Dahlonega, Georgia Wedding at Montaluce Winery and Estates by Bamber Photography
Maggie met Stephen at their summer job at Chili’s where she was a hostess and he was a server and became fast friends. After they both returned to school at the University of Georgia in the fall, Stephen asked Maggie out on their first date, which happened at the annual corn maze in October. Fun and games were a common theme throughout their courtship. The couple even got engaged over a personalized scavenger hunt orchestrated by Stephen on April Fool’s and then celebrating with friends and family over a game of Whirly Ball. They wanted to keep a small, personal and joyful vibe with their wedding as they exchanged vows in front of 150 of their closest friends and family. Guests were then treated to an intimate reception catered by the restaurant at Dahlonega, GA wedding venue, Montaluce Winery and Estates, with food ranging from a pork shoulder to shrimp and grits and even gourmet pizzas pulled from a wood fired oven. After having the difficult task of having to choose between the assortment of wedding cake or taking a trip to the sundae bar for dessert, everyone danced the night away to the Peace and Love band out of Charlotte, North Carolina and celebrated the newly married couple. Definitely a fun filled evening. Photos by the Chattanooga, Tennessee wedding photographer,Bamber Photography!
We want to know about all the wedding details. Was it small and intimate or big and traditional?
I wanted to create the vibe of a small and intimate wedding. We had 150 guests, so I guess that is a medium sized wedding, but I really think we achieved the feeling of a smaller, more intimate wedding.
Tell us about your wedding gown and what your wedding party wore.
My wedding gown was a simple Romona Keveza gown with a one shoulder ruffle detail. I loved it! It was perfectly me. I wore a plain belt that was the same fabric as the dress for the ceremony with my hair down and a long veil, then I changed into a jeweled belt, put my hair up and took the veil off for the reception. The bridesmaids dresses were from Nordstrom. Montaluce has some very distinct colors in the restaurant and tasting room, so I went with a deep purple that would complement what was already there. I think I had the most beautiful wedding party ever! Every single one of them looked stunning!
What was the most memorable moment?
There are so many, it is hard to choose. But I would have to say it was our first kiss. My new husband gave me a sweet kiss and then a long hug and whispered, “I love you” in my ear. I will always remember that moment.
What was the best wedding advice you received?
Get a day-of wedding coordinator. You want to enjoy your wedding day and not be stressed. They can handle all the small details for you and then you can enjoy your big day.
What were your playful twists that made the event unique?
Instead of just placing pictures of our parents on their wedding day at the reception, I wanted to make small replicas of their wedding cakes to display next to our wedding cake. I LOVE the way it turned out! I sent the pictures of their cakes to Frosted Pumpkin and he nailed it. We put pictures of them cutting their cakes next to their replica cakes. It was a big hit! Together, our parents have been married for over 77 years, and we thought this was a special way to honor them at our wedding.
If there was one thing you could change, what would it be?
I really don’t think I would change a thing. Of course, there were small things that went wrong, but those now make for funny stories. I loved every single minute of that weekend and I wouldn’t change anything. Keep your eye on what is important, which is marrying the one you love. Some things may not go exactly as planned on your wedding day, but in the end, the only thing that matters is that you are married.
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