A Summer Wedding at the Graduate Hotel in Athens, Georgia

June 1, 2024

June of this year was the month I affectionately called my “wedding month”, because I had a wedding (sometimes 2!) every weekend for the entire month. I was so happy I got to kick it off in Athens, Georgia with Kimberly and Jacob at the Graduate Hotel (now Hotel Abacus)! Summer weddings are starting to become popular once again, and I have to say, despite the Georgia heat, I am loving the colors, refreshments, and fun touches that I have seen at some of my couples’ weddings! Kimberly and Jacob were no exception.

First Looks

We started the day off by doing a first look both with Kimberly’s dad and Jacob. We started with Kimberly’s dad at the Graduate Hotel and ended with Jacob at the Founder’s Garden on UGA’s campus. Kimberly surprised both guys with special cuff links – dad got some with pictures of him and Kimberly as a child and Jacob got some University of Georgia ones (a nod to where they met – Go Dawgs!) Tears may or may not have been shed during each first look, especially Jacob’s. The look on his face when he sees his bride for the first time gets me EVERY time!

Portraits

After doing a walkthrough of the Graduate Hotel during their engagement session, Kimberly and I decided to do a majority of photos at the Founder’s Garden on UGA’s campus in Athens, Georgia to get a little bit more variety of backdrops! and I am SO happy we did! They turned out STUNNING and worth the time to drive there (it was only 5 minutes, but still!)

Ceremony

Their ceremony was held at the pavilion in the middle of the Graduate Hotel’s parking lot. The space was decorated in stunning florals provided by Bloom and Ivy Weddings. The pavilion was packed full of their family and loved ones – a true testament to how much they are loved and supported! The ceremony itself was short and sweet, but a beautiful reflection of their love.

Reception

One of the first things Kimberly told me about the wedding day was that they were having a live band. She explained that it was on her “non-negotiables” list and after seeing Bogey and the Viceroy in action, I can absolutely understand why! Their energy was infectious and kept people on the dance floor ALL. NIGHT. LONG. It was absolutely incredible and they made me wish EVERY wedding had a live band! Kimberly and Jacob danced the night away with all of their family and friends, and were lovingly sent off with sparklers in the hotel’s courtyard!

It was such a beautiful wedding that I was so honored to witness and capture. Congratulations to the new Mr. & Mrs. Gowler!