When I first met with Jon and Abigail, and the told me the story of how they met, I instantly connected with them because they met in the small town of Newberry, South Carolina—where I spent two years in college before transferring to UGA! John was touring with the Steve Tyrell band, and Abigail’s grandmother was a big fan—so, she and her sister took their grandmother to the Newberry Opera House to see the performance. Jon noticed Abigail in the crowd and after the performance, they met in the lobby while the band was signing autographs.
Most of their relationship has been long distance as Jon was based out of California and toured—and Abigail remained in school here in Georgia. After becoming engaged, everything fell into place—Abigail took at job as a nurse in Athens and Jon was accepted into law school at UGA—and they were finally ready to start their happily ever after!
Abigail told me she fell in love with the Farm at High Shoals—it fit her vision of a fairy-tale wedding. It definitely felt like stepping into another world when we arrived the morning of the wedding! A long drive flanked by tall oak trees gave way to a sprawling, stone mansion resembling a small castle. Abigail and her bridesmaids were deep into hair and make-up, and I went to work on her details.
Y’all—her flowers were out of this world gorgeous! Her mother, who isn’t a florist, created all of the floral arrangements. The peach and fuchsia colors just popped and fit beautifully with the peaches that were nestled among the garlands running down the tables at the reception. Her theme of peaches was carried over to the wedding favors—peach vanilla bourbon jam—a specialty made by her grandmother.
Jon and his guys were a lot of fun to hang out with—they were easy-going and all smiles as we shot their pictures. We pulled the girls out for shots in their sweet pink and green robes, and then once Abigail was dressed, we went out on the porch for photos.
The ceremony was stunning—a gold framed sign topped with a spray of flowers greeted the guests, and clusters of rose petals lined the aisle. A harpist began to play, and a blue Bentley brought Abigail to the aisle. Jon was grinning as he watched his gorgeous bride walk toward him escorted by her father, and the best part of the ceremony was when his father, the officiant, asked Jon if he would take Abigail as his wife, and Jon responded with a resounding “Hell Yeah!” followed by scooping her up for a kiss!
One unique tradition at the Farm at High Shoals is the Lock Bridge—couples are given a lock with their names inscribed along with two keys. After securing their lock to the bridge following the ceremony, Abigail and Jon threw one key in the creek and the other was a keepsake.
We shot their portraits on the porch, in the vineyards, and then they were introduced with their bridal party at the reception where a special treat awaited them—the first dances were all performed by Steve Tyrell.
Their wedding day was absolutely gorgeous—the perfect southern fairy-tale. Abigail and Jon, may God bless your marriage and may you always live happily ever after!
Venue: The Farm at High Shoals
Coordinator: Jacki Garrison
Photographer: Audrey Herron Photography
Second Photographer: Kristal Whitley
Florist: Vicki Schrotter
Cake: Cecilia’s Cakes
Entertainment: Steve Tyrell and White Rabbit Entertainment
Caterer: Mama’s Boy
Make-up: Jenn Baugus, JB Beauty
