Selby and Alex were wed in a stunning June ceremony in Athens, Georgia, the home of their alma mater and ages of memories between the couple. From the start, the design of this event was rooted in the beauty of a cool blue color palette, an air of elegance, and the playfulness of a summer fete. Planning and event design by Simply Charming Socials with florals by Lindsay Coletta Floral Artistry & Design and invitations by Charles Willis. Reception was at Athens Cotton Press and all the gorgeous details an moments were captured by Davy Whitener.
From the planner: The ceremony took place in front of 300 guests on Herty Field, an iconic location on The University of Georgia’s North Campus. It was the very first football field, and as mentioned in one of their officiant’s tribute to them, a place of passion and glory. The large white tent entrance was draped and accented with greenery, greeting guests with lemonade and programs, while the aisle had growing boxed arrangements and candles every few rows, creating a gorgeous path for the wedding party to process. Other than some soft sheer fabric covering the tent poles, the wedding party was the centerpiece that set the altar area.
Selby was a vision in a dreamy Monique Lhullier bridal gown, with the bridesmaids in long dresses in shades of blue. Alex and the gentleman wore classic tuxedos, Southern-style as the groom wore his boots and a linen bowtie. The kiss was sealed with the customary ringing of the chapel bell, but in this case, a replacement bell needed to be used as the real bell was under construction. The last-minute hiccup didn’t stop the team from ringing in this marriage the proper way, with an old iron dinner bell driven in from miles away.
After the joyful ceremony, guests departed the lawn for the cocktail and reception venue, Athens Cotton Press. The converted warehouse was transformed into a magical dream venue. As guests arrive, they were greeted by with a show-stopping greenery arch and candle entryway, signature cocktails, and passed hors d’oeuvres from Epting Events. Notable details included an illustrated menu with sentimental selections (bison sliders reminding them of Montana, freshly shucked oysters like Florabama) and friend and mixologist creating signature cocktails on the spot. As guests entered the reception area for dinner and merriment, they looked up in wonder at the draped ceiling aglow with string lighting.
Florist Lindsay Coletta set the room so beautifully – a mix of long farm tables with cascading garland and low lush arrangements and round tables with soft flowy fabric, blooms, and candlelight filled the room for guests to enjoy a cozy dinner. This grand affair would not be complete without an incredible live band, Atlanta Rhythm & Groove, who graced the grand stage and had everyone on their feet. As guests mingled in and out of the venue, they passed the front entryway lounge boasting a commissioned art piece for the couple and enjoyed the fire pit as the sun set over Athens. Finally, the married couple was sent off into the night under a sea of sparklers, driving away in a very sentimental vintage getaway car. The groom spent months searching for the exact car his father and best man had in high school. And he found it. The gift to his father was presented that morning and a surprise to all as the couple rode away into the night.
Photography: Davy Whitener // Wedding Planner & Designer: Simply Charming Socials // Florals: Lindsay Coletta Floral Artistry & Design // Invitation Suite: Charles Willis // Ceremony Venue: Herty Field // Reception Venue: Athens Cotton Press // Cinema: Matthew Baxter // Wedding Gown: Monique Lhullier // Bridal Shop: Joan Pillow // Beauty: Hope Ferguson // Draping: Quest Events // Photo Booth: ShutterBooth Atlanta // Catering: Epting Events // Band: Atlanta Rhythm & Groove // Bridesmaid Dresses: Bhldn // Linens: @bbjlinen BBJ Linen // Welcome Bags & Decor: Simply Charming Socials // Officiant: Wes Van Dyk // Officiant: Darrell Huckaby // Ceremony Music: Athens Wedding Music // Rentals: Goodwin Events // Bar & Beverage: Farm 2 Cocktail // Transportation: Atlantic Limousine & Transportation