There is nothing quite like a sweet, Southern soiree to start the day off in style. And when that Southern soiree also happens to be a Savannah garden party meets traditional ballroom affair, complete with mason jars wrapped in twine, cotton-filled florals by Harvey Designs, a Melissa Sweet gown that has me just now picking my jaw up off the floor and an outdoor lounge area, well, that’s a win-win in my book. All planned by Caroline Carter Events and captured by Donna Von Bruening Photographers, this wedding is simply brimming with the pretty, pretty details. Join me in the gallery for every last one!
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From Donna Von Bruening Photographers… Both Southerners by birth, Adrienne from Georgia and Brandon from Alabama, they wanted to their wedding reflect all that is fabulous about the South and honor Adrienne’s father who had passed away.
The the theme of the wedding was built around Brandon’s surprise proposal to Adrienne. He took Adrienne to Palmetto Bluff, a place very close to Adrienne’s heart because it reminded her of her father. Brandon pulled out the ring and asked Adrienne to be his wife under a stately Live Oak tree on the property and then the couple cruised on the May River with champagne to celebrate. Ever frustrated with finding the perfect monogram, Adrienne finally decide on their initials under a Live Oak tree, a nod to her proposal, their Southern roots and Adrienne’s father. The gorgeous and very personal monogram infused every part of the wedding from the invites and papers suites to the ice sculpture and cake. To honor her father, Adrienne gave Brandon her father’s watch and Brandon surprised Adrienne with a locket with her father’s pictures to pin to her bouquet.
With a mere six months to plan, they chose the beautiful Westin Savannah Harbor to accommodate out-of-town guests as well as showcase the Savannah cityscape as the backdrop to the event. They married on the lawn with the banks of the Savannah River and the Tallmadge Bridge in their view. The reception moved from the ballroom to the lawn where lounge seating had been set up to be sure guests could enjoy the river view as well as the exceptional live band who threw in a little beach music every now and then.
Then, the mastermind work of Caroline Carter began. Caroline infused every moment of Adrienne and Brandon’s wedding with touches of the South and the perfect oak tree monogram, from Arnold Palmer signature drinks served in mason jars, to mac ‘n’ cheese appetizers to raw cotton in the florals. Adrienne chose hydrangeas and cotton for her florals wrapped in burlap and ribbon and keeping with the cool greens of the Southern landscape. The outdoor seating was made up of old trunks and tables surrounded by white couches.
They took full advantage of their location, leaving to a parade of sparklers down the dock to board the “Last Call.” They sailed away to the cheers of their guests and champagne toast.
Wedding Photography: Donna Von Bruening Photographers / Event Planner: Caroline Carter Events / Wedding Ceremony + Reception Location: The Westin Savannah Harbor / Wedding Dress: Melissa Sweet via Bleubelle Bridal / Bridesmaid Dresses: J.Crew / Bride’s Shoes: Badgley Mischka / Florist: Amy Harvey of Harvey Designs / Band: Anita / Wedding Cake: Savannah Custom Cakes / Officiant: Rev. Steven Schulte