real weddings
out at the reception. The couple even sat at the children’s table with Blakely and her friends and cousins. “Spence and I exchanged the traditional rings, but we also gave Blakely a beaded silver cuff bracelet to wear and remember the day by,” Sara notes with a smile. “She often asks me if we can do it all over again.” The big day starred a few more of the couple’s nearest and dearest. The father of Sara’s best friend drove from Kentucky to officiate the wedding, and a mutual friend of the couple sang “Be Thou My Vision,” a favorite hymn of Sara and her father’s. “We were on the second floor waiting to make our entrance down the staircase, and my dad opened the door just a little so we could hear the song,” recalls the bride, who wore her mother’s crystal teardrop earrings and had a swatch of lace from her great-grandmother’s wedding dress sewn into the lining of her gown. The ceremony music was traditional, yet the first-dance song was far from it: “Everybody Needs Love” by Athens’ own Drive-By Truckers, one of Sara and Spence’s favorite bands. In fact, quite a bit of Georgia pride was woven into the evening, reflecting the family’s heritage (Sara and Spence live in Statesboro) and making for an easygoing, good time and a delectable feast. Placed on every seat were praline favors from Savannah’s Candy Kitchen and the dinner buffet featured Southern staples like shrimp and grits, a biscuit bar and a mac-and-cheese bar. Their cake was red velvet—Sara and Spence’s favorite flavor. “It was literally some of the best food I’ve ever had at a wedding reception or otherwise,” says Sara. “Our guests are still raving about it!” S
Light and Lovely.
The bride chose a soft color palette inspired by the natural beauty of the Oldfield River Club. Pale pinks, creams and a touch of burgundy were worked into the gowns, flower arrangements and even the red-velvet cake.
The big day: Saturday, February 27, 2016 Rehearsal dinner: Oldfield’s Outfitters Center Event and florals designer: Julianne Williams Blount of Mark Williams Studio Day-of coordinator: Danielle Tosky, Oldfield Weddings & Events Officiant: The Rev. Ron Andrew Bride’s attire: Nicole Miller gown and Badgley Mischka shoes Bridesmaids’ dresses: Dessy, J’adore Bridal Hair and makeup: Emily Warren and Taylor Kennedy of 30 Volume Salon, Statesboro Groom and groomsmen’s attire: Navy suits from JC Penney; ties and pocket squares from The Tie Bar, socks from Happy Socks Ceremony music: Monica Jenks Clark of the Wedding Violinist Reception music: Island Sound Catering: Oldfield River Club Cake: Frankie Cakes Photographer: Mark Williams Studio, markwilliamsstudio.com, 877-520-8832
72 savannah weddings
fall/winter 2016-17