Cacti
A little over two months ago, my husband and I celebrated our wedding. We were lucky enough to spend the entire weekend with our closest friends and family at a hunting club — a place that gave us space to celebrate, connect, and create memories that will stay with us forever.
The weekend began on Thursday evening with a casual barbecue at the Pro Shop. Guests arrived throughout the night, and it became the perfect central gathering spot — a place for old friends to reconnect and new friends to meet over food, drinks and music.
By Friday morning, the energy had shifted into full celebration. The men spent the day outdoors, shooting and fishing, while my bridesmaids and I enjoyed brunch and flower arranging. The bridesmaids and I created all the florals for the rehearsal dinner ourselves — arrangements that would later be repurposed for the reception. It turned into a fabulous bridal luncheon, complete with quiche, wine, and a table full of blooms. This was one of my favorite moments from the weekend: laughter, creativity, and a fun activity to come together.
The afternoon was spent by the pool, a laid-back moment together before the rehearsal. That evening, we gathered in a converted barn for dinner and speeches that moved us to tears (I’m biased, but they were truly the most incredible speeches). Later that night, we welcomed even more guests and ended the evening with a party at one of the cabins.
Saturday morning arrived with calm excitement. My sister, best friend, and I finished last-minute details — including arranging the handwritten notes Ben and I had prepared for each guest as part of their seat assignments. I also stole a quiet moment with Ben that morning to give him his wedding gift, something for him to have that day.
From there, the day unfolded in a blur of joy. I did my hair and makeup surrounded by my best friends, and then changing into my dress gave way to photographs and quiet anticipation. Peeking out the window to see our loved ones walking down the aisle is a memory I’ll never forget. When my dad and I finally started our own walk, the day felt like a dream. I was completely unaware it was pouring rain and flooding in Atlanta, just 45 minutes away. We were somehow blessed with a (hot, but) gorgeous day. The celebration that followed — the vows, the dancing — was a complete whirlwind of love and excitement.
While the entire weekend was filled with unforgettable moments, some of the most special to me were the pieces of it I designed or painted myself. From our Save the Dates, inspired by polaroids we took in New Orleans, to our engagement party invitation styled after the courtyard at Hotel St. Vincent, where we later got engaged.
And then, of course, there was the “guest book.”
Instead of a traditional book, I created a painting — a piece of art that could live in our home as both decor and a memory. The inspiration was from another Dallas-based artist who did something similar for her wedding. I knew instantly it was something I wanted at ours. I spent months working on the piece, to bring a little Texas to Georgia for the event. During the reception, our guests signed it with their names and notes, each mark layering more meaning into the piece.
Today, that painting hangs in our home. Every time I see it, I’m reminded not just of our wedding day, but of the people who have surrounded us with love and support. It’s a work of art, yes — but more a record of a moment in time that we’ll never forget.
Our wedding was a celebration of family, friends, and love — but it was also a reflection of who we are and what matters most to us: creativity, community, and connection. And now, through the objects and art that live on, we get to keep carrying that forward.
Thank you for sharing in this story. We’re grateful you’re a part of this collective.
