One of the best things about being based in Augusta, Georgia is the huge community that we get to be a part of. So when our Surrey Center neighbors, Hannah and Rafy, asked us to be a part of their big day, we were more than excited to jump right into planning! We knew the celebration of this union was going to be a large affair. Both of their families are incredibly involved in their respective communities and Hannah and Rafy own small businesses themselves. Therefore the guest list was destined to be a long (and fun!) one, with guests traveling to Augusta from all over the world.
When we started our initial planning Hannah told us she was envisioning a romantic, candlelit, wedding that felt intimate despite the many guests that would be in attendance. Her and Rafy decided to book the hidden-in-plain-site venue, Richmond on Greene, only steps away from the ceremony at First Presbyterian in downtown Augusta. We were thrilled to have the opportunity to transform the once-hotel-turned-wedding-venue into the vision that Hannah and Rafy had for their big day. It is a unique space with indoor and outdoor spaces. And with their wedding falling in the middle of October, we hoped the weather would end up being perfectly mild, allowing guests to enjoy the outside veranda if they wished for a brief reprieve from the fun inside.
To take the blank-slate ballroom and make it the romantic atmosphere Hannah was hoping for, we draped the ballroom with swaths of white fabric to bring warmth into the cavernous space. Our team at Charleston Street Fine Flowers transformed the space with towering, dramatic florals and low, lush arrangements placed on champagne linen covered tables scattered with candles and mercury glass votives. Combined with some dramatic lighting, the space was completely transformed. We knew we were on to something when the venue owner walked in and said "I have never seen this place look so beautiful..." (*cue instant wedding planner happiness*).
Working alongside Jennifer at Tastefully Yours Catering, Hannah and Rafy created a Southern-meets-Mediterranean menu for their guests that honored both of their backgrounds. Inside guests were treated to multiple stations overflowing with food such as classic southern fare, Mediterranean inspired finger foods, and delicious carving stations. Outside on the veranda, Jennifer and her team manned an oyster bar, which was a huge hit with this southern crowd. The 5-tiered wedding cake was designed by Erin at Big Day Cakes, simple and beautiful with an elegant cascade of roses along the front, not to mention it was absolutely delicious as well! And with all of that delicious food, Hannah and Rafy wanted to treat guests to a signature cocktail and decided a Moscow mule was the perfect concoction.
When it came to the florals, Hannah was drawn to shades of nude, blush, and deep wine, making the color palate both rich, feminine and full of texture. Her bridal bouquet was a beautiful, wild mix of seeded eucalyptus, pale blush garden roses, deep plum scabiosa, astillbe, dusty miller, and ranunculus finished with beautiful silk ribbons to complete the ethereal look Hannah was hoping for. We wanted to do something special and different for the boutonnieres and decided to wrap them in gorgeous velvet ribbon, bringing unexpected texture to an otherwise overlooked detail. As you can see in the images below, the bouquets and floral arrangements are the first thing your eyes go to, our floral design team did a phenomenal job once again.
We were thrilled to create a day filled with love, laughter and lots of dancing. Highlights from the reception included the customized beer coozies and cups for guests, the brother-of-the-bride surprising the happy couple with a surprise performance with the band, guests playing corn hole and roasting smores out on the veranda, and Krystal burgers and Krispy Kreme as the late night snack to keep guests happy until the last sparkler was lit!
To Hannah and Rafy, we are so happy and grateful you entrusted us with your big day. It was truly an honor getting to make this day so special for you and your wonderful families. We wish you nothing but the best in your years to come!
See all the magic come to life below, images by Mark Williams Studio.
