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...
Katie LaPorte says she’ll never forget the first time she trotted up to now-husband Justin Dodson (known as “Dodson” to friends and family) during the annual Boom’s Day celebration at the University of Tennessee. “I remember thinking to myself, college is going to be great!” Katie laughs. The Houston, Texas, residents eventually became a couple, and four years into their courtship, Dodson popped the question—presenting his bride-to-be with the ring his great grandmother had first worn nearly a century ago. After toasting to their new engagement, the couple shared the news with their families and immediately began planning a late summer destination wedding for the Lowcountry—a place that Katie felt would “intrigue and entertain” everyone on their guest list. “It’s a perfect blend of the slow and the fast life,”
Katie explains.
To bring her vision of a classic Southern wedding with traces of retro-glam to life, Katie sought out Lisa Thomas of Ooh! Events. Beginning with a color palette of royal and light blues, Lisa used antique furniture for the lounge areas throughout the Legare Waring House lawn, hung crystal chandeliers from its live oak trees, and used birdcages and milk glass compotes to hold floral arrangements. Combine the vintage details with an evening spent dancing under the stars, add a 1961 Rolls-Royce getaway car, and Katie and Dodson say they felt straight out of old Hollywood. “They really took my vision, ran with it, and made our wedding wonderful,” says Katie.
Band: Atlanta Rhythm and Groove
Bridal Gown (Ceremony): Jane Wang from Now & Forever Bridal Boutique
Bridal Gown (Reception): Jovani from Tootsie’s
Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Jim Hjelm from Now & Forever Bridal Boutique
Cake: D’lish Discriminating Desserts
Catering: Cru Catering
Ceremony Musician: Nikolai Svishev Duo
Ceremony & Reception Location: Legare Waring House
Florals, Linens, Rentals, Wedding Design & Coordination: Ooh! Events
Groom’s Suit: Men’s Wearhouse
Groomsmen’s Suits: Men’s Wearhouse
Photographer: Virgil Bunao, CVI Photography
Stationery: Out of Hand
