Jul 26, 20193 min read

Ogletree Estates Summer Wedding | Mary Stuart + Joel

This sweet couple has stolen my heart in many ways. Their story is one from the movies. Boy meets girl at a wedding. Boy is a groomsmen and girl is the wedding coordinator. They begin a long distance relationship living in opposite states for their ENTIRE relationship. They beat the odds, fall in love, and begin to plan their future together where they can FINALLY be together.

Mary Stuart and Joel's Ogletree Estates Wedding

When I arrived to Ogletree, (which is one of my favorite North Georgia venues by the way), I was so excited that for July the weather was rather comfortable. Mary Stuart and Joel decided for a morning wedding so I arrived just as the sun had made its debut for the day. Mary Stuart was upstairs in the bridal suite getting the final touches of her hair and makeup done alongside her best friends. I snuck away to grab some detail photos and then it was time for her to slip into her gorgeous Essense of Australia gown that had the most delicate champagne and blush undertones and lace bodice. Her bright blue heels were a fun pop hiding under that soft tulle skirt.

I quickly noticed after getting to know Mary Stuart a little bit of her type-A personality and her admirable attention to detail. This was no exception on her wedding day, as every detail was not only beautiful, but incredibly thought out. Her engagement ring and wedding band were made up of diamonds from her grandmother's tennis bracelet. She gifted her bridesmaids with beautiful necklaces that resembled one that she wears daily and her parents the sweetest hanker-chiefs and hand written letters that brought everyone to tears. My favorite detail of all, was that she saved the flowers Joel had sent her over the past year and dried the petals for their final exit toss.

During their first look Joel was immediately drawn to Mary Stuart and they held each-other for a good 10 minutes just soaking in the moment and chatting about their mornings. The gorgeous estate built in 1908 was the backdrop for this sweet moment. I could image Joel was in a little disbelief that everything he had dreamt of was finally happening (plus Mary Stuart was one incredibly gorgeous bride). Once he was able to pick his jaw up off the ground, the biggest smile covered his face and their eyes locked in on one another.

A beautiful arbor with floral accents by Downtown Flowers stood behind the couple as they exchanged their rings and vowed to a lifetime together in front of 190 of their closest family and friends who traveled from all over to witness this special day. A group of 20+ children who were all kids that Mary Stuart had babysat at one point or another attended the wedding with their families, so it was very special to her to grab a photo of them all together.

The weather was unbelievable, the venue was incredible as usual, and Mary Stuart and Joel were absolutely stunning together! Don't believe me? Just take a peek at a handful of some of my favorites from their beautiful wedding day below!