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...
D’Anne Morehead and Patrick Stephens first met as students at San Diego State University in February 2002, when she took a seat beside him at Rubio’s Fresh Mexican Grill. “We sparked up an immediate conversation and connection over health-mex burritos,” laughs D’Anne. After three years of dating, the pair went their separate ways when Patrick moved to pursue his career in the United States Navy. Six years after that, though, convinced he was still the one for her, D’Anne took fate in her own hands and planned a trip to Pensacola, Florida, where Patrick was then living. Her instincts proved solid—after a whirlwind four months, the couple was engaged.
For their nuptials, the San Diego natives wanted to host a weekend-long celebration in a place their West Coast family and friends had never visited. One trip to Charleston and the decision was made: “It’s romantic, lush, charming, and historical—we knew right away we had found the perfect location,” says D’Anne. With a beautiful backdrop at the top of their list of must-haves, the couple chose Middleton Place as venue, adding to it a soft palette of light pink, dusty blue, and cream. As for the details, D’Anne—an event planner by profession—handcrafted budget-friendly touches, like wishing wands of pink and white lace ribbon and chalkboard signage.
On a sunny day in April, a close family friend officiated as D’Anne and Patrick exchanged vows in Middleton Place’s Octagonal Garden. As day turned to night, string lighting, chandeliers, and candlelight glowed inside the venue’s pavilion, softening its rustic vibe. After an intimate seated dinner, the festivities continued with dancing, a costume photo booth, and late night milk and cookies, before wrapping up with a sparkler send-off. “The most vivid memory was looking out the back window of our old fashioned cab, feeling overwhelmed with love and happiness,” says D’Anne. “It felt like a real fairytale.”
Vendor List
Baker: The Cake Stand; www.thecakestandcharleston.com
Bridal attire: Romona Keveza; www.romonakeveza.comfrom Ivory & White Bridal Boutique in Birmingham, AL; www.ivorywhiteboutique.com
Bridesmaids’ attire: J.Crew; www.jcrew.com
Caterer: Middleton Place; www.middletonplace.org
Ceremony and reception location: Middleton Place; www.middletonplace.org
Day-of Coordination: Lexie Webb
Florist: Stems; www.charlestonstems.com
Groom attire: Men’s Wearhouse; www.menswearhouse.com
Hair & Makeup: Affair Hair by Tanesha; www.affairhairbytanesha.com; Pamela Lesch Makeup; www.makeupartistcharleston.com
Invitations: Pink Star Design; www.pinkstardesign.com
Lighting: Technical Event Company; www.technicaleventcompany.com
Linens: BBJ Linen; www.bbjlinen.com
Menu & Escort Tags: dodeline design; www.dodelinedesign.com
Musician: Bob Williams
Photographer: Leigh Webber Photography; www.ltwebber.com
Photo Booth: Complete Music Video Photo of Charleston; www.mycharlestondj.com
Reception music: Rob Duren; www.robduren.com
Rehearsal dinner location: Fish, www.fishrestaurantcharleston.com
Rentals: Event DRS; www.eventdrscharleston.com
Vintage Décor: Hemstitch Vintage in Pensacola, Florida; www.hemstitchvintage.com
