The Cowan Historic Mill

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Fall

Our Wedding

The year was 2020. The world was a strange, muted place. Fear hung heavy in the air, a silent, suffocating presence. But amidst the chaos, love blossomed for Samantha and Justin. It began with a series of sarcastic communications in December of 2020 via Facebook dating application. Eventually, it evolved into a first time Facetime call. Their initial interactions were tentative, cautious. After being vaccinated, they met for the first time in person in April of 2021. There was a shared awkwardness that somehow brought them closer. For the first time, Justin met a woman who understood, embodied and executed the art of intellectual banter and sarcasm to a degree of his liking. For the first time, Samantha met a man who was kindhearted, open minded, patient, and made her feel an immediate sense of safety where she could let her guard down. They discovered a shared love for good food and nerdy interests, a mutual disdain for most humans, and a growing comfort in each other's company. The world outside their small bubble of connection was a blur of lockdowns, empty streets, and the constant hum of uncertainty. But within their own little universe, a different kind of life bloomed. Sharing stories, dreams, and fears. Cooking meals together (mostly Justin doing the work), offering encouragement and support throughout all of life's obstacles. As the world began to slowly emerge from its pandemic slumber, their love story continued to grow. They visited Albuquerque, New Mexico for their first vacation together. They hid away in the North Georgia Mountains. They took a trip to Chicago, so Samantha could visit and learn about Justin's upbringing and family. They attended a family wedding in Cincinnati, Ohio. They stayed in a small quaint home on the beach in Edisto Island, South Carolina. They visited Disney World in Orlando for a couple of days. They pit-stopped in Lexington, Kentucky for Justin to meet Samantha's extended family, including her Grandad who passed away a few short months later. In October of 2024, Samantha and Justin bought their first home together in Marietta, Georgia. The perfect house is tucked away in the Kennesaw Mountain National Park, surrounding by trees, peace, and an abundance of furry forest animals - not to be confused with their two furry kitty companions who have presented many difficulties in learning to have sisterly relations. August 4, 2024 - Justin and Samantha went out to dinner at Mac's Chophouse in the Marietta Square. They had a deliciously overpriced dinner to celebrate Samantha's birthday. Following dinner, they took a sweet stroll around downtown Marietta where Justin anxiously asked Samantha to marry him. She said yes, and here we are today - anticipating the upcoming nuptials of the couple. Their love story was born in isolation, forged in uncertainty. But it was a love story nonetheless, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, a reminder that even in the darkest of times, love can find a way to bloom.

The Beginning of Our Story...

Our Story

Photos

Samantha Bowen

Justin Craig

Lifelong best friend and sister to the Bride

Lisa Boynton

Groom's Sister and Bride's Future Sister-in-Law

Allie Craig

Claire Darling

Father of the Groom and Bride's Future Father-in-Law

Dave Craig

Brother of the Groom and Bride's Future Brother-in-Law

Adam Craig

Leonel Castro

Jolie Boynton

Isabella Castro

Fearless real estate agent, future Oscar winner, and mutual friend to the Bride & Groom

Carl Childers

Wedding Party

Q + A

Wedding Hotel Blocks:

MUST BOOK BY: August 15, 2025 <a href="https://www.hilton.com/en/attend-my-event/atlkegi-912-ac5aae34-aefc-4b07-bf1d-66dc231d0c44/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.hilton.com/en/attend-my-event/atlkegi-912-ac5aae34-aefc-4b07-bf1d-66dc231d0c44/</a> Please use the specific link provided above to directly book in our hotel block and solidify a better daily rate. Check-in: 4 pmCheck-out: 12 pm

Hilton Garden Inn Atlanta NW/Kennesaw Town Center

MUST BOOK BY: August 15, 2025 You may book reservations by calling 800-426-7866 or visiting their website: <a href="http://www.atlantakennesaw.hamptoninn.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.atlantakennesaw.hamptoninn.com</a> Please use our special booking code: BCW to ensure a better daily rate. Check-in: 2 pmCheck-out: 11 am

Samantha & Justin

Samantha & Justin

Things to Do

Things to Do coming soon!