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...
Ask Kiosha and Joseph when they met, and you’ll get two different stories. Joseph, from Wellford, says it happened during USC School of Law’s student orientation in 2006. Johns Island native Kiosha, however, who was in her third year of law school at the time, says she doesn’t recall that encounter; rather, it was in 2009, when Joseph started working at the same law firm as her, that they got to know one another. But from there on out their stories are in sync. Joseph says that despite his intentions of “keeping work at work,” he “could not resist,” and soon asked Kiosha out. Within a month, the two become a couple, and fourteen months later—just after the clock stuck midnight on New Year’s Eve 2011—Joseph proposed.
When choosing a venue, Kiosha says she and Joseph had a clear vision—“We both loved the idea of having an outdoor wedding on a huge stretch of land.” The Island House on John's Island (located just 10 minutes down the road from where Kiosha grew up) provided just that. “Once we saw the beautiful landscape and the amazing unobstructed views of the river, we were hooked,” says Kiosha. With the location set, they then enlisted Cindy Zingerella of Engaging Events to help plan the rest. For the color palette, cobalt blue—the groom’s favorite color—was a sure-thing, and following a suggestion from the maid of honor, pewter and white were added to the mix, as well.
Close to two years to the day after they began dating, Kiosha and Joseph exchanged vows, with 150 family members and friends looking on. A reception dressed in the bride’s favorite blooms—hydrangea and lilies—and seasonal grasses followed. And after the cookies and cream-flavored cake was cut, the bride, groom, and guests took to the dance floor, where, Kiosha says, “People danced from the time the floor was opened until the time we left.” A particularly memorable moment of the night? When “Joseph and his fraternity brothers took over the dance floor to showcase their skills from their college days,” says Kiosha—a perfectly personal touch to the couple’s celebration.
Vendor List
Baker: Elaine Mincey of Elaine’s Events; www.elainesevents.com
Bride’s attire: MOONLIGHT Bridal; www.moonlightbridal.com
Bridesmaid’s attire: Bill Levkoff; www.billlevkoff.com
Catering:Duvall Catering & Event Design; www.duvallevents.com
DJ:Lee Edwards Entertainment; www.leeedwardsenterntainment.com
Florist, specialty decor: Judy Johnston of Engaging Events; www.engagingeventscharleston.com
Groom’s attire: Ralph Lauren from Savvi Formalwear; www.savviformalwear.com
Groomsmen’s attire: Joseph Abboud from Savvi Formalwear; www.savviformalwear.com
Linens:EventWorks; www.eventworkscharleston.com
Musicians:Guitarist, Clelia Reardon; www.cleliasguitar.com
Photographer:Olive Productions; www.oliveproductions.com
Planner: Cindy Zingerella of Engaging Events; www.engagingevents.com
Rentals:Atlantic Tent; www.atlantictent.net
Stationery:Studio R; www.studio-r-design.com
