Groovy Wedding at the Lake Oconee Ritz Carlton

Jocelyn Kuchta (29 and a physician assistant) and Bryan Murray (29 and an investment professional) mark their love in destinations. First, it was long distance with Jocelyn in Philly and Bryan in Seattle. After a stint in ATL and a West Coast proposal, the pair decided Georgia would be the best place for their wedding. “Lake Oconee has an enchanted forest feel,” Jocelyn says. Magnolias topped the stationery and greenery arches lined the aisle, all highlighting the weekend’s natural feel. 
To kick off the weekend, Jocelyn and Bryan welcomed guests to a camping-themed party, complete with a blues band, a pig roast and cheese from the Murray family’s dairy farm. Partygoers sipped blood orange margs as they ate baked potatoes and Cornell chicken, another Murray fave.  “We really wanted a casual, rustic vibe,” Jocelyn says. Leather couches and throws did the trick.
“We wanted something different, but it needed to include nature,” Jocelyn says. The solution: a tree complete with place cards attached to hanging ribbons for guests. Jocelyn and Bryan’s tented party combined the elegance of a ballroom, including chandeliers and jacquard linens, with nods to the rustic setting, including branches and eclectic rugs. “We wanted to use the tent and the barn,” Jocelyn says.
The newlyweds cut into a towering confection made of four different flavors: lemon-scented sponge with raspberry curd, chocolate devil’s food with chocolate filling, red velvet with cream cheese and spiced pecans and, finally, pistachio sponge. Just in case, baklava, tiramisu and cannoli were at the ready on the nearby dessert table. Sparkling gold chargers, flatware and monogrammed menus brought even more glam to the tables.