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St. Simons Wedding Planner :: Island Destination Weddings | Blog
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Ultimate Guide to Mix and Match Bridesmaid Dresses

We can all agree to the fact that style has hugely evolved! The evolution has not only focused on streetwear or red carpet styles, but rather, even wedding styles have improved, and we are here for it. Unlike before, where bridesmaids could only wear a particular style, color, or dress design, there are now more options. Well, thanks to some reputable brands like Cicinia brands, now brides and bridesmaids have plenty of dress options to choose from. Well, one specific style of bridesmaid dresses that is taking over is mix and match bridesmaid dresses. You can play around with so much when mix-matching your girls’ dresses and still look like a bomb when they walk down the aisle.

In this article, we give a detailed guide on how you can incorporate this style into your wedding.

The guide to mix and match bridesmaid dresses

Same dress and color but different styles

As much as mix-matching is suitable for bridesmaid dresses, you should choose styles or colors that will not make the entire group look disorganized. Therefore, going for simple options like having similar colors and dresses but different types is excellent. It is like your girls are showcasing different ways to rock the same dress but with varying silhouettes. 

Also, I believe this is an excellent choice for brides whose bridesmaids can’t seem to agree on a style that their dresses should be tailored in. I mean, every girl has their style, and since their inputs when choosing their dresses are essential, let them explore their styles without affecting your wedding theme. 

So, be the one to choose a color and the dresses, but let them come up with two or three styles of how their dresses will be tailored. They could go for strapless, a single strap dress, and a high V neck style.

wine colored bridesmaids dress for fall weddings

 

Same dress style but two or three different blending colors

Weddings are meant to be colorful, and this can extend to the kind of bridesmaid dresses that the girls will be wearing. Again, this is an excellent choice for bold people who are not afraid to play around with different colors to create a colorful wedding theme. 

But, the critical factor here is choosing colors that coordinate and look fantastic together. You need your girls to look the same but vibrantly. If you want to for toned colors, choose all toned colors. If you’re going to go bold, bright colors, choose all bright colors. 

For the style, you can choose your girls to wear short bridesmaid dresses as they are killer for summer and beach weddings, or opt for floor or above floor-length dresses, which work great for outdoor and indoor weddings.

Same fabric texture with different styled dresses and colors

Some fabrics cannot blend with others as they work perfectly alone. We are talking of bold textures like sequins, lace, and silk, to name a few. If you are planning for your bridesmaids to wear dresses made with any of these textures, avoid mixing the fabric with another but allow them to explore different styles of dresses. 

For example, if you want your bridesmaid dresses to be made of silk, let the texture be silk, but each girl can rock their favorite style ranging from low neck, strapless, V- neck, and so on. 

Choosing varying colors is also excellent here. For example, the silk dresses could be in sky blue, ocean blue, denim blue, or instead incorporate other colors like silver, grey, peach, and many others. If you have problems choosing styles and colors to include with a single texture, check out Cicinia bridesmaid dresses for a guide.

Wedding party and bridesmaids dress coral

 

Same dress but different colors and patterns

If you do not have many girls on the lineup, this is a recommendable option. It is easy to play around with different silhouettes, colors, and styles that will make the bridesmaid look awesome when walking down the aisle. 

You can choose a color, pattern, and style for each one of the bridesmaids, or choose the styles yourself and allow them to select which one they would want their dress in. Remember your bridesmaids’ have different body types, and some styles may not fit some of the girls. So, allow them to choose one that flatters their body.

 

 

Conclusion

If you plan for a mix and match bridesmaid dresses-themed wedding, the above is a guide to help you choose and work out with different dresses, colors, textures and even patterns. It is always good to involve your bridesmaid to help select a style that will flatter their bodies. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Saint Simons Island Beach Wedding
Apr 09 2021

Georgia On My Mind

Georgia weddings are amazing! Our Cocktails & Details® team knows that regardless of the craziness of the world, wedding cancelations, and postponements, we are so blessed to work where we work.

Saint Simons couple on a dock near Captain's Bluff

Outdoors and Physically Distant

As the world and weddings start to slowly reopen, we know that when it comes to being safe, social distancing is enhanced by being outside.

And, whether you are looking at a wedding on Jekyll Island, Saint Simons Island, or anywhere along our coasts, there are spectacular outdoor spaces to host your wedding.

Historic mansions with sprawling lawns set the ideal backdrop for wedding ceremonies. They offer space for extra-wide aisles and to space out seating. Beautiful courtyards and opportunities for tented receptions take full advantage of our fantastic weather and picturesque scenery.

Villa Ospo on Jekyll Island

Smaller Weddings, Not Small On Details

While interpretations on reception sizes seem to differ from place to place, our Cocktails & Details® team sees a trend toward smaller, more intimate weddings.

Just know that smaller weddings are still overflowing with incredible details. They are the perfect opportunity to focus on the guest experience.

For many couples, smaller guest counts translate into some of those splurges on their wedding wish list. Everyone’s wish list is unique, from upgrading to personalized custom invitations to infusing the day with multiple touches of live music.

personalized custom wedding invitations for a Jekyll Island wedding

This is the perfect opportunity to bring in those incredible local culinary treats or craft beers and liquors. Nothing says southern hospitality like a curated bourbon tasting or a dessert display filled with homey coastal Georgia treats.

fresh local coastal Georgia seafood for a Jekyll Island wedding
bourbon for a Savannah wedding

Southern Charm

Beyond those tempting taste treats, you might want to consider having us create a spacious, physically distant lounge setting. 

With some guests choosing not to get up and dance, creating a comfortable area a few steps away from the action can add to guests’ comfort. Vintage furnishings, woven rugs, and throw pillows offer a tranquil getaway.

vintage lunge furniture for a Savannah outdoor wedding

We love the addition of beautiful textured linens, local flowers, and greenery in unique vessels. They pair beautifully with vintage glassware and eclectic china. There are literally as many options for personalizing the details of your wedding as there are weddings.

long reception tables filled with local Georgia magnolia leave and fresh flowers

With intimate weddings of family and close friends, pull out the stops and include those details that really tell the story of you as a couple and reflect your personalities.

Our Cocktails & Details® design team looks forward to working with you on these and lush additions to your wedding day. 

bride and groom at Crane Cottage Jekyll Island
Mar 26 2021

Jekyll Club Hotel & Crane Cottage Wedding

COVID-19 restrictions, postponed weddings, venue changes and grey skies couldn’t keep Lauren, Christian or our Cocktails & Details® team down.

Save the Drama

With gathering restrictions changing weddings’ size and scope, this adorable couple was forced to change wedding venues. A blessing in disguise, Lauren’s dream wedding venue, Crane Cottage, was available.

Then, forty-five days before their wedding date, mandatory COVID-19 restrictions caused a postponement. So, an October 31st wedding was set in place.

Custom wedding invitations with Jekyll Island map, wedding rings and the brides accessories

Girl Time

With the Jekyll Island Club’s expansive accommodations, our couple was able to relax and enjoy time with their wedding parties at opposite ends of the resort.

Lauren spent her morning with her bridal party getting ready in the Crane Cottage’s beautiful bridal suite. Lauren chose a form-fitting white strapless dress for her wedding gown with a flared bottom and sweeping train. 

We love the dusty blue tones of her bridesmaids’ dresses, a color carried through the wedding as a soft accent color. It paired perfectly with the sage tones of the lush greenery and white floral accents.

Bride and her bridesmaids at Crane Cottage Jekyll Island

The bride’s bouquet was a loose Boho-inspired design with luscious white peonies, ranunculus, Eskimo roses, and white lisianthus. The look was finished with French wired ribbon and a unique, very personal touch. Lauren’s mother gifted her beautiful vintage-inspired lockets and a gold coin to honor her grandparents on her wedding day.

bride holding a Boho-inspired bridal bouquet with white roses, lisianthks and ranunculus
bridal bouquet with vintage photo lockets of her grandparents

Silly with a Splash of Seriousness 

Christian, who admits his favorite article of clothes, is a pair of broken-in grey Converse sneakers and randomly breaks into song and dance {. Something that always makes Lauren smile} was all business today.

groom looking in the error as he ties his bow tie before his Jekyll Island wedding

He spent his day getting ready at the Jekyll Island Club Resort. His classic tuxedo with a shawl lapel and bow tie was the look of the day. 

As a wedding gift for his bride-to-be, Christian chose a stunning pair of emerald earrings. For her gift, Lauren gifted Christian adoption papers for her dog- a gift that brought her groom to tears.

handsome groom wearing a classic tuxedo with a shawl collar and bow tie
groom crying after opening the thoughtful wedding gift from his bride-to-be

No Rain No Rainbows

Grey skies the afternoon of their wedding prevented our couple from heading off as initially planned for their first look. However, the beautiful architecture and wrought iron detailing of their wedding venue swept them away to the Italian villa of their fantasy wedding. Our Cocktails & Details® team thinks their wedding portraits that followed are pretty amazing.

bride walking up behind her groom-to-be for their first look at Crane Cottage on Jekyll Island
groom anxiously waiting as his bride-to-be walks up behind hm for their first lookout Crane Cottage on Jekyll Island
smiling groom as he sees his bride-to-be for the first time during their first look at Crane Cottage on Jekyll Island
bride and groom posing for wedding portraits in the courtyard at Crane Cottage
grey skies moved this couple's wedding portraits inside the living room at Crane Cottage

Signed, Sealed, Delivered

With the weather not cooperating, their wedding ceremony in the Sunken Garden was moved into Crane Cottage’s living room. Our Cocktails & Details® design team quickly transformed the space. The incredibly detailed fireplace mantle became a focal point of the wedding ceremony with the addition of several dozen chunky pillar candles and lush white hydrangea – one of the bride’s favorite flowers.

Lauren’s little brother, our fabulous ring bearer, brought Christian the rings to begin the wedding ceremony with wedding guests in place. Lauren smiled ear to ear as she made her way down the aisle to her anxiously awaiting groom.

ring bearer handing pillow with wedding rings to groom in the Crane Cottage living room
smiling bride as she walks down the aisle to her groom despite the ceremony moving indoors
groom holding back tears as his bride walks down the aisle to him on their wedding day

Despite the weather outside, the couple exchanged their vows in a touching ceremony surrounded by close family and friends. They sealed their wedding vows with a kiss and the perfect recessional song for this fun couple – Signed, Sealed, Delivered.

bride and groom exchanging wedding vows in front of a beautifully decorated fireplace in the Crane Cottage living room

Cocktails & Details®

With skies clearing, the newlyweds headed off for a few additional photos. At the same time, guests were welcomed with a glass of champagne. 

Newly married bride and groom walking across the lawn at the Jekyll Island Club

The cocktail hour was filled with tasty treats and specially selected signature cocktails, and monogrammed cocktail koozies.

water color artwork showcasing a couple's signature cocktails for their Crane Cottage wedding
custom drink koozies for a Jekyll Island wedding

The outdoor tented reception allowed for a physically distant design that still incorporated all of the beautiful details the couple envisioned. Tables we dressed in crisp with linen with dusty blue napkins as accents. Gold-toned containers and votive candles alongside the lush white and green floral arrangements and pillar candle clusters created a classic, elegant tablescape.

a socially distant tented wedding at JekyllIsland's Crane Cottage
White floral wedding centerpiece with lush greenery for a tented outdoor wedding at Crane Cottage

Thriller!

The wedding reception under a starry sky began with introductions, and the newlyweds first dance to “I Wanna Dance With Somebody.”

bride and groom taking to the dance floor for their first dance at a tented wedding reception at Crane Cottage

The evening was filled with delicious food and sweet toasts. The couple’s fun side was brought out with some Halloween Candy as their wedding favor, pizza as a late-night bite for wedding guests. When the wedding band played Thriller, they brought down the house.

band members of Power To Play with a few scary touches for a Halloween wedding at Crane Cottage Jekyll Island

Lauren and Christian’s evening came to a close after enjoying this simple, elegant, and yummy four-tiered white wedding cake. The groom’s cake was the perfect choice for Christian – a 007 inspired modern gold cake.

sleek modern four-tiered white wedding cake with a single white peonie
gold 007 inspired grooms cake

Following their grand exit under a shower of white rose petals, our couple headed off into the night. Congratulations, Lauren and Christian!

newlywed couple making their grand exit under a shower of white rose petals
newlywed couple scooting off in a gold cart after their Jekyll Island wedding

The Wedding Team

Jekyll Island Wedding Planner: Cocktails & Details®

Jekyll Island Wedding Venue: Jekyll Club Hotel- Crane Cottage

Hair and Makeup: Amy Jenkins and Paula Fields Makeup Artistry

Wedding Ceremony Musicians: Music By Pegge

Officiant: Michael Exum

Wedding Cake: Sweet Luncheonette

Groom’s Cake: Cathy Huber Cakes

Band: Power To Party

Wedding Photographer: Tamara Gibson

Wedding Cinematographer: Labif Filmhouse

Floral Design and Rentals: Cocktails & Details®

Photograph of the Royal Court from the Netflix show Bridgerton is inspiring Bridgerton themed weddings
Feb 19 2021

Bridgerton Inspired Weddings in The Golden Isles

Dear Reader… it’s no secret “the social season is upon us” and the Ton is not the only talk of the town. However, Bridgerton inspired weddings are sure to be a treasure “set to join the likes of the queen’s ever so cherished crown jewels themselves.”

The Golden Isles

“This author finds herself compelled to share the most curious of news.”

The Golden Isles extend way beyond golden beaches and sunsets. History tells us the name comes from Sir Robert Montgomery’s writing to wealthy Londoners about the coastal colony, which he called the Golden Islands.

And the Golden Isles, specifically our Cocktails & Details® beloved Jekyll Island, can be the perfect Bridgeton-inspired wedding location.

Jekyll Island’s Millionaires Row

Millionaires Row’s historic cottages are known for their lush gardens, courtyards, fountains, and fantastic architecture. 

Built during the period between 1904 and 1930, the mansion’s owners spared no expense. Many have been lovingly restored over the last few decades. While the detailing and design reflect those bygone days, the amenities and service are contemporary and polished. 

Known as cottages, they are not what one might think of as a ‘cottage.’ They have spacious grounds that allow guests to roam. Typically offering different vignettes for a ceremony, cocktail hour, and dinner.

All make fantastic backdrops similar to the location where Daphne and the Duke devised their plan and had their first look. 

Jekyll Island Cottages

Cherokee Cottage – built in 1904, the Cherokee Cottage is known for its interiors, privacy, and river’s edge setting. 

Front view of the historic Cherokee Cottage on Jekyll Island Georgia

Crane Cottage – built in 1917-1919 in the Italian Renaissance style, was designed with 20 bedrooms and 17 bathrooms. It was the grandest and most expensive winter home at the time. 

The Italian Renaissance styled Crane Cottage on Jekyll Island's Millionaires Row

Its sunken garden, lush courtyard, and elegant fountains are often considered to be one of the most lavish of all of the cottages.

Crane Cottage is known for it's beautiful courtyard and fountains
view of the forma gardens at Crane Cottage on Jekyll Island

Villa Marianna – built in 1928, one of the newest cottages, its detailing is in the Spanish eclectic and Italian Renaissance styles. This romantic setting offers enclosed courtyards and a large formal garden.

beautiful images of floral decor and wedding ceremony at Jekyll Island's Villa Marianna

Villa Ospo – built in 1930 in the Spanish Eclectic and Italian Renaissance styles-sits steps from the Jekyll River in the historic district’s north end. Its intimate courtyard, large terraced garden, and Great Room are ideal for elegant gatherings.

Villa Ospo on the historic Jekyll Island

“an expert in the art of the swoon.” 

The Cocktails & Details® team knows that a picturesque location alone does not a Regency-style event make.

Fortunately, dear reader, connections with the best of the best in everything weddings, we can work together to create the complete Bridgerton inspired wedding here on the Golden Isles.

wedding invitation

A bride might consider the whimsical romantic styles of an Empire waist, capped sleeves, and scoop necklines for a wedding gown. Jeweled headpieces, tiaras and accessories will be all the rage.

beaded wedding gown with Empire waist
bride carrying a gold and jeweled clutch

To dress the Duke in your life, it is unnecessary to go with tailcoats and top hats – a brightly colored modern jacket with a patterned waistcoat is sure to impress.

Luxurious floral décor in a multitude of colors with accents of gold or silver pair nicely with the Jekyll Island cottages’ architecture and décor. One might also consider a bridal bouquet with a loose, just-picked, European feel – possibly with the inclusion of white roses, the representation of purity and innocence.

wedding reception table filled with gold toned candelabras, goblets and white flowers with lush linens and gold charger plates perfect for a Bridgerton themed wedding
bride carrying a loose European styled bridal bouquet with white roses

The added touches of a talented string quartet, decadent food, an abundance of drink, fresh fruit, an ornate wedding cake, and scrumptious macrons are all symbols of high society.

The talented team of Cocktails & Details® looks forward to assisting you in creating a soiree to set society a twitter.

“I have always thought that an appreciation of the arts is what lifts us beyond mere animals. It stirs the passions and moves the spirit, and, this author hopes, inspires more newsworthy pursuits.”

~ Lady Whistledown

Bride and grommet Horton hose on Jekyll Island
Jan 22 2021

Villa Marianna & Westin Jekyll Island Wedding

Take a fun couple who loves live music and travel and whose got planning underway, and Cocktails & Details® will pull it together and make it fabulous!

Meet Jennie and Alex

This fantastic couple selected not one but two unique Jekyll Island venues for their wedding day. 

Historic Villa Marianna would be the site of their wedding ceremony and outdoor cocktail reception. Then guests would be transported to the Westin Jekyll Island for dinner and dancing under the stars with an afterparty to follow! The stage was set for a fabulous day.

Get Ready

Jennie looked spectacular in her form-fitting wedding gown. One of two dresses for her wedding day. She chose an off the shoulder gown with crisscrossing fabric in the bodice. Her hair, worn down, and pulled to one side, created an elegant but relaxed look. 

Her loose hand-tied bridal bouquet consisted of lush greenery, white garden roses, and touches of deep burgundy-including hanging amaranthus.

bride and her bridal party getting dressed at the Westin Jekyll Island
bride wearing a form fitting, off the shoulder wedding gown with a criss cross bodice detail
bridal bouquet of greenery, white garden roses and burgundy flowers including hanging amaranthus

Alex and his guys went for a very classic look – black tuxedo, bow tie, and suspenders. Boutonnieres of white roses and eucalyptus seeds got a rustic touch with organic ribbon.

groom and groomsmen getting ready at the Westin Jekyll Island
white rose boutonnieres with seeded eucalyptus and a rustic ribbon

First Look and Fabulous Portraits

Midafternoon, the couple were each transported to Horton house for their first look, some spectacular wedding portraits, and some photos with their wedding party.

The Jekyll Island settings for their portraits are swoon-worthy and some of our favorite moments of the day!

bride and groom having their first look at the historic Horton House in Jekyll Island
first look at Horton House in Jekyll Island
bride and groom taking wedding portraits before their Jekyll Island wedding
Jekyll Island wedding photos
bride and groom posting for wedding photos
bride and groom with their wedding party

Bird Seed, Flower Petals, and an Old Oak Tree

The couple chose a two-hundred-year-old oak tree at Villa Marianna as the backdrop to exchange their wedding vows.

The processional included an entourage of young boys tossing birdseed and a young lady sprinkling flower petals.

birdseed boys and flower girls at a Villa Marianna wedding ceremony

Escorted by her mother, Jennie made her entrance to Falling Slowly by Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova. The ceremony included several readings, lots of laughs, and several tears. The tranquil outdoor setting was just perfect for these happy newlyweds.

Bride making her entrance escorted by her mother at Villa Marianna
outdoor Jekyll Island wedding ceremony under a two hundred year old tree at Villa Marianna
Just Married! Bride and groom kiss at the end of their Villa Mariana wedding ceremony

Cocktails & Details®

A Must-Have for Jennie and Alex were shots and cigars with their wedding party immediately after the wedding ceremony. The list also included a killer oyster bar and appetizers reflecting their travels from around the world.

bride and groom toasting with wedding party after Villa Marianna wedding ceremony
Fresh raw oysters and oyster shooters during cocktail hour at Jekyll Island wedding
International fruit and cheese display for cocktail hour at Jekyll Island wedding

The cocktail reception in Villa Marianna’s mosaic courtyard included a live jazz trio and two signature cocktails. A French 75 made with gin, lemon, and champagne, and a Hemmingway Daiquiri with rum, lime, and grapefruit.

Sunset Photos

As the cocktail hour drew to a close, guests were transported to the reception. The newlyweds took a few minutes for some stunning sunset photographs and a quick change.

Sunset wedding photos at Villa Marianna

Alex changed to a Navy-blue tuxedo jacket with a shawl collar, keeping his bow tie- a simple white pocket square was the only accessory needed.

Jennie chose a white two-piece look with a long white mermaid skirt and a modern lace off the shoulder top – she was ready to dance the night away.

Oceanside Dinner and Dancing

The reception was held in the ocean side courtyard of The Westin Jekyll Island. The outdoor space was set for dinner and dancing with outdoor space heaters added for the crisp night.

Groom boating his bride and welcoming guests at their Westin Jekyll Island outdoor wedding reception

Following introductions, Alex began the evening with a welcome and a toast. The toast was followed by a delicious dinner and cutting of an awesome two-tiered drip wedding cake and a selection of incredible custom donuts.

cake table set with a two tiered drip wedding cake and family wedding photos at the Westin Jekyll Island
Buckeyes were one of the custom flavor donuts at a Westin Jekyll Island wedding reception

Love, Love, Love!

Following dinner, the couple opened the first dance to Lay Down by Son Little and Alex’s dance with his mother.

In honor of her late father, Jennie and her brothers sang a karaoke of his favorite song –  We Didn’t Start the Fire by Billy Joel.

The fantastic band kept the dancefloor packed all night and included several custom covers of the bride and groom’s favorite songs.

After a sparkling sendoff wedding, guests joined the newlyweds for an afterparty in the hotel ballroom.

wedding guests sending newlyweds off under a shower of sparklers at the Westin Jekyll Island

Congratulations, Jennie and Alex. We wish you a lifetime filled with great food, music and new adventures!

The Wedding Team

Jekyll Island Wedding Planner: Cocktails & Details

Wedding Ceremony Venue: Villa Marianna

Hair & Makeup: b. Lush Salon

Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Musicians: South City Live

Jekyll Island Reception Venue: Westin Jekyll Island

Band: South City Live

Wedding Photographer: Ave Nocturna

Floral Designer: Jori

Transportation: St. Simons Trolley

bride and groom blowing gold glitter at the Jekyll Hotel Club
Dec 18 2020

Jekyll Island Wedding – Jekyll Club Hotel

Diana and Drew told our Cocktails & Details® team they envisioned ‘southern charm with a European twist’ for their Jekyll Club Hotel wedding. ‘We are sophisticated but not stuffy, love fun details, and Drew is down with my glitter obsession.’

The Jekyll Club hotel was the perfect backdrop for their wedding. From the southern charm of its mature trees draped in Spanish moss to its iconic architecture, it had everything they wanted.

bride and groom standing under trees with hanging Spanish moss

The Library at Crane Cottage

The spacious cottage allowed lots of space for Dianna and her wedding party to have hair and makeup services on site. 

Dianna wore an A-line wedding gown with a v- neck and natural waist by Enaura Bridal. She carried a loose hand-tied European style bridal bouquet with cream dahlias, Ocean song roses, ivory garden roses, lavender lisianthus, dusty miller, and silver dollar eucalyptus.

Her crystal and rhinestone Badgley Mischka pumps were the perfect accessories!

bride carrying a purple and white bridal bouquet
flat lay photo of bride's accessories and Badgley Mischka rhinestone wedding shoes

Meet Drew!

Drew looked handsome in a dark navy vested suit. The notched satin collar and white bow tie added a touch of sophistication.

Groom wearing navy blue suit at Jekyll Club Hotel

After getting ready, Drew took a little walk under the incredible trees to get ready for his first look at his bride-to-be.

The setting, the anticipation, and their first look are EVERYTHING!

bride walking toward her groom for their first look at Jekyll Club Hotel
bride seeking up on her groom at Jekyll Club Hotel
bride tapping on her groom's shoulder at Jekyll Club Hotel
Fist Look at Jekyll Club Hotel
bride and groom sneaking a kiss after their fist look

Crane Cottage Wedding Ceremony

The couple chose the sunken garden at Crane Cottage for their wedding ceremony. Steps away from the cottage, the lawn was set with large garden urns overflowing with florals in shades of purple and blue. White garden chairs lined the aisle trimmed in floral petals.

outdoor wedding ceremony at Crane Cottage

Dianna, escorted by her parents, made her way to her husband-to-be to the sounds of Canon in D. By the sweet look on Drew’s face, you would never know he had just seen his bride a short time before.

bride being escorted down the aisle at the Crane Cottage wedding ceremony
groom smiling as his bride makes her way down the aisle from Crane Cottage

The couple exchanged their wedding vows surrounded by family and friends before heading off to ‘All You Need is Love’ by the Beatles.

brigand groom receiving a wedding blessing at the Jekyll Club Hotel wedding
JUST MARRIED excited bride and groom after their Crane Cottage wedding ceremony

Cocktails & Details®

After their cocktail hour around the reflecting pool, wedding guests made their way to the hotel’s courtyard. The wedding reception was set with tables along the covered walkway, with the buffet reception set around the center fountain.

wedding reception in the courtyard at Crane Cottage

Tables were dressed in white linens lined with greenery roping with cream and purple blossoms to add pops of color. Gold candlesticks intertwined with floating candles and votives completed the tablescape. Guest tables were named for cities worldwide, with a map of the world as the seating chart.

long reception tables draped in white linen with greenery, candles and purple flowers.

Dancing the Night Away

A white frame tent with lounge seating and black and white dancefloor created the perfect space for dancing after dinner.

The newlyweds opened the dancefloor with their first dance to Thomas Rhett’s ‘In Case You Didn’t Know.’

frame tent with dance floor and lounge area at Crane Cottage
bride and groom dancing their first dance on a black and white checkered dance floor

Shortly after the dancefloor opened, Diana had a little surprise for Drew! She planned a reunion with the ladies from her acapella singing group. A quick change into matching outfits, with a bit of glitter for the bride and their performance of an ABBA song, was the highlight of the reception.

bride with an acapella performance for her groom
bride singing to her groom at their Crane Cottage wedding reception
bride serenading her groom at their Jekyll Club Hotel wedding

The couple closed the reception by cutting their beautiful four-tiered white and gold wedding cake before making their exit!

bride and groom cutting their four-tiered white and gold wedding cake at Crane Cottage

The Send-Off and After Party

The couple may have ended the reception with a traditional send-off- but the party continued at Crane Cottage. The afterparty included a fantastic DJ, glow sticks, and some late-night sliders and fries.

Our Cocktails & Details® team loved this incredible couple, and we wish them a lifetime of happiness.

The Event Team

Jekyll Island Wedding Planning: Cocktails & Details®

Jekyll Island Wedding Venue: Jekyll Club Hotel

Ceremony Musicians: Pegge Ealum

Wedding Officiant: Pastor Bonnie Lanyi

Band: Power 2 Party

DJ: Island Sound 

Wedding Photographer: Brooke Roberts Photography

Cinematographer: Gavin Sellers Creative

Floral Design: Cocktails & Details®

Rentals: Jekyll Club Hotel

Hair and Makeup: Tiffany Jones

two brides at Captain's Bluff on Saint Simons Island
Nov 27 2020

Saint Simons Island Wedding – Captain’s Bluff

Nearly a year ago, our Cocktails & Details® team had the pleasure of working with Amber and Brittany on their Saint Simons Island wedding at Captain’s Bluff.

This fantastic property along the Frederica River was owned by Amber’s family since the revolutionary war. While it had recently been sold and used for weddings and events, Amber always knew she wanted to be married there.

two brides on the dock at Captain's Bluff on the Frederica River in St Simons Island

Here Come The Brides

Amber spent the morning with her wedding party, at what used to be her old bedroom in the Family House, one of several buildings on the historic property. 

She and her wedding party had their hair and makeup done and got ready, taking some time for a few photos.

bride and bridal party sitting on the front porch wearing floral robes

For her wedding gown, Amber chose a lace and tulle ballgown. She wore a fingertip veil to compliments her beautiful strapless dress with a sweetheart neckline. Her loose handtied bouquet of white florals and greenery was the perfect accent to her attire.

bride wearing white lace wedding gown with a sweetheart neckline carrying a white bouquet

Her wedding party’s floral creations were a simple, elegant hoop style of lush greenery dotted with white flowers—a great choice for the relaxed yet elegant outdoor wedding.

bride with her wedding party carrying floral hoops

Across the property at the Boat House, Brittany spent the morning with her wedding party, her brother, and Amber’s son. Brittany and her wedding party dressed in light-colored suits with contrasting ties and pocket squares. Rustic white ranunculus and rose boutonnieres with greenery popped against the light-colored suits.

bride wearing a light blue grey suit with necktie and a white boutonniere
bride and ring bearers light blue grey suits
white ranunculus and white rose boutonnieres with greenery and eucalyptus seeds

It Was Always You…

The riverside ceremony was set in a clearing surrounded by Spanish moss-covered trees. The space was set with dark wood benches with the aisle accented with greenery and white hydrangea.

rustic outdoor wedding ceremony at Captain's Bluff in Saint Simons Island
wooden benches and white aisle decor at a rustic outdoor wedding ceremony at Captain's Bluff in Saint Simons Island

Escorted by her brother, Brittany and the wedding party made their way down the aisle to ‘Speechless.’ The song continued for Amber’s entrance-making her appearance exactly at Brittany’s favorite part.

bride walking down the aisle with her best man at her Captain's Bluff wedding in Saint Simons Island
Bride being escorted down the aisle at her wedding on Saint Simons Island

The waterfront views were an incredible backdrop for the brides to exchange their wedding vows.

Two brides exchanging wedding vows at their Saint Simons Island wedding on the banks of the Frederica River

Cocktails & Details®

A short walk away, the Boat House Lawn was set for an intimate wedding reception. Long tables draped in white linen surrounded the dance floor.  Each table’s center was filled with long low centerpieces with magnolia leaves, greenery, white flowers, and pillar candles. Wooden chairs, scallop-edged charger plates, and S’mores wedding favor completed the rustic yet elegant look.

Outdoor wedding reception on the lawn at Captain's Bluff on Saint Simons Island
Long reception tables with white linen and centerpieces of greenery, magnolia leaves and white flowers
charger plates with S'mores wedding favor at a Captain's Bluff wedding reception

Shortly after the guests had gathered, the brides made their entrance. A welcome, blessing, and delicious buffet dinner of comfort food were followed by toasts and the cake cutting.

brides cutting their wedding cake at their Captain's Bluff wedding reception on Saint Simons Island

As nighttime fell, candlelight and overhead market lights added a soft glow to the reception. The brides opened the dance floor with their first dance, surrounded by family and friends with sparklers.

black and white wedding photo of two brides during their first dance

Congratulations, Amber and Brittany! Our Cocktails & Details® loved being part of your elegant rustic wedding at Captain’s Bluff.

Two brides on the dock at Captain's Bluff along the Frederica River on Saint Simons Island

The Team

Thank you to the team of local wedding professionals who made Amber and Brittany’s wedding day so special.

Saint Simons Wedding Planner: Cocktails & Details®

Saint Simons Island Wedding Venue: Captain’s Bluff

Hair and Makeup: Emma Collins Beauty

Ceremony Musicians: T&Z DJ Services

Officiant: Rikki Warner, Friend of the Couple

Catering: Grandy’s

DJ: T&Z DJ Services

Wedding Photographer: One Life Photography

Floral Design and Rentals: Cocktails & Details®

couple wearing masks as they meet with their wedding planner
Nov 13 2020

Let’s Talk About The ‘C-Word’

Our Cocktails & Details® team hasn’t been using the ‘C-Word,’ – COVID-19 – in our blogs, and social media. Instead, we’ve focused on sharing the fantastic images and stories of our couples.

Weddings Reimagined

Earlier this year, we talked with People TV and The Knot about reimaging weddings during COVID-19. We focused on reimagining intimate experiences that captured what our clients wanted in their original wedding plans.

Reimagining weddings focused on incorporating personal details and unique elements, but on a slightly smaller scale. 

The World As We Know It

As life moves forward, regulations in our little corner of the world, especially around COVID-19 and weddings, have become a little blurry.

What is required, interpreting guidelines, and what is enforced has become confusing for our couples and pros alike.

smiling bride and groom at a wedding planning meeting wearing masks

Rules that allow for fifty people in a space, but allow more than fifty people if you can maintain physical distancing, are hard to decode. For example, outdoor weddings are permitted and encouraged. Even wedding receptions in a tent are allowed – but just not a tent with walls.

Some venues are requiring masks inside. Unfortunately, other spaces are not enforcing masks. And, while we know guests are not required to wear masks while eating and drinking, many are getting a little too comfortable and not putting them back on after dinner.

Reality Of COVID-19 for Wedding Pros

We’re not here to bash people who are not enforcing the rules. We want to share the reality of our Cocktails & Details® team and many of the pros we know.

A majority of the wedding pros we are working with are wearing masks. Wedding pros who are fortunate enough to be working might be around multiple couples and their guests in a single week. Not only do we have families at home that we’re trying to protect, but we’re trying to protect you as well.

wedding vendor putting on a protective mask

Don’t be surprised if some of your wedding pros ask you to sign a waiver. We’re just trying to make sure we’re all safe and protected.

Sharing The Truth

And, it won’t surprise you that our Cocktails & Details® team will be completely honest with you. We’re liable to tell you, ‘yes, you can do this, but think about the complications!’

And honestly, we’ll get the job done, your day will be fantastic – but don’t expect any hugging or kissing from us. We love you, but we’ll get the job done from six paces away.

Suggestions for Safer Weddings

Here are some planning and design suggestions we have put into place or recommend for creating a safer environment.

Getting Ready

makeup artist applying lipstick to a bride
  • Whenever possible, request larger cottages or meeting spaces so that wedding parties can spread out while getting ready. This provides a more comfortable space for them. But also a safer work environment for the hair and makeup artists, photographers, and videographers working with them.
  • Take some time ahead of the wedding to gather your accessories, personal items, and things like invitations so they can be photographed away from the wedding party.
  • Consider the idea of choosing outdoor locations to do portraits, family, and wedding party photos wherever possible.
silhouette of a photographer giving direction to a bride and groom

Safer Ceremony Seating

We’re always mindful of physically distant seating when it comes to wedding ceremonies.

  • Outdoor wedding ceremonies offer more space to accomplish physical distancing and include beautiful design elements.
  • Indoors, primarily in houses of worship with pews, roping off every other pew can keep your guests safely separated. 
  • In some areas, houses of worship require assigned seating to maintain physical distancing. Our Cocktails & Details® design team can assist in creating seating charts and pew numbers, similar to those used for a wedding reception. 
  • Make masks available to wedding guests who have not brought their own. Providing hand sanitizer is always a nice touch as well.
masks and hand sanitizer for wedding guests

Cocktails & Details®

  • Whenever possible, take advantage of outdoor spaced for all or a portion of your cocktail hour.
  • Consider displaying multiple seating charts or dividing escort cards onto several tables to keep wedding guests from crowding together.
  • Our Cocktails & Details® team makes sure that high touch areas like your guest book or gift table are wiped down frequently. Including containers for new and used pens.
  • For your cocktail hour and late night snacks, stations and passed bites can be plated into individual portions. 
individually portioned French fries and condiments for late night wedding snacks

Doing Dinner Right

  • Ceremony structures and décor can often be repurposed for your reception. These can create decorative dividers that can work well for areas like the bar to keep guests from crowding. 
  • Display signage with Signature Cocktails, beer, and wine selections several feet out from the bar. Signage can assist in making choices before they reach the bar and keep the line moving. 
  • In addition to keeping dining tables six feet apart – consider a redesign for some smaller tables, keeping family groups seated together.
  • Plated dinner service can help minimize unnecessary movement. Consider a served salad rather than a preset salad. During dinner, Wine service is an elegant touch and keeps guests from moving around and gathering at the bar.
  • If you choose to offer a buffet dinner, sneeze guards are a MUST. But, also consider investing in additional staff to serve guests, rather than having them touch utensils.
a wooden box with a bottle of red wine for service at a wedding

Toasts, Entertainment, and Wedding Cake

  • DJs and MCs can usually provide additional microphones for the people making toasts – these can easily be wiped down before and after each toast or blessing.
  • Gathering on a dancefloor can be a significant concern. Creating multiple smaller dance floors around the ballroom or dancing outdoors can be creative and safe options.
  • If dancing is not an option, look at other entertainment forms to keep your wedding guests engaged. Specialty musicians, singers, or performances can add a unique and personal touch.
  • Photobooths can easily be adapted to include single-use props and provide hand sanitizer.
  • Consider a smaller version of your wedding cake for display purposes with the cake being cut and plated or boxed for your guests.
Intimate wedding cake to display while cutting remaining wedding cake in the kitchen

These suggestions are just the tip of the iceberg! 

We know that every couple, family, and situation are different. Our Cocktails & Details® planning and design teams are happy to work with you to create an incredible wedding day- memorable for all the right reasons.

Our Cocktails & Details® team looks forward to celebrating safely with you and your loved ones.  

bride and groom kissing at sunset after their Jekyll Island wedding ceremony
Oct 23 2020

Jekyll Island Wedding – Crane Cottage

The Cocktails & Details® team loved working with Sarah and Chris to design their Jekyll Island wedding at Crane Cottage.

Sarah freely admits that she had picked the wedding venue before Chris proposed. After all, ‘we had been together five years,’ she joked. The holdup was realistically because Chris designed the ring and took great pains to source the main stone ethically.

ethically sourced stone in bride's ring designed by her groom

This environmentally conscious couple picked Crane Cottage for its historic architecture, natural beauty and because everything could happen in the same location. They wanted to have the feel of an epic house party.

bride and groom marrying in front of Crane Cottage on Jekyll Island Georgia

Here Comes The Bride!

Sarah spent the morning with her bridal party relaxing, having some fun together, and getting ready. Her wedding gown was a smooth satin organza creation with clean lines and a sweetheart neckline. A shoulder-length lace applique veil and cascading European hand tied bridal bouquet completed her elegant look.

bride and bridal party having some fun in the room at Crane Cottage
bride wearing a satin organza gown with shoulder length lace veil carrying a loose European bridal bouquet

The stunning bridal bouquet included garden roses, white ranunculus, Sahara roses, white lisianthus, and long, loose natural greenery tied with French wired ribbon.

loose European style bridal bouquet in white and cream with locally sourced greenery

Thank You For Your Service

Chris, who is currently serving in the military, wore his dress uniform as did several members of his wedding party. He was actually deployed during the wedding planning and only returned home a week before the wedding.

The guys dressed and relaxed, with sabers at the ready, for the ceremony to begin.

groom in his military dress uniform
groom and his groomsmen in dress military uniforms at Crane Cottage on Jekyll Island
groom in his military dress uniform before seeing his bride

Wanting to infuse a little personality into his wedding day, Chris had a custom tuxedo shirt created. A huge Star Wars fan, this custom shirt had the sleeves removed and a bold Star Wars print fabric added in its place. The collar, front panel, and cuff were all business with the sleeves hidden away until he removed his jacket.

groom wearing a custom made Star Wars tuxedo shirt

With This Ring

Outside, the ceremony preparations were in place. Our team utilized the rich, topiary hedgerow to frame the wedding ceremony. White roses accented the center portion of the hedge with white garden chairs, creating an extra-wide aisle.

outdoor wedding ceremony at Crane Cottage on Jekyll Island

With their wedding party already in place, Sarah, escorted by her father, made her entrance to her favorite song Lady May by Tyler Childers. To say that Chris was blown away by the first glimpse of his beautiful bride might be an understatement.

bride being escorted down the aisle by her father at Crane Cottage on Jekyll Island
groom seeing his bride for the first time as she walks down the aisle at Crane Cottage on Jekyll Island
stunned groom as he sees is beautiful bride at their wedding ceremony at Crane Cottage

Officiated by the bride’s grandmother, the touching wedding ceremony ended with a traditional arch of crossed sabers as the newlyweds made their departure.

groom crying during his wedding ceremony at Crane Cottage, Jekyll Island Georgia
crossed sabers waiting for approach of the bride and groom at Crane Cottage on Jekyll Island
bride and groom under crossed sabers after their Jekyll Island wedding

Cocktails & Details®

The elegant outdoor reception was created along the parameter of the Crane Cottages courtyard. The expansive covered walkways allowed for placement of long banquet tables paired with rustic wrought iron chairs. Crisp white linens draped the tables, which overflowed with local greenery and clusters of candles. Gold metallic risers added a shimmer, brought height to the table design, and allowed for a lush overhead cascade of greenery.

long white reception tables with lush greenery in the courtyard at Crane Cottage Jekyll Island
long wedding reception tables with gold risers and local Georgia greenery

The courtyard’s iron gate and an overhead chandelier made the perfect focal point to frame Sarah and Chris’ sweetheart table, incorporating design elements from the other tablescapes.

sweetheart table in front of iron gat in the courtyard at Crane Cottage Jekyll Island

The newly married couple made their grand entrance from the balcony above the courtyard. Following their entrance, wedding guests enjoyed a plated dinner service with a coffee and dessert bar placed in the courtyard center.

bride and groom waving from the balcony of Crane Cottage on Jekyll Island

In traditional military fashion, the couple opened the first bottle of Champagne using a military saber. Several toasts followed this by the Father of the Bride, Maid of Honor, and Best Man.

Military groom assisting his new bride in opening a champagne bottle with a saber

Death Of A Bachelor

After dinner, the couple and their guests made their way indoors for a night of dancing. Sarah and Chris opened the dance floor with their first dance to Death of a Bachelor by Panic! at the Disco.

newlyweds dancing their first dane to Death of a Bachelor by Panic! at the Disco.

This indeed was the epic house party the newlyweds dreamed about, with the dance floor remaining full throughout the evening. The night also included an impromptu choreographed dance number by Sarah and a few friends. Sarah and Chris closed the evening with a last dance to What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong.

bride and friends doing a choreographed dance at her Jekyll Island wedding
bride and friends dancing at her Crane Cottage wedding

Congratulations, Sarah and Chris! This was absolutely an epic wedding!

The Event Team

Thank you to the incredible event team that made Sarah and Chris’s wedding so amazing.

bride and groom at sunset at their wedding Crane Cottage Jekyll Island

Jekyll Island Wedding Planning: Cocktails & Details®

Jekyll Island Wedding Venue: Crane Cottage

Hair & Makeup: b. Lush Salon & Spa

Ceremony Musicians: Music by Pegge

Wedding Officiant:  Grandmother of the Bride

Catering: Jekyll Club Hotel

DJ: Hey DJ

Wedding Photography: Tamara Gibson Photography

Wedding Cinematography: Ryan Blount

Floral Design: Cocktails & Details®

Rentals: Cocktails & Details®

bride and groom in beach at Jekyll Island surrounded by driftwood
Oct 09 2020

Jekyll Island Wedding- The Westin

Working with Michelle and David last year on their beautiful Jekyll Island wedding was an incredible experience for our Cocktails & Details® teams. 

They are admittedly the perfect complement to each other. We were blown away by the time and thoughtfulness that went into their wedding and being surrounded by family and friends.

The Ideal Wedding Location

The Westin was the ideal wedding venue for them, with everything onsite so family and friends could spend time together. It was where they had their first vacation together and simultaneously their first iterations of ‘I love You.” So, it holds a lot of sentimental meaning, was a very low key, intimate beach setting.

During their time on the island, wedding guests had the opportunity to golf, fish, or relax on the beach.

Their Wedding Style

Michelle chose a show-stopping wedding gown by Casablanca Bridal. The fit and flare silhouette layered textures and textiles, combining satin, Chantilly lace, and touches of delicate beadwork with illusion lace back and a plunging V-neckline. 

Our Cocktails & Details® team created a loose hand-tied European style bridal bouquet of ranunculus, spray roses, lisianthus, and mixed eucalyptus greenery. Blush garden roses began the color story of dusty rose and indigo blue that would flow through the wedding.

Chloe by Casablanca Bridal incorporates lace applique, satin and Chantilly lace with delicate beading and an illusion back with a deep V-neckline
Jekyll Island bride wearing a fit and flare style gown by Casablanca Bridal carrying a pink and white bridal bouquet by Cocktails and Details

Her wedding party’s attire continued the story with the ladies wearing long, flowing, dusty rose dresses. The dresses allowed each lady to choose a neckline that complimented figure and personal style.

Jekyll Island bride with her bridal party wearing dusty rose bridesmaid's dresses carrying pink and white bouquets

David and his wedding party were dressed in handsome indigo-colored suits with dusty rose ties to pair with the bridesmaid’s dresses.

Groom earring an indigo blue suite with a white ranunculus boutonniere adjusts his pocket square
bride and groom after their first look

The Ceremony

Michelle and David’s outdoor ceremony was set beyond the resort’s courtyard with sweeping lawns and rustic natural backdrop. 

Four tall floral arrangements in blush and white rested on clear acrylic columns at the aisle entrance. White garden chairs and rose petals lead to the dark wood chuppah draped in flowing white fabric and accented with floral swags.

outdoor wedding ceremony at The Westin Jekyll Island

As wedding guests gathered on the lawn, David’s nephew played a prelude of classical music. The ceremony music selections included a processional of Canon in D, with the bride making her entrance to the Bridal Chorus.

bride walking down the iaisle with her father at the Westin Jekyll Island

Michelle and David exchanged wedding rings under the chuppah before a traditional glass breaking and sealing their vows with a kiss.

bride and groom exchanging wedding vows under a chuppah at the Westin Jekyll Island

COCKTAILS & DETAILS®

Inside the ballroom, final touches were made to the reception decor. 

Tall white and dusty rose floral arrangements on glass vases were intermixed with organic flowing centerpieces in gold pedestal bowls and florals in petite glass balls. Floating, cylinder, and votive candles filled the tables.

Gold Napoleon chairs, charger plates, and votive candles added a golden shimmer to the soft pink and white backdrop.

The Westin Jekyll Island's Grand Ballroom set with pink and white florals, candles and gold Napoleon chairs.
Long tables draped with white linen accented with pink and white flora with gold chairs and accents
Grand Ballroom at The Westin Jekyll Island set for an elegant wedding reception by Cocktails and Details

The newlyweds began the evening with their first dance to ‘Til Death Do Us Part by Brian Nhira. Their dance was followed by a few words from the groom and a delicious multi-course plated dinner with wine service.

One of Michelle and David’s requests was the have everyone up on the dance floor all evening, and our team delivered with a packed dancefloor.

bride and groom dining with the bride's mother at her Jekyll Island wedding reception
bride and groom dining during their wedding reception at the Westin Jekyll Island

The evening came to a close with the bride and groom cutting an elegant three-tiered white wedding cake accented with pink roses and a custom gold cake topper, before making a grand exit under a shower of sparklers.

bride and groom cutting their three-tiered white wedding cake decorated with pink roses
Bride and groom making a grand exit under a shower of sparklers at their Westin Jekyll Island wedding reception

Congratulations, Michelle and David! Our Cocktails & Details® team wishes you a fabulous life together!

Newlyweds kissing under a shower of sparklers after their Jekyll Island wedding

The Event Team

Thank you to the wedding professionals who brought this Jekyll Island wedding to life.

Wedding Planning Team: Cocktails & Details® 

Jekyll Island Wedding Venue: The Westin, Jekyll Island

Wedding Ceremony Musicians: Island Sound

Wedding Officiant: Kim Bashor, Hitching Hearts 

DJ: Island Sound

Wedding Photographer: Rainey Gregg Photography

Florals and Rentals: Cocktails & Details® 

Hair & Makeup: Fantasy Hair and Makeup

Wedding Cake: Sweet Luncheonette