Braving the cold the happy crowd posed for all the requisite group and family shots before hurrying to the warm, waiting white trolley from Old Savannah Tours. Kristen and Mark then set off with photographer, Byous, for a “walkabout” around the square. The photos would show the happy, enjoyable portrait session.
Upon returning to the square, a staff member of At Home Pet Sitters had arrived with “Cup”, Mark’s handsome, energetic and affectionate yellow lab. Cup’s arrival was a pre-planned photo session with his “Dad” and new “Mom”. He matched the event attire by wearing his matching MaineBowties.com bowtie. Cup tugged at his leash seeming to ask, “What? I can’t come along?”
The children, Elizabeth and Luke, were given their promised ride along with the bride and groom to meet the group at Forsyth Park for a photo session. Following that the bride and groom joined all guests in the warm trolley and headed for fun, food and fellowship at Vic’s on the River.
Karen Barnes at Vic’s greeted the entourage as they made their way downstairs to Dieter’s Den, their cozy river side room for small groups.
Guests entered the candlelit room where tables covered with black linens were highlighted with bright red rose arrangements provided by the restaurant. In one corner a black-draped, red rose petal covered table held the wedding cake created by Baker’s Pride in Savannah. The red-velvet-with cream-cheese masterpiece was topped with red freedom roses making everything perfectly match the bride’s rich color scheme.
While guests mingled and chatted wine was served and children were drawn to the floor-to-ceiling windows watching in awe as giant cargo ships entered and exited the Port of Savannah, reported to be fourth largest port in the US.
Following a toast by the bride’s father and traditional first dances the group gathered to enjoy a leisurely meal of southern cooking such as Shrimp & Grits that seemed to be the hit of the evening.
Kristen and Mark were able to enjoy the evening with their guests and Nina was able to relax and enjoy the evening knowing that all her hard work had paid off. With the wedding celebration behind them and a departure from Savannah looming, guests who didn’t have an early flight gathered one last time the following morning for a Sunday brunch at the Savannah Harbor Westin Hotel.
Tired but happy, guests greeted the new Mr. and Mrs. Mark Cahill on River Street to enjoyed the ferry ride across the river.
The Westin buffet included stuffed French toast, fresh fruit, omelets, and more mimosas.
Following the meal all said their goodbyes, grabbed their bags and headed home. Those homes are across America; Texas, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, Missouri, Mississippi, Virginia, North Carolina, Florida and Georgia.
All now have great stories to share about the days they spent in Savannah. Kristen and Mark lingered for a few more days enjoying each other’s company, taking the time to revisit Whitfield Square and take photos in the gazebo. They lunched at Belford’s in City Market where Kristen fell in love with “the best fried green tomatoes ever” and later went shopping for Christmas ornaments with scenes of Savannah on them as keepsakes for their parents and grandparents.
Before going home, their itinerary included a tour of the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, a ride on a trolley, and a walk to take in the historic homes. Kristen and Mark now have memories of Savannah, of fun, of food, of fellowship and adventure.
Most important are their memories of their intimate ceremony, the cold autumn air, their red-velvet cake and oodles and gobs of real Southern hospitality.
-WTM-
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