Jekyll Island Elopement

Life has a way of surprising us when we least expect it, and sometimes, love arrives at the most unexpected moments. Tammy and Stuart, shared a story that left a lasting impression on me—a story that embodies the essence of love, resilience, and the beauty of unexpected connections. This is the story of their Jekyll Island Driftwood Beach Wedding.

Why They Chose to Elope

When I first met with Tammy and Stuart, I asked them “What is it about the intimacy and privacy of an elopement that made you choose this?”

The answer they gave was “we like the idea of our day being OUR day. No distractions, just us. We are both the type of people who would feel a bit uncomfortable with all eyes on us. We just felt a wedding would be very stressful and cause us not to just enjoy the day.”

Their answer commonly resonates with couples that are looking to elope. It’s a day about you. You don’t want any distractions or outside opinions that could affect your day or any of the drama or stress that can come with a traditional wedding. You want an experience that you will never forget and you want to share it with the person that matters most to you. Your partner that you are committing your life to.

There are many reasons that couples choose to elope, but one of the biggest is a “just us” experience like Tammy and Stuart had.

Intimate Getting Ready Moments

This is where Tammy and Stuart’s elopement day begins. But to see where their journey began, you’ll have to go back to the beginning.

Tammy met Stuart just a week after her father passed away. It was a time of immense grief and sadness, a period when starting a new relationship might have seemed impossible. Yet, as Tammy beautifully put it, “Love never comes when you are looking for it; it just stumbles into your life.” And stumble it did.

Her father’s passing opened her eyes to what truly matters in life, stripping away the trivial things and illuminating the simple joys of life. Amidst this realization, Stuart entered her life, not as a savior, but as a steady presence. He was there for her when he didn’t have to be, offering a shoulder to cry on and a heart ready to listen.

Stuart never met Tammy’s father, yet he embraced her stories with genuine interest and empathy. He sat with her through countless tales, laughed at the funny memories, and shed tears for the bittersweet ones. He became her anchor, always there when she needed him.

During the getting ready moments on their wedding day, something magical happened. Tammy had always felt a special connection to cardinals, believing they were a sign that her father was watching over her. She was feeling anxious on the elopement day, but as soon as she sat down in the chair to start hair and makeup, a bright red cardinal appeared, perching nearby and reminding Tammy that her father was there, looking down on this beautiful moment. It was a moving symbol of love and presence, bridging the gap between loss and new beginnings.

A First Look Full Of Emotion

As you can imagine, the emotions were already heightened for Tammy and Stuart as they both left the Villa separately. Every moment leading up to this was charged with anticipation, but nothing compared to the first look that would happen next.

Stuart stood a few steps away, facing the other direction, the weight of the moment heavy on his shoulders. He knew that when he turned around, it wouldn’t just be the woman he loved standing before him—it would be the beginning of the rest of their lives.

Tammy’s heart raced, the soft rustle of her dress the only sound that could be heard in the lowlands of Georgia. With each step, she felt her connection to Stuart grow stronger, and when she finally reached him, she paused, savoring the last few seconds. 

“Stuart,” she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion.
He turned slowly, a widening smile formed across his face as he saw her for the first time in her wedding dress. But it wasn’t just the dress or the way she looked that moved him—it was everything they had been through together, every moment of love and loss, joy and sorrow, leading them to this exact point.

Tammy’s eyes glistened with tears as she saw Stuart’s reaction. She knew, in that instant, that all the emotions they had held close were spilling over, creating a fleeting moment they would both remember forever.

It was a reminder of what makes elopements so special. All that mattered was this—Tammy and Stuart, standing side by side, ready to embark on the next chapter of their extraordinary journey.

Exploring Jekyll Island On Their Wedding Day

Next we moved on to exploring Jekyll Island and the emotions were still running high. Hand in hand, they left the first look location behind and made their way into the Oak forests of Jekyll Island. 

They reached a secluded stretch of the island, surrounded by towering oak trees draped in Spanish moss, and their laughter echoed as they ran through the forest. Their joy in this moment was truly infectious and it was so incredible to capture them enjoying each other and being completely present. 

As they reached a secluded stretch of the island, surrounded by towering oak trees draped in Spanish moss, a bright flash of red caught Tammy’s eye. She paused, and gasped as she watched a cardinal fly across their path. Stuart noticed it too, and they both stopped in their tracks, the world around them falling silent for just a moment.

Tammy felt a comforting presence that she knew was her father. It was as if he was there with them, sharing in the joy of this beautiful day, guiding them forward.

Stuart squeezed her hand, as he too felt the significance of the moment. They stood there together. It was a reminder that even in the midst of new beginnings, the love of those who came before them would always be with them, guiding their steps and wrapping them in a comforting embrace.

They knew that this day, this moment, was something sacred—an adventure they would carry with them for the rest of their lives. It was a thin place.

Relaxing Back at the Villa

After their emotional journey through the forests of Jekyll Island, it was time to go relax back at the Villa before their ceremony on Driftwood Beach. I love when couples incorporate something like this into their elopement day because it allows them to reset and relax before the emotions of the ceremony and saying their vows.

We ate charcuterie, laughed, told stories, and connected with each other during this time. It’s the number one thing I love about being an elopement photographer, connecting with my couples. Unlike a traditional big wedding, I am really able to connect with you and get to know you in a way that really allows me to tell your whole story; to capture the beauty and truth of your relationship.

Driftwood Beach Elopement Ceremony

As the sun began its descent, casting a golden glow over the island, Tammy and Stuart made their way to Driftwood Beach for their ceremony. The air was filled with the sound of waves gently rolling onto the shore, crashing softly against the fallen, driftwood trees that lined the beach like ancient sentinels. This was the place they had chosen to speak their vows and to commit their lives to one another.

Standing among the driftwood, their feet sinking into the soft sand, Tammy and Stuart faced each other, their eyes brimming with emotion.

As they exchanged vows, the emotions flowed. Tears of joy streamed down their faces as they acknowledged everything it had taken to arrive at this moment. Time stood still, and the only things that mattered were the words they spoke and the love they shared.

When the final words were said, and the vows had been sealed, Stuart and Tammy leaned for a kiss, smiling through the tears. With the ocean as their witness, they sealed their promises with a kiss.

This was the day they would remember forever—the day they became husband and wife.

A First Dance Shared

After the ceremony they popped some champagne (following leave no trace principles of course), and lit up a cigar to celebrate this beautiful milestone in their lives. They laughed and had wide grins on their faces. It was a moment of celebration for their journey that culminated on the beaches of Jekyll Island.

Then came one of my favorite moments of the whole day, the moment when they shared their first dance together. They danced to their favorite song, surrounded by the silent driftwood bearing witness to this incredible moment. Tammy held on so tight to Stuart, knowing that from this day forward, she would never let him leave her side. As they danced, with waves crashing in the background, the world seemed to fade away. In that moment, they were not just husband and wife—they were adventurers, soulmates, and partners for life, bound by the love that had brought them to this breathtaking moment.

Their first dance was a reminder that you can truly do anything you want on your elopement day. Keep whatever “traditions” you want or make your own. Elopements are meant to be experienced without any boundaries, spent doing the things you love with the person you love most.

Sunset on Driftwood Beach

Finally, the sun started to dip low and set below the horizon. We were treated to one of the most gorgeous sunsets I have ever seen whilst on Jekyll Island! Radiant oranges, pinks, yellows, and blues filled the sky. They watched together, holding each other, soaking the whole day in. It was truly an incredible scene to end their day.

Tammy and Stuart’s journey is a beautiful reminder that love isn’t about timing or perfection; it’s about being there for each other, through thick and thin, sharing stories, tears, and laughter. It’s about finding that person who stands by your side, no matter what. And it’s these moments that make every elopement I photograph so profoundly special.

Villa: Villas by the Sea Resort

Florals: Greg at Mountain Oak Florist

Hair/Makeup: Courtney Phillips at Vigilante Cosmetics

Wedding Dress: Simple Elegance Bridal

Officiant: Villas by the Sea Resort