Your ceremony venue is a great place to begin!  Why not choose an outdoor wedding on the beach, the park, or in a garden?  This is the best way to remind everyone in attendance of the beauty of our earth and natural surroundings.  It’s also a good idea to have the reception at the same location as the ceremony, or at least within walking distance, to avoid having your guests driving between the two.

When it comes to your wedding gown and tuxedo, you might consider buying a used gown or tux.  There are oodles of dresses and tuxedos out there that have only been worn once.
Take a look! Great fabrics to consider are hemp and organic silk dresses.  You might also prefer to wear a very simple dress or suit that you may be able to wear again.  Donating your gown after your wedding day may not be an option for you, but this is a wonderful way to help others less fortunate.

Your invitations can be ‘Green’ as well!  Be sure and buy invitations that are 100% recyclable and processed without chlorine.  Many companies offer ‘Green’ invitations that encourage your guests to recycle.  You can also have seeds embedded in the paper so that your guests can plant the invitations and enjoy the flowers that grow from them.  How cool is that?  If you need RSVP’s from your guests, you might even use a reply postcard that can be dropped in the mail to you, rather than an inner envelope.  This saves on paper and postage.

One of the best ways to let your friends and relatives keep up with the details of your wedding details is by creating a website.  This will give everyone the details about your wedding without having to print copies for everyone.  If you have some family and friends without internet access, you will only have to print cards with the information for a select few.

Catering is a big area in which to stay ‘Green’.  Be sure and find a caterer who will provide vegetarian and organic foods and entrees that your guests will enjoy.  And, if you are
having a ‘weekend wedding’ with events and meals planned for your guests, you will want to check into renting real glasses and dishes, along with real cloth napkins.  Avoid using the disposables.  You can also use the biodegradable or compostable dishes and flatware.  These are usually made of products such as cornstarch, sugar cane, and tropical leaves or plants.  Pretty interesting, don’t you think?

There are several ways to go ‘Green’ when choosing your wedding flowers.  Look for a florist that uses flowers from local growers or organic growers.  If you are a ‘do it yourselfer’, look for a wildflower grower in your area and create your own bouquets and boutonnieres, as well as your ceremony and reception arrangements.  Potted plants instead of flowers are great way to show your ‘Green’.  No pun intended.  After the wedding, you might enjoy giving these to some of your behind the scene ‘wedding helpers’.

Some couples are already settled into a home and may not need kitchenware or home furnishings.  If this is the case, just state on your invitation, ‘Your presence is your gift to us’.  Or you could recommend that your guests donate to a favorite environmental group in honor of your wedding.  On the other hand, if you are in the process of establishing your home together, you may want to register with retailers that are eco-conscious.  This will help to lessen the number of unnecessary gifts from guests who don’t really know what you need or want.

Gifts for your bridesmaids and groomsmen can be easily done by purchasing non-consumptive options like a massage gift certificate.  Other good choices that are very useful are gifts such as soap, wine, fair trade coffee, etc., as well as gift certificates from a health food store.

Some couples choose the tradition of having birdseed thrown, rather than rice.  Remember that standard birdseed mixes may contain plant seed and may not be welcomed in a park or outdoor venue.  These seeds can actually cause other problems to the eco-system.  You will want to choose native wildflower seeds or petals.  Other choices are the ringing of hand bells or blowing bubbles from recyclable bottles.

The wedding ceremony programs, just like the invitations can be printed on 100% recycled paper.  By using these eco-friendly products, your guests will know this is something that is very important to you.  After the ceremony, be sure and have all programs collected and recycle.

Favors are most always a difficult choice to make, but you can add a note on your program to let your guests know that you made a donation of $3 or $4 dollars per guest to a favorite environmental organization.  Another tip I recently heard about is to give each guest an 11 watt compact fluorescent bulb to replace with a 50 watt incandescent bulb.  This is an excellent way of saving the use of carbon dioxide.

One of my favorite wedding favors is a recycled handmade paper bookmark with wildflower seeds.  This is very useful and I love the idea of planting the bookmark and enjoying the flowers later.  You might even prefer to give a packet of wildflower seeds or a tree sapling.  I love these ideas.

For your honeymoon, look for a travel agent that can help you book an environmentally sensitive trip.  You will want to choose hotels that recycle and are eco-friendly.  Choose electric or hybrid car rentals, if possible.

And there you have it!  It’s all ‘Green’ and it’s all good!

www.stsimonselopements.com

I know that it might sound

More than a little crazy,

But I believe

I knew I loved you before I met you.

I think I dreamed you into life.

I knew I loved you before I met you.

I have been waiting all my life.

~ Savage Garden

When Jennifer Dugger told Gregory Ogden she wasn’t going to beat around the bush, she meant it!  She wanted to go out with him and she told him so!
Who knew Greg had wanted to go out with her all along, but thought she was brushing him off?  Wow!  A match made in heaven, complete with 5 kiddos between them!

It was a balmy Southeast Georgia day on September 3, 2011, but the ocean breeze blew comfortably on Driftwood Beach on Jekyll Island, as Greg and Jennifer became husband and wife.  The families were seated and Greg stood with me as Jennifer was escorted and given in marriage by her 2 sons, Nathan and Samuel.

Jennifer wore a beautiful wedding gown of ivory satin with a champagne sash at the waist.  The strapless bodice was a sweetheart neckline.  Her brown hair was pulled up and slightly to the side with an ivory flower accent.  She carried a bouquet of orange-coral calla lilies.  Just gorgeous!  Greg wore a handsome khaki suit, white shirt, and matching boutonniere from Jennifer’s bouquet.

Vows were said and rings were exchanged between Jennifer and Greg before they participated in a family sand ceremony.  The sand ceremony included the 5 children, Makayla, Nathan, Abigail, Samuel, and Sarah.  They were all dressed in white shirts and blouses with khaki shorts.  Each child and both parents poured their own individual container and color of sand to show their unique selves being joined together into a new family unit, never again to be separated.  The final product was a vase of colorful sand layers, representing each family member.

The two were pronounced husband and wife and they kissed for the first time as Mr. and Mrs. Greg Ogden.  And it was beautiful!

After beach photography of the couple and their families, a reception dinner was held at Halyard’s on St. Simons Island, Ga.  It just doesn’t get any better than this!

For more information on destination weddings and elopements, please
visit my website at http://www.stsimonselopements.com

Thank you to:

http://www.jeanniereeves.com/

http://www.halyardsrestaurant.com/

September morn…

Still can make me feel that way.

~ Neil Diamond

Ben Fields and Stephanie Bradford were married on a beautiful September morning, Saturday, the 10^th, at 10am on Driftwood Beach, Jekyll Island, GA.

Family members and close friends gathered at the chosen beach ceremony sight among the centuries old driftwood as Ben and his brother, who served as his best man, stood with me to await the bride’s entrance.

At last, Stephanie began her walk down the sandy path and onto the beach.  She was escorted and given in marriage by her brother.  Her smile could
not be contained, as she saw her handsome groom and she proceeded forward to stand before her him.

Stephanie was beautiful in her white strapless wedding gown of crisp organza and ruffles with a navy blue sash that tied at the waist.  She carried a tight round bouquet of red roses and a few green spider mums that were held to together at the stems with a white satin ribbon.  Just lovely!  Her long brown hair was pinned up and slightly to the side holding a white handmade flower.  She was simply beautiful!

Ben was also quite the handsome gentleman in his light khaki suit, white shirt, and navy blue paisley bow tie.  He wore a red rose boutonniere to match Stephanie’s bouquet.

The ceremony began as the sea gulls flew above and the waves lapped the shoreline.  They repeated their vows, exchange rings, and poured sand together into a single vase to signify the two as now one and never to be separated.

They were pronounced husband and wife and they sealed it with a kiss.  Ever so romantic!

For more information on destination weddings and elopements, please visit my website at http://www.stsimonselopements.com

Chris and Stephanie were simply adorable as they walked hand in hand down the sandy pathway to the beach.  They flipped off their shoes and stood among the centuries old driftwood and spoke vows of everlasting love.

Stephanie’s wedding gown was a creamy ivory chiffon, floor length with a criss cross bodice and spaghetti straps.  She carried a bouquet of summer flowers, just fitting for this beach ceremony.  Her golden brown hair was pulled back and hung softly on her shoulders.  She looked amazing!  Chris wore khaki shorts and a cream polo shirt.  He was ever so handsome and they both wore smiles from ear to ear.

They exchanged rings and the anticipation of being pronounced husband and wife was evident as smiles broke out on their faces.  Chris kissed his beautiful bride and they were married at last!

If you’re a bird, I’m a bird.  ~ Noah, from The Notebook

For more information on destination elopements and weddings, please
visit my website at www.stsimonselopements.com

Thank you to:

Jeannie Reeves http://www.jeanniereeves.com/

Linda Stewart http://www.brunswickflowerbasket.net/

The wedding music began as the little flower girl proceeded down the aisle with her small bouquet, before the bride and her father.

As Kayla and her dad walked forward, Josh was able to see his beautiful bride for the first time.  Their eyes locked and smiles from ear to ear broke out on their faces.

The guests bowed their heads and Kayla’s mom took a moment to wipe her tears as Zach asked blessings on Josh and Kayla for their love and commitment in their marriage.

They both held hands and listened intently to the message of the holy relationship between Christ and His church.

Vows were said, rings were exchanged, and a special sand ceremony was held to represent their unique selves being individual up until now, and just as these grains of sand can never be separated, so to, are their lives.

They were pronounced husband and wife and Josh kissed his beautiful bride!  Complete happiness and jubilation from these two!

Luke Smith of Lone Pine Photography continued their wedding photography and captured stunning images of these two and their small, romantic beach ceremony.

For more information on beach weddings and elopements, please visit my website at www.stsimonselopements.com.

Thank you to:

Luke Smith, Lone Pine Photography at http://www.lonepine-photography.com/

Zach Presten, Minister

Suzie was radiant in her wedding gown!  It was a white strapless chiffon gown with layers of ruffles that fell into a flowing train.  A royal blue sash was tied at the waist.  Her long blonde hair was pulled into a beautiful side ponytail and held a white flower. 

Jason wore khaki slacks and a royal blue shirt underneath a white cotton shirt rolled up to a ¾ length and an open collar.  No shoes for these two love birds!

The photographer, Jeannie, and I waited for the two to arrive and the four of us walked down the path to stand among the massive tree trunks of driftwood.  As we stood there together, I could see the happiness illuminating from them.  They were indeed thankful to have found each other. 

It was a hot balmy August evening, but it didn’t matter one bit as these two professed their love to each other, exchanged their rings, and finally became Mr. and Mrs. Jason Higley.

Before their photo session was over, they even opted for a trash the dress photo in the ocean!  Definitely a fun loving couple! 

For more information on elopements to Jekyll Island, Georgia, please visit my website at http://www.stsimonselopements.com

 Thank you to Jeannie Reeves Photography.

When Christy McCarthy and Stephen Bates chose Jekyll Island as their destination wedding location, they had no idea how unbelievably awesome it was going to be!  Christy found my website, http://www.stsimonselopements.com and immediately called to book their small wedding for August 6, 2011 at 11am on the beach at Hampton Inn on Jekyll Island.  She had previously vacationed here and dreamed of this location for her wedding day.  Her dream wedding was finally coming true!  Much planning and lots of details were taking place to make sure this would be the destination wedding of her dreams! 

Months prior to her engagement, Christy had answered a pop up message online from the Producers of TLC.  She completed the application to be considered for their television show, “Say Yes To The Dress” and a month ago, was contacted by the show’s Producers, Vicky Song, Brandy Kirschnear, and Carly Rogoff.  Christy had completely forgotten she had filled out the application!

Just so happened, Christy was in the midst of an extreme wedding dress disaster!  She had ordered and paid for a dress from a company and the dress did not arrive as planned.  “Say Yes To The Dress” was a saving grace!  An appointment was made and Christy met with Monty Ray Durham, Lori Allen, the Salon owner, and Robin Gibbs, the Bridal Manager at the “Say Yes To The Dress” Atlanta location.   Along for the viewing was Christy’s 5 year old daughter, Katie McCarthy, her mom Ellen Bryant, her grandmother Rena Hofheinz, her matron of honor Cristina Seacrest, and her fashion director Cole Loughridge.  

Christy said ”YES, to the dress”!  She chose a wedding gown by ’2Be Bridal Designs of the Kathy Ireland Weddings Collection’.   Kathy Ireland is the chief designer for the 2be Bride collection.  The filming of the fitting of the dress and the August 6th wedding day will air on TLC in January 2012!

The two were finally married on the beach of Jekyll Island, Georgia on Saturday, August 6, 2011.  All of the planning and stress disappeared as they spoke their vows to each other, exchanged rings, and presented a gift to Christy’s 5 year old daughter, Katie. 

I am so very pleased and honored to have been a part of Christy and Stephen’s wedding day and would also like to recognize local wedding vendors that all came together to make this day everything Christy and Stephen dreamed it would be.

Wedding Officiant and Coordinator – Carla Pryor of St. Simons Elopements http://www.stsimonselopements.com

Flowers – Linda Stewart of The Flower Basket http://www.brunswickflowerbasket.net/

Photography – Jeannie Reeves of Jeannie Reeves Photography http://www.jeanniereeves.com/

Musicians – George Cappleman String Trio gcapp.gcapp@gmail.com

Reception & Catering – Latitude 31 http://www.latitude31andrahbar.com/about%20us.html

Lodging – Hampton Inn on Jekyll Island http://hamptoninn.hilton.com/en/hp/hotels/index.jhtml?ctyhocn=BSWJIHX

Transportation – Mr. D.A. Martin of Martin’s Vintage Rides http://mvintagerides.com/default.aspx

Stephanie wore a long ivory chiffon gown with a single strap and ruched empire bodice.  Her long brown hair was pulled into a beautiful side ponytail.  She accessorized with a pearl bracelet and drop pearl earrings.  Her bouquet was made of burnt orange mini callas.

David, the groom, wore white linen slacks and vest, along with a white shirt and sleeves rolled up to ¾ lengths.  He also wore a maroon colored tie and a mini calla boutonniere.

Luminaries lit the aisle and led to the semi circle of flaming tiki torches as the two stood barefooted together and vowed their love forever.  Not another soul in sight, save for the 7 close family members, who stood among the centuries old, massive driftwood trees.  The glow from the torches projected into the night air and across the ocean waves as the ceremony began. 

In the distance, lights flickered from ships out to sea as Stephanie and David looked into each other’s eyes and spoke sweet words of love. They professed their vows, exchanged their rings, and I pronounced them husband and wife. 

Truly one of the most romantic ceremonies I’ve been a part of.  The glow of the torches and luminaries along the beach and the sounds of the ocean behind us made this ceremony one that I won’t soon forget.  Just beautiful!

Other men said they have seen angels,

But I have seen thee…

And thou art enough.

~ by G. Moore ~

For more information on eloping to St. Simons Island or Jekyll Island, GA, please visit my website at http://www.stsimonselopements.com.

Thank you to:

Luke Smith of Lone Pine Photography

Linda Stewart of The Flower Basket

Arnaud Chavigny…(pronounced Are No Sha veen’ nyee), I know…because I practiced it many times before the ceremony, and his bride, Gabrielle arrived at the lighthouse right on time and all smiles. 

Gabrielle is expecting their baby boy in September and looked radiant in her long white jersey knit wedding dress.  She also wore a linen shirt tied at the empire waistline.  Her long blonde hair was naturally styled and fell beautifully against her shoulders and back.  Her stunning green eyes were as crystal clear and beautiful as I have ever seen!  She carried a simple but elegant bouquet of pink roses.

Arnaud was dressed in white linen slacks and a light blue linen shirt.  He looked so handsome with his dark brown curly hair and dark eyes.  They both smiled and giggled with excitement as we all walked down to the beach together.

As I began the ceremony, I got to the part that says, “Arnaud Chavigny  and Gabrielle Steele, I charge you both …….yada yada yada.”  Arnaud interrupted and said, “Ahhh, you’ve been practicing!”  I replied, “Yes, I have!  Did I get it right?”  He answered, “Yes, very good!”  We all had to giggle a little and I continued on with the ceremony.

They each repeated their vows of love to each other and exchanged rings as a symbol of their constant faith and steadfast love.  As I pronounced them husband and wife and Arnaud kissed Gabrielle, we heard cheers from the onlookers that were gathered to watch from a distance.

Jeannie, the photographer continued their beautiful wedding photography along the beach and on the lighthouse/gazebo grounds.  No problem getting smiles out of these two!

During the ceremony, I couldn’t help but notice these two giggling softly to themselves throughout.  It was my thick Southern accent….which was one of the reasons they had chosen me.  They were actually hoping I would use a “Southern” wedding ceremony, saying, “I now pronounce ya’ll husband and wife.”  I had to giggle too!

 “That thing, that moment, when everything around you becomes hazy.. and the only thing in focus is you and this person..and you realise that that person is the only person you should be kissing for the rest of your life.. and for one moment you get this amazing gift.. and you wanna laugh and you wanna cry cuz you feel so lucky that you found it.” ~ Drew Barrymore (Never Been Kissed)

For more information on your own Destination Elopement to St. Simons Island, Georgia, please visit my website at http://www.stsimonselopements.com.

These images and wedding photography by Jeannie Reeves Photography. 

Lodging by The Cloister at Sea Island.

♪♫♪♫   Sunny, yesterday my life was filled with rain.
Sunny, you smiled at me and really eased the pain.
Oh, the dark days are gone and the bright days are here,
my sunny one shines so sincere.
Oh, Sunny one so true, I love you.

Yes!  Sunny Vidrine and Daniel Bollinger eloped to Jekyll Island, Georgia, and were married at 6pm on beautiful and rustic Driftwood Beach.  The afternoon could not have been more perfect for this romantic and intimate ceremony held among the centuries old driftwood covered beach. 

They arrived right on time, and both were smiling from ear to ear as they stepped from their vehicle.  Sunny was as bright and glowing as her name implies!  She was beautiful in her wedding attire of white linen and battenberg lace.  Her skirt was long and flowing with a matching waist length, v-neck and short sleeve bodice. 

Sunny also wore a necklace made from a stone that was from her grandmother’s ring and carried a handkerchief, as well.  She would be presenting Daniel with the ring that his grandfather wore.  I loved hearing about all the sentimental additions to their elopement.   

Because Sunny is ‘just that creative’ she made her own bouquet of seasonal wild flower mix and also intertwined flowers within her dark brown hair.  So pretty!  Much to our surprise, she presented Jeannie the photographer, and me, each with a stem of white mini roses!  How sweet!

♪♫♪♫   Sunny, thank you for the sunshine bouquet.
Sunny, thank you for the love you brought my way.
You gave to me your all and all,
now I feel ten feet tall.
Oh, Sunny one so true, I love you.

Daniel was quite the Rockstar and ever so handsome in his khaki suit!  He wore a white shirt and pale blue tie.  His eyes were as bright and as clear as a bell! 

We all took the short path down to the beach and as we approached the opening to view the ocean and the tide, Sunny was in awe!  She had never seen Driftwood Beach in person and could not believe how beautiful it was.  The smell of the ocean breeze and the sounds of the seagulls above set the tone for the ceremony to begin.  

♪♫♪♫   Sunny, thank you for the truth you’ve let me see.
Sunny, thank you for the facts from A to Z.
My life was torn like a windblown sand,
then a rock was formed when we held hands.
Sunny one so true, I love you.

The two stood together, held hands, and listened as I read the words of the apostle Paul, who wrote, “Love is patient and kind; Love is not jealous or boastful; it is not arrogant or rude; Love does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrong, but rejoices in the right; Love bears all things, believes all things,  hopes all things,  endures all things.”

Vows were spoken from the heart and they were both overwhelmed.  The love they spoke together was as romantic and intimate as could be….and that makes me very happy and content to have been chosen to be a part of this loving ceremony and to bring together two people that genuinely love from the deepest part of their heart and soul.

They exchanged rings and held hands together as they felt the gift that they are to each other.  After I pronounced them husband and wife, Daniel kissed Sunny as tears flowed from both.  At last, they were Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Bollinger,II.   

♪♫♪♫   Sunny, thank you for the smile upon your face.
Sunny, thank you for that gleam that flows with grace.
You’re my spark of nature’s fire,
you’re my sweet complete desire.
Sunny one so true, I love you.

For more information on how to elope to Jekyll Island or St. Simons Island, Georgia, please visit my website at http://www.stsimonselopements.com.

So much thanks to  Jeannie Reeves Photography!