Oysters Are an Aphrodisiac (And Other Things You Should Know About Coastal Weddings)
The sun’s out, the sand’s between our toes, and the waves are practically begging us to wade on in. It’s difficult not to enjoy the many, many perks of living and working on the beautiful Georgia coast, but it’s true that we enjoy some more than others. The best perk of all? Getting to be a part of all of your fabulous coastal weddings!
In honor of our love of all things sea and sand, we’re reviewing some of our top tips for planning a waterside wedding your guests will NEVER forget.
Don’t be a Beach
+1 for blogger Paige’s pun count, everybody. Who’s keeping score?
Okay, but seriously… let’s talk about your options, here. If you’re not one for the fuss and muss of a beach wedding, there are plenty of places around Savannah for you to get your sea-breeze fix without the sandy mess. With countless beach resorts within driving distance, you can enjoy the view of the ocean from the air conditioned comfort of a ballroom or watch the waves crash from a deck waaaay out of their reach.
Still set on an outdoor ceremony? No problem! Venues such as Bethesda Academy (the location of this gorgeous photoshoot), The Wyld Dock & Bar, and Oatland Island are perfect for those of you looking to indulge in the natural beauty of the rivers and marshes that surround Savannah.
It’s all in the Destination
Is Savannah your last stop on before you tie the knot? Great! We love it when couples choose to make their wedding day an adventure. Just bear in mind that you might need a little extra wiggle room in your timeline when planning a destination wedding, especially if you plan to visit several times throughout the process.
We know this city and the surrounding area like the back of our hands, so you won’t have to worry about your guests ending up stranded in some featureless beach town. The greatest thing about having a beach wedding in Savannah is that you and your guests are never too far from the finer amenities of the city. Even the islands are plenty equipped to keep you entertained both pre-and-post wedding!
No Need to Stick to Tradition
If you’re not into palm trees and sand dollars, there are plenty of waves for you to achieve that beachy-decor feel without compromising on your sense of style. I mean, just check out that epic oyster arch by Jeffrey Scott Kessler Weddings and Events. Beachy and beautiful!
To master your beach decor, start by choosing a palette that reminds you of the shore. Let the opalescent whites and blues of the oyster shells you love serve as your inspiration, or go for a soft watercolor green with hints of gold and ivory.
Can you see your gauzy table runners fluttering in the sea breeze yet? Add pampas grass to your centerpieces and surround them with lots of flickering candles sat atop sand in hurricane jars. You’ll be in the beach bum spirit in no time.
A Picture is Worth a Thousand “Woaaaah’s”
We might be a bit biased, but in our humble opinion, the Georgia coast is one of the most beautiful places in the south to have a wedding. There are so many opportunities for you to score the wedding photoshoot of a lifetime-- and in all sorts of locations, too!
Personally, we’d love to see a couple rent a boat-- yes, a boat!-- as their getaway vehicle, just like Julianne Hough and her hubby Brooks did on their big day. Um, coolest portraits EVER! Just imagine all of the amazing drone footage your videographer would get… we can just see it now, the camera panning out from you happy lovers on the dock to reveal the river cutting through the marsh that surrounds you. Yes please!
What else are you dying to know about coastal weddings? Let us know in the comments down below!
{Vendor Credits} Photography: Rachel Strickland Photography // Gowns: Ivory & Beau // Venue: Bethesda Academy // Event Stylist: Two Chicks and a Trunk // Hand Painted Stationery: One Nine Design Co. // Cake/Desserts: Dewey's Delights // Hair: Roots Southern Salon // Makeup: Melaine MUA // Jewelry: RMC Boutique // Arch & Florals: Jeffrey Scott Kessler Weddings and Events