We met John Patterson first at a private gathering on Sea Island at the home of  Bill and Sally Jones.  His Scottish accent, quick wit and commanding confidence struck me very quickly.  I knew at that moment that Jennifer would have a hard time walking away from this one.  I must admit it did take John a few more years than I imagined to finally get her to say I DO.  If you know anything about Savannah - then you know Mr. and Mrs. Savannah - John and Jennifer.  Even though they are not native to Savannah, there is no question that Savannah is their home.  We have known Jennifer Abshire much longer than John and have always been impressed with her winning smile and can do attitude.  No matter what your project, Jennifer is definitely someone you need by your side.  We really become to know Jennifer and watch her in action when we went through Leadership Georgia together (just a few years ago).  She had just helped impress the world as she and many others put Savannah on the world stage with the Olympics.  She is a true leader with a very creative side.  I think that is why we clicked so well!  Since the Olympics every worthwhile effort in Savannah has had Jennifer’s fingerprint on it.  Now with her continued partnership with John I know the journey and impact on this great city will be even more incredible.

DeWayne tells our friends that before Edie Grace was born he set up three investment savings accounts for her.  The first is her college education fund, the second her wedding fund and the third her political exploration fund.  Well after attending this unbelievable event tonight - I am thinking we may have to merge all three into one and then hope that we win the lottery!  I have photographed hundreds if not thousands of weddings before I took a sabbatical a few years back in order to spend time with the greatest gift God has ever given me - Edie Grace.  I can say that few weddings I have photographed or attended matched this event.  The wedding ceremony was at the beautiful Isle of Hope United Methodist Church and included beautiful music and a few surprises.  “Girl power” was everywhere — including the minister.  She conducted a very inspiring and thoughtful ceremony.  When the new couple was announced, the audience and the couple were serenaded by a full African-American choir “hidden” in the balcony.  They sang “the Best is Yet to Come.”  I LOVED IT!

The reception was held at the Telfair Museum and in tents under the square.  We all gathered initially at the museum to enjoy some great hors d oeuvres and enjoy more live music.  While the guests were visiting, the new couple had dinner alone under the tent in the square.  Shortly after they arrived at the Telfair, they were serenaded again by a children’s choir (that they are benefactors of) which then led the couple and guests across the street to the reception.  LGP client and friend, Ranco Tents, had tented the entire square.  When you entered the first tent they had set up a casual area complete with white leather sofas and framed snapshots of the couple.  The band was wonderful and the food was terrific and plentiful.  Savannah Mayor Otis Johnson gave the first toast and John ended the toasts with touching remarks about Jennifer and her family. 

Best of all it was a great night to catch up with friends old and new.  Thanks to Frankie Brooks for making us a “great deal” on her husband Michael’s seat - we were able to make room for old friends Angela and Wade Crance.  Angela and Wade are fellow alums of our Leadership Georgia class.  Angela is VP of Economic Development for Valdosta Technical College and they are very PROUD grandparents.  Wade - like DeWayne - simply a proud and supportive husband who seems to flourishes being married to a beautiful and successful woman.  Frankie and Michael are wonderful “new” additions to the Savannah scene.  They own and publish the incredibly popular “the South Magazine“.  It is one of my favorite magazines to read.  I can not wait for the next edition to arrive.  They are a creative duo who have done a remarkable job of telling Savannah’s story from an insider’s view as only an outsider could appreciate and understand.  The magazine is filled with beautiful photography which is always edgy and creative.  We learned that we share many friends since they are from Albany.  Yes, they are friends with the Taylor family in Albany.  DeWayne, Edie Grace and I have been long time friends of the Taylors and we all worked very hard on Mark’s Lt. Governor and Gubernatorial campaigns as many of you know.  

Leave it to Jennifer that even at her wedding she is putting together great people - always networking!

This was truly a night that Savannah royalty - new and old - will be talking about for years to come - no doubt!