On a hot mid-September day, Autumn & Ryan Hadbavny eloped in Savannah, Georgia. The couple chose the picturesque city because they wanted to celebrate their new lives in a new place.

Eloping and Adventuring in Savannah, Georgia

“We searched out beautiful rentals across Georgia, from coastal cottages to tree houses in the forest,” said Ryan. “Once we saw the historic live oak-lined streets of Savannah, we knew we wanted it to be the enchanting backdrop for our getaway.”

The duo stayed at the Marmaduke Hamilton in the heart of Savannah’s historic district. On the day of their ceremony, Autumn stunned in a custom red dress created by Suz Pisano. The couple was whisked away in a polished black 1960 Series 62 Cadillac.

Their driver, who also served as officiant, drove to a small park inside Bonaventure Cemetery. Surrounded by Southern live oak trees and iconic wisps of Spanish moss, Autumn and Ryan exchanged vows and rings next to a saltwater tide pool. 

Following the ceremony, they ordered scoops at Leopold’s Ice Cream parlor. Autumn surprised Ryan with their first dance, a serenade by local barbershop quartet, 13th Colony Sound. The couple ended their magical day with dinner at The Grey. What did they have?

A Surprise Celebration for Family and Friends

Two weeks later, using Autumn’s “surprise” 30th birthday party as a cover, they gathered closest friends and family at Kate Romane’s former restaurant e2. Before the couple’s arrival to the party, the wedding film was projected for the guests.

Their good friend, Rick Sebak, announced the newlyweds’ grand entrance, and led their vow renewal in front of the crowd. Autumn and Ryan ended the celebration with champagne toasts and Savannah-inspired caramel praline ice cream.

“Our family was predictably a bit shocked at first,” said Autumn, “but they totally embraced the surprise as we partied the night away!”  

Story by Alexandra Lancianese

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