Local hotel, jewelry, venue, and event planning experts share what’s new.
Local jeweler 13 Secrets has opened a new flagship, 13 Secrets Maison (513 Whitaker St.), and it’s definitely worth a stop. It’s inside a lovingly restored 1903-built mansion, with a decor that masterfully blends contemporary chic with historic details. You’ll find fine and custom jewelry, luxury watches, and repair services. (13 Secrets also still has its Plant Riverside District location at 300 W. River St., Building C.) Upstairs at the 13 Secrets Maison they have a private event space, The Secret. With a bar, seating areas, and windows overlooking scenic Forsyth Park, it’s the perfect place to get ready for a wedding. It can also accommodate up to 40 people for events such as a rehearsal dinner or a smaller wedding.
The Chapel by the Sea, located on Tybee Island, has been fully renovated and rebranded as a modern coastal venue. With upgraded indoor and outdoor areas, updated landscaping, and expanded services, it’s now a fresh option for couples looking to get married near the beach without the typical resort feel.
For the first time, couples can get married in the courtyard of the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace, built in 1821. This National Historic Landmark in downtown Savannah has a courtyard with pathways and lush greenery, and is available for elopements, wedding ceremonies, and receptions, with bookings available after museum hours. Rental proceeds directly support the ongoing preservation of the Birthplace.
Veratina, the bright new Italian restaurant that has been making waves in Savannah, is increasingly getting inquiries for wedding-related gatherings, owner Alicia Farrell tells us. Farrell confirms that the entire restaurant can be rented out for private events, and to call for inquiries.
After 46 years of offering tours and transportation, Old Savannah Tours has rebranded as Elite Savannah Travel. This new venture will offer luxury transportation and services for group clients. An upgraded fleet of vehicles includes executive black car services, including sedans, SUVs, Sprinter vans, and luxury minibuses.
The Eastern Wharf has welcomed Curated Events to its Riverwalk shopping/dining area (301 Passage Way, Suite 101 A). The full-service event rental company has everything you need for a wedding: flatware, buffet service items, lighting, tents, dance floors, linens and more.
We hear that the downtown hotel The Alida has seen an increase in bachelorette party bookings, and it’s no wonder. Bridal parties can enjoy private cabana rentals and custom decorations at the hotel’s Cabana Club, and personalize menus and table setups at its Rhett Restaurant. With five variations on Bloody Marys and bottomless mimosas, it’s easy to get the party started at Rhett’s brunch.
Chateau 1800, a European-style venue just outside of Savannah, has completed a full renovation and rebrand. The venue now features an updated interior, improved outdoor spaces, and new planning packages.
Nectar Old Town Bluffton has a new private dining space, The Loft, located on the second floor. The Loft can comfortably seat up to 50 guests, with access to Nectar’s seasonal, locally sourced menus. Menus can be customized for each event, offering plated meals, buffets, or shareable small-plate dining. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available.
It’s time to shine at JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District, where couples getting married there can borrow up to $20,000 worth of luxury jewelry from Kessler Diva (a jewelry boutique in the lobby of the hotel) for their wedding. You’ll receive a custom fitting on the same day as your menu tasting to select your pieces, and you and your wedding party will also receive $150 certificates to use at Kessler Diva. On the morning of the wedding, you can also have your rings professionally cleaned, then delivered by the Kessler Diva staff back to your room.
Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport introduced cool new joystick-controlled mobility vehicles to assist passengers with reduced mobility. The new BBGo vehicles allow passengers to move through the terminal independently, whether heading to a restaurant, browsing shops, using the restroom, or heading to their gate, at their own pace and without relying on staff assistance. The BBGo vehicles are free to use and can be requested at the Mobility Services desk on the Departure Level. Passengers can either stop by the counter on the day of travel or notify their airline at check-in.
Upscale bridal boutique The White Magnolia Bridal Collection recently moved into a lovely, airy new location at 2426 Abercorn St. The store is appointment-only, so be sure to reserve a time with the stylist team. The VIP bridal shopping experience allows for two hours of shopping with up to eight guests, and includes bubbles, bites, and a bridal gift bag. In a hurry? The Ready-to-Wed appointment is 75 minutes long and features a collection of gowns that you can take home the very same day.
What’s going on with the Forsyth Park fountain? The iconic fountain, with its swans and shell-trumpeting mermen, was temporarily removed in June 2025 for its first major restoration in nearly 40 years. Alabama-based Robinson Iron Works will recast and restore the fountain’s original cast-iron components; other parts of the fountain, such as its plumbing and electrical systems, also will be refreshed. The fountain was originally ordered from a catalog and was installed in July 1858. Once restored, the fountain should be back spouting by the end of the year, if not sooner. You can get updates at savannahga.gov.
Sebrell Smith, owner/creative director of Sebrell Smith Designer Events, shared some of her work from a recent wedding that beautifully married classic Lowcountry charm with Mediterranean elegance. For the reception, she used large, sculptural arrangements, vibrant centerpieces, and actual orange trees, transporting guests to the Tuscan countryside. The lush floral arrangements featured bright roses, peonies, and seasonal blooms. She also layered the grand centerpieces with thoughtful touches, such as individual bud vases and curated accents like beautiful coffee table books. You might also want to pop into her Sandfly Flower Shop, a good spot to find charming and useful gifts for a wedding party, like elegant pearl drop earrings.
Trend alert! Consider using a large, magnificent flower, as this bride did (photo at right). “The striking White King protea is a beautiful choice for a standalone centerpiece or as the focal flower for a bridal bouquet,” says Connie Ross, manager of John Davis Florist, the local floral shop behind this design, which also featured other flowers and greenery in an organic cascading bouquet. The bridesmaids carried a single protea accented with greenery.
