Caroline & Scott | The Cloister, Sea Island, GA

Caroline & Scott | A Beautiful Wedding at The Cloister at Sea Island

Caroline & Scott’s wedding day was everything a couple dreams of: timeless, emotional, elegant, and full of heart. Set at the iconic Cloister at Sea Island, their celebration brought together Southern charm, exquisite design, and deep connection. As a wedding photographer serving Savannah, DC, Atlanta, NYC, and destination weddings around the world, documenting this Sea Island wedding was an experience I’ll never forget.

Whether you’re planning your wedding day locally or far from home, this beautiful wedding offers inspiration for creating a meaningful, joy-filled experience surrounded by the people who matter most.

Getting Ready at The Cloister

The day began in a suite tucked inside the Cloister at Sea Island, where Caroline and her bridal party prepared for the big day. The space buzzed with excitement and anticipation as hair and makeup artists worked their magic. Bridesmaids laughed over coffee, music filled the room, and Caroline’s white Labradors trotted happily around,adorable and well-dressed in tiny bowties.

Her wedding dress hung by the window, catching the soft coastal light, while details like her wedding ring, invitation suite, and perfume bottle were photographed to preserve every part of the wedding.

In another room, Scott and his groomsmen shared jokes, adjusted cufflinks, and toasted to the day ahead. His wedding band was passed around with admiration, while his closest friends ensured he was calm and ready to see his bride.

A First Look to Remember

Caroline & Scott chose to do a first look before the ceremony: an intimate moment shared away from the crowd. As Scott turned to see Caroline, emotions ran high. There was laughter, a few tears, and the quiet kind of stillness that only comes when you realize your life is about to change.

This private exchange allowed them to breathe, connect, and hold each other before walking down the aisle. As a professional wedding photographer, I always recommend couples choose what feels right for them. For some, that extra 15 minutes alone before the ceremony becomes one of the most memorable parts of the wedding.

The Wedding Ceremony: A Coastal Dream

The wedding ceremony took place in one of the Cloister’s breathtaking courtyards. Surrounded by palms, florals, and warm October sun, the scene was like a page from a storybook. Family members took their seats, guests hushed as music played, and the moment arrived.

Caroline, radiant and steady, walked down the aisle with her father. The air was full of love and emotion, as Scott’s eyes welled with tears at the sight of her. The vows were sincere, personal, and deeply felt, spoken in front of friends and family who had supported them from the beginning.

When they exchanged wedding rings and shared their first kiss as husband and wife, the courtyard erupted in joyful applause. It was a Sea Island wedding dream realized.

The Reception: Joy, Style, and Celebration

After the ceremony, guests were welcomed into a reception space inside Sea Island at The Cloister, transformed into an elegant blend of florals, candlelight, and classic design. Every detail was thoughtful,tablescapes curated with intention, a seating chart that flowed effortlessly, and soft music setting the mood for cocktail hour.

The wedding website had given guests a full preview of the event, making it easy for them to navigate the day. During dinner, the maid of honor and best man delivered heartfelt toasts, and laughter filled the room.

The radiant couple shared their first dance as husband and wife, moving together like they had done it a thousand times before. From there, the dance floor stayed full,wedding guests, family members, and the wedding party celebrating side by side.

I stole a few quiet moments with Caroline & Scott outside the venue for golden hour portraits. The light reflected off the water, and their joy radiated. They looked like something out of a film: completely at ease, totally in love.

Planning Your Wedding Day at The Cloister at Sea Island

Sea Island at The Cloister is a stunning location for couples planning a destination wedding in the South. It offers both luxury and intimacy, with its private courtyards, Spanish-style architecture, and impeccable staff.

When planning your wedding day at a venue like this, I recommend allowing for 15 to 30 minutes of unstructured time between major parts of the wedding. Whether it’s a quiet walk with your partner, a wardrobe change, or a spontaneous dance with your maid of honor, these small pauses help you stay grounded and present.

Don’t forget key logistics like applying for your marriage license early and creating a guest list that feels personal and true to your story. Even something as small as a clear, functional wedding website makes a big difference for your wedding guests.

Why Professional Wedding Photography Matters

Capturing the emotions and details of a wedding day takes more than a camera,it takes presence, intuition, and a love for storytelling. As a professional wedding photographer, my role is not just to document the timeline but to preserve the quiet, honest, and fleeting moments that define your experience.

From getting ready to the final sendoff, every part of the wedding is an opportunity to create lasting memories. I focus on the relationships,between the bride and groom, their family members, their wedding party,and the ways love shows up in tiny gestures.

Whether you’re getting married in Savannah, DC, Atlanta, NYC, or planning a destination wedding, I’d be honored to document your day with intention and care.

Final Thoughts on This Sea Island Wedding

Caroline & Scott’s wedding at The Cloister at Sea Island was more than beautiful,it was personal, heartfelt, and joyful from start to finish. From their emotional first look to their packed dance floor and everything in between, this day was full of meaning.

For couples in the midst of planning your own wedding day, let this event be a reminder that your story is worthy of celebration,whether on the Georgia coast, in the heart of NYC, or anywhere your love takes you.

If you’re planning a Sea Island wedding or looking for a photographer who captures timeless, editorial, and emotion-driven work, I’d love to hear from you. You can explore more real weddings, learn about my process, or reach out directly to connect.

Let’s bring your story to life,wherever your wedding day begins.

Behind the Scenes: Thoughtful Touches and Personal Details

One of the most moving parts of the wedding day happened during a quiet pause in the bridal suite. Caroline’s mother helped her into her dress while the maid of honor carefully clasped the bride’s necklace, both women holding back tears. These small gestures often go unnoticed in the rush of the day, but they’re a reminder that weddings are just as much about family as they are about the couple.

Elsewhere, Scott’s groomsmen surprised him with a custom-engraved watch to commemorate the occasion. Moments like these speak to the deep friendships and history that shape a couple’s journey to the altar.

Caroline & Scott also took a few moments before the ceremony to privately read letters they had written to one another. These deeply personal exchanges brought even more intention into their vows and reminded everyone present of the gravity and joy of this commitment.

Tips for a Smooth and Joyful Wedding Day

When planning your wedding day, building in buffers is key. Even just 15 minutes between parts of the wedding, whether between portraits and the ceremony or between dinner and dancing, gives space for breathing, resetting, or simply enjoying the moment.

A well-organized guest list, a digital wedding website with key information, and a trusted planner help make sure the day runs smoothly. Caroline & Scott worked closely with their planner to ensure the timeline flowed effortlessly from start to finish. Their attention to detail allowed them to stay present throughout the day, and it showed in every photograph.

If you’re planning a destination wedding at the Cloister at Sea Island or any venue in Savannah, Atlanta, NYC, or DC, securing your marriage license early is essential. Each state has different requirements, so building in time for that step is an important part of the wedding process.

A Celebration to Remember

As the night drew to a close, guests were invited to a candlelit courtyard for a final toast. The string lights overhead, the sound of laughter echoing off the brick, and the warmth shared between guests created a perfect close to the celebration. It was a reminder that while the dress, flowers, and venue matter, it’s the people, their joy, their support, their stories, that make a wedding truly unforgettable.

From beginning to end, this Sea Island wedding was a heartfelt, beautifully executed tribute to love, legacy, and the beginning of forever.

Venue-The Cloister at Sea Island

Planner- Sea Island

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Frequently Asked Questions About Weddings at The Cloister at Sea Island

What is the best time of year for a Sea Island wedding?
Spring and fall are especially popular due to the mild temperatures and stunning natural light. Many couples choose March through May or September through early November for outdoor ceremonies and receptions. The Cloister offers year-round beauty, but shoulder seasons provide ideal weather for comfort and photography.

How many guests can The Cloister at Sea Island accommodate?
The Cloister has a variety of spaces that can accommodate everything from intimate gatherings to large celebrations. Whether you’re planning for 30 guests or over 300, there’s a space that can be tailored to fit your wedding day vision. Their team is incredibly helpful in guiding couples toward the best fit.

Is The Cloister at Sea Island a good venue for a destination wedding?
Yes. Many couples choose The Cloister for its luxurious setting, full-service experience, and ease of access for out-of-town guests. With five-star accommodations, on-site dining, and beautiful coastal surroundings, it creates an unforgettable destination wedding experience without needing to leave the country.

What are the best photo locations at The Cloister?
Some of the most requested spots include the Spanish-style courtyards, the lush garden paths, the grand staircase inside the main building, and golden hour along the riverfront. Every corner of the property offers elegant, timeless backdrops that translate beautifully on camera.

Venue-The Cloister at Sea Island

Planner- Sea Island

Follow us on Instagram! and Visit Our Website!

Click here for inquiries!

Frequently Asked Questions About Weddings at The Cloister at Sea Island

What is the best time of year for a Sea Island wedding?

Spring and fall are especially popular due to the mild temperatures and stunning natural light. Many couples choose March through May or September through early November for outdoor ceremonies and receptions. The Cloister offers year-round beauty, but shoulder seasons provide ideal weather for comfort and photography.

How many guests can The Cloister at Sea Island accommodate?

The Cloister has a variety of spaces that can accommodate everything from intimate gatherings to large celebrations. Whether you’re planning for 30 guests or over 300, there’s a space that can be tailored to fit your wedding day vision. Their team is incredibly helpful in guiding couples toward the best fit.

Is The Cloister at Sea Island a good venue for a destination wedding?

Yes. Many couples choose The Cloister for its luxurious setting, full-service experience, and ease of access for out-of-town guests. With five-star accommodations, on-site dining, and beautiful coastal surroundings, it creates an unforgettable destination wedding experience without needing to leave the country.

What are the best photo locations at The Cloister?

Some of the most requested spots include the Spanish-style courtyards, the lush garden paths, the grand staircase inside the main building, and golden hour along the riverfront. Every corner of the property offers elegant, timeless backdrops that translate beautifully on camera.