Unique Unions

Arianna Lain Smith & Jesse Taylor Davidson
Charleston | 4.7.23

PHOTOGRAPHED BY Kayla parsons photography

Arianna was living the single girl’s dream in New York city as an international flight attendant. When she was furloughed due to COVID-19, she moved home to Charleston to be a manager at a museum. It was there that she met Jesse, an exhibit technician.

Arianna soon noticed that he started stopping by her desk to chat about their favorite video games. Jesse eventually worked up the nerve to ask Arianna out on their first date on July 4, 2021.

In August 2022, the pair traveled to NYC to hear their favorite composer, Joe Hisaishi, perform at Radio City Music Hall. After Arianna showed Jesse her former neighborhood, they attended the concert and had dinner at one of Arianna’s favorite restaurants. It was there that Jesse toasted Arianna, and she saw the engagement ring in the glass.

The couple wanted an intimate wedding with close friends and family. Arianna, the world traveler, loved the idea of an international location. Her search led her to Cornwall, United Kingdom. To reduce complications, the pair chose to legally marry at the Kanawha County Courthouse prior to their ceremony abroad. A small reception followed at the bride’s family’s historic home, located next door to the West Virginia State Capitol. This provided an opportunity to celebrate with friends and family who were unable to travel.

Arianna wore a 1940s-style dress, bow, and shoulder-length veil with a red fur coat. She carried a vintage beaded purse. Jesse wore a tweed suit with a red necktie.

The couple toasted each other with champagne flutes that the bride’s parents had used at their wedding.

The wedding cake had a small kissing frog topper as a nod to Arianna’s love of amphibians. Sir Dapper, the family’s beloved Aussiedoodle, dressed in his tuxedo, was there to welcome guests.

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