RACHEL LINDER
ATLANTA & SAVANNAH WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

Sloane and Matthew’s Reynolds Lake Oconee wedding was the perfect blend of relaxed lakeside beauty and elegance. With a palette of blue, white, and green and a stunning clear tent reception, their day felt both classic and personal. From their ceremony overlooking the water to their surprise boat exit under fireworks, every detail reflected the two of them.

Their Love Story

Sloane and Matthew are high school sweethearts who’ve been together since they were 15. They first met through mutual friends and made long-distance work through all of high school and college, with Sloane attending Georgia College and Matthew attending Georgia Tech. After years of driving back and forth to visit each other, they finally got to live in the same city at 22.

When it came time to propose, Matthew chose a quiet grassy spot behind Linger Longer Steak House at The Ritz Lake Oconee. On November 4th, 2024, he asked Sloane to marry him in a place that already held special memories for the two of them, and it would soon become even more significant. I was honored to capture that for them too!

A Fun, Stylish Rehearsal Dinner

The weekend kicked off with a rehearsal dinner at Sandy Creek Barn. Sloane wore a floral off-the-shoulder gown by Leo Lin, which was perfect for the relaxed setting. The evening had a creative golf theme, complete with custom cocktail napkins, matches, drink stirrers, and koozies. They even used golf bags as vases for the entrance florals and served a custom golf-themed cake. The florals were natural and garden-inspired, creating a totally different look and feel from the wedding day. It was all fun, personal, and full of thoughtful details.

A Lakeside Wedding Ceremony

Before the ceremony, we took portraits around Reynolds Lake Oconee. The lakeside setting was the perfect backdrop, and the soft blues, whites, and greens worked beautifully with the natural surroundings. Sloane wore a strapless A-line gown with a textured bodice and long train, paired with Jimmy Choo heels and a veil that flowed perfectly in the breeze. Her bridesmaids wore strapless blue gowns with delicate bow details that echoed the classic style. The groomsmen looked timeless in black tuxedos. 

The ceremony took place right on the grass, with the lake stretching out behind them. It didn’t need much embellishment since the view was already breathtaking. They kept the ceremony floral decor simple and intentional, with low aisle arrangements and full florals at the end of the aisle to frame the couple.

As Sloane walked down the aisle, a string quartet played live music, setting a romantic tone for the ceremony. It was peaceful, elegant, and exactly what they had envisioned.

A Reynolds Lake Oconee Wedding Reception Under the Stars

After the ceremony, guests made their way to the tented reception that overlooked the lake. Crystal chandeliers hung overhead and complemented the all-white dance floor, intimate lounge seating, and guest tables draped in blue and white linens. The space was bright and airy during the day and transformed into a cozy and romantic space once the sun went down.

The florals really tied everything together under the tent. White roses, ranunculus, blue hydrangeas, and lush greenery were layered throughout the space. From the cascading head table runner to tall centerpieces in crystal vases and chinoiserie accents, each table had its own garden-inspired moment.

Reynolds Lake Oconee catered a delicious dinner, and then guests got to taste the delicious and beautiful four-tier floral-textured cake that fit perfectly with the rest of the decor. Guests enjoyed the signature drinks at custom-branded bars, lounged in the soft seating areas, and danced the night away thanks to the lively band. Later in the evening, glow sticks and wigs made an appearance on the dance floor, which was exactly the energy Sloane and Matthew were going for.

The night ended with a surprise grand exit as the couple set off on a boat, just as fireworks lit up the sky. It was unexpected for the guests and the perfect send-off for Sloane and Matthew!

Your Reynolds Lake Oconee Wedding Photographer

I’m Rachel Linder, an Atlanta-based wedding photographer. Photographing Sloane and Matthew’s Reynolds Lake Oconee wedding was such a joy. This venue offers the perfect mix of natural beauty and elegance, especially if you’re dreaming of a lakeside ceremony with a tented reception. If you’re planning your own celebration at Reynolds Lake Oconee or nearby, I’d love to connect and share more about my wedding photography services. Get in touch today!

Their Reynolds Lake Oconee Wedding Vendor Team

Venue & Catering: Reynolds Lake Oconee | Planning: LLC Events | Florals: Designs by Kent | Videography: Claudia Goodwin Films | Hair & Makeup: Bombshell Creations, Bride Meets Glam | Cake: Mary Virginia Cakes | Dress: White Magnolia | Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Amsale from Bella Bridesmaids | Groom Attire: The Black Tux | Entertainment: The Main Attraction Band | Ceremony Strings: Ponce City Strings | Rehearsal Dinner Venue: Sandy Creek Barn | Live Wedding Painter: Anna Giles | Guest Portrait Artist: Lexi Brite | Rentals (Chairs, Tent, Bars, Lounge): Lake Oconee Event Company | Bar Lamps, Drape, Custom Branding: Jones Cole Rental Collective | Transportation: Presenting Atlanta | Custom Details (Koozies, Matches, Cups): Silver Linings Promotions | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Bridesmaids’ Earrings: SJ Bailey | Bridesmaids’ Pajamas: Lake Pajama