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Here is a little tidbit I bet you didn't know...I LOVE doing newborn and maternity sessions. It is the natural flow of life after a wedding and I always feel so blessed to capture the changes in people's lives.
Ellen and Jason gave me a gift yesterday --inviting me to Hampton Island to document their pregnancy. The Island was deserted after a weekend of guests so we had the run of the place --and did just that --ran from the farm to the spa to the marsh and back. Ellen was a trooper in the 100 degree heat. I think she is beautiful and I can't wait to meet their new little man. |
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Okay Everyone --back in the photography saddle! I am so behind on blogging pics --now I have time to catch up:)
Happy 10 Years To Kate and John! Today in fact --so everyone drop Kate a line and wish them a Happy 10!
While in DC, I had the delightful honor (sorry about the Nationals game, John) of photographing Kate and John. The most fun about this session was that I got to create images out of nothing...kinda of a photo safari. Without relying on the beautiful backdrop of Savannah, I could focus on Kate and John. We had a great time! And I love the cool metro images. A big thank you to John, who indulged Kate and I in this last minute session.
Enjoy a fabulous bottle of wine together --oh that is right, Kate will be with me in Philly for your anniversary. Guess I am going to owe John tickets to Motley Crue for the shoot and stealing his wife on their anniversary.
Happy, Happy, Kate and John.
Here's to living well!
DVB
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07.15.08 - news
Passing the Gavel
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WARNING: LONG POST
Home. I am finally home. After the panic dissapated of not having anything to do, not prepping for the next meeting or setting my agenda, I felt the world lift from my shoulders. My dear friend, Michelle, is at the helm of Delta Phi Epsilon now and I know she is the perfect person to follow my blazing vision of change. For she is a force with focused intention who stood by me the entire 4 years --she is an amazing woman and leader.
So, once you reach what seems an astronomical goal --if you are like me --you are raw with emotion and the tears flow easy. To me, it is like (as my friend Tricia put it) I raised a child, got through the hard stuff of teaching them to eat, walk, sleep through the night, talk and of course, use the toilet for the approriate reasons and then handed them off without any say in what happens to them. It is a sad feeling. It is relief. It is how it should be. I have never believed in leaders "staying to long at the parade" as I like to say. God gave you a job to do. Do it well and step aside. There is a time for everything.
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You all have been so patient and kind to me and I feel like I owe you as much as I felt I owed the 200+ collegiate women who came to convention. They need to see their leadership but they also need to have a leaderhsip that is warm and approachable. I believe this is where I shined this weekend. When I wrote my final speech, I did so with th intent of telling them what they needed to hear to be successful. Not how fabulous my term was, or how wonderful I am. My speech was written to the 200 collegians directly --not to my friends on the board, the past or current staff, or the volunteers there. Those collegians needed the truth, honesty and courage. They needed to know it was hard, I had a vision, and I succeeded. They most certainly can, too.
I believe if nothing else comes of my time as President of DPhiE, there is one moment that is branded on my soul forever. Right after my speech, a collegian approached me with tears streaming down her face. I took her a few steps away from the crowd and she said to me "tonight, you changed my life. you gave me the courage I needed."
That is success. No? That is my proudest moment. She walked away as the crowd descended on us but if she reads this --thank you --you made my sacrifice worthwhile. Please, please drop me an email so I can keep in touch with you --my dear sister.
I want to share my final speech with you now. Before I do, one more thing --to my friends in Savannah and in the Wedding industry --THANK YOU --you are not in my remarks, but you made life liveable when there was more on my to do list --then I would ever, ever have in time. You bailed me out of scheduling conflicts, you kept my spirits high and you made me feel special when I only had time to worry about everyone else. I love all of you --and a special thanks to Kris Tindol--just because --she understands me, accepts me, and inspires me to be true to myself.
So here you go...my final words.
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I apologize for the ALL CAPS --this is directly from my notes that I read.
DVB FINAL SPEECH
BEFORE I BEGIN, I AM WARNING YOU THEIR WILL BE TEARS AND THEN SILENCE WHILE I COLLECT MYSELF –I ASK YOU TO INDULGE ME ONE LAST TIME.
I WOULD BE REMISS IF I DID NOT RECOGNIZE THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE SURROUNDED ME WITH SUPPORT AND ENCOURAGEMENT DURING THIS TIME.
IT GOES WITHOUT SAYING THAT THE WOMEN WHO HAVE SERVED WITH ME ON THE IGB ARE SPECTACULAR EXAMPLES OF SISTERHOOD AND LEADERSHIP.
TRICIA CARLIN – FOR YOUR QUIET, THOUGHTFUL AND DAILY SUPPORT
MICHELLE GILBOY – FOR YOUR INSISTENCE TO MAKE ME RISE THE OCCASION EACH AND EVERY TIME
KIM RAMIREZ – FOR YOUR WILLINGNESS TO BELIEVE IN MY VISION AND YOUR GIFT OF FINANCIAL BRILLIANCE
STACY WITENSTEIN – FOR ALWAYS PUTTING YOURSELF ASIDE FOR THE BIGGER PICTURE
KATE ANDERSION – FOR MAKING ME STOP AND THINK, AS A LEADER, A SISTER AND A WOMAN
TO THE SISTERS WHO DOVE IN WITH ME ON THE FIRST IGB
BARB VERNA – FOR YOUR QUIET INSTINCT TO KNOW WHEN I NEEDED A FOCUSED WORD OR A HUG. THERE ARE NO WORDS FOR YOUR FRIENDSHIP.
BOBBI HEILVEIL – FOR HER UNWAVERING LOYALTY, SUPPORT AND BELIEF IN ME
DONNA HERTO – FOR HER WILLINGNESS TO STAND BESIDE ME AND CHALLENGE THE STATUS QUO
TO NICOLE DEFEO – THE MOST TALENTED BUSINESS WOMAN I HAVE EVER MET
TO MY MOTHER – WHO BECAME A SISTER AND IN HER QUIET WAY MOVES AROUND EACH CONVENTION IN A SHOW OF SUPPORT AND LOVE.
TO MY FRIEND CATHERINE WHO I HAVE KNOWN SINCE 1ST GRADE –WHO BECAME A SISTER TONIGHT –WHO DROVE HERE LAST NIGHT FROM CLEVELAND, OHIO SO SHE COULD SHARE IN THIS MOMENT. SHE IS MY HISTORY.
TO MY CHILDREN, GRAYSON AND NOLAN, WHO WERE BUT 26 MONTHS AND 6 MONTHS WHEN I TOOK MY OATH AND GREW UP LEARNING THE WORDS “MOMMY – YOU HAVE A SOROROITY MEETING – HOW MANY DAYS, MOMMY? AND, NOW 6 AND 4, WHOSE FACES SHOWED THE SAME DELIGHT I SEE WHEN SANTA CLAUSE IS COMING AS WHEN I SAID THAT THIS IS MOMMY’S LAST SORORITY MEETING. THEY STILL ASKED HOW MANY DAYS?
TO YOU LOUIS – WHO BELIEVED IN ME MORE THAN I BELIEVED IN MYSELF. WHO BROUGHT ME WATER DURING CONFERENCE CALLS, (AND SOMETIMES WINE), WHO PUT HIS OWN NEEDS BEHIND MINE BECAUSE I HAD TO TRAVEL YET ANOTHER NIGHT, TAKE ANOTHER CALL. WHO HELD ME UP WHEN I CRIED FROM FRUSTRATION AND FEAR AND JUST PLAIN BEING TIRED. WHO BELIEVED IN MY VISION AND MY SKILLS WHEN I THOUGHT NO ONE ELSE DID AND WHO PROCTECTED ME AND WOULD NEVER LET ME MENTION THE WORD QUIT WHEN IT BECAME TOO MUCH, TOO HARD, TOO PERSONAL. PLUM, WE DID IT! AND TONIGHT I HOPE YOU DELIGHT IN THE GLORY OF A JOB WELL DONE.
AND NOW,
TONIGHT, MY SWEET SISTERS, I GIVE TO YOU A FINAL PIECE OF MY HEART.
FOR 4 YEARS, WHILE MANY OF YOU WERE BEGINNING YOUR LIFE AS A DPHIE, I HAVE DONE LITTLE ELSE BUT BREATH DPHIE.
DURING THESE PAST FEW DAYS OF CONVENTION, WE HAVE SHOWERED YOU WITH GOODNESS, LET YOU BASK IN ACCOMPLISHMENT AND ALLOWED YOU TO HOPE AND BELIEVE IN THE BEST FOR DPHIE.
WHAT I WANT TO SHARE WITH YOU TONIGHT IS THE TRUTH THAT I HAVE DISCOVERED DURING MY TERM –YET IT REQUIRES ONE MORE RISK FROM ME. I WANT TO TELL YOU THAT THIS TRANSFORMATION AND THIS PRESIDENCY, WELL, IT WAS HARD. BEING A GOOD LEADER, ENSURES YOU WILL NOT BE POPULAR AND YOU WILL BE CHALLENGED. IT ENSURES YOU WILL GROW. TO DO IT RIGHT, TO SERVE THE SORORITY, YOU DEMANDED MORE OF ME THAN I THOUGHT I HAD TO GIVE. I GAVE WHAT I PROMISED AND THEN I GAVE MORE. THANK YOU FOR THAT OPPORTUNITY.
AT AN IGB MEETING IN JANUARY 2007, I WENT IN KNOWING THAT IF THERE WAS EVER A TIME TO TAKE RISK, IT WAS NOW. OUR SORORITY WAS STALLING, AND IT SEEMED TO ME SO MANY WERE OKAY WITH THE STATUS QUO. I WAS NOT.
THE STATUS QUO HARDLY BREEDS SUCCESS. I MADE UP MY MIND THAT I WAS NOT LEAVING WITHOUT A YES –YES WE WOULD RELOCATE TO LIVE AMONG OUR MEMBERS, YES WE WOULD REBRAND OURSELVES, YES WE WOULD EMBRACE ONLINE TECHNOLOGY, YES WE WOULD BE THE MODEL OF SORORITY LIFE AND SORORITY BUSINESS.
SO MANY PEOPLE SAID YES. AND SO MANY PEOPLE SAID NO –THEY COULD NOT BEAR THE THOUGHT OF CHANGE. THE DID NOT BELIEVE.
EACH OF YOU WILL EMBARK ON SOMETHING IN YOUR LIFE THAT YOU KNOW IN YOUR GUT –THAT YOU BELIEVE. PERHAPS THAT SOMETHING IS A CAREER, A PHYSICAL ACCOMPLISHMENT, A FAMILY, AN AVOCATION…PERHAPS IT IS THE PRESIDENCY OF THIS SORORITY.
YOU WILL WANT TO TRY AND LITTLE BY LITTLE THE WORLD WILL TAKE IT AWAY. PEOPLE WILL TEACH YOU HOW NOT TO TAKE ANY RISK, NOT TO CHANGE, NOT TO SUCCEED. THEY WILL TELL YOU WHO YOU CANNOT BE.
BUT IT WILL NEVER BE WHO YOU ARE THAT HOLDS YOU BACK, IT WILL BE WHO YOU THINK YOU CANNOT BE.
DON’T LET ANYONE TELL YOU WHO CANNOT BE OR WHO THIS SORORITY CANNOT BE. IF YOUR GUT SAYS YES, YOU HAVE NO RIGHT TO SAY NO.
ALONG THE WAY THE “MAYBE’S” WILL CREEP –BUT WILL ONLY STAY IF YOU LET THEM. THERE WILL BE PEOPLE WHO SAY NO, LISTEN TO THEM POLITELY AND THEN DISMISS THEIR “NOS”.
BELIEVE IN YOURSELF, IT IS IN YOU. IN YOUR HEART. EVERY ROADBLOCK IS SIMPLY A DIRECTION SIGN.
WE DID THIS –REVITALIZED DPHIE.
SO, IF YOU TAKE NOTHING ELSE AWAY FROM YOUR TIME HERE – KNOW THIS.
YOU MUST EMBRACE THE RISK. LIVE WITH INTENTION.
YOU HAVE NO RIGHT TO SAY NO TO YOURSELF.
YOU ARE A DPHIE.
JUST LIKE ME.
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07.13.08 - news
Not 5 minutes
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I planned on blogging every day so you could follow my crazy conventions and the final hours of my presidency.
The time just flew by and every night I was going to bed at 2:30am.
I am exhausted and going to bed. I am traveling tomorrow but I'll be blogging the full story soon.
Here are some photos of some of my nearest and dearest.
Esse Quam Videri....
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07.10.08 - news
These are the Good Times!
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Where do I begin? I could start with the fact that you NEVER, EVER, get to sleep at these sorority meetings. We are way to busy gabbing until 1am (sometimes with the help of a little wine) and then back up at 7am for meetings, presentations, etc.
So around 2:30am, Kate and I wrapped up our power "solve all the world's problems" session and joked because, oh yea --we were presenting the next morning.
The thing is, I couldn't have slept anyway. For 4 years, our sorority has been searching for a symbol to tell the world who we are, what we stand for and where we are going. Today, I had the utter joy of revealing our new brand to our delegation of 200 women from all over the country. The room was electric with anticipation, music was blaring and the big screen was shimmering. I had the dubious honor and had a damn good time, too --revealing the new brand of Delta Phi Epsilon... |
Our new brand is courtesy of my dear friend, Jeff McCormack. He did a fabulous job bringing the logo to light and the creating a knock down presentation for the unveiling.
And just to ensure that our brand saturates the world, we unveiled our brand new website today.
WWW.DPHIE.ORG
Courtesy of the fine gentlemen at infinet design.com Thanks to Brock and Dave. |
This evening I gave my final STATE OF THE SORORITY. While I was writing it, it didn't seem like much...but standing in front of 200 women, sharing our accomplishments --well, it was incredibly moving for me.
See, what I do for Delta Phi Epsilon is volunteer-based. I do not get paid (though my expenses are always covered) and I do it because I believe in giving back. When I finished this evening, I looked up to a room of women on their feet applauding. Have you ever gotten a standing ovation? Let me tell you --it is an unbelievable high. I was so moved and felt so appreciated for all the time, toil and tears. Thank you --all my sister for making me feel like it was all worth it. I'd like to share a few highlights...
There is a statistc stating that nearly 40% of the 26 National Sororities will no longer exist by 2017. Life is busy and and there is an incredible amount of competition for people's time. Besides, people have all sorts of ways to connect now between facebook and a host of other clubs.
When I accepted the positon as President I wanted to be sure DPhiE would not be one of the 40%. In fact, my intention was for DPhiE to be the model for sorority business.
So I give you the highlights:
1. We relocated our HQ back to our membership base in Philadelphia.
2. We updated our business structures including our policy manual and constituion and bylaws.
3. We rebranded ourselves
4. We leveraged technology and media investing in a database, create a new website and streamlined all communcations through email.
5. We have renewed financial health with over $500,000 in a reserve account and have enjoyed a reduced expense structure.
6. We revitalized our partnerships with our philantrhopies, ANAD, The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and The DPhiE Educational Foundation. My greatest pride is that our sisters more than doubled the funds raised for CF in just 2 years.
7. We have increased our membership by 23%.
All good things --but geez I am tired. So in less than 48 hours, I wlll turn that presidential gavel over to my dear friend Michelle. And if any of you reading this are DPhiE's...thank you for an incredible opportunity to grow as a woman, business person and friend. It has been my pleasure.
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For 4 years, I have been the International President of Delta Phi Epsilon Sorority. Beginning today, I am in Washington DC for our International convention and the final days of my term. I don't talk about sorority much on the blog--most people aren't interested or don't understand why I would volunteer so much time. In four short years, myself along with the support of the International Governing Board have worked tirelessly to relocate headquarters back to our membership base in Philly, rebrand the organization, increase our financial health, and the list goes on.
All to be revealed over the course of the next few days. Join me on the this little adventure as I give you a glimpse of my life outside DVB Photo.
For all my brides, Kelli is holding down the studio and you can reach her at 912-898-9282.
A shot of the Presidential Gavel --yes, I get to bang it to start meetings.
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First --the fun stuff. As president, when I travel to these conventions, I get the decked out Presidental Suite.
I'll be writing speeches and entertaining donors from my palatial Marquis Suite at the Marriott here in DC.
Check it out (and check back later for some more posting)! |
| Going exploring now --more later - DVB |
Melissa and Brian. Wow! Their wedding, my last of the season, was worth waiting for. Every detail was fabulous and most handcrafted by Melissa. I was floored by their talent, their love and the special care they took of Kelli and me. They are truly, truly great people...who know how to have fun.
Since I started off with Melissa (heck, she got her own post)...let me give Brian his due. He was a heck of a guy...so easy going, fun, and caring about his friends, family and guests. What I loved most was how he kept going on about Melissa. He kept saying how phenomenal she was. |
| The wedding and reception was at the Wilmington Island Golf Club. Everyone was touched by the details and the beauty but the sweet flower girl's face says it all... |
| Like I said Meliss and Brian know how to have fun and see the lighter side of things. Melissa gave Brian a little gift of "kiss the bride" breath spray...as a little joke. Well, leave it to Brian... |
| Good thing because people were crying, laughing and then crying again. |
Why are they laughing now?
Here is why... |
| A taste of the cool details. |
| Melissa surprised Brian with a Groom's cake and table in memory of his father. Brian and his Dad loved to sail (in fact, Melissa and Brian's honeymoon was sailing around the BVI - nice!). It was a beautiful gesture...and the crying began all over again. |
| No worries, we were right back to laughing. |
Thank you for including me in your wedding. I was honored --very honored.
Best to you always,
DVB |
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07.06.08 - weddings
I am laughing so hard...
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Before I share one of the latest DVB weddings...I am laughing so hard I swear I am peeing my pants. I just sat down in front of my computer to post this. Been working hard at the new studio since 5pm today. Hanging out, jamming tunes, editing, answering emails. I am just so so cool in my new pad that I can't stand it. Go the to kitchen (yes, it has a kitchen with granite counter tops), grab a Diet Pepsi...and settle in to post. Well, I am walking back to my desk, and go to sit on my chair...BAM!!! the back left leg gives out and I do a complete backwards somersault right into my MacPro CPU unit. It was right out of a movies --I swear. And that was God telling me I am not cool at all. Did I mention I am wearing a skirt? Yep --you get the picture. There - start your Monday with a good laugh at my expense. Your welcome.
So, I've got a chair from the client room and we are off...
MELISSA AND BRIAN. Hmmm, I think today is just going to be about Melissa.
She had the most absolutely fantastic veil EVER. She had windex blue eyes, a gracious smile and
oozed beauty. She was stunning. So, sorry Brian....you'll have to wait a day.
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06.29.08 - news
SAVANNAH WEDDING PRO'S
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Did I mention is was 104 degrees the other day? Well it is HOT here. And not just hot --it is humid like a wet wool blanket. Yuck! July and August are tortuously hot to this midwest southern transplant (hence I head to Maine).
Louis makes fun of me because I like to stay in what he refers to as my "ambient zone". What can I say, I keep our house like a meat locker compared to how hot it is outside (not really, it is on 73 --but compare that to 100+ and it is sweater weather in my house:)
This heat slows down the wedding season to a snails pace --there are a few scattered in the next two months --but Kelli and I get a break and can catch up a bit. And we even take a little break and socialize!
The Morris Center held their grand opening to the wedding and event professionals in the city this past Thursday. The Morris Center is located at Trustees Gardens and will be a communal space for the city modeled after public spaces such as the Rockefeller Center. It is booking for 08 and 09 and is going to be the new hotspot for events in Savannah.
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We had a great time albeit a bit hot --you'll see the shine. Just before the event there was a massive thunderstorm so then we are wet and hot and sticky. Nothing an ice cold mojito can't cure!
A few pics of my wedding pals...
If one of these ladies doesn't create the cake at my Savannah Weddings --I don't eat it. It's either a Minette of Custom Cakes or Mollie Stone of Molliecakes! (Yes, Mollie --you need to get a website so I can link for my fabulous brides:)
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| Julie, owner of Garden on the Square and me sweating with smiles. I love Julie --she is one of the most happy and positive people I know --and does magic with a few stems! |
| Kristin of New Arts Ensembles and me. Kristin is a fabulous harpist and business partners with Ricardo (hamming it up with Kelli below). If you need live music --these are the people in Savannah who can get it done. Ricardo also manages with amazing two-week long Savannah Music Festival. Yes, it is right smack in the middle of wedding season! |
Another fun group...
Kerry and Minette of Custom Cakes, Me, and Caroline and Ashley of Events by Caroline. I am so excited to finally meet Caroline, our paths keep missing and we finally had the chance to catch up. Can't wait for lunch Caroline.!
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| Finally -- my favorite guy (aside from Ricardo) in the business, Sweet Tim at the The Mansion. He has traveled the world ensuring some of the finest facilities and kitchens run like butter --and at the Mansion, it does. The thing is --he always, always has a smile on his face! Love that! Here he is with Ricardo...looking cool (or at least staying dry). |
I am so blessed in this business. All of these people are just great and so supportive. We all truly look at each event as a team --and in the big picture. We make sure your event is fabulous and never, ever let you see us sweat --unless it is 102 outside! Just don't get married here in July or August:)
DVB |
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06.26.08 - news
Hampton Island Preserve
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There is a little slice of heaven that I have kept a secret for about a year now. It almost breaks my heart to share it (sometimes, you just can't help but be selfish) yet I want to shout from rooftops --"ya'll have to experience this place".
Hampton Island Preserve is a 4,000 acre luxury membership community in Riceboro, Georgia...and island situated between two rivers that I believe God set up to be the perfect, peaceful home.
I have been fortunate enough to be the corporate photographer for many events at the Hampton Island Preserve. Though I don't do corporate work, this was an offer I simply could not refuse. Hampton Island is special. And no words that I write here in this post can even begin to describe the natural beauty, the way it makes you settle right back into your skin --comfortable and sure that this is heaven --or the people of Hampton Island who hold it precious and are so happy to share its beauty. The Hampton Island staff is as caring and wonderful as those at the Ritz Carlton but there is quality in there smile that is knowing --knowing that you are at ease and are welcome here --to just be. To just be.
That is a gift in today's world. To just be.
Up and down the Georgia coast, there is amazing beauty in the beaches, marshes, woods and ocean. Growing up in Cleveland OH on Lake Erie, I have always lived by water but there is so much more than the shore here in our Georgian home. I alway bring friends and visitors to Tybee or Daufuskie to share a little of the peace and serenity that the slow pace of Southern Coastal life has to offer. Still, these fabulous coastal places cannot touch the peace and simple luxury of Hampton Island.
And while Hampton Island is a private membership community --I hesitate to even mention that --it is hardly the uppity, aristocratic manner that you'd imagine. No, no...it is pure comfort where the values of family and relationship far outweigh the luxurious teases and trappings of today's branded society.
I hardly want to post these few sparse images from my corporate events ...for they cannot do Hampton Island justice.
A view from Settler's Reserve cottage. |
| The Equestrian center steeple |
| The grand opening of the Equestrian Center. |
| The charming carriage that strolls along the island. |
| Inside the Equestrian Center |
| Lonnie, Bobby and Amy...just some of the fabulous staff |
| Hampton Island has their own organic farm run by Farmer D. |
I could go on about the facilities, docks, cottages, fire pits, farm, nature center, obviously the equestrian center, fishing ponds, seaplanes, boats, waterfront estates, tree house spas, etc. Truly heaven.
So what gives with the babbling -right? Why do you all care about Hampton Island and all the beauty.
LET ME TELL YOU....
HAMPTON ISLAND WEDDINGS!
There is no where else on earth to get married. No where --and trust me, I have seen a ton of places in my 10 years in business. There are a million amazing places to host a wedding on this island. Your guests would be beyond amazed. The experience would live with them forever.
Bianca Croft, Guest Services Manager, invited Minette Rushing and I out to tour the property and discuss weddings, options, Savannah Wedding Professionals and brides. At every turn we were floored with the breathtaking beauty and amazing vistas and endless possibilities for an unforgettable experience. For nearly 3 hours we talked Hampton Island weddings nonstop.
Bianca is an amazing host, of course, and we were thrilled to be her guests. We will be working with Bianca over the next 6 months to prepare Hampton Island Weddings. If you think that you might be a good fit for Hampton Island, please email me. I know we are going to be looking for the perfect first bride for Hampton Island. It might be you.
A quick goodbye shot of Bianca, Minette and me...so sad to leave.
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