Rehearsal Dinner

Welcome Party

Five and Ten

Ladies Luncheon

University of Georgia Chapel

Ceremony

255 Milledge | Hardeman-Sams Estate

Reception

Our Wedding

Rehearsal Dinner 

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2026By Invitation Only Welcome Drinks &amp; Appetizers at 5pmDinner at 6pm Attire: Cocktail(For men, please wear a jacket no tie. Ladies can wear dresses of any length)

Welcome Party 

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2026All Are Welcome Drinks &amp; Desserts 8 pm - 10 pm Attire: Dressy Casual(Men can wear a button down, polo, or similar. Ladies feel free to wear a casual dress, skirt, or pants)

The Night Before

To help you experience Athens the way we love it, we created a "36 Hours in Athens" guide (à la New York Times). Here you'll find our favorite spots to eat, drink, and explore, with off-guide extras to start and personal stories throughout. If you choose to follow our guide, you may even meet familiar wedding faces along the way!

Recommendations 

Attractions and Activities <a href="https://www.visitathensga.com/things-to-do/sports-outdoors/sandy-creek-park/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sandy Creek Park </a>- Sprawling across more than 1,000 acres, Sandy Creek is ideal for a breath of fresh air between wedding events. The park offers walking and running paths, a disc golf course, and scenic views. ($2 admission per person.) <a href="https://botgarden.uga.edu/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">State Botanical Garden of Georgia</a> - A peaceful escape just outside town, the Botanical Garden is perfect for a slow morning stroll. Admission is generally free or donation-based, though special events (like the popular holiday lights in December) may carry a fee. Sanford Stadium and UGA Bookstore - A walk through UGA's central campus isn't complete without a glimpse of Sanford Stadium. Make a quick stop at the UGA Bookstore afterward for Athens and UGA merch. <a href="https://golfcourse.uga.edu/play/book-a-tee-time/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">UGA Golf Course </a>- A beautiful course offering rolling hills, tree-lined fairways, and a surprisingly serene setting just minutes from campus. Tee times and the driving range are available to the public. <a href="https://urbansanctuaryspa.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Urban Sanctuary Spa</a> - If your idea of exploring Athens involves slowing down, Urban Sanctuary Spa is the place to do it. A longtime local favorite for massages, facials, and quiet restoration, it's perfect for unwinding before or after the weekend's festivities. You can't go wrong strolling through Normaltown, Downtown, or 5 Points neighborhoods. Each has its own personality, great food, and plenty of places to pop in and out. Restaurants and bars Breakfast: <a href="https://www.caferacer78.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Cafe Racer</a> and <a href="https://www.independentbaking.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Independent Baking Co.</a>Lunch &amp; Dinner: <a href="https://www.southkitchenbar.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">South Kitchen &amp; Bar </a>and <a href="http://www.taqueriadelsol.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Taqueria Del Sol </a>Sweets: <a href="https://www.condorchocolates.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Condor Chocolates</a> (has downtown and 5 points locations)Brews: <a href="https://creaturecomfortsbeer.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Creature Comforts</a> and <a href="https://www.terrapinbeer.com/verify-age" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Terrapin</a>Wine: <a href="https://www.tappedathens.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Tapped</a> and <a href="https://thelarkwinespace.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Lark</a>Bars: <a href="https://www.barbrunoathens.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Bar Bruno</a> and Blue SkyN/A &amp; Coffee: <a href="https://journeyjuice.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Journey Juice</a> and <a href="https://www.choco-coffee.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Choco Coffee</a>

Our First-Timer's (or Veteran's) Guide to Athens

FRIDAY

Pictured: Seasoned Crackers and Painkiller at Seabear

4:00pm - Happy Hour at <a href="https://seabearoysterbar.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Seabear Oyster Bar</a> Kick off the weekend with our favorite Athens happy hour. Seabear is the perfect place to ease into town. It's cozy, buzzy, and reliable. Must Order Menu Items - Painkiller Cocktail, Seasoned Crackers (which should be relabeled CRACKers), and, of course, Oysters.

Pictured: Parker after accepting his first job! (and THE peanuts and coke)

7:00 pm - Dinner at <a href="https://www.theplaceathens.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Place</a> We went on our very first date here in January 2018, sitting at the two-top by the kitchen downstairs. We both ordered the shrimp &amp; grits in an effort to gracefully eat in front of the other. The rest is history, I guess! Since then, we've celebrated other milestones here including Parker's first post-grad job, Meredith's law school graduation, and selecting our wedding venue! You could say it's a favorite... Our Updated Must-Order Menu Items: Since date #1, we've switched to snagging bar seats upstairs. We always order two Fried Chicken Sandwiches. For drinks, don't miss the "Peanuts and Coke" and the "Tropicalia Margarita!"

8:00 p.m. - Welcome Celebration! Join us for drinks, light bites, and desserts as we officially welcome everyone to Athens.

SATURDAY

9:00 a.m. - Grab a coffee at <a href="https://1000facescoffee.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">1000 Faces</a> , then take your time wandering. Weather permitting, stroll through downtown or walk past the UGA bookstore and Sanford Stadium on your way toward Five Points (your next stop of the day).

Pictured: Parker &amp; Meredith at Sanford Before UGA Law Graduation

11 a.m. - Brunch at <a href="https://www.marker7coastalgrill.co/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Marker 7 </a> A relaxed, no-rush brunch before the day's main event.

Pictured: Parker, proudly displaying his newly purchased Ronald Acuna Jr jersey at Creature Comforts (and a creature comforts beer flight). What came first, the jersey or the beer?

1:00 p.m. - Optional Beer Break at Creature Comforts If timing allows, stop by Creature Comforts for a beer before heading back to your hotel to primp.

BY 3:45 p.m. - Report for Duty! Please arrive at the UGA Chapel and get ready to celebrate!!

SUNDAY

9:00 a.m. - Breakfast for the Early Risers For those up and at 'em, grab breakfast at <a href="https://www.bigcitybreadcafe.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Big City Bread Cafe</a>.

Pictured: Cubano at Cali N Titos

12:00 p.m. - Lunch at Cali N Titos We particularly recommend this for those who made it to the after-party. Must Order Menu Item: Cubano Sandwich

Pictured: Butterfly at Botanical Gardens

1:00 p.m. - Last Athens Moment End the weekend with a stroll through the Botanical Gardens or grab one last sweet treat for the road at Condor Chocolates.

36 Hours in Athens

Our Story

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

2025

Photos

Wedding Party

Shuttle busses will be available for three trips on Saturday: 1) To the ceremony (with pickup options at Springhill Suites and Hotel Indigo)2) From the ceremony to the reception3) From the reception back to the two hotels Stay tuned for timing information!

Wedding Day Buses 

This hotel block is now fully booked. Thank you to everyone who reserved a room! Please see our other recommended accommodation below.

Hotel Indigo Athens Downtown - Univ Area by IHG

The booking link is attached here. The group rate is $259 per night plus taxes and fees. Breakfast and wifi are included. Parking is $15 per night.

SpringHill Suites by Marriott Athens Downtown/University Area

If you're flying into ATL (Hartsfield Jackson), one of the easiest ways to get to Athens without renting a car is the Groome Transportation Shuttle. This is a shared-ride service, running many shuttle times daily.

Airport Transfer Recommendations

Travel

Things to Do

If you have any further questions, please feel free to reach out!

Q + A

For men, tuxedos are not required but are welcome. Men opting for suits should wear a dark, formal suit with a tie or bowtie. For women, winter formal attire includes a floor-length gown, an elegant cocktail dress, or a dressy pantsuit. Seasonal fabrics and rich winter tones are encouraged!

Meredith & Parker