John Oliver Michael House

Wedding Day

Wedding

Reception

Our Wedding

A modern love story? We like to think so.We met online in March of 2015; I messaged Justin first. I remember seeing his beard, his well-written profile, and our 99% match rating and thinking, yes. This is one I need to talk to. Luckily, he agreed.We knew it was something special when neither of us wanted to end our first date, and after driving away texted until the wee morning hours. I haven't gone to bed without a goodnight text in two years.Justin bought this gorgeous sparkler just before Thanksgiving of 2016. He started planning the epic proposal soon thereafter, and on a cold, snowy day in March, it happened.I've always loved Gilmore Girls. I've been watching it since I was 14, and the main characters always reminded me of my mom and me. I grew up alongside Rory; no show has ever meant that much to me, before or since. Naturally, I wanted Justin to watch it. So he did - all 7 seasons. He memorized the characters, the jokes, the storylines, and debated me as well as any long-time Gilmore fan could. And when we watched Lorelai get proposed to with a thousand yellow daisies in season 1, I told him, "THAT is what a proposal should be. I've always thought so."Fast forward to the weekend of March 10. I had been approached in January by an editor of a Tennessee travel magazine; they needed stories written about vacationing in the Smokies. I jumped at the chance, and brought Justin along for the ride. We had spent a busy day antiquing, eating at local restaurants, and wine tasting, and it was time for a nap before dinner (I might have been tipsy from all the wine). Justin, coincidentally, had his hands full and gestured for me to go first. I opened the door to a video camera. "Huh, that's odd. That looks like ours. Why is it recording? Oh no, are we in the way of a promotional video?" (I really shouldn't go to wine tastings)"Babe, turn around. Look."I turned around. The entire living room was filled with yellow daisies. A thousand of them, to be exact, and when I turned back to Justin he was down on one knee, saying all sorts of delightful, sweet things and holding a ring out to me. He'd spent 6 months planning a Gilmore Girls-theme proposal, complete with Gilmore figurines, a Stars Hollow poster, and the aforementioned thousand yellow daisies. The article? A ruse. The emails with the editor and photographer? Justin. The perfect bed and breakfast I was sent to review? Found by my fiance.We spent our first night as an engaged couple at a delicious seafood restaurant and our first full day exploring Pigeon Forge with Matt and Sarah, who had helped set up the proposal. We drove home with our wedding planning book open on my lap, talking and planning and brainstorming.We're so happy you're here to share this with us. :)#SoontobeSanderfer

Our Story

Details

Matt and Justin have been friends for years, ever since Sarah (a Bridesmaid) introduced Matt to the family at Frontera many years ago.  Justin served as Matt's best man at his wedding last summer; Matt is honored and excited to have helped plan Justin and Laura's engagement and is excited to be Forever Bros.

Matt Obermeyer

Sarah is an accountant here in Atlanta, and has been married to her high school sweetheart for 3 years this August!  They have a beautiful kitty named Gilly who is almost two years old.  She and Laura have been friends for five years, and she feels so honored to be part of Justin and Laura's big day! 

Sarah Lazar

Tim and Justin go way back; both lead various chapters of the Metro Atlanta Geeks.  A Senior Inspection Auditor by day and a bourbon aficionado by night, Tim is excited to stand with Justin on the big day. 

Tim Chappell

Sarah is Justin's sister and a teacher up in Woodstock, where she and her husband (Matt, the Best Man) have lived for a few years!  They have an adorable pup, Button, who likes to wear bow-ties.  Both she and Matt helped out on engagement day and she couldn't be more excited to gain a sister!

Sarah Obermeyer

Kristy is a public health nurse in Marietta. She's also a bibliophile, which is one of the reasons she and Laura bonded. Having met as fellow English major undergrads at Oglethorpe University, they've kept in touch ever since, spending many hours sipping tea and talking books. Kristy is thrilled that Laura has found her very own romantic storyline and looks forward to the wedding and to the happily ever after!

Kristy Clodfelter

Danyal married Justin's cousin, Becca (a Bridesmaid) so they've been friends for a pretty long time.  Husband to Becca, father of two boys, and fellow nerd, Danyal and Justin have shared many adventures, from Dragon Con to children's birthday parties; he is excited for the big day and will try not to cause too much trouble.

Danyal Harper

Scott and Justin met through Jenn (a Bridesmaid) and have bonded over travel and grilling, sometimes both at the same time.  A Client Intake Manager, he has been married to Kristi for almost 2 years and is excited for Justin to join the ranks of married man.

Scott Woodward

Becca is Justin's cousin, and she and Laura bonded over trips to the Fox Theatre!  During the day, she works with animals at a veterinary clinic; at night, she's the mom of two boys and wife to Danyal (one of the Groomsmen).  She also owns Becca Ann Bakes where she makes any kind of cake or cupcake you could imagine.  She is so happy that Justin found Laura, and very excited for the big day!

Becca Harper

Jenn and Justin have been besties for years, and when Laura came along they became fast friends.  A Patient Care Technician, Jenn also has two children and some adorable doggies.  She spends her free time creating beautiful arts and crafts (the Bride is jealous), and she can't wait for the big day.

Jenn McKinney

Mike and Justin go way back and have a rich history of giving each other as much grief as possible but also being the best of friends.  Mike currently lives in Maryland and works in the prison system; he is well-known for his spectacular fireworks displays he puts on every New Years, Fourth of July, and beach trip.  

Mike Mills

Wedding Party

Photos

Registry

Q + A

The bride and groom, along with family, will be staying here the night before the wedding.&nbsp; There is a room block <a href="https://secure3.hilton.com/en_US/hp/reservation/book.htm?inputModule=HOTEL&ctyhocn=AHNGAHX&spec_plan=CHHSRW&arrival=20180323&departure=20180325&cid=OM,WW,HILTONLINK,EN,DirectLink&fromId=HILTONLINKDIRECT" target="_blank">here</a>, or feel free to call and use the code Sanderfer Wedding Group Block.&nbsp; The hotel is a short and scenic 21 minute drive from the John Oliver Michael House.

Hampton Inn Athens

A newer hotel a bit closer to the venue.

SpringHill Suites by Marriott Athens

If you're looking for a more affordable option, this is the place for you!

Laura & Justin

Laura & Justin

Registry

The happy couple is registered at: