Sea Island Life Magazine Spring/Summer 2014 | Page 58

employs accessories to complete her transition from one part of the big day to the next.

Sparkle and Shine
Some of these opulent touches do double
or even triple duty. Take, for example, the
Sophie, a highly desirable piece at wedding accessory rental website Happily Ever
Borrowed (happilyeverborrowed.com). This

calm down, which means dazzling, art decoinspired pieces are popping up everywhere—
bracelets, earrings, even vintage engagement
rings—you name it,” she says.

Framing the Face
Accessories even extend to the tresses, as
brides begin to focus less on hairstyles
than what accouterments can be
added to those loose curls or
sleek updos. Dramatic veils are
back in the spotlight where

IMAGES BY AL GAWLIK PHOTOGRAPHY IN AUSTIN

pendants on a ribbon tie can be worn as a
headband, necklace or sash.
Crystals and pearls are just a few of the
irresistible baubles that brides are slipping
into as they layer their look with accessories.
Family mementos, antique jewelry, treasured lockets, charms and charm bracelets
also appeal to many brides, says Keisha Scott,
lead planner and designer at North Carolinabased K. Scott Weddings. “Southern weddings are all about heirlooms and traditions,
so here you’ll see accessories that aren’t sold
in stores but are instead passed down from
generation to generation.”
In addition to pieces with some history,
bridal jewelry of the moment falls right in
line with fashion. Trending rose gold has lit

up the scene in addition to ethereal touches
produced by metallic trims or artistically
structured feathers.
“Large statement necklaces, chandelier
earrings and bracelets are bringing highfashion style to simpler and modern bridal
gowns,” says Brittany Haas, founder of
Happily Ever Borrowed.
The site’s social media manager, Andrea
Calvert, also points to romantic jewelry that
has experienced a recent resurgence thanks
to designers’ enduring fascination with “The
Great Gatsby.”

embellished headpieces, sparkling headbands, feathers and bejeweled hair accessories—from encrusted hair combs to custom
hair jewelry that mixes new and vintage or
crystals and pearls.
Jodi Cohen and Sarah Lowy of Beverly
Hills, Calif.-based JOWY Productions explain
that most brides want something unique, but
not too trendy or outrageous. Similar to dress
shopping, choosing accessories simply based
on trends could make wedding photos look
dated only a year later.
If that’s a concern, it’s always safe to go
timeless and classic, experts say. “Vintage
just like Sea Island,” Killgallon says. Using
the lace in the bride’s veil, as part of her
dress or even wrapped around her bouquet’s
texture. “We’ve even replicated a thirdgeneration lace piece in the invitation, cake
design and linens.”
Beyond lace, a Southern belle’s
reigning favorite addition is the
Stephenson, owner of Table 6
Productions, an event planning company with locations
in several states. Whether
worn as a wreath, a crown or
and color makes these accessories utterly charming paired with
simple jewelry and no veil. “Recently,
I worked on a photo shoot where we added
merge the best of both worlds: sparkle and
natural,” she says. “It was so beautiful.”
brides remain diverse in their styling choices,
Pool says. “But we certainly don’t skimp on
the bling!” she adds. “It is just less bedazzled and more shimmery.” One of her tips:
Outdoor lighting works better with beadwork
rather than rhinestones. “Your photos will
your accessories].”

Unexpected Accents
A classic or simple silhouette is the ultimate
starting point from which to personalize a
bridal look with accessories.
“The most go-to add-on is hands down the
bridal belt or sash,” Pool says. “It can totally
change the overall look of a dress and, when

Elise accessories line, the Reagan belt
instantly adds a golden touch. With crystal
The Reagan by Grayson Elise is an embellished ribbon that transforms from a headband to a sash.

58 SEA ISL AND LIFE | SPRING/SUMMER 2014

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