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...
When Charleston native Melissa Harrington moved to China to teach English after earning her MBA, “My friends and family thought I was crazy!” she says. Upon arriving, she attended a gala in Hong Kong for alumni of her boarding school, Lawrenceville. Early in the night, she met an American woman who knew the city well and joked about her master matchmaking abilities.
By the time dessert came along, the matchmaker had found Melissa’s catch and introduced her to George Lin, another Lawrenceville alum living in Hong Kong. They talked all night and the rest, as they say, is history.
Melissa and George began to plan their October 31, 2009 wedding from Asia. The choice to have the wedding in Charleston was an easy one; not only is this Melissa’s hometown, they knew it would be a spectacular destination for out-of-town guests. Rather than fight the Halloween holiday date, wedding coordinator and floral designer Mary Anne Snyder used a rich palette of burnt oranges, gold, white, and brown for an overall décor that was simple and elegant.
For the ceremony, Melissa wore her mother’s wedding dress that invoked an air of vintage glamour. She wore a traditional Chinese dress for the reception. Other personal touches included a cake by Jim Smeal that featured tiny caricatures of the bride’s two poodles and a successful attempt by the couple to learn how to dance the Shag.
Melissa’s only regret from a weekend of Charleston charm and wedded bliss? “I wish it hadn’t ended,” she says, “It was such a fantastic weekend, I just wanted more time with my friends and family!”
Band: 14 Karat Gold
Bridal Gown: Family Heirloom
Bridesmaids' Dresses: ABS by Allen Schwartz from Saks Fifth Avenue
Cake: Wedding Cakes by Jim Smeal
Caterer: Carolina Yacht Club
Ceremony Location: St. Michael’s Church
Event Coordination, Florals, & Linens: Events by Design Maryanne Snyder & Julie Smith, (843) 723-0034 or (843) 971-6177
Photographer: Captured by Kate
Reception Location: Carolina Yacht Club
Stationery: Dulles Designs
Makeup: Andrew C. Peterson
