On September 20, 2025, Kaitlin (Katie) and James (Jess) Scully celebrated their marriage in Savannah with a wedding that felt deeply personal, richly layered, and effortlessly stylish! Rooted in faith and heritage while embracing bold color and modern design, their day was a true reflection of who they are: romantic, joyful, and full of heart.
A Ceremony Steeped in Meaning
Katie and Jess exchanged vows during a Nuptial Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist, a setting that held deep significance for the couple. As practicing Catholics with Irish roots, celebrating their marriage within their parish community was essential. Traditional Catholic elements paired with Irish music selections filled the Cathedral, creating a ceremony that felt reverent, emotional, and profoundly meaningful.
Jess later shared that this moment—surrounded by family, traditional music, beautiful florals, and seeing Katie walk down the aisle—was one of the most powerful parts of the entire day.
Downtown Savannah, Reimagined
With many guests visiting Savannah for the first time, Katie and Jess wanted their wedding weekend to showcase the city they love. Centering the celebration downtown allowed the couple to create a seamless flow between ceremony and reception while highlighting Savannah’s charm.
“In choosing their venues, the couple wanted to create a weekend that would showcase the very best of Savannah,” shared Lea of LM Events, who planned the celebration. “Pairing the timeless grandeur of the Cathedral with Bardo’s contemporary flair became the perfect reflection of the couple’s style: a thoughtful blend of tradition and modernity.”
One of the most memorable transitions of the day came after the ceremony, when a saxophonist led guests through the streets of Savannah on foot—turning the walk to Forsyth Park and Hotel Bardo into a joyful, music-filled mini parade.
A Modern Elegance Color Story
Inspired by Hotel Bardo’s lush green interiors and soft pink accents, the couple embraced a bold yet romantic color palette that evolved throughout the evening. Bright greens and pretty pinks set a playful, garden-inspired tone during cocktail hour before transitioning into richer, moodier reds for the reception.
The florals were a true standout. Lush, textural arrangements layered with shades of red, pink, and green that felt both dramatic and organic. These vibrant blooms added depth and movement throughout the space, perfectly balancing romance with modern edge.
Modern rentals were softened with vintage-inspired accents, specialty linens, and elevated tabletop details, creating a space that felt immersive, intentional, and warm without ever feeling overdone.
Fashion Moments & Thoughtful Style
Katie’s bridal look embodied modern elegance with a playful twist. One of our favorite details? Her tulip-inspired heels, a fashion-forward moment that added personality and charm beneath her gown.
The bridesmaids’ style echoed the overall design vision, with dresses in varying colors, textures, and tones that complemented the wedding palette beautifully. The mix-and-match approach added visual interest while still feeling cohesive and elevated.
Personal Touches with Personality
Once the foundation was set, Katie had fun layering in details that told their story. A long-running inside joke about mountain goats inspired custom bride-and-groom goat cake toppers, a fun detail that we adored.
Their shared love of collecting matchbooks led to bespoke matchbooks for cocktail hour and the reception, while vintage pieces and guest-friendly cameras reflected Katie’s passion for photography and antiques. These thoughtful elements invited guests to interact with the decor and become part of the story.
The Best Moments Were Unplanned
Some of Katie’s favorite memories came from moments she never planned. Late in the night, friends surprised the couple when one usher appeared dressed as a dancing lobster, a playful nod to an inside joke from Katie’s New England bachelorette party. Shortly after, Jess took things to another level by hopping behind the DJ booth for a surprise set that energized the room.
“I also loved the walk from the Cathedral to Bardo, with Chris the saxophonist leading the way and starting the celebration,” Katie shared. “It truly felt like the perfect beginning to the night.”
A Celebration That Truly Wow’d
Katie and Jess’s Savannah wedding was a masterclass in blending tradition with modern elegance, where meaningful moments, bold color, and joyful surprises came together seamlessly. Planned by LM Events, the day unfolded with ease, allowing the couple and their guests to be fully present and savor every unforgettable moment.
From the Cathedral to Hotel Bardo, this celebration proved that when faith, design, and personality align, the result is a wedding that truly wows!
Captured beautifully by Promised Land Arts.
Congrats to Katie and Jess!
Other Local Vendors:
Promised Land Arts, Hey Jude Florals, Hotel Bardo, Vanilla and the Bean, EventWorks, White on DI, Charleston Virtuosi, Shaelyn Makeup Artistry, Jacqueline Kerr Illustration, Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist, Local 11 Ten, Image is Everything Party Bus, Caitlin Rounds Antiques, Posh Carts
