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...
Taylor Birmingham & Brent Grems
May 8, 2015
Cottage on the Creek
To pull off his surprise proposal to Taylor Birmingham, Kentucky resident Brent Grems had to throw himself under the bus—in a manner of speaking. Faking a back injury, he called her at work in a panic asking for a ride to the hospital. When Taylor hustled home, she opened their door to find a path of rose petals that led to Brent, who was waiting on one knee (and in perfectly fine health).
From there, the couple set their sights on finding a city that could host—and entertain—their cross-country guests. “We wanted to make sure that people came not only for the wedding, but to get away from everything they’re dealing with day in and day out,” says Taylor. “It had to be a great party.” On past trips here, the bride and groom had fallen in love with Charleston and thought a Lowcountry waterside spot would be perfect.
Destination sealed, Taylor next enlisted local Chelsye Harp at Intrigue Design & Events to point her and Brent to a location that could host both a ceremony and reception. She directed them just off the peninsula and over the Ravenel Bridge to Shem Creek Village, home of the under-the-radar dockside gem Cottage on the Creek. “From the shrimp boats all around to the dolphins swimming by, it’s truly a magical place,” says Chelsye. Taylor and Brent couldn’t agree more.
By the time their Big Day rolled around, fate had caught up with Brent, who hobbled around in a boot cast thanks a torn Achilles tendon (he hurt himself on the basketball court two days before his bachelor party). Nonetheless, the two basked in the festivities, surrounded by a sea of lush florals and glowing friends and family. And, despite his footwear, Brent managed to keep up with the new Mrs. Grems on the dance floor ... well, almost.
Vendor List:
Wedding design: Intrigue Design & Events, www.Get-Intrigued.com
Florals: Tiger Lily Weddings, www.TigerLilyWeddings.com
Photography: Dana Cubbage Weddings, www.DanaCubbageWeddings.com
Venue, wine and bar service, catering: Cottage on the Creek, www.CreekEvents.com/cottage
Cake: Publix, www.Publix.com
Doughnuts: Glazed Gourmet Doughnuts, www.GlazedGourmet.com
Rentals: Snyder Event Rentals, www.SnyderEvents.com (tent, liner); EventWorks, www.EventWorksRentals.com (tables, chairs, china, chandeliers)
Fabric draping: JLV Creative Draping, www.JLVCreative.com
Linens: BBJ Linen, www.BBJLinen.com
Bride’s attire: Modern Trousseau, available at flagship boutiques in Charleston, Nashville, and Savannah, www.ModernTrousseauSC.com (gown); Rebecca’s Wedding Boutique, www.RebeccasWeddings.com (hair accessory); Betsey Johnson, www.BetseyJohnson.com (shoes)
Beauty: Vanity Salon, www.VanitySalonSC.com
Bridesmaids’ attire: Alfred Sung, available in Charleston through Bella Bridesmaids, www.BellaBridesmaids.com (gowns); Stein Mart, www.SteinMart.com (jewelry)
Groom and groomsmen’s attire: Men’s Wearhouse, www.MensWearhouse.com (suits, ties, shoes); Dillard's, www.Dillards.com (socks)
Officiant: Kevin Kuehmeier, (843) 327-1422
Transportation: Charleston Style Limo, www.charlestonstylelimo.com
Music: Darby Events, www.CharlestonWeddingDJs.com
