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...
Medaya Flynn and Carlton Clack first met at a Fleetwood Mac cover band concert in 2019, having no idea that mutual friends were behind the introduction. The two quickly hit it off and spent the entire concert chatting. As it turned out, their friends were onto something: Medaya and Carlton made a great match. That instinct was underscored when 2020 brought a global pandemic and the couple decided to quarantine together after just four months of dating. When it came time to pop the question, Carlton left no detail unplanned, creating a five-page document that mapped out a backyard proposal, a champagne toast with their families, and a surprise engagement party with their closest friends. Carlton even laid out when the music video of “All Too Well” by Taylor Swift (Medaya’s favorite artist) should be cued up.
Choosing to wed in the Charleston area was a no-brainer. Some of Medaya and Carlton’s favorite memories had played out across the Lowcountry, from attending weddings together to unwinding on family vacations. With friends and family traveling from near and far, they decided that Kiawah Island, with its spellbinding natural beauty, would play the perfect host to a weekend of events.
The pair worked with Kayla LeDuc of Anderson Event Design to bring to life their distinct vision: “We wanted guests to feel like they were stepping into a classic Charleston home, where Southern elegance is enlivened with fresh, modern touches,” says Medaya. That vibe was delivered in spades via textured rattan, verdant green linens, and warm wood tones. Personal nods to the couple were also peppered throughout, from cameos of their pup, Reese, on napkins to a floral-filled seating chart table featuring the framed quote: “At every table, we’ll save you a seat,” a play on a T. Swift lyric.
• Start with a vibe.
The couple gave planner Kayla LeDuc a singular design vision—stepping into a Charleston home—which she carried out through coordinating table linens, wispy florals, and ample rattan accents.
• Get personal. Storied details abounded, including a seating chart referencing a Taylor Swift lyric, baskets of Georgia peaches celebrating Carlton’s home state, and golden retriever Reese appearing on napkins and the cake.
• Let the setting shine. The duo chose Kiawah Island as a home base for their entire wedding weekend, kicking off with a pickleball party and a coastal-chic oyster roast welcome event.
• Savor the process. The pair meticulously planned all the details of their wedding, so on the big day, they could just relax. “Your engagement is a uniquely special season of life, and it flies by faster than you think,” says Medaya.
Planning & Design: Anderson Event Design
Venue: The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island
Photography: Rebecca Sigety Photography
Florals: Festoon
Catering: Kiawah Resort
Stationery: Kate Eliza Creative
Rentals: Curated Events, Snyder
Linens: BBJ La Tavola, Stradley Davidson, Reverie Social
Bridal Attire: Sassi Holford (gown), Ladies of Lineage (boutique)
Beauty: Charleston I Do
Bridesmaids’ Attire: Bella Bridesmaids
Groom’s Attire: Brackish (tie)
