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...
Kitty and Kyle met during their freshman year at Clemson, but they didn’t begin dating until they got to know each other as study partners a few years later. After two years, a move to Charleston, and one purr-fect addition to their family (Pippa, an orange tabby), Kyle popped the question. Today Kitty’s a nursing student at the Medical University of South Carolina and Kyle attends medical school there, but recently they traded in their scrubs for formalwear to celebrate their Big Day at the Wickliffe House downtown. Read on to hear all about it (and the proposal).
The Wedding Row: Let’s hear all about the proposal.
Kitty: Kyle wholeheartedly believes that I saw it all coming, because I painted my nails not once but three times the day before he proposed. Kyle planned a perfect belated Valentine’s date for us, beginning at Pounce Cat Café. We spent an hour playing with the cute kittens, then had a delicious dinner at Rue de Jean. Then, we went on a chilly walk on the beach on Sullivan’s Island, which was the first place I took him when he came to visit me in Charleston during college. It was pitch black on the beach when he dropped down on one knee, and I immediately collapsed. He likes to say he knew I really meant it when I said “Yes” because it was too dark to see how big and sparkly the ring was.
TWR: What were you envisioning for your wedding? Was there a color palette or theme in mind? Any “musts” for the Big Day?
Kitty: One absolute must for me was a ton of eucalyptus—I love the smell and the texture it brings to flower arrangements. Another amazing part was our custom candles by local candle makers MacBailey Candle Co. They make candles inspired by our flowers to help enhance the atmosphere. The best part? Now we have all the leftover candles around our house that smell exactly like our wedding day!
TWR: Absolute favorite moment of the reception. Go.
Kitty: Kyle and I both agree that our favorite moment was actually our exit. Obviously it was so great to be surrounded by all our friends and family on the most perfect day of our lives, but I think we were both most excited to be alone and revel in the fact that we actually got married. There is something very special about shifting from the chaos of wedding planning and entertaining to the stillness, peace, and togetherness of being with your person.
Wedding Planner and Coordinator: Christy Loftin | Florals: Out of the Garden | Photography: Still Co. | Ceremony Venue: St. Luke’s Chapel | Reception Venue: The Wickliffe House | Catering: Scratch Kitchen (Wickliffe House’s in-house catering) | Cake: Sweet Rhi | Invitations and Paper Goods: Minted | Ceremony Music: Charleston Virtuosi | Reception Band: Charleston Groove Factory (OtherBrother Entertainment) | Bride’s Gown: Hayley Paige from White on Daniel Island | Bridesmaids’ Attire: BHLDN | Hair and Makeup: Lashes and Lace | Officiant: Al Votaw
