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...
Callie Sullivan and Chad Lavinghousez
November 2, 2013
Confederate Home and College & Old Exchange Building
Though Chad Lavinghousez and Callie Sullivan were fellow pharmacy school students in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, it wasn’t until they were on a trip to Key West with a gang of pals that Chad leaned over and whispered in Callie’s ear: “You’re the perfect girl for me.” The duo began dating soon after and, in addition to mutual friends, they discovered a shared enthusiasm for wine, prompting Chad to surprise Callie on Christmas 2009 with a two-week tour of Napa Valley, California. For their final stop of the trip, the pair visited Castello di Amorosa, a Tuscan-style castle and winery, where Chad proposed to Callie in the tallest tower.
A nearly four-year engagement ensued, during which the pair finished pharmacy school, completed their residencies, and moved three different times, once to the Holy City, where they settled down after completing their training, and chose for their wedding location. After setting a date, the pair enlisted Megan Morgan Finne of Mingle to bring to life their vision: a modern, elegant affair with a touch of glitz. On the Big Day, that manifested by way of a ceremony in the verdant gardens of the Confederate Home and College and a reception nearby at the Old Exchange Building. As for getting from one venue to the next? Megan surprised Callie and Chad with a pair of 36-inch balloons ornamented with gold ribbons, which they held while leading their 97 guests down Broad Street to the reception.
There, partygoers were welcomed by shrimp-and-grits hor d’oeuvres served in mini Mason jars by Cru Catering, a raw oyster bar catered by Pearlz, and bride-and-groom specialty drinks—a strawberry basil martini for her and bourbon, orange juice, bitters, and champagne cocktail for him. The couple kept the celebration going throughout the evening as they danced and sang alongside family and friends, including Callie’s 92-year-old grandmother. “I was overwhelmed with love that day,” says the bride.
Vendor List
Bar Service: Bridal Gown: Marisa, available in Charleston through Bridal House of Charleston, www.BridalHouseofSC.com
Bride’s Shoes: Badgley Mischka, www.BadgleyMischka.com
Bridesmaids Attire: Monique Lhuillier, Bella Bridesmaids, www.BellaBridesmaids.com
Cake: Wedding Cakes by Jim Smeal, www.WeddingCakesbyJimSmeal.com
Catering: Cru Catering, Cru Catering, www.CruCafe.com
Cocktail Hour: Pearlz Oyster Bar, www.PearlzOysterBar.com
Florals: Branch Design Studio, www.BranchDesignStudio.com
Groom and Groomsmen’s Attire: Vera Wang, Men’s Warehouse, www.MensWarehouse.com
Hair Stylist: Paper Dolls, www.MyCharlestonWeddingHair.com
Linens: Nuage Designs, www.nuagedesigns.com
Makeup Artist: Pamela Lesch, www.PamelaLeschMakeup.com
Music: Unkle Funkle through Other Brother Entertainment, www.OtherBrotherEnt.com
Photography: Hyer Images, www.HyerImages.com
Rentals: Snyder Events, www.SnyderEvents.com
Stationery and Papergoods: (save the date cards) Studio R, www.Studio-R-Design.com; (invitations and menu cards) Minted, www.Minted.com
Venues: The Confederate Home & College (ceremony), 843-722-2026; (reception) Old Exchange Building, www.OldExchange.org
Wedding Design and Coordination: Megan Morgan Finne of Mingle, www. www.MingleCharleston.com
