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...
We can’t say it enough during these worry-filled days: a planner sure takes the worry off your wedding planning plate. Not only do they thrive in the middle of fast-paced crises, their fix-it selves are all. about. solutions. And today, we’re spotlighting a dream solution to those amid pandemic-postponed Big Days. So engaged couples, meet your new bestie: the elopement.
For the past five years Francesca DiSalvo-Follmer of Pure Luxe Bride in Charleston, South Carolina, has offered a popular “Styled Elopement” package. Not your mama’s courthouse elopement, these are scaled down, intimate micro-weddings. But in response to COVID-19, she now shares the even more refined “Curated Elopement.”
Created for up to eight guests, the all-inclusive deal includes:
Book the package and you let the Pure Luxe team take the reins, choose vendors, and craft the day. Why the new offering? “We wanted to put together something special for brides that have been impacted by cancellations, postponements, or financial difficulties due to COVID-19,” says Francesca. “Essentially, we connected with our go-to vendors to create an all-inclusive package for these couples at a reduced, flat rate, about half what our normal Styled Elopement TM costs. Normally a couple pays each vendor but instead, here they pay us, and we contract and pay the vendors.
“We creatives are so anxious to get back to work doing what we love,” says Francesca, “and this allows us to do that. If you can trust our team (there are no substitutions, it’s designer’s choice), it will be gorgeous! With our spring weddings being wiped out, and with there being so many devastated brides, we thought this would be a win-win for all.”
So, Styled Elopements are on the Pure Luxe menu now through August 2020. And as soon as social restrictions lift, “We’ll be ready to rock!” says Francesca. Those based in the Charleston area who already have a marriage license will be fast-tracked. “And if they want to have the ceremony and the photos before they get their license,” adds Francesca, who is a notary, “they can get the paperwork to us later.”
Word is already spreading. “We’ve seen a huge surge in elopement bookings,” says Francesca, “some for brides who weren’t even Charleston brides to begin with. We have one from Maryland who was planning on a Pennsylvania wedding. It looks like couples are still going to have a big wedding or party later, but they want to have the ceremony sooner.”
Design and Planning: Pure Luxe Bride | Venue: Legare Waring House | Photography: Aaron & Jillian Photography | Florals: Petaloso | Rentals: Snyder Events | Cake: Sablée | Officiant: Justin Follmer | Beauty: Paper Dolls Wedding Hair & Makeup | Bride’s gown: Theia, available in Charleston through Lovely Bride | Bridal accessories: Ring (Diamonds Direct); hair clip (The Wild Rose) | Groom’s attire: Indochino (suit)
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