Mattern and George’s wedding at the Salamander Resort was nothing short of a fairy tale: timeless, joyful, and full of heart. Their story began in the most unexpected way: Mattern, a lacrosse player, and George, a tennis player, were chosen by their teammates to be the “bride and groom” during their shared time at Vanderbilt for a “fake wedding.” What started as a laugh turned into a slow-burn romance, and years later, George surprised Mattern with a proposal on their alma mater’s lawn surrounded by their closest friends.
A full circle moment? Mattern wore the thrifted dress from that college date party for her rehearsal dinner, which perfectly complimented Mattern’s real wedding dress: a high-necked, timeless vision of understated elegance.
When it came to their wedding day, Mattern dreamed of a celebration that blended Southern charm with Virginia’s natural beauty. A setting where guests could gather, stay, and celebrate without ever leaving the property. Family tradition was woven into every detail, from the lace-covered Bible passed down since the early 1900’s to the sixpence tucked in Mattern’s shoe, a beautiful nod to the generations before her.
The celebration kicked off with a lively reception under a tent filled with vibrant color, music, and laughter. George’s top priority, the food, was unforgettable, and the dance floor remained packed as a band kept every guest singing and celebrating late into the night.
One of the most cherished moments came when Mattern and George saw each other for the first time at the altar, having chosen to skip a first look. It was a moment of pure joy that perfectly captured the heart of their day: a celebration rooted in love, family, and the sweetest beginning to forever.
