I feel as though this wedding has danced in the dreams of girls all around the world. It’s perfectly fairy-tale like. With the perfect dose of romance and the loveliest splash of pink, all in hosted in a venue, the Cloister, that just oozes fancy – it’s a dream, really. But for this Bride and her handsome Groom, that dream was their reality. And thanks to the beautiful images from Julie Cate Photography, you can see every last gorgeous moment right here.
the Bride… Exactly ten years ago, during a trip to the Cloister with a childhood friend, we stood on the beach while the warm surf washed over our toes. As the sun faded on another bustling July day at Sea Island, sounds of revelry filled the air. Curious about the nearby festivities, we wandered closer to find a beautiful beachside wedding in full swing. Amber rays illuminated the reception area and the joyful faces of the guests as they danced the night away. That night, I knew that if I could get married anywhere in the world, it would be right there in that magical spot.
Ten years later, my dream became a reality after a surprise proposal in that very spot. Scott and I met through mutual friends, and after a year of dating, he proposed to me on the same sand dunes where I stood ten years earlier. Scott grew up spending summers in Sea Island, and had no idea I had ever dreamed about getting married there. It was a special place to both of us and we knew that a wedding in Sea Island would be a dream come true for both of us. As we concluded our engagement weekend with a tour of the wedding facilities, I knew it was the place for our wedding upon entering the intimate chapel nestled beneath an array of gorgeous live oaks.
A July 14th date was set, and the whirlwind planning process begun. Blush pink, champagne, ivory and gray were the colors I chose to create my vision of a romantic and elegant seaside affair. The Sea Island planning team was a dream to work with. No stone was left unturned as we planned the most important day of my life. Every idea I presented was carefully considered and executed even better than I could have imagined.
Attention to detail, in every aspect, was very important to me in the planning process. A custom monogram was used throughout the design process and was incorporated smaller details, such as welcome bags, dancing shoes tags, napkins and drink stirrers. My paper obsession and creative vision for the paper suite was realized through the beautiful creations by Shelly at the St. Augustine Paper Company. We worked together to create gray and ivory letterpress invitations, programs, station menus and thank you cards. Her insight and creativity made my vision a reality and added many personal touches to our wedding.
Our much anticipated wedding day arrived, complete with beautiful blue skies and mild weather, which is not typical of a mid July day in southern Georgia. As the setting sun streamed through the stained glass windows of the chapel on an idyllic summer evening, I married my best friend. The reception to follow was true celebration of love with the people we care about most in this world. After guests enjoyed a seated buffet that featured Southern favorites with an elegant twist and an impressive cheese spread (bride’s favorite), the party moved to the courtyard. Guests danced the night away under the stars to the sounds of Atlanta Rhythm and Groove. It was a truly magical evening in every way; one that came full circle as we laughed, danced, and reveled in the same spot I stood with a dream of my wedding day ten years before.
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Wedding Photography: Julie Cate Photography | Wedding Venue: Cloister in Sea Island, Georgia | Floral + Event Design: Sea Island | Catering + Wedding Cake: Sea Island | Band: Atlanta Rythm and Groove | Wedding Stationery: St. Augustine Paper Company | Wedding Dress: Legends by Romona Keveza | Groom’s Attire: Brooks Brothers | Hair: Casey Powell from Casey Does Hair | Makeup: Maureen Riley, Makeup Artist