Shavonne & Kevin: Tricia Huddas & Co. Real Savannah Wedding

Shavonne and Kevin were married at the picturesque Forsyth Park Fountain on a perfect November day last year. The weather couldn't have been better all weekend, but I was especially happy we weren't fighting frigid temperatures or rain! Our year long planning began almost exactly one year prior to their wedding date - only off by one day in fact. As with many of our destination brides, they secured their location and the date and then said, "OK, now what do we do?!?" 

The couple lives in New York City, and with their busy schedules, making frequent trips to Savannah for wedding planning were just not going to be possible. This is where having a local planner comes in handy. Especially in a city filled with so many wedding vendors, it is easy to get overwhelmed by all the different choices. I had the pleasure of meeting Shavonne and Kevin while I was in NYC  during Christmas, so we had a chance to talk about their ideas, likes and dislikes, and a chance to sit down and get to know each other. From this point, I was able to narrow down the many options to ones that fit both their wedding style and budget.

Shavonne and Kevin lucked out and were able to secure the beautiful Forsyth Park fountain as their ceremony location. For the reception, they chose the nearby Mansion on Forsyth Park as the location for their "modern Savannah" reception. The juxtaposition of the modern art against the backdrop of a classic southern Mansion complimented their overall design perfectly, beginning with these invitations. Thanks to Bride Whelan for her beautiful calligraphy for the invitations and escort cards!

Anna & Spencer, the husband and wife photography team from Atlanta, did a spectacular job capturing Shavonne and Kevin's wedding day - in looking back through these photos, I can remember just how much fun I had working this wedding. A great couple, surrounded by loving family and friends, made this a fun filled wedding weekend for everyone!

The ladies at A to Zinnias did a stunning job with our eggplant color scheme by adding pops of deep red, hot pink, and bright green to compliment our purple colors.

Kevin completed his studies in Fashion Design at the Art Institute of New York just before the wedding date and designed his own custom navy tuxedo - complete with a pale pink shirt. Because of his love of fashion design, Spencer spent some extra time with Kevin to highlight his fashion expertise as he got ready!

Shavonne's dress gave the classic ball gown an updated look with a dropped waist and modern bow.

The wonderful Kim Cabrera at Park West Salon did an amazing job with Shavonne's hair, and thanks to Lauren and Gennifer at the always professional Glow MedSpa & Beauty Boutique for enhancing the natural beauty of Shavonne and her bridesmaids with their flawless makeup.

My happy bride all finished and ready to see her groom!

The couple chose to see each other prior to the wedding since we were limited on our daylight time, so I sent them over to Casimir's Lounge at 700 Drayton, adjacent to the Mansion, with Anna and Spencer to capture that special "first look" moment with just the two of them.

After some family photos, it was time to head over to the park for the ceremony.

Shavonne's father was the epitome of proud as he escorted his daughter toward her love. The talented musicians with New Arts Ensembles provided the violin/guitar duo as the ceremony got underway. The fiancé of Shavonne's maid of honor sang John Legend's "So High" as the bridesmaids entered and, like many of the guests, I was blown away by his talent. 

My favorite part of the day? Kevin's father became an ordained minister in order to officiate the ceremony - bringing a very personal touch to the celebration. With so much attention paid the bride's father, I loved the sweet gesture of asking Kevin's father to play a special role in the day as well.

Guests left notes of love and best wishes in a book made up of images from the couple's engagement photo session. 

After leaving notes of well wishing, guests were directed to their tables, which were named after the quintessential downtown squares throughout the historic district.

I love these boxes, densely packed with the colors of the bride's bouquet! Shavonne was also able to find enough picture frames - all with a different design - that brought a touch of glamour to the tables.

These dancing shoes came in handy as the party got underway! Jordan Moyer, from The Music Maker DJ, did an excellent job keeping the dance floor full playing a great mix of music all night.

Shavonne's grandmother, Louise, gave a touching and heartfelt welcome toast to the newlyweds. There wasn't a dry eye in the ballroom.

Carrie Briscoe of Two Cakes did an outstanding job guests enjoyed a choice of red velvet with cream cheese filling or classic vanilla cake with a raspberry filling. The couple went home with their chocolate cake with chocolate filling to enjoy on the one year anniversary - or the next week if their sweet tooth got the better of them!

In addition to a yummy pecan praline, the couple gave their guests a fall wine stopper to remember their wedding day every time they enjoy a bottle of wine.

Shavonne and Kevin opted to keep their party going until late in the night and did not have a formal exit and send off. 

A trend that I have been seeing more and more of is a "day after" photo session the morning or afternoon after the wedding. I just love this idea because - well, first, the bride gets to play in her dress for one more day - the couple has the opportunity to take photos at locations that were just too far away from the ceremony and reception. The couple also isn't rushed to get photos completed because they don't have waiting guests to attend to!

Here are some of the "day after" photos at some great downtown locations along River Street and the surrounding area.

In addition to these fantastic photos, Shavonne and Kevin will be able to re-live their wedding day again and again thanks to the wonderful team at Savannah Wedding Films for providing videography for their day.

Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Correia!!