A Natural Waterfront Wedding at Lake Lanier Islands Resort in Buford, Georgia

Amanda Sopko (26 and in healthcare marketing) became best friends with Carl (Victor) Hurtig (27 and a medical student) during high school. Social media helped the pair keep in touch throughout college and it made perfect sense for Victor to rent Amanda's extra room when he moved to Atlanta.  Their relationship blossomed organically and Victor proposed while Amanda was getting her Scuba certification. " At the end of the class, he had the dive master send me back down to get Victor, who was already certified and was just along for the fun dive," says Amanda. "When I got down there, he had a bouquet of corks that each had different reasons why he wanted to marry me and after we surfaced, the dive boat came around the corner with my family to celebrate!" Less than two years later, the pair invited guests to celebrate their wedding at Lake Lanier Islands Resort in Buford, Georgia for a waterfront ceremony followed by an understated tented reception. Inspired by their mutual love of the outdoors, Amanda and Victor worked with a neutral ivory, green and gold color palette to enhance lend a natural feel to the draped tent.  Hanging black lanterns, white hydrangea arrangements and branch accents completed the organic look. "Even though we now live in Michigan, Georgia still holds a very special place in my heart so I was thrilled that our chef worked with us on a menu that highlighted the local fare," says Amanda. "There  was at least one element of every course that was made in Georgia, most times not far from our hotel!" Amanda and Carl left the reception in a decorated canoe, using paddles that have been passed down in Victor's family.