Some places become part of your story long before your wedding day. For Kate and Simon, St. Simons Island has always been one of those places. As high school sweethearts who first became close in sophomore year chemistry class, they spent years building a relationship rooted in family, tradition, and creating memories together. With both of their families vacationing on the island throughout the years, there was no place that felt more meaningful to begin this next chapter.
Set along the marsh at Captain’s Bluff, their wedding beautifully blended timeless coastal elegance with the warmth of their Italian and Spanish heritage. Every detail, from the lush greenery to the family-style dinner, was thoughtfully chosen to create a celebration that felt welcoming, intentional, and deeply personal.
Vendors
Photography: Posh South Photography
Venue: Captain’s Bluff
Planner: Lauren Allen
Florals: Wunderbar Florals
Hair: Weddings by the Twins
Makeup: Makeup By Montana
Band: Let’s Ride Brass Band
Catering: Cape Creations Catering
Rentals: Beach View Rentals, BBJ La Tavola
Tent: Select Event Group Savannah
Wedding Dress Designer: Jenny Yoo
The Details
Kate and Simon envisioned a wedding that complemented the natural beauty of the Georgia coast rather than competed with it. Soft shades of green, creamy whites, warm neutrals, and natural textures created an elevated yet organic design that felt perfectly at home overlooking the marsh. Sago palms became the signature floral element throughout the day, bringing movement and texture while seamlessly blending into the surrounding landscape. From the invitation suite to the candlelit reception tables, every detail reflected the effortless beauty of St. Simons Island.
Getting Ready
The morning unfolded with an excited calm as both Kate and Simon spent time with the people closest to them before the celebration began. Kate wore an effortlessly elegant Jenny Yoo gown that perfectly suited the refined aesthetic of the day. Its timeless silhouette paired beautifully with her classic bridal look, allowing the surrounding scenery to shine alongside her. Simon chose a rich green suit that subtly echoed the wedding’s color palette while setting him apart from his groomsmen. It was a modern, sophisticated choice that felt right at home in the coastal setting.
Before the Ceremony
Before walking down the aisle, Kate shared a series of heartfelt first looks with the people who have loved and supported her every step of the way. She revealed her bridal look to her bridesmaids first, whose excitement and happy tears immediately filled the room with laughter and emotion. It was the perfect reminder that some of the sweetest moments of a wedding day happen long before the ceremony begins. She then shared an emotional first look with her dad, followed by a quiet, unforgettable moment with her grandparents. Seeing their reactions as they took in their granddaughter as a bride was incredibly special and spoke to the importance of family throughout the entire celebration. Those moments became some of the most meaningful memories of the day, setting the tone for everything that followed.
A Marshside Ceremony
With the peaceful marsh stretching behind them and their loved ones gathered close, Kate and Simon exchanged heartfelt vows beneath the coastal sky. The ceremony felt intimate, emotional, and perfectly reflective of the life they have built together since first meeting in high school. There was something especially meaningful about watching them marry in a place that already held so many memories for both of their families. The natural beauty of Captain’s Bluff provided a breathtaking backdrop while allowing the focus to remain exactly where it belonged, on the two of them.
Just Married Portraits
After saying “I do,” Kate and Simon finally had the chance to soak in their first moments together as husband and wife. We wandered through Captain’s Bluff, taking portraits beneath the sprawling live oaks and along the marsh as the afternoon light reflected across the water. These quiet moments together often become some of my favorites on a wedding day. The excitement has settled just enough for couples to truly be present with one another, and that joy was written all over their faces.
Bridal Party Portraits
The bridal party perfectly complemented the wedding’s elegant design. Bridesmaids wore satin sage green gowns by Alfred Sung that mirrored the surrounding greenery, while the groomsmen’s neutral suits created a timeless coastal look alongside Simon’s deep green suit. Together, they brought such a fun energy to the afternoon while keeping the overall aesthetic refined and cohesive.
Cocktail Hour
Guests spent cocktail hour enjoying the marsh views, reconnecting with family, and taking in every thoughtful detail before the reception began. It was the perfect transition into an evening centered around gathering, celebrating, and sharing a meal together.
A Reception Inspired by Family Traditions
One of my favorite parts of Kate and Simon’s wedding was how intentionally they designed their reception around what mattered most to them. Rather than choosing a traditional plated dinner or buffet, they welcomed guests to a family-style meal inspired by the bride’s Italian heritage and the dinners she grew up sharing with her family. Large serving platters were placed at every table, encouraging guests to pass dishes, pour one another a glass of wine, and linger in conversation throughout the evening. The sailcloth tent glowed with candlelight as the sun slowly disappeared across the marsh. Crisp white linens, lush sago palms, soft green accents, and custom lighthouse-shaped menus celebrated both the island and the relaxed sophistication of the day. The entire reception felt less like a formal event and more like gathering around the table with the people who mean the most.
The Sweetest Celebrations
Instead of a traditional tiered wedding cake, Kate and Simon honored the bride’s Italian heritage with a beautiful Italian-style cake topped with fresh berries, adding another meaningful nod to their family’s traditions. Later in the evening, guests were surprised when the bride’s mom entered the dance floor carrying trays, and even an entire tree, of espresso martinis. The crowd erupted with excitement as drinks were passed around and the celebration kicked into full swing. For guests looking to step away from the dance floor for a few moments, a thoughtfully curated cigar bar offered a relaxed place to gather beneath the evening sky before everyone returned to celebrate late into the night.
A Day Rooted in Family
What made Kate and Simon’s wedding so memorable wasn’t simply its beautiful design or stunning marsh views. It was the way every detail reflected who they are and the people who have shaped them.
From flower grandmas and family-style dining to honoring their Italian and Spanish heritage throughout the day, every choice felt intentional. It was a celebration built around connection, tradition, and creating memories with the people they love most.
Kate and Simon, thank you for trusting me to document such a meaningful day. It was an honor to witness the beginning of this next chapter, and I know your marriage will be just as beautiful as the celebration that started it. 🤍
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