A Formal Rustic Wedding in Georgia

Kenlea and Ben

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When Kenlea first moved to Savannah, Georgia, she needed a place to run her beloved dogs. So her friend introduced her to Ben, an avid hunter who not only had a farm for Kenlea's pointers, but also had two of his own. The two immediately clicked over their shared interest and began dating shortly after. Three years later they tied the knot in front of 425 loved ones, before throwing a woodsy black-tie affair filled with rich mahogany decor, hunting paraphernalia, and a view of the Savannah River.

01 of 29

The Save-the-Date

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The couple's postcard save-the-dates featured their engagement photo, printed on heavy stock.

02 of 29

Keepsake Props

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These embroidered hoops, which the couple used in their save-the-date photo, were made with burlap printed with their wedding date.

03 of 29

The Invitations

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The Belle and Union invites were letterpressed in gold, placed in a brown trifold pocket, and finished with a quail feather. They were sealed with the couple's new monogram in wax.

04 of 29

Pre-Wedding Hunt

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Ben and his groomsmen spent a few relaxing hours quail hunting on his farm before the ceremony began.

05 of 29

The Fashions

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The bride wore a Melissa Sweet gown from Bleu Bell Bridal, and Ben sported a John B. Rourke tux.

06 of 29

The Bride's Bouquet

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Kenlea's fragrant clutch consisted of green-and-white anemones, viburnum, hyacinth, pine, lavender, and mint. It was accented with white feathers at the base.

07 of 29

The Shoes

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To give Kenlea's Oscar de la Renta heels a personal touch, her planner, Elizabeth Demos, attached shoe clips made with vintage details and feathers from Ben's hunting trips.

08 of 29

Boutonnieres and Memories

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The groom and groomsmen pinned velvet millinery leaves and a variety of feathers to their lapels. Kenlea honored her late parents by wrapping a locket with their photos around her bouquet.

09 of 29

Family Heirloom

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Ben carried his grandfather's pocket watch, which his father also carried on his own wedding day.

10 of 29

Portraits with the Pup

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Mr. Bentley, Kenlea's German shorthaired pointer, was one of the reasons she and Ben met, so it was only fitting he be on hand for bridal portraits on Ben's farm.

11 of 29

The Ceremony Programs

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Programs were printed on heavy card stock, wrapped with a decorative strip of paper, and topped with the same seals that adorned the invites.

12 of 29

The Ceremony

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The couple was married in St. John's Episcopal Church in Savannah, where Ben's parents also tied the knot. Kenlea's grandfather walked her down the aisle to her two brothers, who then gave her away.

13 of 29

The Venue

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The reception took place at the Charles H. Morris Center--a historic building overlooking the Savannah River. The space got a complete makeover on the big day, complete with magnolia trees, an 8-piece band, and a lounge tent.

14 of 29

The Wedding Party

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Kenlea's bridesmaids wore long chiffon gowns and the groomsmen sported John B. Rourke suits.

15 of 29

Fetch Your Seats

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The mahogany seating chart played up the couple's shared love of dogs.

16 of 29

Custom Bar

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One of the reception's focal points was a 35-foot-long custom mahogany bar, perfect for drinks and kissing.

17 of 29

The Cocktails

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Cocktails were personalized with monogrammed linen napkins and feathered stirrers.

18 of 29

The Lounge Tent

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Custom-made pillows and wool throws warmed up the leather couches in the lounge tent, creating a cozy and inviting environment.

19 of 29

Lounge Accents

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Rustic tablescapes were created from tree cuttings, deer racks, and white flowers in antique vessels, embellished with burlap and twine.

20 of 29

Hunted with Love

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Menu highlights included butternut squash soup, shrimp and stone ground grits, and lump crab cake with chutney salsa, plus game hunted by the couple themselves.

21 of 29

The Cake

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The wedding cake, a four-tiered confection with faux bois-printed fondant and a gold monogram, was filled with orange honey buttercream to recall the orange groves in Kenlea's hometown of Ocala, Florida.

22 of 29

A Rustic Display

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An old farm cart held the two cakes that were served for dessert. In addition to the main confection, the couple also served a groom's cake, which was designed to look like a dumpster after Ben's career in waste management.

23 of 29

The First Dance

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Kenlea and Ben shared their first married dance to Van Morrison's "Crazy Love."

24 of 29

Sweet Signage

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Next to the guest book was a sign with a quote from Kenlea's late mother. "She always described love to me as 'when someone else's needs and wants become more important than your own,'" she said. "I have always cherished those words so we had them printed on wood and displayed for everyone to enjoy."

25 of 29

The Favors

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An antique wooden cabinet displayed the couple's favors--a variety of wines in screen-printed burlap bags. An old pointer sign instructed guests to choose their favorite bottle to tote home with them.

26 of 29

Keeping Cozy

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Guests kept warm in wool blankets and snacked at the two s'mores stations on hand.

27 of 29

Fireworks Show

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At the end of the evening, the planner's assistants walked through the crowd with signs and rang bells to signal the start of a fireworks show on the river.

28 of 29

The Grand Finale

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A torrential downpour ensued at the very end of night, leaving just enough time for guests to fully enjoy the fireworks.

29 of 29

Sources

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Photography: Jade + Matthew Take Pictures

Ceremony Location: St. John's Episcopal Church

Reception: The Charles H. Morris Center

Creative Direction, Design, and Planning: Elizabeth Demos Events

Catering: Susan Mason Catering

Florist: Garden on the Square

Stationery Design: Belle and Union

Stationery Printing: Sideshow Press

Calligrapher: Alison R. Banks Designs

Screen-Printing: Lovelane Designs

Cake: Ashley Perkins of Tier Luxury Cakes

Band: The Mighty Kicks

Event Rentals: Beachview Event Rentals

Hair and Makeup: 40 Volume Salon

Fireworks: Falcon Fireworks

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