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...
Despite attending the same high school, Rebecca Farmer and Stephen Venezia did not “officially” meet until 2023, when they crossed paths at an awards gala in their hometown of Charlotte. Smitten, the couple fast-tracked their relationship, and just over a year later, Stephen orchestrated a romantic lakeside proposal complete with a trail of rose petals and a blazing sunset.
Wanting to tie the knot on the second anniversary of their first date, the pair settled on a not-too-far-away destination wedding in the Holy City. After touring venues, they decided that an Old Hollywood-inspired reception at The American Theater made the perfect denouement to the day, with the opening act an exchange of I dos at nearby St. Luke’s Chapel. “We fell for the theater’s Art Deco theme, so we really wanted to encapsulate those vibes with our decorations,” says Rebecca, who also appreciated the nod to Stephen’s work as a film director.
Following a sweet and simple ceremony, the leading couple and their guests hopped aboard vintage trolleys and made the short drive to the venue, where they were welcomed by a personalized marquee sign and custom posters. Inside the revamped theater, bright florals and metallic accents struck a balance between vintage and modern. An assortment of disco balls in varying sizes delivered on the bride’s wish for “lots of sparkle” and “modern fun,” as did gold-accented tablescapes and a sweetheart table adorned with a dramatic cascade of florals.
Rebecca, who donned a gorgeous beaded gown fit for the red carpet, credits planner Erica Peper of Peper Events and photographer Dana Cubbage for delivering a meaningful celebration that reflected the couple’s individual personalities. “Planning a wedding out of state, we really had no idea what was needed,” says the bride. “These pros knew the ins and outs of Charleston and made the entire experience feel like a breeze.”
After cutting into their cake—a three-tiered stunner featuring a gold fan detail—Stephen and Rebecca surprised their guests with a faux exit, making their way through a tunnel of ribbon-waving well-wishers and then back into the theater ballroom, where a saxophonist joined the DJ for the final hour of the reception. The result: a cinematic-style ending to a night made for the movies.
