A destination wedding in today’s world can mean different things, to different people. This vacation
experience can be planned out to take place in a fancy resort with a penthouse view to the beach, a lavish European vacation
honeymoon trip, or better still, (as far as I am concerned), on a cozy private island, all on your
own; leaving watches behind, and letting time stand still.
There are some factors that will affect the decision of your wedding location or your honeymoon vacation choices
of course; these range from personal taste, present state of mind, changing trends in wedding destinations, fads,
the economy, to maybe just a simple need to return to the things that really count in life … the sharing of
special times and love with family and friends.
"I have days in which I prefer the crowded, yet
exciting island of Manhattan, and other days, in which I desire total peace, amongst those I love best, in the privacy of
my own little quiet space."
As a wedding planner living in Florida, I have found myself drifting to the last option of attaining
that "State of Peace" when I take vacations, or suggest a wedding destination to my bridal couples. It is with great
pleasure, that I share my personal experience of a visit to a romantic and serene wedding island where "you decide,
how much, or how little, you want to do." An ideal setting, offering a great combination of relaxation and fun;
and one that takes you back to basics, with plenty of comfort, a dash of luxury and above all a ton of privacy.
“Private Islands of Georgia” is The Event Lady’s choice for the week, on the Travel Tuesday’s Blog. As far
as economy goes, the rates are incredible, as far as things we will remember and treasure, this island get-away will remain in your hearts and minds
forever; "I know it is in mine."
Our sister State of Georgia offers nature loving Floridians like me, a 100 miles of coastline with
many jeweled treasures to explore. It is easily accessible by car as well, making it an easy choice for a wedding anniversary
or a family vacation. This can be a fairly inexpensive trip out of our own State.
My recent travels took me
to a particular back barrier island property, located right off the Darien River. This incredible place is called “Eagle Island” as it was named by it's owner Andy Hill, (a spirited
explorer, dreamer, and resourceful business man), who now offers vacationers, their very own Georgia private island.
"Captain
Hill" as all the locals know him, has created a hidden paradise for those who seek non-material ways to renew
their souls during their travels. He cleared away 10 acres of land in this untamed nature refuge, and from scratch,
custom built, a two story, 3,343 square feet lodge with all the comforts you could possibly ask for, (without compromising the pristine wildlife experience of course)... which is what the island is all about.
Upon arrival at the dock, you head down a path decorated with nature’s own gifts, and at the end, you are suddenly
greeted by a lovely driftwood arch; one which many of us bridal planners would kill to own. As you
continue, some tiki torches mark the rest of way, just perfectly positioned in the right place, to create a rustic
bridal wedding aisle. Finally… the towering lodge emerges, and if your arrival is during the sunset hours,
you see a red-orange, glow surrounding the home.
Captain Hill has equipped his island-lodge with everything you will need to make you feel right at home;
It has a complete, ample kitchen, with an adjacent living and dining area; there are books, a warm fireplace, a ping-pong
table on the lower level, bunk beds for the kids, cozy bedrooms for the grown-ups, (the lodge can accommodate ten persons
comfortably), modern bathrooms, plush, terry robes, a semi-private loft overlooking the main living space, and even a great,
big fire-ring, within close range of the house, which is a must for roasting marshmallows, and telling ghost stories in the
late evening hours.
This property is gracefully appointed with the quaintness that only a true lover of nature could transfer
unto a place he really loves. Andy has achieved to convey the harmony and tranquility that his
magic lodge bring forth within it's walls. This is a vacation place that will melt your tensions away and
awaken your senses. Your only job on this wedding honeymoon trip is to pack your travel gear and leave
the world behind.
Word of warning... this is a totally a personal choice; you must decide
if you will bring your laptop and cell; (next time… I plan not to.) There is Direct TV as well, for
those of you who "dare not" explore the many fulfilling ways mother-nature intended for us to entertain
ourselves. For those of you "who can only enjoy nature in small doses", the main
land is only a short trip away by boat, and famous St. Simon, and Jekyll Island are also close by.
You can bring your favorite foods or arrange to have them delivered by Skippers Fish Camp Restaurant, which is right on the Darien Dock. You can cook your very own favorite gourmet dishes, or nibble on cheese and wine all day.
I had the distinct pleasure one night, of tasting something Southerners call “Cajun Low Country Boil”, (A Good Old Vegetable, Potato Medley with Sausage and Shrimp, all spiced up!), but the culminating meal for me, was the
delicious treat of Andy Hill's Oyster Bake, another special recipe of course; this one with a secret
touch!
Captain Hill taught me to chuck oysters that evening... something this old Cuban girl had never
done before... believe it or not!
The hot Jacuzzi on the second floor porch comes with it's own outdoor fireplace, and is the perfect
ending to any night, while the private fishing dock is there to help you greet your lazy mornings. Everything you need to
fish is available, and at your fingertips, from the fishing poles, the bait, ice, to the Blue Crab traps, for when they are
in season. A private boat rental is also at your disposal for an additional charge, should you choose to
explore down the river a bit on your own. Captain Hill will enlighten you with his expert boating short-course, back barrier
island lesson, and useful tips. Besides boating … Kayaking is also available for the adventurous, (that
would be me, ha-ha.)
Just ask Danny Grissette of Altamaha Coastal Tours, who was kind enough to help me get in that contraption they call a kayak; I made it.. I am here!
This unique Lover’s Nest even has an outdoor, his- and –hers combo shower;
(Shhhh....I tried it out, late one evening, under the silvery moonlight.)
You will find a comfy
hammock awaits you on the wrap around, screened porch, complete with a view to an active eagle’s nest,
(the reason for the island’s name, obviously.)
Captain Andy Hill is a fountain of knowledge, his stories of days gone-by in old Georgia,
will bring you back to the times of the historic plantations, and the smell of the fresh cut lumber which sometimes
was seen floating down the river. Listening to his tales, sure taught an old Spanish girl like me, plenty about the
Old South.
This secluded “5 Moon Resort” which is what Captain Andy calls his island, (opting
for the moon instead of the traditional 5 stars), offers a unique place to hold an all girl’s bridal shower, a
guy’s bachelor party or fishing reunion, a private and romantic wedding ceremony accompanied by an unforgettable wedding
reception Georgia style; while later staying to spend the ultimate honeymoon and stress-free, vacation; just you and your
loved one! Remember, all special arrangements can be made with the assistance of a good event coordinator.
What a great concept... an island at the reach of not only the rich and famous, but some of us light-pocketed, galloping souls as well.
Eagle
Island is a perfect place to re-kindle old friendships, reminisce of the single life being left behind, rejoice at the beginning
of exciting new chapters, and enjoy total bridal bliss.
“Private Islands of Georgia” will
embrace just the two of you in utter seclusion; this is truly a place to build memories that will last a lifetime.
I was privileged to visit Private Islands of Georgia … today, I share my wonderful experiences
on this blog article, (since its way too long to be called a post.) Please come back soon, I have many other tales reserved
for another Travel Tuesday's Blog, straight from this pretty land of Georgia.
For now…I think my pictures will
help create that "I want to really go there mood."
For Further Information Contact:
912.222.0801
Or Visit: www.PrivateIslandsofGeorgia.com
Happy Wedding and Honeymoon Planning!
The Event Lady
