Beautiful Katie! | St. Simons Island Destination Wedding Planner

We started planning Katie and Brett’s wedding last fall when they took a trip down to St. Simons and Jekyll Island from their home town of Dalton, GA.   It didn’t take very long for these two, before they knew exactly what they wanted!  And it had to happen right here in the Golden Isles of Georgia! 

 

Katie and Brett have been sweethearts for 10 years beginning in high school.  So it was totally meant to be, for these two to become husband and wife on May 14, 2011 at 5pm at St. Simons Island, Georgia.  It was the dream they had both wanted for a long time and it was going to finally come true for them. 

Although a heavy downpour of rain moved the ceremony from Driftwood Beach on Jekyll Island to Halyard’s Riverhouse at Village Creek Landing, there was absolutely nothing that could change how happy these two were, to finally be married to each other!   Nothing was going to change that!

 

The day started early for Katie and her bridesmaids and they had their hair done before arriving back at the beach house to begin make up and dressing for the ceremony.   Her bridesmaids wore navy blue dresses with bouquets of pink and bright pink garden roses.  The three bridesmaids and Katie’s mom, Lisa, helped Katie into her wedding gown.  She was absolutely stunning!  She carried a bouquet of bubblegum pink garden roses with a rosary attached.  So pretty!

 

And Brett…he was handsome as ever!  He and his groomsmen were dressed in black suits and pink ties and bubblegum pink rose boutonnieres.  They arrived early at the ceremony site and waited patiently for the bride to arrive. 

 

The sweet little flower girl, Ava, was precious in her white gown.  She carried a white wicker basket of flower petals and did an excellent job, I might add.  A blanket of flower petals lined the aisle between the chairs and the guests were seated.  The harpist and violinist began playing the prelude music and the ceremony began. 

 

Katie was given in marriage by her father, Daniel Stoker before taking his seat next to her mom.  The wedding vows began with Brett reading the vows that he had written to his beloved bride.  So romantic and heartfelt, that he was overwhelmed, as was everyone in attendance.  Katie wiped a tear from his cheek and then read her own words of love to him.  Not a dry eye in the house.  Love is like that…

 

They were pronounced Mr. and Mrs. and oh what a joyful jubilation!  Their happiness was written all over their faces as they began the recession of the wedding party!  It seemed like they had been waiting forever and the dream had finally come true!   

 

After the photography, the happy couple arrived back at the Riverhouse for lots of food and fun with their guests. 

 

I’ll have to tell you that I just love this sweet couple.  They are so perfect for each other and the love between them just makes you smile!  I like that a lot.

 

For more information on how to have your own destination wedding or elopement to St. Simons Island or Jekyll Island, Georgia, please visit my website at http://www.stsimonselopements.com.

Thanks goes out to the following wedding professionals:

These images and wedding photography provided by Molly Bisceglia of Lone PinePhotography

Hair styles provided by Studio 412

 

Catering and Ceremony Site provided by Halyard’s Riverhouse at Village Creek Landing

 

Wedding Cake provided by Serendipity Bakery

 

Wedding flowers provided by The Flower Basket

 

Ceremony music provided by Leslie Kaufmann, Harpist and Jessica Houser Bryden, Violinist

 

Tent provided by Beachview Tent Rentals

Chairs provided by Rent All Party Shop

And a million thanks to Logan Brown, my assistant!

Once Upon A Time | St. Simons Island Wedding Planner

Jessica Horton and Bryant Quick finally did it!  They were married on Saturday, May 14^th at 11am on the front lawn of the historic and beautiful St. Simons Island Lighthouse and Gazebo before their closest friends and relatives. 

 

Jessica was Cinderella and Bryant was Prince Charming.  She slipped into her wedding gown and glass slippers, with help from her Mom and her bridesmaids and hurried to the horse drawn carriage that had been magically transformed from a pumpkin into a coach, a mouse into a horse, a rat into a coachman, and a lizard into a footman. 

 

The horse and carriage, with its beautiful bride and her Mom, arrived at the ceremony site while onlookers were in awe of the Fairy Tale unfolding right before their eyes!   Jessica stepped down from the carriage, before her wedding guests and her court.  Everyone was entranced by Jessica, especially Bryant, who never took his eyes off of her.  

 

The lawn was manicured to precision and the white wedding chairs were placed all in a row with coral pomanders and starfish hanging from each aisle chair.  The Gazebo was adorned with coral pomanders from each window opening and an array of coral beads, fresh greenery, and sheer fabric bows lined the Gazebo entrance.  Huge ferns on columns stood on both sides. 

 

Jessica was given in marriage by her Mom, Donna Adams, while Bryant’s brother-in-law, Brock performed the heartfelt ceremony.  Her 3 attendants wore gorgeous coral dresses, as well as the precious flower girl, Grace, niece of the groom.  The groom and his attendants wore light tan suits with coral ties and coral bouts, as did the ring bearer, Cooper, cousin of the bride.

 

The ceremony ended and they were pronounced husband and wife forever.  It was sealed with a kiss!  Cinderella and her Prince boarded the Carriage and waved goodbye to all their guests before riding off for a short island tour. 

 

After the reception ended and my time with this couple was over, I once again found myself a little teary eyed.  I always hate to say good bye.  I loved meeting all the family members and getting to know these North Carolina folks.  The children in the wedding stole my heart with their precious little selves!  I hugged everyone good bye and can’t wait to see them again when they visit St. Simons Island.

 

For more information on how to have your own island destination wedding on beautiful St. Simons Island or Jekyll Island, GA, please visit my website at http://www.stsimonselopements.com. 

Special thanks to:

These images and wedding photography provided by Luke Smith of Lone Pine Photography

Catering provided by Brian Justice of Tasteful Temptations

Flowers provided by Edward on St. Simons

Hair styles by Karen of Snipety Do Da

Horse and Carriage provided by Three Oaks Carriage Company

Wedding ceremony site provided by St. Simons Lighthouse/Gazebo

Reception site provided by A.W. Jones Heritage Center

Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now | St. Simons Island Destination Wedding Planner

Amanda Wiseman and Patrick Ahern were married on the beach below the St. Simons Lighthouse at 4pm in the afternoon on Saturday, April 30, 2011. 

 

Nothing was going to stop these two from having the wedding of their dreams, not even a wave or two rolling in over their feet while they were saying their heartfelt vows that each had written.  Their Minister friend, Mike, pronounced them husband and wife and the tide rolled in to take its beach back once again.  Luke, the photographer captured some awesome photos including group beach photos of the entire guest list dressed in their matching black wedding attire. 

 

Amanda was given in marriage by her father, Ronnie and mom, Lisa….  and oh, she was so pretty!  Her wedding gown made of rich white satin fabric with a fitted bodice and a voluminous skirt that draped beautifully all around. The clean and sophisticated design of her dress created a look of modern romance.   The dress also included a white sash at the waistline.  She wore a teal turquoise necklace and earrings to accessorize.  Her bouquet was made of all white roses, lilies, and hydrangeas with a hint of turquoise and was absolutely gorgeous. 

 

Amanda chose as her Maid of Honor, her bff, Beka, and her 2 Flower Girls, Delia and Sophia.  Beka wore a black short dress and carried a smaller version of the white and turquoise bouquet.  Both Flower Girls wore white satin dresses with a floral hair ring and white tulle veil.  They carried a turquoise wire basket with rose petals.

 

Patrick, the groom, was ever so handsome in his dark turquoise shirt and black slacks with a white rose boutonniere. Patrick’s Best Man was his bff, Chris, and Chris wore the same.    

 

 The sun was shining warm on their faces as the cool breeze coming in off the ocean made the temperature pretty much perfect.  After the beach ceremony and pictures captured from different island locations, Amanda and Patrick arrived at their reception held at The Best Western to enjoy family and friends with a little food and frolic!  A great island destination wedding was enjoyed by everyone!

 

Congratulations to these two love birds!

For more information on how to have the island wedding of your dreams, please visit my website at www.stsimonselopements.com

Many thanks to the following vendors:

Lone Pine Photography – SSI and Savannah

The Flower Basket – SSI and Brunswick

The Best Western – Plantation Village, SSI

Holiday Inn Express – Plantation Village SSI

Shane’s Rib Shack – SSI

Publix Bakery- Brunswick

Rent All Party Shop – Brunswick

Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You | Jekyll Island Wedding Planner

You’re just too good to be true…can’t take my eyes off of you. 

You’d be like Heaven to touch…I wanna hold you so much. 

At long last love has arrived…and I thank God I’m alive. 

You’re just too good to be true…can’t take my eyes off of you. ~ Frankie Vallie

On April 23, 2011 at 9am on Driftwood Beach, Jekyll Island, Georgia…Holly Ann McIlvaine and Michael Scott Harvey were married. 

The morning was fresh and new and came early for Holly as she woke and began preparing for her 9am elopement on Driftwood Beach, Jekyll Island, GA.  She did her own hair and make up….well, because she just does it better than anyone else!  Her long blonde hair was pulled back in an offside ponytail and curled down the front of her left shoulder, ever so beautifully!

She slipped her petite little self into her diamond white wedding gown of rich taffeta, with a strapless neckline and ruched bodice.  The bodice was accented with a band and floral detail at the natural waistline.  A full ball gown skirt completed this sweet silhouette.  She wore a string of pearls and earrings to accessorize.  Her bridal bouquet was made of white and off white roses, lilies, and orchids.  Very simple, but oh so elegant!

Meanwhile, Scott was already dressed in his black suit and waiting for his bride to arrive at the beach site.  As I pinned on his white rose boutonniere, the photographer captured the moment and then they took the walk down the sandy pathway to the chosen beach site under the driftwood accented coastline.

Holly arrived shortly after, and oh my goodness, she was so beautiful!  As she stepped from the vehicle, I hugged her and helped her with her dress.  We proceeded down the path together to arrive at the chosen site and begin the romantic and intimate wedding ceremony, planned especially for them.

 

Scott’s first glance of Holly, and her’s of him was a sight to behold!  She was Cinderella and he was her Prince.  Holly smiled with a radiance that words cannot describe. Time stood still for the two of them as they stood together under the centuries old driftwood to become husband and wife forever.

As they said their vows, exchanged rings, and were pronounced husband and wife together, the smiles from these two never left their faces.  Their glow was warmer than the morning sun.  Their happiness was truly evident.  God has surely blessed these two.  Sometimes you just feel it.

For more information on how to have your own romantic elopement or destination wedding, please visit my website at http://www.stsimonselopements.com.

Thank you to Luke Smith of Lone Pine Photography and Linda Stewart of The Flower Basket.

I Cross My Heart | St. Simons Island Wedding Planner

Our love is unconditional…we knew it from the start.  I can see it in your eyes…you can feel in from my heart.  From here on after, let’s stay the way we are right now…and share all the love and laughter that a lifetime will allow. ~ George Strait

 

Kendra Lowery Turner and James Richard (Chad) Hett of Albany, GA., were married on Friday afternoon, April 22, 2011, at 6pm under the 300 year old Cedar Tree in the beautiful oceanfront Neptune Park on St. Simons Island, Georgia.  I officiated the double ring ceremony before a small group of close friends and relatives just as the sun was setting in the west.

Kendra was so pretty in her floor length wedding gown of cream ivory chiffon.  Beautiful chiffon blossoms softly cascaded her shoulder on a trendy one-shoulder floral detail.  The subtle neckline and empire waist gave the soft A-line silhouette gown a clean and sophisticated design.  She carried a beautiful, bright and colorful bouquet of seasonal flowers consisting of lilies, daffodils, and cymbidium orchids. 

Kendra’s Matron of Honor was her sister in law, Sandy Lowery.  Sandy wore a bright teal short dress with empire waist and carried a small seasonal flower bouquet which matched her dress. 

The flower girl was the groom’s daughter, Emery Hett.  She wore a cream ivory knee length satin dress with pearls on the bodice.  In her hair was a halo of flowers and ribbon adorning her beautiful blonde curly pony tail.

Chad, the groom, and Marshall Lowery, the best man, both wore khaki shorts and a white button down polo shirt…just perfect for a beach wedding.  Their boutonnieres were a white cymbidium orchid. 

The weather was perfect for an island wedding and when the clock struck 6pm, it was as though the day had been chosen right from a story book.  Chad was his usual calm and laid back self while Kendra made sure everything was in order.  Her father, Ken Lowery, gave her away to the man of her dreams and they held each other’s hands and gazed intently into each other’s eyes as they said their vows.

The sounds of the park with its tourist and sightseer’s suddenly became muffled and Kendra and Chad were pronounced husband and wife together. 

 

So beautiful…so romantic…so perfect for two people in love.

And if along the way we find a day, it starts to storm…you’ve got the promise of my love to keep you warm.~ George Strait

 

To have your own destination elopement to beautiful St. Simons Island, GA, visit my website at http://www.stsimonselopements.com.

Many thanks to Jeannie Reeves Photography.

You Are So Beautiful | Jekyll Island Wedding Planner

It was Sunday, April 17, 2011 at 6:30pm on Driftwood Beach, Jekyll Island, Georgia.  The sun was beginning to set and the golden hue over the ocean and driftwood along the beach was even more beautiful than you can imagine!  It was a perfect elopement for Heather Laura Perkins and Bryan Charles Woeste as they stood together and professed their vows of love to each other. 

 

Heather and Bryan are from Florence, Kentucky and drove 12 hours to get here for their elopement on Sunday.  Heather was a beautiful bride in her white satin wedding gown with blue satin belting.  The gown had a waist length bodice and strapless neckline.  There was a swirl of the satin fabric along the front and side.  She also wore a below the hip length white tulle veil with tiny pearls scattered as adornment.  She carried a bouquet of white roses, lilies, and blue hydrangeas with stems wrapped in white satin.

 

Her groom, Bryan, wore a dark gray suit and a white rose boutonniere.  When his bride, Heather, appeared before him to be married, he was in awe of her beauty and he told her how beautiful she was.

 

As I began their ceremony, I heard them whisper words of, “I love you, I love you, I love you” and “you are beautiful”.   It was as though no one else in the world existed but the two of them. 

 

The wedding vows were spoken, the rings were exchanged, and I pronounced them husband and wife together.  As they kissed, the tide rolled in and we scurried for dry land and more photography.

 

The romance and intimacy of a small elopement or wedding is priceless!

 

For your own romantic and intimate elopement, please visit my website at http://www.stsimonselopement.com.  Thank you to Luke Smith and Stephanie Page of Lone Pine Photography and to Linda Stewart of The Flower Basket.

Tap Your Heels Together Three Times | St. Simons Island Wedding Planner

“Tap your heels together three times.  And think to yourself – there’s no place like home. There’s no place like home.” ~ Glenda the Good Witch.

Kate Pryor Lehman and Andrew Owen Thompson were married at 4o’clock in the afternoon on Saturday, April 9, 2011 in the prayer chapel at Epworth by the Sea, St. Simons Island, GA.  The elopement was officiated by none other than Kate’s own mom…….ME! 

 

The day began early as Kate and her best friend and MOH, Liz, splurged for a pedicure.  They arrived back home with beautifully manicured and polished feet and nails!  Ooh La La!  Then it was off to the hair stylist for the magazine hair and tiara!  The makeup went quickly and then on with the wedding gown.

Kate’s gown was made of rich satin fabric that shapes the fitted bodice and drapes beautifully on the voluminous skirt.  The clean and sophisticated design creates the look of modern romance.  The dress was strapless and included a white sash with beaded detail.  She also wore a matching short sleeve white taffeta bolero jacket over her shoulders. Kate carried a bouquet of blue hydrangea’s and mini calla lilies that were tied with white satin ribbon and pearl pins.  Andy and Ryan both wore a mini calla lily boutonniere.  It was just what she had dreamed of her whole life!

The groom, Andy, wore a white linen Cabana shirt and khaki linen slacks, as did Ryan, Kate’s son.  Ryan also sported a little boy’s white trilby/fedora hat.  And I must say he was a handsome little fellow!

We arrived at the ceremony site at the prayer chapel at Epworth by the Sea at 4pm sharp.  Everyone was seated as Andy and his father stood at the alter, along with me as the officiant.  Liz came in and stood at the alter, as well.  At last it was time for the bride, Kate to enter.  Kate was escorted on one arm by her father, Minor Pryor, and on the other arm by her 10 year old son, Ryan.  They proceeded to the alter and stood before the groom.

Kate was glowing as Andy smiled at her…and I began the ceremony.  It was a beautiful romantic ceremony with words of love and devotion to each other.  They said their vows, they exchanged rings and committed their lives to each other by their words and by professing the same before God and witnesses.  I prayed for God to bless them both that they live faithfully together and keep the vow made between them. 

As tears rolled down my cheeks, I thought of how blessed we are to have the love of God in our lives.  As a parent, we begin on the day our children come into this world, to pray for their happiness and for them to find a loving Christian partner for life.  When this happens, it confirms our prayers are answered.  God has surely blessed us all.

Andy and Kate…who knew back in 1994 that these two would end up together?  You see, we were next door neighbors…they rode to school together…and they never even looked at each other.   

“If I ever go looking for my heart’s desire again, I won’t look any further than my own back yard. Because if it isn’t there, I never really lost it to begin with!” ~ Dorothy

 

For more information on your own Fairy Tale elopement or wedding on St. Simons Island or Jekyll Island, Georgia, please visit my website at http://www.ststimonselopements.com.

The Fairy Tale Came True | St. Simons Island Wedding Planner

The day was incredibly beautiful and chosen right from the fairy tale dream of Amanda Miller and Rick Williams.  Rick and Amanda were married at 4 o’clock in the afternoon on Saturday, April 2, 2011, on the front lawn of Lovely Lane Chapel at Epworth by the Sea, St. Simons Island, GA, by the Reverend Jay Hanson. 

 

Amanda’s wedding gown was a white strapless, ruched bodice, sweetheart neckline, and dropped waist.  A bling gem studded belting was attached at the dropped waistline.  The gown was a chic organza with the a-line skirt flaunting plentiful tiers of gathered ruffles.  She wore a handmade waist length veil of white tulle and pearls.   I thought she was Cinderella on her way to the ball! 

 

Her bridal bouquet was made of white roses and white hydrangeas while the bridesmaids carried pink roses and pink hydrangeas and wore short navy blue bridesmaid dresses.  The groom wore a khaki suit, white shirt, and navy blue tie with a white rose boutonniere while his groomsmen wore pink rose bouts with their matching khaki suits.

 

The 1940 Vintage Limo arrived at the church with Amanda, her parents, Denise and Kyle Roy, her father, Gary Miller, her brother, Kyler Roy, and her maid of honor, Lindsey Flexer, as the 200 member guests were being seated.  The 6 honorary bridesmaids, dressed in bright pink dresses greeted the guests as they arrived and handed out program fans and fabric softener sheets to keep the gnats at bay. 

 

As the prelude music began, the mothers and grandmothers were seated.  The Minister and Rick, his best men and groomsmen walked to the front and stood in place as they waited for the procession to begin.  Each of the bridesmaids proceeded down the aisle walkway and then finally…it was time for the bride to emerge from her carriage!  Amanda was escorted by her father, Gary Miller and her step-father, Kyle Roy.

 

As she stepped from her carriage (the limo), and proceeded down the aisle walkway, her eyes met her handsome groom, Rick.  Her beauty was in an aura all around her as she took her last walk as Amanda Miller.  As she stood before her groom and both father’s gave her to her prince, the man of her dreams, the minister began the beautiful double ring ceremony.  Amanda and Rick also chose to participate in a sand ceremony and each poured sand into one vase, signifying their lives as being single but now coming together as one. 

 

Tears welled in my eyes, as I thought of the last year we had been planning for this day.  Every “i” had been dotted and every “t” had been crossed.  It all came down to this very moment…It was here.   The fairy tale had come true for Rick and Amanda.

 

Many thanks to Luke Smith of Lone Pine Photography, Miriam of Miller Florist, Foy Stephenson for the reception décor, Gale Carter for Mary Kay makeup, Sharon Gray for hair styling, Justin Henshaw of Island Sound, Brian Justice of Tasteful Temptations, Jessica Owens of Halyard’s for the bartenders, Judy Knight for the Wedding Cakes, Gnats Landing for the rehearsal dinner, Dealven Martin of Martin Vintage Rides, The Casino Atrium, The Village Inn and Pub, Lovely Lane Chapel at Epworth by the Sea, Jay Hanson of The Chapel, and many others who helped make Amanda and Rick’s fairy tale come true.

For more information on how to have the Fairy Tale Wedding of your dreams, please contact me at http://www.stsimonselopements.com

Tartan Kilt for Mel and Dan’s Elopement | Jekyll Island Wedding Planner

Melody Gina Weir of the UK and Daniel Clinton Furtado of Brunswick, GA, were married on Saturday morning, April 2, 2011, at Driftwood Beach on Jekyll Island, Georgia.  Mel’s Scottish heritage and Scottish brogue called for a wedding chock full of Tartan plaids for her groom and her father.  This was the first visit ever to the United States for Mel’s parents, Mr. & Mrs. Gault.

 

Dan and Mel met 4 years ago through competitive card games and quickly realized their common interest.  They lived 5000 miles apart and although their cultures were quite different, they remained together and kept their relationship strong.  After several trips between the UK and the US, Dan decided he had to keep her here.    

The couple arrived early for their 11am ceremony and quickly found that the gnats were also planning on their attendance in full force.  No matter…because love was in the air! 

Mel ‘s wedding gown was floor length chiffon and lace fully lined with sateen.  The empire waist sash was embroidered with pearls and attached the gathered bodice and skirting together.  The chiffon piping spaghetti straps came together in the back to form a vee at the closure.  She looked beautiful with her long brown hair and brown eyes.   She carried a bouquet of white and red roses with mini black bow ties to match the black bow tie worn by her groom.

 

Dan, the groom, wore a Scottish Tartan Kilt with kilt hose (woolen socks), turned down at the knee, garter flashes, and a sporran (a type of pouch), which hung around his waist from a chain. To accessorize this Scottish tradition, he also wore an embossed buckle belt, a traditional black jacket and bow tie, a kilt pin, a sheathed knife worn in the top of his hose, and a white shirt.  Dan was indeed sporting the Scottish look and quite the interest of the onlookers!

 

The couple said their “I do’s” before their immediate family, and enjoyed some time afterwards for pictures and a quiet walk on the beach.

For more information on elopements and weddings to the coast of Georgia, please contact me at http://www.stsimonselopements.com

Clint and Sherri Eloped! | St. Simons Island Destination Elopement Planner

 ST. SIMONS ELOPEMENTS

ST. SIMONS ISLAND, GA 

www.stsimonselopements.com

CLINT AND SHERRI ELOPED!

It was all about the romance! 

Jon Clint Hood and Sherri Elaine Wright of Milledgeville, GA were united in marriage March 11, 2011 on a secluded beach location near Gould’s Inlet on St. Simons Island, GA.  Officiating in the double ring elopement ceremony was Carla Pryor of St. Simons Elopements.

Clint had a planned business trip to St. Simons Island this week, so Sherri decided to come along and turn a little business into pleasure.  They had been engaged for awhile now, but hadn’t set any plans in stone yet, so this seemed like the perfect opportunity to ‘just do it’.  The elopement was totally secret to Clint’s business partners and friends, although both Clint’s and Sherri’s close family and friends were all told of the plans before they left for the long weekend.     

The eloping bride, Sherri, was gorgeous in her beautiful ivory cotton and sateen short dress with a scoop neck and a cascading front ruffle.  Her necklace and earrings were made of pearls and pearlized shell pieces.  She wore simple slip off sandals so she could free herself from them as soon as her feet hit the sand.  Clint, the eloping groom, was also very handsome in his pink shirt, khaki slacks, and navy jacket.

We arrived at the chosen beach location at low tide with the sea gulls and egrets chirping above and the ocean breezes cooling the beach area.  The salt air was pure St. Simons and a breath of it is said to make blood pressure drop instantly. 

The sun was just beginning to fall on the horizon as Clint and Sherri looked into each other’s eyes and repeated their vows of love and promise.  As they held hands together, they both listened to the beautiful words of the hand ceremony and of God’s promise to them for a loving relationship together.

They were pronounced husband and wife and as they kissed, the sun shone behind them through their kiss.  They must surely have felt the blessing they are to each other.  It was awesome!

 

For more information about elopements or weddings to beautiful St. Simons Island or Jekyll Island, Georgia, please visit my website at www.stsimonselopements.com