Skip to content

Top Navigation

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • FOOD
  • HOLIDAYS
  • ENTERTAINING
  • HOME
  • GARDENING
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING
  • WEDDINGS
  • SHOP
  • DIY
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS
  • LIFE
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Pin FB

Explore Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 7 Things to Do in the Morning to Be Healthier and More Productive

      7 Things to Do in the Morning to Be Healthier and More Productive

      Kick-start your day by making habits out of these mood-boosting tips. Read More
    • Should You Refrigerate Bananas?

      Should You Refrigerate Bananas?

      It's one of your favorite fruits, but does it belong on the counter or in the refrigerator? Read More
    • This 3-Ingredient Homemade Weed Killer Uses Vinegar to Safely Remove Pesky Growths from Your Garden

      This 3-Ingredient Homemade Weed Killer Uses Vinegar to Safely Remove Pesky Growths from Your Garden

      A few easy-to-find ingredients are all you need to create a powerful formula that squashes weeds. Read More
  • FOOD

    FOOD

    See All FOOD
    Our 20 Most Popular Recipes for Summer

    Our 20 Most Popular Recipes for Summer

    • Breakfast & Brunch Recipes
    • Lunch Recipes
    • Dinner Recipes
    • Appetizers & Snacks
    • Dessert Recipes
    • Drink Recipes
    • Salad Recipes
    • Side Dishes
    • Soup Recipes
    • Healthy Recipes
    • Quick & Easy Recipes
    • Vegetarian Recipes
    • Cooking How-Tos
    • Baking
    • Menu Planning
    • Food News & Trends
    • Wine
    • Mastering the Holiday Meal
    • What's for Dinner
    • All Recipes
  • HOLIDAYS

    HOLIDAYS

    See All HOLIDAYS
    The Most Patriotic Flowers for the Fourth of July, According to Symbolism

    The Most Patriotic Flowers for the Fourth of July, According to Symbolism

    Show your love of country by displaying these varieties on America's birthday.
    • Father's Day
    • Fourth of July
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Hanukkah
    • Christmas
    • New Year's Eve
    • Valentine's Day
    • St. Patricks Day
    • Passover
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
  • ENTERTAINING

    ENTERTAINING

    See All ENTERTAINING
    How to Start Entertaining Friends and Family More Regularly

    How to Start Entertaining Friends and Family More Regularly

    Make gathering with loved ones a priority.
    • Seasonal Entertaining & Decorating
    • Baby Shower Ideas
    • Dinner Party Ideas
    • You're Invited
  • HOME

    HOME

    See All HOME
    We're Putting Up Walls Again—Is the Open Floor Plan on Its Way Out?

    We're Putting Up Walls Again—Is the Open Floor Plan on Its Way Out?

    We asked the experts to weigh in on this popular home design concept.
    • Home Design & Decor
    • Paint Colors & Palettes
    • DIY Home Projects
    • The Well-Kept Home
  • GARDENING

    GARDENING

    See All GARDENING
    A Month-by-Month Hydrangea Care Guide

    A Month-by-Month Hydrangea Care Guide

    Confused about when to do what to your favorite flowering shrubs? We have you covered.
    • Container Gardening
    • Flower Gardens
    • Houseplants
    • Landscaping
    • Vegetable Gardens
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    How to Wash Pillows

    How to Wash Pillows

    They're an essential element of a comfortable bed, so keep yours fresh and in their best shape ever with these expert-approved tips.
    • Cleaning
    • Storage & Organization
    • Laundry & Linens
  • WEDDINGS

    WEDDINGS

    See All WEDDINGS
    Who Pays for What for the Wedding?

    Who Pays for What for the Wedding?

    Get the traditional rules for who pays for the wedding details.
    • Real Weddings
    • Wedding Party
    • Wedding Planning & Advice
    • Wedding Ceremony & Reception
    • Wedding Jewelry
    • Dresses & Style
    • Wedding Beauty & Wellness
    • Wedding Registry
    • Wedding Showers & Parties
    • Love & Marriage
    • Wedding Travel
  • SHOP
  • DIY

    DIY

    See All DIY
    How to Melt and Reuse the Leftover Wax from Candles

    How to Melt and Reuse the Leftover Wax from Candles

    Our easy melt-and-pour method saves the last bit of this home essential.
    • Dyeing
    • Holiday Crafts
    • Kids' Crafts
    • Knitting
    • Paper Crafts
    • Sewing
    • Rescue & Revamp
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    Can Rice Water Really Encourage Hair Growth?

    Can Rice Water Really Encourage Hair Growth?

    This buzzy ingredient is a star player in many new-age hair care products.
    • Beauty
    • Health & Wellness
    • Live Well
  • LIFE

    LIFE

    See All LIFE
    • Family
    • Pets
    • Travel
    • Net Worth
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. marthastewart.com
  2. Weddings
  3. Real Weddings
  4. Wedding Styles
  5. Seasonal Weddings
  6. Fall Weddings
  7. This Bride's Watercolor Wedding Dress Set the Tone for This Colorful Savannah Celebration
Martha Stewart Weddings

This Bride's Watercolor Wedding Dress Set the Tone for This Colorful Savannah Celebration

By Blythe Copeland January 03, 2022
Skip gallery slides
Pin
groom escorting bride wearing watercolor wedding gown
Credit: Amanda Olivia

Shades of purple, blue, and pink stood out against white textiles and wine-colored accents.

Start Slideshow

1 of 18

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
groom escorting bride wearing watercolor wedding gown
Credit: Amanda Olivia

Adrienna McDermott had already started the process of deleting all her dating apps in November of 2016 when Frank Mozingo—whom she had matched with on both Tinder and Bumble—contacted her. "I was taking time off from the dating scene, but I gave Frank my number anyway," she says. After a weekend of texting, the two met for dinner and dessert at Savannah's Alligator Soul and Leopold's Ice Cream.

In early 2020, the couple were living in Italy while Frank completed a study-abroad program for his graduate degree. On a rooftop tour of the Duomo at sunrise, he proposed—just weeks before the couple evacuated the country due to COVID-19. Adrienna, a former wedding planner, wasted no time booking her vendors for March 27, 2021, in Savannah, but in January of  2021, she and Frank decided to postpone until the fall. "While I didn't want a summer or fall wedding in Savannah, since I dreamed of the azaleas in bloom, the fact that all of our vendors were available made it an easy choice," she says. (The couple had also already tied the knot in a private elopement—with only their parents—in October of 2020.) She moved forward with a colorful aesthetic of vibrant florals inspired by lavender tones in her watercolor wedding dress. "I always dreamed of a colorful affair," she says. "When we pushed back the wedding to September, I decided to keep the color palette bright and cheerful with a touch of velvet and wine."

On September 4, 2021, Adrienna and Frank exchanged vows in front of 70 friends and family at the Westin Savannah Club Pavilion. "While we dreamed of a big party, which was our most significant focus, we also didn't want to keep pushing it back," she says, "so while it was much smaller than planned, it was perfect."

1 of 18

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 18

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Bold and Beautiful

pink floral wedding stationery suite
Credit: Amanda Olivia

With a background in creative arts, Adrienna expected to DIY multiple elements for the wedding—including her invitations. "I went to college for textile design and am constantly making and creating," she says. "I originally planned to hand-make these, but ended up ordering them from Minted! We chose a gold-foil suite that was bright and colorful." The variety of pink, blue, and mauve shades on the invitation previewed the vivid aesthetic of the wedding day. "It was important to me that they tied into the final décor," says the bride.

2 of 18

3 of 18

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Splashy Hues

bride wearing custom watercolor gown
Credit: Amanda Olivia

As a former wedding-dress boutique owner, Adrienna estimates that she had tried on "hundreds of gowns"—including many Frank saw on her—before beginning her official search. "I never really pictured myself in white," she says. "I knew I wanted something with color! I had always been obsessed with Leanne Marshall and how her watercolor dresses are works of art." Unable to travel cross-country to boutiques that carried the "Twyla"—a silk organza A-line with a transitional cape and watercolor-inspired fabric—Adrienna ordered a sample. "I tried it on in my living room with my fiancé hiding in the bedroom, my mom on Skype, and my dog lying on it the whole time," she says. "Even though it needed quite a bit of work to fit—I'm only 4'11"!—I knew it was the one instantly and didn't try on any other gowns!"

She took the gown to Love Lives Here for alterations, where a seamstress reconstructed the entire piece. "It couldn't be hemmed due to the watercolor fabric, so she took each piece off, resewed them to the bodice, and created a custom bustle so that the cape became this voluminous masterpiece for the reception," says Adrienna. "My seamstress shares a studio with an accessory designer, so I had her make me a custom sash. She included lavender crystals and sewed it in." Statement earrings from The Pink Reef and a bracelet that belonged to her grandmother added a dose of sparkle.

  • Our Favorite Colorful Dresses from Real Weddings

3 of 18

Advertisement

4 of 18

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Cape Crusade

bride wearing gown and cape with watercolor design
Credit: Amanda Olivia

"The cape was my favorite part of the gown, and made me feel like a goddess on my wedding day," says Adrienna. "My seamstress created the most incredible design for the cape, and had it bustled for the reception, creating volume and showcasing the watercolor work. I honestly have never felt so beautiful!"

4 of 18

5 of 18

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Prints Charming

groom showing colorful lining of tuxedo jacket
Credit: Amanda Olivia

Frank chose a custom tuxedo from Men's Wearhouse, pairing a wine-colored velvet jacket with classic black pants. "He had a custom colorful lining for some fun, as well as our wedding date embroidered inside," says Adrienna. Divvy Up socks printed with pictures of the couple's pets were a wedding-day gift from the bride.

5 of 18

6 of 18

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Back to the Start

bride and groom kissing by fountain
Credit: Amanda Olivia

Adrienna and Frank chose Columbia Square, where they had eloped a year before, for their first look. "I was already so nervous, so knew I wanted to see him," says Adrienna. "I didn't think I would be nervous, or cry, but boy, I did."

6 of 18

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 18

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

A Big, Bright Bouquet

bridal bouquet comprised of pink peonies and purple tulips tied with photographic charms
Credit: Amanda Olivia

The bride enlisted her friend—and former event company employee—from Hey Jude Florals to create bouquets and arrangements. "I gave her an idea of the color palette and shape and let her design using her creativity," says Adrienna. Her bouquet of pink peonies, purple tulips, peach lisianthus, blue delphinium, snapdragons, larkspur, poppies, ranunculus, and lavender was "big, colorful, freeform, and had a hand-picked feel," and was tied with charms that included her grandparents' photos.

  • The 62 Best Wedding Bouquets

7 of 18

8 of 18

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

In Black and White

bride and groom laughing with wedding party
Credit: Amanda Olivia

Groomsmen wore black suits with floral Frank and Buck ties, and though Adrienna initially envisioned adding more color to the day with vibrant bridesmaids' gowns, she decided to keep it simple. "With my gown having hand-painted watercolor, I wanted the bridesmaids to wear white so that the colorful elements could stand out," she says. "Paired with the black suits, it made the colorful event a little more formal."

8 of 18

9 of 18

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Around Town

bride and groom looking out trolley window
Credit: Amanda Olivia

A classic trolley from Old Savannah Tours shuttled the bridal party—and, later, the guests—around town. "It was so much fun!" says the bride. "We also had it pick up guests to take them to the reception, and everyone loved how fun and 'Savannah' it was. I also loved our trolley tide back downtown after the wedding—it was packed with guests, and we sang show tunes the whole ride!"

9 of 18

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 18

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Locally Grown

wedding ceremony aisle markers comprised of colorful flowers and greenery
Credit: Amanda Olivia

Adrienna requested "a large backdrop with a few aisle markers" for the indoor ceremony space, but otherwise gave her florist the freedom to "create the installation with whatever she felt would look beautiful," says the bride.

  • 35 Altar and Aisle Decorations We Love

10 of 18

11 of 18

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Colorful Arch

wedding ceremony floral arch with dyed pampas grass
Credit: Amanda Olivia

"She hand-dyed fresh pampas grass she got from the islands around Savannah. Of course, some of our flowers didn't arrive in time (thanks, COVID!), but it was perfect anyway—when I saw the ceremony backdrop she created, I was in awe! It was absolutely incredible!" says Adrienna.

11 of 18

12 of 18

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

In Their Own Words

bride and groom exchanging vows wedding ceremony
Credit: Amanda Olivia

April Hayes of Savannah Custom Weddings and Elopements led the couple through a ceremony that included personalized vows. "I am religious, Frank not so much, so we had a nice balance," says Adrienna. "My love language is words of affirmation, so hearing Frank's vows was really, really meaningful."

12 of 18

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 18

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Pet Project

roses and foliage on either side of wedding bar
Credit: Amanda Olivia

Adrienna and Frank honored their dog and cat with custom bar signs listing their two signature drinks—a spiked lavender lemonade and "The Swipe Right," a whiskey smash. "The signs are on display in our at-home bar!" says the bride.

  • A Cocktail Hour Trend We're Loving: Living Bars

13 of 18

14 of 18

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Let the Light In

wedding reception setup in room with large windows
Credit: Amanda Olivia

The couple picked their venue without ever seeing it in person, in part because of the large windows and pretty views. "I knew I wanted a space that was bright, filled with light, and let guests enjoy the beautiful outdoors—but was air-conditioned!" says Adrienna. "Since we had a short and sweet ceremony, the focus of the design went to the reception. We added cafe lights to the ceiling, and pipe and drape along one of the walls to soften the sunset glow. For our head table, I wanted white washed farm tables, with a 10-foot lavender runner and greenery." 

14 of 18

15 of 18

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Featured Flowers

wedding reception tablescape with flowers in low white vessels and lavender napkins
Credit: Amanda Olivia

Pandemic safety rules prevented the couple from pre-setting plates, so Adrienna added lavender napkins and plenty of candles. Pristine blooms in low white vessels stood out against the white tables, walls, and draping in the room.

  • The Seven Most Popular Types of Wedding Centerpieces

15 of 18

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 18

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Perfect Harmony

guests dancing at wedding reception
Credit: Amanda Olivia

While planning the wedding, Frank kept his focus on the music selections, provided by All About You Entertainment. "Our first dance was a huge deal for my husband—it was one of the most important things to him!" says Adrienna. They opted for Ryan Hurd's "Diamonds or Twine," and then opened the dance floor with Kesha's "Your Love Is My Drug." "Frank's number one dream for the wedding was good food, good music, and guests having a fantastic time," says Adrienna. "He wanted the dance floor to be non-stop, all night long. He succeeded!"

16 of 18

17 of 18

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

So Sweet

bride and groom cheersing ice cream sandwiches
Credit: Amanda Olivia

Adrienna and Frank opted not to serve wedding cake, and instead treated guests to an ice cream cart from Leopold's, the Savannah spot where they had dessert on their first date. "As a former wedding planner, I saw countless weddings where half of the cake was thrown out and not eaten, so we wanted something we knew our guests would love," says Adrienna. Ice cream flavors included butter pecan, mint chocolate chip, strawberry lemonade sorbet, birthday cake, mocha chocolate chip, and blueberry cheesecake. "We had chocolate chip cookies for sandwiches, and that was what we had for our 'cake!'" says the bride.

17 of 18

18 of 18

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Sources

bride and groom holding hands walking at sunset
Credit: Amanda Olivia

Photography, Amanda Olivia
Venue and catering, Westin Savannah  
Event planning, Adrienna McDermott
Flowers, Hey Jude Florals 
Videography, Jeff Bush Videography
Officiant, April Hayes, Savannah Custom Weddings and Elopements
Stationery, Minted
Music and day-of coordination, All About You Entertainment  
Rentals, EventWorks
Bride's gown, Leeanne Marshall  
Bride's accessories, Nine West shoes; Jaxie Bridal sash; Bright Crystal Wedding hair pins; The Pink Reef earrings   
Hair and makeup, Beyond Beautiful by Heather  
Groom's suit, Men's Wearhouse
Men's ties, Frank and Buck
Groom's socks, Divvy Up  
Lighting, JLK Events
Transportation, Old Savannah Tours
Alterations, Love Lives Here
Bar menus, Z Create Design
Draping, D. Vine Weddings and Events
Engagement ring, Heidi Gibson
Guest book, B Gregory Design
Ice cream, Leopold's Ice Cream
To-go cups, For Your Party
Vow books, Plum Paper Co.
Wedding rings, Kay Jewelers (groom); Olive Avenue Jewelry (bride)

18 of 18

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Blythe Copeland

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    `
    Martha Stewart Weddings
    View All
    • 5 Ways You're Jeopardizing Your Relationship With Your Daughter- or Son-In-Law—and Your Child
    • In Addition to Duke and Duchess, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Will Hold Other Royal Titles for Life
    • The 20 Best Dresses to Wear as a Wedding Guest This Summer
    • Ariana Grande Inspired These Grooms' Black-Tie Wedding in the Pacific Palisades
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 18
    2 of 18 Bold and Beautiful
    3 of 18 Splashy Hues
    4 of 18 Cape Crusade
    5 of 18 Prints Charming
    6 of 18 Back to the Start
    7 of 18 A Big, Bright Bouquet
    8 of 18 In Black and White
    9 of 18 Around Town
    10 of 18 Locally Grown
    11 of 18 Colorful Arch
    12 of 18 In Their Own Words
    13 of 18 Pet Project
    14 of 18 Let the Light In
    15 of 18 Featured Flowers
    16 of 18 Perfect Harmony
    17 of 18 So Sweet
    18 of 18 Sources

    Share & More

    Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
    Martha Stewart

    Learn More

    • Contact Us
    • Customer Service
    • Media Kit
    • Martha's Blog
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • FAQ
    • Corporate
    • International
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Sign Up
    MeredithMartha Stewart is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2022 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Martha Stewart. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.marthastewart.com

    Sign in

    View image

    This Bride's Watercolor Wedding Dress Set the Tone for This Colorful Savannah Celebration
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.