Dever & Jay’s coastal Georgia wedding was special for so many reasons. The bride is my husband’s sister, and we have been so excited for her to marry Jay! They live in St. Mary’s and have spent lots of time boating over to Cumberland Island and frolicking with the wild horses. They are the consummate hosts, so a backyard reception was a no-brainer for these two, who regularly host oyster roasts and cookouts for large groups of friends and family. Both the bride and groom embraced Pinterest for DIY lighting and decor ideas, and they did a fantastic job of creating a magical backyard reception venue.
The morning started as the bride and about 40 guests boarded the Cumberland Princess for the quick jaunt to the sleepy island that gained notoriety when JFK Jr. wed Carolyn Bessette there in 1996. The groom’s plans to drive his boat over separately were foiled by the howling 30mph winds, but the ferry worked out fine for keeping the bride and groom apart prior to their ceremony. It was also a fun way to start the festivities, as everyone mingled. After a spontaneous decision to relocate the ceremony from the windy waterfront to the remains of the Carnegie’s Dungeness, the Cumberland Island wedding kicked off around midday. Following the ceremony, guests noshed on an array of homemade picnic treats as a few wild horses wandered about. Next came family photos, hugs galore, then a walk back through the lush maritime forest for the trip back to St. Marys. While some caught catnaps, I headed out for an afternoon coffee but was turned away from the local java spot since Oprah and the BBC were in town. Unexpected!
.jpg "Bride boards the Cumberland Princess to head to her coastal Georgia island wedding")
.jpg "The bride's sons arrive to board the ferry to Cumberland Island")
.jpg "A dapper furry friend, my husband and his sister on her Cumberland Island wedding day")
.jpg "Loved the laid-back vibe of this all-ages wedding. Kids and grown-ups enjoyed the boat cruise despite the brisk winds.")
.jpg "Portraits of the bride and groom just prior to their relaxed outdoor wedding on Cumberland Island")
.jpg "Bride disembarks and sports Keds (with something blue tag) for little hike down sandy path to Dungeness")
.jpg "The bride's short hike to Dungeness through moss-draped maritime forest on Cumberland Island")
.jpg "Two of the bride's favorite girls at Dungeness Ruins on Cumberland Island")
.jpg "Photographer's boy has a mopey moment and rests on the steps")
.jpg "Bride at Dungeness and her son's family on Cumberland Island")
.jpg "Dungeness wedding guests on blustery day on Cumberland Island")
.jpg "Her emerald cut diamond is a stunner! Groom opted for a handsome brushed platinum band.")
.jpg "Father gives his bride away and couple exchanges vows at Dungeness")
.jpg "Exchanging vows at Dungeness on Cumberland Island, off the coast of Georgia")
.jpg "Playing on the Cumberland Island lawn during post-wedding picnic")
.jpg "Family on Cumberland Island")
.jpg "Cumberland Island path with mossy oaks and palms")
.jpg "Windswept Spanish moss in old, sturdy oaks on Cumberland Island")
.jpg "Cumberland ferry heads back to St. Marys with wedding guests")
After the cruise to the mainland, the small group dispersed, and the newlyweds headed to make the most of the hours prior to the backyard reception. Ribs in the smoker, oysters prepped for roasting, linens, ice, side dishes and a final check of all the lighting. Kids tossed beanbags, adults mingled in the twilight, and the yummy cake was served. What a fun and laid-back affair. Congrats to my sis-in-law and her handsome hubby!
.jpg "Burlap-wrapped pre-lit willow branches and a beautiful cake (this baker's first!)")
.jpg "Dear friends drove up from Florida for this festive backyard reception")
.jpg "Newlyweds cut their yummy cake in St. Marys Georgia")
.jpg "Backyard reception with oodles of lights, oysters, ribs and all sorts of yumminess")
.jpg "DIY lights for a fun backyard reception")
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