Private Estate Wedding Overflowing with Sentiment and Style

When timeless elegance meets deeply personal details, something truly special unfolds—and that’s exactly what happened for Luke and Amber’s unforgettable wedding weekend at Crane Cottage, nestled within the historic JEKYLL ISLAND CLUB RESORT. With Magnolia Rouge Vendor MAGGIE HUGHES EVENTS at the helm, every aspect of the celebration was the perfect balance of history, romance, and intentional beauty. Beautifully captured through the warm, romantic lens of BEBA VOWELS, from the moment guests arrived, it was clear this weekend was going to be as meaningful as it was stylish.

Luke and Amber’s love story began in the summer of 2018, when they met at work and quickly became best friends. After six months of shared laughter and meaningful conversations, friendship bloomed into romance—and a few years later, during a summer living in Fort Worth, Texas, Luke proposed. He recreated their first trip together with a surprise private winery experience, rose petals, candles, and even Amber’s parents flying in to celebrate the moment. The stage was set for a deeply personal wedding story.

Crane Cottage at JEKYLL ISLAND CLUB RESORT offered everything Luke and Amber were looking for—elegance, character, and a tangible sense of history. Amber vividly remembers crying the first time she stepped into the Sunken Garden because it felt like the perfect place to say “I do.” The venue’s variety of beautiful spaces—from the garden to the riverfront drive to the candlelit courtyard—allowed the couple to create a flow of events that felt intimate, immersive, and truly their own.

One of their favorite aspects was that the entire cottage was private for the weekend, with family staying on-site and guests within walking distance at the resort. It allowed for a destination feel with the intimacy of a family home.

Amber’s fashion choices were the perfect blend of sentiment, elegance, and sparkle. For the Welcome Party, she wore her mother’s wedding dress — a shortened version of the gown her mom wore 34 years earlier. It was a heartfelt nod to a marriage that had long inspired her and a beautiful way to begin the wedding weekend.

On the big day, Amber wore the Stella gown by NETTA BENSHABU from BOCA RATON BRIDAL, a show-stopping design featuring intricate lace, floral appliqués, and a shimmering finish that made her feel every bit the princess. Custom alterations added sleeves for the ceremony and a white corset lining to increase modesty while maintaining the gown’s romantic detail. She opted not to bustle the dress so she could twirl freely on the dance floor — a decision that brought extra magic to the couple’s first dance.

Later in the evening, in a completely unplanned moment, Amber changed into a second white dress she had packed for brunch, ensuring she could dance comfortably while protecting her gown. Her spontaneous wardrobe change reflected the carefree, joy-filled spirit of the celebration — a day where beauty met authenticity in every detail.

Amber spent the morning getting ready in the Library at Crane Cottage with her bridesmaids. Laney from STUDIO BRIDE created a soft, natural-glam look that allowed Amber to feel like the best version of herself. Dressed in a white PJ set and robe, she shared special moments with her mom, who helped her into her gown, and later with her dad and brother during emotional first looks.

Though the couple chose not to do a first look, the anticipation only heightened the joy of their ceremony. As Amber walked down the aisle with her dad to “Turning Page” by Sleeping at Last, she was met with Luke’s emotional reaction — a moment they both will never forget.

The ceremony was held in the magical Sunken Garden, with violinist SEBAGABO VIOLIN playing a live rendition of “Turning Page” as Amber walked down the aisle with her father. Luke’s emotional reaction was unforgettable, and the couple chose not to do a first look so they could fully experience this powerful moment together.

Their ceremony was deeply personal and unique—at one point, their wedding party stepped aside so guests could fully witness the vow exchange, and Amber even chose to stand on the opposite side so she could face her family. These thoughtful decisions made the ceremony both heartfelt and distinctive. A shower of white rose petals and dancing down the aisle to “Forever” by Chris Brown marked the beginning of their marriage in true celebratory style.

Cocktail hour took place along the riverfront drive, where guests enjoyed stunning sunset views, a classic car photo op, and signature cocktails including an espresso martini named after the couple’s dog, Muffin.

While guests mingled, Luke and Amber snuck away for a private vow exchange in the garden. In Amber’s words, it was her favorite moment of the day—a sacred, emotional pause before the party began.

For dinner, the couple envisioned a backyard dinner party at a historic mansion—and that’s exactly what they created. The courtyard was transformed with long ivory-covered tables, white florals by MARBLE & PINE, and layers of romantic candlelight. Each guest received a handwritten note with their seating assignment, a deeply personal thank-you for the role they played in the couple’s love story.

The band Wonderama provided a live soundtrack of ballads while guests dined on a thoughtful menu that included steak and lobster, salmon and crab cakes, and the couple’s favorite starter—meatballs. Espresso martinis and vintage-inspired cake by RUBY LU’S rounded out the evening.

After dinner, the couple shared their first dance to “Shake the Frost” by Tyler Childers—an artist with special meaning in their relationship. The dance floor was soon filled with guests wearing light-up cowboy hats (a tribute to their Fort Worth engagement) as Wonderama kept the celebration going well into the night. Amber’s unplanned dress change into a brunch outfit was spontaneous and fun—another reminder that she prioritized joy over perfection.

To cap it off, Luke’s love of baseball inspired a themed after-party dubbed “Extra Innings,” complete with Chicago Dogs, corn dogs, and late-night whiskey shots with the father of the bride. It was a lighthearted, heartfelt way to close out the most magical day.

Amber and Luke’s wedding was everything they hoped for: timeless, elegant, personal, and joyful. With the guidance of MAGGIE HUGHES EVENTS and the timeless setting of JEKYLL ISLAND, they created a day that honored their love, their story, and their guests. Every detail—handwritten notes, private vows, heirloom fashion, and thoughtful music choices—reflected their values and their journey. It was, simply, the perfect beginning to forever.