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...
Friends ever since she was a gap-toothed grade-schooler asking to cut before him in the lunch line at Porter-Gaud, Matt Austin and Francie Daniel remained pals until the two started at the Charleston School of Law in the fall of 2006. With the new phase in their academic lives came something else: romance.
Following their two-and-a-half year courtship, Matt proposed in true Lowcountry fashion—on the water. The sun had just ducked out of sight, and as the couple stood on Francie’s aunt’s dock on James Island, Matt dropped to one knee. Shortly after Francie’s “Yes,” the city attorney (Francie) and state criminal prosecutor (Matt) hired Calder Clark Designs to plan a fabulous Charleston wedding. “The team guided us every step of the way,” Francie says, “allowing Matt and me the opportunity to enjoy our engagement with our friends and family.”
After a ceremony at St. Mary of the Annunciation Church, guests arrived at Hibernian Hall for a cocktail reception, where a whirlwind of color, pattern, texture, and cheer awaited. Green and white tissue paper fans hung from silvery strings tied three stories above the towering vestibule, and in the grand ballroom, blue and white floral draperies framed immense windows. Throughout the setting, votives and blue and white china bowls of cream-colored blooms sat atop tables covered in apple-green linens.
With bonuses like a costume photobooth and an energetic rap performance (courtesy of Francie’s teenage brother), the wedding ended up being “timeless, vibrant, and traditional with a twist—a wonderful representation of who we are as a couple,” says Francie.
Band: Bobby and The Aristocrats
Bridal Gown: Carolina Herrera from Maddison Row
Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Coren Moore from Bella Bridesmaid
Cake: Wedding Cakes by Jim Smeal
Calligrapher: Elizabeth Porcher Jones, elizporcher@gmail.com
Caterer: Cru Catering
Ceremony Location: St. Mary of the Annunciation Roman Catholic Church
Entrance Band: Burke High School Band
Florals: Blossoms Events
Gate Banners: Boutique Tents
Groom’s Suit: Berlins for Men
Groomsmen’s Suits: Berlins for Men
Lighting & Sound: Technical Event Company
Linens: DC Rental
Photographer: A Bryan Photo
Reception Location: Hibernian Hall
Rentals: Snyder Event Rentals
Stationery: Dulles Designs
Transportation: Charleston Black Cab Company and Absolutely Charleston
Videographer: Artistic Eye Productions
Wedding Design & Coordination: Calder Clark Designs
