SAVANNAH SUMMER LOVE
Photography: Joseph Rogero
Our wedding was a true culmination of a long-time love affair. We first met while in high school, but were 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 own 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."
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 sights. 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!
I found my dress 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 just 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.
I was inspired by an elevated and feminine design, and wanted to let the natural beauty of the landscape shine. Our incredible team led by Design Studio South made it possible; from the stunning reception tent where long tables welcomed our guests, to the open-air dance floor where we spent the evening mingling under the stars.
Jared loves cars of all kinds, and I thought it was only fitting to find an old Ford to ride away in. My wedding planner helped me track down a vintage 1930 Model A Ford getaway 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 my bouquet was a pocket watch from the 1920s – an heirloom on my father’s side that I wanted to incorporate as my “something old.” I also had a first look with both my stepfather and biological father, both of whom walked me down the aisle to the ceremony
Our photographers, Joseph and Christina, did an incredible job capturing our wedding story - far beyond what I would have imagined, and we have so many framed pictures around our home from the day. However, one photo stands out as priceless because of what it represents— a photo with my younger sister giving her wedding speech at our reception. My faith has always been incredibly important to me, but growing up, my sister did not share in my beliefs. A few years before Jared and I got married (after many many prayers), my sister came into her faith. It was a public baptism of sorts, and there was not a dry eye in the house! This photo became even more cherished six months after our wedding, when she was diagnosed with Stage 3 Colon Cancer. Needless to say our first year of marriage was not full of bliss, but our photos helped me cling to what matters most. We are grateful that she is a survivor, and I will forever cherish how well Joseph captured this priceless moment.
Vendors:
Bride’s Dress: “Christie” by Amsale
Purchased at: Amsale Flagship
Photographer: Joseph Rogero
Planner: Design Studio South
Florist: A to Zinnias
Bakery: Vanilla and The Bean
Hair/Make up: Amazing You Bridal Hair and Make-up
Invitations: Petit Penguin Productions
Rentals: Ooh! Events, Amazing Event Rentals
Videography: Savannah Wedding Films
Band: The Maxx