For a Great Wedding it’s Location, Location, Location
View Previous Notes from the Kitchen
Once upon a time, a bride didn’t have much worry (or much choice) about where her wedding took place: weddings were held in the bride’s family’s house of worship. It was a familiar place, where the bride had whiled away the duller portions of sermons since childhood by mentally decorating the place for her Big Day. The bride would have known since the age of six exactly where she wanted the floral arrangements and that the church’s own stock candelabra just wouldn’t do.
Times change. Even faithful churchgoers feel comfortable taking their wedding ceremony outside church walls these days. So relax – the tangerine color scheme you’ve always dreamed of doesn’t have to clash with your church’s maroon carpet!
Previous generations had just three basic options for wedding sites – a church, a hotel or a civic office like a judge’s chambers or a Justice of the Peace’s office. Those options still abound, of course, but have been expanded to a much wider universe of choices – including the Great Outdoors.
In Savannah, we’ve got plenty of the great outdoors, and the city is willing to roll out the green carpet for bridal parties. An average year sees as many as 300 weddings in the City of Savannah’s historic squares, and this year, the bookings have set a pace that may come closer to 400 before 2009 draws to a close.
A mere $175 gets you the square you reserve for three hours (one to set up, one for the service, and one to dismantle), said Pearson Deloach, who has been with the city’s Leisure Services Department for the past 40 years. If you’re from out of town (and lots of brides are) expect to pay an additional $100. The only catch is when several brides want the same park on the same day. When that happens, it’s usually over Forsyth Park, the biggest and arguably the prettiest of Savannah’s historic outdoor spaces. The first week of both May and June are particularly popular, and there have been cases where folks have had to draw numbers for their chosen spot and time.
There’s plenty of options with all the squares Gen. James Oglethorpe set up for us— probably more public, tree-canopied “outdoor cathedrals” than anyplace in the country (although we will concede to New York’s Central Park on the grounds of acreage.)
Savannah’s squares are surrounded with a thriving bed and breakfast industry, where most innkeepers have carved out some corner of the wedding industry. Take Presidents Quarters, for example, a B&B contained in two connected historic mansions, along with a courtyard and a gazebo.
“We do a ton of weddings,” said Jane Sales, innkeeper there. “ What we do are elopement packages and we do as many as two or three a week. We do a lot of second marriages, a lot of military from Hunter (Army Airfield in Savannah) and Fort Stewart (in nearby Hinesville). They work well for young people who don’t want to spend a lot of money.”
The point here is not to tout the wedding virtues of Savannah’s squares – that’s just not practical unless you live here (in which case you know this stuff already) or if you are planning a “destination” wedding (in which case we welcome you and your wedding budget with open arms). The point is to look at the public open spaces available around you. If where you live collects property taxes, it probably offers something in the way of a town square, a riverfront park, a public garden or landscaping around a bandstand. Maybe there isn’t a tradition of renting these out for weddings in your area – but one advantage of a down economy is that everyone, governments included, is probably willing to think positively about a little additional revenue.
A whopping percentage of Americans live within striking distance of a beach, even if it is a manufactured beach on a lakeshore. Why squander the opportunity for a waterfront wedding? It makes for great wedding pictures – which, aside from the marriage itself and the bills, are about the most tangible long-term result of a wedding.
As an innkeeper at a bed and breakfast on Tybee Island just outside Savannah, Ann Last quickly learned what people want from an outdoor wedding. Her Romantic Weddings of Savannah firm sells wedding packages that capitalize on the interest in being outdoors and the desire for good wedding pictures. Her latest unexpected venue? The Tybee Light, the massive historic lighthouse that dominates the north end of the island. If your wedding party is small enough, say a dozen or less, you can even get married at the top of the lighthouse, provided everyone’s got the breath to master the 178 spiraling steps. It makes for a perfect spot to toss the bridal bouquet.
Last is always on the lookout for additional special touches that are grounded in the wedding settings she uses. One day, out on the beach, she noticed a local man making elaborate sandcastles. “I found him out there, and he was just doing it for fun,” she remembers, “so I hired him to do it for us for a fee. He makes big ones and little ones, and they last really well and they get in a lot of the pictures.”
In Savannah, when Paula Deen married Michael Groover in 2004, the bride opted for the beautiful and intimate chapel at Bethesda Home for Boys. Brides in most cities in the country could find a similar site by thinking of the private schools and similar facilities in their area. Most have an ecumenical chapel, just as Bethesda does. And if at least one half of the happy couple works or practices at a hospital, most come with beautiful (if small) chapels. These chapels without specific denominational ties are well suited to couples of different faiths, or for those who want a religious atmosphere for their wedding but don’t have a particular church home.
Thinking creatively about where to hold your wedding opens up a whole new world of choices in wedding planning. You can escape those worrisome covenants that link the place you want with a caterer you don’t. More importantly, you can seek out and share with your guests some of the special aspects of the city or town you call home.
I would love a section on your website that focuses on wedding reception food. I love to cook/bake and I will be preparing all the food for my daughter’s October wedding. I am searching all websites for suggestions on heavy hors/appetizers for her church reception. Of course I am known as the “Paula Deen” of my church and so they all expect lots of your recipes at the reception! Decorating ideas (on a budget) would also be welcomed.
Loving everything you cook,
Caroline
By Caroline Saleeby on June 18 2009
Paula, Savannah has many beautiful places for weddings, but if someone is looking for a beautiful place in southwest Georgia check out Quails Landing of Little River Plantation. This place is located about 35 minutes from your hometown of Albany Georgia.
By Wanda Bell on June 18 2009
Hello, Would love to help out anyone with beautiful photography. We love to help you create beautiful memories. We travel just about anywhere. Check out our web site. parkerportraits.com
If we can be of any help let us know. 812-372-4292
By Pam voelz on June 18 2009
Along with Caroline I would love to hear from you in regards to recipes for wedding receptions. Especially the make ahead type that you can freeze so that the special day is not so hectic and you have time to decorate, etc.
I may be hosting a wedding in October as well.
By Lori Caldwell on June 18 2009
Hi Paula, My 5 year Wedding Anniversary is tomorrow, and I just wanted to thank you for this wonderful newletter! I look forward to reading and seeing all the wonderful recipes. I think this one might be my favorite so far, perhaps because Im so sentimental about tomorrow or that it touched my heart so deeply. I lost my Grandfather 2 days after I got engaged, 1 year before we married and I will always hold a special place in my heart for him on our special day! Thank you for all you do.
By vintagesweetie on June 18 2009
Hey Paula I was married April 25,2009 in my condo in front of the fireplace.No vows just what was in his heart and mine.At age 54 no need to have to spend hours looking for a dress or jumping up and down to get panty hose on.The announcment party was beautiful and eligant.I am the Paula Deen of my family and friends.I use alot of your recipes some I take away, some leave as is,some I add to.Have a Great Hot Summer.From your kitchen to mine.
Sandi Camiolo Sykes
By Sandi Camiolo Sykes on June 18 2009
Hi Paula; Our 38th Wedding Anniversary is tomorrow, June l9th. My father was deceased also when we married and my Brother walk me down the isle also. I enjoy your food programs on Tv and newsletters about you and your life. Some day I hope to make it to Georgia and eat at your Restaurant. You look so happy in your Wedding Day photo you have posted! You were a Beautiful Bride and Michael a handsome Groom!
Donna Baker
By Donna Baker on June 19 2009
Hi Paula,I’m 41, woke up one morning & said get up & do something with myself I began a Stencil Co. 2 yrs ago so others could bring out their creative side.I have a Customer(The Back Porch Shoppe)that paints signs & will be in Brides magazine with her Chic Signs,so as you can tell your inspiration has now gone world wide with me.I will soon have the largest web site selection of Primitive Stencils in the world.Some of which could be to paint & use for Weddings.
Many Thanks
Karen Bailey
By Karen Bailey on June 19 2009
Hi paula, first of all let me say that i love your show, your so much fun and your full of energy you inspire all of us on a daily basis, even when were so tired and dont want to cook. just seeing you with that big georgian laugh cheers us up. thanks for all the wedding tips
and all the love for your beautiful family from beautiful BELIZE central america. come visit our country some day.
By andrea blease on June 19 2009
Hey Paula, love the newsletter, your shows and your magazine. I am currently in the planning stages of our youngest sons wedding. He and our future daughter-in-law would love to have an intimate outdoor affair with a reception of all their home cooked favorites (many of which are your receipes). You are such an inspiration. Love from my home to yours. Roxanne
By Roxanne Waterfield on June 19 2009
Hi Paula! June 1, 2008 I married my best friend. I was 57 & he was 61. He & I have been friends since high school, 40 yrs ago. Alzo was a groomsman in my 1st wedding..but each of us married others. We hope to take a belated honeymoon this fall & plan to eat at your restaurant.
Your greatest fan!
Jeanne Elliott
By Jeanne Elliott on June 19 2009
Hey Caroline! We posted some wedding reception appetizer ideas on the food section of pauladeen.com I hope this helps.
By Libbie Summers on June 19 2009
My husband and I were married in Savannah, GA last year. We were married in Whitefield Square, which is perfect for intimate weddings. We had a very small wedding and we loved it! We are celebrating our one year anniversary tomorrow.
By Megan Martindill on June 20 2009
Paula
We would be honored to somehow fit on your list of recommended wedding and event photographers. How may we go about doing that?
Thanks!
By Bruce and Vida Larson on June 20 2009
PS We would travel to Savannah at no additional cost o the wedding party. We love the area! Our preference is the smaller, more intimate weddings.
www.bvphoto.net
By Bruce and Vida Larson on June 20 2009
Paula, thank you so much for all of the inspiration you share in your newsletter, magazine and show.
I know how you love Gail Pittman and I’ve seen many of her pottery pieces in your kitchen. I’d just like to let people know they can get her hand-painted pottery through Southern Living at Home. They can get info and browse our online catalog on my website at www.southernlivingathome.com/dianasdesigns.
Looking forward to seeing you on the cruise!
By Diana Roberts on June 21 2009
Location makes all the difference. When it’s one that matches with the couple it makes it that more unique and personalized:) Love the photo! Just got married myself this past year and it’s honestly been wonderful. Love the show!
By Wedding DJ on June 22 2009
Dear Paula,
I love your cooking show and magazine! I need to renew a subscription for my sis also.
My husband and I just celebrated our 43 wedding anniversary and just returned from a trip to our honeymoon place in Eureka Springs, Ark. Where we stayed on our honeymoon is no longer there, butour memories are just as fresh as the first visit.
By Mavis Wilks on June 23 2009
Mavis, what lovely thoughts. All of us here at Paula Deen Enterprises congratulate you on your anniversary!
By Libbie Summers on June 24 2009
I had your wedding pound cake for my wedding cake!! It was wonderful even a year later!
By Robyn Baily on June 29 2009
Speaking of pound cake and weddings, here’s an idea for wedding favors or gifts. We made little sour cream/cream cheese pound cakes in a jar for the favors for my son’s wedding last year and everyone loved them. We used half-pint jars and baked the cakes right in them, then put the lid on and added a fabric circle and ribbon on top. One recipe makes 12. It was nice to give something that we made personally and they were economical, too.
www.southernlivingathome.com/dianasdesigns
By SouthernDesigns on July 13 2009
Dear Paula,
I’ve been “checking you out” lately as I’m helping to prepare for my daughter Kylie’s bridal shower on Aug. 8th. She requested a “Paula Deen” shower. The menu will feature some of our favorite recipes of yours; prizes will be “Paula’s Picks”; and one of my crazy sisters is dressing up like you. She will make a grand entrance carrying your cake stand/reverse deviled egg tray with treats for the guests. Take care and God Bless!
Marchell Phillips
Trail City, South Dakota
By Marchell Phillips on July 23 2009
Hello, Will you please please tell Us where We can buy the fresh Wild Shrimp that Paula cooks with ?? We will look forward to your Welcome email reply. Thank you very much. Leona Boddington Leona_Boddington@msn.com
By Leona Boddington on August 03 2009
Where can I get photos or buy magazines which have Paula Deen’s newest home remodel….which showcases her living room, kitchen, etc?
I’ve seen a little of it on tv and just love the decorating….just trying to find pictures of it!!
I would really appreciate any of your help in this!
By Mrs. Parette on August 07 2009
I with you agree. In it something is. Now all became clear, I thank for the help and I hope to see more such articles.
By Margrett on November 11 2009
Early on I purchased your children’s cookbook because of the detail and the emphasis on safety in the kitchen. The boys used it, but had not seen your show. In the fall of last year the 10 year old saw a show where you had a gingerbread house and a snowball cake and insisted he have a snowball cake for his birthday in December. They are now getting your cookbooks for their mom for holidays. They are 8 and 11 now.
I have two of them from several years ago.
By Sue Tong on March 26 2010
interesting read. thanks 
want to improve your muscle tone? check out <a href=“http://www.deerantlerboost.com/”>Deer Antler Velvet</a>
By deerantlervelvet on November 13 2011
