Skip the Clichés



PHOTOGRAPHER CREDIT: 
Skip the Clichés | Fresh fall and winter inspiration for cool-weather brides
Ever have an image stuck in your head that you can’t shake? A shot that you want your whole wedding to revolve around? The women of Events by Reagan can relate. When they set out to create this inspirational shoot at Kiawah River, the palette, the vibe, and even the season all came from a Ralph Lauren campaign the team had seen around the holidays. In it was a photo of a male model dressed in an army green jacket and khaki pants in front of an old Range Rover with his loyal canine, they tell us, and for some reason, they simply could not get that image off their minds.
 
“Our inspiration can often come from the most unexpected places,” says Reagan Barnes. Thank goodness for that, because that iconic setup led to this template for any couple looking to host an elegant and sublime cool-weather affair where the fall-winter season—not a themed out version of this time of year—reigns. To that we say hurrah.
 
HOW TO GET THE LOOK
Let the location lead. Kiawah River is quintessential Lowcountry according to the Events by Reagan team. The entire property, with its untouched riverfront marshlands to sweeping Spanish moss and live oak trees, created the ideal backdrop for this shoot.
Choose organic materials. Horn, pheasant feathers, and leather were some of the ingredients drawn together to fashion a look that speaks to the area’s fall and winter seasons, both.
Aim for home. To create a comfortable event that reflects you as a couple, turn toward how you decorate. “Sometimes the most special details stem from what you already do at home,” says Reagan. “When you translate home décor into a special event, the setting automatically becomes personal and exudes your individual style.”
Add seasonal textures. In cool weather months, velvet instantly adds a level of luxe without being over-the-top.
Know thyself. The Events by Reagan crew see this as a celebration for a couple who doesn’t want a table overflowing with flowers. Who might that be? Those on their second marriage, people accustomed to florabundant festivities, or simply a pair who embraces a restrained style.
 
Vendors
 
Venue: Kiawah River, www.kiawahriver.com/weddings
Planner: Events by Reagan, www.eventsbyreagan.com
Images: Sansaara Photography, www.sansaaraphotography.com
Florist: On a Limb Florals, www.onalimbflorals.com
Linens: La Tavola Fine Linen, www.latavolalinen.com
Rentals: Ooh! Events, www.OohEvents.com
Napkin rings: West Elm; www.westelm.com
Baker: Wedding Cakes by Jim Smeal, www.weddingcakesbyjimsmeal.com
Paper goods: Prairie & Sage, www.prairieandsage.com
Beauty: Wild Ivory Beauty, www.wildivorybeauty.com
Bridal stylist: Lindsey Nowak 
Bride’s attire: Chosen by One Day (gown), www.chosenbyoneday.com; Croghan’s Jewel Box (accessories), www.croghansjewelbox.com
Groom’s attire: M. Dumas & Sons, www.mdumasandsons.com
Models: Haylee Michalski and Jordan White through Millie Lewis of Charleston, www.millielewischarleston.com