Advice for Wedding Planning | Saint Simons Island, GA

It’s truly amazing when you can create an authentic and candid wedding day that doesn’t feel staged or posed like a typical photoshoot. That’s exactly what happened while capturing Claire and Connor’s wedding day at the stunning Forbes Farm in Saint Simmons Island, GA. Their special day occurred under the warm sun and beautiful trees spread throughout the wedding venue. The couple’s intimate ceremony and all the wonderful laughter shared during the reception all contributed to an authentic atmosphere. Claire and Connor’s wedding is the perfect example of a candid wedding day. For couples looking to achieve a similar vibe, here’s what they planned and here’s some advice for wedding planning to make your big day feel as candid as possible!

Getting Ready Moments: First Looks, Emotional Embraces, and Laughters

On the morning of their wedding day, Claire and her bridesmaids gathered for a delicious brunch to kickstart the festivities. However, that wasn’t all – Claire surprised her bridesmaids with gifts, showering them with love. While sipping mimosas, the bridesmaids hung out at the pool eagerly awaiting their first look of Claire. Meanwhile, Connor and his groomsmen were sharing cigars, drinks and laughs with one another. There was so much excitement as the rented trolley arrived to take everyone to Forbes Farm. This wasn’t just any old ride – it was a party on wheels! Also, let’s not forget the emotional moments! Claire stole hearts as she shared first looks with her dad, stepdad, and brother, showering them and her mom and mother-in-law with gifts. My wedding planning advice for getting ready is to soak up the laughter and let loose with your loved ones to create a candid wedding experience.

Advice for Wedding Planning: Special Pre-Ceremony Moments

To create a candid experience, Claire and Connor organized a pre-ceremony cocktail hour, allowing their guests to mingle before the ceremony. I was able to capture a photo of Claire and Connor watching the cocktail hour from inside the reception hall! They went to the bridal suite for a little private time. With some champagne, they practiced their first dance moves while enjoying a few sips. It was the perfect way to let loose and shake off any pre-wedding jitters. Also, there was a Frose machine from Porch St. Simons! Claire and Connor decided to treat their bridesmaids to this icy delight. The bridesmaids were the first to dive in, savoring every delicious sip. When planning your wedding, include your unique personality and style to create candid pre-ceremony moments, such as a fun cocktail hour or treats, that will allow you and your guests to make lasting memories.

Claire & Connor’s Unforgettable Post-Ceremony Celebration

From the moment their guests arrived at the reception, they were greeted by a line-up of wedding party members, who set the tone for a fun-filled evening. The result? Happy guests and cute moments captured on camera! To show their appreciation, Claire and Connor set up a “favor wall” where they wrote handwritten thank you notes to each and every guest. Also, this couple didn’t have a typical seating chart. They wanted their loved ones to walk around and chat, so they ditched the formalities and provided limited seating. For the music, the star of the night was The Tony Howard Show, who had everyone on their feet and created special moments! Their thoughtful touches, from the party line-up to the handwritten notes, and the live band, made their wedding day a non-stop party. Let their example inspire you to make your own wedding an unforgettable candid day!

Some Kind Words From Claire

“That was more than I could have ever comprehended. To say you knocked it out of the park is the understatement of the century. Thank you for capturing my day in a way I can recall for the rest of Connor and I’s life. There are no words. We’ll cherish these forever. I truly can’t wait to share these with my kids someday – I’m just utterly in awe.”

Planning your own candid wedding day? Let’s work together!

Now that we went over my top advice on planning your own candid-inspired wedding, let’s talk about your wedding some more! If you’re looking for a destination wedding photographer, I would love to capture your special day! You can learn more about me here. If you think I’d be the perfect match to capture your wedding, then inquire with me here! I can’t wait to hear from you! In the meantime, follow me on Instagram to stay connected!