Little Gardens Wedding // Geena & Anthony

Geena & Anthony’s wedding day was unbelievably dreamy. I’ve never met a couple who embody romance like these two: their love and the love of their community was evident every single second. From Geena & Anthony jumping at every opportunity to dance together, to the hugs and tears shed by everyone present {myself included}, from how helpful their loved ones were, to the moving speeches given: the air was full of positivity and care. Geena & Anthony’s wedding day was full of big emotions and I truly loved every minute of it. They tied the knot at Little Gardens, in Lawrenceville GA, a charming little venue I adore {Growing up around here might have made me biased}! Geena & Anthony, thank you for allowing me to be a part of your special day!

Getting Ready

Geena & Anthony prepared for their big day separately. Geena chose a sweet Airbnb with the most beautiful garden. Of course, we made sure to take portraits of her in her dress out there. The purple flowers just looked amazing and we couldn’t pass up the opportunity. Anthony prepared in a hotel nearby with his groomsmen. One of my favorite details of the whole day were his cufflinks – 20 sided dice, a nod to how he and Geena met playing DND! It was so subtle but absolutely perfect. Wedding days are all about adding in flavors of who you are into your celebration. This was such a nice touch.

What advice would you give to other couples planning their wedding?

The wedding process is so different for people, so we don’t have any general advice. But we do know, that hiring Raven was one of the best decisions we could have made. She made the day feel so easy and special, and she truly helped us feel like everything was going to work out.

First Look in the Garden

After Geena & Anthony were both ready, we all met at Little Gardens for their first look. For their first look, they chose to exchange vows privately: such an amazingly touching and gorgeous moment. I love a first look at any time, but adding in the private vow exchange? It’s my new favorite thing! I also feel incredibly honored to have been able to be present while they had such a special moment.

Most memorable moment from your wedding day?

We had two, the first being out first look and private vows. It was an amazing way too have an intimate moment with each other and to help calm down our nervousness. The second was dancing with all of our friends on the dance floor

Lawrenceville GA Wedding Portraits

Little Gardens is a beautiful estate. Even on a chilly March day, I loved being here. After Geena & Anthony’s first look, we explored the gardens and inside the manor for their portraits. I adored working on the balcony – both in and outside – it was a great option for portraits. Little Gardens also has a beautiful koi pond and waterfall we made sure to stop by, too. We also captured portraits with their wedding party. I was obsessed with the vibes Geena & Anthony chose. There wasn’t a single dress for the bridesmaids, instead they could pick their own. Everything was in a general palette but it was such a fun way to let their friends and family have a say! Geena’s bridesmaids also carried the cutest wildflower bouquets, which played off of all the gardens at Little Gardens! 

What were you most anxious or nervous about regarding your wedding day and how did it turn out?

There wasn’t any one thing in particular, but more general anxiety about wanting everything to turn out well. Everything turned out exactly the way we wanted and more.

Garden Wedding Ceremony

Geena & Anthony held their ceremony outside at Little Gardens. This was actually my fourth wedding at the venue and I love seeing how different it is every time, just by virtue of being an outdoor garden venue. Little Gardens features a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces, perfect for any type of wedding ceremony or reception. The outdoors spaces are SO lush {my garden loving side was thrilled to see the venue in bloom!}.  I adored all of the lights strung up in the gardens, too. They added the perfect whimsical touch! 

Throughout the ceremony, I made a point of stopping to capture Geena & Anthony’s guests. All of the people attending your wedding are important to you. I want you to be able to look back at their reactions and joy with you after the big day is over. 

Any tips for future couples on how to prepare for their wedding photos?

Just breathe and make sure you still feel like yourself.

Little Gardens Wedding Reception

Geena & Anthony’s reception was inside the manor house. Little Gardens is so beautiful – a stunning example of colonial architecture near Atlanta.  The whole day was joyous, the party raucously fun and even included a choreographed dance, and the experience such a lovely one. Honestly, their reception started to feel like a rock concert at a few points with head banging and everything! I loved it. One of my favorite moments from their reception was the cat toss! Instead of a bouquet or garter toss, Geena & Anthony threw a stuffed animal to their guests – telling them whoever caught it would be the first to adopt an animal. I freaking LOVED this. It was so fun and a great twist on what’s “expected” at a reception. Geena & Anthony took every chance they had to dance together and I loved watching them because it’s something they do at home together all the time. We even included it in their engagement session! They ended the night with a private last dance and bubble exit, which was so fun. 

What did you love about your venue/wedding location?

We absolutely loved Little Gardens. The flowers and greenery were so beautiful for the ceremony, and the staff was so attentive and kind.

It was a true honor to be a part of this day! Geena & Anthony, thank you for allowing me to celebrate with you! 

Lawrenceville GA Wedding Vendors

Planner/Coordinator: Channing Kirkman at Little Gardens
Ceremony, & Reception Venues: Little Gardens
Florist: Magic Moments Design Studio
Caterer: Divine Events
Cakes/Desserts: Crumbl Cookies for desserts and Publix
DJ/Band/Musicians: Black Tie Events
Hair Stylist & Make-Up: Alyssa Griffin Beauty
Wedding Dress: David’s Bridal
Groom’s Attire: Jos. A Bank
Rings: MollyJewelryUS and Staghead Designs

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.

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