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...
Cassady Clayton & Joe Hild
April 20, 2013; Gibbes Museum of Art
Cassady Clayton has a soft spot for antiques, but as the Florida native conceptualized the décor for her wedding to Joe Hild, she sought to bypass the rustic and romantic themes she’d seen before. “I wanted something a little different than the looks that are all over Pinterest,” she explains. Inspired by her collection of milk glass, Cassady, who met Joe when they both worked at the Medical University of South Carolina, opted for a reception that was less lace and burlap and more mid-century and mod. She mailed her glassware to event designer Jacqueline Lawrence of inventivENVIRONMENTS, who gladly signed on. “I love milk glass,” Jacqueline says. “Since each piece has a different shape, size, and texture, it really allows you to play with the design.” For a modern twist, they paired Cassady’s vintage urns and dishes with modern fabrics featuring yellow chevron and grey-and-white Greek key patterns. The result perfectly suited the Gibbes Museum’s courtyard garden. “It was bright and cheery,” says Cassady, who now resides with Joe in Tampa, Florida, “but still polished.”
Tip: Play patterns off each other. The lines on these striped paper straws juxtapose the curves of the hobnail milk glass vessel.
COLOR PUNCH: Choosing matte fabrics let the silver chargers shine at the reception. The bride plans to make toss pillows from the runners and napkins.
Tip: Tuck hankies (these with floral prints softened the edgy chevron pattern) into “Happy Tears” envelopes for guests.
ANY WAY YOU SLICE IT: Even sliced cake factored into the day’s pattern party with its “striped” layers and contrast icing.
Tip: Ask for an ombré cake! WildFlour Pastry used a spreader to transition from yellow to white and add homespun texture, too.
Tip: Streamline your patterns (and palette) from the onset, and invitations set the tone for your Big Day months in advance.
Tip: Make escort cards anything but run-of-the-mill when you punch their edges with a pattern and hang them with colorful Washi tape.
DISCS, MAN: In lieu of petals, give your flower girl large-scale confetti in your wedding colors for tossing.
Vendor List
Baker: WildFlour Pastry, www.wildflourpastrycharleston.com
Bridal Attire: Brides by Demetrios, www.demetriosbride.com
Bridesmaids’ Attire: Dessy, www.dessy.com
Calligraphy: Blink Calligraphy, www.etsy.com/shop/annie52309
Caterer: Cru Catering, www.crucatering.com
Event Design & Florals: Jacqueline Lawrence of inventivEnvironments, www.inventivenvironments.com
Event Planner: Pure Luxe Bride, www.pureluxebride.com
Groom’s and Groomsmen’s Tuxedos: Vera Wang Black for Men’s Warehouse, www.menswearhouse.com
Groom’s and Groomsmen’s Ties and Pocket Squares: Dessy, www.dessy.com
Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas, www.weddingpaperdivas.com
Lighting: Tiger Lily Weddings, www.tigerlilyflowers.com
Linens: Event Works, www.eventworkscharleston.com
Photographer: amelia + dan, www.ameliaanddan.com
Programs: Yellow Brick Graphics, www.etsy.com/shop/YellowBrickGraphics
Rentals: Event Works Charleston, www.eventworkscharleston.com
Save-the-Dates: Shoutout, www.etsy.com/shop/shoutout
Venue: The Gibbes Museum of Art, www.gibbesmuseum.org
