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...
In the early 2000s, husband-and-wife entrepreneurs Chris and Kristin Mein of Indah Events (843/580-8111) built an off-the-grid luxury camping and yoga lodge in Panama that was comprised of bell tents (so-called because each fans out to create a bell-like silhouette). Twelve years later, the duo relocated to James Island, switched from lodges to tepees, and established their vanguard tent rental company this past August. “I think we are destined to always be ‘tent people,’” laughs Kristin. The company’s inaugural local wedding was held on the flats of Wadmalaw Island, she says, and included three tepees joined together for a Moroccan-themed reception complete with lanterns, poufs, and rugs. (Story continues below image.)
What sets the tepees apart? For starters, each can be configured to have dramatic, covered entryways; can go without walls for a pavilion (which showcases the elegant Swedish support columns); and can house up to 240 guests each. And dressing the spaces brings out a host of options options. “You can project an image into the peak of the tent, which looks incredible both inside and out,” offers Kristin. Add linking capabilities (to fashion separate “rooms” for a ceremony site, reception dining hall, and dance lounge, for instance), woven mat flooring options, and weatherproof materials, and every empty field in the Lowcountry is practically calling for them.
