WHAT : Intimate Destination Wedding – Atlanta, Georgia

WHO: Hannah + Chase

How amazing is it to marry your best friend while enjoying PERFECT weather along the water surrounded by pine trees with 25 members of your closest family and friends? The two did just that with their and it was such an honor to not only capture their day but also to BE a part of their story. I knew Hannah and Chase’s intimate destination wedding in Atlanta, Georgia would be nothing short of amazing but when I reflect on the day itself, the first word that comes to mind is intentional. Every detail of their day was intentional, meaningful and totally them. I freaking adore these two and if you take the time to relive their day through these photos, you’ll see exactly what I’m talking about.

A little bit from the couple and why they chose an intimate wedding:

In general, we knew we wanted our wedding to be intimate & intentional. We didn’t want to spend our day meeting family friends for the first time or only have a few minutes to catch up with everyone who traveled in to celebrate. That mindset drove us to keep the guest list under 30 and have everyone spend a long weekend together at the lake. Summer camp nostalgia was the inspiration for the weekend as a whole, with the nature-focused setting inspiring soft, personal details & colors for the wedding itself.

We joke that there was nothing conventional about our small, summer camp themed wedding weekend. Besides the unusual setup – we curated every detail with an effort to highlight people, places & things that are meaningful to us. Nothing was done simply because it was seen on an inspiration board, but instead connected back to something important in our lives & relationship. The venue was somewhere we visit every year, the logo was created by Hannah’s brother, the football helmet as a guest book is a nod to our excessive sports memorabilia collection and the guest gifts were a collection of items that played key roles in our story. In short: we tried to make sure every single detail was authentic and intentional.

First looks are always so special, so I wasn’t surprised it hear it was Chase’s favorite part of the day…not to mention, Hannah had a fun surprise for him.

Hannah: We share everything, so keeping the dress a secret was hard enough but not being able to tell him that the dress was named the “Kennedy” – sharing a name with our beloved goldendoodle – nearly killed me. I think I asked him once a week until the wedding if I could just share “one fun fact” about my dress that I knew he’d love… having a few minutes alone and finally telling him during the first look was perfect.

Chase: It’s really hard for me to choose just one memory but it would have to be the lead up and anticipation before the first look and that moment itself. After an early breakfast together, I had 9 hours to fill before the wedding with very few items on my agenda. Finally getting in place for the first look and then getting to see Hannah in her dress made all the nervous energy from the day fall to the wayside. Knowing Hannah, I had a pretty good idea that her dress would be simple and elegant but seeing her and seeing her dress for the first time blew away my expectations. At the first look, she finally got to share with me that her dress style was the “Kennedy”, which is also the name of our 1.5 year old goldendoodle. A fun coincidence that allowed us a good laugh in the moment.

If we had to give our advice to couples planning their wedding it would be to build your day around the things that are most important to you. The day goes by incredibly fast and you can get pulled in a million directions. Nobody tells you when you’re planning that you spend 80% of the day with your vendors – so hire the makeup artists, photographers and venue staff that will keep you calm, make you laugh and help you manage the day. Trusting others to protect your time so you can have those 15 minutes alone, can attend your cocktail hour or sit and eat dinner with everyone is so valuable. – Hannah + Chase

An awesome team of vendors and a little thank you from the bride and groom :

We’re biased, but wholeheartedly feel that we worked with the best of the best for all vendors. A little extra love goes to: Megan & Sierra for being the greatest photographers, dearest friends and most fun duo to spend our wedding day with. The Sentimentalist in Atlanta for pulling the DREAMIEST Sarah Seven dress within minutes of Hannah walking in. The Ritz-Carlton, Reynolds Lake Oconee and their staff at every level for going above & beyond to make sure everything was perfect. Chelsea Olson Handlettering for making our Johnnyswim lyrics come to life as the perfect reception backdrop.

Venue | The Ritz Carlton – Reynolds, Lake Oconee

Bridal Gown | The Sentimentalist – Sarah Seven Dress

Caterer | The Ritz Carlton – Reynolds, Lake Oconee

Desserts | The Ritz Carlton – Reynolds, Lake Oconee

Florist | Kent Duffey, Designs by Kent

Hair + Makeup | Fathia at Brushworx

Officiant | David Key

Tux  | Ted Baker

Invitation Suite | Paper Daisies Stationery

Reception Backdrop | Chelsea Olson Handlettering

Interested in having me document your intimate destination wedding?  Email me today for information and to reserve your date!

Megan Montalvo is a Wedding and Elopement Photographer based out of the Seattle, Washington. She offers Seattle Wedding photography to surrounding PNW destinations such as Olympia, Tacoma, Mt. Rainier, Lake Quinault, Snoqualmie, Snoqualmie Pass, Cle Elum, Suncadia, Leavenworth, Ruby Beach, Cape Kiwanda, Cannon Beach and the San Juan Islands. Megan also travels for destination weddings all over the country and international.