Peach, Coral, and Sage Drove the Color Palette at This Whimsical Garden Wedding in Georgia

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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."

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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).

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.

The pair served their butter pecan naked cake from Cakes by Anna alongside an assortment of sweets by Lady Belle Macaron.

Photography, Glorious Moments Photography
Venue, Cator Woolford Gardens
Wedding Planning, Events by Sofia
Flowers, Spring Vine
Invitations, Minted
Officiant, Raulston Nembhard
Bride's Attire, Essense of Australia via Laraine's Bridal
Bride's Accessories, Roxanne Camille Collective (jewelry), Nina (shoes)
Makeup and Hair, Keka Bridal Glam
Bridesmaids' Dresses, Azazie
Menswear, Men's Wearhouse
Wedding Bands and Engagement Ring, Cumberland Diamond Exchange, Oura
Music, Karis Madison
Catering, Sun In My Belly
Cake, Cakes by Anna
Macarons, Lady Belle Macaron
Wedding Submission Services, Published + Pretty