Sometimes when you have to change what you’ve dreamed of and carefully planned, it’s heartbreaking. However, in the end, it oftentimes works out even better and more memorable than you ever expected.
Savannah and Blake were engaged before anyone had ever heard of COVID-19. Plans were made for a large wedding in downtown Ocean Springs followed by a grand reception in Biloxi. But everything changed when gatherings were limited and mandates capped venue capacity.
Rehearsal Dinner at Grand Magnolia
Not only did plans change, but so did the date - from June to August. In the end, however, the couple enjoyed a beautiful and intimate rehearsal dinner and wedding at The Grand Magnolia in Pascagoula. Not only could guests gather there, but the historic bed and breakfast provided the bride and her bridesmaids a place to stay and get ready for festivities during the weekend.
Family and friends celebrated Blake and Savannah at a gorgeous rehearsal dinner the night before the wedding catered by Chef Calvin of Naomi’s Catering. The head table was adorned with a gorgeous salal and silver dollar garland runner enhanced with white playa blanca roses and candles galore! Savannah wanted classic, elegant florals - whites, greens and golds. The rehearsal guest tables were centered with lush arrangements of white peonies, natural green hydrangeas, white lisianthis with bold emerald greens in brilliant gold containers, all surrounded by more candles.
The next day, the Grand Magnolia was transformed for their wedding ceremony. Gold chiavari chairs were set “in the round” centered by the venue’s gorgeous chandelier. Guests and the bridal party walked through a lush arch completely covered with playa blanca roses, spray roses, white hydrangeas and white stock with a variety greens and smilax vine. Savannah carried a stunning bouquet of more white playa blanca roses, white peonies, white veronica, white lisianthis and emerald toned greens. She and Blake said their vows beneath the chandelier dripping with more smilax vine to mimic the arch. After the couple and guests recessed to the main house and patio for drinks and appetizers, the room was transformed again for an evening of dancing and celebrations. Tall arrangements of belles of Ireland, white and natural green hydrangeas and green hanging amaranthus gave height to the room while lower arrangements of whites, green and gold mixed well on other tables. When guests walked back into the room, they were immediately greeted by the arch once more - this time with the wedding cake centered in front.
Savannah and Blake did not let COVID-19 ruin the day they had always dreamed of - even though it was very different from the way they first imagined it. Their family and friends were still able to celebrate the beautiful couple starting their life together - albeit on a different date in a different setting.
All of these gorgeous photos were taken by my friends at Bluewaters Photography.
