Clayton Bridal Shower

Bridal shower 

Rehearsal Dinner

Barn South

Wedding Day

*uber is not in this area*

﻿cocktail/semi-formal attire preferred

a note from the bride and groom:

Friends and family, we understand if you are uncomfortable attending due to COVID-19 and thank you for your support of our marriage from afar. Masks will not be required, but they are welcome to be worn if you so choose. We also ask that friends leave their little ones at home for this event due to space, and so that you may enjoy a parents' night out!

Our Wedding

An Unlikely Meeting...

I often forget how we met, until someone asks and we have to admit it! Austin and I met by chance in the unlikeliest of places...Tinder. My cousin used to joke and call us a "Tinderella Story" (although now she has one of her own). He messaged first. Even though he messaged first, I finally had to give him my number and tell him to text me if he was interested. Thankfully, he was interested (he tries to tell me that he swears he was about to ask me for my number). He was the perfect gentlemen and took me on a lovely date in the Marietta Square. He wanted to pick me up, but we all know the rules of meeting someone online. I was early and had to wait for him outside the restaurant for a few minutes (he did not get princess parking like I did). While I was waiting, there was a woman outside of the restaurant, that looked so much like my grandma that I had to speak to her. I chatted with her for a few minutes and hoped that it was a sign. The first date went so well that we had our second date the following night (and a third and fourth in the same week)! On the second date, he picked me up , brought me flowers and met my parents. I knew immediately that this man was something special. After meeting Austin I was on top of the world, and honestly still am. Since swiping right, we have lived life to the fullest together. We built our first home together this past year and can't wait to continue our life together.

The Proposal 

Her Story

Not to be dramatic, but I knew Austin was the one way sooner than I like to admit. I have been annoying about him proposing for forever now, I just could not wait to marry this man! Austin knew more than anything, that I wanted the proposal to be a surprise. Boy did he have his work cut out for him! I am very rarely surprised (if ever), and I did not make it easy considering I've asked him when he was going to propose everyday for the last 6 months (actually longer). We decided to use my grandma's diamond in my engagement ring, so together we went and picked out the perfect setting for it! I almost cried when I saw how beautiful it was (and that I could not wear it right away). After picking out the ring, I thought the proposal would come any day! Spoiler alert: it didn't. For seven weeks I (not so) patiently waited. SEVEN WEEKS. It felt like an eternity, each weekend I would prepare for him to make plans or something, but it never happened. Finally, I gave up on preparing for it. On August 8th, Austin unexpectedly took off work. He took me to my favorite breakfast place, Cracker Barrel. We floated the Etowah River. We took a nap. After our nap I told Austin that I desperately needed Bruster's ice cream, he suggested going to dinner instead. Being the sneaky man he is, he suggested I wear the new outfit that I had been complaining about not having a chance to wear. He took me to where we had our first date, the Marietta Square, where he got down on one knee and proposed. I honestly can't even remember if he got to ask me to marry him before I ugly cried and said yes. Even better, he had family there to capture the whole thing! I am so lucky to get to marry this man, and he is so thankful to never hear the words "are you ever going to propose?" ever again.

His Story

I had known I wanted to marry Sam for a while. We had discussions on how we wanted to live life and how we viewed it, and things lined up perfectly. Sam and I had gone to look at rings before so that I could figure out an idea of what she liked (because I am terrible at picking out any sort of large gift) and we had narrowed it down to a couple of styles. One day while I was off work and she was busy doing something, I was able to get the ring and bring it home to hide it. Sam knee I was purchasing one soon because we were using her grandma’s diamond in it, so I had to make sure it was hidden well. I ended up placing it inside a box of .223 ammunition, because I knew she’d never “accidentally” happen upon it inside a large box of rifle ammo. Sam enjoyed surprises, but always knew when one was coming. Planning how I was going to do it was difficult. I knew if I made a grand plan, she would know about it somehow, and wouldn’t be surprised. I knew my plan had to be a short notice one. After a few weeks, I was able to find a few days off work on the calendar, and took them off without telling Sam. I called her the day before to tell her that I had taken the day off, and to make sure she didn’t have plans so we could go tubing on the Etowah River (we had been wanting to go for a few weeks, so it wasn’t too suspicious). The day of, we woke up and I told her we were going to eat breakfast at her favorite breakfast place, Cracker Barrel. Afterward we went tubing on the river, and then went home and took a nap. At this point, I hadn’t told anyone that I had planned to propose that day or how I planned to do it. I text my mom and told her what was happening, and I asked if she could be there to take pictures (after she suggested someone be there to do it). For the last part of the day, I told Sam we were going to eat dinner at Stockyard Burgers on The Marietta Square, where our very first date was (I used the excuse that we hadn’t eaten there since our anniversary). We got ready, and I told Sam to wear a brand new romper that she just bought. She had been saying she hasn’t had a good excuse to wear it yet, so I told her to wear it for dinner, giving her a good excuse without being suspicious. Before we left, I purposely left the ring and my off duty pistol upstairs because Sam was with me while getting ready, so I couldn’t exactly get the ring. While she was in the car, I told her I left my pistol upstairs (which I do occasionally on accident, so it wasn’t suspicious of me to go back and get it) and grabbed it alongside the ring. I placed the ring in my back pocket and we drove down to the square. Every mile we drove, I got nervous that Sam either saw the ring, or that it wasn’t in the case, even though I checked before we left. We got to the square and I did everything I could to seem normal and not nervous. We sat down to eat at Stockyard, and at one point I pretended like I needed to use the restroom just so I could go and make sure I still had the ring. We finished dinner and I suggested we get ice cream, because I knew we’d have to walk through Glover Park at the square to get there. As we got to the center of the park, I stopped her and got down on one knee. Sam immediately started crying and said yes. I don’t even think I asked her officially! People at the square cheered on and my parents alongside her sister and her mom were there to capture the moment!

Our Story

Wedding Night Accommodations 

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Braselton

We have rooms blocked off at the La Quinta Inn &amp; Suites by Wyndham Braselton, in order to get our special rate, you must book by May 9th and use this link (click "Clayton French Wedding Hotel Booking Link" below). <a href="https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/laquinta/braselton-georgia/la-quinta-inn-and-suites-braselton/rooms-rates?&amp;checkInDate=07/10/2021&amp;checkOutDate=07/11/2021&amp;groupCode=CGCFWD" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">﻿Clayton French Wedding Hotel Booking Link</a> *After May 9th there is no guarantee that rooms will be available at this hotel and they will be at the general rate.*

Near Mayfield Dairy FarmsMake yourself at home in one of the 104 air-conditioned rooms featuring microwaves and LED televisions. Complimentary wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming is available for your entertainment. Conveniences include desks and separate sitting areas, as well as phones with free local calls.Located in Braselton, La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Braselton is within a 5-minute drive of Mayfield Dairy Farms and Chateau Elan Winery.  This hotel is 4.1 mi (6.7 km) from Road Atlanta and 11 mi (17.8 km) from Barrow County Courthouse.Distances are displayed to the nearest 0.1 mile and kilometer.  Mayfield Dairy Farms - 3.7 km / 2.3 mi  Lanier Motor Speedway - 6.2 km / 3.8 mi  Chateau Elan Winery - 6.6 km / 4.1 mi  Road Atlanta - 6.7 km / 4.1 mi  River Place Medical Plaza - 10.6 km / 6.6 mi  Stonewood Riding Stables - 12.6 km / 7.8 mi  Reunion Golf Club - 12.8 km / 8 mi  College Square Shopping Center - 17 km / 10.5 mi  North Broad Street Residential Historic District - 17.7 km / 11 mi  Barrow County Courthouse - 17.8 km / 11 mi  University of North Georgia - Gainesville Campus - 17.8 km / 11 mi  Little Mulberry Park - 17.8 km / 11.1 mi  Barrow County Museum - 17.8 km / 11.1 mi  Gainesville Theatre Alliance - 17.9 km / 11.1 mi  Lanier Technical College Winder - 18 km / 11.2 mi  Don't miss out on recreational opportunities including a 24-hour fitness center and a seasonal outdoor pool.Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a business center, and express check-out. Planning an event in Braselton? This hotel has 2000 square feet (186 square meters) of space consisting of conference space and a meeting room. Free self parking is available onsite.A complimentary local cuisine breakfast is served on weekdays from 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM.

Other Hotels in the Area 

Near Chateau Elan WineryMake yourself at home in one of the 329 guestrooms 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.When you stay at Chateau Elan in Braselton, you'll be next to a golf course, within a 15-minute drive of Chateau Elan Winery and Mall of Georgia.  This 4.5-star resort is 16.3 mi (26.2 km) from Lake Lanier and 2.4 mi (3.9 km) from Mayfield Dairy Farms.Distances are displayed to the nearest 0.1 mile and kilometer.  Chateau Elan Winery - 0.2 km / 0.1 mi  Mayfield Dairy Farms - 4 km / 2.5 mi  River Place Medical Plaza - 4.3 km / 2.7 mi  Stonewood Riding Stables - 6.8 km / 4.3 mi  Reunion Golf Club - 7.1 km / 4.4 mi  Road Atlanta - 11.2 km / 7 mi  Lanier Motor Speedway - 11.5 km / 7.2 mi  Little Mulberry Park - 12.4 km / 7.7 mi  Hamilton Mill Golf Club - 12.9 km / 8 mi  Barrow County Museum - 16.3 km / 10.1 mi  Barrow County Courthouse - 16.4 km / 10.2 mi  North Broad Street Residential Historic District - 16.6 km / 10.3 mi  Lanier Technical College Winder - 16.7 km / 10.4 mi  College Square Shopping Center - 16.7 km / 10.4 mi  Fort Yargo State Park - 17.4 km / 10.8 mi  The preferred airport for Chateau Elan is Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Intl. Airport (ATL) - 89.1 km / 55.4 mi Pamper yourself with a visit to the spa, which offers 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. This resort also features complimentary wireless Internet access, gift shops/newsstands, and wedding services.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 facilities measuring 40000 square feet (3716 square meters), including a conference center. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.Enjoy American cuisine at Versailles, one of the resort's 4 restaurants, or stay in and take advantage of the room service (during limited hours). Snacks are also available at the coffee shop/café. Relax with a refreshing drink from the poolside bar or one of the 2 bars/lounges. Buffet breakfasts are available daily from 6:30 AM to 10:30 AM for a fee.

Chateau Elan

Near Chateau Elan WineryMake yourself at home in one of the 95 air-conditioned rooms featuring LCD televisions. Complimentary wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming is available for your entertainment. Bathrooms have showers and hair dryers. Conveniences include laptop-compatible safes and desks, and housekeeping is provided daily.Located in Braselton, Hampton Inn & Suites Braselton is within a 15-minute drive of Chateau Elan Winery and Mall of Georgia.  This golf hotel is 16.3 mi (26.2 km) from Lake Lanier and 2.4 mi (3.9 km) from Mayfield Dairy Farms.Distances are displayed to the nearest 0.1 mile and kilometer.  Chateau Elan Winery - 0.5 km / 0.3 mi  Mayfield Dairy Farms - 3.9 km / 2.4 mi  River Place Medical Plaza - 5 km / 3.1 mi  Stonewood Riding Stables - 6.9 km / 4.3 mi  Reunion Golf Club - 7.1 km / 4.4 mi  Road Atlanta - 11.2 km / 7 mi  Lanier Motor Speedway - 11.5 km / 7.2 mi  Little Mulberry Park - 12.4 km / 7.7 mi  Hamilton Mill Golf Club - 12.9 km / 8 mi  Barrow County Museum - 16.3 km / 10.1 mi  Barrow County Courthouse - 16.4 km / 10.2 mi  North Broad Street Residential Historic District - 16.7 km / 10.3 mi  Lanier Technical College Winder - 16.7 km / 10.4 mi  College Square Shopping Center - 16.8 km / 10.4 mi  Fort Yargo State Park - 17.4 km / 10.8 mi  The preferred airport for Hampton Inn & Suites Braselton is Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Intl. Airport (ATL) - 89.5 km / 55.6 mi While the golfer in the family is out on the course, try one of the other recreational amenities offered, such as an attached winery or outdoor tennis courts. Additional amenities at this hotel include complimentary wireless Internet access, a television in a common area, and tour/ticket assistance. Guests can catch a ride to nearby destinations on the complimentary area shuttle.Featured amenities include a business center, express check-in, and express check-out. Free self parking is available onsite.At Hampton Inn & Suites Braselton, enjoy a satisfying meal at the restaurant. Wrap up your day with a drink at the bar/lounge. For your convenience, a complimentary breakfast is served daily from 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM.

Hampton Inn & Suites Braselton

Near Mayfield Dairy FarmsMake yourself at home in one of the 85 guestrooms featuring refrigerators and microwaves. Wired and wireless Internet access is complimentary, and flat-screen televisions with cable programming provide entertainment. Private bathrooms have complimentary toiletries and hair dryers. Conveniences include safes and desks, as well as phones with free local calls.With a stay at Holiday Inn Express And Suites Braselton West in Braselton, you'll be in the suburbs, within a 5-minute drive of Chateau Elan Winery and Mayfield Dairy Farms.  This hotel is 15 mi (24.1 km) from Lake Lanier and 15 mi (24.2 km) from Mall of Georgia.Distances are displayed to the nearest 0.1 mile and kilometer.  Mayfield Dairy Farms - 3.4 km / 2.1 mi  Chateau Elan Winery - 5.6 km / 3.5 mi  River Place Medical Plaza - 6.6 km / 4.1 mi  Stonewood Riding Stables - 8.5 km / 5.3 mi  Reunion Golf Club - 8.8 km / 5.5 mi  Lanier Motor Speedway - 9.6 km / 6 mi  Road Atlanta - 10.1 km / 6.3 mi  Little Mulberry Park - 17.2 km / 10.7 mi  Barrow County Museum - 18.1 km / 11.2 mi  North Broad Street Residential Historic District - 18.1 km / 11.3 mi  Barrow County Courthouse - 18.2 km / 11.3 mi  College Square Shopping Center - 18.4 km / 11.5 mi  Lanier Technical College Winder - 18.5 km / 11.5 mi  University of North Georgia - Gainesville Campus - 19.3 km / 12 mi  Gainesville Theatre Alliance - 19.4 km / 12 mi  Enjoy recreational amenities such as a fitness center and a seasonal outdoor pool.Featured amenities include a business center, a 24-hour front desk, and laundry facilities. Free self parking is available onsite.A complimentary buffet breakfast is served daily from 6 AM to 10 AM.

Holiday Inn Express And Suites Braselton West

Near Chateau Elan WineryMake yourself at home in one of the 82 guestrooms featuring refrigerators and microwaves. Wired and wireless Internet access is complimentary, while 50-inch LCD televisions with cable programming provide entertainment. Private bathrooms with shower/tub combinations feature deep soaking bathtubs and complimentary toiletries. Conveniences include desks and coffee/tea makers, as well as phones with free local calls.Located in Hoschton, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Braselton, GA is in a state park, a 2-minute drive from Chateau Elan Winery and 12 minutes from Road Atlanta.  This golf hotel is 7.4 mi (11.9 km) from Little Mulberry Park and 9.9 mi (15.9 km) from Barrow County Courthouse.Distances are displayed to the nearest 0.1 mile and kilometer.  Chateau Elan Winery - 1.8 km / 1.1 mi  Mayfield Dairy Farms - 2 km / 1.2 mi  River Place Medical Plaza - 5.8 km / 3.6 mi  Stonewood Riding Stables - 7.8 km / 4.8 mi  Reunion Golf Club - 8 km / 5 mi  Little Mulberry Park - 11.9 km / 7.4 mi  Road Atlanta - 12.1 km / 7.5 mi  Lanier Motor Speedway - 13.2 km / 8.2 mi  Hamilton Mill Golf Club - 13.5 km / 8.4 mi  Barrow County Museum - 15.7 km / 9.8 mi  Barrow County Courthouse - 15.9 km / 9.9 mi  North Broad Street Residential Historic District - 16.1 km / 10 mi  Lanier Technical College Winder - 16.2 km / 10.1 mi  Fort Yargo State Park - 16.8 km / 10.5 mi  College Square Shopping Center - 17.7 km / 11 mi  The preferred airport for Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Braselton, GA is Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Intl. Airport (ATL) - 90.2 km / 56 mi Take advantage of recreation opportunities including a health club and an indoor pool. Additional features at this hotel include complimentary wireless Internet access, a fireplace in the lobby, and a ballroom.Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a business center, and express check-out. Planning an event in Hoschton? This hotel has facilities measuring 2000 square feet (186 square meters), including conference space. Free self parking is available onsite.Grab a bite from the grocery/convenience store serving guests of Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Braselton, GA. A complimentary buffet breakfast is served daily from 6:00 AM to 9:30 AM.

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Braselton, GA

Accommodations 

Things to Do

Alexis is the definition of a BFF. Alexis and I met 15 years ago at Dancentre South. I was a fifth grader that Alexis, a seventh grader, took under her wing. Little did I realize the friendship that would blossom.  Alexis has been my girl since as long as I can remember, we took on all the stages of life together and I could not imagine this one without her! At the wedding, she may even  reenact our first Christmas together if you ask her nicely (it is quite the story)! 

Alexis Boehmer 

Madi Massey! My first week at GCSU, a short blonde girl knocked on my door and asked if I wanted to have lunch with her at the Max (the dining hall).  Being the extrovert I am, I could not turn down the invite (plus how awkward would that have been?!).  The rest is history, Madi and I have been inseparable since (from crazy work adventures to major life events).  She has seen the good, the bad and the ugly (and I mean ugly).  I couldn't get married without my Madi Massey next to me! 

Madi Massey

Stephanie is my bridesmaid who has known me the longest (by default, but still counts)! She is my older cousin, but more of a friend than anything else. Stephanie is the reason Austin and I are together today (thank you Steph and Tinder).  Steph and  I got closer throughout my high school and college years, we can literally talk about anything (and I mean anything).  Stephanie has a way of making everyone around her laugh (even though she has admitted I got the funny genes in the fam). 

Stephanie Merrifield 

As my younger sister, Kim has  known me her entire life (what a blessing).  Growing up we have always been polar opposites that have also been strangely similar. I gave Kim hell growing up, and I am lucky she said yes to being a bridesmaid! I am excited to go through this milestone with her by my side. Kim is a hardworking and passionate individual who knows what she wants! 

Kimberly French 

It all started freshman year of high school when Jessie (a girl a barely knew), turned around and told me that the 'love of her life' and who she was going to marry was my current boyfriend. I awkwardly had to tell her that he was my boyfriend...and surprisingly this sparked a friendship for the ages! Jessie and I have been through all the ups and downs together!  I am thankful for a friendship that survived time and distance. Jess is a girl who knows how to love her friends!

Jessie Sexton 

Shelbi NeSmith is hands down one of the kindest souls I have ever met. She is a real live angel. Shelbi cares deeply for those around her and strives to put everyone before herself.  I met Shelbi my first year teaching and basically forced her to be my pal (it worked).  I could not survive my job (maybe even daily life) with out this sweet friend of mine. I can't wait to have her by my side for the wedding, but also for a lifelong friendship! 

Shelbi NeSmith 

Princess Abigail. I have always called Abigail a princess. She is, but she has worked hard for that title. Abigail is a passionate, driven and hard working. She came into my life by chance senior year of college, we became roomies. I forced her into endless sleepovers and adventures (ask her about the dairy farm  or New York trips).  Abigail is the wild card that I could not imagine my life without! 

Abigail Mcelhaney 

Swayze and I met about 9 years ago while we were at Southern Polytechnic State University. I didn’t know it at the time, but we’d end up becoming fraternity brothers, roommates, coworkers and the best man in each others weddings. We’ve been through a lot together, both good and bad, and have been best friends through almost every major life decision we’ve made. It’s hard to imagine anyone else being my best man.

Swayze Johnson 

Brandon’s known me for 27 (almost 28) years now. People say we’re almost identical and sometimes even call us each others names (even though I’m much better looking). I don’t know if that means I look 7 years older than I am or if he looks 7 years younger than he is. We even both work in public safety at the same city, Police and Fire respectively. Brandon’s a great dad, a great brother, and a great guy, but the one thing I’ll always have over him is that he can only enter a scene after I’ve already made it safe. 

Brandon Clayton 

Shannon has also known me for 27 going on 28 years. Shannon is an awesome dad and is easily one of the smartest guys I know, being able to handle any piece of technology easily. Growing up he and Brandon both gave me my fair share of scars, but that’s what big brothers do, right?

Shannon Clayton 

Jared has been one of my best friends since day one of police academy. We went through academy, field training, night shift and now day shift together. He’s a true blue blood and we’ve always got each others backs out on the road.

Jared Nudi 

I met Jacob when I joined the fraternity 8 years ago, and watched him work hard to be the smartest and most successful in the room. Jacob didn’t always like me, he called me a dumb pledge the first time we met, but we became great friends over the years and I watched him grow into a great family man. Jacob is one of the most reliable friends a guy could have and would do just about anything to help out his friends. 

Jacob Pritchett

I met Matt when I joined the fraternity 8 years ago. Matt was always a jokester and the guy that could make people in the room laugh, and he’s definitely still that way today. He loves soccer almost as much as I do, and we have Atlanta United season tickets together, so we can enjoy a match together, whether Atlanta’s winning the MLS Cup or losing an entire season. 

Matt Thomason 

I also met Jason when I joined the fraternity 8 years ago (there’s a trend in my groomsmen here). I went through the initiation process with Jason, and we’ve been great friends ever since. Jason’s an awesome friend to have around and will always have your back. Jason shows his love by throwing insults your way, but it’s all good fun, because he can take as much as he dishes out.

Samantha & Austin

Samantha & Austin

Registry

Thank you for helping us build our life together!