A Morgan Center Soirée to Remember: Golden Hour Grace

Getting Ready for a Morgan Center Soirée at Sans Souci

The day began within the storied walls of Sans Souci, where soft morning light spilled through tall windows and history whispered from every corner. Once the private retreat of Gilded Age elegance, the home set the tone for a celebration steeped in refinement and grace. As preparations unfolded amid the timeless architecture and quiet grandeur, anticipation grew for the evening to come — this luminous Morgan Center soirée, where golden hour promised to weave light, legacy, and modern romance into one unforgettable scene.

A First Look to Remember

Before guests arrived, the couple shared an intimate first look beneath the dappled afternoon light — a quiet moment that felt suspended in time. Their joy was effortless, their connection palpable, setting the tone for the celebration ahead. By completing all formal portraits before the ceremony, they gifted themselves the rare luxury of presence — the freedom to linger, to laugh, and to fully savor each moment with their loved ones once the vows were exchanged.

Golden Hour on the Riverfront Lawn

As the sun began its descent, guests gathered on the riverfront lawn, where the golden hour lived up to its name. The light shimmered across the water, casting a soft, honeyed glow over the ceremony space — a tableau of understated elegance framed by the natural beauty of the coast. With the gentle rustle of the marsh grasses and the glow of the setting sun as witness, the couple exchanged vows that felt timeless, their words carried on the evening breeze like a quiet promise kept between sky and sea.

Cocktail Hour Beneath the Southern Sky

Following the ceremony, guests were welcomed behind The Morgan Center, where cocktail hour unfolded across the lawn and sun-dappled patio. Glasses clinked beneath string lights as live music drifted through the golden evening air. The signature cocktails reflected the couple’s personalities — his, a timeless Old Fashioned; hers, a bright and refreshing Classic Margarita; and ours, a perfectly balanced Espresso Martini, crafted as a nod to late-night celebrations and shared indulgence. It was the kind of gathering that felt both effortless and intentional — a seamless blend of sophistication, warmth, and genuine connection.

A Celebration of Southern Design

Inside The Morgan Center, Southern charm met timeless sophistication in a design that felt both grand and deeply personal. The space was adorned with lush hydrangeas in soft, romantic hues, their blooms spilling gracefully over tables accented with glossy magnolia leaves — a nod to classic Southern heritage. Candlelight flickered across crystal glassware and fine linens, creating an atmosphere that was warm, welcoming, and undeniably elegant. Every detail, from the floral textures to the soft palette, echoed the essence of Southern grace — refined, gracious, and effortlessly beautiful.

First Dances and Family Moments

The evening’s magic deepened as the couple shared their first dance, a moment so full of tenderness it drew everyone to their feet. The melody carried through the room as they moved effortlessly beneath the soft glow of chandeliers, surrounded by family and friends who swayed in quiet admiration. When the father-daughter and mother-son dances followed, there wasn’t a dry eye in the room — each step a reflection of love, legacy, and the beautiful rhythm that had defined the day from the very beginning.

Dancing the Night Away

As dinner gave way to celebration, the energy inside this Morgan Center soirée transformed. The Crystal Clear Band took the stage, and from the first note, the dance floor never emptied. Their vibrant sound — a seamless blend of classic hits and modern favorites — kept guests moving well into the night. Laughter and music filled the air, mingling with the soft glow of candlelight and the hum of conversation, creating an atmosphere that was as lively as it was elegant — the perfect finale to a day defined by grace, joy, and Southern splendor.

As the night drew to a close, guests lined the back path of The Morgan Center, sparklers in hand, their golden light mirroring the warmth that had carried through the entire day. The couple made their way through a tunnel of laughter and shimmer, the glow of the sparklers reflecting in their smiles and on the soft fabric of her gown. It was a send-off worthy of the evening — radiant, joyful, and timeless — a final golden moment to end a celebration defined by grace, love, and the enduring beauty of Southern hospitality.

A Sparkling Farewell

Vendors

Venue – Riverfront Lawn & The Morgan Center , Jekyll Island Club Resort

Day of Coordinator/Planning – Swanson Signature Events

Photography – Rhonda Rowell Photography

Associate Photographers – Shanda Williams and Kelsey Jacobs

Hair – Tiffany Taylor of The Vanity Salon

Make Up – Make Up by Tricia

Officiant – Rusty Hutson, Father of the Groom

Dress – The White Magnolia

Cake – Publix of Brunswick

Band – Crystal Clear Band

Transportation – Red Bug Motors