Sarah and Ruslan grew up about three miles apart for most of their childhoods, but they didn’t met until freshman year of high school. They both chose to go to the magnet school where they ended up with two classes together, AP Environmental Science and Science Olympiad. In their first APES lab, Sarah chose him as a partner. From then on they partnered on every lab and activity they could. They partnered in three events for Science Olympiad, so they spent a lot of time together after school too. Eventually they were riding home together and quickly became best friends! Sarah said that Ruslan knew her and her heart better than anyone else. (swoon!)

At the end of Freshman year, Sarah’s family moved away, but the two of them stayed close. At the end of senior year of high school they jokingly made a pact to date next time Sarah ended up single. (Ruslan said he’d missed every chance and he wanted dibs!)

As college began, Sarah found herself single, and both of them weren’t sure what to do. In December, Sarah and Ruslan finally went on a real date. The rest is history!

Nearly three years later, Ruslan proposed as the sun set over Piedmont Park. The last time they had been there was March of 2017 for Sarah’s sorority formal. It was that night that they realized they wanted forever, so Ruslan asked Sarah for forever in the same place.

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Sarah and Ruslan’s wedding day plans completely changed when covid hit – but I’ve got to be honest… their wedding day was perfect, rain and all! They decided to move their wedding up to the North Georgia mountains at a beautiful venue – Juliette Chapel. Everything that they had at their wedding had been expertly coordinated within the past two months. Think you can’t put together a spectacular wedding in a short period of time? Here’s proof that you can!

Both of their families were there to witness their union – some traveling from states away. Everyone pitched in to help set up and Wendy from Wendy’s Weddings and Events flawlessly executed the entire day. Sarah and her mom created ALL the floral arrangements and Two Dog Restaurant catered *literally* the best meal I’ve ever had. The skies opened up right after their ceremony so we postponed some bride and groom photos until afterwards… and we actually got some sunlight! Woohoo! Sarah and Ruslan are so laid back, giggly, and in love. That’s what you get when you marry your best friend! Congratulations, you two!

VENDORS – Venue: Juliette Chapel | Planner/Coordinator: Wendy Stephens with Wendy’s Weddings and Events | Florals: Flower Moxie/the bride and mom | Cake: Laurie Duncan | Caterer: 2 Dog | Dress: Stella York | Bridesmaid Dresses: David’s Bridal | Menswear: Black Tux | Invitation: Basic Invite