A Whimsical Garden Wedding in Georgia

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bride smiling at groom holding hands on stone pathway — Glorious Moments Photography

An extended engagement served Roxanne (who goes by Roxii) Edwards, a dermatology physician assistant, and Nate Anthony, a fitness manager, well; the pair became engaged in April 2019—a decade after they first met Georgia State University's student dining hall—on Roxii's birthday, and decided to host their celebration on May 21, 2021, from the start. They wanted "ample time to plan," they say, and doing so allowed them to tie the knot without rescheduling, though a few modifications were necessary (they say cutting down the guest list to meet COVID-19 restrictions was a challenge).

The early days of the planning process, however, were daunting: "It was a lot of guesswork in the beginning, because we didn't know where to start," they say. They ultimately decided to focus on selecting a venue. Since they wanted a "whimsical garden wedding," they needed a lush, botanical-inspired space, and the outdoor ceremony area at Cator Woolford Gardens, a conservatory in Decatur, Georgia, immediately won them over. The next round of decisions came easier—choosing their photographer, Glorious Moments Photography, and selecting catering (Sun In My Belly) and dessert (Cakes by Anna wrangled their confection, while Lady Belle Macaron provided additional sweets) vendors felt more seamless.

Ultimately, the pair wanted a colorful celebration—they chose a peach, coral, sage, and blue palette—filled with music and defined by good food, a goal they executed with the help of their month-of coordinator, Events by Sofia. The true success story of the day, they say, was that it "brought them back to their roots" as they celebrated their love surrounded by 120 of their nearest and dearest.

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Touch of Gold

green and blue greenery illustration wedding invites — Glorious Moments Photography

Roxii and Nate chose a botanical-inspired invitation suite from Minted, complete with blue-and-green vines and metallic accents.

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Perfect Fit

bride with bridesmaids and mom wearing peach hued dresses — Glorious Moments Photography

The bride tried on "a bunch of different wedding dresses in a bunch of different places," but always kept coming back to this Essense of Australia fit-and-flare garment, which she purchased via Laraine's Bridal. "I realized it was meant to be mine," she says.

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Shimmer and Shine

bride wearing crystal hair piece and dangly earrings — Glorious Moments Photography

She accessorized with earrings from Roxanne Camille Collective, her own company, a sparkling hair piece, and Nina pumps.

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Cool Suit

groom smiling wearing custom black and gray tux — Glorious Moments Photography

The highlight of Nate's Men's Wearhouse look was his charcoal dinner jacket, which featured a detailed floral jacquard pattern and satin accents (a peak lapel and covered buttons, included) throughout.

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Tap, Tap

bride tapping groom on the shoulder for first look outside — Glorious Moments Photography

Their first look took place in front of the staircase at Cator Woolford Gardens, and was a moment full of anticipation. "I enjoyed the first look experience," shares Nate. "I was able to spend some alone time with Roxii because the madness began. It put me at ease when I first saw her—all my jitters were gone."

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All Together

bride and groom walking with wedding party outside — Glorious Moments Photography

The wedding party's attire was predicated on complementary hues. Bridesmaids donned floor-length Azazie gowns in "simple colors that we love," including sage, peach, and coral; groomsmen were dressed in blue suits, also from Men's Wearhouse, which added depth to the palette.

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Flowers Mark the Spot

greenery and flowers hanging from aisle chair — Glorious Moments Photography

Small swags of blooms, arranged by Spring Vine, were fastened to the chairs closest to the ceremony aisle.

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Love You, Dad

bride smiling with dad wearing blue suit and sunglasses — Glorious Moments Photography

Ahead of the service, Roxii shared a private moment with her father, who later escorted her to the aisle while "A Thousand Years" by Christina Perri played in the background.

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Waiting at the Altar

groom during processional standing with groomsmen — Glorious Moments Photography

Nate, alongside the pair's officiant, Raulston Nembhard (the bride's uncle!), waited patiently for Roxii to arrive at the crest of the aisle. He notes that seeing her walk towards him was one of the most special moments of the day.

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The Ceremony Begins

bride and groom surrounded by wedding party during ceremony — Glorious Moments Photography

During the non-religious ceremony, the pair exchanged vows they wrote themselves—another big-day highlight, says the duo.

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The Kiss

bride and groom kiss during wedding ceremony — Glorious Moments Photography

After Roxii's uncle pronounced them husband and wife, the couple shared a vow-sealing kiss.

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Back Up the Aisle

bride and groom during recessional smiling holding hands — Glorious Moments Photography

At the conclusion of the service, the newly-minted spouses recessed back up the aisle to "Queen Tings (Santi Remix)" by Masego.

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Watercolor Sage

white and gray escort cards displayed on table — Glorious Moments Photography

Watercolor-inspired escort cards perfectly matched a sage linen tablecloth.

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Cocktail Time

guest drinking green cocktail during wedding reception — Glorious Moments Photography

The pair's signature drink, the "Bourbon Peach Smash," was a hit during the cocktail hour.

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Celebration Station

linen draped circular reception tables with white chairs — Glorious Moments Photography

Roxii and Nate's reception took place in a spacious room on the property; guests found their seats at sage linen-covered round tables.

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In Bloom

orange floral wedding reception centerpieces with green place settings — Glorious Moments Photography

A rectangular estate table—which is where the couple and wedding party sat—was covered in cream linens and accented with pale green napkins. Compote centerpieces held blooms in shades of peach and coral for color and plenty of trailing greenery vines for texture.

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All in the Details

orange floral and fruit wedding reception centerpieces — Glorious Moments Photography

Peaches and kumquats were placed below the arrangements, further driving the color palette of the day.

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Watercolor Menu

fruit illustration themed wedding menu — Glorious Moments Photography

Pretty watercolor menus were situated at each setting; their illustrations spoke to the Southern and island-inspired meal, catered by Sun In My Belly, to come (the blueberries, for example, referenced the compote atop the pair's miso glazed salmon entrée, which the bride loved).

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Time to Party

groom dancing in the middle of guests on reception dance floor — Glorious Moments Photography

When the dancing began, everyone got out of their seats and began waving their napkins in the air, says the pair; they cite this moment as the highlight of the reception, in addition to their first dance (they chose "You and I" by John Legend). Nate's mother added to the fun: She sang a special song for Nate in the middle of the dance floor.

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