Author: Arielle Burnett
Photography Katie Bryant
Madison and Will grew up near each other, had known of each other, both went to UGA but had never met. On a fall day after a UGA game in downtown Athens, the two finally crossed paths and were introduced. Will had already graduated, and Madison was in her senior year. A few weeks later, he messaged her on social media, and Madison responded, accidentally entering her cell phone number with one digit off. Almost a year later, Madison moved to Atlanta. Will also in Atlanta, learned of Madison’s move but had a hard time getting her cell yet again. Not deterred, he messaged her on Facebook, and she responded. Finally, they connected, which led to a first dinner date, followed by another date to the Fox theatre.
They became fast friends. “We strangely bonded over our love of grocery shopping and cooking good food,” Madison recalls. “However, it came to my attention that we were not the same chef in the kitchen. He is very clean, and I use every utensil possible, and you can’t even see the counters when I’m finished”. The couple learned for them, this was a good balance.
Madison said she was ready to marry Will after date one but thinks Will needed time to decide. Two years later, Will was ready to propose. He had picked out the ring himself but did get a nod of approval from Madison’s older sister. They had planned a birthday celebration in Hawaii for Will, but that trip was canceled due to Covid. Madison planned a trip for the couple to Montana and had no idea what was in store. Looking back, she said she was actually making changes to their original plans, and Will had to keep making adjustments. When he finally asked her to be his bride, she said, “I was in shock, and it was the first time in my life I was actually speechless.” They spend the next few days on the trip hiking and talking about wedding plans.
Eleven months later, the wedding day arrived. Madison said she wanted the wedding to be “timeless and elegant.” With the help of Gilly Francis, her wedding planner, her vision was perfected. Madison’s dad has a farm in Bogart, and that was the site for all the preparation on the wedding day. This was where one of her highlights, the first look, took place. “It was so special! I know it’s usually about the bride in her dress, but Will just looked so good!” Recalls Madison. “It simply was the best just being able to finally be together after all the anticipation. It was so fun just being with all of the groomsmen, bridesmaids, and my family. We were just having a good time hanging out at the farm before we went off to the wedding.”
Madison asked Will to pick the music for their first dance at the reception, and she wanted it to be a surprise. Will picked “Your Song” by Elton John. She said it was incredible and made the first dance all the more special. One of their first concerts was Elton John, so it was a perfect selection.
Madison and Will currently reside in Athens, GA.
Wedding Details
Bride’s Dress: Allison Webb Sakred Bridal
Groom’s Tuxedo: JMac’s Clothiers
Wedding Planner: Gilly Francis
Photographer: Katie Bryant
Ceremony and Reception: The Classic Center
The Band: Big Swing and the Ballroom Blasters
Hair and Makeup: Ivey Tribe Salon
Cake: Cake Envy
