A last-minute wedding cancellation due to Covid-19, caused Georgia + Andrew to make some tough decisions. Their florist had already ordered over half of their flowers and couldn’t cancel. They weren’t able to host their event at their original venue, and as things quickly started to shut down, their guest list dwindled. That’s when they decided – love isn’t canceled! They quickly adjusted their plans and held a magical, backyard wedding at G’s parents’ home. Really, when you see their flower arch, the word magic doesn’t do it justice!
G shares:
As a wedding photographer I had dreamed of having the “picture perfect” wedding but life has a funny way of working out! Less than 10 days before our wedding, we had to change our plans when coronavirus began to spread in the U.S. But we were not going to let that stop us from being married! We knew that what mattered most was the two of us getting married because that was the whole reason we were doing this thing! Whether there were 300 people or 3–we knew we wanted to tie the knot! Luckily where we live in Georgia things weren’t so bad yet and we were still able to have a few friends and family with us (now that wouldn’t be permitted or okay but we were so lucky that we got married when we did!).
Ashlyn Cathey Photography was there to capture the beauty of this unconventional day. Let’s take a look!
Floral- Inspired
G wanted a day full of flowers and color to match her vivacious personality. You can see how she pulled together a gorgeous color palette in the flatlay above. She kept her Minted invitation suite minimal and elegant in order to balance the look.
If you find yourself faced with adjusting your wedding plans, check out this Guide to Sending Out Postponement Announcements!
So much energy and happiness!! We LOVE it! G spent the day getting ready in a Le Rose robe, while Cameron McCormick created her stunning bridal hair and makeup look.
Stunning in head-to-two statement lace! G rocked this Sarah Seven “Cabana” gown that she got at Kelly’s Closet Atlanta. She paired it with Shein shoes. She shares:
At one point before our wedding I had debated whether or not to wear my gorgeous Sarah Seven gown because I thought “would it be worth wearing for only 15 people to see?” But then I remembered that I wanted to wear it for my groom and he was worth it!!
Backyard Wedding Ceremony
Funny enough, I’d always dreamed of getting married in my backyard which has always been a source of inspiration for me. Watching my mother spend time in the garden and growing up bare foot in the grass– it has always been a magical place to me. Sadly, my parents always said there was NO way that would happen because their yard would never be “ready enough” for that… but things have a funny way of working out!
Waiting on Wildflowers created a floral Fantasyland for the backyard wedding ceremony. This floral arch is stunning and filled with garden blooms like ranunculus, garden roses, and larkspur. What a magical backdrop!!
Ranco Rentals provided specialty furniture to make the backyard setting even more elegant.
A few highlights include My adorable one eyed pup got to walk down the aisle (he otherwise wouldn’t have!). We laughed when we realized we had no idea what we were actually doing during the ceremony because we hadn’t rehearsed anything. My uncle ended up making me the loveliest cookie cake (again impromptu!). My aunt ended up being our “coordinator” who fluffed my dress before I walked down the aisle. Especially funny to realize we didn’t know when to walk out or what to do because I am always telling every bride they “really should invest a coordinator”…but it turns out sometimes things just play out perfectly when they are unplanned.
The Newlyweds
Sealing forever with a kiss!
Covid-19 can’t stop true love!!
Wedding Party Support
G + A felt very lucky that they still got to have a few loved ones around to celebrate the day with them. G’s bridal party dressed to the nines in BHLDN gowns in various shades of pink.
They had their cake and ate it too! G + A had a delicious dessert table set up with Adey Gunnin crafted confections and Bottom Line Bakery wedding cake.
How cute are these edible flower cookies?!
It was the unplanned and spontaneity of it that really made everything so much better. As someone who spent a year and a half planning the “perfect day”, I realized that the perfect day is just being with the one you love and that’s the simple truth! Sometimes it is just the simple things in life that are the sweetest
Congratulations Georgia + Andrew! Your beautiful backyard wedding proves that love conquers all! The GWS team is wishing you both the very best!
photography: Ashlyn Cathey Photography // venue name: Private Residence, Augusta, Georgia, USA // planning: the Bride // florals: Waiting on Wildflowers // wedding dress: Sarah Seven ‘Cabana’ // wedding dress boutique: Kellys Closet Atlanta // bride’s shoes: Shein // bride’s ring: Faithful Platform/Gold Shop Martinez // bridesmaid dresses: BHLDN // getting ready robes: Le Rose // hair stylist: Cameron McCormick // makeup artist: Cameron McCormick // groom’s ring: Martinez Gold Shop // paper goods: Minted // calligraphy: Jami Craft // cake: Bottom Line Bakery // desserts: Adey Gunnin // furniture rentals: Ranco Rentals // music: Caroline Cain // officiant: Luke Niday