A Savannah Destination Wedding: Caitlin Gaynor and Neil Waddle
This Louisville couple picked Savannah, Georgia, for their destination wedding. It was an intimate affair set in a gorgeous location — and a wonderful time was had by all!
When these Louisville natives decided to get married after seven years together, they knew that if they got married in their hometown that the wedding would be massive, perhaps just too much. All they wanted for their wedding was for it to be small and personal. The best way to do that is to have a destination wedding, and their choice of a destination made all the difference.
They chose Savannah, GA, as their wedding site for several reasons. First, it was the first place they ever went on vacation together, just the two of them. Second, they wanted a location that was not as familiar as Charleston or the beach for their guests. They wanted their guests to experience a new place with lots of history and things to do, and because it was a smaller crowd, they could all enjoy it together. The added benefit was that everything is in walking distance, and navigating was not a problem at all.
The bride and groom live in Atlanta, and Savannah is only four hours from their home. Not being familiar with the city, they found the right wedding planner, who then guided them through the entire process of planning the wedding. Caitlin looked for a wedding planner through pictures on social media and portfolios, searching for ones that best matched her personal taste. She chose Marvee Mackenzie from Posh Petal and Pearls to help her with every step of the process; a good wedding planner is invaluable for a destination wedding.
The couple decided to rent large historic homes for their wedding parties and their dates. All the bridesmaids stayed at one house with Caitlin and all the groomsmen stayed at another. Their families also stayed in homes. They were able to get dressed and ready at their respective homes, which were a short distance from the wedding site.
The wedding ceremony and reception were both held at the Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum, on the grounds outside and in the lovely gardens. Caitlin loved the gardens and natural beauty of the site, and it made for a perfect backdrop for the wedding. She also liked that everyone would be in one place all night long, and there was no need to drive from the ceremony to the reception. The only risk was the weather because the entire wedding was outside, and Savannah had experienced a hurricane the week prior. Fortunately for her, the weather turned out to be perfect on their wedding day, October 22, 2016.
PinA perfect destination wedding in Savannah for this Louisville couple.
GETTING READY
The bride and the bridesmaids all stayed at a historic home near the museum called The Whitman. The groomsmen also stayed at the nearby Savannah Bed & Breakfast Inn. This made for a relaxed day before the wedding, enjoyed with close family and friends.
The Ladies
The bridesmaids got ready together, including Caitlin’s mother, sister and two grandmothers. The grandmothers both loved their first experience with an airbrush makeup application! The bridesmaids wore champagne-colored dresses with navy shoes. Caitlin used the website Weddington Way when choosing her dresses with bridesmaids all over the country. They created a private group where they could weigh in and comment on dresses they liked in one space rather than through a long chain of emails and texts.
PinCaitlin wore her hair in a loose updo.
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PinBridesmaids pose in their robes after hair and makeup were done.PinDresses were Alfred Sung in a blush champagne color. Navy shoes were from Ann Taylor. The bridesmaids all collaborated on the decision process through a website called Weddington Way.PinCaitlin bought her dress in Savannah at BleuBelle Bridal. She loved the elegance of the front with the surprise low back and beautiful train. Her veil was borrowed from her friend Abby, thereby becoming her “something borrowed.”PinHer blue Badgley Mischka shoes were her “something blue.” They had a tiny heel and were low to the ground, safe for walking and dancing all night long.PinThis handkerchief was the “something old” that the bride’s mother purchased on a trip to Ireland many years ago. She saved it for her daughter’s wedding. The earrings were her “something new,” and they were made by Summer Eliason of Louisville.PinThe bride and groom’s wedding rings were both purchased in Atlanta.
The bride purchased her gown at BleuBelle Bridal boutique in Savannah while on a trip with her mother to plan the wedding. Caitlin knew that she wanted something light, comfortable and definitely with lace. The dress that she chose was one that she would have never picked out for herself, but when she tried it on, she fell in love with it. She loved the elegant front with a touch of lace on the neckline and the low back with a beautiful lace train. She thought that the mermaid style was a risk for her personal taste, but she loved the way the dress looked and fit her. Her mother Jill and her sister Maggie helped her get dressed, and she enjoyed sharing that special time with just the three of them. Later when she was finished, she had a “first look” with her bridesmaids, and it was all captured in the photographs.
PinCaitlin, her sister Maggie and her mother Jill all put the finishing touches on Caitlin’s dress.PinCaitlin and her mother Jill enjoy a laugh after the dressing is done.PinA low back with lace straps are just some of the delicate but dramatic details on this dress.PinA finished look at the back of the dress with the train perfectly displayedPinBridesmaids cover their eyes in anticipation of their “first look” at Caitlin.PinA collective wow from the group upon seeing the bridePinA beautiful bride set against a beautiful backdrop.PinThe bride’s bouquet is pretty, simple and natural, picking up all the colors of nature at the outside wedding.PinThe bride and her bridesmaids are a vision. The bridemaids’ bouquets are just smaller versions of the bride’s.PinBoth Caitlin’s grandmothers and mother wore pink, and none of them planned it. Her grandmothers loved having their makeup done, especially the airbrushed foundation.PinA show of hands from left to right with the mother of the bride, the paternal grandmother of the bride, the bride and the maternal grandmother of the bride. Three generations of beautiful women.
The Gentlemen
Nearby at another historic home, the Savannah Bed and Breakfast Inn, the groom and the groomsmen got ready. They wore navy suits with pink and navy polka dot bow ties and long ties. A problem they discovered was that the bride’s brothers were the only ones who knew how to tie a bow tie. The two Gaynor boys were responsible for all the great bow ties for the wedding.
PinHere the groom gets help from his future brothers-in-law with his bow tie.PinCaitlin gave Neil these cuff links as a wedding gift. They are the exact coordinates of their wedding location.PinWhat do you get for the father who has everything? A tie with a special message monogrammed on the back — to father, love daughter.PinNavy suits and pink ties all in a row.
The First Look
PinThe groom sees his bride for the first time. His look here says it all.PinSurprise!PinNo nerves here!PinNeil and Caitlin have a private moment before the big ceremony takes place.
THE CEREMONY
The ceremony took place at the Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum outdoor gardens with 125 guests in attendance. The bride and groom got help from their pastor when writing their customized vows. They wanted vows that were meaningful and representative of them. They incorporated the Irish blessing at the end of the ceremony to celebrate the Irish heritage of the Gaynors.
Caitlin claims that she is definitely a crier. She knew she would cry when she first saw Neil and when her father walked her down the aisle. She was right on both counts, but knowing about those emotional moments in advance helped her quell the tears during the entire ceremony.
PinGuests are seated and ready in this perfect venue.PinThe wedding programs, which were placed on each seatPinCaitlin cries as her father walks her down the aisle.PinThe ceremony begins …PinYou may kiss the bride!PinAlways the best look of relief on the way back down the aisle.PinFist pump from the groom indicates a job well done!
THE RECEPTION
The reception was held at the same venue as the ceremony, which was a convenience for everyone involved. On the property is a covered area outside to accommodate tables and a dance floor. There were also lounges for guests to relax and chat with friends and family.
Caitlin’s floral designer Amy Harvey created a look of natural elements, including wood and natural greenery with touches of soft pinks. Instead of a guest book, guests signed a work of art that Neil made on his computer. It resembled a watercolor and had the states of Georgia and Kentucky combined.
Cocktail hour included a signature drink that everyone loved — the Moscow Mule. Appetizers served during this time included mini chicken parmesans (the first meal Neil ever made Caitlin), fried macaroni and pimento cheese bites and mini hot browns.
The meal was buffet-style with different stations where the guests noshed on marinated grilled vegetables, Chicken Country Captain (a Savannah dish), carved New York strip loin and a smashed Yukon Gold potato bar.
PinPlace cards set in wooden trays filled with Spanish moss were a unique way to bring in the natural elements and guide the guests to their tables.PinNeil created this guestbook art from his computer, although it looks like a watercolor. It is a combination of Kentucky and Georgia.PinGuests sign the work of art created by Neil. What a great reminder of the day!PinTables set up and ready to goPinThis gorgeous wood “chandelier” hangs from the ceiling.PinThe reception was a mix of one long table for the wedding party and round tables for all the other guests. We love the dramatic runner down the main table.PinA place setting at the long wooden table with glass chargers and navy linensPinRound tables had flower centerpieces similar to the bridesmaids’ bouquets.PinCopper mugs are ready and waiting for the signature drink: the Moscow Mule.PinThe food was presented outside on gorgeous wooden tables with large flower arrangements.PinA creative way to light the reception — twigs and hanging votives!PinAn outdoor lounge area for guests complete with comfy couch and seatingPinWe love this custom pillow with a fleur-de-lis (a nod to Louisville) and their initials.PinThe cake was a simple and delicious combination of vanilla cake with vanilla buttercream icing.PinThe groom’s cake was a cookie cake with the University of Kentucky logo in icing.
Neil and Caitlin danced to “Crazy Love” by Van Morrison, and Caitlin and her father created a special mix to surprise their guests. They started off with “Stand by Me,” then broke into a choreographed dance to her dad’s favorite song, “Sexy and I Know It,” and ended with “My Girl.” It was a huge hit.
PinNeil and Caitlin danced to “Crazy Love” by Van Morrison.PinAfter starting with “Stand by Me,” Caitlin and her father then broke into a choreographed dance to her dad’s favorite song, “Sexy and I Know It,” and ended with “My Girl.” This is the choreographed part of the dance!PinHere are the two William Burmesters that were at the wedding. Caitlin’s maternal grandfather, William Burmester, was asked to come up to lead the blessing. Little William Burmester walked up as well, thinking they were calling him up on stage too. Both led the prayer.PinThe moment many guests wait for … the cutting of the cake.
Caitlin’s sister Maggie had a surprise up her sleeve for her toast. Before the wedding, she told Caitlin that she was going to “bring the house down” with her speech — and that she did. To the tune of “Sweet Caroline,” she sang about all the things that her big sister used to say to her growing up, such as “Get out of my room!” and “Stop stealing my clothes.”
PinMaid of honor and little sister of the bride, Maggie Gaynor, brought the house down with her speech recounting all the sayings her sister used to say to her to the tune of “Sweet Caroline.”PinCaitlin LOVED Maggie’s “speech” as did everyone else.PinThe Gaynors hit the dance floor at full speed. This would be a perfect Christmas card photo!PinHere is the vintage Silver Shadow Rolls Royce that whisked the newlyweds away!PinWalking out in a sea of confetti, it looks like the bride traded her “something blue” wedding shoes for “something blue” flip flops!PinCheers to the newlyweds and a lifetime of happiness!
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