Sterling & Will’s Timeless Spring Wedding

We’re over the moon to share this sweet wedding day on the blog. Every detail, from the start of Sterling and Will’s love story to their timeless spring wedding, is like a page straight out of a fairytale. Read below as Sterling shares what made their wedding meaningful and memorable, as well as stand out wedding planning decisions that helped them bring their dream wedding to fruition at Tate House.

How They Met: Their story began in an unlikely place: an 8 a.m. Decision-Making Math class at the University of Georgia. She was a film major hoping to switch out of the class altogether, and he was an International Affairs major taking his final credit. Neither expected anything remarkable from that classroom—until the first day, when she walked in and immediately noticed him, and he looked up to see the most beautiful woman he had ever laid eyes on.

Fate sat her just to his left, and before long they would be exchanging glances, trading notes, and quietly competing as the only two students who ever volunteered to solve problems at the board. A few days later, she spotted him flipping through their textbook at the UGA bookstore. Determined to be bold, she struck up a conversation, while he stood there frozen—nervous, mesmerized, and secretly calling his mom afterward just to tell her about “the most beautiful girl” he’d met.

From then on, he found excuses to talk to her—asking for notes when he traveled, or bringing her his homework “just to check,” though he hardly needed help. And every time she walked into class, she looked for him first, her heart skipping as their eyes met.

Then COVID closed campus, and just as their story was beginning, everything shifted online. But instead of fading, their connection only deepened. Nights were filled with phone calls, FaceTime movie dates, and endless conversations that carried them through the uncertainty. By the time they finally had their first official date in May—burgers at Village Burger in Cumming—it felt like the story had already been written. That evening ended with their first kiss, sealing the start of a love that had already proven it could weather anything.

How He Proposed: Will proposed in the Blue Ridge Mountains at a hidden overlook where the sky and the earth seemed to meet. He led me to the edge of the world, where the horizon stretched endlessly in layers of blue and green. The air was cool, the view surreal, and while my intuition told me something was coming, nothing could prepare me for the flood of emotion when it happened. It was raw, breathtaking, and timeless — a memory carved into the mountains themselves. 

Why They Chose The Tate House: The Tate House was unlike anything else we had seen. The Garden Gazebo site, with its classical elegance and columned beauty, reminded me of the architecture I’ve always admired in Greece — graceful, balanced, and timeless. Framed by the mountains, it carried a presence that was both grand and grounding, cinematic yet deeply intimate. It became more than a venue; it was a setting that breathed with us, alive with emotion and perfectly aligned with the love we were celebrating. Timeless and romantic, it felt like a true reflection of our marriage.

How They Chose Their Wedding Date, May 2, 2025: I had always dreamed of a spring wedding — when everything is in bloom and the world feels alive with possibility. Our date, 5.2.25, felt like destiny. It reads the same backwards as it does forward — a rare symmetry called a palindrome. To me, that balance mirrored the steadiness of our love, a love that feels aligned and whole. And it was poetic that our first date had also been in May. To begin our story in May, and then promise forever in May, felt like the perfect circle — as if the month itself has always belonged to us. It wasn’t just a date on the calendar; it was written in the stars.

Wedding Color Palette: We chose a soft, cool palette of blues, pinks, purples, whites, and greens. Our arrangements were filled with lush, romantic blooms, with tulips and hyacinths added to honor Will’s Dutch ancestry. Paired with the Greek-inspired architecture of the Tate House — a timeless tribute to my heritage and the legacy within my maiden name, Stavro — it felt like two ancestries in harmony, a love letter to where we both came from and where we’re going together. We also added blue and green dragonflies to our cake, a detail I chose because I adore them. They’ve always been my good luck charm, and they symbolize love and transformation — another layer of color and meaning that tied everything together.

Wedding Vision: From the beginning, we knew we wanted a day that reflected both of us. Will had just as much of a hand in planning every detail, and that made the celebration even more meaningful. Sometimes couples forget that a wedding isn’t just for one person — it’s a magical day for both. For us, the focus was never only on a wedding but on our marriage, and the Tate House gave us a way to honor that balance.

At one point, we even looked at venues in Florida, but nothing compared — not the atmosphere, not the staff, not the scenery. The Tate House’s classical elegance and columned beauty felt like home to us. It created a sense of grandeur while still holding space for intimacy. The mountains framed every moment like a painting, and the staff made us feel cared for in a way we’ll never forget. Even the rain that swept in and out of the day felt like part of the magic, softening everything with a glow as if the sky itself wanted to be written into our story. The amount of raw emotion I felt that day simply cannot compare to anything else in my life.

Favorite Wedding Moments: Our vows were one of the most intimate parts of the day. We exchanged them privately before the ceremony — just us, steady and certain. I wanted to save the full reveal for the aisle, so when the doors opened and he saw me for the first time, it was electric. I can still feel the goosebumps when I think about it.

One of the most meaningful parts for me was dedicating my bouquet to my mom. It wasn’t about tradition — it was about love. That gesture carried all the weight of gratitude and devotion I felt for her, woven right into the flowers I carried.

The music was another heartbeat of the day. I walked down the aisle to “Casper’s Lullaby” from my favorite childhood film — a song I had always imagined carrying me to the love of my life. To finally hear that melody as the doors opened, with my husband waiting at the end of the aisle, was like watching a dream come alive.

I curated every song with intention, choosing pieces that carried meaning and memories for us. Many came from the soundtracks of our favorite films, because I wanted our day to feel cinematic — like a love story unfolding on screen. Now, whenever I listen to those songs, I’m transported right back to the emotions, the joy, the stillness, and the magic of that day. The soundtrack I created has become a time capsule of our love.

Our photographer, Peyton Nichole, captured it all with an artist’s eye. She didn’t just take photos — she preserved emotions. The way she caught glances, laughter, and those fleeting in-between moments gave us a gallery that feels alive, timeless, and full of heart. I find myself looking at them daily. She also brought along two other photographers who were so talented, and together they all over delivered, it was truly wonderful to open our gallery for the first time and see the attention to detail they captured.

Traditions vs. Making it Their Own: We held on to the traditions that mattered most while reshaping others to feel true to us. Having my dad walk me down the aisle was something I had always envisioned, a moment that felt sacred. But other choices, we intentionally made our own. My bridesmaids and groomsmen walked individually, giving each person their own moment before pairing up for the recessional.

I chose to dedicate my bouquet to my mom instead of doing a bouquet toss, turning it into a gesture of love and gratitude rather than formality. We also skipped the garter toss, because it simply didn’t feel like “us.” In the end, every decision was made to reflect who we are, both as individuals and as a couple — keeping the day rooted in love, meaning, and authenticity.

Standout Tate House Features: The Garden Gazebo was where we said our vows, and it felt destined. Standing at the railing before walking down the aisle gave me one quiet moment to take it all in before stepping into forever. 

Ashley, our wedding planner at the Tate House, was incredible. We thought we wouldn’t be able to have the ceremony outside, but she made it happen. She handled every detail with such warmth and confidence, giving us the gift of a day that unfolded exactly as we dreamed. Her presence was calming, her vision impeccable, and she truly made the impossible feel effortless.

The florals by Paul at the Tate House were breathtaking. He brought color, texture, and life into every corner — from the soft tulips and hyacinths that honored Will’s Dutch ancestry to the romantic arrangements that tied our vision together. Every bloom felt intentional, as though it belonged in our love story. He also made sure the sign I designed, reading “The Ver Meulens,” was hung perfectly behind us at the reception. Seeing it framed with his floral work made the whole space feel personal, celebratory, and completely ours.

And the food — it was a dream in itself. Chef Raphael didn’t just design a menu; he curated an experience. From the moment the hors d’oeuvres began circulating, our guests were enchanted — little bites that felt like treasures, each more delicious than the last. The entrées were rich and layered, perfectly paired to bring out the best in each dish. Every course felt thoughtful, indulgent, and celebratory. People still talk about the flavors, the presentation, the way every bite seemed to echo the beauty of the day itself. It wasn’t just dinner; it was a feast worthy of the occasion, a sensory memory our guests — and we — will never forget.

Vendors:

Venue, Planning, Catering & Florals: The Tate House @tatehouse | Photographer: Peyton Nichole Photo @peytonnicholephoto | HMU: Pemberley Blush Luxury @deannewalker_hmu | DJ: J & M Sound Design @jmsounddesign | Cake and Groom’s Cake: Confection Perfection @confectionperfectioncakes | Getaway Car: Classic Elegance Cars – Bentley @classicelegancecars

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