Wedding Date: April 26th 2025

Savannah, Georgia is one of those places that feels like it was made for a wedding weekend. From the cobblestone streets, old trees dripping in moss, and warm air that hangs just right as the sun sets. When Maggie and Hayes asked if I’d travel down to photograph their destination wedding, I said yes before they’d even finished the sentence. I’d follow great people anywhere, but Savannah? That’s a dream.

We kicked things off the day before their wedding with an engagement session around the city. They took me through some of their favorite spots that included grand fountains, historic homes, winding streets lined with oak trees and Spanish moss. Every corner had a little bit of their story in it, and the way they lit up in each other's presence made my job easy. It was the perfect, slow-paced lead-in to what would be an unforgettable wedding day.

The next morning I arrived at HollyOaks On The Marsh and immediately heard laughter from across the lawn. I walked up to find Maggie’s bridesmaids feeding the resident goats, fully dressed in matching pink silk pajamas with the estate stretching out behind them. That’s how the day began, lighthearted, easy, and full of joy. And from there, it only got better.

The girls pulled off one of the most impressive champagne sprays I’ve seen on the grand front steps of the venue. Maggie looked absolutely radiant in her dress. Her mom helped with the final touches while her bridesmaids watched from the next room, and a little while later, she shared a quiet, emotional moment with her dad before heading to the church.

Meanwhile, Hayes and his crew were back at the venue looking sharp in their tuxes and bowties, digging up a bottle of bourbon that had been buried for good luck, a Southern wedding tradition. From the first sip, you could feel how ready they were to celebrate.

The ceremony took place at the Lutheran Church of the Ascension, a stunning space filled with towering windows and stained glass that cast soft color across the pews. Watching Maggie walk down the aisle with her dad, Hayes had this look like nothing else existed in the room. It was one of those moments that feels still, even in motion.

After the ceremony, a vintage car pulled up outside the church. Maggie and Hayes climbed in with champagne in hand, waving from the windows as they drove off. I swear it felt like something straight out of a classic film, timeless and just a little surreal in the best way.

The celebration picked up again back at HollyOaks. A clear-top tent had been set up for the reception, and I don’t say this lightly, it was jaw-dropping. Draped fabric, hanging lanterns, greenery everywhere, and Southern charm in every detail. It looked like a movie set, but felt like home. Maggie and Hayes walked in like royalty. Their first dance was pure elegance. The kind of moment where everything else fades and it’s just the two of them, holding onto something bigger than the day itself. Toasts followed and they were funny, heartfelt, a little chaotic in the best way. As the sun dipped down, the tent lit up with string lights above and laughter below.

The father-daughter and mother-son dances took place under the stars, right as the evening air started to cool. Maggie and Hayes gave a heartfelt thank you that had everyone smiling, and then the band kicked into full gear. The dance floor exploded. Jackets came off, napkins flew in the air, everyone from grandmas to flower girls, were dancing, shouting lyrics, spinning in circles. It was one of those parties where you don’t check the time because you’re too busy living in it.

Before the night ended, Maggie slipped into a fun reception dress and a pair of cowboy boots. They made their getaway surrounded by cheers, still grinning, still holding tight to each other. And just like that, they disappeared into the night to start their next chapter.

Vendors: HollyOaks On The Marsh (venue), Lutheran Church of the Ascension (church), Dapper Events (wedding planner), Harvey Designs (florist), Amazing Tent rental (tent and lighting), Beachview (decor), Something Vintage (decor), Downtown Catering (catering), Vanilla & The Bean (dessert), Square City Productions (videographer), Annika Bridal (dress boutique), The Black Tux (suit), Southern Belle By MariaNoel (hair and makeup), Byrne Design (stationery), Atlanta Wedding Band (music), Shaken and Stirred (bartender)