The first time I met Kristin + Matt was on their wedding day. I already knew from our conversations that I was going to love this sweet couple, but you know what sealed the deal? When Kristin hugged me hello like she’d known me for years. (My mom taught me that a good hug is a tight hug, and that hugging when you greet someone is the best way to make them feel welcomed, so I’ve always been a “hugger.”)  

 

Let’s be honest—even with our best intentions and hardest work, we all get a little behind on things sometimes. And one of those things for me this past year was the Apt. B blog. I had such good plans to blog consistently last year, and it just never happened. BUT, I don’t want you to miss out on my lovely 2015 weddings and shoots, and now that I’m consistently blogging again, I thought that it might be fun to do a #tbt series every Thursday! I’ll post weddings, engagement shoots and styled shoots that happened before the current wedding season so that we can all relive some of the lovely moments that have taken place in the last year. And first up in the series is Alex + Ricky’sOglethorpe Square ceremony and Soho South Cafe reception!

I honestly don’t know how to even begin describing the magic of Eve + Pat’s wedding day. Do I start with all the Harry Potter details (Eve’s ceremony entrance music, her shoes, the reading during the ceremony, be still my Harry Potter-loving heart), or talk about how Eve + Pat made each other laugh SO hard all day, or mention that they included their dogs in their First Look, or swoon over Eve’s pink polka dot wedding dress, or gush about her flower crown and succulent-filled bouquet, or tell you about all the string lights and donuts and dancing….

I think that Savannah is always the most magical place on earth, but Savannah on a rainy day takes it to a whole different level of lovely.

The trees turn a rich green. The sidewalks shimmer. The gas lamps flicker. And the city gets beautifully quiet.

Rachel + Sean began their marriage adventure on one of those magical, rainy Savannah days. And in between the downpours, they had the good fortune of saying their vows outside as planned, with only a little drizzle dusting their shoulders as they said “I do.”

Stacey + TJ met in elementary school, back in the days when she was taller than him and girls had cooties. Their photos in the yearbook were side by side, and that’s how their lives continued over the years–side by side first as best friends, and then as much, much more.

I think one of the reasons I adore my destination brides so much is because we share a mutual love for all things Savannah. I’m not originally from this gorgeous town, and three years after moving here I still feel like I wake up in the most magical city on a daily basis. You can often catch me and my sweet brides gushing together over how much we love this pretty place.

Jenna + Matt had a chance meeting fit for a fairy tale. Jenna is in the Navy, and Matt is a Marine, and for one weekend their jobs brought them both to New Orleans. That one weekend ended up changing their lives, and last month they brought everything full circle by beginning their married life together in Orleans Square here in Savannah. In addition to the sweet “Orleans” touch, Jenna + Matt also added another fun personal touch to their wedding–they incorporated a location that has special meaning for them–Southbound Brewing Co.!  Matt’s brother is a brewer at Southbound, so they planned a couple of hours of craft beer and lawn games at the brewery before guests took a trolley over to the reception at the Westin Champion Grill.

The day began with sunshine, but storm clouds began collecting in the distance as I neared Woodlawn Plantation. By the time I got there, it was raining lightly, but when I walked inside there was a smile on Misty’s face. A little rain couldn’t ruin her day, because she was marrying Shayne, and that’s all that mattered. And as if by magic, the rain subsided, the table linens were drying, and it was all going to be ok. As Misty walked down the aisle towards her sweetheart, everyone held their breath in anticipation as Shayne locked eyes with his bride. The air was still and a perfectly placed cloud filtered lovely light over their guests.

Valerie + Kenny knew that they wanted their wedding day to be spent surrounded by friends and family. They wanted to begin their lives together with the support and love of the people who meant the most to them, because it would be these people who would stand by their side throughout their marriage. No matter what life throws at them, they know they will be able to handle it. Not only do they have each other, but they have a support group cheering them on every step of the way. Valerie + Kenny, your day was exactly what you wanted it to be–a beautiful celebration of your new adventure together with a wonderful, special group of people who love you to the moon and back. Sending you so much love out in Colorado as you are embark on this first chapter of life together. <3

Some of my favorite moments at a wedding are the smallest ones. The the loving glance between a mother and her daughter. The groom’s hand on the small of his new wife’s back as they chat with their friends. The bride glancing down at her wedding ring with a smile on her face. Old friends hugging tightly, reunited. The groom reaching over to wipe a tear from his wife’s cheek during the toasts. Rachel + Johnny’s wedding was full of these small moments. It was an intimate gathering of their closest friends and family, and their reception dinner in the dining room of the Harper Fowlkes House felt like the best Thanksgiving dinner ever–a time when family comes together over delicious food to just love each other and celebrate all the good things in life.