Gate City Brewing Company

Welcome Party

The Mill Kitchen and Bar

Rehearsal Dinner

The Metropolitan Club

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Cocktail Hour

Reception

Our Wedding

The beginning of our story took place freshman year of college, back in August of 2010. A chance happening of true love, in a location that says romantic in every language... Carrollton, Georgia. Loud, but charming, Tess Berrafato had a chance encounter with the love of her life, Brian Rogers, as they were turned away from the cafeteria at the University of West Georgia on Move-In Day (a decision that still baffles us to this day). Like a whirlwind of excitement, Tess decides that Brian is her new best friend and their friendship began. Brian and Tess were often found hanging around each other, but didn't officially become a couple until October 7th of 2010. Their first official date was at the Regal movie theater in Carrollton to see the theatrical classic: Resident Evil: Afterlife (which currently has a Rotten Tomatoes score of 21%, probably much higher than the score Tess would have given it, but whatever). It was no surprise that Tess and Brian had true chemistry. Being that, well, Tess was a chemistry major. And to Brian's credit, there are 10 kinds of people in the world: those who understand binary and those who don't (and thank God Tess took Latin, because she otherwise wouldn't have understood that reference). And yeah, a lot of time passed and many important life events took place. Actually, most of you think that TOO MUCH time had passed before this moment. But the most important part is we've overcome all of the trials and tribulations that have come along the way, and our relationship is that much stronger for it (not to mention we still like each other!). It only took nearly 15 years for this event to finally show up on your calendar, and we're overjoyed to have you in our lives to celebrate this fabulous milestone (yes, Brian heard you loud and clear). Thanks for joining us on our journey!

Our Humble Beginnings

Our Story

Photos

Pretty much, Shannon is the only reason I survived my first year teaching at Centennial High School. She's slowly become one of my most reliable friends and confidants, and I couldn't imagine my life without her. 

Our song means the world to me, because no one gets it quite like us: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1oYWnbTSang

Shannon Keane

Steve is Brian's older brother, and one of the few constants throughout his life: from their formative years, through a nomadic childhood, and on to many "sticky table conferences" as adults. Steve has been an invaluable part of Brian's early development and remains a stalwart source of support to this day.

Steve Rogers

Catherine Perry is one of the friends I met during graduate school, and one of the reasons my job at Centennial High School is so great. We survived our EOC Biology preps together, so that says a lot. 

Our song is from our favorite shared Kpop group, The Kingdom: https://youtu.be/G0OVgXdNb-I?si=YqnO1fzvZmwJ8_tk

Catherine Perry

Ernest first crossed paths with Brian over a pick-up match of Street Fighter IV at the University of West Georgia's Game Room, and would soon meet again over lunch at the Z-6 Dining Hall. After a few hangouts, Ernest extended Brian a bid to join the Xi-Theta Chapter of Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity, an event which significantly changed the trajectory of Brian's adult life. Ernest went on to serve as a model peer mentor to Brian throughout his collegiate years.

Ernest Ricks

Our trusty dwarven chef/bard in our Misfits of the Mountain campaign that has been going on for a few years now. We are closer than ever over the years, and I couldn't imagine a friend I met through DnD would be such a pinnacle member of my life. 

Our song is based off the fact that we're southern girls through and through: https://youtu.be/GVYWfiRthic?si=qwaO2Cp-Ls2uXasW (But we're not from WV)

Becca Mae

Michael first met Brian over a match of Capture the Flag in Halo 3 hosted at the Tau Kappa Epsilon house. Michael assumed the role of Big Brother to Brian within the fraternity, and they worked closely together as officers when Brian joined the chapter's executive council. They only continue to grow closer post-graduation, truly embodying the spirit of becoming brothers for life.

Michael Hetisimer

Carrie and I have been best friends since 2016. It's been such a long time, and honestly I couldn't imagine my life without her. She helped me through some of the toughest moments of my life, and I am eternally grateful to her. 

Our song is a classic from our favorite video game series, Persona 4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxAo6P7xcSk

Carrie Marshall

Joshua was among Brian's pledge brothers during his candidacy period with Tau Kappa Epsilon. As fellow candidates, they leaned on each other to overcome the numerous challenges that came with their candidacy period and adjusting to collegiate life, forging a unique bond through growth in the process.

Joshua Stephens

Steve Rogers (Brian's brother) literally picked the most awesome girl to date. I'm super lucky she has joined my friend group. She's caring and fabulous, and we have been through a crazy lot of things together. 

Our song is based off of our shared love over Animal Crossing: https://youtu.be/KJp488yN3VM?si=MNaPOLodYre9PBeO

Dana Neigel

Taylor and Brian first met during a study session in Ingram Library at the University of West Georgia. Taylor would go on to join Tau Kappa Epsilon shortly after Brian, and shared several courses with him as a fellow Computer Science major. Taylor has been Brian's go-to sounding board for all sorts of topics throughout the years.

Taylor Dickinson

Travis first met both Tess and Brian as fellow freshmen at the University of West Georgia shortly before they began dating. Tess had shared a choir class with him, and he would frequently encounter Brian at various places around campus. Travis has been an early witness to their relationship blooming over the years, and is ecstatic to have a key role in them taking the next step!

Travis Watkins

Wedding Party

Q + A

Rooms can be booked at this URL: <a href="https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=1742311524127&amp;key=GRP" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" data-sleek-node-id="7c2021">https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=1742311524127&amp;key=GRP</a> Reservations must be made before June 27th, and are first come, first serve - so don't delay booking!

Atlanta Marriott Alpharetta

Travel

For a comprehensive overview of your options, we'd recommend checking out the <a href="https://html5.dcatalog.com/?docid=8889d20d-73b3-4076-b866-0ded1e53a39d&amp;page=1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Alpharetta Convention and Visitor Bureau's Visitors Guide</a>. No matter your lifestyle, there's bound to be something just for you around here!

Tess & Brian

Tess & Brian

T&B

Welcome Party

Wedding Day

1:30 PM–2:00 PM

Ceremony

2:00 PM–3:00 PM

Cocktail Hour

3:00 PM–6:00 PM

Reception