AATR Wedding MagazineVenues

What Would Paula Do?

Paula Deen's choice of location and entertainment.

aula Deen once said that meeting Oprah was like "meeting the Queen." But, in Savannah, Paula holds that title. The undisputed, foremost ambassador for Savannah as well as for the South, she presents the smile, humor and essence of Southern hospitality.

Brides from around the country are flocking to Savannah to experience a Southern wedding. More and more are taking Paula's lead on where to have their ceremonies including actress Mandy Moore. Whitfield Chapel at Bethesda School for Boys was built in 1925 to serve the school students.

Aside from the lure of Paula Deen and other celebrities, Whitfield Chapel has its own charm. Bethesda is historic to say the least, that and the moss-draped oaks that cover the campus. Founded in 1740 it is the oldest orphanage in the US. Started by Rev. George Whitfield it was constituted by a grant from King George II of England. Benjamin Franklin was an early supporter of the school which was visited my many notables over the centuries. The school touts alumni that include bank presidents and Coca-Cola executives.

Located on Moon River (Johnny Mercer was a supporter) it is said that Whitfield believed in, “Love of God, Love of Learning and a Strong Work Ethic.” The school still holds those values and has a dairy farm where the boys learn and work. The campus started as a 500 acre track that was provided by the first school president, James Habersham. Habersham was an early settler in Savannah who lived in what is now known as The Olde Pink House Restaurant.

The history and story of Bethesda are exceptional. But the draw from around the world is the little chapel just down from the front gate. The small brick building is sought out by brides who love history, Paula Deen and quaint Southern charm.

Paula Deen wasn’t the first to marry there, but she helped spread the fame. Her celebrity has helped others who participated in her wedding. Savannah entertainer, Kim Polote sang for Paula Deen's wedding at Bethesda when she married Michael Groover. She also sang for her brother, Earl "Uncle Bubba"Hiers and his bride Dawn. "When folks find out that I sang for Paula and Bubba's wedding, they book me," Polote says.

The same holds true for Pianist, David Duckworth who also performed for both weddings. "I only played as back-up for Kim," Duckworth says with modesty, claiming that Polote was the headliner for the events. Along with is elegant and petite, bass wielding wife, Alicia, his band performed for Uncle Bubba's wedding reception.

"David is the supreme keyboard talent in Savannah," says wedding planner, Becky Byous of Savannah based, An Affair to Remember. "His musical knowledge and gentle manner make him a joy to work with.” When prospective brides interview David and find he was a part of “Paula’s” big day, their eyes light up. “When they learn that both Kim and David played for Paula wedding ceremony they are on the bride’s wedding schedule. The fact that they are fantastic musicians and performers," Byous adds, "has proven itself from the rave reviews of brides and their guests.”

- WSM-

Bride and groom, Melisa and Ray Neuburg, above, followed Paula Deen's lead in using the chapel at the Bethesda Home for Boys, above left, as their ceremony venue. David Duckworth provided music for the simple, but elegant ceremony. A memorial stained-glass window, below, adorns the alter area of the 1906 era chapel. The Boy's home was established by Rev. George Whitfield in 1740 and is the oldest existing children's home in the USA.

Photos by J Byous Photography

Paula Deen Onstage

at J Byous Photography