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...
Jessica Morse and Ryan Roberts first met online, but once they rendezvoused face-to-face, “we never looked back,” says Jessica. After two years together (and following a move from Atlanta to Charleston), Ryan proposed as the sun set over their favorite spot on Folly Beach. As for the wedding venue, “We love the charming yet vibrant feel of downtown, so we wanted to incorporate that into our wedding,” says Jessica, who soon booked King Street’s William Aiken House. Armed with a spring-inspired palette of cream, green, gold, white, and pops of coral, she worked with Megan Morgan Finne of Mingle and florist Anne Dabney of stems, who dressed the home’s grounds and interior in modern elements that updated its formal character and appointments. Over six months, out-of-the-box lounge furniture pieces, earthy arrangements, and colors that accentuated existing texture and patterns all came together. “I knew the key to making the wedding everything we wanted was to be sure we hired the right vendors,” says Jessica. “They not only made the planning process easier but also made our wedding day absolutely amazing.”
GO NATURAL: For arrangements, stems mixed flowers with pods and berries.
Branches with trailing vines to give an organic vibe to the manicured location.
Tip: Sheath dresses with texture (like these lace-covered Diane von Furstenberg shorties) flatter all figures. The pattern also makes long, sheer sleeves especially becoming.
Tip: Reinterpret a classic motif. The fondant cake from Fish Restaurant wears a pattern of heart-like swirls that gives the treat—and event—a modern tone.
EASY DOES IT: Simple white linens allowed the dining room’s bold coral walls and patterns (floral-printed and flax-hued draperies) to rule the setting. Chiavari chairs repeated the look and texture of the antique mirror frames.
Tip: Opt for unusual side tables. Here, the side table silhouettes, finishes, and patterns infused the setting with unpredictable liveliness.
HAND IT TO HER: When florists pair varying shapes together, as seen here with bud-rich lilacs, fluffy ranunculus, and airy-petaled poppies, texture abounds.
Tip: Look to your wedding venue for inherent patterns to accent, like this checkerboard floor on the home’s piazza.
Vendor List
Baker & Caterer: Fish, www.pphgcharleston.com
Bridal Gown:Rivini, www.rivini.com
Bridesmaids Dresses:Diane von Furstenberg, www.dvf.com
Event Design & Planning: Mingle, www.minglecharleston.com
Florist:Stems, www.charlestonstems.com
Groom’s & Groomsmen’s Attire: Berlins For Men, www.berlinsclothing.com
Hair & Makeup:Stuart Lawrence Salon, www.slsalon.com
Linens & Rentals:Snyder Events, www.snyderevents.com
Music:Quiana Parler & Friends, East Coast Entertainment, www.eastcoastentertainment.com
Photographers: Ellis Photo Studio, www.ellisphotos.com
Venue:William Aiken House, www.pphgcharleston.com
Videographer:Siegel Films, www.siegelfilms.com
