Wedding Day

Wedding

Koury Farms

Reception

Our Wedding

How We&nbsp;Met Joseph:&nbsp;After&nbsp;a&nbsp;decade&nbsp;and&nbsp;a&nbsp;half&nbsp;in&nbsp;a&nbsp;relatively&nbsp;small&nbsp;church,&nbsp;you&nbsp;get&nbsp;pretty&nbsp;familiar&nbsp;with&nbsp;the&nbsp;people&nbsp;who&nbsp;show&nbsp;up&nbsp;week&nbsp;in&nbsp;and&nbsp;week&nbsp;out.&nbsp;I&nbsp;certainly&nbsp;don't&nbsp;attend&nbsp;church&nbsp;to&nbsp;watch&nbsp;the&nbsp;people,&nbsp;but&nbsp;suffice&nbsp;it&nbsp;to&nbsp;say&nbsp;it&nbsp;was&nbsp;impossible&nbsp;to&nbsp;ignore&nbsp;someone&nbsp;so&nbsp;lovely&nbsp;walking&nbsp;through&nbsp;the&nbsp;door&nbsp;on&nbsp;that&nbsp;first&nbsp;day.&nbsp;The&nbsp;timing&nbsp;wasn't&nbsp;right&nbsp;though&nbsp;and&nbsp;we&nbsp;didn't&nbsp;speak&nbsp;much&nbsp;at&nbsp;all&nbsp;over&nbsp;the&nbsp;following&nbsp;year,&nbsp;but&nbsp;during&nbsp;that&nbsp;time&nbsp;I&nbsp;watched&nbsp;Alicia&nbsp;demonstrate&nbsp;depth,&nbsp;maturity,&nbsp;and&nbsp;grace&nbsp;every&nbsp;week&nbsp;in&nbsp;class.&nbsp;I'm&nbsp;not&nbsp;that&nbsp;great&nbsp;at&nbsp;bowling,&nbsp;but&nbsp;I&nbsp;think&nbsp;I&nbsp;ended&nbsp;up&nbsp;with&nbsp;the&nbsp;high&nbsp;score&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;games&nbsp;we&nbsp;played&nbsp;that&nbsp;night&nbsp;and&nbsp;some&nbsp;pleasant chatter&nbsp;on&nbsp;the&nbsp;lanes&nbsp;led&nbsp;the&nbsp;way&nbsp;to&nbsp;some&nbsp;great&nbsp;conversation&nbsp;over silly&nbsp;photos.&nbsp;Over&nbsp;the&nbsp;summer&nbsp;of&nbsp;2017&nbsp;we&nbsp;became&nbsp;best&nbsp;friends,&nbsp;and&nbsp;by&nbsp;the&nbsp;time&nbsp;the&nbsp;summer&nbsp;ended,&nbsp;I&nbsp;knew&nbsp;there&nbsp;was&nbsp;something&nbsp;here.&nbsp;I&nbsp;was&nbsp;a&nbsp;bit&nbsp;hesitant&nbsp;about&nbsp;getting&nbsp;into&nbsp;a&nbsp;relationship&nbsp;right&nbsp;as&nbsp;law&nbsp;school&nbsp;began&nbsp;for&nbsp;me,&nbsp;but&nbsp;she&nbsp;accepted&nbsp;my&nbsp;wild&nbsp;schedule&nbsp;with&nbsp;open&nbsp;arms&nbsp;and&nbsp;we&nbsp;never&nbsp;looked&nbsp;back. Alicia:&nbsp;It's&nbsp;a&nbsp;long&nbsp;story&nbsp;how&nbsp;I&nbsp;ended&nbsp;up&nbsp;going&nbsp;to&nbsp;Anchor&nbsp;Church,&nbsp;but&nbsp;the&nbsp;first&nbsp;time&nbsp;I&nbsp;showed&nbsp;up&nbsp;for&nbsp;the&nbsp;Sunday&nbsp;morning&nbsp;Bible&nbsp;study,&nbsp;I&nbsp;sat&nbsp;next&nbsp;to&nbsp;a&nbsp;well-dressed,&nbsp;suave,&nbsp;blonde&nbsp;young&nbsp;man&nbsp;sipping&nbsp;a&nbsp;coffee.&nbsp;He&nbsp;turned&nbsp;to&nbsp;me&nbsp;and&nbsp;gave&nbsp;me&nbsp;a&nbsp;polite&nbsp;warning&nbsp;about&nbsp;how&nbsp;intense&nbsp;the&nbsp;class&nbsp;usually&nbsp;is.&nbsp;As&nbsp;the&nbsp;new&nbsp;single&nbsp;girl,&nbsp;naturally,&nbsp;I&nbsp;did&nbsp;my&nbsp;research&nbsp;at&nbsp;home,&nbsp;but&nbsp;after&nbsp;discovering&nbsp;he&nbsp;wasn't&nbsp;available,&nbsp;I&nbsp;kept&nbsp;my&nbsp;distance.&nbsp;During&nbsp;that&nbsp;first&nbsp;year,&nbsp;I&nbsp;think&nbsp;we&nbsp;maybe&nbsp;had&nbsp;one&nbsp;(casual)&nbsp;conversation&nbsp;with&nbsp;each&nbsp;other.&nbsp;Cue&nbsp;his&nbsp;graduation&nbsp;party&nbsp;early&nbsp;June&nbsp;of&nbsp;2017,&nbsp;and&nbsp;I&nbsp;was&nbsp;one&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;few&nbsp;guests&nbsp;who&nbsp;stayed&nbsp;late&nbsp;by&nbsp;the&nbsp;campfire.&nbsp;That&nbsp;was&nbsp;the&nbsp;first&nbsp;spark&nbsp;(like&nbsp;the&nbsp;pun&nbsp;there),&nbsp;and&nbsp;the&nbsp;next&nbsp;one&nbsp;came&nbsp;on&nbsp;the&nbsp;college&nbsp;group&nbsp;bowling&nbsp;night.&nbsp;Keep&nbsp;in&nbsp;mind,&nbsp;I&nbsp;come&nbsp;from&nbsp;a&nbsp;family&nbsp;with&nbsp;some&nbsp;avid&nbsp;bowlers,&nbsp;but&nbsp;I&nbsp;had&nbsp;never&nbsp;seen&nbsp;anyone&nbsp;with&nbsp;a&nbsp;technique&nbsp;and&nbsp;form&nbsp;like&nbsp;Joseph.&nbsp;He&nbsp;asked&nbsp;me&nbsp;for&nbsp;my&nbsp;Snapchat,&nbsp;and&nbsp;we&nbsp;haven't&nbsp;stopped&nbsp;talking&nbsp;since--not&nbsp;to&nbsp;brag,&nbsp;but&nbsp;our&nbsp;streak&nbsp;is&nbsp;at&nbsp;771.&nbsp;Fortunately,&nbsp;we're&nbsp;pretty&nbsp;good&nbsp;at&nbsp;the&nbsp;face-to-face&nbsp;thing&nbsp;now&nbsp;too.&nbsp;Being&nbsp;the&nbsp;meticulous&nbsp;man&nbsp;that&nbsp;he&nbsp;is,&nbsp;Joseph&nbsp;wanted&nbsp;to&nbsp;ease&nbsp;into&nbsp;dating,&nbsp;but&nbsp;I&nbsp;may&nbsp;have&nbsp;encouraged&nbsp;him&nbsp;to&nbsp;go&nbsp;ahead&nbsp;and&nbsp;ask&nbsp;me&nbsp;out&nbsp;already.&nbsp;I&nbsp;don't&nbsp;think&nbsp;he's&nbsp;complained&nbsp;since. The&nbsp;Proposal Joseph:&nbsp;Alicia's&nbsp;description&nbsp;pretty&nbsp;much&nbsp;nails&nbsp;it,&nbsp;but&nbsp;it&nbsp;was&nbsp;an&nbsp;adventure&nbsp;coming&nbsp;up&nbsp;with&nbsp;the&nbsp;plan.&nbsp;I&nbsp;knew&nbsp;that&nbsp;I&nbsp;wanted&nbsp;to&nbsp;pick&nbsp;a&nbsp;really&nbsp;scenic&nbsp;location,&nbsp;particularly&nbsp;since&nbsp;Alicia&nbsp;and&nbsp;I&nbsp;have&nbsp;made&nbsp;a&nbsp;game&nbsp;of&nbsp;visiting&nbsp;all&nbsp;50ish&nbsp;Gwinnett&nbsp;County&nbsp;public&nbsp;parks&nbsp;(the&nbsp;50&nbsp;Georgia&nbsp;state&nbsp;parks&nbsp;are&nbsp;next!).&nbsp;So&nbsp;I&nbsp;did&nbsp;a&nbsp;little&nbsp;digging&nbsp;and&nbsp;came&nbsp;up&nbsp;with&nbsp;a&nbsp;couple&nbsp;of&nbsp;spots&nbsp;that&nbsp;were&nbsp;beautiful&nbsp;but&nbsp;also&nbsp;accessible,&nbsp;and&nbsp;then&nbsp;those&nbsp;got&nbsp;shortlisted&nbsp;to&nbsp;Amicalola&nbsp;Falls&nbsp;and&nbsp;Preacher's&nbsp;Rock. To get a sense for the spots and do a little planning, I hiked up to both Amicalola Falls and Preacher's Rock in one day with both siblings in tow. In the process we might have hiked a few miles in the wrong direction first, but hey, north Georgia is beautiful in August on a 96&nbsp;degree day. After some careful scouting and&nbsp;practice lunges, we determined that Amicalola Falls should be the spot. Alicia:&nbsp;How&nbsp;can&nbsp;I&nbsp;keep&nbsp;this&nbsp;short?&nbsp;The&nbsp;proposal&nbsp;was&nbsp;perfect,&nbsp;and&nbsp;I&nbsp;would&nbsp;expect&nbsp;nothing&nbsp;less&nbsp;from&nbsp;Joseph's&nbsp;scrupulous&nbsp;planning.&nbsp;&nbsp;I&nbsp;recall&nbsp;his&nbsp;subtle&nbsp;comment&nbsp;a&nbsp;few&nbsp;weeks&nbsp;before:&nbsp;"You&nbsp;may&nbsp;just&nbsp;want&nbsp;to&nbsp;get&nbsp;your&nbsp;nails&nbsp;done&nbsp;every&nbsp;two&nbsp;weeks&nbsp;for&nbsp;the&nbsp;rest&nbsp;of&nbsp;this&nbsp;year,&nbsp;just&nbsp;to&nbsp;be&nbsp;sure."&nbsp;He&nbsp;knew&nbsp;I&nbsp;loved&nbsp;games,&nbsp;so&nbsp;every&nbsp;clue,&nbsp;from&nbsp;matching&nbsp;dominoes&nbsp;to&nbsp;coded&nbsp;Scrabble&nbsp;tiles,&nbsp;was&nbsp;appropriately&nbsp;themed.&nbsp;The&nbsp;revealed&nbsp;hints&nbsp;took&nbsp;us&nbsp;to&nbsp;a&nbsp;great&nbsp;game&nbsp;of&nbsp;mini&nbsp;golf&nbsp;in&nbsp;Gainesville&nbsp;with&nbsp;my&nbsp;sister&nbsp;and&nbsp;her&nbsp;boyfriend.&nbsp;To&nbsp;heighten&nbsp;the&nbsp;anticipation,&nbsp;he&nbsp;was&nbsp;easily&nbsp;winning&nbsp;until&nbsp;the&nbsp;end&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;game&nbsp;and&nbsp;we&nbsp;somehow&nbsp;tied,&nbsp;so&nbsp;he&nbsp;had&nbsp;to&nbsp;be&nbsp;nervous.&nbsp;It&nbsp;was&nbsp;adorable.&nbsp;We&nbsp;had&nbsp;a&nbsp;lovely&nbsp;dinner&nbsp;in&nbsp;downtown&nbsp;Dahlonega,&nbsp;and&nbsp;&nbsp;I&nbsp;wanted&nbsp;to&nbsp;take&nbsp;photos,&nbsp;but&nbsp;Joseph&nbsp;was&nbsp;on&nbsp;a&nbsp;hidden&nbsp;agenda&nbsp;to&nbsp;race&nbsp;the&nbsp;sunset.&nbsp;He&nbsp;had&nbsp;coordinates&nbsp;on&nbsp;dice&nbsp;which&nbsp;led&nbsp;us&nbsp;to&nbsp;the&nbsp;gorgeous&nbsp;Amicalola&nbsp;Falls.&nbsp;My&nbsp;legs&nbsp;were&nbsp;shaking&nbsp;by&nbsp;the&nbsp;end&nbsp;of&nbsp;it,&nbsp;and&nbsp;I&nbsp;knew&nbsp;it&nbsp;wasn't&nbsp;just&nbsp;from&nbsp;the&nbsp;hike.&nbsp;He&nbsp;had&nbsp;moved&nbsp;away&nbsp;from&nbsp;the&nbsp;area&nbsp;with&nbsp;open&nbsp;slats&nbsp;to&nbsp;be&nbsp;safe,&nbsp;and&nbsp;I&nbsp;turned&nbsp;to&nbsp;ask&nbsp;how&nbsp;tall&nbsp;do&nbsp;you&nbsp;think&nbsp;the&nbsp;waterfall&nbsp;is&nbsp;just&nbsp;to&nbsp;ease&nbsp;his&nbsp;mind.&nbsp;Next&nbsp;thing&nbsp;I&nbsp;knew,&nbsp;he&nbsp;was&nbsp;on&nbsp;one&nbsp;knee.&nbsp;It&nbsp;wasn't&nbsp;until&nbsp;the&nbsp;way&nbsp;home&nbsp;when&nbsp;it&nbsp;hit&nbsp;me&nbsp;that&nbsp;I&nbsp;get&nbsp;to&nbsp;marry&nbsp;this&nbsp;incredible&nbsp;man.&nbsp; Favorite&nbsp;Memory Joseph:&nbsp;There&nbsp;are&nbsp;too&nbsp;many&nbsp;memories&nbsp;that&nbsp;could&nbsp;be&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;running&nbsp;for&nbsp;this,&nbsp;but the&nbsp;first&nbsp;time&nbsp;we&nbsp;went&nbsp;to&nbsp;Six&nbsp;Flags&nbsp;together&nbsp;was&nbsp;pretty&nbsp;special.&nbsp;Though&nbsp;Alicia&nbsp;loves&nbsp;rides&nbsp;and&nbsp;roller&nbsp;coasters&nbsp;almost&nbsp;as&nbsp;much&nbsp;as&nbsp;me&nbsp;now,&nbsp;at&nbsp;the&nbsp;time&nbsp;she&nbsp;was&nbsp;a&nbsp;little&nbsp;more&nbsp;apprehensive.&nbsp;During&nbsp;the&nbsp;whole&nbsp;lead&nbsp;up&nbsp;to&nbsp;the&nbsp;date,&nbsp;I&nbsp;kept&nbsp;telling&nbsp;myself&nbsp;not&nbsp;to&nbsp;be&nbsp;a&nbsp;nerd&nbsp;about&nbsp;the&nbsp;place,&nbsp;but&nbsp;that&nbsp;didn't&nbsp;do&nbsp;a&nbsp;thing.&nbsp;When&nbsp;we&nbsp;arrived&nbsp;she&nbsp;discovered&nbsp;fog&nbsp;rising&nbsp;all&nbsp;over&nbsp;the&nbsp;place&nbsp;and&nbsp;a&nbsp;fountain&nbsp;colored&nbsp;blood-red,&nbsp;and&nbsp;I&nbsp;realized&nbsp;that&nbsp;I&nbsp;didn't&nbsp;consider&nbsp;whether&nbsp;she&nbsp;would&nbsp;enjoy the&nbsp;spooky&nbsp;event&nbsp;themed&nbsp;to&nbsp;Halloween.&nbsp;A&nbsp;quick&nbsp;check&nbsp;of&nbsp;Alicia's&nbsp;face&nbsp;told&nbsp;me&nbsp;our&nbsp;date&nbsp;might&nbsp;be&nbsp;in&nbsp;serious&nbsp;trouble,&nbsp;but&nbsp;she&nbsp;was&nbsp;brave&nbsp;and&nbsp;very&nbsp;patient&nbsp;with&nbsp;me.&nbsp;A&nbsp;few&nbsp;hours&nbsp;and&nbsp;way&nbsp;too&nbsp;many&nbsp;clowns&nbsp;later,&nbsp;we&nbsp;snapped&nbsp;our&nbsp;first&nbsp;picture&nbsp;together&nbsp;in&nbsp;a&nbsp;faux&nbsp;drainage&nbsp;tunnel&nbsp;waiting&nbsp;for&nbsp;Batman.&nbsp;She&nbsp;was&nbsp;even&nbsp;smiling,&nbsp;and&nbsp;we've&nbsp;been&nbsp;back&nbsp;to&nbsp;Six&nbsp;Flags&nbsp;during&nbsp;Fright&nbsp;Fest&nbsp;every&nbsp;year&nbsp;since. Alicia:&nbsp;The&nbsp;first&nbsp;time&nbsp;we&nbsp;celebrated&nbsp;our&nbsp;birthday&nbsp;together&nbsp;on&nbsp;Hilton&nbsp;Head.&nbsp;We&nbsp;woke&nbsp;up&nbsp;for&nbsp;the&nbsp;sunrise,&nbsp;and&nbsp;even&nbsp;though&nbsp;I&nbsp;am&nbsp;not&nbsp;a&nbsp;morning&nbsp;person&nbsp;like&nbsp;Joseph,&nbsp;it&nbsp;was&nbsp;well&nbsp;worth&nbsp;it.&nbsp;We&nbsp;walked&nbsp;down&nbsp;the&nbsp;beach,&nbsp;and&nbsp;later&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;day&nbsp;we&nbsp;shared&nbsp;a&nbsp;fresh&nbsp;seafood&nbsp;boil&nbsp;with&nbsp;his&nbsp;family.&nbsp;I&nbsp;felt&nbsp;a&nbsp;true&nbsp;sense&nbsp;of&nbsp;belonging&nbsp;and&nbsp;so&nbsp;secure&nbsp;at&nbsp;that&nbsp;moment.&nbsp;From&nbsp;sunrise&nbsp;to&nbsp;sundown,&nbsp;we&nbsp;were&nbsp;by&nbsp;each&nbsp;other's&nbsp;side.&nbsp;Also,&nbsp;how&nbsp;many&nbsp;people&nbsp;&nbsp;get&nbsp;to&nbsp;share&nbsp;a&nbsp;birthday&nbsp;with&nbsp;their&nbsp;significant&nbsp;&nbsp;other?&nbsp;Spoiler-they're&nbsp;missing&nbsp;out. The&nbsp;Moment&nbsp;We&nbsp;Knew Joseph:&nbsp;It&nbsp;was&nbsp;a&nbsp;Saturday&nbsp;evening&nbsp;in&nbsp;late&nbsp;July.&nbsp;It&nbsp;was&nbsp;just&nbsp;after&nbsp;our&nbsp;birthday&nbsp;and&nbsp;after&nbsp;we&nbsp;returned&nbsp;from&nbsp;traveling&nbsp;to&nbsp;the&nbsp;beach&nbsp;with&nbsp;my&nbsp;family.&nbsp;I&nbsp;distinctly&nbsp;remember&nbsp;lying&nbsp;down&nbsp;to&nbsp;sleep&nbsp;the&nbsp;day&nbsp;that&nbsp;we&nbsp;got&nbsp;back&nbsp;from&nbsp;the&nbsp;trip&nbsp;and&nbsp;thinking&nbsp;to&nbsp;myself&nbsp;that&nbsp;there&nbsp;was&nbsp;so&nbsp;much&nbsp;depth&nbsp;and&nbsp;authenticity&nbsp;in&nbsp;this&nbsp;relationship.&nbsp;I&nbsp;remember&nbsp;reflecting&nbsp;over&nbsp;the&nbsp;prior&nbsp;year&nbsp;that&nbsp;we&nbsp;had&nbsp;been&nbsp;together&nbsp;and&nbsp;somehow&nbsp;in&nbsp;a&nbsp;moment&nbsp;I&nbsp;realized&nbsp;that&nbsp;she&nbsp;was&nbsp;everything&nbsp;I&nbsp;hoped&nbsp;for. Alicia:&nbsp;If&nbsp;anyone&nbsp;knows&nbsp;me,&nbsp;they&nbsp;get&nbsp;that&nbsp;words&nbsp;mean&nbsp;a&nbsp;lot&nbsp;to&nbsp;me.&nbsp;Surprisingly&nbsp;enough,&nbsp;it&nbsp;wasn't&nbsp;when&nbsp;he&nbsp;first&nbsp;told&nbsp;me&nbsp;he&nbsp;loved&nbsp;me,&nbsp;but&nbsp;when&nbsp;he&nbsp;told&nbsp;me&nbsp;my&nbsp;heart&nbsp;for&nbsp;Christ&nbsp;was&nbsp;beautiful&nbsp;and&nbsp;it&nbsp;made&nbsp;him&nbsp;strive&nbsp;to&nbsp;be&nbsp;a&nbsp;better&nbsp;man&nbsp;of&nbsp;faith.&nbsp;I&nbsp;remember&nbsp;those&nbsp;words&nbsp;of&nbsp;affirmation&nbsp;moved&nbsp;me&nbsp;to&nbsp;tears.&nbsp;In&nbsp;case&nbsp;you're&nbsp;wondering,&nbsp;this&nbsp;was&nbsp;probably&nbsp;only&nbsp;about&nbsp;six&nbsp;months&nbsp;into&nbsp;our&nbsp;relationship.&nbsp;It&nbsp;was&nbsp;gold&nbsp;though,&nbsp;pure&nbsp;gold.

Our Story: A Mini Novel

Our Story

Details

Not every girl&nbsp;has the privilege to&nbsp;call her sister her better half. Leah and I have had each other's backs since 1994. We had our own creative worlds and many would say practically our own language.&nbsp;Some of my hardest times were the first few weeks when she went off to college.&nbsp;May 23rd will be the first day I live&nbsp;without Leah (with the exception of a few college years). Leah hasn't gotten enough credit for being my therapist, my accountability partner, and my inspiration to be a genuinely&nbsp;passionate teacher. And kudos to her for keeping Joseph's proposal a secret for the longest!&nbsp;Favorite memories:&nbsp;Staying up past midnight watching Korean dramas with that fresh Aldi salsa.&nbsp;

Leah Avitabile

If you're visiting from out of town, you might mistake Nathan for my older brother on account of his height. Though he's got almost 3 1/2 inches on me, I've got 3 1/2 years on him and like to remind him of that periodically. Thanks to&nbsp;stunning intellect and maturity, Nathan often&nbsp;felt more like a peer than a little brother as we grew up and shared many of the same passions in cars, technology, and photography.&nbsp;Now in his college years, Nathan is putting that intellect to good use&nbsp;studying aerospace engineering at Georgia Tech. Though we don't get the chance to goof off quite as often anymore, Nathan remains&nbsp;a friend, an advisor, a partner in crime, and everything I could hope to have in a brother.&nbsp;&nbsp;Favorite memories:&nbsp;acting as Nathan's personal&nbsp;stylist&nbsp;because he hates shopping for clothing, watching Top Gear together and laughing to the point of tears, and playing daily games of ping pong in high school (we once kept an Excel spreadsheet of the running&nbsp;series, and last I checked, Nathan was up about a half dozen games).

Nathan Cissell

For the better part of a decade now, Andrew and I have gotten together about once every&nbsp;month&nbsp;just to chat about life and how we're doing.&nbsp;In the old days, it&nbsp;was&nbsp;Taco Bell and a Baja Blast freeze&nbsp;every month. Though we have since upgraded to local coffee houses and&nbsp;YourPie,&nbsp;the authenticity in this friendship was never founded on the food.&nbsp;Andrew has always asked me tough questions and&nbsp;provided sound advice, and for that, I am sincerely thankful to have him as a friend.&nbsp;Favorite memories: Late night&nbsp;karaoke in the youth&nbsp;modular at church, Six Flags trips in every season with every friend under the sun, and the days when Andrew wore XLs for the street cred.

Andrew Klob

Abigail has the innate selfless heart that seems to come with the Cissell name. Nevertheless, as the youngest, she also&nbsp;embodies that admirable, fearless quality of&nbsp; marching to the beat of her own drum. Her bubbly personality is infectious, and I can always count on her to want to play a game, watch a movie, or go out and seek adventure, no matter how many people are up for it. I am so blessed to have gained another sister!&nbsp;Favorite memories:&nbsp;Real talks in the pool all afternoon and being the first to make me tear up the day of the engagement when she said, "I finally have a sister!"

Abigail Cissell

It's&nbsp;hard&nbsp;for&nbsp;me&nbsp;to&nbsp;even&nbsp;pinpoint&nbsp;when&nbsp;I&nbsp;first&nbsp;met&nbsp;Caroline,&nbsp;but&nbsp;I&nbsp;believe&nbsp;this&nbsp;year&nbsp;marks&nbsp;20+&nbsp;years&nbsp;of&nbsp;celebrating&nbsp;our&nbsp;priceless&nbsp;friendship.&nbsp;It&nbsp;is&nbsp;so&nbsp;rare&nbsp;that&nbsp;one&nbsp;stays&nbsp;close&nbsp;to&nbsp;the&nbsp;person&nbsp;they&nbsp;threw&nbsp;barbie&nbsp;shoes&nbsp;at&nbsp;in&nbsp;a&nbsp;crazy&nbsp;tantrum,&nbsp;but&nbsp;with&nbsp;her&nbsp;I&nbsp;am&nbsp;happy&nbsp;to&nbsp;say&nbsp;we&nbsp;have&nbsp;beat&nbsp;the&nbsp;odds.&nbsp;Our&nbsp;connection&nbsp;was&nbsp;inevitable&nbsp;at&nbsp;the&nbsp;time,&nbsp;being&nbsp;that&nbsp;there&nbsp;were&nbsp;not&nbsp;many&nbsp;children&nbsp;our&nbsp;age&nbsp;to&nbsp;bond&nbsp;with&nbsp;in&nbsp;our&nbsp;church&nbsp;family.&nbsp;However,&nbsp;God&nbsp;works&nbsp;everything&nbsp;out&nbsp;for&nbsp;good,&nbsp;and&nbsp;we&nbsp;grew&nbsp;to&nbsp;be&nbsp;inseparable,&nbsp;even&nbsp;after&nbsp;moving&nbsp;to&nbsp;different&nbsp;communities.&nbsp;I&nbsp;loved&nbsp;how&nbsp;we&nbsp;shared&nbsp;passions,&nbsp;whether&nbsp;it&nbsp;was&nbsp;writing&nbsp;hilariously&nbsp;unrealistic&nbsp;stories&nbsp;or&nbsp;stressing&nbsp;over&nbsp;imperfect&nbsp;lesson&nbsp;plans.&nbsp;Thank&nbsp;you,&nbsp;Caroline,&nbsp;for&nbsp;never&nbsp;being&nbsp;afraid&nbsp;to&nbsp;tell&nbsp;it&nbsp;like&nbsp;it&nbsp;is,&nbsp;and&nbsp;for&nbsp;being&nbsp;my&nbsp;amazing&nbsp;calligrapher.&nbsp;Favorite&nbsp;memories:&nbsp;Nancy&nbsp;Drew&nbsp;computer&nbsp;games&nbsp;(of&nbsp;course)&nbsp;with&nbsp;microwave&nbsp;popcorn,&nbsp;deep&nbsp;talks&nbsp;and&nbsp;road&nbsp;trips.

Caroline Johnston

David might be the newest friend among my groomsmen, but that hasn't stopped him from making an impact on my life. We met through a complex scheme to get into upperclassmen housing as sophomores&nbsp;when I ultimately agreed to live with&nbsp;"that guy who always takes real silverware&nbsp;to the dining hall." I soon discovered a man with unparalleled creativity for&nbsp;pranks, a love for fine leather goods, and a brilliant mind to boot. We were fast friends, and it has been a blast ever since.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Favorite memories: Driving around Berry's campus hanging out the sunroof of a&nbsp;car with a megaphone in hand blasting positive messages and "Eye of the Tiger" to the world, watching David shine leather shoes at 1am on a Friday night, and capturing the Dana/Thomas Berry lifeguard stand as Centennial's new lobby furniture.

David Beach

Everyone&nbsp;knows that when you find out who your college roommates are, the first thing you do is Facebook stalk, obviously. In all honesty, out of the four, Emily was the one I thought I would have the least of a connection with. As it turns out, the Lord proved me wrong. She was the only one who could get my Seinfeld and Flight of the Conchord references, and that is kind of a big deal. A girl from a small town, but with a big vision, Emily got me out of my comfort zone and I am&nbsp;all the better for it. No matter what I am going through, she knows exactly how to make me laugh. &nbsp;Favorite memories:&nbsp;When I had an emotional breakdown finally realizing what I wanted to do with my life, and Emily drove me to her favorite cemetery with the windows down, playing Noah and the Whale.

Emily Cruce

Alex was my first roommate during my freshman year of college, and we were paired using a questionnaire that barely asked for your name. The first few days were a little quiet...&nbsp;until&nbsp;I discovered Alex's early 2000s&nbsp;Irish Green Audi A6. What followed were lively discussions on&nbsp;the merits of every vehicle imaginable, Forza Motorsport sessions where we set lap times on the digital&nbsp;Nürburgring, and Friday laps on our own 30-mile circuit around the backroads of northwest Georgia. Combine all that with a shared love for pulling off some exceptional pranks, and we've been easy friends ever since.&nbsp;Favorite memories:&nbsp;trekking through the ice&nbsp;in said Audi after being snowed in for three days to get Rome's most average Chinese at&nbsp;Tang's Garden, planning out elaborate&nbsp;costumes to get on the Mountain Day Olympics parade&nbsp;float every year,&nbsp;and&nbsp;the winter of 2013-2014 when we left our&nbsp;dorm window open 24/7 just for&nbsp;kicks.

Alex Ferro

The&nbsp;Future&nbsp;Heart-Breaker.&nbsp;Julian&nbsp;first&nbsp;made&nbsp;me&nbsp;an&nbsp;aunt&nbsp;and&nbsp;I&nbsp;couldn't&nbsp;be&nbsp;happier.&nbsp;He&nbsp;loves&nbsp;all&nbsp;things&nbsp;trains,&nbsp;and&nbsp;is&nbsp;a&nbsp;killer&nbsp;with&nbsp;puzzles&nbsp;and&nbsp;acquiring&nbsp;new&nbsp;vocabulary.&nbsp;His&nbsp;greatest&nbsp;weakness&nbsp;is&nbsp;Barnes&nbsp;and&nbsp;Noble.&nbsp;&nbsp;Just&nbsp;wait&nbsp;until&nbsp;you&nbsp;see&nbsp;him&nbsp;in&nbsp;a&nbsp;tux!&nbsp;Favorite&nbsp;memories:&nbsp;Going&nbsp;to&nbsp;Providence&nbsp;Canyon&nbsp;and&nbsp;Callaway&nbsp;Gardens&nbsp;together,&nbsp;when&nbsp;he&nbsp;first&nbsp;said&nbsp;my&nbsp;name&nbsp;(and&nbsp;Joseph's!),&nbsp;and&nbsp;wanted&nbsp;to&nbsp;swim&nbsp;with&nbsp;me&nbsp;in&nbsp;Grandma&nbsp;and&nbsp;Grandpa's&nbsp;pool.&nbsp;

Julian Avitabile

Capturing&nbsp;hearts&nbsp;since&nbsp;2017,&nbsp;Vincent&nbsp;is&nbsp;the&nbsp;most&nbsp;adorable&nbsp;Mr.&nbsp;Fix-it.&nbsp;He&nbsp;is&nbsp;pyro&nbsp;king,&nbsp;and&nbsp;a&nbsp;whiz&nbsp;with&nbsp;a&nbsp;vacuum.&nbsp;Loves&nbsp;all&nbsp;things&nbsp;Daniel&nbsp;the&nbsp;Tiger&nbsp;and&nbsp;remote&nbsp;controls.&nbsp;His&nbsp;greatest&nbsp;weakness?&nbsp;The&nbsp;deep&nbsp;hum&nbsp;of&nbsp;a&nbsp;lawn&nbsp;mower.&nbsp;With&nbsp;sunglasses&nbsp;and&nbsp;an&nbsp;envious&nbsp;tan,&nbsp;this&nbsp;little&nbsp;cool&nbsp;guy&nbsp;has&nbsp;me&nbsp;in&nbsp;awe&nbsp;with&nbsp;how&nbsp;he&nbsp;figures&nbsp;out&nbsp;how&nbsp;to&nbsp;work&nbsp;anything&nbsp;and&nbsp;everything.&nbsp;Favorite&nbsp;memories:&nbsp;Twirling&nbsp;him&nbsp;around&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;stroller&nbsp;in&nbsp;Charleston&nbsp;and&nbsp;when&nbsp;he&nbsp;first&nbsp;shouted&nbsp;"I&nbsp;wuv&nbsp;(love)&nbsp;you!"&nbsp;when&nbsp;babysitting&nbsp;him.

Vincent Avitabile

Wedding Party

Photos

Registry

Q + A

Standard&nbsp;is&nbsp;1&nbsp;King&nbsp;bed/2&nbsp;queen&nbsp;beds.&nbsp;You&nbsp;can&nbsp;also&nbsp;get&nbsp;a&nbsp;king&nbsp;room&nbsp;with&nbsp;a&nbsp;sofa&nbsp;bed&nbsp;for&nbsp;the&nbsp;same&nbsp;rate.Make&nbsp;your&nbsp;reservation&nbsp;by&nbsp;5/8/2020;&nbsp;after&nbsp;that&nbsp;it&nbsp;will&nbsp;be&nbsp;space&nbsp;available&nbsp;basis&nbsp;only.

Hampton Inn & Suites Snellville Atlanta NE

Contact Milda Reklyte for shuttle service both to and from our venue.

Courtyard by Marriott Atlanta Buford Mall of Georgia

With a stay at Chateau Elan in Braselton, you'll be next to a golf course and minutes from Chateau Elan Winery, and close to Minnehaha Falls.  This 4.5-star resort is within close proximity of River Place Medical Plaza and Mayfield Dairy Farms.Rooms Make yourself at home in one of the 329 air-conditioned rooms featuring refrigerators and flat-screen televisions. Complimentary wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming is available for your entertainment. Private bathrooms with separate bathtubs and showers feature deep soaking bathtubs and complimentary toiletries. Conveniences include safes and desks, as well as phones with free local calls.Amenities Relax at the full-service spa, where you can enjoy massages, body treatments, and facials. After practicing your swing on the golf course, you can enjoy other recreational amenities including an attached winery and outdoor tennis courts. Additional features at this resort include complimentary wireless Internet access, gift shops/newsstands, and wedding services.Dining Enjoy a meal at one of the resort's dining establishments, which include 4 restaurants and a coffee shop/café. From your room, you can also access room service (during limited hours). Relax with a refreshing drink from a poolside bar or one of the 2 bars/lounges. Buffet breakfasts are available daily for a fee.Business, Other Amenities Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, express check-out, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Planning an event in Braselton? This resort has 40000 square feet (3716 square meters) of space consisting of a conference center and meeting rooms. Free self parking is available onsite.

Alicia & Joseph

Alicia & Joseph

Things to Do

Georgia Aquarium

World of Coca-Cola

Stone Mountain Park

Mall of Georgia

Little Mulberry Park