Rio Vista is a small island with only 40 homes.  It is located in the southern part of Savannah, at the mouth of the Moon River…the very river Johnny Mercer wrote about in his hit song.  An island studded with live oaks, dripping with Spanish moss, huge pines, hydrangeas and lush greenery. 

My home for over 40 years, I call it paradise.

My little island was no match for Hurricane Helene. Savannah stood in the upper right quadrant of her wickedness. The winds and tornados played checkers with our live oaks and massive pines. My yard alone lost five large trees. Thank goodness our house and cars were spared. Many were not so lucky.

We woke up to no power and no water. Utility poles snapped like twigs and lines were down everywhere. The water pump that supplies our island was badly damaged.

No water AND no electricity.  Probably for seven to ten days.

Less than 36 hours later, I was to deliver a gorgeous cake to Jenny and Jared’s wedding, an hour and half away on Hilton Head Island. Hilton Head didn’t receive the same rude behavior from Helene. The Sea Pines Country Club was operating. The guest count might have been smaller but the flowers were delivered, the band was ready to party and there was cake!

Our generator delivered enough power to keep the refrigerators and freezer going so the cakes were safe.  Decorating the cake in 90°F heat with close to 100% humidity is another story. Had I not worked ahead, putting the cake together, covering them with fondant, the outcome would have been very different. It wasn’t easy, but in the dim light, it got done.  The sugar paste flowers held up in the humidity and I was pleased with my work and delighted yet another couple.

This isn’t my first hurricane as wedding cake designer, so I was prepared. I have delivered cakes through hurricanes, floods, my studio kitchen burning down, and tragedies far more personal.

Helene was not a surprise, but the amount of damage in Savannah was a surprise. We all know life happens but our couples and families contract us to deliver. We are obligated regardless of the circumstances, and must make every effort reasonably possible.

I am not alone in this. I know a wedding planner in Western North Carolina who lost her cars, has no power, cell, or internet. Her home was spared and her family is safe. She has to produce a wedding this coming Saturday at a mountain resort that was on the outer edges of Helene and is operating. She walked miles to find a bar of cell service because the show must go on. She is looking for housing and food for her family, AND she is doing her best to manage vendors and produce a wedding. Not doing her job is not an option.

Not doing my job is not an option.

Twenty-five years have taught me a thing or two about preparation. Luckily, hurricanes come with a warning. Some tragedies do not.

If you and your business have made it through Helene, give thanks and make a disaster plan.

There are so many who are not as fortunate. If you are looking for a way to help, please consider The Search Foundation who provides assistance specifically for event professionals.

XOXO

Minette

P.S. I am writing you from the comforts of a the Westin Savannah. Power eludes me for now, but thankfully, I don’t have a wedding this coming weekend. I pray of your safety and success.