Jennifer and Brendan live in New York but Jennifer couldn’t get the thought of a Southern wedding day out of her head. The natural choice for the couple’s big celebration was Savannah, where the bride attended college, and more precisely Chatham Square and The Mansion on Forsyth with its oak trees, Spanish moss and Southern hospitality. Design Studio South crafted all the lovely, blush-hued and romantic details including florals by A to Zinnias and The Happy Bloom were on hand to capture it all in their signature, light-filled film style.
From Jennifer: “We met on Christmas night at a local dive bar in our hometown. Brendan was playing shuffle board with my brothers and his best friend. After a few games I went over to join. Brendan was wearing a t-shirt that said “architects make great plans”. We started talking, he let me take a few shots for him at the shuffleboard table, and then asked for my number. My brothers approved.”
How did this budding romance turn into a full on proposal? Jennifer continues, “One of our first dates, Brendan had me meet him in NYC, where he was living at the time. He took me to Central Park where we went ice skating, took a horse and carriage ride, and ate lunch at the Plaza Hotel. It was the perfect date. When he decided to propose to me 4 years later, it was around Christmas time again. He took me to the city, we went to brunch at the Plaza Hotel and then for a stroll through Central Park. He took me to a secluded place by the pond and got down on one knee. It was perfect. There was a nearby saxophonist playing ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas’. It was such a beautiful moment.”
With a degree in interior design, Jennifer wanted a day that was posh, classic and feminine. Her bridesmaids donned blush BHDLN dresses with bouquets filled with soft ivory, pale pink and hints of citrus. The bride wore Leanne Marshall with a chunky bouquet full of mini succulents and zealous pink peonies.
Brendan wore a classic black suit and a modern skinny tie. His groomsmen flanked him with the ultimate classic Southern linen suits paired with tweed J. Crew bowties.
We were truly so blessed this wedding day. As photographers, light is so vital to dreamy wedding day portraits. We truly couldn’t have asked for better light on this wedding day. Photographing the bride and her bridesmaids in Forsyth Park was a dream. Light literally danced among them and we were able to capture the dreamiest sun-drenched photos.
The two wed in historic Chatham Square with the bride arriving by a horse drawn carriage. While the guests waited for the bride’s arrival, they were treated to pre-ceremony cocktails in the form of mini bottles of La Marca prosecco and striped paper straws. Standing in front of vintage doors, they said their “I do’s” surrounded by their closest friends and family.
Jennifer wanted something quintessential Savannah and vintage furniture was just the way to make that happen. A blue vintage sofa in front of the historic Forsyth Fountain á la the “Friends” intro was the perfect fit. We ended their portraits on Historic Gaston Street with Brendan scooping up his new wife and carrying her away to their awaiting friends and family.
Photography: The Happy Bloom // Planning + Styling: Design Studio South // Florist: A to Zinnias // Paper Goods: Low Country Paper Co // Ceremony Location: Chatham Square // Reception Location: The Mansion on Forsyth // Film Lab: Goodman Film Lab // Hair & Makeup: Beyond Beautiful by Heather // Bride’s Dress: Leanne Marshall // Bridesmaids’ Dresses: BHLDN // Rentals: Savannah Vintage Rentals // Rentals: EventHaus // Cake: A Squad Bake Shop // Shoes: Emmy London // Ceremony Music: Chris Dooley // Reception Music: JLK Events // Catering: Mansion on Forsyth // Officiant: Rev. Schulte