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...
Beaufort-native Margaret Grimsley is no stranger to military men. Her grandfather, James Grimsley, is a highly decorated Army vet and past president of The Citadel, and her uncle is Army Maj. Gen. William Grimsley. So when Uncle William, who was stationed in Iraq, set her up with a fellow officer—British Lt. Col. Charles Antelme—she agreed.
“He was the most handsome man I had ever seen,” Margaret recalls of their first date (in London, where he was on leave and she was curating a private art collection). A few weeks later, Charles asked Margaret if she had a hat for “special occasions” and off the two went on their second date—to Windsor Castle where Charles received the Distinguished Service Order from the Queen of England for bravery exhibited while serving in Iraq.
Six months later, upon returning from duty in Afghanistan, Charles popped the question. Margaret accepted and on April 10, 2010, at St. Helena’s Episcopal Church in Beaufort, the two married cultures and families amid military regalia. During the ceremony, ring bearers wore Welsh Guard jackets (a nod to Charles’ 2009 appointment as head of the Guards), and at the reception, leeks (the regiment’s symbol) appeared in floral arrangements and on the grooms cake, too. Pimm’s Cup, beer and sausages, and shrimp and grits were served, and the wedding cake? It was cut with Grandad’s sword—that’s Maj. Gen. James Grimsley to the rest of us.
Vendor List:
Band: The Swingin’ Medallions
Bridal Gown: Augusta Jones
Bridal Shoes: Elie Saab
Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Lula Kate
Cake: Beaufort Catering & Market Café, (843) 524-8882
Catering: Granville’s Café and Catering
