September 12, 2014: our wedding day. It was a warm and sunny day – perfect weather for getting married on the beach and having an outdoor cocktail hour! Here are some highlights from the day, as well as more photos in the gallery album at the bottom. We want to call out our amazing vendors and friends who helped make our day so wonderful and memorable:

Photographer: Greg Ceo, Savannah Wedding Photo (Greg and Hadley)
Day-of Coordinator: Jennifer Palmer, Savannah Beach Wedding
Officiant: Greg Haygood, our friend
Reception Venue: Local 11Ten and Perch (cocktail hour)
Cake: Savannah Rum Runners Bakery
Honorary Attendants: Tyler and Kym (my brother and soon-to-be sister-in-law)
Hair and makeup: Savannah Makeup Professionals
Flowers: A to Zinnias
Decorations: Reclaimed pallet sign – Pixels and Wood, Etched champagne flutes – PictureIt Creations

I had my hair and makeup done in the morning then got ready at our Tybee Island beach house. I purchased my earrings and bracelet from Etsy and the blue ring was lent to me by my friend Trudy as both my “something borrowed” and “something blue.” Sean surprised me with champagne flutes etched with our names and a beach scene on our wedding day. I gave him a sign made from reclaimed pallets with the lyrics of Elton John’s “Your Song” painted on it.

I made Stella and Chelsea matching collars with leftover tulle from my dress and ribbon I used on the place cards for the reception. I think they came out great!

Sean also got ready in the beach house, but in a separate room. My mom and Kym helped me get ready and Sean’s mom helped him. Sean and I did a first look at the house, which we both enjoyed, before getting a few shots with Stella.

Tyler and Kym drove us over to the beach and Kym continued to help me with my dress. Sean and I walked out together on the boardwalk and I’m so glad we did – we got some of the best pictures of the day in those few minutes.

We asked our friend Greg to marry us and he did an amazing job. He kicked off the ceremony with a wonderful story of how he came to know both of us and why Sean and I are great for one another.

We then had readings from Kathy, Stacey, and Greg before reading our vows, which we’d written ourselves. Finally, we exchanged rings and Greg pronounced us “husband and wife!”

We surprised all of our guests by having our first dance right there on the beach immediately after our first kiss. Tyler hit “play” on the jambox and we swayed to Elton John’s classic and beautiful “Your Song,” with the ocean behind us.

After that, it was time for the post-ceremony festivities to begin, starting with portraits on the beach. Everybody say “Tybee!!!”

We brought coolers filled with water, champagne, and beer out to the beach and had a toast with our friends.

Adeline gave me lots of fist-bumps, high-fives and kisses throughout the day. <3

We arrived at the reception venue, Local 11Ten, and immediately headed upstairs to the cocktail hour at their rooftop lounge, Perch.

The appetizers during the cocktail party were very yummy – steak skewers with a sweet and spicy chili glaze, crab cakes, pimento cheese-stuffed mushroom caps, local Georgia cheeses, and tuna tartare on toast points.

Before dinner, we walked over to Forsyth Park for formal portraits. We’re happy we did this because the park is absolutely stunning and quintessential Savannah. Kym prepped my dress in every single photo – she did such a great job making sure I looked my best.

Back at the reception, we did a quick cake-cutting and tasting with the photographers. Our cake flavors were chocolate with whipped chocolate filling, coconut with buttercream filling, and hummingbird (pineapple and banana spice cake) with cream cheese frosting filling – so delicious!

The dinner was an excellent three-course meal, plus a bread service. Most of our guests chose the filet mignon, as did I. It was perfectly done and we heard all the food was excellent. Given how much we enjoy trying new food and cooking at home, serving a very high-quality meal to our guests was so important to us.

And, as I learned, no Ellis wedding is complete without the famous Groucho glasses!

In all, it was a perfect day and was perfectly us. From the small size, to the destination and venues we love, it was so special and we’re grateful for everyone who was able to share in the festivities. We owe the most thanks to our parents, who helped us to make this day exactly what we dreamed.