Today is Veterans Day, a day of remembrance and respect to those who proudly once served in United States military—many of whom served during times of war. But for today’s post we are honoring not war, but love: the love between Vanessa, a former Army sergeant who served in Iraq, and Jason, her proud partner in life. Vanessa and Jason (nicknamed "Jake") wed along the tranquil shores of Seattle’s Portage Bay. As a tribute to her time spent at Fort Stewart near Savannah, Vanessa sprinkled elements of the historic southern city into her wedding day. From warm, gooey praline cookies to a stunning wrought iron arbor, Vanessa found ways honor her military past as she began her married future. Continue below to read more about Army veteran Vanessa and her wedding day—and feast your eyes on stunning snapshots of her Savannah-meets-Seattle ceremony--captured by the talented photographer Susie Hamidi.
Jason and Vanessa Stoner's Wedding - September 6, 2009 Wedding Style: Classic and elegant, with Savannah-inspired accents Colors: Navy blue, blush pink, and champagne Venue: Seattle Yacht Club in Seattle, WA (Portage Bay) Photographer: Susie Hamidi Photography Why did you decide to incorporate cultural elements of Savannah into your wedding? I love Savannah...the history, the people and the beauty of the city. I have so many great memories there with my friends from the Army, I wanted to mix those happy memories in to Jake’s and my new life together. I had been fascinated with the city since I read Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil by John Berendt. When I joined the Army, they asked where I wanted to be stationed and I asked for Fort Stewart near Savannah. I love the history of the city (it was spared from destruction on Sherman’s March to the Sea), the beauty of the homes, the oak trees and city squares--and I love the people. Any happy, military-related memories of the city? I loved entertaining and party planning, even back then (preparing for wedding planning, I suppose!). In my apartment in Savannah, I would have cook-outs and parties with all my Army friends. On our days off, we’d wander around River Street and watch the street performers, see live music, or go to art galleries. The great thing about the Army is you always have someone who wants to do something. You spend a lot of time with your Army friends because that is your family, since you aren’t near your actual family. 
Tell me a little about the stunning wrought iron arbor used during your wedding ceremony. I love the wrought iron that is all over Savannah. I wanted an arbor that was wrought iron to tie the details together. My mother-in-law found the wrought iron piece at a garden store. My father-in-law is an architect and designed the rest of the arbor around the piece and he, his best friend (who is a great woodworker), and Jake built it a few weeks before the wedding. How did it feel to stand under the arbor while saying your vows? Happiness beyond words! Doubled up in love... (which is a Heather Nova song that I walked down the aisle to and is a perfect description of our day). 
The praline cookie wedding favors look absolutely delicious! What inspired you to use them? I wanted one do-it-yourself thing in my wedding, and I wanted that to be the favors. One day it just hit me: I had to make pralines! Back in Savannah, we’d go to the Savannah Candy Kitchen, where the cooks would hand you warm pralines on their huge spatulas. There is nothing better than a warm praline from Savannah! When my family and friends from home would visit me I would also take them there for pralines—they’re my sister Ashley’s favorite candy. 
You named each reception table after a city square in Savannah. What motivated you to do this? I loved the city squares in Savannah...more cities should have them! They are so beautiful, so full of history, and each one is unique. I can’t imagine Savannah without the squares so I had to use them. I also thought it would give my wedding guests something to talk about! Were any bridesmaids or groomsmen friends of yours from the military? My bridesmaid Ivy is my best friend from the Army. We were in Iraq together and also were roommates in Savannah. She now lives in Atlanta and I was honored to have her be a bridesmaid. Several of my friends from the Army flew out for my wedding. My best friends Todd (stationed in Italy at the time), Bobby (just ETS’d from Fort Stewart at the time), and Derek (from Fort Lewis) were there. Todd and Bobby actually spent the day with Jake’s uncle, whose father had been in the Navy--his uncle loved spending the day with two military men! I was most touched by my Army friends who traveled that week to celebrate with me. The bonds that you make with people you spend your service time with are very, very strong. That time with them I truly value. Were there any other ways your military background influenced your wedding day? The week before I deployed, one of my best friends from home came to visit. Her mom gave me a little box filled with stars. She said it gave her luck. I brought that box with me to Iraq, and I had it in my wedding bag. 
What was the highlight of your wedding day? Saying our vows and celebrating the first day of the rest of our life together in front of our family and friends! Do you have any advice for other veterans wanting to incorporate their military background into their wedding? Think about what you love about your time in service and use that for inspiration! Is an area special to you? Most of my Army friends have a specific favorite place that they’ve been to in their Army career. Focusing on something that I guess can be described as broadly specific can really help tie details together. Vanessa's other ideas for a veteran wedding:
- A piece of a uniform could be made into a garter
- Pin a rank insignia on your bouquet
- A piece of fabric from dress blues could be pinned underneath a dress for the "something blue"
- If the bride & groom met in the service, they could have a photo display of their time together
- Chevrons are very big right now and wedding stationery could be designed with chevrons in the design
*** Love this idea! For inspiration, check out our Chevron Wedding Invitations *** Wow, thanks Vanessa--excellent ideas for a veteran wedding! I love the idea of using chevrons...so chic right now, and their significance in military badges makes them a great design choice for a veteran or military wedding. Also, thank you for sharing the beautiful photos and memories of your wedding day--and Happy Veterans Day to you, too! Are you a veteran bride or groom-to-be? How are you planning to honor your time in the service on your wedding day?
