When the lovely bride to be’s mother found a wedding shot by Docuvitae Photography, they had already hired a different photographer. But the bride took one look at the art Docuvitae produces on a daily basis and called the team, asking them to come all the way across the country to capture her big day. Now, we may be biased, but I’m of the mind that she made the absolute right decision. The elated emotions, the sweet ambiance, the gorgeous South Carolina Inn, and so much more, were all captured in a way no one – no one – but Docuvitae could have done.
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Looking back on our wedding, I realize that I was that bride that had never tapped into the well of obsessions over all things bridal that exists within myself. I thought that I would be the most laid back and nonchalant bride ever. Not the case. I cared about every, single, detail and decision made. My mother and I were like two Tasmanian devils whirling around for a year planning this wedding and pouring over wedding images on Style Me Pretty. We loved every minute and thoroughly enjoyed the process as a creative outlet.
Pierce and I both grew up in Savannah, Georgia and both attended the University of Georgia. We started dating the second week of my freshman year of college and have now been together for eight years. I have always envisioned getting married at Palmetto Bluff. My parents have been taking weekend trips there for the past several years and it is the dreamiest place- a real life Pleasantville. Since it is only 30 minutes outside Savannah, it was the perfect semi-destination location and a nice getaway for our guests.
We couldn’t have picked better vendors, some local and others from different parts of the country. Mollie Stone made our cake and is the godmother of one of my closest friends, so I have been eating her pound cake for years. It was vanilla almond flavored and not only delicious, but beautiful. Mr. Boddington made our save-the-dates, invitations, bridesmaids luncheon invites, and thank you notes. Their style is fabulously quirky and I fell in love with their unique fonts and wallpapers. For the décor, I wanted a very natural and understated look to fit the setting. We used a natural linen for the table cloths and a mixture of ranunculus and garden roses for the bouquets, boutonnieres, and table arrangements, mixing in succulents and lavender throughout the ballroom. Our wedding planner at Palmetto Bluff, Kelli Corn, was made of magic. She coordinated all of the details and our requests so effortlessly.
I found my Vera Wang dress at BleuBelle Bridal Salon in Savannah my first round of looking. I loved how beautifully made the dress was and it fit my style perfectly, simple and tailored, but with a twist. When deciding on accessories, I knew that I wanted pieces that I would want to wear again and again. I got my Isabel Marant earrings as a gift the previous Christmas and snagged my Valentino sandals seriously on sale! I have a soft spot in my heart for anything with studs.
As soon as I spotted Docuvitae’s work on Style Me Pretty, I knew that we had to hire them. Our photographer, Eric from Docuvitae, was amazing to work with. Along with digital, we chose to include film to get that grainy, romantic quality that vintage cameras give. It was so cool to see Eric use several different types of vintage cameras throughout the night. He never told us to do anything we wouldn’t normally do ourselves. As a result, every photo is natural and captures a brief but sweet moment that depicts the excitement and love we were all feeling that day.
I started out the day exactly how I wanted, relaxing with my friends and family and doing yoga with my favorite yoga teacher, sister, and new sisters-in-law. The weather was dramatically overcast and windy, making for some beautiful pictures. Our ceremony was held in the Waterside Chapel, overlooking the May River as the sun began to set. Cocktail hour was on the lawn next to the chapel where we passed hors d’oeurves. Some of the favorites were mini crab cakes, beef carpaccio on toast, and smoked salmon mousse on parmesan crisps. We had the reception in the ballroom of The Inn, where we had stations of paella, charcuterie and salads, and beef tenderloin with sweet potato gratin. Not wanting to end the night early, we had a late night DJ party in the wine cellar downstairs in The Inn. This was a major hit with all of our friends!
There is nothing Pierce or I would change about our wedding day. We were in such a beautiful setting and surrounded by all of the people we love. I just wish we could do it all over again!
Photography: Eric Giovon and Ginna Richards of Docuvitae Photography / Ceremony and Reception Venue: The Inn at Palmetto Bluff / Wedding Coordination + Design: Kelli Corn, Wedding Design Studio of The Inn at Palmetto Bluff / Event Design: Sebrell Smith, Sebrell Smith Designer Events / Harpist: Phyllis Mauney, Hilton Head Entertainment / Choir: Hallelujah Singers / Lighting: Stage Presence Equipment Rentals / Linens: La Tavola Linen / Rentals: Snyder Event Rentals / Bakery: Mollie Stone Bakery / Band: Atlanta Rhythm and Groove / Transportation: Old Towne Trolleys / Stationery: Mr. Boddington Studio / Dress: Vera Wang from BleuBelle Bridal Salon / Shoes: Valentino / Earrings: Isabel Marant / Make-Up: Lauren of Glow MedSpa