Sometimes romance clichés exist for a reason and for Caitlin and Jack, it was the classic “we met at a wedding” scenario. She was the maid of honor, he was the best man, and neither was looking for anything serious. But as wedding theory would suggest, the timing and setting were just right. A group outing to see a UCF game gave them the chance to actually talk, one thing led to another, and their first official date was ice skating—with the best chaperone they could ask for, Caitlin’s dog. Their chemistry was effortless, and they found themselves enjoying each other’s company more then they planned. Then came a global pandemic and a St. Patrick’s Day proposal in full tacky green gear, leading up to the biggest day of their lives.

Jack proposed on Daufuskie Island, a very special place to both of them, during a beach picnic that was colder than anyone expected. They had almost missed the ferry, which had Caitlin’s sister and family on the other side, but thankfully they made it just in time. On the ride over, they finally sat down to catch their breath, and seeing how cold she was, Jack realized he couldn’t give Caitlin his jacket because the ring was inside. Caitlin recalls another guy offered his jacket, which she politely declined, and Jack spent the rest of the ride keeping himself from letting everyone know it was for a greater purpose. Looking back, they laugh about it, knowing he redeemed himself and his shivering girlfriend would soon become his bride. It ended up being truly perfect. Full of personality and all the small imperfections made the proposal exactly the way Caitlin wanted it. She wouldn’t remember it any other way.

As a type-A, detail-oriented gal, Caitlin initially thought the wedding planning process seemed manageable. But very quickly, she realized it was more than they could handle. “I thought, so many people go without a wedding planner, but I hit a point where I don’t know what I was doing,” she said. They were even considering eloping just to escape the stress but, lo and behold, they brought in a wedding planner, someone they could trust to handle the logistics of the biggest day of their lives. They ended up opting for partial planning and it changed everything. “She [Vicki] saved the day. We have very similar personalities, so it was easy to trust and connect on that level… so worth it.”

Having a planner on board meant Caitlin and Jack could focus on celebrating while we ensured the design came together exactly as envisioned. Caitlin and Jack wanted a day that felt natural, relaxed, and full of fun. It was important for them to enjoy the day with their family at Jekyll Island. They were set on water views and Spanish moss, with soft, organic, neutral décor with a hint of blue that fit perfectly with their vision, leaving Jekyll Island’s Crane Cottage the perfect place for it. The day flowed effortlessly, guests relaxed and everyone ended up having the best time and soaking in every moment.

Looking back, Caitlin and Jack say the day went beyond their expectations. “We wish we could live it a thousand times over,” Caitlin shared. Their advice to couples planning is what every couple should hear early on: hire a planner and go in with an open mind. Treat each task like a little celebration rather than a chore, think of them as dates where you get to enjoy the little moments together and don’t be afraid to listen to expert guidance. Lastly, what feels overwhelming might actually be small in the grand scheme of things. Caitlin and Jack’s wedding and story prove that when things unfold in unexpected or funny ways, it’s often those moments that make the moment truly memorable.

Vendors
Wedding Planning | Lulu Events, Vicki Blood
Venue | Jekyll Island Crane Cottage
Photographer | Sprayberry Studios
Florist | Saint Florals
Rentals | Beachview Rentals
Linens | BBJ La Tavola Linens
Signage | Taily Ramscar Design
Beauty | Coastal Glam