Easy Elegance



WRITER CREDIT: 
PHOTOGRAPHER CREDIT: 

Medaya Flynn and Carlton Clack first met at a Fleetwood Mac cover band concert in 2019, having no idea that mutual friends were behind the introduction. The two quickly hit it off and spent the entire concert chatting. As it turned out, their friends were onto something: Medaya and Carlton made a great match. That instinct was underscored when 2020 brought a global pandemic and the couple decided to quarantine together after just four months of dating. When it came time to pop the question, Carlton left no detail unplanned, creating a five-page document that mapped out a backyard proposal, a champagne toast with their families, and a surprise engagement party with their closest friends. Carlton even laid out when the music video of “All Too Well” by Taylor Swift (Medaya’s favorite artist) should be cued up.

Choosing to wed in the Charleston area was a no-brainer. Some of Medaya and Carlton’s favorite memories had played out across the Lowcountry, from attending weddings together to unwinding on family vacations. With friends and family traveling from near and far, they decided that Kiawah Island, with its spellbinding natural beauty, would play the perfect host to a weekend of events.

The pair worked with Kayla LeDuc of Anderson Event Design to bring to life their distinct vision: “We wanted guests to feel like they were stepping into a classic Charleston home, where Southern elegance is enlivened with fresh, modern touches,” says Medaya. That vibe was delivered in spades via textured rattan, verdant green linens, and warm wood tones. Personal nods to the couple were also peppered throughout, from cameos of their pup, Reese, on napkins to a floral-filled seating chart table featuring the framed quote: “At every table, we’ll save you a seat,” a play on a T. Swift lyric.

 

Tips

• Start with a vibe.

 The couple gave planner Kayla LeDuc a singular design vision—stepping into a Charleston home—which she carried out through coordinating table linens, wispy florals, and ample rattan accents.

• Get personal. Storied details abounded, including a seating chart referencing a Taylor Swift lyric, baskets of Georgia peaches celebrating Carlton’s home state, and golden retriever Reese appearing on napkins and the cake.

• Let the setting shine. The duo chose Kiawah Island as a home base for their entire wedding weekend, kicking off with a pickleball party and a coastal-chic oyster roast welcome event.

• Savor the process. The pair meticulously planned all the details of their wedding, so on the big day, they could just relax. “Your engagement is a uniquely special season of life, and it flies by faster than you think,” says Medaya.

Vendors

Planning & Design: Anderson Event Design 

Venue: The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island

Photography: Rebecca Sigety Photography 

Florals: Festoon

Catering: Kiawah Resort

Stationery: Kate Eliza Creative

Rentals: Curated Events, Snyder 

Linens: BBJ La Tavola, Stradley Davidson, Reverie Social

Bridal Attire: Sassi Holford (gown), Ladies of Lineage (boutique)

Beauty: Charleston I Do

Bridesmaids’ Attire: Bella Bridesmaids 

Groom’s Attire: Brackish (tie)

The Wedding Row

July 16 2019
The Wedding Row: So, tell us how it all began.  Meaghen: We met at Fisher College back in 2005. It was my second semester and Brett had just transferred in. He frequented the house parties my...

July 15 2019
Back in high school, Brian stood at the top of his football field’s bleachers and screamed into a megaphone while holding a 10- foot sign. All in the hopes that this cute cheerleader named Lindsey...

July 12 2019
A mutual friend and a 90s cover band are to thank for uniting Kristen and Shane back in 2016. The two, while listening to some live tunes, were introduced and it seems they have never looked back....

July 11 2019
A week before Mary Lake was to depart for her freshman year at Clemson University, a mutual friend introduced her to Tyler, a fellow Charleston-ian, and a fellow incoming Tiger. Having written off...

July 10 2019
These two Terps Alumni (that’s the University of Maryland, for those fans only familiar with the SEC) Natalie and Will dated for six whopping years before getting engaged. Over their stint of time as...

July 9 2019
You’re now welcome to board the love story that is Anne-Kyle & Drew. Now, this first sentence may not make sense at the moment but trust us, the meaning will hit you in just a second. These two...

July 8 2019
It’s not like we needed it (we already live on the surface of the sun), but this wedding warms our hearts up to the highest degree. Megan and Chase exchanged their vows last fall at the Gadsden House...

July 2 2019
Claire and Jay are one of those couples that we just want to be friends with. They exude cool and have that “it” factor that makes you love them instantly (even though we have never met them). But...