September 21, 2024
Magnolia Creek Farms
Blairsville, GA
Photography by Ashlyn Cathey Photo
Floral Design by Powell's Bouquet
Day-Of Services by Powell's Bouquet
It’s not every day I connect with someone just months before their wedding, but that was the case with Brenna. From our first meeting, her genuine warmth and kindness drew me in, and I knew I wanted to be part of her special day. I didn’t get the chance to meet Ryan until the wedding day, but if he were Brenna's perfect match, I had a strong feeling he would be just as wonderful—and I was totally right!
The Morning
The morning of the wedding dawned perfectly as we made our way through the scenic routes of the North Georgia Mountains. We'd been hired for multiple services so we knew this was going to be our home for the day, and we were thrilled to be in such a beautiful area of Georgia. Arriving at the venue bright and early, we prepped to deliver and install the floral arrangements.
The first thing that I always do is deliver the bridal bouquet, one of my favorite parts of my job (we are called Powell's Bouquet after all). The bridal party stayed onsite at the venue the night before in a large farmhouse, with the bridesmaids getting ready upstairs and the groomsmen downstairs.
What struck me immediately when I stepped inside was the sweet atmosphere of the bridal suite. A group of gorgeous bridesmaids were dancing and singing (and snacking) with their bride, the air filled with stories and laughter. This isn't an uncommon thing amongst the ladies of a wedding party, but there was something different about this group. There was a heightened sense of connection among all of the women in the room, and you could sense their sincerity and joy. It was infectious, and it made my heart swell with excitement.
Brenna had expressed her desire for a rush-free morning, especially since there was no first look. I assured her that she would not be rushed so that she and her girls could have an amazing morning. And boy, did her bridal party deliver! The fierce girl-boss energy radiated from every corner, making it an absolute blast to be part of their celebration. At one point there may have been a dance break with the vendors included!
Handing Brenna her bouquet was a magical moment. Brenna’s pure joy upon seeing her vision
come to life was everything I love about this job. She enveloped me in the biggest, warmest hug and I’m being honest when I say you could feel her gratitude...I mean it!
Leaving her to her ladies, we left the farmhouse to tackle the floral installation at the ceremony site.
Let me tell you, summer in Georgia is no joke! The sun was blazing, and keeping those flowers hydrated felt like a full-time job, but we made it work! After all, a little sweat is worth it for stunning blooms, right?
With the arrangements set, coordination duties kicked in and the bridal party photos were underway. I caught a glimpse of Ryan and the groomsmen enjoying their time in the farmhouse, which meant the girls could roam outside for fresh air and stunning photos. As I assisted the other vendors, the excitement in the air grew thicker. We completed our checks, and as the ceremony approached, nerves mingled with anticipation.
The Ceremony
Then came the moment we had all been waiting for—time for the ceremony to begin. I might be biased, but Brenna walking down the stone-laden staircase toward Ryan was a scene straight out of a fairy tale. When their eyes locked for the first time, emotion flooded the moment, and tears streamed down everyone's faces—mine included! The sincerity of the love between Brenna and Ryan resonated deeply with everyone present; I’d never seen a couple more connected.
The ceremony was officiated by the couple’s aunt, adding beautiful personal touches that honored both the bride and groom, their families, and created an atmosphere filled with love. When they exchanged their vows and the words “I do” echoed through the woods, the joy from their guests was undeniable.
The couple exited while being showered with rose petals and love, and the celebration continued! Guests mingled during cocktail hour while Brenna and Ryan took family and bridal party photos.
The Reception
As the cocktail hour wrapped up, Brenna and Ryan made their grand entrance to the song "September" by Earth, Wind & Fire—more than fitting for their September 21st wedding! Their first dance captivated the room, and it was a beautiful sight to see everyone enchanted by these two lovebirds as they swayed together like no one was watching.
This may be a little old-fashioned of me, but I think some of the most emotional and memorable moments of a reception are the family dances. It feels like a moment suspended in time, where nothing else matters but celebrating the bond between you and someone who has been there for you throughout difficult times in your life. I understand all too well the complexities that come with so many close families, and there's almost always something that a family could be going through at any one time. But during this moment, all that can be felt is the love and emotion between a parent and their child.
The energy only intensified as the evening progressed, with heartfelt speeches from loved ones stirring up laughs and tears alike. This wedding felt personal and connected, with every guest feeling like they were part of something truly special. As if on cue, the couple traded their formal shoes for dancing shoes, letting loose as the party truly started!
Brenna and Ryan radiated pure joy—they danced as though nothing else mattered! Their families joined in, and their friends went from “the bridal party” to “THE bridal PARTAY.” There wasn’t a still pair of feet in the entire building!
As the night drew to a close, Brenna and Ryan shared a private last dance under the twinkling lights. It was a magical end to a perfect day. We lined up their guests outside, giving them light-up shakers to send off the newlyweds surrounded by love and celebration.
What an incredible day with incredible people in a stunning location! Brenna and Ryan truly exemplified the power of love, friendship, and joy, reminding everyone that weddings are more than just events; they’re beautiful milestones in the journey of life. Here’s to love, laughter, and unforgettable moments — congratulations to the new Mr. and Mrs. Ferguson!
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