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St. Simons Wedding Planner :: Island Destination Weddings | Blog
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Elegantly dressed bride and groom on the porch of a rustic Savannah cabin
Aug 26 2020

Savannah Private Estate Wedding – Cocktails & Details

It’s absolutely no secret that our Cocktails & Details® team loves a little bling. So, when we worked with LA-born Katherine and her fiancé Travis to plan an elegant rustic November wedding at Savannah property where he grew up, we knew it would have a little sparkle. 

Travis may have put down some roots in Miami, but this hidden gem on Savannah’s outskirts is home. The place he played with his siblings and best man, as children, even has a cabin he built himself.

Family and friends from both coasts arrived for a 4-Day celebration. What began with a blowout Halloween bash in their private residence in Historic Savannah continued with a rehearsal dinner on The Square, the wedding day, and a post-wedding brunch back at the preserve.

Start Your Day With Champagne

On the wedding day, guests were transported to the unmarked private property for a pre-wedding Champagne reception.

The entry doors were flanked with four stunning statement pieces. Garden urns, two towering to over six-foot-tall, were overflowing with soft flowers and rustic textured grasses. Shimmering market lights and a row of crystal chandeliers added some sparkle to the wooded trail.

bride and groom standing at the entry doors to their elegant rustic wedding surrounded by tall urns of flowers and grasses
wedding guests wearing formalwear gathering in the woods under crystal chandeliers

The Happy Couple

Meanwhile, Katherine and Travis, along with their wedding parties, spent the day relaxing and getting ready in cabins on the preserve.

Travis looked smashing in his classic black tuxedo with black satin shawl collar, and he really rocked the hand-tailored feathered bow tie.

groom in a classic black tuxedo wearing a black feather bow tie

Katherine sparkled in a long sleeve, crystal-studded wedding gown with a plunging neckline from the Morning Star collection of luxury bridal designer Dana Harel.  Her monochromatic bouquet of red roses, cockscomb, and astilbe looked stunning against this simple, but lux wedding gown.

bride in a crystal Dana Harel wedding gown carrying a bright red bouquet

These back and white photos of their first look on the front porch of the cabin are epic!

black and white photo of bride walking up behind groom for their first look
black and white photos of an excited groom wiping away tears after his first look at his bride-to-be
black and white photos of a happy bride laughing after seeing her groom

With This Ring

The ceremony on a floating dock was set with garden chairs in natural wood tones, with the aisle accented with bubble vases filled with grasses, resting on locally sourced logs. The unique ceremony structure was a low wall of grasses that flowed in the breeze and allowed for spectacular views of the lake.

waterfront wedding ceremony on a floating dock, set with rustic grasses and wooden chairs
floating dock on a like set for a wedding ceremony with wooden chairs

Just before the sun began to set, the wedding party, dressed in black tie attire, entered under twinkling crystal chandeliers, followed by Katherine, making her entrance to “LA Woman’ by the Doors.

wedding party in formal black tie walking though woods
bride in elegant crystal wedding gown walking under crystal chandeliers hanging in the woods
bride being escorted onto floating dock filled with people for her wedding ceremony

The couple exchanged their “I Dos” in a touching sunset wedding ceremony officiated by Travis’ Grandmother, surrounded by loved ones.

bride and groom exchanging wedding vows officiated by the groom's grandmother

Time Alone

We would not be very kind if we didn’t share some of the newlyweds incredible wedding portraits. The fall colors and rustic setting were the perfect backdrops.

bridrounde and groom standing on a floating dock kissing with fall colored trees in the backg
overhead view of a bride and groom standing on a dock in the middle of a lake
bride and groom holding hands while standing on a floating dock over lake

Cocktails & Details®

Following the lakeside wedding ceremony, guests enjoyed each other’s company, and some bite-sized passed hors d’ oeuvres.

Some well-placed vintage furnishings offered casual seating, while the cabin that Travis build was converted into a well-stocked Bourbon and Cigar Lounge. The lounge included His and Hers Signature cocktails – his an Old Fashion and hers, a Mint Julep. Classic.

vintage lounge furniture sitting in the woods for cocktail reception
bottles of Bulliet Bourbon sitting on gold shelves in the Bourbon and Cigar Laoungs
a box of Champagne 10th anniversary cigars in the Bourbon and Cigar lounge

Inside the reception tent, every last detail was being double-checked. Long wooden tables were dressed with greenery, glass bottles, and vases filled with grasses and soft florals in rustic containers. 

Votive candles, tall black taper candles, copper flatware, knotted taupe-colored napkins, custom place cards that matched guests’ escort cards, and wooden table numbers added texture and depth to the design.

The tent was dotted with strands of lights, with rattan chandeliers along its length. A cloud of grasses floated above the head table, giving the tent a unique focal point.

wooden farm table set with rustic grasses and floral arrangements
neutral tone custom escort cards sitting in slices of wood
tented wedding reception with twinkle lights, rattan chandeliers, and elegant place settings on wooden farm tables
nighttime view of wedding reception with lit rattan chandeliers, twinkle lights and candles

Nearly 150 guests enjoyed a plated dinner, tableside wine service and several toasts before taking to the dance floor.

A Sweet Ending

Everyone paused long enough to enjoy the show-stopping dessert station. Dessert featured a three-tiered textured black wedding cake, surrounded by tiny sweet treats on wooden crates and gold cake stands. Dessert service also included a specialty coffee and espresso trailer.

black wedding cake and desserts sitting on a wooden farm table
Specialty coffee trailer for wedding reception

The brief respite for dessert was followed by a return to the dancefloor for a disco interlude, complete with disco ball, a change into 70’s attire, and props for guests.

Fireworks, late-night snacks, and a 1:15 last call to end the night didn’t deter anyone, with the after-party continuing until nearly five in the morning.

bride and groom sitting on a rustic swing under a neon sign with their last name

Congratulations, Katherine and Travis, our Cocktails & Details®  team loved working with you to create a one of a kind rustic elegant Savannah wedding!

We wish you a lifetime filled with images just like this.

Happy bride and groom sitting on rocking chairs on the front porch of a rustic cabin

The Event Team

Savannah Wedding Planning Team: Cocktails & Details® 

Savannah Wedding Venue: Private Estate

Savannah Wedding Hair & Makeup: Emma Collins Beauty

Décor: Cocktails & Details® 

Wedding Officiant: Ms. Cockrum, Travis’ Grandmother

Hilton Head Wedding Photographer: Hopkins Studio

Band: Mr. Potato Head

DJ: All About You Entertainment

Mixology Team: InDnGrl

Catering: Savannah Events Catering

Coffee Trailer: Three Tree Coffee Roasters

Desserts: Lulu’s Chocolate Bar

Savannah Transportation: Kelly Tours

lacework wedding dress veil Demetrios
Aug 12 2019

Fashion Monday: New Statement Gowns from the Demetrios 2020 Collection

In April, one of our favorite bridal designers, Demetrios debuted 4 collections  with some of the statement wedding gowns from his Cosmobella line being spectacularly amazing! This wedding dress collection consists of full volume, ruffled skirts along with dramatic sleeves and illusion backs incorporating pockets and multidimensional trains too– everything to fit the styles of the most discriminating bride.

Here are just a few of our favorites:

Demetrios Wedding Dress Sleeves IdeasWedding Dress with Sleeves by Demetrios

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You can see more styles here.

 

finding perfect engagement ring, how to find out size of ring finger.
Aug 08 2019

5 Useful Tips for Buying an Engagement Ring within Your Budget

It looks like you are all set to make a lifelong commitment to your beloved. And an engagement ring symbolizes the love that runs deep and knows no end. But with countless choices for a diamond ring to signal you are getting married, which one will fit your loved one’s hand and your budget as well?

 

The “rule” about spending an equivalent of three months’ worth of salary on a ring only adds to the pressure. Instead of being burdened by the amount, use the same number of months to find the perfect ring, for the yes you’ve been longing to hear.

 

Start with the 4 Cs

Your search begins with a crash course on diamonds, which are the go-to choice for rings. To realize your money’s worth, you must know that the value of a diamond is hinged on four qualities that go hand in hand and thus have to be taken as a whole:

  • It is the unit of measurement for the weight of a diamond. Carat does not necessarily refer to the stone’s size, although both variables can increase its value, especially the weight. The typical diamond weight ranges from 0.25 carats to 2 carats. Indeed, 2.5 carat engagement rings  are a popular choice because they offer the size without the expensive price tag of diamonds weighing 3 carats, for example.
  • The stone can look bigger or smaller than its actual size because of the cut. But more importantly, the cut can make the diamond sparkle or lose some of its brilliance because of poor quality. Examples of popular diamond cuts are brilliant cut, princess cut, marquise cut, and oval cut.
  • As diamonds become colorless, their value increases. Colorless diamonds are harder to find than those with traces of color, like yellow or brown. You can look into a colorlessness scale, where D to F is colorless, G to J is near colorless, and K to Z is faint to light. This discussion does not apply to fancy diamonds, whose saturation exudes color.
  • The small imperfections and blemishes on the stone affect its clarity grade. The grading is based on how these inclusions look under the microscope. Flawless diamonds have no defects under a magnification of ten times, according to the American Gem Society.

 

Select Based on Their Style

Now’s the time to look closely at the kind of jewelry they wear and how they wear them. Are they adventurous with their accessories, mixing and matching fine and fancy jewelry? Do they go for classic pieces that look subtle and sometimes understated? Are they the type who prefers ornate over simple?

Some tend to get self-conscious about the looks they get because of their engagement rings. Thus, it matters to have a good grasp of your partner’s style and personality so that you can get them the ring with the cut and style that they will love.

 

Look Into the Setting

Your choice for a setting plays a huge role in the style of the ring, which makes sense when you consider the points above. Some argue that how the stone is set or placed on the metal band is as essential as the center stone itself.

 

Engagement ring settings run plenty, but the more popular ones are the following:

  • A halo is created when smaller diamonds congregate around a bigger stone to create a giant sparkling piece.
  • The prong setting pushes the center stone forward with metal claws to bind the ring.
  • The pavé arrangement puts small diamonds on the band to add shine to the main stone without overwhelming it.

 

Setting metals can be gold or platinum. You may or may not need to resize your ring, but to be safe, ask which rings are open for resizing.

 

Shop Around

Arm yourself with patience, perseverance, and determination when visiting physical and online shops to get the engagement ring that gives you the bang for your buck. If you can get access to a jeweler, all the better to avoid getting scammed or shelling out more than what’s necessary.

 

Not all that sparkle are diamonds as some are look-alikes or are gems that are valued less. Give yourself time to assess, choose, and ultimately, buy.

 

Size Matters

 

With one knee bent, you ask for their hand in marriage and slip the ring onto their finger, but it doesn’t fit. To avoid this anticlimactic scenario and wasting the opportunity, you can ask them outright for the ring size and blow the surprise. Or get creative.

Casually borrow a ring they’re wearing, and pretend you’re interested in the design. Another way is to take their hand and make a mental note of their left ring finger. If stealthiness isn’t your best suit, enlist the help of their best friend, who must be sworn to secrecy.

 

Stay within Your Budget

Your loved one is lucky to have a thoughtful partner who takes great lengths to put a ring on it. Diamonds present such a dazzling display that choosing among them is challenging, not to mention cash draining, if you get too distracted.

 

Take heart, and remain steadfast to succeed in your task of finding the ultimate engagement ring for them.

 

 

This is a sponsored post from Brillianteers – Diamond Jewelry

Photo Credit

Jul 24 2019

Real King and Prince Wedding: Meg and Bryan Say I Do on Saint Simons Island

Ever had a really great glass of champagne?

You know that crisp, sweet bubbly taste that tickles your tongue and pulls a smile from the corner of your lips?

If that effervescence was a person, it would be Meg.

 

To describe her as bubbly and fun would be an understatement. We loved seeing her name in our inboxes during her planning because we knew that we were in for laughs and smiles.  Bryan on the other hand  seems quiet– but he is thoughtful and kind. It is his love for Meg that roars the loudest, even in the most subtle of touches, kisses and looks.

 

When Meg came to us help her design and manage her wedding day, she wanted us to know two things:  She loved Kate Spade and she loved fun.  We all thought, “Ok, girl!  We got you!”.  The more we got to know her and Bryan, their families (who are equally amazing) and their love story, the more enthralled we became with them and wanted to create the perfect wedding day. The design team sat around The White Table with wine and food, pouring over linens, colors, textures and concepts we wanted to use to make this absolutely perfect. We pulled inspiration from Meg’s love of Kate Spade, their classic love story and pops of color to create her dream wedding at Saint Simons Island’s King and Prince Resort.

Weddings on St Simons Island at the King and Prince

 

King and Prince Resort Wedding Saint Simons Island

 

Tabatha and Susan knocked it out of the park in composing our perfect floral and color palette into these stunning bridal and bridesmaids bouquets.  The addition of  textures with the berries and thistle was exactly what we needed to celebrate the concept while still being true to the season. (And just wait ’til you see how they look against the bridesmaids’ dresses!)

I love the above photo because it’s the calm before the storm– the hustle and bustle of getting ready, taking more photos, etc.  The ladies are just relaxed while waiting for a sweet surprise:  their first look of the bride in her wedding dress.

Bridesmaids at Wedding at the King and Prince ResortBride and Bridesmaids at Wedding at King and Prince Resort

Bridal Party at the King and Prince Resort Wedding

Meg and Bryan decided not to do a First Look, and it had to have been one of the most rewarding moments of the entire day.  As we lined everyone up for the wedding processional, everyone was in good spirits– a little bit of wedding jitters, but all ready for the day.  The wave of emotion that hits Bryan’s face when he sees Meg as she journeys up the aisle to become his wife, is breathtaking.

Beach Side Wedding at the King and Prince St SimonsDelegal Lawn Wedding Ceremony King and Prince Saint Simons Island

 

We always tell our couples at the rehearsal: “Don’t worry about being loud– the person who needs to hear you is right in front of you”.  They took us to heart, but we were so glad that everyone could hear as they professed their love for each other. Their vows touched almost every single guest in attendance.

Wedding Flowers on Saint Simons IslandBeach Lawn Wedding Saint Simons IslandWedding Ceremonies at the King and PrinceWeddings at King and Prince Resort VenueWeddings on Saint Simons Island HotelsWedding Venue on Saint Simons IslandWedding Ceremonies on Saint Simons IslandWedding Ceremony on Saint Simons Island

 

After the beautiful ceremony, guests nibbled on the amazing food from the King and Prince Resort  as the waves crashed and the sunset over the glittering water.  Soon after, it was time to bring everyone inside the resort’s beautiful Delegal Ballroom, where we got to take our color palette and and concepts even further. Check out the gilded welcome mirror that Elizabeth hand painted!

Beach Wedding Photos Saint Simons IslandBeach weddings on Saint Simons IslandWedding at the King and Prince Venue Saint Simons IslandWedding reception at the King and Prince ResortKing and Prince Wedding Reception Saint Simons IslandKate Spade Wedding Saint Simons IslandWatercolor and Gold Wedding CakeKate Spade inpired wedding

 

The reception was a party for the ages!  Meg’s grandfather was a staple on the dance floor with the guests circling around him yelling “Opa! Opa!”  (We’ve never met a cooler grandpa!) The dance floor was packed and the drinks flowed for the rest of the night!

Wedding Entertainment Wedding Reception St Simons IslandWedding Reception Music Saint Simons IslandWedding Receptions at the King and Prince ResortKing and Prince Weddings Receptions

 

Congratulations, Meg and Bryan!

You can see more over at Aisle Memories, where this wedding was published! Huge shout out to our amazing event team that partnered with us to create a phenomenal day:

Event Team

Wedding Designer & Management: Cocktails & Details®
Wedding Venue: King and Prince Resort
Wedding Photographer: Bobbi Brinkman Photography
Wedding Florals: Mystical Gardens
Beauty: Fantasy Hair and Makeup
Event Rentals: Eventworks
Entertainment: Island Sound
Wedding Cake: Cathy Huber Cakes

 

Sponsored: Saying, “I Do” In Style – 10 Luxury Proposal Ideas to Blow Your Loved One’s Mind

The planning behind proposals has rocketed in the past few years. Many are looking past cookie-cutter proposals and pulling out all the stops to blow away their future fiancé. If you’re looking to really impress your future spouse, here are ten luxury proposal ideas that are sure to wow everyone who sees it.

 

Bahamian Dream

Sandals all inclusive romantic resort vacation proposalWell known for its hospitable resort culture, the Bahamas offer an incredible backdrop for relaxation and romance. You can book a vacation to one of the many resort options and throw in some additional treatments for couples, like a couples massage. On the special day, ask about having a private meal for two at sunset or schedule a photography session on the beach so your proposal can live forever. 

 

City of Love

Well known for its hospitable resort culture, the Bahamas offer an incredible backdrop for relaxation
There’s probably no better place to propose than the City of Love, Paris. The Eiffel Tower is the quintessential location for proposing in France, but the city has many other sites that are just as romantic. Montparnasse Tower is the second tallest building in Paris and offers a 360 view of the city, including the Eiffel Tower, from its observation deck. Another option is in front of the glass pyramid in the courtyard of the Louvre. To celebrate, find a café to enjoy a glass of champagne or fine French wine.

 

Under the Northern Lights

Aurora Borealis Northern Lights Proposal Engagement


There are fewer natural occurrences more romantic than the Aurora Borealis, more commonly known as the Northern Lights. There’s an entire niche within the travel industry that caters to those who want to capture the magnificent light show. You can book a night’s stay in a glass-topped igloo to watch the greens, blues, and purples dance through the sky while snuggling your future spouse before popping the question.

 

Cheer on the Team

Sports Event Proposal Engagement
Many couples will cheer on the same sports team together. It might not be a team you rooted for, but the joined passion of watching “your team” win a game is guaranteed to keep spirits high. The majority of sports venues have entertainment that feeds off of audience engagement, like the Kiss Cam. Call your favorite sports team to talk about setting up an epic proposal that will be shown on the big screen. You’ll instantly have thousands of fans rooting for your future marriage.

 

Love Cruise

Cruise Ship Proposal
Who doesn’t love an enjoyable cruise? With so many options to take couples around the world, you’ll have your choice of adventures and endless possibilities to pick the perfect proposal location. Let your cruise staff or booking agent know of your plans, and you’ll likely come back to your room with some extra goodies to extend your celebration of love for the day.

 

On Top of a Ferris Wheel


You can match the high of proposing to your special someone by being high above everything else when dropping to one knee. The world is full of
famous Ferris wheels, which are typical for couples to enjoy together. The London Eye and the Singapore Flyer have larger compartments so you can set up a fancy celebration inside the capsule or invite friends to witness your love.

 

Love on Top of the World


If your love reaches as high as the clouds, you should plan your proposal atop a skyscraper. You will have a choice to do it from an observation deck or choose a building with a rooftop restaurant to enjoy a full meal with the best view of the city and your partner. Order an indulgent dessert to share after you dedicate to share everything moving forward together.

 

Royally Yours

 

The United Kingdom is home to pretty extravagant castles that have seen marriages from history’s greatest kings and queens. Edinburgh Castle, Tower of London, and Windsor Castle are some of the more famous castles but don’t feel restricted to do it inside the actual castle. Many grounds include beautifully curated gardens that will make anyone feel like royalty as they stroll through.  

 

Nothing to Wine About

vineyard picnic proposal wedding engagement
Napa Valley and the surrounding areas are perfect for a proposal between two people who appreciate good wine. With several wineries close together, book a limo to make a day out of wine tasting and vineyard tours. Work with the staff at your favorite venue to create the picture-perfect proposal on their property. Cheers to your new engagement by splurging on a special bottle of wine. 

 

Movie Theatre Proposal

Movie Theater wedding proposal engagement
It’s one thing to see a blockbuster with your closest friends but imagine everyone is there to watch you get engaged, and the movie is a bonus! Many movie theatres allow you to rent an entire theatre then fill it with whomever you please. Consult with the manager to see if you can play a video or slideshow of your relationship so your sweetheart can relive all the memories you’ve shared together.

 

Conclusion

Surprise Proposal Wedding Engagement Ideas
Keep in mind, a luxury proposal will be something that your future partner remembers for the rest of their life.  And, it will be a great story to tell. But, the proposal is just the beginning. If you are looking for a fairy tale life together, don’t forget to keep writing the book.  Make sure that your marriage is just a great as the proposal. Then you are sure to have that happily ever after you both want!

This post is sponsored by Sandals Resorts.

Sponsored: Atlanta Wedding Venue, The Gwinnett Place Sonesta

I had the pleasure of staying at the Sonesta Gwinnett Place recently and absolutely fell in love! One thing that I always tell our clients to look for when planning their destination wedding is to pick the perfect host hotel.  You want a place that not only serves as the hub for all of your events, but is also welcoming and has something for everyone.


The Sonesta Gwinnett Place has the ability to host all of your events– hospitality suites, welcome party, rehearsal dinner and reception.  An indoor ceremony is even a possibility depending upon your numbers.  One of my (many) favorite places was an event space right off of its ultra mod lobby.  It is an intimate space that immediately puts you in the mind of the Old Hollywood restaurant, The Brown Derby. It’s tiered layout and intimate round seating gave me all sorts of inspiration for vintage dinners and cabaret style cocktail parties!

Atlanta Rehearsal Dinner Venue

The Ballroom has to be one of the most modern yet still objectively pleasing rooms I’ve been in at a hotel. The versatility of the room struck me– everything from the carpet to the lighting fixtures lend themselves to any type of event. Additionally, with the large size of the room, I see so many things there– custom bars, lounge areas, staging, draping, dramatic lighting and so much more.

Gwinnett Place Sonesta

Atlanta Ballroom Wedding Venue
Atlanta Ballroom Wedding Venue
Atlanta Ballroom Wedding Venue
Atlanta Wedding Cake

 

I spent hours talking shop with the catering team and they were phenomenal.  Tracy and I talked for literally hours during our walkthrough and it was evident that she loves what she does and loves her clients. This is so important when working with your venue!

The ballroom isn’t the only great event space. Right outside of ballroom is a spacious lobby that could serve as a lounge or cocktail area.  The outdoor terraces are beautiful and spacious. In fact, I fell in love with the pool area.  While this would have to be special request worked out with the property, there are some  beautiful soirees that could happen around the pool!


I think the ARTBAR made the Sonesta  a truly unique experience.  Not that having large gift shop and radio station inside the hotel isn’t unique enough, but the ARTBAR was a special treat.  Each Sonesta has its own signature restaurant with different themes and specialties.  The Sonesta Gwinnett Place’s ARTBAR was a sleek, modern gastropub that offered high end, gourmet southern delicacies with several other unique one of a kind dishes.  The area is so relaxed, yet fun– with art on the walls from local artists, and croons from live musicians.  The pool table and TVs playing music videos from the 90s was a plus for this girl.

After dinner at the ARTBAR, I journeyed back to my room and fell out.  The bed had to have been made out of Ambien, as I was instantly relaxed.  Granted, I didn’t have my toddler tossing toys at me or the other three kids reenacting scenes from Game of Thrones, but the room was clean and comfortable.  Pretty soon, it was the TV watching me instead of the other way around!

Service was great all the way around– from the front desk to check out.  It was such a relaxing, yet immersive experience, I think it is perfect for weddings and social events!  Looking for a getaway for you and the girls or maybe a staycation, they have covered there too.  I’m definitely going back!

Villa Marianna Villa Ospo Wedding
Jun 14 2017

Real Villa Marianna, Jekyll Island Wedding: Sarah & Andrew

Last fall, one week after Hurricane Matthew ravaged our beautiful coastal area, Sarah and Andrew were married in the gorgeous Millionaire’s District on Jekyll Island. The ceremony started in front of Villa Ospo, where after the ceremony, guests were greeted down the path by servers with champagne as a saxophonist played smooth tunes leading them to Villa Marianna for the reception.  This was an amazing experience for guests as it allowed them to see some of the areas beautiful homes of the Gilded Era.

Villa Marianna Villa Ospo Wedding Jekyll Island
Once there, we created intimate connecting banquet seating under the large live oak, inspired by the Bouvier – Kennedy wedding. Across the reflecting pool, a starlight white dance floor under bulb lighting was ready to guests to dance under the stars!

Event Team

Wedding Planning & Design: Cocktails & Details®
Catering & FloralsStraton Hall Events
Photography: Mac MacDonald
Cinematography: Jonah Vox
Hair and Makeup: Emma Collins Beauty
Entertainment: Briteside
Wedding Ceremony Venue: Villa Ospo
Wedding Reception Venue: Villa Marianna 

King and Prince Lawn Wedding Ceremony Reception
May 31 2017

Great Gatsby Wedding at The King and Prince Resort

When we met with Jackie and Alex to discuss their wedding plans, we were just as excited as they were to be a part of their wedding. As you’ll see in their fantastic images from Brooke Roberts, they are so very much in love (just look at the way Alex looks at Jackie.  #heartmelt).  What made them the perfect Cocktails & Details® couple is that they are known for throwing parties back in their current hometown of Atlanta.  To quote Alex, “Everyone fights for an invite to our parties!”. Instantly, we were in love. We also knew we had to make this wedding amazing.

Saint Simons Island Wedding Planner Venue Photo by Brooke Roberts

Alex and his family vacationed on Saint Simons quite often when he was a child, so it held sentimental meaning for him. When he shared the King and Price with Jackie, they both knew this was they place they had to exchange vows.  The mission was simple– a formal, classic affair that was full of details and surprises.

 

We wanted to create an event experience that was unforgettable, but also approachable and enjoyable for guests.  Jackie and Alex wanted a Great Gatsby style affair, but the directives were clear– nothing cheesy or over done.  We took the task of developing an event that immersive in the theme and location, while staying true to the details that made the couple who they were to family and friends.

King and Prince Great Gatsby St Simons Wedding

King and Prince Great Gatsby St Simons Wedding 2

Wanting to keep to tradition, they opted not to see each other prior to the wedding, but did take pictures at the beautiful Avenue of the Oaks near Sea Island.  And, hello!  How stunning are they!  One of our favorite details were the girls’ custom made jewelry and Jacquelyn’s era inspired bohemian wedding bouquet.


King and Prince Great Gatsby St Simons Weddingavenue of the oaks wedding st simons island

saint simons island wedding planner at the king and prince

Saint Simons Island Wedding at King and Prince
Saint Simons Island Wedding at King and Prince
Since they didn’t see each other during a First Look, I love how Brooke and Paul captured their first time seeing each other at their wedding ceremony at the King and Prince.

Saint Simons Island Wedding at King and PrinceSaint Simons Island Wedding at King and Prince
real king and prince wedding on saint simons island

 

While Jackie and Alex were off taking fabulous pictures like these, guests were treated to a champagne tower that was popped upon their arrival, while listening to the sweet sounds of a jazz pianist and guitarist.

saint simons island wedding photographer

Champagne tower

gold sequins and wedding flowers

 

Along with champagne and delicious hors d’oeuvres, butlers passed around the guests’ escort cards, giving that beautiful white glove treatment that can be expected at a Gatsby wedding.  Upon time for dinner, all of the doors to the ballroom were opened simultaneously with a formal dinner announcement from the head butler.

King and Prince Wedding on Saint Simons Island
gold black and white wedding
We designed an intimate table setting of estate and banquet tables around a diamond shaped dance floor. This was perfect for all of the guests to have a great eye line to everything in the room— from the cake cutting to the jazz trio on a bandstand.
King and Prince Great Gatsby St Simons Wedding 13
Gatsby inspired wedding cake
King and Prince Wedding Reception
While guests enjoyed dinner, unbeknownst to them, we had a few more surprises.  As we whisked Jackie and Alex away for a little private time, we had black request cards passed out at different intervals to select guests throughout the evening. You can imagine how everyone’s curiosity was piqued when they received (or saw someone receive one) a card that told them they were needed upstairs.

Speakeasy invitation card Gatsby wedding

Guests are led upstairs to the King and Prince’s Retreat Room, where they were met with a very real looking Prohibition sign, signaling something clandestine was ahead.

Great Gatsby Wedding St Simons Island Savannah Jacksonville

We turned the entire floor of the Retreat Room into a Speakeasy– incorporating the vintage bar, aged signs, bootlegger crate and barrels.  There was even a bouncer, ensuring all patrons of the speakeasy would follow the rules.

Great Gatsby Wedding St Simons Island Savannah Jacksonville
King and Prince wedding reception
Guests had no idea what was going on but were having a blast. Each was invited into the Speakeasy to see Jackie and Alex canoodling in their private club. Once all the guests were inside, the party began and was NON.STOP.

King and Prince wedding reception

st simons wedding reception dj

We weren’t necessarily done– while guests danced, smoked cigars and played in the Photo Booth, we sent in cigarette girls with late night bites for everyone to enjoy while the night winded down.

saint simons wedding planner coordinator

Overall, it was an amazing day!

saint simons wedding planner coordinator

 

Special Touch: Jackie & Alex’s dog, Carter made a special appearance in his little bow tie!

Fun Moment: Pretty much everything!

Unique Detail: Their first trip together, Alex met Jackie in New York, where he sent her dozens of lavender roses.  We incorporated these in Alex’s boutonniere and Jackie’s bouquet.

Event Team

Wedding Planning & Design: Cocktails & Details®
FloralsStraton Hall Events
Photography: Brooke Roberts Photography
Hair and Makeup: Emma Collins Beauty
Dinner Entertainment: Phil Morrison Trio
Speakeasy Entertainment: Party Solutions Entertainment
Wedding Cake: Serendipity Bakery
Dinner Menus: Minted
Rentals: LUXE
Wedding Ceremony Venue: King and Prince Resort (Delegal Room)
Wedding Reception Venue: King and Prince Resort (Retreat Room)

Moonshine Cocktails for Weddings
May 25 2017

Moonshine for Your Wedding

When it comes to signature cocktails for your wedding, many people overlook moonshine.

Moonshine?  Yes, darling. Moonshine.

Believe it or not, moonshine has evolved quite a bit over the years into a well-crafted, full bodied spirit that can embody the personality of any event.  And well, being here in the South, you just gotta love it. Here are a few of our favorites:

 

Manhattan Moonshine

Manhattan Moonshine has to be one of the most beautiful bottles out there.  If you’re a Great Gatsby, Roaring 20’s lover like us, you love this little throwback design.  If you’re a spirits lover (also like us), you’ll love this smooth taste and body.  Fun recipes like the citrusy Vote for Pedro or the spicy Prince Street Cider make Manhattan Moonshine the perfect addition to your wedding bar, not to mention your décor.

Midnight Moon

 

Midnight Moon is good stuff, with almost a vodka-like taste. It also works very well for warm-weather recipes. We’ve used it several times for outdoor wedding receptions and parties with huge success. Signature Drinks like Raspberry Moonshine Lemonade  and Blueberry Basilito  are refreshing and delicious!

Sugarlands

Sugarlands Shine  is the real deal, straight out of Gatlinburg, Tennessee.  With some of the most amazing flavors like Apple, Cinnamon, Root Beer, Peach and so many more, there are endless possibilities for you to discover for your signature cocktail. For the OG Moonshine lovers, there are options available for you, too– the Silver Cloud Sour Mash and Unaged Rye are everything you are looking for. In fact, when we do our Moonshine & Cigar bars, many of our gents enjoy these!

Moonshine is very strong. It’s also an acquired taste.  You may want to consider offering a taste bar at your reception or select recipes made with moonshine during your cocktail hour.  Of course serving it in styled mason jars adds authenticity, but also serving it with fruit or sweet and spicy foods will be a hit.  If the idea of moonshine is a bit too much for you, talk to your caterer about incorporating it into a designer sauce or marinade for your hors d’oeuvres. Either way, ‘shine on!

Jekyll Island Wedding Hollybourne
Apr 12 2017

Real Villa Marianna, Jekyll Island Wedding: Katie & Bradley

This wedding was quintessentially everything perfect and beautiful about Southern Weddings — soft color palette, lush florals and gorgeous surroundings of a historic area. When we initially met with Katie and Bradley, it started with a tour of the historic villas and while initially they wanted Villa Ospo, we were able to show them the many possibilities of spreading their event around the Millionaire’s District– with a wedding ceremony at Hollybourne and  a wedding reception at nearby Villa Marianna.

 

The day started off at the illustrious Jekyll Island Club Hotel. . .

 

Jekyll Island Club Wedding

 

 

wedding dress vows wedding ring

What is so beautiful about this picture and had us all in tears is that this sweet gift was left by Bradley’s late mother for his wife on his wedding day.  Cue. the. tears. 

Jekyll Club wedding planner

Jekyll Island Club Wedding Planner

 

I love this detail shot that Tamara took because it brings out some of my favorite designs, art deco.  Love the scallop texture in Katie’s wedges (a must if you are having your wedding outdoors, ladies!) as well as the art deco inspiration in her ring setting.

 

art deco wedding ring shoes gatsby

Jekyll Island Club Wedding Planner

 

This first look was so beautiful.  Bradley who is always so composed, calculated and direct was moved to tears when he saw Katie for the first time.

Historic Jekyll Island Wedding

 

Jekyll Island Wedding Planner Villa Marianna

Friends make everything better.

Wedding Ceremony Jekyll Island Ideas

Jekyll Island Wedding Planner Photographer

Hollybourne has to be one of my favorite cottages in the historic district.  The staircase to the front door is so beautiful and perfectly made for ceremonies.
Hollybourne Cottage Wedding

Hollybourne Cottage Wedding Jekyll Island Ceremony

Jekyll Island Wedding Hollybourne

Best shot ever.
Hollybourne Wedding Ceremony Jekyll Island

Hollybourne Cottage Wedding Ceremony Jekyll Island

A moment of silence for Tamara Gibson‘s amazing ability to capture light and love.

Southern Wedding Inspiration Ideas

Jekyll Island Wedding Ceremony

Golden Isles Wedding Planner Jekyll Island

When we designed the wedding, we knew that Katie wanted something very classic and vintage.  However, she still wanted it to be relaxed and fun.  We created intimate seating with long estate tables adjacent to small rounds to make it feel like everyone was still sitting together.  Lush florals were put in mercury compotes as a nod to the vintage elements, while we mixed metals for the candle holders. Since the entire event would be outdoors, soft cafe bulb lighting was overhead across the entire Villa Marianna lawn. Straton Hall worked their magic — literally making our sketches and style guide come alive!

Villa Marianna Jekyll Island Wedding
Villa Marianna Wedding Reception
Jekyll Island Villa Marianna Wedding

This fountain is one of the reasons why Villa Marianna is one of my favorite places for weddings.
Villa Marianna Jekyll Island Wedding

The other thing I love about Villa Mariana are its multiple locations.  Initially, we designed the cake to sit atop the fountain on mirrored tiles, but moved it out to the lawn for better visibility.
Jekyll Island Wedding Cake

We used one courtyard as Bradley’s cigar lounge and the other for the bar.  Katie had custom cobalt blue glasses made for each guest to take home as a favor.

Wedding Bar Decor

Villa Marianna Wedding Jekyll Island

It was evident throughout the night how in love these two are.  I love the way Bradley looks at Katie.
Villa Marianna Wedding Jekyll Island

Villa Marianna Wedding Planner Jekyll Island

 

Special Touch:  Hands down, Bradley’s mom leaving the bracelet for his future wife. Will never forget this.

Fun Moment:  Bradley recruiting some of his friends to serenade Katie on the dance floor.

Unique Detail: Cigar lounge was a welcome treat for the guys.

Event Team

Wedding Planning & Design: Cocktails & Details®
FloralsStraton Hall Events
Photography: Tamara Gibson Photography
Hair and Makeup: Emma Collins Beauty
Entertainment: Bradley’s Father
Catering and Wedding Cake: Straton Hall Events
Wedding Ceremony Venue: Hollybourne Cottage
Wedding Reception Venue: Villa Marianna

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