Braving the Elements



WRITER CREDIT: 
PHOTOGRAPHER CREDIT: 
Braving the Elements | D.C. residents Brooke and Chris weather a snowstorm and fire to say “I do” amid autumn’s splendor

When Ohio-native Brooke Seidelmann invited high school pal Chris Jaros to go to prom as friends, she never imagined that years later they’d be holed up in their Washington, D.C. apartment together as the largest snowstorm in the city’s recorded history swirled outside. But it wasn’t so bad. Chris, an attorney, got home before Brooke,  a gallery director, and had transformed their digs into a cozy, fire-lit, cabin-like space, complete with fondue pot dinner—and a proposal.  

Soon after she accepted, the two decided that Kiawah—where Brooke had spent childhood summers—was the perfect wedding locale. Their sights were set upon on the island’s River Course Clubhouse until Brooke received a call from their planner, WED’s Ellen Robinson. “Don’t panic,” Ellen warned,  “but the clubhouse is on fire.”

Once the flames receded and Kiawah began to rebuild, island officials shuffled couples to alternate spots nearby. For their part, Brooke and Chris shifted to the picturesque Cassique Course and hosted a tented reception there on Halloween weekend.  And though they did incorporate a day-after costume brunch, the couple decided upon a harvest reception theme over a spooky one.  

When the day arrived, Brooke glided down a petal-strewn aisle to share “I dos” with Chris under a manzanita branch arbor.  Afterward, they celebrated with guests in an outdoor tent lit by lanterns. “From the rehearsal dinner to walking down the aisle with my father and seeing Chris for the first time, the whole weekend was incredible,”  says Brooke. 
 

Vendors:


Band (Reception): Atlanta Showstoppers
Bridal Gown: Carolina Herrera from Maddison Row
Bride’s Jewelry: Miriam Haskell
Bride’s Shoes: Kate Spade
Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Amsale Bridal from Bella Bridesmaid
Cake: Wedding Cakes by Jim Smeal
Caterer: Cassique, Kiawah Island Club
Ceremony Guitarist: Nikolai Svishev
Ceremony and Reception Location: Cassique, Kiawah Island Club
Dance Lessons: Fred Astaire Dance Studio
Florals: Sara York Grimshaw Designs
Groom’s Suit: Custom tailored suit and PINK tie
Groomsmen’s Suits: Brooks Brothers and PINK ties
Linens: Nuage Designs; Snyder Rentals; and Blossoms Events
Photographer: Marni Rothschild Durlach, Marni Rothschild Pictures
Rentals: Snyder Rentals
Stationery: Lettered Olive, Save the Date & Invitation and Studio R, menus & welcome packet
Transportation: Absolutely Charleston
Wedding Design & Coordination: WED

 


The Wedding Row

February 24 2020
Molly and Chris’s colleagues at J.P. Morgan in New York had a feeling the two were perfect for each other and tried for months to set them up. When they finally met up at an event? Cue: magic. Over...

February 24 2020
After Long Islanders Tom and Danielle met in chorus class during their freshman year of high school, it took him a full year to build up enough courage to ask her to be his girlfriend. Her response...

February 24 2020
On the first day of college at the University of Georgia, a complete stranger tried to convince Sarah to drop freshman English; he’d heard the professor was terrible. Turns out the professor was,...

February 14 2020
To all the single ladies (and gents): Valentine’s Day isn’t only for those already in love. As Alex and Pete’s story proves, it may be the perfect day for a meet-cute. Pennsylvania-born Pete was in...

February 12 2020
Four days before Allison and Brendan’s dream Charleston wedding, Hurricane Florence was making its way toward the Lowcountry and the city was under evacuation orders. The Dallas-based couple pulled...

February 11 2020
Courtney wasn’t looking to settle down, but when friends convinced her to take Kristen on a date, something felt different. Before long, they found themselves in a long-distance relationship—Courtney...

February 7 2020
Bumble may be responsible for introducing this couple, but it was a magical first date filled with sushi, hours of conversation, karaoke, and endless laughter that truly brought together Michelle and...

February 6 2020
Maggie and Mike’s story puts a whole new spin on bro-mance. It all started in Chicago when her boss, who was dating a fellow named Eric, wanted to set Maggie up with her boyfriend’s younger brother....