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...
When Ohio-native Brooke Seidelmann invited high school pal Chris Jaros to go to prom as friends, she never imagined that years later they’d be holed up in their Washington, D.C. apartment together as the largest snowstorm in the city’s recorded history swirled outside. But it wasn’t so bad. Chris, an attorney, got home before Brooke, a gallery director, and had transformed their digs into a cozy, fire-lit, cabin-like space, complete with fondue pot dinner—and a proposal.
Soon after she accepted, the two decided that Kiawah—where Brooke had spent childhood summers—was the perfect wedding locale. Their sights were set upon on the island’s River Course Clubhouse until Brooke received a call from their planner, WED’s Ellen Robinson. “Don’t panic,” Ellen warned, “but the clubhouse is on fire.”
Once the flames receded and Kiawah began to rebuild, island officials shuffled couples to alternate spots nearby. For their part, Brooke and Chris shifted to the picturesque Cassique Course and hosted a tented reception there on Halloween weekend. And though they did incorporate a day-after costume brunch, the couple decided upon a harvest reception theme over a spooky one.
When the day arrived, Brooke glided down a petal-strewn aisle to share “I dos” with Chris under a manzanita branch arbor. Afterward, they celebrated with guests in an outdoor tent lit by lanterns. “From the rehearsal dinner to walking down the aisle with my father and seeing Chris for the first time, the whole weekend was incredible,” says Brooke.
Band (Reception): Atlanta Showstoppers
Bridal Gown: Carolina Herrera from Maddison Row
Bride’s Jewelry: Miriam Haskell
Bride’s Shoes: Kate Spade
Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Amsale Bridal from Bella Bridesmaid
Cake: Wedding Cakes by Jim Smeal
Caterer: Cassique, Kiawah Island Club
Ceremony Guitarist: Nikolai Svishev
Ceremony and Reception Location: Cassique, Kiawah Island Club
Dance Lessons: Fred Astaire Dance Studio
Florals: Sara York Grimshaw Designs
Groom’s Suit: Custom tailored suit and PINK tie
Groomsmen’s Suits: Brooks Brothers and PINK ties
Linens: Nuage Designs; Snyder Rentals; and Blossoms Events
Photographer: Marni Rothschild Durlach, Marni Rothschild Pictures
Rentals: Snyder Rentals
Stationery: Lettered Olive, Save the Date & Invitation and Studio R, menus & welcome packet
Transportation: Absolutely Charleston
Wedding Design & Coordination: WED
