Not only is this bride totally gorgeous, but she’s got a gigantic heart as well. She dedicated an enormous display of sixty five roses at her wedding ceremony to all those, including herself, who battle cystic fibrosis. I’m totally loving this sweet gesture and I’m also loving the pretty, pretty palette that Laura Birney Events pulled together and executed perfectly. This garden wedding is filled with such beautiful blooms that I’m sure Amy Arrington had a complete blast capturing each and every gorgeous bloom by Design House Weddings & Events. Click here for more.

Click here for the FULL wedding!

From Laura of Laura Birney Events… Marissa and Matt are a story of true love that was years in the making. They met in school and were close friends throughout middle and high school. They lost touch during the college years but were brought back together by chance at a friend’s wedding years later. This time around they weren’t just friends — things had changed, and they realized how much they truly loved each other. Matt surprised Marissa one day with a hot air balloon ride over the middle school where they had first met and asked her to marry him. Marissa is a beautiful and strong woman with a story of her own. She has cystic fibrosis and is a big advocate for awareness about her disease. She included a very special arrangement of flowers at her wedding in honor of those fighting the disease and in memory of those who have lost their battle. The stunning arrangement was of 65 purple, pink and peach roses. “65 roses” is what some children with cystic fibrosis call their disease because it’s easier for them to pronounce. The rose, appropriately the accent symbol of love, has become the symbol of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Their ceremony, cocktail hour and reception took place at Legacy Pointe, a lakeside venue at Lake Lanier Islands Resort in Buford, Georgia. Marissa chose shades of purple and gray with accents in ivory for their color palette. The ceremony’s garden-like feel was created using beautiful blooms of hydrangea, garden roses, sweet pea, lilac, trachelium, muscari and hanging amaranthus. Shepherds’ hooks covered in ivy with hanging mason jars of flowers lined the cobblestone aisle. They were married beneath a wooden arbor that had lush arrangements of hydrangea on either side of the altar. The reception was held in an outdoor tent that was transformed into a romantic and intimate space. Marissa and Matt got a sneak peek of the room before the reception started and their photographer captured the moment. Their reaction was priceless. It was so fun to see the excitement in their faces!

The guests enjoyed the evening complete with an amazing band, great food, delicious cake and even a DIY photo booth. The photo booth had a pretty ribbon backdrop in the wedding colors, and there were props galore. The guests loved it! I made sure I got in there myself to grab a picture with Marissa — such a great keepsake. There were other fun details as well, such as the couple’s guestbook. It was an almanac of the US, and they asked their guests to put a “hart” (a pun for their last name) on their favorite city and tell them why they should visit. So creative! The entire day was amazing from start to finish, and Marissa and Matt have a beautiful life ahead of them, surrounded by their amazing families and friends. I was so honored to be a part of their special day and will treasure the memories forever.

Wedding Photography: Amy Arrington Photography / Wedding Venue: Legacy Pointe at Lake Lanier Islands Resort in Buford, Georgia / Wedding Planning: Laura Birney Events / Floral Design + Decor: Design House Weddings & Events / Wedding Cake: Frosted Pumpkin / Wedding Programs: Interprintations / Drapery: Geri Sims / Linens: Cover Ups / Photo Booth + Chair Signs: Laura Birney Events / Ceremony Musicians: Amadeus String Ensemble / Band: GLOW / Wedding Dress: Mori Lee / Hair + Makeup: Salon 124 / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Bill Levkoff