Brooke & Michael | Ashton Gardens Wedding
Georgia Photographer

January 23, 2022

Brooke was in the UGA Redcoat Band and Michael was in the Alabama band.  And even though they officially met online in 2019 (as does everyone these days, am I right?), Brooke actually remembers seeing Michael at the SEC Championship game in 2012 when UGA faced Alabama.   They made it official in July of 2019 and soon Michael was coaxed into saying “I love you” first while Brooke was wearing an Alabama shirt against her will.  After that the rest was history.  How FUN & historic that Georgia & Alabama just faced each other again in the National Championship the season that they got married?!

Brooke & Michael tied the knot at Ashton Gardens — which has an absolutely stunning chapel for ceremonies.  My favorite decision they made was to have a brunch wedding (my FAVE).  With the earlier timeline, they were free to take portraits AFTER the brunch reception ended and guests had left, which is awesome because 1) then you’re not feeling the “time crunch” or pressure of people waiting on you while you’re taking photos, and 2) in the winter, this sets you up to take all of your photos during “golden hour” because the sunset time is so early.  So after their guests showered them with a rose petal exit, we took off to a nearby park and took advantage of all the beautiful fall colors.

Even though we knew we’d have PLENTY of time for photos afterward, they still opted to do a First Look to calm their nerves prior to the ceremony. And it was SO sweet and allowed them to spend more time combined with their full wedding party of friends.  Everything about this wedding just felt very “them”… from the music choices to the food served and their dog Twyla on the cake topper.  It was a beautiful & joyous occasion, and I am so excited for them as they embark on this next chapter.  Congrats, Brooke & Michael!

Venue: Ashton Gardens  //  Flowers: JL Designs  //  Bride’s Dress: I Do I Do Bridal Boutique  //  Bridesmaids’ dresses: Azazie  //  Cake: The Baking Grounds  //  DJ: Complete Weddings & Events (Rich Moran)  //  Hair: The Basement Salon — Katy Suttle  //  Makeup: Makeup by Ashton  //  Rings: Lim’s Jewelry in CA  //  Ceremony music: Harpist for the King (Hailey Ann Smith)

Claire Diana