Vows That Wow — Annie & Ryan Wallace

Some weddings are beautiful to witness; others are beautiful to feel. Annie and Ryan’s celebration in downtown Savannah managed to be both — an intentional, heartfelt day shaped by family, heritage, artistry, and the unmistakable warmth of the people who love them.

With a backdrop of oak-lined streets, timeless architecture, and iconic Savannah scenery, their wedding blended modern elegance with deeply personal touches, becoming a celebration that was uniquely, authentically theirs.

Designing a Day with Intention

From the beginning, Annie and her mom knew they wanted a wedding that felt thoughtful, personal, and deeply reflective of who they are. Having worked together as day-of assistants in the wedding industry, designing Annie’s own day became an incredibly special experience.

Annie shared that the biggest lesson she learned while planning was simple but profound:

“Incorporate as many meaningful details, big or small, as you can. Those personal touches are what make your wedding truly yours.”

And that philosophy guided the entire aesthetic. Working alongside Posey Event Design, they rented specialty estate tables, three long reception tables — a nod to family-style dinners in Greece — inviting loved ones to gather closely. “It reminded me of dinners back in Greece, long tables, good food, and everyone gathered together,” bride Annie shared. 

Annie even designed her own signage, invitations, and calligraphy, ensuring every detail felt intentional. Harvey Designs added refined beauty with hydrangeas, soft greenery, and floral textures that brought the modern white-and-green palette to life. 

Posey Event Design brought seamless support and polished execution. Planner Mika’l shared:

“The location of downtown Savannah, the iconic photography opportunities, and the beautifully curated design and florals made this wedding feel timeless from beginning to end.”

Honoring Greek Heritage in Meaningful Ways

As a bride born in Greece, incorporating her culture wasn’t just important to Annie — it was essential. From the guest book to the reception layout, heritage flowed through the day with subtlety and purpose.

She reflected:

“We added small touches, like using a coffee table book as our guest book that featured a photo of the seaside area where I spent my summers growing up.”

The ceremony included the traditional stefana, a crowning ritual symbolizing unity — one of the most emotional moments of the entire day. And later in the evening, the dance floor erupted in joy as the couple invited everyone to join in a lively Greek dance.

“It was such a fun, joy-filled moment!” Annie shared.

These elements added a unique heartbeat to the celebration, honoring where she came from while celebrating the life she and Ryan are building together.

Moments They’ll Hold Close Forever

Amidst the stunning visuals and thoughtful design, the most powerful parts of the day were the moments that unfolded naturally.

When asked about their favorite memory, Annie shared:

“We could truly feel all the love surrounding us during the ceremony. There was a quiet moment when we looked at each other holding hands, and it just felt surreal — like we were seeing each other in a new light.”

Another unforgettable highlight came during the reception when Annie’s mom and her best friends surprised her on the dance floor:

“They came out with feather boas and surrounded me as we all danced to Mamma Mia! It was such a sweet and special moment I’ll never forget.”

And the night ended just as joyfully as it began — surrounded by their families as the final notes of “Don’t Stop Believin’” echoed across the room.

“It was another surreal moment for us,” Annie added.

A Photographer Who Felt Like Family

When it came to photography, Annie and Ryan couldn’t speak more highly of Harwell Photography. The experience with Jeremy went far beyond the lens.

“He spent the entire day with us, and by the end he felt more like family than a vendor.”

His calming presence put the naturally camera-shy couple at ease, allowing them to be fully present. Annie explained:

“He captured the day exactly how we remember it — every emotion, every glance, every little in-between moment that made it ours.”

And beyond talent, it was Jeremy’s approach that deeply resonated:

“He cared about our wedding as much as we did, and that genuine passion shines through in every photo.”

A Savannah Wedding, Sweetened with Local Touches

Savannah itself became part of the design, from portrait locations to the reception atmosphere. Oak-lined streets, soft coastal light, and charming downtown backdrops gave the day its signature Savannah feel.

And to top it all off, guests enjoyed a beloved local treat: Leopold’s Ice Cream, adding the sweetest final detail to an already unforgettable experience.

A Celebration Built on Story and Heart

What made Annie and Ryan’s wedding unforgettable wasn’t just the design or the location, it was the heart behind every choice. Their celebration honored where they came from, celebrated who they are, and reflected the future they’re building together.

Personal, intentional, joyful — a Savannah wedding in its truest, most heartfelt form.

Congrats to Annie and Ryan!