LAUREN & WILLIAM
A Musgrove Plantation wedding
Saint Simons Island, Georgia
APRIL 8, 2018
THE PROPOSAL: The proposal didn’t quite go as planned, but as Will Childs asked Lauren Sardo to become his wife on an after-dinner stroll, everything else fell into place. See, Will & Lauren were enjoying a Sunday family dinner, a tradition for Lauren’s large Italian family. Lauren explains, “Will brought the engagement ring to show my mom and dad with the intention of planning a more grand engagement.” But at the suggestions of Lauren’s mom Cyndi, WIll took a more spontaneous approach proposing to Lauren that same night as the sun set.
THE VENUE: Turning to Lauren’s mom for another recommendation, the pair toured a local Saint Simons venue—Musgrove Plantation—for their spring wedding. The 600-acre waterfront estate, poised on the banks of Village Creek, was rich in history and beauty, but that wasn’t the only selling point. The bride recalls being struck by the stunning maize garden and ancient oaks lining the property. The venue paired perfectly with the couple’s classic vision, enhanced by their romantic white and ivory color palette, gold details, and an amazing array of floral accents.
THE BRIDAL PARTY: Aiming to highlight her Italian roots, Lauren had her eyes on only one designer—Le Spose Di Gio. A trip to Joan Pillow Bridal in Atlanta and Lauren landed the perfect gown. The custom strapless gown featured a butterfly train and statement-making bow. She paired her ensemble with a delicate bun, natural makeup, and a hand-tied bouquet of all white blooms, native to the Georgia coast. The bridesmaids wore long Dessy dresses in sage green, complementing the couple’s curated color palette and natural setting. The gentlemen wore black tuxedos with crisp, white pocket squares.
THE CEREMONY: The iconic maize garden served as the ceremony site. Gold chivari chairs encircling the garden created an intimate atmosphere as guests encompassed Will and Lauren as they exchanged vows. To add a sense of drama to the already impressive backdrop, a series of oversized cement planters filled with an impressive amount of white and ivory blooms flanked the ornate brick fountain. “It really felt as though the flowers had always been there and belonged in the historical garden,” says Lauren of the added floral detail.
THE RECEPTION: Emily Burton of Emily Burton Designs extended the couple’s swoon-worthy atmosphere to the tented reception, where soft white draping cinched with organic groupings of greenery and white blooms created a dramatic entrance. As the drapes were pulled back, the storybook design was unveiled and a four-tiered, artfully created white cake took center stage. Overhead a beautiful greenery installation added interest and drama. Tablescapes took on two different forms—long estate tables lined with low, handpicked arrangements (similar to Lauren’s bouquet) of David Austin Garden roses, freesia, hellebores, hydrangeas, and jasmine vine. Followed by a collection of round tables which framed the tent and featured tall arrangements to balance the overall design. Gold-rimmed chargers and glassware, soft white linens, gold flatware, and gold chivari chairs completed the look. A floral lattice installation provided a romantic backdrop for the white custom bar with mirrored panels and modern pendant lights. After noshing on bacon-wrapped scallops and pork belly corndogs, guests made their way through interactive dinner stations, including a salad and bread bar where guests could even snip their own fresh herbs. At the end of the evening, chicken fingers, mini sliders, and French fries made the rounds before the couple departed in the back of a vintage Bentley.
GEORGIA WEDDING VENDORS
Venue: Musgrove Plantation ll Photographer: Sawyer Baird Photography ll Event Planning & Design: Emily Burton Designs ll Floral Design: Jackson Durham (Dallas, Texas) ll Gown: Le Spose di Gio ll Dress Boutique: Joan Pillow Bridal (Atlanta, Georgia) ll Bridesmaids Dresses: The Dessy Group ll Hair & Makeup: LilyMac Spa & Boutique ll Men’s Attire: Jack Victor, R. Hanauer ll Catering: Cape Creations Catering ll Cake: Cathy Huber Cakes ll Bar: Charlie Ganem & Sons ll Rentals & Lighting: Beachview Event Rentals & Design ll Invitations: Foglio Press ll Linens: Beachview Event Rentals & Designs, Nüage Designs ll Custom Signage: Chalk Shop Events ll Ceremony Music: Charleston Virtuosi ll Band: Atlanta Groove Factory ll Videographer: Ryan Blount ll Officiant: James Crandell ll Restrooms: Beachview Event Rentals & Design
