Rehearsal Dinner

Welcome Cocktail Party

Wedding Day

Christ the King Catholic Church

Ceremony

Callaway Resort & Gardens

Reception

Our Wedding

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Candace and Russell met and began dating. The two would travel to Athens, a place they could both call a second home as students of the University of Georgia. Candace took Russell to one of her favorite childhood spots, Minnehaha Falls in Lakemont, GA, the perfect pandemic friendly date. With everything shut down and no distractions, the two quickly fell for eachother and Russell officially asked Candace to be his girlfriend on June 18, 2020.

How We Met

After falling for each other, it was time to meet one another's families. First, Russell met the Callahans. Neal and Teri were impressed with how kind, respectful, and joyful Russell was... and Joe was impressed with Russell's hunting and football knowledge! Needless to say, everything went perfect and smooth. The same cannot be said for Candace meeting the Johnsons. Candace headed to Fairmount packed for a two night stay with no real plans other than hanging around the house. That all quickly changed when Chris got tested for COVID. What was meant to be two nights turned into two weeks. Still, being in North Georgia there is plenty to do without being around other people! During the quarantine, Alea, Clark, Haleigh, Russell, and Candace decided to go float the river. Being new, Candace did not want to spoil anyone's fun and kept her deathly fear of snakes to herself... until she got into the river. What was meant to be a relaxing day out turned into Candace screaming for her life (frequently) and was then met with a Severe Thunderstorm only halfway into the float. All of that said, even met with less than fortunate circumstances, Candace quickly felt at home with the Johnsons and was able to bond over family game nights, feeding the new baby cow, and the fourth of July.

Meeting the Families

Over their 4 years of dating, Candace and Russell were inseparable. They finished up their time at UGA together, with many memories throughout. They witnessed UGA win their first national championship in 40 years together in Indianapolis. They conquered long distance while Candace focused on applying to and finding the right law school. They moved to Tuscaloosa as Candace started law school at the University of Alabama. Candace (finally) convinced Russell to visit their local animal shelter where they fell in love with and adopted their cat, Pizza. All the meanwhile they traveled all over and went to many, many, MANY of their friends' and families' weddings.

In the meantime...

For her 23rd birthday and on their first day in their new home in Tuscaloosa, Russell surprised Candace with a trip to New York City the upcoming Christmas. While Candace certainly had her suspicions, she tried her hardest not to get too excited. As they planned their trip, Russell said he had a dinner planned for the end of their first day, and told Candace not to plan anything. After wrapping up finals, the couple headed to Pine Mountain to drop Pizza off with Candace's parents (little did she know that actually meant with her little brother...) and then headed on their trip. At the end of the first day, Russell walked Candace under the Brooklyn Bridge, and even blinded by the sun she knew what was coming. Before they could even get to the candles, rose petals, and marquee letters spelling 'marry me,' Candace was fully crying. As Russell, got on one knee and was digging in his pocket for the ring box, Candace ugly cried and could hardly even get a word out. After some time to themselves to appreciate the moment, Candace's parents and sister along with Russell's mom and sister came around the corner and joined in the celebration.When things had finally calmed down, Russell did manage to pull one thing over on Candace. Although she had her suspicions of the proposal, and knew if he did propose that her family would be there, she could have never imagined that he would have flown her best friend, Caroline, out for the moment as well. Everything about the day was a perfect whirlwind, the best start to a new chapter. 12/21/2023

The Engagement

Our Story

Photos

Sara Grace Callahan

Clark Johnson

Caroline Polacheck

Zach Stone

Mary Katherine Askins

Will Stone

Alea Johnson

Joe Callahan

Jurnee Clark

Caroline Boles

Elina Callahan

Linnea Callahan

Tripp Spikes

Gavin Callahan

William Boles

Wedding Party

Q + A

You can book either a cabin or hotel room through this link. After clicking the link, please click on "Book Now" in the top right corner. From there, select "Special Codes or Rates" under the box where you enter a check out date. Then, enter CALL062125 in the section marked "group code." This may show up as "promo code" but if you click on "promo code" a drop down menu will appear and you will be able to select "group code." Our group code is valid from 5/29-6/1 for anyone that is intending to travel down early. If you would prefer to book over the phone, please call 844-357-1239 and ensure to tell them that you are with the Callahan Johnson wedding so that you will get the discounted room rate. THE DISCOUNTED RATE WILL END ON APRIL 30. AFTER APRIL 30 RESERVED ROOMS WILL BECOME AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC AND MAY FILL UP. PLEASE TRY TO BOOK BEFORE THEN TO ENSURE THE RESORT HAS AVAILABILITY.

Callaway Gardens

Travel

Callaway is a huge resort with lots of offerings! Whether you want to spend your day golfing, lounging at the beach, ziplining, or even just sight seeing with the butterfly center and all of the gardens, there is something to make every member of the family happy!

If you're the hiking type, FDR state park has lots of trails all over the mountain! You can even visit Dowdell's Knob where President Roosevelt would go to think when he was visiting the springs.

FDR State Park Campground

If you're a big history buff, be sure to visit the Little White House where President Roosevelt would stay when visiting Warm Springs to treat his Polio. There is a museum and even guided tours of the grounds. Warm Springs is even featured as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Georgia!

Little White House Historic Site

Things to Do

Registry

Candace & Russell

Candace & Russell

Wedding Party