Along the Savannah River, on a velvety autumn day in November, Andi and Michael’s wedding dreams came true. A luxurious Westin wedding, where a love story came full circle and two best friends were united. One that would be published in Carats & Cake.
Months of wedding planning, phone calls, securing event spaces, and getting down every single detail finally came to fruition. And, I couldn’t be happier.
When Vanessa Saturday of Spectacular Saturday Events first reached out to me about Andi and Michael’s big day, I was immediately excited. The Westin Savannah is the kind of wedding venue that always impresses. With a grand ballroom, a beautiful wedding ceremony space, and a large dance floor – it is a joy to photograph.
Friends and family traveled from all over the United States for this special day. A wedding weekend that promised the streets of Savannah as its backdrop. A rehearsal dinner at one of the lovely restaurants the city has to offer with the possibility of a send-off brunch? What isn’t to love about such an idea.
The couple looked as if they walked right out of Vogue, but the show stealer were Andi’s Jimmy Choo heels. And her puppy, of course.
So naturally, I had to take Andi and Michael into Savannah proper to photograph them following their beautiful first look. A first look that involved that adorable little puppy. (My favorite kind.)
I wish we could have taken him with us for their downtown pre-wedding, but it was raining. And, he’s just a little baby, so we had to leave him at the Westin.
It was a delight working with Andi and Michael downtown. What kind of Savannah Wedding would it be anyhow if we didn’t at least get some photos downtown?
We chose to photograph at choice locations such as the Savannah Theatre, a beautiful 40’s style theater for stage productions, and Reynolds Square. Following the Bride and groom portraits, we made our way back to the venue for the Ceremony.
Shirking tradition a little, Andi and Michael decided not to have a traditional bridal party. Instead, making every guest feel as if they were part of the family. With guest rooms provided by the Westin, each guest was treated as if they were luxury.
While these two might look traditional, they loved paving their own way. Cocktail hour went swiftly and smoothly as we took family photos, then it was directly into the wedding reception.
A beautiful plated dinner was prepared, laid on long wooden tables draped in fauna and greenery. But, once the guests and the beautiful couple were finished with their meals, it was to the dance floor.
With dancing and celebrating illuminating the intimate room of guests, Andi and Michael were in wedding bliss. A champagne tower pour, s’mores station in lieu of a wedding cake and marble flooring to dance on. It was a time that they shall not soon forget. Neither will I.
As, after I left the wedding, I found myself thinking about how lovely of a couple and time the entire event was. I couldn’t wait to get started on editing their sneak peak because I fell in love with them both, during the planning process and even more so during the event.
It really is one of my favorite parts of being a wedding photographer. Especially for a Savannah Wedding. People come from all over to enjoy a couple, but I get to know them intimately.
A lovely side many don’t like to share with the world around them. Yet, they share it with me. Sometimes to details that might be a little too far, but hey, a love story is one of many paths. There is no road map for love.
Only where the heart leads.
And, it’s my purpose in life to bring that love story to the world through my images. A single shutter press at a time to attach a visual to a story as old as time.
Andi and Michael were an incredible couple. One that I will not soon forget. Yet, even after I photograph an incredible couple, I find myself eagerly awaiting the next. Because, as I said, telling these love stories is my purpose.
Warmly,
Ashly
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