Last week, I had the great opportunity to visit Tybee Island, Georgia and participate in the Tybee Wedding Chapel Grand Opening. It was a wonderful experience to visit this seaside town, especially to see the opening of this gorgeous little chapel! Originally built by prized artisans to reflect the look of a turn-of-the-century Baptist chapel for the Miley Cyrus movie, “The Last Song”, it was slated for demolition after filming wrapped. At the last minute, the new owner Stayce Jarrell, saved the Chapel and lovingly repurposed it as a unique, beautiful wedding venue. The renewed Chapel has elevated Tybee Island to a premiere wedding destination where brides and grooms from across the country come to take their vows.

The Tybee Chapel is absolutely STUNNING! Stayce has taken every care into all the details, creating a unique space filled with romance, history and timeless beauty. As part of the Grand Opening, she invited us to join her and Party Planner David Tutera as they “Cut the Ribbon and Cut the Cake” to celebrate the opening of the Chapel. What made the event extraordinary is that it was something that could appeal to all of the senses– David conceptualized different vignette motifs, which the members of the special event trade translated into flowers, food, and decor. It was completely amazing to see how their creativity interpreted his vision.

Paris Market

Antique Garden

Tuscan Bounty

Posh Picnic

Other vignettes:

But it wasn’t all work and no play– there was great food, music and laughter as at any event industry event! It was great to meet with so many talented vendors, some of my twitter followers and great innovators in the industry. I had a chance to hug and chat with Matt and Ginny— the AWESOME couple who raised the bar with Matt’s wedding proposal which was a movie trailer. They are SO much fun and I cannot wait for their wedding!

The food was absolutely DIVINE! Everyone knows my adoration of cakes and cocktails, so I made it a point to try the “Chapeltini”, which was a melange of Peach Schnapps, rum, strawberries, and peach nectar. It took everything in me not to just scoot out with the punch bowl! Not to mention, Gigi’s Cupcakes were there with adorable mini smoothie shaped cupcakes and other confections! I loved this peacock cake as well as some of the passed hors d’oeuvres like bacon wrapped dates, seared ahi tuna, duck confi and SO much more. I was in foodie heaven!

I also had a chance to meet Carlie of TravelPod an her mom, Chris who were my housemates (Top left). They were absolutely hysterical! I loved hearing all about Carlie’s travels, so be sure to check out her blog! The Tybee Chapel owner Stayce Jarrell (Top right) is an absolute visionary with everything she has done to transform the chapel and create a blank canvas of a space that can welcome any event and be a beautiful backdrop. Additionally, she is beautiful, dresses divinely and is a gracious host! I look forward to working with her in the future. It was so very nice also to chat with Diann Valentine, the celebrity event planner and host of the new wedding show “I Do Over” (Bottom left) as well as FINALLY meet the man simply known as “Big George” on Tybee Island of North Beach Grill (Bottom right). Not only is George a ridiculously terrific cook, but he is an artistic genius! I loved his low country vignette above that was laced with antique mason jars, hydrangeas and candles!