“I love you more than anything in the entire world… yes, even more than Riley.”

Lauren was a stunning bride, Andrew was a quite dapper groom, and the wedding ceremony and reception were “them” to a T. As I’d mentioned in the previous post, the ceremony was held at the Georgia Museum of Art, which is on the UGA campus. They married in the Grand Hall, and it was just that — grand with a long aisle, high ceilings, sweeping white curtains over floor-to-ceiling windows, and a huge, dramatic painting along the wall.

Lauren’s older brother Brett officiated the ceremony and did a beautiful job. Lauren and Andrew wrote and recited their own vows, and I have to hand it to them, because I never would have made it through that at my own wedding. It’s funny…. I knew it would be a glorious and incredible day, but I never imagined what it would be like to actually hear my little brother sounding so grown up, professing his undying love and adoration for his new wife in front of everyone important to them. I don’t think there was a dry eye in the house when they finished.

The reception was held downtown at Farm 255 —  yet another fitting piece of the day, as it was where they had their first date. Farm is a farm-to-table restaurant, and Andrew is known among friends as quite a foodie and an excellent cook, so this location was perfection.  Inside, the room was literally glowing with hundreds of candles as we dined on a Southern feast of roasted chicken, local organic vegetables, collards, and shrimp and grits (I don’t eat shrimp, but the creamy grits were to die for).  The wedding cake was red velvet, and there were cupcakes, too! Sweet tooth seriously satisfied. Outside under strands of white lights, the fabulous Shimmer Band played and guests danced the night away.

They had the reception venue until 2am, so they staged a fake exit earlier in the evening, complete with a Chinese wish lantern send-off. I’d never seen these in person, and it was so neat! There were tons and tons of giant, glowing lanterns floating off into the night in celebration of Andrew and Lauren’s marriage. It was truly one of the most magical and beautiful things I’ve ever seen. 

Last weekend was one of the best weekends of my life, and I’ll remember it always. We’ve officially joined families with Lauren’s, and we couldn’t be happier. Lauren is the sister I’d always hoped for, and I’m so happy that they have found their happy ending together – but really, it’s just the beginning! Cheers to many, many years of memories to come!