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...
Michelle Carlson & Christopher Able
April 27, 2018 / Legare Waring House
When Chris headed to the bar for a second round, the D.C. resident caught a fellow patron’s hair flip to the face. Apologies accepted, he and Rapunzel (Michelle) struck up a conversation, and a few years later, they were planning a destination wedding in Charleston. Michelle pinned her heart away, and Lillie Simpson from Loluma took those saves and granted her wishes for an enchanted garden party. “I’m not into ‘less is more,’” says Michelle, “and I’ve embraced it.” The bride’s love of “more” led to church doors being installed in a side garden so she could make a grand entrance; a cascading bouquet so long it nearly grazed the ground; and gold piped icing that “zhushed” up the wedding cake. As for that bouquet? “They warned me it would be heavy,” she says, “and although my arm went numb during the ceremony, it was totally worth it.”
WHAT THEY RECOMMEND
• Expand your options.
Ask your planner to share locations at your venue that are not commonly used, then hold the ceremony or cocktail hour there.
• Make an outdoor church.
Seating and arbor-altars are de riguer but a set of doors—best in a hedge entrance—takes build-a-sanctuary to next level status.
• Consider a focal point for your tent entrance.
Loluma created a blush-hued antechamber so guests felt like they were entering a grand dining hall.
• Stick with a statement cake.
Having studied in France, the bride leans toward lavish French Provencial designs, thus the details on the cake, which were replicated on the paper suite.
Vendors
Wedding design, florals, draping, décor, lighting: Loluma, www.loluma.com
Images: Aaron & Jillian Photography, www.aaronandjillian.com
Venue: Legare Waring House, www.southcarolinaparks.com/legare-waring-house
Cake: Delicious Desserts Charleston, www.verydeliciousdesserts.com
Catering: Hamby Catering, www.hambycatering.com
Bar: Spike by Snyder, www.snyderevents.com
Rentals: Snyder Events, www.snyderevents.com ; EventHaus (reception chairs), www.eventhausrentals.com
Linens: Snyder Events, www.snyderevents.com
Paper suite, signage, calligraphy: Indigo Envelope, www.indigoenvelope.com
Bride’s attire: Mathew Christopher Bridal, available in Charleston through Southern Protocol Bridal (gown), www.southernprotocolbridal.com ; Mindy Lam Couture, (hair accessory), www.mindylamcouture.com ; Ted Baker (shoes), www.tedbaker.com
Dresser: Cacky’s Bride + Aid, www.cackysbrideaid.com
Bridesmaids’ attire: Lulus, www.lulus.com ; Anthropologie, www.anthropologie.com ; ASOS, www.asos.com
Beauty: RefEYEance, Sarah Pearson (bride), www.refeyeance.com ; Paper Dolls (bridesmaids), www.mycharlestonweddinghair.com
Groom’s attire: SuitSupply, www.us.suitsupply.com
Groomsmen’s attire: Calvin Klein, www.calvinklein.com
Music: Classical Charleston (ceremony), www.classicalcharleston.com ; The A-Town A-List through Sam Hill Entertainment (reception), www.samhillbands.com
Transportation: Lowcountry Valet & Shuttle Co., www.lowcountryvalet.com
Video: Paragon Filmworks, www.paragonfilmworks.com
