he afternoon sun filtered through moss-filled oaks, the wispy-grey tufts waving getly in the soft, but crisp, November breeze. Antebellum and Victorian homes lined the square as if to stand witness for the generations who enjoyed Whitfield Square in times long gone.
Kristen Shaffer and Mark Cahill had what they wanted, a wedding location that expressed Southern charm, history and hospitality. It was the ideal combination for a fun-filled weekend. The day was one that their families, friends and guests will remember – the perfect wedding, and the perfect city in which to shop, explore and enjoy.
It was by chance that Kristen chose Savannah, Georgia. She and Mark had never visited Savannah, nor had Kristen’s parents, Jim and Nina Shaffer. So, Nina went online to research the city. After searching the web, she found and talked with local wedding planner, Becky Byous of An Affair To Remember. As Kristen now tells it, her mom got “good vibes” in talking with Becky about Savannah and what the City has to offer. They had an instant rapport. The planning began in September, 2008 for an all-too-near November 22 wedding ceremony.
With the gazebo at Whitfield Square for their ceremony site they chose Vic’s on the River for their reception. But, that was only the beginning of their plans for a fun-filled weekend the Shaffer’s planned for forty of their close friends and family members.
Arriving the Wednesday prior to the wedding Kristen’s family was followed by Mark’s on Thursday. They made themselves at home in several Tybee Island rental properties, Mariner’s View, Island Dream and Innisfree.
Thursday was a day for Kristen & Nina to meet with the wedding planner, the officiant, minister, Doug McGarity as well as to do a site survey around the city.
Every place they would be using for the weekend was visited beginning with Whitfield Square, then Vic’s on the River, the Gryphon Tea Room, the Savannah Harbor Westin, the Lady & Sons and others. It was important to get a first hand look at the places they had booked for the weekend long celebration.
That evening found the early guests relaxing and enjoying the unique atmosphere and seafood at the Crab Shack on Tybee Island beside the salt water, marsh and world-famous ‘gator exhibit. Friday was a day of fun, relaxation and reunion while the rest of the family members and friends were arriving in town for the weekend.
At Madison Square’s Gryphon Tea Room balloons from John Davis Florist marked the marble-topped tables in the bride’s colors; red, black and ivory. The ladies were treated to high tea with tea sandwiches, desserts and other treats served on silver trays.
While the ladies delicately sipped tea from china cups, the men of the wedding party opted for something more adventurous. Mark and his groomsmen set out on a deep sea fishing outing with Reel em In fishing charters of Tybee, Island. The late fall weather was windy and seas were somewhat rough, but in spite of some touches of sea-sickness the catch was good and everyone involved reported they had “had a blast”.
The catch included sea bass, three toadfish and an encounter for Mark with a 350 pound sea turtle which was, of course, released back into the ocean. That afternoon they came ashore with a day’s worth of fish, fish stories and memories that were exchanged at the evening’s brief rehearsal at Whitfield Square.
From there it was on to The Lady & Sons with the entire group for dinner. “It was wonderful.” Kristen said about Paula’s tasty Southern meal. “The exposed bricks and ceiling fans in the banquet room made it so cozy and comfortable. We were so happy” she said of the world famous restaurant.
The evening gave way to a girls’ night out on River Street. The boys’ night out was in parts unknown! Late that evening everyone peacefully settled in at the DoubleTree Inn where all rooms bordered a common hallway. Nina had moved balloons from the ladies luncheon and tied each to a doorknob making the hallway part of the wedding celebration that was to come.
Intimate teas, fishing on the seas, family, food and friends.
