Bride Scarlett shares her Rivermill Event Centre wedding filled with Southern romance.
Please meet today’s bride Scarlett. She and her beau Jonathan are adventurers. “We are chasing something together – not sure what that is, but it is exhilarating,” she said. And with a goal of visiting all 59 national parks, their engagement in Death Valley was just the beginning. Though they may love to travel they knew that they wanted to share their love of the South and just how beautiful and charming it is through a romantic, Southern wedding that they’re still dreaming about. Keep reading to learn more about their adventures and see their magical Georgia wedding.
Thanks for sharing, Gaby J Photography!
Jonathan and I wanted to do a first look because we knew it would calm our nerves, and to exchange some sweet words. Plus, we planned on our puppy making an appearance!
We have a goal to visit all 59 national parks. Death Valley has always pulled on my heartstrings as it is one of the most beautiful locations in America. Jonathan knew that and proposed in one of the most remote, unique places in the park. It was late autumn and at twilight – the temperature was cool, the breeze was soft, and the sky turned purple. Words really can’t describe the moment. It was just perfect!
Tell us about some of the songs you used throughout your wedding and why you chose them. It is really cool when you hear everyday songs played on strings, so we picked songs from all genres. We really wanted our guests to be entertained during the ceremony and cocktail hour. Our ceremony songs didn’t hold any significance to us, we just wanted our guests to have a good time. Our recessional choice was “All You Need Is Love” by the Beatles. If that isn’t a feel-good song, I don’t know what is!
What was Southern about your wedding? There was an emphasis on bringing people together – what is more Southern than that? The Spanish moss, the Chattahoochee River rushing in the background, and the venue’s historical significance showed our out-of-town guests how beautiful and charming the South is.
What was your favorite detail from your wedding? I had this vision of a space for guests to go to when they needed a break from inside. We brought in antique furniture and filled the space with candles. It was so dreamy and played into that Southern romance I was after. I’m still dreaming about it!
I decided to go a little modern with my cakes. I had three separate cakes, different sizes with touches of watercolor and gold. I had my florist include some peonies just to add a soft finish. The flavor was a delicious almond buttercream.
Tell us your love story in one sentence. We are chasing something together – not sure what that is, but it is exhilarating.
When did y’all get married? April 28, 2017
How many friends, family members, and loved ones attended your wedding? 120
Tell us the highlights of finding your wedding dress. The highlight for me was seeing my mom’s reaction to the first gown I walked out in. We both knew it was the ‘one’ without having to say anything.
What made you choose your ceremony and reception venues? Did they have any special significance to you? I knew immediately the Rivermill was going to be our venue. The garden space and outside terrace adjacent to the reception room fit perfectly with my wedding vision.
What were some of the most meaningful or special parts of your ceremony? Having my mom and dad walk me down the aisle will forever be one of the most precious moments of that day.
What was your favorite thing about wedding planning? It was so much fun working with vendors that had a true passion for making my wedding vision come to life!
What was the hardest part about planning your wedding? My wedding was in Columbus, GA, a relatively small city in the state. There were items that were not easily accessible, so my team and I had to find them in other cities or purchase online. We made it happen though!
If you are comfortable responding, what range did your wedding budget fall into? $25,000-$50,000
What was one way you saved money or cut costs at your wedding? We wanted to differentiate the head table from others, but also keep costs low in that particular area of the budget. Rather than have special glass chargers at every table, we just had them at the head table.
What was your most memorable moment from your wedding day? Jonathan and I had ten minutes to ourselves on the terrace. It reminded me of our engagement – twilight, perfect temperature, colorful sky. That moment was meant for us.
What advice would you give to someone currently planning a wedding? Seek vendors that collaborate with other vendors outside their local region and have a “can do” mentality. Brides often hire vendors that discourage their choices because it is not easy or it has never been done before. There are so many creative people out there waiting to do everything they can for you!
Photographer: Gaby J Photography | Planner: J-Lou’s Wedding and Event Planning | Venue: Rivermill Event Centre | Florist: B Anderson Floral | Wedding Cake: Midtown Cakes | Caterer: JK Culinary | Rentals and Lighting: Outdoor Events | Band: B. Haskins and his Third Floor Band | Paper Products: Minted | Bride’s Gown: Allure Bridals | Bride’s Jewelry: Tara and Co. Diamonds | Makeup Artist: Allure by Rachel | Bride’s Shoes: Steve Madden | Bridesmaids’ Dresses: “Aidan” by Jenny Yoo and “Linden” by Watters | Men’s Attire: The Black Tux | Robes: Bloom Custom Robes | Custom Linen Napkins: Artistic Therapy by Amanda Newman | Table Runners and Bouquet Ribbons: Silk and Willow
What an incredible setting especially for the ceremony. Having that backdrop of greenery is just perfect.