Gina & Edward’s paths had crossed before, but it wasn’t until the Peachtree Road Race that their romance really began. As it turns out, one of Edward’s earbuds got stuck in his ear during the race. At the finish line, Gina & Edward ran into each other (not literally) and Gina helped him pry the earpiece out (after she took a photo of it!). Edward got Gina’s number by asking her to text him the photo… and that’s how it all began. :) The couple has run the Peachtree Road Race every year since, first as friends, then as an engaged couple, and this year they will be running it as a married couple. If you think that story is cute, you should watch/read about their proposal story at The Big Fake Wedding!
What I love most about this sweet couple is their love and heart for others. When they began looking at their wedding day budget and realized how much money goes into a single day, they wondered what they could do to make it “bigger” than themselves… They wanted to use their day to give back to others, and that’s when they found me. Gina & Edward are actually my first-ever Love Gives Way couple. If you don’t know what Love Gives Way is, you can read more about it here. Essentially, a portion of their wedding photography package was donated to Out of Darkness in Atlanta and goes directly to helping reach, rescue, and restore victims of sex trafficking in the city. I’ve been partnering with Out of Darkness for over a year now, and I love when my couples choose to use their wedding day to make a difference in others’ lives.
But Gina & Edward didn’t stop at that; Many of their vendors give back in one way or another (see vendors list below). Gina’s good friend & wedding planner, carolyn a. events, is also a LGW vendor and partners with Wellspring Living. You’ll notice in the photos that the entire bridal party is wearing TOMS shoes. The shoes that Gina & Edward decorated at their gorgeous Fall styled engagement session were signed by wedding guests during the reception. Even Gina’s ring was chosen carefully and purposefully; Edward found a company that actually gives back to those that were affected by the blood diamond industry with the purchase of their rings. And in lieu of wedding favors for their friends/family, Gina & Edward decided to spend money on toys, supplies, and equipment for kids in Cancun. They planned a joint bachelor/bachelorette trip to Cancun and spent a day at Back2Back and Tree of Life playing with the children and cooking/feeding them.
Some words from the bride herself: “We truly believe that God is love. Without Him, we wouldn’t be here together today. We are very grateful to be servants not only to each other but to our community. We LOVE love and could not have imagined a more beautiful day to get married to celebrate love with family and friends! We are excited about married life!”
Venue | Chukkar Farm || Wedding Planner | carolyn a. events || Hair & Makeup | Nia Tran || Men’s Wear | Modern Gent || Engagement Ring | MiaDonna & Co. || Stationary | WritefullyHis || Accessories | Headbands of Hope | DivvyUp | FEED | TOMS || Officiant | Reverend Steven Ray Pettit || Reception music | Tayo Reed Band || Florist | carolyn a. events || Photography | Claire Diana Photography || Videography | Bob’s Eye View || Photo Booth | Far Out Galaxy || Food Truck | Freckled & Blue || Catering | Heirloom BBQ || Late Night Food | Makan || Bartenders | Elite Private Bartenders || Guest Transportation | First Student Charter Bus Rentals || Bathroom Rentals | Comfort Zone Portables || Ice | Crystal Cubes Ice || Rentals | TLC
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