When Antoine spotted Geovanna across the room at a sports bar in Atlanta, he couldn’t keep his eyes off of her. Geovanna reminisces, “I couldn’t keep my eyes off him either. My friend and I made one more trip to the bar, and he made his move. He stood up and addressed me like a mature man should, with respect.” On the 3-year anniversary of the night they met, Antoine proposed.
They ended up getting married in the midst of COVID. They opted for a small ceremony with just the two of them, an officiant and photographer. See their gorgeous Atlanta elopement below.
- Full Names of Couple: Geovonna + Antoine
- Wedding Location: Millennium Gate Museum- Atlanta, GA
- Wedding Date: April 24, 2020
How did COVID-19 affect your wedding plans?
New Orleans is our favorite city. It is where we went on our first out of town trip together, and we make several trips there every year because we always have so much fun there. When we started planning our wedding, we knew that we absolutely had to celebrate in our favorite city in the US. Initially we were planning to have our ceremony in City Park with an after ceremony dinner at the Omni Royal Orleans Hotel. Once the COVID-19 pandemic caused a nationwide frenzy, we naturally had to make other plans.
I began looking at options in our hometown of Atlanta but ran into issues with venues being closed at home as well. We were willing to postpone the big celebration, but we did not want to postpone our actual marriage. Unfortunately, that decision was made for us.
The county we live in canceled ALL courthouse weddings. Luckily, my wedding planner, Shavon Hunter, came up with a special COVID-19 elopement package. Initially, I was hesitant because our family could not be present, but my fiancé convinced me that they would understand. He had to remind me that it’s about the marriage, not the wedding. He was ready to make me his wife and that was what’s most important. I am SO happy we decided to do it. The ceremony was intimate and beautiful. I got the outside ceremony that I wanted with beautiful photos. I don’t feel like I missed out by not having the “big wedding”. I do, however, still have my actual wedding dress that I must decide if I’m going to use or not.
Best Memories
The best memories from my wedding are the way he looked in my eyes as he said his vows and the exchanging of our rings.
Wedding Advice for Engaged Couples
You don’t have to postpone your marriage. Take advantage of having a small, intimate ceremony during this time, or any time for that matter. It can really turn out beautifully. If you want, you can always have a celebration for your friends and family later.
Vendors
- Photography: Michelle Davina Photography
- Wedding Coordinator: Elope in Atlanta by La Soirée Chic Events
- Florals: Fabulous Fox Event Design
- Officiant: Your Wedding Your Way
- Hair + Makeup: Beauty ll Behold by Jamila Tarisai
- Masks: Hey Lux
A lot of couples have opted for smaller weddings so they could keep the special date they picked out for their weddings.