Quinney Oaks Plantation is beautiful just like Christiana and Monte and their love for each other. The whole day was filled with stunning details and sweet traditions right down to the sixpence in her shoe and burying a bottle of bourbon on the venue site a month before the ceremony (which we learned is to ward off bad weather…it worked).
The girls started off the day getting ready in a cabin at Magnolia Springs Park in Millen Georgia, which looked out over a gorgeous pond. While preparations for the day began the ladies began their primping. Much of the time at the cabin was a wonderful time to just be around family and friends as they were pampered for the day ahead. There were snacks galore; of which the little flower girl seemed to like more than anything. As time drew closer to leave for the venue Christiana applied her final touch of nail polish to complete her look, and off we went.
Upon arrival at the venue we spent some time with the guys who had been hanging out in an on-site carriage house. After capturing the fun moments and laughter at this lighthearted part of the day, the men set off to complete the bourbon bottle tradition. Legend has it that if you bury a full bottle of bourbon upside down exactly a month before the ceremony and that it will ward off any bad weather. We have only witnessed this southern tradition once but, so far it’s one for one!
The ceremony was elegant and heart felt in a beautiful garden behind the plantation home. Each bridesmaid looked amazing in their black dresses which popped against the white gardenia bouquets, and the groomsmen looked very dapper in their white suits and black bow ties.
After the ceremony, the newlyweds were introduced and they went into their first dance. After a moment they invited all the couples up to dance with them. It was very touching to see them sharing that special moment with all their loved ones and friends.
I definitely cannot forget to mention how much we love the catering at Quinney Oaks. The food is always amazing and you can tell that it is made with love. Kirk and Judy Rocker, the owners of the plantation, are always wonderful and are there throughout the day to make sure everything goes smoothly.
Towards the end of the reception, there was a special unexpected toast with a bottle of late harvest Zinfandel that their family had made and bottled many years ago for this very occasion. There were lots of tears over the heart felt moment as the cork was popped and glasses were poured for everyone, the toast was made “May the worst days of your future be better than the best days of your past.”
Finally the guests showed the couple off with a beautiful sparkler exit as Chistiana and Monte walked out of the 1920’s plantation home, they road off into the night and will be taking their honeymoon to St. Lucia towards the end of June.
