Inspiration

Flashback Friday: Glamorous & Modern Atlanta Wedding

Andria and Josh met as freshmen in Houston County High School, a time they say the “scheduling gods” brought them together in four classes. Josh was the laid-back popular athlete, and Andria was the new girl from California on her second tour of Warner Robins, Georgia. In October 1999, their paths first crossed at a mutual friend’s Halloween party, and they became friends. From that point on, Andria was smitten, but it took Josh another two years to realize she was girlfriend material. By 2003, Andria and Josh made the decision to go to separate colleges. Josh accepted a full scholarship to Wofford College in Spartanburg, and Andria pursued her dreams of becoming a “ramblin’ wreck from Georgia Tech.” After two years, distance got the best of them, so they both decided to call it quits. After a few years, Andria and Josh’s careers push them further apart geographically, but they never lost touch and their friendship continued to grow despite the obstacle put in their way. When 2011 rolled around, they found themselves living a mere four and a half hours apart. Andria was in the middle of nowhere in New York and Josh was just outside of D.C. That’s when Andria came up with the brilliant idea to go down for a visit and the pair have been inseparable ever since. And their love story doesn’t stop there, In December 2013, Andria made the craziest decision of her life and left her job in New York to be with Josh in Virginia. Within three months of her move, Andria’s previous company offered her a new job in the local area and this happy couple purchased their first home! Andria and Josh celebrated their love with a glamorous and modern wedding at the Venetian Room in Atlanta, G.A. Check out their special day, captured by Charlton Inije.

Bride’s: Andria Collier, 30, Product Manager

Groom: Joshua Collier, 30, Air Traffic Controller

Place of residence: Gainesville, Virginia

Wedding venue: Venetian Room, Atlanta, Georgia

Wedding date: October 4, 2015

Honeymoon Destination: Jaguar Reef in Hopkins, Belize

Engagement story:

On May 31, 2014, Josh and I completed the final walk through of our new home. As we were heading out for lunch, Josh stopped me by the front door and asked me a question. It was a simple one (which are always the hardest for me) – “What goes with keys?” I was stumped, but Josh being the nice guy that he is filled me in. The answer – “a ring!” Then he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. In an instant, all my dreams came true!

From the Bride:

I was anxious and nervous for weeks leading up to our wedding day. I routinely had bad dreams about a no-show photographer or my dress being wrong, but when the time approached for me to walk down the aisle, I felt completely calm. There was an inkling of disbelief that I was actually marrying Josh Collier. Funny thing is, months later, I still have the same sense of disbelief from time to time.

After saying “I do,” I experienced feelings of joy that I’ve never felt before. I was excited about the future and eager to start our lives together. At that moment, I realized that I would always have someone to experience life with me, to make new memories with and the best part is that person is truly my best friend.   

Bridal style: 

Since I’m obsessed with “Say Yes to the Dress – Atlanta” I chose to setup an appointment at Bridals by Lori. On Black Friday 2014, I went to my bridal appointment, which happened to coincide with a Rivini Trunk show. Since my family’s opinion is really the one that matters to me, I took my “top three” with me – my sister, mom and dad. During my appointment, I was bopping around various designer rooms trying to find something I liked when I stumbled upon the Rivini room. While I was in the room, I found a few dresses I could live with and I was also handed a dress by a man who was setting things up in the room. It turns out that man was one of the Rivini designers and the dress he selected for me to try on was the one I ended up purchasing. When I put on the dress for the first time, I felt beautiful and elegant. I actually felt like an adult and someone capable of being a wife. Something about that dress gave me extra confidence. From that moment on, I knew that it was meant for me to wear this dress as I entered the next phase of my life.  

From the Groom: 

My wedding experience was something I’ll never forget. It was a long time coming! Leading up to October 4th, I was pretty calm. The “wifey-to-be” had already took care of everything, and I knew I could trust her to do a good job! I actually did not see much of anything – venue, decorations, cake, her beautiful dress, until the actual wedding, and boy was I amazed!

It’s finally the day of, and surprisingly enough, I was not very nervous. I guess I just knew that this is where God wanted me to be, and I knew this is what I wanted as well. Usually I hate being the center of attention, but being surrounded by a loving fiancée and wonderful family and friends, there was nothing to worry about. Words cannot describe the moment I saw my wife walk down the aisle! She was beyond gorgeous; one of the proudest moments in my life, knowing that I would soon call her my wife!

The wedding went off without a hitch, and the reception to follow was awesome! I was very happy that we were finally “official,” and even more excited that my wife was able to have her dream wedding, with me of all people! At least once a week she tells me, “I can’t believe that I’m your wife!” It tickles me every time, but what she doesn’t know is that I can’t believe I’m her husband!

How did you know your partner was the one? 

I’ve known since high school that Josh was the one. He understands my quirks, he calms me down, and he makes me laugh – a real gut-wrenching laugh. Josh is my other half; he can complete my sentences and read my mind with a single look. I am OK being me with him.

 

What makes your love special?  

Our love is based on a true friendship that has survived the test of time and distance. He’s the one person I can go months without talking to, but pick up the phone and catch up like we never missed a beat. Josh knows everything about me, and he never judges me for mistakes.

Wedding Details: 

When I walked into the Venetian Room for the first time, I could suddenly see myself getting married there. It’s a feeling I can’t really describe. It just felt right. And with the help from my fantastic wedding planner, Brian Green, we were able to create an atmosphere that was romantic, elegant and timeless! I gave Brian a few details and words that describe Josh and I, and from this, Brian was able to create my dream wedding with his A-list team of vendors.

Our most unique wedding detail would have to be our sand ceremony. Josh and I added sand to our wedding as a way to symbolize the two of us joining as one and being forever intertwined. Other than that, I really loved my wedding! The food, cake and music were great, but if I had to select my favorite detail, it would be the photo booth. I really enjoyed snapping shots with our wedding guests and goofing off in the booth. As for our wedding song, we chose “You Are” by Charlie Wilson. Josh picked our wedding song because he felt it represents how he feels about me and our love.

Your best/most memorable moment: 

My most memorable moment of our big day was seeing Josh for the first time on our wedding day.  We chose not to do a first look, and decided that we’d go little old school and see each other for the first time at the ceremony. As I turned the corner and lined up at the end of the aisle with my parents, Josh and I locked eyes and smiled at each other. I’ll never forget the love and happiness I saw in his face at that very moment. It was as if there was no one there, but the two of us, and in the moment, all the reasons why he’s my soul mate were reaffirmed.

What are you most looking forward to as a married couple? 

Even though it sounds cliché, we’re looking forward to spending every day with each other as best friends and enjoying a never-ending slumber party. 

Advice for a bride and groom? 

Relax and take in all the details. The day will come and go in a flash, so make as many memories as you can along the way.

Congratulations to the happy couple! We wish you many more years of wedded bliss.

Sources

Scoobie West|Charlton Inije|Bridals By Lori|Edge Design Atlanta|Jos A. Banks|Venetian Room|Papered Wonders|Brian Green|Glorious Events|For Goodness Cakes|Jenny Yoo|DJ Tron|RobotBooth

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