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...
Their courtship began in Montana (in Mr. Taft’s driver’s education class), endured three proms, and lasted through four years at the University of South Carolina. Then, a decade after the Columbia, South Carolina, residents’ first date, Ashton Vazquez and Jared O’Connor decided to tie the knot. Says Ashton, “I think we always knew that what we felt was real and withstanding, but we wanted to wait until we had landed steady jobs and could afford the wedding—and honeymoon—of our dreams.”
And while Jared was ready to pop the question, he had to hold on just a bit longer when his New Year’s Day proposal plan fell through after Ashton got a terrible cold and fell asleep surrounded by tissues. The next morning, he placed the diamond ring Ashton’s grandmother had worn on the Christmas tree and waited until she spotted it. “It took me all day,” laughs Ashton, “but I finally noticed and said, ‘Yes!’”
As her grandmother had lived in Charleston for years, the city has always held a special place in Ashton’s heart, and Magnolia Plantation and Gardens easily caught her eye. After booking the location, the bride (who is a graphic designer by trade) took DIY planning by storm. A little more than a year spent scouring through thrift stores and wedding blogs paid off. On March 30th, guests were greeted with a setting dressed in baby’s breath and golden birdcages, rang Irish kissing bells for good luck as the couple walked down the aisle, watched the “I dos” under Magnolia’s grand oaks, and dined in the plantation’s cozy carriage house. Says Ashton, “I loved everything about our wedding—it was truly an amazing day!”
Vendor List
Baker: Cakes by Kasarda; www.cakesbykasarda.com
Bridal attire: Pronovias from Carolina Couture; www.carolinacouture.com
Bridesmaids’ attire: Monique Lhuillier; www.shop.moniquelhuillier.com
Caterer: Tidewater Catering; www.foodforthesouthernsoul.com
Florist: Charleston Blooms; www.charlestonblooms.com
Groom’s and groomsmen’s attire: Men's Wearhouse; www.menswearhouse.com
Linens: Snyder Event Rentals; www.snydereventrentals.com
Musician: Michael Peifer; www.acousticmusiccharleston.com
Photographer: Juliet Elizabeth Photography; www.julietelizabeth.com
Rentals: Snyder Event Rentals: www.snydereventrentals.com
