We're starting off the week with a winter wedding that's Southern, chic, and a touch vintage.
Nancy & Matthew are a Georgia couple who got married with a romantic wedding day in the city that's played such a big party in their love story, Savannah.
The charming backdrop set the tone for their sweet occasion, as did the delicate florals, pretty china decor, luxe style and cool details (check out the getaway car!).
Local photographers, The Happy Bloom, captured their day to perfection, while Ivory & Beau were behind the planning and florals.
Scroll down to gush over this wedding, and hear more from gorgeous bride Nancy, (be sure to read about Matthew's proposal, it full-on made me gasp!) but first up, we have a little more about their day, from the lovely Adrienna & Nicole at Ivory & Beau…
From the Planners
Nancy and Matthew were such a sweet couple to work with! Nancy came in to try on gowns at our shop, and we started talking about wedding planning.
Next thing you know, she not only bought her dress and accessories with us, but booked us for wedding planning and flowers!
She wanted a sweet, rustic, and comfortable wedding. Her focus was on fun, she wanted guests to have a great time, and be able to relax.
The ceremony was at Whitfield Chapel, and even though it rained, they never let it get them down!
The Happy Bloom took such amazing pictures, that truly captured the day, and how in love Nancy and Matthew are.
The reception took place at Savannah Station, which fit their theme perfectly. They chose a color palate of navy, blush and gray, which we tied in with navy linens and blush and ivory flowers.
Matt's two daughters were bridesmaids, and some of our favorite photos are of Nancy and Matt and the girls.
For her gown, she chose an organza mermaid by Blush by Hayley Paige, and added some lace with a veil by Jaclyn Jordan. She went with a silver sash by local designer, Adele Amelia. And it was a little chilly, so we loved her gray fur cape!
Wedding Day Snapshot
Our Love Story
Our first date was over coffee at a Starbucks in downtown Savannah. A little over three years later, we were engaged in the same Starbucks.
There was a dinner planned for his birthday downtown. We strolled on Broughton Street before dinner and decided to grab a cup of coffee before heading to the restaurant.
As I approached the counter to grab our order, the cups were different. There were two ceramic mugs in front of the barista. He turned the first around, which read “Mr.” and the second with “Mrs?”
As I realized the meaning, I turned to find Matthew on one knee with the whole coffee shop watching. I said yes, of course.
As we embraced, our family and friends popped out of their hiding places and we all went to dinner together.
The Inspiration
The theme was romantic and vintage, and our colour palette was navy, gray and blush.
The Flowers
Bouquets: Pink and white O’Hara garden roses, pink piano garden roses, ranunculus, pink lisianthus, and dusty miller
Buttonholes: Lisianthus and succulents.
Centerpieces: White hydrangeas, white stock, white garden roses, blush garden roses, dusty miller, seeded eucalyptus, succulents.
Advice for Other Couples
Budget tips: Don’t wait until the last minute to use Etsy. It is a wonderful resource to find items to make your event more personal on a budget. Also, keep an eye on the clearance items on BHLDN!
Don’t accept the first price you are quoted. Shop around and compare prices to be sure you are getting the best deal.
We spent more on the venues than initially anticipated, though they were a perfect fit in the end. We saved on having a DJ in place of a band.
Advice: Find a good planner. It can really help to have someone to keep you organized.
The Photography
After looking through countless portfolios for local photographers, the pictures by The Happy Bloom caught my eye.
The light in the photos and the candid moments they capture are beautiful.
Plus, after meeting Justin and Amanda for our engagement session, we knew it was a perfect fit!
The Setting
The Bethesda Chapel is beautiful. Simple, but elegant. It was small enough to allow a more intimate vibe.
The Ceremony
Our ceremony was sweet and intimate. It involved audience responses and made our guests a part of the special day.
The Music
Processional: ‘La Vie en Rose' by Edith Piaf
Recessional: ‘Main Title', Djawadi (Theme from Game of Thrones) on violin and cello
First dance: ‘You Are The Best Thing' by Ray LaMontagne
The Decor & Details
We perused Hobby Lobby on many occasions to pick up mercury glass pieces for the tables at our reception. The favors were a Savannah staple – pralines made by River Street Sweets.
A friend (AR Designs) made chalkboard signs for the ceremony and reception.
We had a lounge set up at the reception with pieces from Savannah Vintage Rentals. It was a nice touch to fill the large reception space.
We left the ceremony in a vintage Cadillac and the reception in a vintage Rolls Royce.
The Refreshments
Our cocktail hour had passed appetizers including deviled quail eggs and crab cakes.
We had stations set up around the reception room serving chicken confit, shrimp and grits, sliders and sides.
Our wedding cake was complimented by a table of various desserts from a local bakery, including petit fours, small cheesecakes and cake pops.
The grooms cake was an amazing crown made from rice crispy treats surrounding a chocolate cake pillow.
The Honeymoon
We traveled to Barcelona and Madrid for our honeymoon. It was a wonderful trip and I would recommend it for other couples. Barcelona is a fantastic city to explore.
They just seem like such a cool couple, don't they? I love Matthew'a suave style (the tie pin and succulent bout really make his look) and Nancy's beautiful dress fur shawl are so glamorous. Doesn't this get you excited for the winter wedding season ahead?
Oh, and did you read about the Starbucks proposal. Wow!
Thanks so much to The Happy Bloom, Ivory & Beau, and of course, Nancy & Matthew for sharing their romantic Southern wedding with us.
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