When Georgia Barlow and Bradley Riopelle first met during the uncertainty of the Covid era, neither could have predicted how meaningful one simple shared ritual would become. Their first date took place at the beach, where conversation flowed so effortlessly that hours slipped by almost unnoticed. “We ended up staying there for eight hours talking and watching the sunset,” the bride shares. Over time, those quiet evenings watching the sky change colors together became one of the most memorable parts of their relationship.

While Georgia was preparing to take her NCLEX nursing board exam in North Carolina, they planned to meet both of their families for dinner the night before the test. Before heading to the restaurant, Bradley suggested taking a short walk to watch the sunset on a nearby golf course. “That is where he popped the question!” Georgia recalls. “His sister flew up from our hometown in Florida to surprise us, and my sister drove over from Nashville to be there as well with our parents. I knew it was coming soon, but I didn’t think it would be the night before my big exam! Turns out it was the perfect distraction from the pre-exam jitters,” she smiles.

The couple envisioned a wedding celebration that felt personal, joyful, and reflective of the moments that defined their relationship. Guidance from their wedding planner proved invaluable throughout the process. “Our wonderful wedding planner, Lindsay, is a pro and was able to guide us every and any way needed,” says Georgia. “She has been a planner for years and has so many contacts in our area. She was able to tell us the normal amount to tip vendors to traditional wedding details that we didn’t even know we wanted for our big day.”

Though they initially planned to host their wedding on Clearwater Beach for a destination-style wedding close to home, the weeks leading up to the big day brought unexpected challenges when two hurricanes caused damage throughout the region – including their original venue.

With limited options available, the couple pivoted quickly in order to keep their October 18th wedding date. The shift ultimately led them to Georgia’s childhood Catholic parish for the vow exchange. “I truly believe God led us to where we got married,” the bride reflects. “We went from a small church on Clearwater Beach to my home church that I grew up and found my faith in; the parish my great grandmother went to.”

“We read our private vows in front of the doors my parents got married behind and where my sister and I got baptized,” Georgia shares of the sentimental site. Just weeks before the wedding, Bradley was also baptized at the church. “A place that is a big part of who I am has now become a place that has allowed my husband to be the Godly man he is and vow to the marriage we are going to pursue together. It just felt right getting married there, and I am so excited to claim it as the Riopelle’s parish!”

“The colors of the sunset always warmed my heart and drew me in, so I knew I wanted those colors incorporated into my wedding.”

The new ceremony venue also allowed the bride to get ready for the day in her childhood home. “Coming down the stairs on the morning of my wedding felt like Christmas morning when I was 10 years old – only better,” she smiles.

Her father continued a beloved family tradition by making strawberry-and-white-chocolate-chip pancakes for everyone, just as he had before his daughters’ first days of school. “My mom and sister helped me step into the dress in the same room where we performed skits, sang songs, and put on puppet show, and my dad saw me for the first time in my wedding dress on the front porch, where we’ve spent countless Halloween nights handing out candy and enjoying time with our family.”

For the reception, the couple embraced the inspiration that had defined their relationship from the beginning: sunsets. “I always loved watching sunsets since before I could remember,” the bride explains. “My now husband and I would watch sunsets at least once a week during Covid to admire God’s creation during uncertain times, and it quickly became one of our favorite things to do together. The colors of the sunset always warmed my heart and drew me in, so I knew I wanted those colors incorporated into my wedding.”

Warm shades of pink and orange appeared throughout the floral design, arranged in organic compositions that echoed the look of wildflowers. “What started as a blank conference room was completely transformed into a romantic, candlelit haven full of texture, warmth, and thoughtful design,” the bride explains.

Throughout the evening, music and entertainment kept the atmosphere lively. A saxophonist moved through the room during dinner, performing for the tables before a live band joined the DJ to keep everyone dancing late into the night. As a playful surprise, the couple also treated their loved ones to a Chick-fil-A late-night snack. For dessert, slices of a wedding cake inspired by Georgia’s parents’ cake was enjoyed by all. A playful groom’s cake reflecting Bradley’s love of golf also satiated guests’ palates.

After navigating hurricanes and last-minute venue changes, the couple’s biggest takeaway is simple: surround yourself with the right support. “Get a wedding planner,” the bride advises. “Three weeks before our wedding, our venue was destroyed by Hurricane Helene… Because of her quick action and dedication, we secured a beautiful new venue on the same date and time. I cannot imagine navigating that situation without her.” As for her advice to other couples? “Don’t stress about the little things – be present and have fun,” she says. “Be silly. Take a shot. Have a cocktail or two.”

Their honeymoon brought one final unexpected twist. The couple originally planned a quiet getaway to Anna Maria Island, but after the storms disrupted those plans as well, they decided to embrace a new adventure instead.

Traveling to Sandals Royal Bahamian in Nassau, Bahamas, they spent their days relaxing by the ocean, visiting the resort’s private island, and enjoying the simple joy of beginning married life together. “While our honeymoon didn’t have any big adventures or dramatic moments, it was truly special simply because we got to relax and enjoy each other’s company, soaking up the sun and savoring those quiet, joyful moments together,” she smiles.