A Floral-Inspired Morning Wedding at the Savannah Botanical Gardens in Savannah, Georgia

College sweethearts Nathalee (Nat) Deya and Bray Miller memorialized their love with a sweet, al fresco wedding at Savannah Botanical Gardens on a sunny Georgia morning in February. Inspired by the magic of the Walt Disney World® Resort, the couple modeled their big day off of a very special seasonal event at the theme park. “The idea was to emulate a soft theme of Epcot's Flower & Garden Festival. Nat really loves the [event]; it's her favorite theme of the Disney Parks because it reminds her of her grandmother.”

Staying true to their chosen aesthetic, the bride and groom ensured their colorful blooms would be the star of the show. Inviting pastel hues and floral patterns accented their venue perfectly, letting the natural beauty of the Gardens shine. To support their vision, the couple brought in coordinating florals that matched the bridal party’s bouquets and boutonnieres, as well as their dog Lady’s lush collar. Plus, they printed paper elements on seed paper to be planted after the wedding, as well as “rented and thrifted pieces of décor from local event businesses, and DIYed [their] place cards,” proving it’s truly the details that pull a wedding together. “We really wanted to hit home the symbolism of the flowers, signifying the budding of our new and beautiful life together,” explains the couple.

Opting for a morning event, the newlyweds hosted a buffet brunch reception following the ceremony – after all, breakfast is Nathalee’s favorite meal of the day. The groom ensured that each guest’s sweet tooth would be thoroughly satisfied: he had his college workplace, Leopold’s Ice Cream, cater with delicious frozen treats. To add to the fun, the bride made cookies and Tembleque (Puerto Rican Coconut Pudding) to serve to their loved ones.

A garden party feel was of the utmost importance, so naturally, light suits and colorful bowties for the men were essential. “Bray wore a necktie that was navy blue with floral patterning that Nat picked out and stitched our initials into the back of (in blue, as our ‘something blue’),” they explain. Meanwhile, the bride chose a feminine tea-length gown with pearl accents—a perfect fit from day one and “the only dress that felt like” her. With more pearl elements woven into her shoes, earrings, and hair comb, as well as a few sentimental accessories from her parents and grandmother, her simple and stunning outfit was complete.

Nathalee and Bray were able to incorporate important family members into the décor. “We had photo walls made by the mother of the groom, as well as an in-memoriam area for our grandparents who we carry with us and wanted to remember on our special day.” Continuing the sentiment, the groom described the most special moment of the day in his view: “Bray has a real soft spot for the moment he was standing in the front of the ceremony, waiting to watch Nat walk down the aisle. They had already had their first look, but anybody that has [a] first look can tell you, it doesn't make seeing the love of your life walk down the aisle to marry you any less special or emotional.”

Their biggest piece of planning advice? If you have the means, hire a planner! Additionally, lean on your nearest and dearest (parents, the best man, the maid of honor, and beyond) when they offer their help. Finally, “be sure to pause and look around to appreciate all of the work that has gone into making your day special, take mental photos, and soak in as much of the day as you possibly can.”