Taylor and Josh's Wedding at Ashton Gardens

“You know you’re in love when you can’t fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams.”

— Dr. Seuss

I feel like I’ve known this sweet family my whole life at this point, but I suppose the photography element began a couple years ago at Lauren and Brady’s wedding in Georgia. There I had stayed in the big house with the family while capturing all the things through the weekend and I met Brianna! Bri and I hit it off right away of course, and she wanted me to come out to Colorado the following year to capture her and Niko’s wedding! Yes please!

\While staying with the fam through the festivities and carpooling back and forth through the various Colorado events, I had several long chats with Josh and Taylor who weren’t engaged *yet, but I quickly became privy to the exciting Disney proposal that was to soon follow! I was so excited when they messaged with the official good news and asked me to come back to Georgia for their big day!

Ashton Gardens was the perfect venue for these two. With most activities indoors it allowed for sweltering Georgia heat, or rain… and since we had more than enough of the latter, everyone was thrilled to be indoors. The venue has a gorgeous ceremony space and an incredible entrance staircase to the reception so we were sure to utilize every square inch.

During the rehearsal Taylor received a special gift of photos of her late grandparents and it was so special to see her tie them to her bouquet in order to have them by her side all day. That along with the special bracelets from her mom and sisters perfected her incredible gown.

The fellas, of course, had a fun morning between the barber, the Jack and their matching sunglasses, while the ladies sipped mimosas and raved over the bouquets that matched each of their unique dresses. Taylor chose to do a first look with the dads and groomsmen so by the time the ceremony started, Josh was the only person in the party who hadn’t seen his lovely bride and the anticipation was building fast! He could not have been more pleased of course!

After the tears began during the ceremony, they made several comebacks throughout the night as they both are close to their families and the parent dances had everyone crying (including me!) That, coupled with the heartfelt toasts from their siblings, we were all filled to the brim with joy for these two sweet souls.

Thank you so much for including me you guys! You are both so very kind and wonderful together. I am honored to know you and cannot wait to see what else is in the future!

The Wedding Vendors who made the day possible:

Photographer: Cynthia Viola

Venue/Coordination/Catering/DJ : Ashton Gardens Atlanta, Georgia

Dress: David’s Bridal

Suit: Men’s Warehouse

Rings: Kay Jewelers and Manly Bands

Hair and Make Up: Nicolle Silva

Officiant: Derek Cook, Brother in Law - but script written by Lhegendary Weddings

Cake: Bohemian Bakery

Allison and Karen's Wedding at Overlook Barn

Oh my goodness. I feel like I know these two almost as much as they know each other!

I met them when Allison wanted to propose to Karen at a Treehouse AirBnb in Asheville… I was only TOO excited to drive down there first to see the space and make sure everything was perfect before their arrival. Karen’s mom and best friend were there too, to set up all the fun extras.

When I realized there was no place for me to hide in the bushes, I called Allison, on the road with Karen, and pretended to be the AirBnB host and told her “I would be there to greet them and show them the house.” She rolled with it and when they arrived, of course Karen started asking me questions about when we built the space and I made up all kinds of nonsense. Until of course we reached the bridge, when Allison knew she’d pop the question and I snagged my camera out of the bushes! Never a dull moment in the surprise wedding proposal world!

Fast forward a few months and Karen contacted me to capture HER surprise proposal to Allison at the Linville Falls Winery Christmas Tree Farm! I was so happy there were actually trees to hide behind and could not wait to pop out and show Allison I was there to capture her moment too! Her mom had set up the cutest Christmas tree in the middle of the farm with ornaments and presents, hot chocolate, and of course the ring!

The build up for this weekend made everything flow seamlessly. It didn’t matter that it rained literally 100% of the day without so much as a 5 minute break for photos. They were surrounded by their loved ones and more importantly these two love each other more than I can possibly describe.

Inside or out, their heartfelt vows had everyone (including me!) in tears so no one even noticed the weather. They had every guest fill out well wishes and place a pebble in the bag while they etched their names in their own pebbles. All piled together, every stone brought them to where they are today on their journey and will help blaze the path ahead.

There was never a moment where it wasn’t raining as least a little, so we played with umbrellas for a bit and they just decided to let the rain fall for some as well. Never without a smile on their face, and always filled with love.

That said, we still decided to meet up again over the weekend when the weather broke so they could get the mountain backdrop they were hoping for from Overlook Barn. It was no less special a couple days later, and in fact, more so because there was no wedding day pressure or timeline, just love. While I will always be sure to capture your day no matter what happens with the weather, if you have the option to meet up again the next day with better weather… it never hurts ;)

I have been so honored to be a part of your journey you guys and cannot wait to see what the future holds!

The Vendors who made the day possible:

Photographer: Cynthia Viola Photography

Coordinator: Miranda with Simply Bliss Weddings

Venue : Overlook Barn

Florist: Thistle and Twig

Officiant: Amanda Kerr

Hair: Myan Littleton

Band: Courtney Lynn and Quinn

Catering: Sage and Spice

Bartending: Happy Trailers Beer Truck

Dessert Truck: Blue Deer Cookies

Cake: Sunflower Baking Company

Highgrove Estate Wedding - Jacqueline and Jon

“So I’m thanking you today, because of you I am now me.”

— John Butler Trio

Oh my goodness, we love Jacqueline and Jon so much!

For starters A.J. connected with Jon about a year ago discussing business and boxing. Jon has such a passion for serving people well both in business and in life, it just happens to play out at the moment in his 9 Round gym. He and A.J. were fast friends. 

Then, when Jacqueline and I met just a few weeks ago to discuss the wedding, we instantly realized we are basically the same person. Both ENFPs, similar back stories, the same love of adventure and stubborn unwillingness to be put into a box. She decided they'd be a great fit for our pre-marital counseling sessions and A.J. and I fell in love with them all over again as we got to hear their story and watch them pick on each other and read each other's minds as we discussed a few marriage expectations. 

These two were meant for each other. She talked about how he makes her laugh and fills in the gaps where she lacks, making her better. He talked about how she keeps him fun and how she is THE person he wants to marry...not believing in two marriages, he knows they will make the sacrifices to ensure they stay together for life. 

As the big day commenced and they bustled about Highgrove, the stresses of the day began to weigh in, but all of it disappeared as Jacqueline practically bounced (in her Jordan's) down the stairs to meet Jon for the first look. The moment they hugged each other you could just see the stress melt away. They talked and laughed, teased each other by choosing not to kiss til the ceremony and even practiced their first dance. Perfection. 

The other aspect of the day that was perfection was Highgrove Estate. You guys. This place is unbelievable. Everything you could possibly need on site and a photographer's dream. It was made with the best light in mind and the whole day photographed so beautifully. I cannot wait to come back! 

Jacqueline and Jon we love you both so much, we hope this week is full of rest and perfect bliss! Thank you for letting us be a part of you day! Hope you enjoy these favorites from the day!

This gold bracelet is a gift from Jon's mother to Jacqueline, it's a Persian tradition for the mother of the groom to give the bride a gift. And below, Jacqueline's Jordans. A lifetime favorite of hers could not be neglected on her big day. Love it!

The vendors who made the day possible:

Photographers: Cynthia & A.J. Viola

Venue and Catering: Highgrove Estate

Coordinator: Amanda Shepherd

Bride's Dress: BHLDN

Groom's Attire: Ticknors Mens Clothiers

Bride's Ring: Joint Venture Jewelry

Groom's Ring: LA Laser Engraving

Make Up Artist: Anna Dill

Florist: Sarah Brock

Officiant: Jeremy Robertson

DJ: Bob Perry

Cake Baker: Sweet Memories Bakery

Linens: CE Rentals

Invitations: Basic Invite

Favors: Carolina Popcorn Shoppe

Lake Wheeler Park Wedding - Torrie and David

“Love is that condition in which the happiness of another person is essential to your own”

— Robert A. Heinlein

Oh my goodness, these two. 

When I first met with Torrie to hear their vision for the day she said she wanted it to feel more like an elopement: small and intimate with only their closest family and friends. While there were a few more than a traditional elopement; it was the perfect amount to make them both feel loved and celebrated. Lake Wheeler Park was an amazing backdrop for this, with the MOST gorgeous weather EVER. They could not have asked for a more perfect day. 

David and Torrie were both feeling the pressure as the time drew near, but the second they stepped away from the crowd and were able to savor the moment, everything shifted. They slowed down, relaxed their smiles, gazed at each other longer and held on just a little tighter. These are the moments that make me love what I get to do. Watching two hearts beat as one and seeing the little glimpses of why they chose each other brings me so much joy.

One of my favorite moments was during a game when they had to answer questions about each other simultaneously. (Who's the better driver, who's more likely to get injured etc...) Everyone was giggling as they both confirmed suspicions and surprised us all with their answers. Then they were asked who fell in love first and they both said themselves. The whole room went silent for a moment with love for them both; it was SUCH a sweet realization. 

Thank you for inviting us to celebrate with you guys! I hope you enjoy a few of these favorites!! 

VENDORS

Photography: Cynthia Viola

Venue: Lake Wheeler Park

Bride's Dress: David's Bridal

MOH Dress: Mod Cloth

Groom's Attire: Belk

Bride's Ring: His Grandmother's 

Bride's Earrings: Her Mother's

Grooms's Ring: Bling

Officiant: Randy Bridges

Catering: City BBQ

Cake: Erika Jenkins

Invitations: Invite Shop

Favors: Etsy - Free Mountain Designs