Morgan and Jared are from Georgia and wanted to marry in their own state, but also wanted the joys of a destination affair—one where their guests could “unplug and be present with them” all weekend long. Savannah’s Ford Plantation offered the couple exactly what they were looking for and they enlisted Design Studio South to create the perfect day. Florist A to Zinnias dressed the day in blush-tone bouquets, greenery garland roping off the ceremony and delicate foliage dripping from chandeliers in the tented reception. We love all the timeless, feminine details and the icing on the cake is—literally—the spectacular, four-tier beauty by Vanilla and The Bean. Thankfully, Still 55 Photography was on hand, working their magic and capturing all the moments in these lovely images of Morgan and Jared’s big day.
What made the wedding special and unique?
Both being from Georgia, we wanted something within the state we were raised in, but still wanted a destination wedding – one where our guests could completely unplug and be present with us all weekend long. We stumbled upon Ford Plantation and instantly fell in love with its charming yet grand property and knew nothing else would hold a candle to its beauty.
Cocktail hour was enjoyed by the property’s garden and pool, where our friends and family enjoyed the surroundings of Savannah’s Ogeechee River. I was inspired by an elevated and feminine design, and wanted to let the natural beauty of the Ford Plantation shine. Our incredible team led by Design Studio South made it possible; from the stunning reception tent where long tables welcomed everyone and Spanish moss and soft florals hung overhead, to the open-air dance floor where guests spent the evening mingling under the stars. We commissioned Petit Penguin Productions who illustrated a custom crest that incorporated the Ford Plantation’s iconic pillar facade, which we used throughout the wedding day details (invites, menus, signage, etc.), which was so special.
As an independent photographer, investing in a great wedding team (including photo) was a must, and working with Still 55 Photography was an absolute joy. When it came to Jared’s priorities, great music was a non-negotiable. A diehard Phish-head, Jared has attended more than 80 shows and certainly knows his way around the music world – The Maxx Band kept everyone on their feet the entire night.
Tell us about the gown and where/how you found it!
My dress is from Amsale and I found it in New York with my girlfriends while Jared was away at a friend’s bachelor party. I wanted to have the “New York bridal experience,” since Jared had been a resident there for over 13 years. It was a dream to shop at Amsale New York– it sits a few stories up overlooking Madison Avenue, and as you arrive, you are greeted with champagne as you begin looking through dresses that have been worn by the models for NY Bridal Fashion Week. You feel so special and attended to while in the salon, and I instantly fell in love with the classic simplicity of the brand. The dress I wore was initially overlooked–I almost didn’t try it on at all, but decided to last minute and loved that it was both a classic style with a modern twist with boning in the bodice and floral lace. I had a piece of my Amsale dress sewn onto Jared’s pocket square, as well.
What were some touches added to make the wedding personal?
Our wedding was a true culmination of a long-time love affair. We first met while in high school, but spent apart until finally reconnecting one summer in Georgia. At that time, Jared wrote me a love letter in response to news I was seeing someone and was no longer ‘on the market.’ Jared said “if you and I were ever meant to be, then the laws of nature will see to it that it is so.” Two years later, I responded with my love letter, once I realized that he was the man that I was meant to spend my life with. On the morning of our wedding, Jared unwrapped a framed gift; I had the exact letters reproduced in a calligraphed version as a sweet keepsake. We had the inside of my engagement ring engraved to read “the laws of nature have made it so”.
What was the most memorable part of the day?
- A vintage 1930 Model A Ford getaway car – Jared loves cars of all kinds, and I thought it was only fitting to find an old Ford to ride away in at the Ford Plantation. My wedding planner helped me track down the car and Jared’s parents helped to make it happen. We kept it a surprise from Jared until after the wedding ceremony.
- The locket around Morgan’s bouquet is a pocket watch from the 1920’s – an heirloom on her father’s side that she wanted to incorporate as her “something old”
- I had a first look with both my stepfather and biological father, both of whom walked me down the aisle to the ceremony
Tell us how you met and became engaged.
Jared and I traveled to Nova Scotia last summer for a golf retreat that Jared participated in with Golf Rater, which is a part of Golfweek. I tagged along to take in the beautiful sites. We stayed in Cape Breton for the week, and Jared proposed on our first day there! I was not expecting the proposal during this trip, and especially not on our first night there. I ended up messing his proposal plans up because I took us off course and got us lost on the way to the hotel room. Instead of the sunset hike and dinner he had planned, Jared pulled off at sunset to a small pier and got down on one knee. We finished off the night with champagne and strawberries in our hotel room. It was perfect!
Photography: Still 55 Photography // Planner: Design Studio South // Florist: A to Zinnias // Invitations: Petit Penguin Productions // Venue: Ford Plantation // Bridal Gown: Amsale // Bakery: Vanilla and The Bean // HM: Amazing You Bridal // Rentals: Ooh! Events / Amazing Event Rentals // Videography: Savannah Wedding Films // Band: The Maxx Band // Grooms Tux: The Black Tux // PR: In Good Company PR