Sometimes you meet a couple who are so in love that being around them makes you feel a little giddy yourself. That’s what it was like photographing Mal and Tyler’s wedding at The Inn at Serenbe just south of the city in Chattahoochee Hills.
Nestled on 2000 acres of rolling Georgia countryside just south of Atlanta, The Inn at Serenbe offers a blend of historic charm, rustic elegance, and modern luxury that makes it a dream destination for wedding celebrations. Set on a restored 36 acre farm surrounded by rolling hills, wildflower meadows, and lush woodlands, Serenbe pairs scenic outdoor ceremony spaces with farm-to-table cuisine crafted from organic ingredients harvested on-site at The Farmhouse. Oh, and you can pet the animals.
Mal and Tyler began their wedding day getting ready in neighboring cottages. Each space was filled with friends and laughter, a little nervous energy, and just the right amount of joyful chaos. As I made my way across the property to the cottages in the morning light, my landscape photographer instincts demanded that I stop and make a few frames of the scenery. Soon enough we were directing their first look and then wandering the property making couple portraits. The perfect fall weather, the beautiful scenery, and a pair of humans who were glowing with their love for each other was an intoxicating mix and soon we were all smiling so hard our cheeks hurt.
Once the photos were done it was time for the ceremony in The Meadow. The chairs were set up in the shade of a grove of oak trees facing a stunning wedding arch designed by Forage & Flower of vibrant green fern fronds and white larkspur, with sea holly tucked in for little splashes of color. First Mal’s parents escorted him down the aisle, then came Tyler and his parents. The ceremony, led by Tyler’s sister, was touching and personal. They said their vows, their voices shaking with the depth of their love, and I spotted Mal’s dad wiping away a tear. Rings and kisses were exchanged and then, just like that, they were married. It was time for a party.
After enjoying cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in The Meadow, folks made their way down to The Pavilion for dinner and dancing. There were so many perfect personal touches that I can’t name them all, but one outstanding detail was their wedding cake that looked like a rock cairn, created by Dennis Dean Catering. Tyler took Mal hiking and proposed at the top of a mountain overlook, so the rock cairn cake was the perfect way to commemorate that special day on this special day.
Time is strange on a wedding day. It’s easy to get lost in moments, but the day flies by faster than you want it to. And after dinner and toasts and an epic dance party, it was time to send them off to enjoy married life.
So Mal and Tyler, I want to thank you for choosing to have me tell your magical wedding day story. It was the best day ever. Congratulations to you both.
