind his above-and-beyond efforts. While relaxing on the banks of the Napa River, Brian popped the proposal he had been planning for more than six months.
Lyndsey says choosing the “when” and the “where” for their nuptials was no trouble. “We knew we wanted a fall, Charleston wedding,” she says. To make their vision of a warm, classic, and sentimental evening come to life, however, the Charleston residents enlisted the help of Lyndsey’s friend Heather Barrie of Gathering Floral + Event Design.
When the day came, it was filled with personal nods to both the bride and groom. Charlton Singleton, jazz musician and conductor of the Charleston Jazz Orchestra, performed during the ceremony, held at Saint Mary of the Annunciation Catholic Church. “It was a tribute to my love of jazz,” says Lyndsey, who is a local jazz vocalist and past contestant on American Idol. And to incorporate Brian’s heritage, the newlyweds kicked off their reception at the Historic Rice Mill Building with an Irish toast, and later, they recited the Traditional Irish Blessing. “I think the most memorable parts of the night were the little touches that we worked so hard for to make the wedding ‘our own,’” says Lyndsey. Another memorable moment? The bride’s dance with her tearful father. “He’s Mr. Tough Guy, so, of course, everyone else joined in,” Lyndsey says.
Vendor List
Baker: The Cake Stand; www.thecakestandcharleston.com
Bride’s attire: Reem Acra; www.reemacra.com; earrings by Heather Kee Tiller of filigree; www.filigreecharleston.com
Bridesmaids’ attire: Amsale; www.amsale.com
Catering: Good Food Catering; www.goodfoodcatering.net
Ceremony and cocktail hour musician: Charlton Singleton (Charleston Jazz Orchestra); www.charltonsingleton.com
Ceremony location: Saint Mary of the Annunciation Church; www.catholic-doc.org/saintmarys/
Groom’s and groomsmen’s attire: Calvin Klein from Berlin's for Men; www.berlinsclothing.com
Photographer: Marni Rothschild; www.marnipictures.com
Planner, florist, and design: Heather Barrie of Gathering Floral + Event Design; www.gatheringevents.com
Reception location: The Historic Rice Mill Building; www.goodfoodcatering.net/rice_mill
Stationer: Stitch Design Co.; www.stitchdesignco.com
