Rachel and Brian’s wedding is not only filled with steal-worthy decor ideas, (hello! just check out their 10-foot-pampas-grass-filled backdrop above!) but fun entertainment, too! The pair exchanged “I do’s” on the coast of St. Simons Island in Georgia, but instead of celebrating at a traditional country club or ballroom venue, they opted for an outdoor ceremony which overlooked the river and a tented reception, (surrounded by Spanish moss, of course!) to dance the night away. And when we say dance, we mean it. Following their nuptials, they had a live band and reggae musician during their cocktail hour, and then surprised guests with a silent disco party at their reception. If you haven’t been to a silent disco party, you’re missing out! Also, to keep things intimate, only family and close friends attended the ceremony and extended guests were asked to join the fun at the reception.
As for the decor and fashion, this couple didn’t disappoint with their choices either. Rachel wore a gorgeous illusion-lace gown featuring a nude underlay where Brian looked handsome in a navy suit and pattern necktie. Since they skipped having a wedding party, they asked those who were invited to the ceremony to don muted colors and patterns to create a cohesive laid-back feel, which Halle Morgan Photo captured perfectly. The venue was then dressed up with whimsical pampas grass arrangements, woven basket chandeliers, and lots of clean whites and acrylic accents. Rachel says her vision was inspired by elements she had seen in certain Boho-inspired weddings, but never considered herself to have a Boho style. So, she eliminated the lush greenery and wooden accents you typically see in a boho-themed weddings to create her unique modern-boho setting. She also incorporated an ultra-cool neon sign that read “Let’s Get This Party Started,” which definitely set the tone for their wedding. See the rest of their coastal Georgia celebration below!
The Dress: Rachel says that finding her gown was the hardest part of her wedding planning journey. “For years I always envisioned myself in a chic, very simple, and clean dress. Never in a million years did I think I would be walking down the aisle in the dress that I chose,” says Rachel. After going to three different bridal salons and trying on gown after gown, Rachel says her mom convinced her to try on a different style of dress. A more modern-styled dress by Lovers Society. “Once I tried it on, I could see the reaction from my friends and mom that I had been waiting for. I felt so confident in it! (one piece of advice when finding your dress, make sure you find a seamstress that you trust. Without Melissa from Custom Bridal Modifications, I don’t think I would have ended up loving my dress as much as I did)
“Once I tried it on, I could see the reaction from my friends and mom that I had been waiting for. I felt so confident in it! One piece of advice when finding your dress, make sure you find a seamstress that you trust. Without Melissa from Custom Bridal Modifications, I don’t think I would have ended up loving my dress as much as I did,” says Rachel.
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The most memorable part of our wedding would have to be the ceremony. Brian and I decided to have a small ceremony with just our family. We wanted it to be intimate so that we could really take it all in, without all the nerves of standing in front of 150+ people
My biggest piece of advice is to choose a team that you truly trust and connect with. Especially your photographer because you end up spending most of your day with them! Without my photographer (Halle Morgan Photo) hyping me up and making Brian and I feel relaxed in front of the camera, and my florist (Marble and Pine) who I could reach out to constantly with my crazy/over the top ideas, I really don't think my vision would have come to life the way that it did. Be sure to choose people whose opinions you trust and value.
This bar display was decorated with oyster shells to paid tribute to the couple’s waterfront venue!
Processional:
Recessional: Joy of my life by Chris Stapleton
First Dance:
Who doesn’t love a silent disco party?!
Congrats to Rachel and Brian! Check out our real weddings page for more inspiration #onGWS!
photography: Halle Morgan Photography // venue name: Captain's Bluff, St. Simons, Georgia, USA // planning: Caroling Carter Events // florals: Marble and Pine // wedding dress: Lovers Society // wedding dress boutique: Lovely Bride Atlanta // furniture rentals: Beachview Event Rentals // music: Island Sound Djs // private reggae artist: Owen Plant Music
What a beautiful location.