A Sophisticated Southern Wedding at the Ford Plantation in Savannah, Georgia

Emily Turner and Daniel Bowen pulled off a chic, sophisticated fete with a hint of Southern charm for their spring wedding in Savannah, Georgia. With the help of wedding planner and event designer Emily Burton, the pair balanced the refined feel of the Ford Plantation with the natural beauty of the sprawling estate. Wicker light fixtures draped in fresh greenery, plush fabrics, vintage glassware and dusty-rose taper candles dotted the reception tent, making guests feel as though they had stepped into a swanky salon. “We even had a Ford Model-A on display as a nod to the man who once owned the property,” Emily says. Emily and Daniel took advantage of the perfectly manicured grounds, hosting the ceremony outdoors. They created an alfresco chapel using white church pews and an opulent arrangement of full white and blue blooms displayed on an antique desk. In lieu of traditional readings, the couple had a close friend read “Ethics of Journalism” (Emily is a TV reporter) and explain how they are easily applied to marriage. After the “I dos,” guests donned top hats, mustaches, parasols and other fun props for a festive second line parade. They sipped on Daniel’s own special Moscow mules from classic copper mugs by the pool during cocktail hour, then joined the newlyweds in the elegant reception tent for dinner and dancing. As a decadent after-dinner treat, Emily and Daniel brought in Leopold’s Ice cream—a Savannah staple—and offered up their favorite flavors to pair with blackberry cobbler.