Story
We first met through mutual friends in our younger years in Atlanta. There seemed to always be a 'spark' as we enjoyed events, parties, and festivals together, yet it wasn't our time and we went our separate ways. Fast forward to 2015 when the luck of the Irish brought us together again at Park Tavern when we reconnected at a St. Patty's festival (our favorite) with some friends to catch up. The catching up became the whole day affair as we had a blast. We stayed in touch, were eager to see where things would go, and through many visits, holidays, football viewings, (some nudging from Ellen) & trips back and forth between CT and Atlanta the past few years, we are thrilled & grateful to be together for good in Atl. Good things come to those who wait!
Tidbits
How did you first meet?
See Our Story!
Who's going to take out the trash?
Whoever happens to be closer to the trash :)
What was your most memorable date?
Park Tavern St. Patty's Festival in Atlanta when we reconnected! It launched us to where we are today.
What's your favorite activity together?
We like lots of things like travel, wine tasting, watching a show or movie, playing with Banks (our sweet Puggle), walking/running, and golf more so, lately. Once Ellen gets better, this will rise on our list of hobbies.
Where are you going for your honeymoon?
TBD, but we are hoping for Italy in 2022.
What's the best meal you have eaten together?
Too many to note...We usually stay local so The Woodall near our house is a new favorite, and BJ's (Tom's mom) meals always top the list. We love Houston's, Hal's in Atlanta or any great steakhouse, our Siracusa's pizza spot, Los Bravos, Fish in Stamford CT, & Georgia Sea Grill, Halyards, Sal's, and Echo at King & Prince on SSI....and more and more meals at home since we've been improving our cooking skills. Tom will have more meals to rave about when he starts grilling.
We’re on the same page about
Knowing that "Everything works out," Getting to Napa & Ireland one day, quality time with family & friends, routing for UGA football, going with the flow, being positive & finding laughter. We love being aunts and uncles and playing w/ Banksy.
The most spontaneous thing we’ve done
Not much, but give us time. Does going to Costco count for Tom?
The dorkiest thing about us is
Sometimes we dress alike and don't plan on it. Who doesn't love navy blue??? Both playing on the laptop on the couch has been reoccurring more, too.
Teach us something about
Life, love, and pursuit of happiness! We always love a great story. (And golf teachings are welcome by Ellen)
Schedule
Travel
Getting In
You can fly into Jacksonville, FL International Airport that is about a 1 hour drive to St. Simons with several car rental options. There is also the "Brunswick Golden Isles" airport with Delta commuter flights from Atlanta if you're flying through Atl. Brunswick is a 20 min drive to SSI and has 3 rental car options. Savannah has an airport that is a 1.5 hour drive from SSI.
SSI is about a 4.5 hour drive from central Atlanta.
Hotel Notice
Try to make your hotel arrangements soon for the best rates and availability. There are other events at the King and Prince that weekend so rooms there & on the island will fill up. There are a handful of options that we have posted on here for you and most everything around The Village is close by to The King & Prince.
Weather - October is beautiful in SSI yet can be cool at night or have possible rain. The ceremony is on turf grass near the water so ladies - plan shoes accordingly for shoes or breezes.
The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort, Arnold Road, St. Simons, GA, USA
We're having the ceremony and reception here. We have a room block with different room options, yet you can always book outside of the block by calling directly. 800-342-0212. Mention the Duffy/Lauterbach wedding to request a discount. The King and Prince is walking distance to a number of other downtown restaurants and sites and has beach & pool access, and tennis. Our ceremony is on The Atlantic Court if you want to request a room closer to that side of the resort. The Hotel Simone is a sister property of The K&P is a short walk away & anyone staying there has access to The K&P amenities.
Our Favorite Restaurants
Barbara Jean's Breakfast on Mallery street in Village. Small but great & usually has a wait.
Things to do in SSI
Hotel Simone, Ocean Boulevard, St. Simons, GA, USA
Call for a courtesy rate & mention the Duffy/Lauterbach wedding by 8/21/21. Adults only hotel & a 5 minute walk to the King and Prince. This is a sister property of The K&P so anyone staying here has access to the amenities at The K&P.
Ocean Inn & Suites, Beach View Drive, St. Simons, GA, USA
Call for a discounted rate & mention the Duffy/Lauterbach wedding. The Ocean Inn and Suites is a 1/2 mile drive from the King and Prince, 1 mile drive to beach access, and is walking distance to The Village. Ask for Abbey about our block and room options. She was wonderful & very helpful. They follow strict Covid guidelines, too. BOOK BY 9/13/21.
Ocean Lodge Resort, Beach View Drive, St. Simons, GA, USA
Call for a discounted rate & mention the Duffy/Lauterbach wedding. This is a 1/2 mile drive or 10 minute walk to The King and Prince. There are only 15 rooms in the hotel.
Home2 Suites by Hilton St. Simons Island, Terminal Way, St. Simons, GA, USA
Call for a discounted rate and mention the Duffy/Lauterbach wedding by 9/13/21. The Home2 Suites is a new hotel and is a 1.5 mile drive from the King and Prince. There are not shuttles between the hotels but there are Ubers available on SSI. You can use this link to book,
Saint Simons Inn By The Lighthouse, Beach View Drive, St. Simons, GA, USA
This is a 1.1 mile drive from the King and Prince and walking distance to The Village. We do not have a room block here.
Hampton Inn St. Simons Island, Demere Road, St. Simons, GA, USA
The Hampton Inn is 2 miles from The King and Prince. There are not shuttles between the hotels but there are Ubers available. We do not have a room block here.
Q & A
For all our friends and family who have lots of questions, please check out our Q & A first!
When is the RSVP deadline?
Please mail back your RSVP card by September 15 and indicate who would like what entree so we can have an accurate headcount and know your meal choice.
What to expect with COVID
Pending any new major Covid issues, we are still planning on everything to go on! Please be vaccinated. The hotels may have mask policies when you check in. If you've rsvp'd yes and anything changes, please just let us know as soon as possible. We want everyone to be comfortable.
Are kids welcome?
As much as we love your little ones, we will not be including them in the events. However, we recognize that some of you will be traveling with your kids and you're welcome to do so to enjoy St. Simons over the weekend. Contact your hotels for babysitting if need be.
What will the weather be like?
Welcome to the south, all of you out-of-towners! The average weather in St. Simons in October is very nice can range from highs in the 80's to lows in the 60's. Please bring some warm layers as it can get cool at night and there are breezes near the ocean. There is always the chance of rain of course, too.
Where should I park?
There is limited parking at The King & Prince unless you're staying there. We recommend Ubering, yet Ubers and Lyfts can be a little sporadic on the island, so give yourself extra time.
Are the ceremony and reception locations wheelchair accessible?
The ceremony and reception are wheelchair accessible, yet the indoor building is not since there are a few steps inside the solarium entry room to get to the restrooms.
What should I wear?
The dress is semi-formal (suit w/optional tie and cocktail dresses are fine for the coast).
Is the wedding indoors or outdoors?
Our wedding ceremony is outdoors at the Atlantic Court overlooking the ocean and our reception will be in the adjoining outdoor tent. If there is a rain threat, the ceremony will be indoors in the Solarium right next to the tent so everything is close together at The King & Prince. Plan for possible breezes near the water & cooler evenings.
What kind of shoes should/shouldn't I wear?
Calling all ladies! The ceremony will be on grass so plan accordingly for shoes or wedges and feel free to bring comfy reception shoes for dancing. Up to you, yet we would not recommend Stiletto heels.
Is it okay to take pictures with our phones and cameras during the wedding?
No, Please refrain from taking photos & using cell phones during the ceremony. We have a photographer to capture our moments.
Whom should I call with questions?
Please call or text Ellen or Tom with any questions & to stay in touch. Ellen 404-660-5368. Tom 404-660-5655. We are happy to email, too. elaut22@hotmail.com tomduffyjr@gmail.com
Wedding Party
Registry
Your presence is enough of a present to us! But for those of you who are stubborn, we've put together a wish-list as we try to build out our new home. Registered at Pottery Barn, Crate & Barrel, and Amazon.
Get the app
Download Joy and join our app using our event handle ellen-lauterbach-and-tom-duffy. View and share photos and stay up-to-date with details on the go.