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...
Manuel Chavez & Katherine Grace
April 11, 2015
Middleton Place
Need proof that Manuel Chavez has style? Try this: his proposal to Katherine Grace took place on the cobblestone streets of Florence, Italy. Nice! And the Chicago residents’ taste for grand gestures in grand settings didn’t stop there, thanks to their wedding at Middleton Place. “It’s romantic and elegant,” says Katherine of the venue, “and it reminded us of the gardens we’ve seen in Europe.” While the lovebirds made plans from the Windy City, Haley Kelly of A Charleston Bride executed them here in the Holy City. “Katherine knew exactly what she wanted,” says Haley, “verdant chandeliers, vintage plates, and gold flatware.” Cut to a few months later, and hydrangeas, roses, and tulips hung over the dining area in Middleton’s pavilion, handpicked china from Polished! tidily covered the tables, and a soft blushing palette colored the setting. In the end, Katherine might have become a Chavez that night, but grace dominated all.
TOP TIP
Take it from the Chavezes ...
• Hire a photographer who knows the ins and outs of your venue. Planner Haley recommended Sean Money and Elizabeth Fay based on to-die-for images from their previous Middleton weddings.
• Direct attention to your favorite features of your location. The pavilion's fireplace became a focal point thanks to strategically placed cozy lounge furniture.
• Call on family members with special skills. Manuel’s uncle wove welcome bags, which were filled with a mix of Southern goodies and Mexican treats from the groom’s hometown.
• Spring for a videographer. Katherine’s one regret? Having no record of the little moments she may have missed along the way that a videographer would have caught.
Vendor List:
Wedding design, florals, draping, décor: A Charleston Bride, www.ACharlestonBride.com
Photography: Sean Money + Elizabeth Fay, www.SeanMoney-ElizabethFay.com
Venues: First Baptist Church, www.FBCharleston.org (ceremony); Middleton Place, www.MiddletonPlace.org (reception)
Linens, tables, lounge furniture: Snyder Event Rentals, www.SnyderEvents.com
Lighting: Technical Event Company, www.TechnicalEventCompany.com
Catering: Cru Catering, www.CruCatering.com
Baked goods: Ashley Bakery, www.AshleyBakery.com
Bar and wine service: Middleton Place, www.MiddletonPlace.org
Stationery, signage: Sarah Drake Design, www.SarahDrakeDesign.com
Calligraphy: Sincerely Amy Designs, www.SincerelyAmyDesigns.com
Flatware, glassware, tableware: Polished!, www.PolishedTabletop.com
Getaway vehicle: Low Country Valet, www.LowcountryValet.com
Bride’s attire: Anne Barge, available in Charleston through White on Daniel Island, www.WhiteOnDI.com (gown)
Hair: Carrie McLeod of Paper Dolls, www.MyCharlestonWeddingHair.com
Makeup: Elina Mille of Bellelina, www.Bellelina.com
Bridesmaids' attire: Amsale, available in Charleston through Bella Bridesmaids, www.BellaBridesmaids.com
Groom’s attire: Burberry, www.Burberry.com
Groomsmen's attire: Charleston Tuxedo, www.CharlestonTuxedo.com
Musicians: Classical Charleston, www.ClassicalCharleston.com (ceremony & cocktail hour); Mo’ Sol, www.CrescentMoonEntertainment.com/mo-sol (reception)
Transportation: Carolina’s Executive Limo Line, www.CELimoLine.com
