Whew!! I have been M.I.A. on the blog for the last couple of weeks, and it has been both refreshing and challenging. Refreshing because I really needed the break to enjoy Christmas with my family, but challenging because there was no shortage of things to share or photos to upload from my holiday week!
So I am making it up to you all (and to myself). Here is a summary of what my Christmas was like!
A New Addition to the Family
On December 9, 2019, at 9:35 AM MT, little Eleanor “Ellie” Louise Beamish entered the world. My older sister gave birth to her firstborn in a matter of only 6 hours!! (Same length as my mom’s longest labor, so fingers crossed this pattern means it’s genetic for us Schneider girls to have short labors!!!)
On Dec. 21, my younger brother Erik and I flew out to Arizona to spend Christmas week with my sister, brother-in-law, and parents, to meet our new baby niece. And from the moment I first laid eyes on that little girl, I was in love!
Ellie was an absolute angel the entire week!! She hardly fussed except for when she was hungry. And her mom and dad did such an amazing job adjusting to their new parental roles. Ellie is one lucky little girl to have both of them.
White [Sand] Christmas
Spending Christmas in the Arizona desert was definitely a different experience for us. Wintery Christmases have always been the norm for our family growing up in northern New Jersey. So to not even need a light jacket to Christmas Eve service was very new.
We enjoyed a sunny walk in a desert park in Tempe the day we arrived. And on the 23rd, my sister, brother, brother-in-law, and I hiked to the top of Camelback mountain.
I really enjoyed bringing my camera with on this trip. Shots of cacti, cool mountains, and rock formations were my new obsession for the week. I tried to experiment with the different landscape and perspectives, angles and subject matters that you just don’t see on the East coast.
Ellie’s First Bath = Success
Ellie had her very first bath on Christmas Eve. And if you can’t tell from the photos, trust me when I say she LOVED it!! She was so content int he warm water, and kept making this adorable cross-eyed stare when her mama shampooed her head with a washcloth. When it comes to bubble baths… same, Ellie… same.
A Very Merry Christmas
All in all, it was still a really great Christmas. It had been the first time in quite a few years that we got to spend Christmas with my sister again. Ellie got lots of adorable clothes and toys, and even Ryan got a present for me to take home to him – an advent calendar of cat toys (thanks to my big sis on that one for thinking of my fur baby!)
Here are a few snapshots of our week together. I hope you all had a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!! Share some of your favorite memories from these past weeks in the comments below!
Planning your wedding in Savannah, Georgia, provides you with so many options in a city full of Southern charm, historic elegance, and breathtaking low-country beauty. Whether you’re dreaming of a romantic garden ceremony, a grand ballroom reception, or something in between, Savannah seems to have wedding venues for every taste. As a Georgia wedding photographer, I’ve done the research so you don’t have to.
Why You Should Consider Savannah Wedding Venues
Savannah is a city unlike any other. With its oak-lined streets, historic homes, and timeless coastal views, it’s no surprise that couples flock here to tie the knot. Savannah wedding venues offer something for everyone—from intimate settings surrounded by nature to grand estates steeped in history. Plus, its mild climate makes it a perfect choice for weddings year-round.
Top Savannah Wedding Venues to Consider
Hotel Bardo (formerly, The Mansion on Forsyth Park)
For couples seeking a venue that provides a fun vintage aesthetic amidst classic Savannah landmarks, Hotel Bardo is one of Savannah’s crown jewels. This venue combines historic charm with mid-century modern sophistication, offering everything from intimate indoor spaces to a picturesque garden courtyard.
For those who want to embrace Savannah’s natural beauty, Wormsloe Historic Site provides one of the most iconic backdrops in the city. The long driveway lined with towering live oaks draped in Spanish moss is a bride’s dream. It’s a serene, ethereal setting perfect for a romantic outdoor ceremony.
If waterfront views are your vibe, The Westin Savannah Harbor offers a stunning riverside backdrop. With expansive lawns overlooking the Savannah River, this venue blends elegance and nature seamlessly. Plus, the convenience of on-site accommodations makes it ideal for your out-of-town guests.
Couples who envision a sophisticated coastal wedding will fall in love with The Savannah Yacht Club. This venue offers sweeping views of the water, nautical charm, and an air of exclusivity. It’s perfect for smaller, more intimate weddings or grand celebrations with a coastal flair.
For history buffs and lovers of unique spaces, the Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum is a standout option. This venue features a lush garden courtyard and historic exhibits that add personality and charm to your wedding. The combination of indoor and outdoor spaces offers flexibility for your big day.
Bethesda Academy boasts one of Savannah’s most stunning natural landscapes, featuring majestic oak trees draped in Spanish moss and rolling green fields. Its historic chapel and beautiful outdoor spaces create a dreamy, intimate setting perfect for a romantic Low-Country-inspired wedding.
Tucked away in a private estate surrounded by nature, The Mackey House is a venue straight out of a fairytale. With a grand Southern-style mansion, lush gardens, and a peaceful lake, it’s the perfect place for an outdoor wedding full of whimsy and charm.
Located just outside Savannah in Richmond Hill, this venue exudes refined Southern elegance. The sprawling estate features scenic views of the Ogeechee River, romantic oak groves, and luxurious accommodations, making it a perfect choice for an intimate yet grand wedding experience.
The Harper Fowlkes House is a historic and elegant mansion nestled in the heart of Savannah’s historic district. With its Greek Revival architecture, sweeping staircase, and lush gardens, this venue exudes timeless sophistication and charm. The courtyard garden is ideal for an intimate outdoor ceremony or cocktail hour, while the mansion’s interior offers a beautifully preserved space for receptions with intricate details like antique furnishings and grand windows.
The Kehoe House is a stunning, historic mansion located in the heart of Savannah’s Historic District. Built in 1892, this stately home is an exquisite example of Renaissance Revival architecture. Known for its ornate ironwork, grand interiors, and warm Southern hospitality, the Kehoe House is ideal for couples seeking a venue with timeless elegance and charm.
Tips for Choosing Between These Savannah Wedding Venues
Consider Your Guest List Size Savannah wedding venues come in all shapes and sizes. From intimate gardens to sprawling estates, ensure the venue you choose comfortably accommodates your guest list.
Think About Your Wedding Style Your venue should reflect your wedding vision. Are you dreaming of timeless elegance, coastal charm, or a whimsical outdoor affair? Savannah has venues that can bring any aesthetic to life, but the wrong venue can make your details and decor appear out of place. Make the most of that investment (and wedding photos) by choosing a venue that harmonizes with your style!
Factor in Logistics From transportation to accommodations, Savannah is known for its hospitality, but it’s wise to consider the proximity of your venue to hotels and local attractions for your guests’ convenience. Consider traffic, city events on or around your wedding day that may cause disruption, and other logistics your guests may face. A wedding planner will help you navigate all the unexpected challenges with ease!
Book Early Savannah is a popular wedding destination, especially in spring and fall. To secure your dream venue, book your Savannah wedding venue as early as possible! Then secure primary vendors on your list such as photographer, videographer, planner (if you don’t yet have one) and more.
Making the Most of Savannah Wedding Venues
Choosing one of Savannah’s stunning wedding venues is just the beginning. Personalize your celebration with touches that reflect your interests and love story. Whether it’s incorporating local cuisine like shrimp and grits, offering your guests trolley rides through the historic district, or having your photos taken under the iconic Spanish moss, Savannah is full of ways to make your wedding day an unforgettable experience for all.
Planning a wedding is no small task, but having a photographer who knows and loves the charm of Savannah can make all the difference.
I specialize in creating artful images out of your favorite memories. Booking me ensures you’ll have a wedding gallery that represents the essence of your love and legacy in every image. Learn more about my services and approach here.
If you’re considering a wedding in Savannah, I’d love to capture every moment for you. Let’s connect and discuss how I can create timeless art from your most cherished memories.
