Exposed Brick, Lush Blooms, and Neon Signs Added a Modern Twist to This Sassy Southern-Inspired Wedding

Okay, this editorial is taking the idea of a rustic wedding and flipping it upside down. Gone are the mason jars, baby’s breath arrangements, and lace dolly linens. Instead, vintage rugs, stylish fashion statements, and industrial-chic details—like an oh-so hip neon sign!—were used to set the bar high when it comes to pulling off a Southern-inspired wedding in 2022.

Event designer Chari Davis with Wolf Feather Honey was the mastermind behind this ultra-cool country-themed shoot. She partnered with Ravin Nettles and Gayla Jones of Gray Gatherings to bring magic together for this editorial. Ravin shared that because barn weddings are popular with her clients in the Gulf Coast area, she knew she wanted to create a concept that showcased a modern version of this typical rustic aesthetic. Basically, her take on the idea of a Southern barn theme that actually doesn’t take place at a farm or countryside at all. She teamed up with other local Mississippi vendors (such as the unique warehouse venue in Ocean Springs, The Jackson Pearl!) in order to bring her vision to life. And, if you ask us, they nailed it! See how they transformed the industrial venue into a hip and modern barn setting.

The Edgy and Elevated Fashion

Floral printed midi-dresses were paired with western-inspired sun hats and cowboy boots to help add to the country theme. Belted looks, lots of denim (and even a crop top wedding gown!) were also showcased to evoke an edgier Southern-inspired feel.

The Industrial-Chic Venue

Ravin knew she wanted to use The Jackson Pearl as the venue because she loved their vibe. “When we met the owners of The Jackson Pearl we were attracted to their mantra of showing love to all and to embracing diversity, and highlighting individual expression,” says Ravin. She went on to explain that the venue is actually a restored historical building as it was the original icehouse of the area and therefore had all the elements she was trying to find. “[You] get the same feel and aesthetic of a typical barn/ farm event, but in a modern, cool, and fresh new way,” adds Ravin.

Baby goats were even brought in during the shoot for some fun portraits!

This modern Southern-inspired bridal look is too cool for school! We especially love the veil and hat combo.

The 2022 Southern-Inspired Details

To create their chic barn setting, Ravin and her team of event pros combined rustic items, such as wooden tones, natural elements, and colorful orange florals with more modern details, such as mixed textile patterns, including an indigo-dyed mud cloth, and exposed brick and beams. “Extra fun elements we snuck in were a wooden rope swing that hung from the industrial beams inside, some southern moonshine as a table gift at each place setting, (because it is Mississippi of course!) and even wine barrels set against wood and brick backgrounds,” says Ravin.

 “It was a day filled with love, fun, and inspiration for everyone, and we can’t wait to keep doing more,” says Ravin.

This modern grazing table is almost too pretty to eat!

We can’t get enough of this neon sign. It’s the perfect backdrop addition.

Ready to start planning a rustic wedding with a twist? We’ve got more inspo for you right here #onGWS!

photography: Tristan Duplichain // venue name: The Jackson Pearl, Ocean Springs, Mississippi, USA // event design: Wolf Feather Honey // planning: Gray Meetings & Events // florals: Maiden Hair Floral // hair stylist: Elle Louise // makeup artist: Kassper Ly // catering: Party Girls // cake: Dine with Myra J // models: Savannah, Chad, Alley, Gracie, Maria, Tayla, Daphne and Jackson // flatware, cross back chairs, arches + wine barrel renals: ABC Rental // goats: Tim and Rachel Aycock // hair stylist #2: Jessica Jackson