Skip to Content
  • Sign up for exclusive savings and news from Sea Island, delivered directly to your inbox.

  • bridal party posing in front of a tree

Nicholas & Sherry

What was your favorite memory from your Sea Island Wedding?
My favorite memory was the period directly following the ceremony. Nicholas and I arrived, freshened up and were met outside by the Sea Island team with fresh cocktails. We were able to take a stroll (just the two of us) overlooking the marsh and watch the sunset. The photographer snapped a few pictures while we took a moment to breathe, savor a once in a lifetime moment, and give God thanks for such a special day!

How did you hear about Sea Island?
My mom’s family is from St. Simons and she grew up just outside of the Golden Isles. The Bartley family spent many vacations on the Georgia Coast and Sea Island has always held a special place in my heart. During one family vacation, my sisters and I were playing in The Cloister lobby and I saw a beautiful bride descending the stairs. She looked like a princess! I stood in awe, and six year-old Sherry knew there was nowhere else she wanted to say her vows!

If you grew up coming here, what is your favorite past Sea Island memory?
The bridal memory stands out, as does nights of bingo with the Farnham family (my God family) and long beach walks with mom. There is nowhere else I have seen with so many seemingly endless and uncrowded miles of white beaches! And one of my funniest Sea Island memories was watching my best friend beat a man 10+ years older than her in the 4th of July belly flop contest. It was the loudest smack followed by the loudest applause I’ve ever heard… she earned that trophy!

What was the inspiration for your décor/theme of your wedding?
Timeless Sea Island elegance. Sea Island is known for its southern tradition and charm… a place where generation after generation can come to feel like family. Elizabeth helped us recreate an old Sea Island vibe by taking some of the beautiful silver candelabras from the vault, looking at lots of old Sea Island photographs, making sure every guest was comfortable. A lot of our theme focused on bringing southern hospitality alive; we wanted everything to feel warm and welcoming and everyone to feel like family.

After the wedding was over, were you pleased with the details? How would you describe your experience at Sea Island?
Yes, I was very pleased! The Sea Island team makes you feel like family. They worked hand in hand with my personal planner and family to bring my dream alive. They truly listen to every detail and keep making changes and reinventing until they get it exactly as you like. They think outside of the box. They truly care about each bride and make each experience one of a kind. The day of, you feel like a princess. You do not worry about a thing. They are a team that makes you feel that way… you know that they are competent. You know that they care. The greatest gift that they give you is being able to sit back, relax and enjoy friends and family on your special day. You know that everything else will be under control.

Wedding Date: September 23, 2017
Ceremony Location: St. Mark’s Episcopal Church
Reception Location: Mizner Ballroom
Bride: Sherry Bartley
Groom: Nicholas Joy

Wedding Manager: Lynn Pitts/Elizabeth Killgallon
Hair Stylist: Beth Kicklighter Hall
Gown Designer: Sareh Nouri
Tux Designer: Navy uniform
Bridesmaid Dress Designer: Jill Stuart
Bridal Shoes Designer: Badgley Mischka

Rehearsal Dinner: The King and Prince Beach and Golf Resort
Bridesmaids Luncheon Location: Sea Island Beach Club
Band: Big Blast and the Party Masters
Photographer: Eliza Morrill Photography
Videographer: Blu Couture

View Other Real Weddings

bride and groom
Tom & Codi
The wedding team brought my idea to life more than I could’ve imagined. It was absolutely stunning!
Read More
bride and groom kissing
Kyle & Britta
The flowers were exquisitely unusual with soft hues of pale peach and blush, greens, and blues, the tables varied in...
Read More
bride and groom driving away in a golf cart
Jarrad & Margot
The Sea Island team provides elevation and sophistication to all things southern. Hospitality, attention to detail, and...
Read More