Kayle Birdoff & Max Bareiss
April 30, 2022 • Kiawah River
Kayle Birdoff and Max Bareiss met as freshmen living in the same dorm at the University of Texas, where they forged a bond that lasted through their college years. After graduation, both stayed in Austin to start their careers. Before they knew it, a romance began to blossom. Then and now, their love was anchored by the strong foundation they had built together. “We have always been each other’s partner and best friend before anything else,” says Kayle.
In September 2020, the couple visited Portland, Maine, to celebrate Kayle’s 27th birthday. But she didn’t know that Max had a few big surprises up his sleeve. He popped the question near the city’s scenic waterfront, and after a delighted Kayle said yes, they went to a restaurant where their families were waiting to celebrate with them.
As the pair considered where they might wed, they set their sights on the Lowcountry. It’s a place Kayle had fallen for long ago, having grown up vacationing on Kiawah Island during summers. Max had recently been introduced to its serene beauty himself when he joined Kayle’s family—his future in-laws—for a five-month quarantine at the onset of the pandemic. They easily settled on the majestic marshscape of Kiawah River as the perfect venue for their big day. Envisioning a striking wedding that juxtaposed the setting’s unspoiled beauty with crisp, contemporary decor, Kayle and Max leaned on planner Lauren Fox to help them bring it to life.
When their 285-person guest list mandated dinner and dancing be in separate tents, the couple worried folks might get antsy during the meal, so they hired a three-piece country band to play tunes throughout. Not only did they keep everyone entertained, the band ended up being the highlight of the wedding, Kayle says, recalling guests dancing and singing throughout the courses. “People still tell me how fun and different it made our wedding.” Come time for the real dancing to begin, they didn’t want anything interrupting the party—even a break for wedding cake. In lieu of traditional slices, guests enjoyed chocolate chip cookie skillets and Baileys-infused milkshakes that were passed around the dance floor.
Vendors
Planning & Design: Fox Events
Photography: Brian Dorsey Studios
Venue: Kiawah River
Florals: Blossom Bay Design
Catering & Bar: Cru Catering
Cocktail Hour Bar: Vintage Silver
Bridal Attire: Elizabeth Filmore
Beauty: Ash and Co.
Rentals: Crush Event Design, Event Works, Snyder Events
Entertainment: Whisky Run (dinner), The Royals (dancing)
Draping: Veil Charleston
Linens: Nüage Designs
Stationery: Emily Baird Design
Calligraphy: Jessica McSweeney
