Savannah Gilliam 7/20/26 Savannah Gilliam 7/20/26

The Grand Pavilion at The Sandbar — A Wedding Planner's Honest Guide to Anna Maria Island's Most Popular Beach Wedding Venue

A Sarasota wedding planner's honest guide to The Grand Pavilion at The Sandbar on Anna Maria Island — what the venue does well and what couples need to know.

About the founder

Meet Savannah Gilliam, Founder, CEO, Magic Maker.

Hi, I’m Savannah—the owner and lead planner behind Peony Wedding Co.! I started my journey into wedding planning the same way so many of my couples start theirs—with a love story. Over time, I realized my favorite part of weddings wasn’t just the celebration, but the way all of the moving parts came together into one seamless, joy-filled day. That mix of logistics and love? That’s where I shine. I loved the women-driven businesses and vendors I was able to work with, I adored event design, and I knew immediately that this is where I needed to be.

Before diving into weddings, I worked in the legal world (where color-coded binders and attention to detail were basically my daily life). That experience gave me a knack for organization and problem-solving under pressure—skills I now use to keep wedding days running smoothly, no matter what surprises pop up.

Now, with lots of planning experience, I get to spend my days helping couples celebrate in a way that feels true to them. I’ve had the joy of working on everything from intimate Sarasota elopements to elegant wine cellar receptions to full weekend wedding celebrations, and each one reminds me why I adore this work: because no two love stories are ever the same.

When I’m not building timelines or lighting 200 candles before a reception, you can usually find me exploring the Sarasota food scene, enjoying the beach at sunset, or hanging out with my two pups—Cooper (the world’s sweetest yellow lab) and Maisie (my sassy little Boston terrier).

Groom in a navy suit spinning his bride in a white lace off-the-shoulder gown under a circular gold arch on a rooftop ceremony venue, with the city skyline and bright sky behind them.

Savannah Gilliam, founder of Peony Wedding Co., styling a romantic tablescape with red and white floral arrangements, champagne flutes, and taper candles at an outdoor styled shoot.

“My friends, family, and other vendors from the day were also blown away by Savannah and her team’s attention to detail, hard work, and good energy they brought through the whole process. Coming from a very type b bride who’s simultaneously very particular about her style - I would give her 10 stars if I could. I mean she made my husband to be a boutonnière on the fly?! I am beyond impressed and I cannot imagine this day coming together without them. She was there in stressful moments and exciting ones and was reliable the whole way through. ”

Our Philosophy

Our philosophy is simple: listen first, plan intentionally, and create space for joy. We take the time to understand what matters most to you, whether that is the flow of the day, the guest experience, or making sure the people you love most feel cared for. From there, we step in with thoughtful organization, clear communication, and a calm, steady presence that keeps the process moving without making it feel overwhelming.

We often work with couples who want a planning experience that feels elevated and comfortable at the same time. Polished without being formal. Professional without feeling impersonal. Our role is to carry the mental load, guide you through decisions with clarity, and make sure your wedding day unfolds smoothly and meaningfully. The result is a day that feels effortless, relaxed, and fully yours, so you can stay present for every smile, every dance, and every moment that matters.

The Couples We Work Best With

We work best with couples and families who:

Value calm, clear, and consistent communication
Want a planner they can actually talk too, not someone stuffy or judgmental.
Appreciate professional guidance and trust the planning process
Care about thoughtful design, flow, and guest experience
Want to feel supported throughout planning, not overwhelmed

Our weddings typically fall within a mid-to-upper budget range and prioritize intention, experience, and ease over excess. If you are looking for a planner who feels approachable, organized, and genuinely invested in how this season feels, you are in the right place.

At the end of the day, We are here to make sure your wedding feels effortless, beautiful, personal, and full of joy—because you deserve to be fully present for one of the most exciting days of your life.

Inquire about your date! Tell us your love story.

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