This coastal Georgia engagement party is so rustic-chic, charming, eclectic and down right cute, I totally wish I could live in it. You heard me. Jump right into my computer screen and live my life surrounded by beautiful, warm florals, sweet little ponies, delicious food and wine, and the coziest home I’ve ever seen. Pineapple Productions sent this charming party our way, and I so can’t wait to see the wedding to follow this fantastic affair. Any couple that can dream this soiree up is full of style and is bound to have a killer wedding. Click here for the full image gallery!
The entire affair was captured brilliantly by Laura Ciociola.
From Pineapple Productions … The party began with cocktails under a grand live oak tree. Spanish moss and lanterns made from vines hung from the trees as guests sipped bourbon punch served in silver trophy julep cups collected by Jamie. Award winning artisan cheeses from Thomasville, Georgia’s own Sweet Grass Dairy were served on a collection of rustic wood platters.
Meanwhile, young children of guests fed carrots to a miniature pony and had their own picnic on a colorful quilt. Paper pom poms hung from the tree over their quilt and were also placed whimsically on the grass. Each child received their own picnic basket with wax paper wrapped peanut butter sandwiches, Late July cheese crackers, Zapp’s chips and organic apples. Homemade spring strawberry punch was their drink of choice — as well as for some of the adults!
For the adults, two dinner tables were set with china collected from the cabinets of friends and family members. The result was an eclectic but elegant mix of old and new finery that balanced well with the rustic and natural setting of the plantation. Lauren used the natural surroundings as inspiration for her table designs. For the dining room table, she created a breathtaking runner of moss and then accented it with vines, mushrooms and lichens she gathered from the property. Jamie interspersed the narrowest of pillar candles with bendy parrot tulips for an effortless look. A rustic wood chandelier draped with more vines hung from above.
The table on the screened in porch was set with an entirely different look. A more styled arrangement of gorgeous golden orange calla lilies mixed well with vintage table chandeliers and grass green goblets. On the nearby coffee table, Lauren placed a precious hornet’s nest and around it artfully arranged touches of moss, cotton, lichens and vines. It became the conversation piece of the night!
Dinner began with curried zucchini soup with lemon creme fraiche, followed by a salad with mixed baby greens and fried heirloom green tomatoes. For the entree, caterer Jeanie Bracey served local quail stuffed with jalapeno over white cheddar grits. Dessert was the ever popular s’mores around a nightime campfire. This dressed up version involved artisan dark and milk chocolate “daisies” as well as tiny glasses of port and flutes of Strawberry Kir Royale.
During the party, guests were invited to write messages to the future bride and groom and to attach their words with clothespins to an oldfashioned birdcage that became a gift to the couple. As guests departed, they were sent off with luxurious herbal and floral bath soaps, chocolate covered pecans and potted succulents.
Event Planning and Styling: Lauren Lanigan Davis and Jamie West, Pineapple Productions / Photography: Laura Ciociola / Catering: Jeanie Bracey, Thomasville, GA / Artisan Cheeses: Sweet Grass Dairy / Specialty Chocolates: Relish / Attire: Kevin’s of Thomasville / Decor: Nest / Soap Favors: Lavish / Accessories: Mimi’s / Florals: Ram Singletary, Singletary’s / Tabletop China: My Favorite Things / Invitations and Creative Paper: Polly Parker, Baker & Lu