Christa & Allen
March 18th, 2018
Most wedding planning comes with some hard moments here and there, but sweet Christa planned her wedding while her fiance, Allan, was deployed. Christa’s mom and I are dear friends, and go way back, and so when I was asked to help with the planning process and florals, I was more than happy to help. We did a pretty intense “quick plan,” getting most everything done so that when Allan came back around a month before the wedding, they could spend that time reconnecting and getting ready to start their lives together. Now they have since welcomed a beautiful baby girl and are happier than ever!
I could not have loved Christa’s style more. Choosing the State Botanical Gardens as their venue, from the classic bouquet style to the deep green of the bridesmaids’ dresses, everything was so elegant. We chose garden roses, mums, and hints of eucalyptus, incorporating the softest hints of blush. Their day was captured by the incredible Kaitlyn King. She has the most bubbly and kind personality, which makes working with her a dream!
If you’ve never been to the Day Chapel at the Botanical Gardens in Athens, prepare to be in love with the statement doors that lead into the sanctuary. It makes for the perfect detail shots and for a breathtaking bridal entrance.
Christa’s gown had some of the most beautiful detailing I’ve ever seen. Not to mention it looked like it was made for her.
Allan opted for a classic black tux, which is one of our faves! It’s classic and timeless for a reason.
They decided to do their first look on the patio of the Day Chapel, which is one of my favorite places for couples to have privacy during this moment, as the gardens are technically a public place until later in the day. There’s not much traffic here, and the shade of the tress makes for the best photos. So much planning, hard separation due to deployment, and support of family and friends had lead them to this moment. It was the sweetest.
And, also, what a STUNNING couple. I mean, goodness.
Obsessed doesn’t even cover how much I loved the shade of rich green Christa chose for her bridesmaids’ dresses. Paired with the dresses, the light colored flowers just popped, and gave the allure of such elegance.
Again, bringing it back to the classic black tux – LOVE IT.
We love when couples incorporate their beliefs and values into their wedding day and ceremony. Christa expressed to me early on that their walk with the Lord was such a huge part of their relationship, and she wanted her guests to experience that as well. We incorporated worship into the ceremony, and it left us all with goosebumps and teary eyes.
Okay, I’ve gushed over the suits and dresses, but here they are together and it’s a match made in heaven.
I’ve also gushed over how gorgeous of a couple Christa + Allan are, so here are some more pictures. Fun fact: just after the ceremony finished and the guests made it from the Day Chapel to cocktail hour, the BOTTOM FELL OUT. Like an absolute massive storm. The newlyweds spend part of their first hour as man and wife sitting in my Suburban with me and my assistant. We finally had the groomsmen come out into the rain and create an overpass with umbrellas, and I drove my car as close to the doors as I could possibly get. We were all SOAKED from head to toe, but all that mattered was the bride and groom were dry!
Because the Conservatory is basically a giant greenhouse, the plants inside allows couples to have simple centerpieces if they choose without the room looking bare. Christa decided on Candle heavy centerpieces with greenery, and the water in the floating candles bounces off the candlelight and created such a romantic atmosphere.
Christa’s parents approached me before the wedding, asking for help surprising Christa during the Father/Daughter Dance. They wanted a slideshow of pictures of Christa + her dad to be playing in the background. My husband came in clutch, creating the slideshow and bringing a TV from home to whip out at just the right moment for the surprise. It caught her off-guard, but in the best way. It was so sweet!
And from then on, it was a CELEBRATION. Jesse from Judah Press Entertainment brought the hype and kept them dancing through the night. Also, the MOST fun fact of the day – Christa did what every bride should do and not care about fancy wedding shoes – she literally wore tennis shoes all. day. long and it was my favorite.
A bubble send-off ushered the bride + groom off after a beautiful, rainy + sunny August day.
Christa + Allen, it was an honor to be a part of your day! Going back through your photos brings back memories and I’m so happy for the little family you have started! Cheers to you both.
Watch a beautiful recap of their day by the talented Drew of Choir of Light Media!
Florist / Wedding Planner/Day of Coordinator // Oakwood Lace + Co.
Photographer // Katelyn King Photography
Videographer // Choir of Light Media
DJ :: Judah Press Entertainment
Caterer :: Trumps Catering
Invitations :: Minted
Wedding Cake :: Publix
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