Chattahoochee Nature Center Wedding // Holly & Andrew
Holly & Andrew’s wedding day was full of love and relaxed and beautiful, even with some rain early on! They planned a beautiful and simple day celebrating one of the things that brought them together: nature. Holly & Andrew’s wedding was held at the Chattahoochee Nature Center in Roswell. The day of the wedding was a bit rainy, but because the couple and their people are all fantastic, the pivot to have their ceremony under the cover of the reception pavilion was a piece of cake.
Getting Ready
Getting ReadyHolly & Andrew relied on their family and friends for many of the special moments of their day. Holly’s Aunt helped create her beautiful bridal look before she went to meet Andrew for their first look! One of the parts of the day I loved most of all was Holly’s gorgeous embroidered veil! It was absolutely stunning and contained the sweetest flowers – another beautiful nod to nature.
First Look
We chose the welcome center – and gift shop! – for Holly & Andrew’s first look location, partially for lighting and partially because it’s simply lovely in there. Holly’s embroidered train was a dream to photograph. Andrew absolutely loved the details – as you’ll see! Chattahoochee Nature Center is a 125-acre nature preserve, so despite the rainy weather, we knew we wanted to feature some of the beautiful grounds in their portraits. Holly & Andrew braved a bit of rain with us to go capture some of the awesome greenery and gorgeous spring color that really stood out with those stormy skies.
Rainy Wedding Portraits in Atlanta GA
What were you most anxious or nervous about regarding your wedding day and how did it turn out?
Holly: I was most nervous about the weather. It’s tough to plan an outdoor wedding and then see the forecast utterly tank. How could it be 40s and rainy when we were sitting in the 80 degree sun just days before? However – the rain stopped just as our ceremony started and all of the pictures looked SO lush, verdant, and beautiful! Spring rain is the lifeblood of nature, so it was great to reflect on that. Maybe there’s a metaphor in there about how a strong, healthy marriage thrives in both the sun and the rain.
Andrew: I was worried that my best man wouldn’t get his tux on in time! There was a mad scramble for pocket squares and cufflinks in the eleventh hour. We were rescued by a particularly prepared groomsman.
Chattahoochee Nature Center Wedding Ceremony
Because of the rain, the staff helped Holly & Andrew pivot to have their ceremony under the reception pavilion. Holly & Andrew’s family showed up again with the ceremony music. It was so sweet to watch their cousin play piano for the ceremony. Despite their first look, emotions were strong throughout the ceremony too. I loved watching Holly & Andrew say their vows and celebrate nature, even in the chilly spring weather! 
Most memorable moment from your wedding day?
Holly: Walking down the aisle and seeing a teary-eyed Andrew. Even though we’d done a first look beforehand, the true magic was retained for the altar.
Andrew: The ceremony.
Atlanta GA Wedding Portraits
After the ceremony, we had a small break in the rain to capture some portraits of Holly & Andrew outside along the nature center’s gorgeous walkways. I’m so happy we had the chance to snag a few photos outside for the newlyweds! 
What did you love about your venue/wedding location?
First, our personal connection to the venue. Holly went to nature camp every year growing up, and it was so fitting to get married where she forged the love for the outdoors that brought us together! It was wild to hear the call of the bald eagles as we took photos and ate dinner. Greeting the goofy beaver in its habitat was a highlight of the rehearsal, as well.
In terms of the event, the pavilion next to the pond looked so elegant with its drapes and string lights. There was a roaring fire and heaters for folks to gather against the chill. The nature center has put on so many weddings that they reassured us that everything would be fine, no matter the weather, and they were right! We took photos and had our quiet moment on a pedestrian bridge overlooking the gorgeous (and flooded) Chattahoochee wetlands, which was indescribably special. 
Chattahoochee Nature Center Wedding Reception
The night ended with a chilly outdoor wedding reception at Chattahoochee Nature Center. Holly & Andrew focused on what mattered most to them when planning the end of the night. The Vietnamese food truck was delicious, the clever game to help folks with small talk and get to know each other was such a great idea, and this day overall filled me with such love and positivity.
What advice would you give to other couples planning their wedding?
You will be overwhelmed by the number of decisions, so ground yourself and think about which decisions actually matter. Many won’t. For those that don’t, flip a coin or ask someone else to make the decision for you. You’ll end up leaning on your people for help, especially on the day, so surround yourself with folks who you know and love.
Bonus advice from Andrew: don’t try to write your master’s thesis the week before your wedding.
Any tips for future couples on how to prepare for their wedding photos?
Make sure you’re comfortable in what you’re wearing. For example: If it’s going to be 40 degrees and rainy, find a fancy secondhand coat and rock it. Wear fleece-lined leggings under your wedding dress because no one is going to notice under all that poof! If you’re not comfortable, you will look back at those photos and think how uncomfortable you felt rather than focusing on the joy of the evening! Also – long veils photograph beautifully 🙂 Regarding tuxedos – fit your tux correctly! If you’re going for a rental, try it on as soon as possible.
Congratulations, Holly & Andrew! I wish you a lifetime of love and happiness together. You are both so incredible and I had a blast at your wedding day!
Atlanta GA Wedding Vendors
Getting Ready, Ceremony, & Reception Venues: Chattahoochee Nature Center
Florist: Best Little Flower Shop
Caterer: Six Pack Subs
Cakes/Desserts: Publix
Attire/Clothing: Goodwill
Rings: Jeweler’s Workshop
Get In Touch to Plan Your Wedding Day
Raven is an Atlanta Wedding Photographer who captures real people on their totally unique and awesome wedding day, specializing in people who feel awkward in front of the camera. She travels throughout Georgia, including Athens, North Georgia, and beyond.
