Mandi & Charlie met in February 2011 when Mandi got hired to be a bus driver at UGA’s Campus Transit. On Mandi’s first day, Charlie turned out to be her trainer. They were both instantly attracted to each other, but Mandi hinted that she wasn’t ready for more than friendship at the time. Over the next year, they got to know each other more as Mandi would ride Charlie’s bus route to campus every Monday, Wednesday, & Friday morning. Charlie initially thought that Mandi didn’t like him because she always sat in the back of the bus, but over time she began standing up front and chatting with Charlie during the ride. When she’d wake up late, Charlie would sit and wait for her to run out of her sorority house before leaving the bus stop. Mandi remained doubtful that this kind act meant anything, because she thought: “how could this awesome, attractive, friend-to-everyone, country-music-blaring, boot-wearing Milledge driver be interested in me?” When she messaged Charlie on Facebook to give him some books she knew he needed for class, Charlie surprised her by asking her to meet at Two Story Coffeehouse for coffee & the book exchange. Mandi doesn’t even drink coffee, but they sat & talked for five hours until Two Story kicked them out at closing time. This night led to them officially dating, and the rest is history! My favorite part about this adorable story is how differently Mandi & Charlie tell it. :)
They got ready at the Buford Community Center where they also shared an intimate First Look. My couples usually do First Looks outside, but the winds on the day of the wedding were over 20mph & constant! I didn’t want Mandi’s hair falling before the ceremony, so we mainly stayed indoors for photos. Inside the Buford Community Center is a gorgeous staircase that we utilized for photos, as well as a big “B” which was perfect for the couple (Charlie’s last name starts with a B!). Their ceremony was held at St. Lawrence Catholic Church. I love the cufflinks Mandi surprised Charlie with, and I love that she incorporated her baptismal gown & first communion dress in a photo with her wedding dress to symbolize her final sacrament in the Catholic church.
This couple is one of the kindest couples I’ve ever worked with, and the past year has been a blast! I loved their engagement session at Two Story Coffeehouse, and I love that I got to do a bridal portrait session with Mandi in my Watkinsville studio & at the Bishop House (some images included below). Thanks to everyone who helped their big day come together!
Ceremony Venue: St. Lawrence Catholic Church || Reception Venue: Buford Community Center || Hair & Makeup: Bombshell Creations || Bride’s Dress: Affordable Bridal || Bride’s Shoes: David’s Bridal || Bridal Party Dresses: David’s Bridal || Rings: Blue Nile || Men’s Wear: Men’s Wearhouse || DJ: Marcus of Sentelle Music Group || Florist: Brides and Blooms || Caterer: All About You Weddings || Photographer: Claire Diana Photography
- Emma Rose | UGA
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