TPC SUGARLOAF WEDDING | CARLIE + FORREST | DULUTH, GA

WEDDING

Apr 30

Forrest’s wedding proposal wasn’t his first proposal to Carlie. You see, back in high school, he decided to execute a PROM-posal through the use of chalk art. Super sweet right?!? What are some things that are coming to mind??.. Lots of chalk hearts drawn next to “Will you go to prom with me?” Or something like that? Yeah, thats what came to my mind when I heard chalk art but Forrest had a better idea. He used chalk to draw an outline of a “dead man” (you know in movies the outline of the person that died that the investigators take pictures of) where she typically parks her car and said to Carlie “I would die to go to prom with you!” I LOVE IT!! Its so unique and out of the box that it worked, she said, YES!

This past weekend we had the honor of photographing high school sweethearts, Carlie + Forrest’s wedding at TPC Sugarloaf Country Club in Duluth, Ga. Carlie and Forrest currently live in Gainesville - GO GATORS! (but grew up in Bradenton, Florida) and decided to have their wedding in Duluth, Georgia after visiting and falling in love with the secluded and quiet town. All of their guests traveled from all over to witness these two beautiful people become Mr and Mrs Wilson.

One of the moments that really stood out to me was that Carlie decided to gift her parents extremely thoughtful gifts that reminded them that even though she is married now, she will forever be their little girl and will continue to come to them for guidance and support. You can imagine there were tears involved. I just love that she included and honored her parents, and Forrests’ parents, throughout the day.

Carlie was very intentional about making their wedding day about their love for one another. I love how she kept the decor very simple yet elegant. Carlie was a “hands on” kind of bride and made the centerpieces herself with the help of her beautiful mom and now mother in law. Oh, and that beautiful wooden cross that was at their ceremony, Forrest and his dad built that together! EVERYONE had the time of their lives. I have never seen a dance floor so full!! The best part was when the DJ announced for everyone to line up for the sparkler exit, no one wanted to leave! Even though the music had stopped, they were all still dancing and just having fun.

Let’s talk bridal parties for a second. Typically, bridal parties are groups of friends from different stages of life and USUALLY, they don’t know each other. NOT THIS GROUP. Man, I don’t think I will EVER forget them! All of “THE BOYS” (that’s just what they are known as) were childhood friends of Forrest and all grew up together. Most of the bridesmaids were Carlie’s nursing school classmates that have turned into best friends. All 17 of them, that’s right- I said 17, had memorable personalities but what I loved most about them was that they all go by nicknames. Now, that might sound silly and so insignificant but, hear me out. If you really think about it, only the people that really know you, often give you a nickname. I don’t think i heard anyone call Forrest by his actual name. Well, I take that back, I know his mom calls him Forrest, but other than that, we heard Fofo, Fogie, Fo and the list just goes on..

On multiple occasions, I heard the bridesmaids chatting with each other and just saying, “can you believe it’s finally happening?” Everyone was genuinely happy and excited for this new chapter in their lives. It was so encouraging to see.

Carlie and Forrest, THANK YOU for making us feel so included in your wedding day. We truly felt like family! You completely trusted us and we are forever grateful! Carlie + Forrest, from the moment we spoke on the phone the VERY first time, I KNEW you were different. Joy and love radiated through you. You’re kind and sweet, caring and loving, fun, hardworking, smart and energetic, as beautiful on the outside as you are on the inside! Please, please, please, NEVER CHANGE! We hope that every single person that crosses your path, that they would feel the same love that we and so many others, have been blessed enough to experience! YOU are amazing! We love you both so much and are excited for your future!!! I hope these images bring back so many great memories from your best day ever!

And thank you to all the talented vendors that made this dream wedding come to life:

DJ: Club Rett | Bridal Gown: The White Magnolia | Dress Designer: Augusta Jones | Cake: Publix