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...
In February 2009, New Yorker Aaron Schwartz proposed to his girlfriend of four years, Catherine Elcock, and almost immediately after she said “yes,” they chose the Holy City to say their vows. “I grew up spending summers on Pawley’s Island,” says Catherine, “and it’s become a very special place to Aaron and me.”
The couple set their wedding date for October—Halloween, to be exact—and although they did want to reference the holiday (especially for their nieces and nephews) they didn’t want to drown in a sea of black and orange. With that in mind, Catherine and Aaron enlisted Calder Clark of Blue Moon Events to transform Lowndes Grove into an autumnal scene. To get there, Calder re-interpreted the traditional Halloween palette as dove gray and daisy yellow, and incorporated tricks (like waiters donning pirate eye patches) and treats (like a kiddie candy bar).
When the day arrived, a backdrop of ribbon streamers gently blew in the Ashley River breeze as Catherine and Aaron said their “I dos” before retiring with their guests to a tented reception. While the adults dined on seasonal cuisine—like a starter of lobster salad tossed in lime-cilantro dressing—and sipped wines specially flown in from California, younger guests (who changed into their costumes after the ceremony) held court at their own table, filled with crafts and sweets. “The combination of Halloween and our wedding was tons of fun for them—and us,” says Catherine. “It was a beautiful weekend.”
Bridal Gown: Jin Wang
Bridesmaids' Dresses: Jenny Yoo Collection
Cake: Elaine’s Events
Calligraphy: Elizabeth Porcher Jones, elizporcher@gmail.com
Catering: Fish
Ceremony Music: Strong Trio
Event Design: Calder Clark Designs
Florist: Blossoms Events
Lighting: PDA Stage
Location: Lowndes Grove
Photography: Gayle Brooker (chief photographer); Heather Forsythe (detail photographer)
Reception Music: Total Package Band
Stationery: Dulles Designs
Transportation: Absolutely Charleston
