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...
Charles Baumbach & Blake Bush
November 3, 2018 / The Gadsden House
“I had been dreaming up our wedding ever since I met Charles,” says Blake, who bumped into her now-husband at the College of Charleston. Add to those years of dreaming her career (she’s a planner with Pure Luxe Bride) and she says coaxing this Big Day at the Gadsden House to life was a breeze. “While I love pulling together weddings that have bold palettes and trendy elements, I didn’t want to look back years from now and have regrets,” says Blake. So she stuck with a classic garden party style (complete with overflowing florals in planters) but added subtle, on-trend elements, too, like vellum in the paper suite; a custom monogram; and velvet ribbons in the bouquets, for the groom’s tux, and via select linens. Still, it wasn’t a one-woman show. “If I was having a hard time making a decision,” she says, “I would present two options to Charles, and let him decide.” Sounds like the right recipe for any day!
WHAT THEY RECOMMEND
• Share your dreams.
The bride hoped for peonies, but given they were out of season during her wedding, it was a long shot. Her florist special ordered them as a surprise.
• Let guests serve themselves.
Guests took champagne from serve-yourself shelves. (Drinks were poured just before the cocktail hour.)
• Think in circles.
The rounded bar was a space saver and its pattern mirrored the chair backs and other elements of the day.
• Show off your family’s talent.
The bride’s aunt made monogrammed pillows and linens that the couple now use in their home.
Vendors
Wedding design, planning: Pure Luxe Bride, www.pureluxebride.com
Day-of coordination: Sweetgrass Social, www.sweetgrasssocial.com
Images: Aaron & Jillian Photography, www.aaronandjillian.com
Venue, bar: The Gadsden House, King Street Hospitality Group, www.kingstreethospitalitygroup.com
Catering: Mosaic catering + events, www.mosaiccateringevents.com
Cake: Sablée, www.shopsablee.com
Florist: Petaloso, www.wearepetaloso.com
Rentals: EventWorks, www.eventworksrentals.com ; 428 Main (lounge), www.428main.com ; Ooh! Events (specialty items, lighting), www.oohevents.com
Linens: Nüage Designs, www.nuagedesigns.com
Paper suite: Whimsy B. Paperie, www.whimsyb.com
Calligraphy: J.Lily Design, www.jlilydesign.com
Monogram: Abigail J Studio, www.abigailjstudio.com
Music: Bob Williams Duo (ceremony), www.charlestonduo.com ; Charleston Groove Factory (reception), www.charlestongroovefactory.com
Dancefloor decal: Charleston Wrap, www.charlestonwrap.com
Painting: Wed on Canvas, www.wedoncanvas.com
Bride’s attire: Calla Blanche from Verità. A Bridal Boutique (gown) www.veritabridal.com ; Emma Katzka Bridal (hair accessory) www.emmakatzka.com
Bridesmaids’ attire: Amsale, Adriana Papell, Hayley Paige Occasions, all through Bella Bridesmaids Charleston, www.bellabridesmaids.com
Beauty: Ash and Co., www.ashandcobridalhair.com
Groom’s attire: The Black Tux (suit), www.theblacktux.com ; Brackish Bow Ties (bow tie) www.brackishbowties.com
Getaway vehicle: Charleston Style Limo, www.charlestonstylelimo.com
Video: Film Anywhere Productions, www.filmanywhereproductions.com
