Georgia McElveen & Andrew Uihlein
June 5, 2021 • William Aiken House
You might say Georgia McElveen and Andrew Uihlein go way, way back: They were just three-year-olds when they met at St. Chrys preschool in Chicago. “Supposedly one day I went to school with my mom’s lipstick on and kissed Andrew on the cheek!” Georgia laughs. By high school, they were best friends and began dating in their senior year. After taking a break to attend separate colleges, they picked up right up where they left off just two weeks after graduating.
An expert trip planner, Andrew proposed to Georgia on a visit to Japan, where he’d long wanted to take her. Standing in the tunnel of orange torii gates that comprise Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari Shrine, he told her that the gates represented the lifetime of experiences and memories they’d already shared and the countless ones to come in the future.
Today, the couple calls Los Angeles home, where they work for design atelier Casa Branca. But for their wedding, there was no place like Charleston. Georgia’s family hails from the Holy City, and the travel-loving pair has enjoyed many visits soaking up its rich history and culinary scene. Interested in a venue that encourages multiple experiences throughout the evening, they set their sights on downtown’s William Aiken House.
On the big day last June, guests were greeted with cocktails on the lush lawn before making their way around back to the ceremony. The scene was an explosion of elegance, with rows of delphinium, allium, and peonies blooming into the aisle. Dinner carried the celebration to the house, where wraparound tables on the open-air piazzas were draped in custom Casa Branca linens and interior rooms were themed by cocktails. Guests were encouraged to mingle and move about the space as they customized their sips at the margarita, martini, and negroni bars.
But the party didn’t stop there! After dinner, it was time for—what else?—a surprise disco in a tent dolled up with palm trees, lava lamps, and silver tinsel. Rocking colorful wigs, stunner shades, and feather boas, Georgia and Andrew’s guests brought the funk in a dance party for the ages.
Vendors
Planning & Design: Haley Kelly Events
Images: Marcus Jolly
Venue, catering, & bar: William Aiken House
Florals: SYG
Lighting: IES
Draping: Loluma
Calligraphy: Hatch Cove Designs
Entertainment: Bob Williams (ceremony), The Lowhills (cocktail hour), The Maxx (reception)
Bride’s dress: Carolina Herrera
Bridesmaid and flower girls dresses: SLOAN
