Virginia Rayder and Brett Steilen’s story began five years ago in the West Village at a small gathering hosted by mutual friends. “Brett successfully got my attention, and we chatted through the night,” Virginia says.
Four years later, Brett pulled off an elaborate proposal, convincing Virginia they were headed to a professional society event in Westchester—complete with fake meetings and calls. “It was only a few days after the proposal that I found out the whole club was entirely made up,” she laughs. Before the “event,” they grabbed a drink at The Golden Swan across from her favorite ivy-covered building in the West Village. When he said their Uber was waiting across the street, he instead dropped to one knee. “The stone on my engagement ring was my grandmother’s, making the moment even sweeter.” The night unfolded from Automatic Slims to Waverly Inn—with lilies of the valley on the table in honor of family tradition—and ended at 205 Club, “filled with so much love, joy, and happy tears.”
Though New York shaped so much of their story, Sea Island had always been the plan for their wedding. “Brett’s family moved to Saint Simons when he and his siblings were younger, and Sea Island has been home ever since,” Virginia shares. “The resort has become a really happy place for both of our families so it was an absolute no-brainer that we would get married there.” On May 17, 2025, with planning by Beth Williams & Company, they welcomed guests to a weekend designed to feel rooted in place.
The ceremony took place in the Cloister Garden beneath sweeping live oaks. “It is serene, calm, and quiet,” the bride says. Florals by The Vine Garden Market complemented the natural setting with potted greenery in terracotta vessels, antique hydrangeas, and columns wrapped in soft foliage. Virginia carried lilies of the valley alongside peonies in a soft coral tone. Music for the ceremony was curated with Music by Pegge, as the wedding party processed to “Georgia,” Virginia walked with her mother to “Yellow,” and the couple recessed to “Burning Love.”
“It was important to Brett and I that our ceremony felt very personal and intimate,” she explains. They wrote their own vows—“the best decision we’ve ever made”—and Brett hugged each member of the wedding party before they took their places. “I’ve never felt more loved and at peace in my entire life.”
Virginia approached fashion the same way she approached the design: “classic and timeless with a flare of fun.” She found her dress at Oscar de la Renta, choosing the very first look she tried on—a strapless A-line with embroidered poppies and a matching veil. “It felt like me in a dress and like it belonged in our venue.” The poppy motif inspired the paper suite by Over The Moon Directory Illustrator Julie King and the custom linens created by Virginia’s god-sister, Olivia Massie of Maison Venu. For the rehearsal dinner and second look, she wore vintage pieces sourced from Happy Isles, pairing them with thoughtful accessories. Beauty was by Felicia Cammon, and Brett wore a custom tuxedo by Alan David.
Guests were escorted to the Beach Club by a Sea Island bagpiper where cocktails and light bites awaited. Entertainment was led by Steel Toe Stilettos, who kept the dance floor packed. Virginia and Brett chose “Fairlane” by The Dirty Guv’nahs for their first dance. “We also wanted something fast and fun that would get the party going,” Virginia shares.
One of the most meaningful moments came during the bride’s dance with her mother to “Unwritten.” “We quietly asked bridesmaids, best friends, cousins, aunts to join us as soon as the first chorus began,” Virginia recalls. “We had no idea just how special this moment would be.” Later, during “All the Small Things,” Virginia crowd surfed—“safe to say I peaked!”—beneath a stage backdrop inspired by the ivy-covered building where Brett proposed, a full-circle detail brought to life by the design team. The entire weekend was beautifully documented by Maggie Braucher, who captured every thoughtful detail and joyful moment with an effortless ease.
After the reception, guests returned to The Cloister for an after-party featuring dueling pianos and a surprise speakeasy moment. The bride reflects, “We never wanted the night to end!” However, the Monday after the wedding, Virginia and Brett departed for the Greek Islands—a dreamy, sun-soaked escape to begin their next chapter together.
