In August 2015, Savannah native Elizabeth Grier Gardner was living in Baton Rouge while completing her ENT Residency through Louisiana State University when she happened to meet New Orleans native Henry David de Lauréal, who was working in Baton Rouge. After a fantastic first date at the Radio Bar in Baton Rouge, the two soon became a couple.
Two years later, David and Grier were in New Orleans visiting his parents at their new home. Out of the blue, David proposed right there on the steps. Grier, of course, said “Yes!” The proposal wasn’t the only surprise David had in store. Later that evening, the two went to Clancy’s for dinner and Grier was floored when she saw both their families there to celebrate the newly engaged couple!
Grier and David set about planning a wedding to remember in the bride’s hometown. The festivities began with a rehearsal dinner at the Chatham Club, followed by a welcome party on the rooftop of the Perry Lane Hotel.
The next day, May 4, 2019, Grier walked down the aisle of Christ Church Anglican as music played by organist Mark Williams and a string trio floated up to the church rafters. Little did they know that mere hours before Reverend Marcus Bowen Robertson pronounced them Husband and Wife, disaster had struck.
Grier, who grew up on the water, had her heart set on a reception at the Savannah Yacht Club. However, an hour before the wedding began, the yacht club was hit by a tornado. Wedding Coordinator Anne Bone knew it was her job to swoop in and save the day. Telling only the bride’s father moments before he was to walk Grier down the aisle, Anne raced to the Yacht Club. Despite loss of power, water, ruined band equipment and overturned boats, she and her team miraculously returned it to perfect shape by the time guests arrived, and the party went on with many not even knowing a storm had hit!
The party began with a cocktail hour featuring Moscow mules, a favorite of the newlyweds. In addition to an amazing spread catered by the Savannah Yacht Club and a delectable cake by Mollie Stone, guests enjoyed many special touches that truly reflected the couple’s personalities. The décor included a Washington & Lee University flag, representing Grier’s alma mater, and UVA sideline mascot CavMan made an appearance, reminding everyone of David’s days in Charlottesville.
Though it had been an eventful day, everything slowed down as the couple danced their first dance to a saxophone version of Allison Krauss’ song “When You Say Nothing at All.” Then it was time for the guests to hit the dance floor, where the couple’s three young nephews wowed the crowd with their amazing moves! The couple left the reception by boat for a sendoff cruise down the Wilmington River.
A few months later, David and Grier enjoyed a two-week honeymoon trip to France and Italy. The couple then returned to New Orleans, where Grier will begin practicing as an ENT at Ochsner in September and David is the founder of private equity firm Carr’s Hill Partners.
Wedding Gown: Anne Barge, I Do Bridal Couture, Baton Rouge
Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Amsale, Bella Bridesmaids
Groom’s & Groomsmen’s Attire: Black Tuxedo
Engagement Ring, Bride’s Wedding Band & Groom’s Wedding Band: Friend & Company
Florist: Julie Driscoll, Garden on the Square, Savannah, Georgia
Invitation: The Cottage Shop, Savannah, Georgia
Groom’s Cake: Mollie Stone & Annette Jones,
Savannah, Georgia
Photographer: Jenny Evelyn Photography, Macon, Georgia
Videographer: Hart to Heart Media, Charleston, South Carolina
Hair: Barbara’s Salon & Spa, Savannah, Georgia
Makeup: Bride’s Side Beauty, Bluffton, South Carolina
Music: The Maxx