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Miss Bragg weds Mr. Sullivan in sacred ceremony
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| MR. AND MRS. SULLIVAN |
In a sacred ceremony among dear family and close friends, Miss Mary Powell Bragg, was united in holy matrimony to, James Michael Sullivan, at Trinity United Methodist Church on Telfair Square in downtown Historic Savannah Saturday, Sept. 27, at seven o’clock in the evening. The Reverend Marion Ronald Wills of Cordele performed the double ring ceremony.
The bride is the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Thomas Ennis Bragg of Swainsboro. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. John Francis Sullivan of Reston, Va.
The bridal registry was placed under the soaring Corinthian columns at the entrance to the sanctuary which was erected in 1848. The round table was covered with an ivory lace cloth and held a colorful bouquet of lavender roses, green and purple hydrangeas, and pink cymbidium orchids in a crystal vase. Barbara Jean Smith of Swainsboro, cousin of the bride, was the guest book attendant. Wedding programs were presented by Leila Gladys Smith of Charleston, S.C. and Colby Isaac Smith of Swainsboro, both cousins of the bride.
Four seven-branch candelabras holding ivory burning tapers were placed in the historic church which is the oldest Methodist church in Savannah and is the “Mother Church of Savannah Methodism.” They were flanked one behind the other and placed on either side of the altar, setting the ambiance for the evening wedding. Thomas Ennis Bragg, Jr. of New York, N.Y. and Ira Washington Bragg, III of Roswell, brothers of the bride, lit each of the 28 tapers for the formal wedding. On each side of the pulpit were a pair of cream Grecian urns holding massive arrangements of lavender tulips; blue delphiniums; white dendrobium orchids; hot pink love lilies; white hydrangeas; white Fuji mums; hot pink heather; and lavender, purple and white stock. On each side of the altar were Boston ferns on white column pedestals. Family pews were marked with Italian ruscus and cream satin bows.
John Michael Neighbors of Swainsboro playing majestic music on the magnificent pipe organ and Carmine Wood Wills of Cordele, performing on the baby grand piano, provided a beautiful concert of wedding selections including “Air,” “Finale from Water Music Suite,” “Te Deum,” “Pathetique,” “Waltz in A Flat,” “To a Wild Rose,” and “Clair de Lune.” The mothers were seated as the organ played “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring” by Bach.
Following the chiming of the hour, the arrival of the radiant bride was announced by the playing of “Bridal Chorus” by Wagner as she entered the sanctuary on the arm of her father. Presented in marriage by her parents, the bride was stunning in her gown of luxurious satin. The ivory strapless gown featured a sweetheart neckline and gently ruched bodice, which continued into a beautifully ruched A-line skirt. The asymmetrical bustling fell gracefully into a chapel-length train and satin buttons and loops adorned the low backline of her gown. Her ivory cathedral-length veil was a true Spanish mantilla edged with French Alencon lace from top to bottom, and it cascaded beyond her gown. She wore an amethyst and diamond necklace and amethyst earrings, a wedding gift from the groom, and candlelight satin slippers.
In keeping with tradition, the bride wore an heirloom blue topaz and diamond ring that belonged to her paternal grandmother and namesake, Mary Powell Bragg, as “something old,” and her own wedding dress and veil as “something new.” “Something borrowed” was an heirloom diamond ring belonging to her mother, previously belonging to her maternal grandmother, Leila Williams Smith, and her “something blue” was her garter, a gift from her mother.
Two white linen handkerchiefs were pinned inside the bride’s wedding gown, one a Christening bonnet converted into a wedding handkerchief given to her as a baby by Mrs. James Buckley in 1982 and the other a gift from her linen shower hostesses in Swainsboro.
The bride carried a luxurious bouquet of pink cymbidium orchids; hot pink love lilies; dark purple, hot pink and white mini calla lilies; purple tulips; blue delphiniums; lavender roses; and lavender sweet peas tied with an ivory sash bow.
Leila Bragg Donaldson of Swainsboro, sister of the bride, served as matron of honor. Bridesmaids were Angela Rose Bragg of Roswell, sister-in-law of the bride; Kristen Elizabeth Sullivan of Waldorf, Md., sister-in-law of the groom; Lauren Elizabeth Brown of Athens; Rachel Anne Donaldson of Grayson; Emily Phillips Ullrich of Watkinsville and Dana Loraine Marshall of Fairfax, Va.
The attendants entered the sanctuary to Clarke's “The Prince of Denmark's March.” They wore gorgeous floor-length sapphire blue taffeta gowns. Featuring a strapless, ruched bodice, the A-line gowns had a drop-waist with continued ruching and a short train. They wore jewelry given to them by the bride, a brilliant silver jeweled pendant on an elegant silver necklace.
The junior bridesmaid was Katherine Ashley Sullivan of Waldorf, Md., niece of the groom. She wore a plum duchess satin floor-length dress with a draped bodice and satin ribbon at the waist, and a silver heart bracelet given to her as a gift from the bride.
The bridesmaids and junior bridesmaid carried round bouquets of shades of lavender roses, dark purple mini calla lilies, hot pink love lilies, blue delphiniums, lavender sweet peas, purple lizianthus, pink cymbidium orchids, chocolate cosmos, and purple stock tied with a blue sash bow.
Anna Lei Donaldson of Swainsboro, niece of the bride, served as flower girl. She wore a champagne silk shantung floor-length gown enhanced with a diamond-white Alencon lace overlay. Miss Donaldson wore a halo of white baby’s breath tied with candlelight ribbon and she sprinkled the aisle with white rose petals carried in a candlelight satin basket tied with organza bows. She also wore a silver heart bracelet given to her as a gift from the bride.
The groom chose his brother, John Francis Sullivan, Jr. of Waldorf, Md., as best man. Groomsmen were Thomas Ennis Bragg, Jr. of New York, N.Y. and Ira Washington Bragg, III of Roswell, brothers of the bride; George William Donaldson, II of Swainsboro, brother-in-law of the bride; Matthew Christian Brehony of Brooklyn, N.Y.; Javier Adrian Cota of Manassas, Va.; and Kyle David Lonesome of Centreville, Va.
Serving as ring bearers were George William Donaldson, III of Swainsboro, nephew of the bride; and Andrew Thomas Sullivan of Waldorf, Md., nephew of the groom. They presented the wedding rings on candlelight pillows topped with an organza bow.
The groom was dressed in a classic two-button black tuxedo with a traditional white wing collar shirt and a full-back latte vest with a latte Euro tie. The male members of the wedding party were attired in the same, but with latte bow ties.
The groom’s boutonniere held two lavender calla lilies with seeded eucalyptus berries and leaves. The groomsmen wore a single calla lily matching boutonniere. The ring bearers wore purple stock boutonnieres.
After the processional, a congregational hymn, “Come Thou Fount,” was sung. The reading of the scripture was from Colossians 3:12-17, and the groom gave to his bride the Arras, which are a Spanish tradition serving as a promise by the groom to uphold his wife and family in financial and spiritual prosperity throughout their lives. Following the declaration of marriage, the bride and groom knelt at the altar and shared Holy Communion, drinking from an engraved silver goblet belonging to the bride’s mother and also used at the bride’s sister’s wedding in 2000. As they prayed together, John Mason Williams, III of Cocoa Beach, Fla., cousin of the bride, sang “The Lord's Prayer” by Albert Hay Malotte. Debussy’s “La Fille Aux Cheveux de Lin” was played during the lighting of the Unity Candle.
The bride’s mother was escorted to her daughter’s wedding by the bride's father. She chose a garnet silk shantung strapless slim A-line gown with a side gathered bodice and hand-beaded motif. The asymmetric waistline and side draped skirt featured a center back slit and was complemented by a matching hand-beaded illusion bolero jacket. She carried a silver tussie mussie, also carried at the bride's sister's wedding, filled with a dainty bouquet of white spray roses and ming fern tied with ivory satin ribbon.
Mrs. Sullivan, escorted by her son John Francis Sullivan, Jr., selected a dark blue floor-length silk sleeveless gown with a matching blue beaded sheer jacket. She carried a bouquet of white spray roses and ming fern tied with ivory satin ribbon.
After the declaration of marriage, the couple left the church to the joyful pipe organ music of “Toccata” by Widor.
RECEPTION
A reception was hosted by the bride’s parents at The Olde Pink House on Reynolds Square in downtown Historic Savannah after the wedding ceremony. The bride and groom arrived in a European horse-drawn carriage for the reception at the stately Georgian Mansion, a National Landmark built in 1771 and Savannah’s only 18th Century Mansion.
Dr. and Mrs. William Donaldson of Metter and Judge and Mrs. Bobby Reeves of Swainsboro welcomed guests who had arrived at the reception in white open-air trolleys that transported guests from their hotels to Trinity United Methodist Church and then to The Olde Pink House. They were directed to the upstairs exquisite new Savannah Ballroom with its mirrored walls, hand-painted murals and glowing crystal chandeliers where a black carved Roman urn on a round table in the center of the ballroom held a striking centerpiece with a dramatic mix of lavender and purple tulips; blue and white delphiniums; white dendrobium orchids; pink cymbidium orchids; green amaranthus; white, green and blue hydrangeas; blue Dutch iris; lavender Fuji mums; lavender and purple stock; purple lizianthus; hot pink love lilies; purple larkspur; pink and lavender Maritim and ocean song roses; dark pink heather; seeded eucalyptus; and curly willow.
A table covered with a white linen cloth in an alcove at the top of the staircase held the wedding gifts and the bride’s book. It was decorated with an arrangement of white hydrangeas; white Fuji mums; white dendrobium orchids; lavender tulips; blue delphiniums; hot pink love lilies; hot pink heather; and lavender, purple and white stock.
The round dining tables in the Savannah Ballroom were covered with floor-length white linen table skirts and held tall silver pedestals with lavish arrangements of purple mini calla lilies; pink and lavender Maritim and ocean song roses; lavender and purple tulips; hot pink, lavender and purple sweet peas; blue and white delphiniums; white dendrobium orchids; white, purple and blue hydrangeas; lavender and purple stock; purple lizianthus; dark blue Dutch iris; chocolate cosmos; hot pink love lilies; purple larkspur; dark pink heather; seeded eucalyptus; and Italian ruscus. Hanging green amaranthus and pink cymbidium orchids tied on wispy curly willow with moss completed the dramatic creations.
Other ballroom dining tables held sparkling elegance of silver pitchers filled with purple roses; blue and white hydrangeas; purple mini calla lilies; lavender and purple lizianthus; dark pink heather; lavender tulips; mauve cymbidium orchids; lavender, purple and white stock; hot pink, lavender and purple sweet peas; and lavender limonium.
Flickering ivory votive candles on each table added ambience to the romantic setting. Two sided glass frames with formal and informal photos of the bride and groom's parents’, grandparents’ and siblings’ weddings dating back to 1941 added a personal touch to the decor.
High top tables in the ballroom held silver pedestals with cut crystal rose bowls holding glowing ivory votive candles encircled with smilax.
Other dining tables were placed in the Purple Room, the Pink Room and the Study and dining tables extended onto the Office and outside to the balcony overlooking the gas-lantern lit Reynolds Square. The tables were covered with floor-length white table linens and held varied arrangements in oval and round silver wine coolers of mauve cymbidium orchids; lavender tulips; purple roses; purple mini calla lilies; hot pink, lavender and purple sweet peas; blue and white hydrangeas; lavender and purple lizianthus; dark pink heather; lavender limonium; and lavender, purple and white stock.
Family and friends of the bride and groom were treated to a gourmet meal and enjoyed visiting food stations throughout the entire second floor of the mansion. The Purple Room featured a pork tenderloin carving station and a potato martini bar. The pork tenderloin carving station was accompanied by popovers, natural jus, mayonnaise, and mustard. The potato martini bar offered whipped potatoes in a martini glass with toppings of bacon, country ham gravy, cheddar cheese, marinated mushrooms, roasted red peppers and whipped butter. Offered in addition were barbecue meatballs and miniature chicken parmesan.
The Pink Room featured a taco station for guests to make their own fabulous treat of sautéed vegetables, fried tilapia, grilled chicken, plantains, lettuce, pico de gallo, guacamole, and sour cream. A grandiose cheese fondue station in the Study held a wonderful array of seasonal vegetables, fruits and breads to complement the warm trio of Swiss gruyere, pimento cheese and smoked gouda fondues. Buttermilk thyme dipping sauce and blue cheese dressing added a finishing touch. The display was ornamented with tall vases of wispy curly willow.
The butler-passed delectable hors d’oeuvres included legendary crab fritters with remoulade sauce, pigs in a blanket with a zesty honey mustard sauce, and macaroni and cheese balls accompanied by a pink vodka sauce. Flavorful whimsical pimento cheese straws made a lovely edible bouquet for each table.
In the Savannah Ballroom the spectacular chocolate fountain of cascading irresistible chocolate decadence was complimented by strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, bananas, marshmallows and graham crackers for dipping in the flowing stream of sweet creamy chocolate. White hydrangeas scattered over the fountain added a special touch. The Ballroom also held the wedding cake and the groom’s cake.
The wedding cake was a delectable four-tiered confection of spice cake with cream cheese icing. Ballroom mirrors reflected the embellishment of fresh flowers of purple stock blossoms crowning the top of the cake cascading down on both sides to the base of the cake with pearl edging on each layer. The beautiful creation was placed on a footed round ornate embossed silver cake plateau and was encircled at the base by green smilax and the bridesmaids’ bouquets. A silver Grecian urn behind the cake held a beautiful arrangement of lavender tulips; blue delphiniums; white dendrobium orchids; hot pink love lilies; white hydrangeas; white Fuji mums; hot pink heather; and lavender, purple and white stock.
The groom’s cake was lovingly baked and decorated by Elaine Smith and Barbara Jean Smith, aunt and cousin of the bride. It was a creative, scrumptious two-tiered chocolate sour cream pound cake with chocolate fudge icing featuring a miniature wooden upright bass and miniature bow on the top and a Washington Redskins topper at the base, the groom’s favorite sports team. The cake read, “Hail to the Redskins!” The base of the cake was encircled with green smilax. The cutting of the groom’s cake was especially festive when the groomsmen and other friends joined the groom in singing the Redskins’ fight song, “Hail to the Redskins.”
As the bride, groom and wedding party arrived from the church, they were formally introduced to the guests by Dessie Smith of Swainsboro, cousin of the bride. The best man and father of the bride offered warm toasts after the introductions.
The couple’s first dance was to the tune, “Lullaby” by the Dixie Chicks, followed by the father-daughter dance “Teach Your Children” by Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young and mother-son dance “A Song for Mama” by Boyz II Men. A great highlight of the evening was when the bride surprised her groom by singing “Let’s Get Married,” a song she wrote especially for him for the wedding evening. For the special performance, the new Mrs. Sullivan was accompanied on the guitar by her cousin, Christopher John Bragg of McDonough.
Guests joined the new Mr. and Mrs. Sullivan on the dance floor for hours of entertaining dancing. Festive music was provided by the Athens-based band, ‘The Debonairs,’ who enjoyed having Mr. Sullivan perform with them on the electric bass later in the evening for the song “Thank You for Letting Me Be Myself” by Sly and The Family Stone.
Guests tossed showers of lavender and ivory rose petals and birdseed on the bridal couple upon their departure. The newlyweds left in their wedding attire in a vintage blue 1938 McLaughlin Buick Special headed for a honeymoon at the Main Street Inn on Hilton Head Island, S.C. They will make their new home in New York City.
REHEARSAL DINNER
On the eve of their son’s wedding, Mr. and Mrs. John Francis Sullivan hosted the rehearsal dinner at The Oglethorpe Club in Savannah. Originally built as a private residence, the circa 1857 historic mansion has been home to the club since 1870 and is the “oldest gentlemen’s club in Georgia.”
As guests arrived, they were led to the outside veranda overlooking Forsyth Park, the largest park in Savannah established in 1851, for a cocktail hour. With gas lanterns flickering about them, members of the Bragg and Sullivan families and wedding party enjoyed happy conversation, acquainting themselves with one another.
Guests were then invited downstairs where the entrance to the Garden Room held a chest covered with flickering ivory votive candles and arrangements of white roses, white Asiatic lilies and white snapdragons in tall rectangular crystal vases. White hydrangeas in crystal square box vases lined with banana leaves completed the enchanting setting.
Miss Bragg was dazzling in a soft red floor-length gown with bronze beaded detail along the halter neckline, empire waistline, and the hem of the A-line dress.
Upon entrance to the dining room, a bride’s book table held an arrangement of white Dutch iris in a Delft blue porcelain vase where guests were invited to sign their names and view the seating chart for the evening. Adding ambience to the evening were the windowed walls overlooking the lush lighted outdoor garden.
Custom designed personalized place cards matching the chandelier invitations to the gala were positioned at round dining tables covered with white floor-length linen tablecloths. Square box crystal vases lined with banana leaves and filled with white roses and white Asiatic lilies were centered on each table. Other tables held triplet sets of silver Mint Julep cups filled with white hyacinths. Romance was added to the tables with sprinkles of lavender and ivory rose petals and glowing ivory votive candles.
The candlelit southern low country dinner buffet in the Colonial Room included a house salad of baby greens with cucumbers, tomato, and shaved red onions with balsamic vinaigrette, Roquefort and ranch dressings; Caesar salad with garlic croutons; mustard potato salad; creamy cole slaw; black-eyed pea salad; tomato aspic; hearts of palm and artichoke salad; shrimp and grits; “Oglethorpe” fried oysters; barbecue baby-back ribs; southern fried chicken; corn muffins; biscuits and honey-whipped butter; southern corn pudding; red rice; country green beans; coffee and iced tea. A highlight of the meal was the celebration of the forthcoming marriage with apple cobbler; “Oglethorpe” nut sundae; and assorted cookies and brownies. A carved watermelon ship complete with sails held strawberries and blackberries for toppings on the yummy desserts.
The buffet table held an exotic arrangement of birds of paradise, fresh pineapple, banana leaves, red spider lilies, ginger red king and anthurium. The window in the room held a stand-alone arrangement of towering yellow and red gladioli tied with raffia.
The groom chose this occasion to present monogrammed antique silver pocket watches to his groomsmen and silver football and soccer savings banks to his ring bearers.
Toasts to the bride and groom were offered to conclude the lovely affair, first by host John Sullivan, father of the groom, and secondly by Dr. Ennis Bragg, father of the bride. William Donaldson, III, 6-year-old nephew of the bride, enthralled guests with his entertaining, impromptu toast to the wedding couple followed by many sentimental toasts offered from among the 88 family members and close friends present.
The bride is the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Thomas Ennis Bragg of Swainsboro. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. John Francis Sullivan of Reston, Va.
The bridal registry was placed under the soaring Corinthian columns at the entrance to the sanctuary which was erected in 1848. The round table was covered with an ivory lace cloth and held a colorful bouquet of lavender roses, green and purple hydrangeas, and pink cymbidium orchids in a crystal vase. Barbara Jean Smith of Swainsboro, cousin of the bride, was the guest book attendant. Wedding programs were presented by Leila Gladys Smith of Charleston, S.C. and Colby Isaac Smith of Swainsboro, both cousins of the bride.
Four seven-branch candelabras holding ivory burning tapers were placed in the historic church which is the oldest Methodist church in Savannah and is the “Mother Church of Savannah Methodism.” They were flanked one behind the other and placed on either side of the altar, setting the ambiance for the evening wedding. Thomas Ennis Bragg, Jr. of New York, N.Y. and Ira Washington Bragg, III of Roswell, brothers of the bride, lit each of the 28 tapers for the formal wedding. On each side of the pulpit were a pair of cream Grecian urns holding massive arrangements of lavender tulips; blue delphiniums; white dendrobium orchids; hot pink love lilies; white hydrangeas; white Fuji mums; hot pink heather; and lavender, purple and white stock. On each side of the altar were Boston ferns on white column pedestals. Family pews were marked with Italian ruscus and cream satin bows.
John Michael Neighbors of Swainsboro playing majestic music on the magnificent pipe organ and Carmine Wood Wills of Cordele, performing on the baby grand piano, provided a beautiful concert of wedding selections including “Air,” “Finale from Water Music Suite,” “Te Deum,” “Pathetique,” “Waltz in A Flat,” “To a Wild Rose,” and “Clair de Lune.” The mothers were seated as the organ played “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring” by Bach.
Following the chiming of the hour, the arrival of the radiant bride was announced by the playing of “Bridal Chorus” by Wagner as she entered the sanctuary on the arm of her father. Presented in marriage by her parents, the bride was stunning in her gown of luxurious satin. The ivory strapless gown featured a sweetheart neckline and gently ruched bodice, which continued into a beautifully ruched A-line skirt. The asymmetrical bustling fell gracefully into a chapel-length train and satin buttons and loops adorned the low backline of her gown. Her ivory cathedral-length veil was a true Spanish mantilla edged with French Alencon lace from top to bottom, and it cascaded beyond her gown. She wore an amethyst and diamond necklace and amethyst earrings, a wedding gift from the groom, and candlelight satin slippers.
In keeping with tradition, the bride wore an heirloom blue topaz and diamond ring that belonged to her paternal grandmother and namesake, Mary Powell Bragg, as “something old,” and her own wedding dress and veil as “something new.” “Something borrowed” was an heirloom diamond ring belonging to her mother, previously belonging to her maternal grandmother, Leila Williams Smith, and her “something blue” was her garter, a gift from her mother.
Two white linen handkerchiefs were pinned inside the bride’s wedding gown, one a Christening bonnet converted into a wedding handkerchief given to her as a baby by Mrs. James Buckley in 1982 and the other a gift from her linen shower hostesses in Swainsboro.
The bride carried a luxurious bouquet of pink cymbidium orchids; hot pink love lilies; dark purple, hot pink and white mini calla lilies; purple tulips; blue delphiniums; lavender roses; and lavender sweet peas tied with an ivory sash bow.
Leila Bragg Donaldson of Swainsboro, sister of the bride, served as matron of honor. Bridesmaids were Angela Rose Bragg of Roswell, sister-in-law of the bride; Kristen Elizabeth Sullivan of Waldorf, Md., sister-in-law of the groom; Lauren Elizabeth Brown of Athens; Rachel Anne Donaldson of Grayson; Emily Phillips Ullrich of Watkinsville and Dana Loraine Marshall of Fairfax, Va.
The attendants entered the sanctuary to Clarke's “The Prince of Denmark's March.” They wore gorgeous floor-length sapphire blue taffeta gowns. Featuring a strapless, ruched bodice, the A-line gowns had a drop-waist with continued ruching and a short train. They wore jewelry given to them by the bride, a brilliant silver jeweled pendant on an elegant silver necklace.
The junior bridesmaid was Katherine Ashley Sullivan of Waldorf, Md., niece of the groom. She wore a plum duchess satin floor-length dress with a draped bodice and satin ribbon at the waist, and a silver heart bracelet given to her as a gift from the bride.
The bridesmaids and junior bridesmaid carried round bouquets of shades of lavender roses, dark purple mini calla lilies, hot pink love lilies, blue delphiniums, lavender sweet peas, purple lizianthus, pink cymbidium orchids, chocolate cosmos, and purple stock tied with a blue sash bow.
Anna Lei Donaldson of Swainsboro, niece of the bride, served as flower girl. She wore a champagne silk shantung floor-length gown enhanced with a diamond-white Alencon lace overlay. Miss Donaldson wore a halo of white baby’s breath tied with candlelight ribbon and she sprinkled the aisle with white rose petals carried in a candlelight satin basket tied with organza bows. She also wore a silver heart bracelet given to her as a gift from the bride.
The groom chose his brother, John Francis Sullivan, Jr. of Waldorf, Md., as best man. Groomsmen were Thomas Ennis Bragg, Jr. of New York, N.Y. and Ira Washington Bragg, III of Roswell, brothers of the bride; George William Donaldson, II of Swainsboro, brother-in-law of the bride; Matthew Christian Brehony of Brooklyn, N.Y.; Javier Adrian Cota of Manassas, Va.; and Kyle David Lonesome of Centreville, Va.
Serving as ring bearers were George William Donaldson, III of Swainsboro, nephew of the bride; and Andrew Thomas Sullivan of Waldorf, Md., nephew of the groom. They presented the wedding rings on candlelight pillows topped with an organza bow.
The groom was dressed in a classic two-button black tuxedo with a traditional white wing collar shirt and a full-back latte vest with a latte Euro tie. The male members of the wedding party were attired in the same, but with latte bow ties.
The groom’s boutonniere held two lavender calla lilies with seeded eucalyptus berries and leaves. The groomsmen wore a single calla lily matching boutonniere. The ring bearers wore purple stock boutonnieres.
After the processional, a congregational hymn, “Come Thou Fount,” was sung. The reading of the scripture was from Colossians 3:12-17, and the groom gave to his bride the Arras, which are a Spanish tradition serving as a promise by the groom to uphold his wife and family in financial and spiritual prosperity throughout their lives. Following the declaration of marriage, the bride and groom knelt at the altar and shared Holy Communion, drinking from an engraved silver goblet belonging to the bride’s mother and also used at the bride’s sister’s wedding in 2000. As they prayed together, John Mason Williams, III of Cocoa Beach, Fla., cousin of the bride, sang “The Lord's Prayer” by Albert Hay Malotte. Debussy’s “La Fille Aux Cheveux de Lin” was played during the lighting of the Unity Candle.
The bride’s mother was escorted to her daughter’s wedding by the bride's father. She chose a garnet silk shantung strapless slim A-line gown with a side gathered bodice and hand-beaded motif. The asymmetric waistline and side draped skirt featured a center back slit and was complemented by a matching hand-beaded illusion bolero jacket. She carried a silver tussie mussie, also carried at the bride's sister's wedding, filled with a dainty bouquet of white spray roses and ming fern tied with ivory satin ribbon.
Mrs. Sullivan, escorted by her son John Francis Sullivan, Jr., selected a dark blue floor-length silk sleeveless gown with a matching blue beaded sheer jacket. She carried a bouquet of white spray roses and ming fern tied with ivory satin ribbon.
After the declaration of marriage, the couple left the church to the joyful pipe organ music of “Toccata” by Widor.
RECEPTION
A reception was hosted by the bride’s parents at The Olde Pink House on Reynolds Square in downtown Historic Savannah after the wedding ceremony. The bride and groom arrived in a European horse-drawn carriage for the reception at the stately Georgian Mansion, a National Landmark built in 1771 and Savannah’s only 18th Century Mansion.
Dr. and Mrs. William Donaldson of Metter and Judge and Mrs. Bobby Reeves of Swainsboro welcomed guests who had arrived at the reception in white open-air trolleys that transported guests from their hotels to Trinity United Methodist Church and then to The Olde Pink House. They were directed to the upstairs exquisite new Savannah Ballroom with its mirrored walls, hand-painted murals and glowing crystal chandeliers where a black carved Roman urn on a round table in the center of the ballroom held a striking centerpiece with a dramatic mix of lavender and purple tulips; blue and white delphiniums; white dendrobium orchids; pink cymbidium orchids; green amaranthus; white, green and blue hydrangeas; blue Dutch iris; lavender Fuji mums; lavender and purple stock; purple lizianthus; hot pink love lilies; purple larkspur; pink and lavender Maritim and ocean song roses; dark pink heather; seeded eucalyptus; and curly willow.
A table covered with a white linen cloth in an alcove at the top of the staircase held the wedding gifts and the bride’s book. It was decorated with an arrangement of white hydrangeas; white Fuji mums; white dendrobium orchids; lavender tulips; blue delphiniums; hot pink love lilies; hot pink heather; and lavender, purple and white stock.
The round dining tables in the Savannah Ballroom were covered with floor-length white linen table skirts and held tall silver pedestals with lavish arrangements of purple mini calla lilies; pink and lavender Maritim and ocean song roses; lavender and purple tulips; hot pink, lavender and purple sweet peas; blue and white delphiniums; white dendrobium orchids; white, purple and blue hydrangeas; lavender and purple stock; purple lizianthus; dark blue Dutch iris; chocolate cosmos; hot pink love lilies; purple larkspur; dark pink heather; seeded eucalyptus; and Italian ruscus. Hanging green amaranthus and pink cymbidium orchids tied on wispy curly willow with moss completed the dramatic creations.
Other ballroom dining tables held sparkling elegance of silver pitchers filled with purple roses; blue and white hydrangeas; purple mini calla lilies; lavender and purple lizianthus; dark pink heather; lavender tulips; mauve cymbidium orchids; lavender, purple and white stock; hot pink, lavender and purple sweet peas; and lavender limonium.
Flickering ivory votive candles on each table added ambience to the romantic setting. Two sided glass frames with formal and informal photos of the bride and groom's parents’, grandparents’ and siblings’ weddings dating back to 1941 added a personal touch to the decor.
High top tables in the ballroom held silver pedestals with cut crystal rose bowls holding glowing ivory votive candles encircled with smilax.
Other dining tables were placed in the Purple Room, the Pink Room and the Study and dining tables extended onto the Office and outside to the balcony overlooking the gas-lantern lit Reynolds Square. The tables were covered with floor-length white table linens and held varied arrangements in oval and round silver wine coolers of mauve cymbidium orchids; lavender tulips; purple roses; purple mini calla lilies; hot pink, lavender and purple sweet peas; blue and white hydrangeas; lavender and purple lizianthus; dark pink heather; lavender limonium; and lavender, purple and white stock.
Family and friends of the bride and groom were treated to a gourmet meal and enjoyed visiting food stations throughout the entire second floor of the mansion. The Purple Room featured a pork tenderloin carving station and a potato martini bar. The pork tenderloin carving station was accompanied by popovers, natural jus, mayonnaise, and mustard. The potato martini bar offered whipped potatoes in a martini glass with toppings of bacon, country ham gravy, cheddar cheese, marinated mushrooms, roasted red peppers and whipped butter. Offered in addition were barbecue meatballs and miniature chicken parmesan.
The Pink Room featured a taco station for guests to make their own fabulous treat of sautéed vegetables, fried tilapia, grilled chicken, plantains, lettuce, pico de gallo, guacamole, and sour cream. A grandiose cheese fondue station in the Study held a wonderful array of seasonal vegetables, fruits and breads to complement the warm trio of Swiss gruyere, pimento cheese and smoked gouda fondues. Buttermilk thyme dipping sauce and blue cheese dressing added a finishing touch. The display was ornamented with tall vases of wispy curly willow.
The butler-passed delectable hors d’oeuvres included legendary crab fritters with remoulade sauce, pigs in a blanket with a zesty honey mustard sauce, and macaroni and cheese balls accompanied by a pink vodka sauce. Flavorful whimsical pimento cheese straws made a lovely edible bouquet for each table.
In the Savannah Ballroom the spectacular chocolate fountain of cascading irresistible chocolate decadence was complimented by strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, bananas, marshmallows and graham crackers for dipping in the flowing stream of sweet creamy chocolate. White hydrangeas scattered over the fountain added a special touch. The Ballroom also held the wedding cake and the groom’s cake.
The wedding cake was a delectable four-tiered confection of spice cake with cream cheese icing. Ballroom mirrors reflected the embellishment of fresh flowers of purple stock blossoms crowning the top of the cake cascading down on both sides to the base of the cake with pearl edging on each layer. The beautiful creation was placed on a footed round ornate embossed silver cake plateau and was encircled at the base by green smilax and the bridesmaids’ bouquets. A silver Grecian urn behind the cake held a beautiful arrangement of lavender tulips; blue delphiniums; white dendrobium orchids; hot pink love lilies; white hydrangeas; white Fuji mums; hot pink heather; and lavender, purple and white stock.
The groom’s cake was lovingly baked and decorated by Elaine Smith and Barbara Jean Smith, aunt and cousin of the bride. It was a creative, scrumptious two-tiered chocolate sour cream pound cake with chocolate fudge icing featuring a miniature wooden upright bass and miniature bow on the top and a Washington Redskins topper at the base, the groom’s favorite sports team. The cake read, “Hail to the Redskins!” The base of the cake was encircled with green smilax. The cutting of the groom’s cake was especially festive when the groomsmen and other friends joined the groom in singing the Redskins’ fight song, “Hail to the Redskins.”
As the bride, groom and wedding party arrived from the church, they were formally introduced to the guests by Dessie Smith of Swainsboro, cousin of the bride. The best man and father of the bride offered warm toasts after the introductions.
The couple’s first dance was to the tune, “Lullaby” by the Dixie Chicks, followed by the father-daughter dance “Teach Your Children” by Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young and mother-son dance “A Song for Mama” by Boyz II Men. A great highlight of the evening was when the bride surprised her groom by singing “Let’s Get Married,” a song she wrote especially for him for the wedding evening. For the special performance, the new Mrs. Sullivan was accompanied on the guitar by her cousin, Christopher John Bragg of McDonough.
Guests joined the new Mr. and Mrs. Sullivan on the dance floor for hours of entertaining dancing. Festive music was provided by the Athens-based band, ‘The Debonairs,’ who enjoyed having Mr. Sullivan perform with them on the electric bass later in the evening for the song “Thank You for Letting Me Be Myself” by Sly and The Family Stone.
Guests tossed showers of lavender and ivory rose petals and birdseed on the bridal couple upon their departure. The newlyweds left in their wedding attire in a vintage blue 1938 McLaughlin Buick Special headed for a honeymoon at the Main Street Inn on Hilton Head Island, S.C. They will make their new home in New York City.
REHEARSAL DINNER
On the eve of their son’s wedding, Mr. and Mrs. John Francis Sullivan hosted the rehearsal dinner at The Oglethorpe Club in Savannah. Originally built as a private residence, the circa 1857 historic mansion has been home to the club since 1870 and is the “oldest gentlemen’s club in Georgia.”
As guests arrived, they were led to the outside veranda overlooking Forsyth Park, the largest park in Savannah established in 1851, for a cocktail hour. With gas lanterns flickering about them, members of the Bragg and Sullivan families and wedding party enjoyed happy conversation, acquainting themselves with one another.
Guests were then invited downstairs where the entrance to the Garden Room held a chest covered with flickering ivory votive candles and arrangements of white roses, white Asiatic lilies and white snapdragons in tall rectangular crystal vases. White hydrangeas in crystal square box vases lined with banana leaves completed the enchanting setting.
Miss Bragg was dazzling in a soft red floor-length gown with bronze beaded detail along the halter neckline, empire waistline, and the hem of the A-line dress.
Upon entrance to the dining room, a bride’s book table held an arrangement of white Dutch iris in a Delft blue porcelain vase where guests were invited to sign their names and view the seating chart for the evening. Adding ambience to the evening were the windowed walls overlooking the lush lighted outdoor garden.
Custom designed personalized place cards matching the chandelier invitations to the gala were positioned at round dining tables covered with white floor-length linen tablecloths. Square box crystal vases lined with banana leaves and filled with white roses and white Asiatic lilies were centered on each table. Other tables held triplet sets of silver Mint Julep cups filled with white hyacinths. Romance was added to the tables with sprinkles of lavender and ivory rose petals and glowing ivory votive candles.
The candlelit southern low country dinner buffet in the Colonial Room included a house salad of baby greens with cucumbers, tomato, and shaved red onions with balsamic vinaigrette, Roquefort and ranch dressings; Caesar salad with garlic croutons; mustard potato salad; creamy cole slaw; black-eyed pea salad; tomato aspic; hearts of palm and artichoke salad; shrimp and grits; “Oglethorpe” fried oysters; barbecue baby-back ribs; southern fried chicken; corn muffins; biscuits and honey-whipped butter; southern corn pudding; red rice; country green beans; coffee and iced tea. A highlight of the meal was the celebration of the forthcoming marriage with apple cobbler; “Oglethorpe” nut sundae; and assorted cookies and brownies. A carved watermelon ship complete with sails held strawberries and blackberries for toppings on the yummy desserts.
The buffet table held an exotic arrangement of birds of paradise, fresh pineapple, banana leaves, red spider lilies, ginger red king and anthurium. The window in the room held a stand-alone arrangement of towering yellow and red gladioli tied with raffia.
The groom chose this occasion to present monogrammed antique silver pocket watches to his groomsmen and silver football and soccer savings banks to his ring bearers.
Toasts to the bride and groom were offered to conclude the lovely affair, first by host John Sullivan, father of the groom, and secondly by Dr. Ennis Bragg, father of the bride. William Donaldson, III, 6-year-old nephew of the bride, enthralled guests with his entertaining, impromptu toast to the wedding couple followed by many sentimental toasts offered from among the 88 family members and close friends present.
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