There are some weddings that feel calm, joyful, and intentional from the very start — and Nellie & Mark’s wedding at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia was exactly that.

From the lush greenery and natural light to the thoughtful details woven throughout the day, their wedding felt like a true reflection of who they are as a couple. It was elegant without feeling formal, relaxed without ever feeling casual — and an absolute joy to photograph, if I say so myself!

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Getting Ready in Downtown Athens

Nellie and her bridesmaids began the morning getting ready at the Hyatt Place Athens in downtown Athens, Georgia. Hair and makeup by Classic City Makeup set the tone for the day — soft, timeless, and effortlessly beautiful. The room buzzed with excitement as final touches were put in place and the anticipation of the day ahead slowly built.

A little later, Mark and his groomsmen gathered in their own suite to get ready, sharing laughs and quiet moments before heading to the venue. There was an ease to the morning that carried through the entire day — unhurried, joyful, and present.

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A Garden Ceremony Surrounded by Nature

The ceremony took place tucked within the greenery of the State Botanical Garden of Georgia, a venue that feels unlike almost any other wedding location in the area. Surrounded by lush plants, towering trees, and natural light filtering through the space, the setting alone felt intimate and special.

The ceremony was heartfelt and personal, officiated by someone close to the couple, and lasted about half and hour — the perfect amount of time to soak in every vow, smile, and tear. With florals in soft blues and whites complementing the natural surroundings, the ceremony space felt organic and effortlessly beautiful.

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Portraits Full of Chemistry and Connection

One of my favorite parts of the day was photographing Nellie and Mark together. I had the chance to work with them during their engagement session a few months prior to their wedding, and their chemistry was just as natural and genuine on their wedding day.

They move easily together — laughing, connecting, and fully enjoying the moment they were in. Portraits throughout the garden and greenhouse spaces felt relaxed and joyful, with the greenery providing the perfect backdrop for timeless, light-filled images.

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A Light-Filled Greenhouse Reception

The reception space inside the State Botanical Garden of Georgia was truly stunning. Sunlight poured in through the glass ceiling, illuminating rows of white tables, gold chairs, and floral centerpieces in light blue, white, and soft peach tones.

Every detail felt intentional. The florals were lush and organic, complementing the space without overpowering it. One of the most personal touches was the table numbers — each one featured a different plant illustration that Mark drew himself. Every table was named after a plant species, a subtle and meaningful nod to his love for plants that guests absolutely adored!

The entire reception setup felt warm, welcoming, and timeless — a space that encouraged guests to linger, connect, and celebrate.

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A Vendor Team That Truly Cared

One thing that stood out to me throughout the day was how accommodating and thoughtful the venue staff and catering team were. My associate photographer and I were consistently checked on, offered water, and made sure we were taken care of — something that truly makes a difference during a long wedding day and doesn’t go unnoticed.

The entire vendor team worked seamlessly together, creating an environment where everything flowed effortlessly from start to finish.

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A Celebration Filled With Joy

As Nellie shared before the wedding, what she looked forward to most was “getting married to the love of her life, dancing with friends, hearing the toasts and vows, and having everyone together'” — and the evening delivered on all of it!

From heartfelt speeches to laughter-filled moments on the dance floor (Don’t miss Mark’s dance moves!), the reception was full of genuine joy. It was the kind of celebration that felt warm, inclusive, and deeply personal — the kind you wish you could relive all over again.

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Why I Love Photographing Weddings at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia

This venue is a dream for couples who love nature, light, and a space that feels both elevated and inviting. Between the greenhouse reception space, the lush ceremony locations, and the incredible natural light, it offers so much variety while still feeling cohesive.

Nellie and Mark’s wedding was a perfect example of how beautifully this venue can transform for a wedding day — and one I’ll always be grateful to have been a part of. Thank you both for trusting me with your special day!

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Vendor Team

Venue: State Botanical Garden of Georgia

Photographer: Nicole Falco Photography

Wedding Planner: Gilly Francis Events

Florals: Anastasiya Florals

Officiant: Ali Taylor

Bride’s Dress: Jenny Yoo NYC

Bridesmaid Dresses: Shop Reverly

Bride’s Ring: Worthmore Jewelers

Groom’s Ring: Elysium Black Diamond

Hair & Makeup: Classic City Makeup

DJ / Entertainment: 1800 Media Group

Catering: Epting Events

Desserts: Classic City Confections