Southern Elegance at the Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum In Savannah

Housing a unique collection of paintings, maritime antiques, and ship models, the SHIPS OF THE SEA MARITIME MUSEUM is a stunning venue both inside and out. Couples can marry and celebrate in the beautifully manicured European gardens, tall trees dripping with Spanish moss lending classic southern charm to al fresco garden parties like this one designed by J BENNETT DESIGN and captured by New York wedding photographer FRANCESCA DOMINIQUE.

Dressed in translucent silk organza with an airy statement bow, the bride’s timeless a-line CLAIR DE LUNE gown was given a hint of modernity with gold floral HDWR earrings. Pearl-studded “Carolina” BELLA BELLE shoes paired well with the museum’s maritime theme. The bride’s custom VICTOR BARBONE “Joelle” engagement ring featured a stunning 1.94 carat old European cut diamond bezel-set in an 18 karat yellow gold setting, and her wedding ring coordinated with six old mine cut diamonds.

Sweeping back the bride's long tresses, hair artist MORGAN PRINGLE created a soft braided bun reminiscent of sailor’s knots and accented the style with fresh roses. Make-up artist CORY KING gave the bride a youthful, blushing look, playing up her naturally dark lashes and fair complexion. The Groom looked dapper in a classic tuxedo with a white dinner jacket and black satin diamond bow tie from THE BLACK TUX.

Built in 1819, the historic Scarbrough House in downtown Savannah, Georgia is a stunning example of Greek Revival architecture. An illustration of the museum’s exterior, printed on handmade deckle-edge cotton paper and wrapped with an ethereal mulberry jacket and textural grasscloth belly band, invited guests to an afternoon ceremony in the garden. Engraver, FOCUS AND LIGHT, echoed the venue illustration on reverse-engraved acrylic inlaid in a shagreen tray with gold handles. 

Natural wood chairs featuring graceful curves and caning provided guests with the perfect view of the couple as they married before a garden gate, symbolising their entrance into a new phase of their lives together. Petite arrangements of summery blooms lined the aisle, culminating in two large planters flanking the couple during their vows.

The florals by J BENNETT DESIGN were composed of soft garden roses in pale apricot, cream, and lavender paired with blue tweedia, delphinium, and peach foxglove for a summery palette. After a joyful ceremony, a bountiful floral compote arrangement beckoned guests to an intimate garden reception. “Rose Quartz” Topaz linens from BBJ LA TAVOLA provided a soft blush backdrop for basketweave china and hammered gold flatware textured like fish scales from BEACHVIEW EVENT RENTALS.

VANILLA AND THE BEAN created a cloud-like confection to mirror the bride’s ethereal gown and to echo ships’ sails and wispy summer clouds alike. After the cake cutting, guests toured the museum before wishing the bride and groom “Bon voyage!” as the couple sailed away to new adventures together.

A big thank you to New York wedding photographer FRANCESCA DOMINIQUE for sharing this beautiful wedding inspiration with us. Francesca strives to create meaningful and effortless experiences for her couples, from the planning of the engagement session to the curation of an heirloom and bespoke wedding album. She tells us, "My purest inspiration is found through the love that you and your fiancé share, only strengthened by the backdrop of your favourite location around the globe. By finding a balance between the gracefully editorial and playfully candid moments, I am able to showcase the essence of your most remarkable love. My goal is to create and inspire connection through art, lustful locations around the world and the documentation of your most treasured moments." See more of her portfolio here.