Wedding Wednesday | Tate House Georgia Wedding | Russell and Taylor

This incredibly sweet and fun couple, Taylor + Russell Sloss, met when they were 17 at a scout reservation called Bert Adams. After Russell dropped some “cheesy” pick-up lines to get Taylor’s attention, the two quickly became friends. A few months later, on a warm summer night when they were out walking and stopped on a dock to look at the moonlit lake, Russell asked Taylor to be his girlfriend. “He even got down on one knee to ask me out and had acquired my father’s permission to date me. He is quite a romantic!” 

Six years later, Russell proposed in front of “their dock.” Russell got Taylor’s family involved in the proposal. Taylor’s dad, in on the secret, told Taylor that Bert Adams had called and asked her to be in a video that demonstrated how the leadership skills they taught helped her in her college experience. “I picked out a cute, video-worthy outfit and headed down to the camp. It was raining, and my mom dropped me off at a pavilion that led to the same dock Russell asked me to be his girlfriend on, nearly six years prior. I had an umbrella pointed down so I didn’t see what was happening. I got to the pavilion, put the umbrella down, ready to answer questions (it was an entirely different question I would answer!) and Russell was there, attempting to light about 100 candles. Sadly, the wind was blowing and they didn’t stay lit, but it was so sweet! He got down on one knee in front of ‘our’ dock and gave me the most romantic proposal and the most truly GORGEOUS ring I’d ever seen!” explained Taylor.

The park rangers at the camp gave the couple matching shirts saying “Your Adventure Begins at Bert Adams” as a congratulatory gift. Taylor + Russell even used those shirts during their engagement photos as a special touch. “That slogan stuck with us for the rest of the wedding process—from our cake topper, to decorative chalkboard, to the wedding programs,” explained our bride. She’s sharing more details about her dream wedding day at the Tate House below!

What was your wedding date and why did you choose it?

Our wedding date was May 22, 2016. It was a Sunday and we chose it because it fit perfectly with his career. He graduated in early May and was starting work full-time in mid-June. This gave us a long honeymoon and some extra time to settle in before work without using any vacation days. That date is also my older sister’s birthday (my matron of honor). We joked about how she was getting a brother-in-law for her birthday. I didn’t want to make her feel like we forgot her birthday, so I had the DJ surprise her with the birthday song during the reception.

What do you feel was the most special component of your wedding?

The most special component was that my family was involved. My sisters were both maid and matron-of-honor, two brothers were groomsmen, two were ushers, and one played the violin for the ceremony (I have seven siblings).

How involved was your groom in the wedding planning process?

I would say not very, but as much involved as he was needed. He is very laid-back, and he would reassure me that he would love anything I picked. He was my support throughout the entire planning process.

Did you have a wedding theme or color pallet, and if so how or why did you choose it?

Our colors were gold, emerald and peach. I chose emerald because it represented my last name (Green). Gold and peach were colors I had always imagined for a spring wedding, not to mention they look so good together. It was serendipitous that the Tate House is also known as the Pink Palace!

How important are the typical wedding traditions?

I am very traditional and we happily kept with them. Our officiant did do something special for us. He was the minister that baptized me years ago, before his retirement. He is a singer and sang the Lord’s Prayer acapella for us during the ceremony, which was touching.

Why did you choose Tate House as your wedding venue?

Oh my goodness, it is just magnificent. The gardens, the details, the food… everything! If I had to choose my first reason, it’s because it’s a gorgeous, pink, marble mansion in the mountains that is decorated from head to toe.

Photography: Photos by Hailey