Rehearsal Dinner

Wedding Day

Ida Cason Callaway Memorial Chapel

Ceremony

Virginia Hand Callaway Discovery Center

Reception

Our Wedding

Our Story

Hayes Gill

Maggie Boner

Tim Smith

MiKaylee Smith

Ethan Smith

Holly Holcomb

Brody Yaughn

Meagan Lee

Wedding Party

Dress Code

The essentialsWhat time should I arrive for the ceremony?Give guests an arrival time about 20–30 minutes before the ceremony begins, rather than simply repeating the invitation time.Where are the ceremony and reception?Ceremony: Ida Cason Callaway Memorial ChapelReception: Discovery Center at Callaway GardensMention that they are in different locations within Callaway Gardens.How do I get from the chapel to the reception?This is an important one. Explain whether guests will drive themselves, take a shuttle, golf cart, etc., and that they should allow approximately 15 minutes.Where should I park?Give specific instructions for both the chapel and Discovery Center, especially if GPS can be confusing inside the Gardens.What should I wear?Spell out the dress code and then translate it into normal language: dresses, suits, jackets, ties optional/encouraged, appropriate shoes, etc.Will any part of the wedding be outdoors?The chapel/reception may be indoors, but guests should know about walking between locations, cocktail hour, terraces, gardens, etc. April temperatures can also vary.Wedding-weekend questionsWhere should we stay?Link to the accommodations page and explain which option is most convenient to the wedding events.Do we need to stay at Callaway Gardens?No—then mention nearby alternatives for guests who prefer another hotel or price point.Is there a room block or special wedding rate?Include the booking link/code and, importantly, the deadline.Do I need to pay admission to Callaway Gardens?This is worth answering very clearly because guests may wonder whether entrance to the Gardens is included with the wedding/hotel stay.What can we do at Callaway Gardens during the weekend?Perfect place to mention walking/biking trails, the lake, gardens, Butterfly Center, golf, spa, etc. This makes the wedding feel like a destination weekend rather than simply an evening event.Are there plans for Friday night or Saturday/Sunday morning?Even if the answer is “nothing formal,” tell them. Guests otherwise assume they're missing something.Ceremony &amp; receptionCan we take photos during the ceremony?If Lily wants an unplugged ceremony, put it here and have the officiant announce it.Will there be a cocktail hour?Yes—and explain that it takes place following the ceremony while guests transition to the Discovery Center.What time will the reception end?Helpful for babysitters, transportation and anyone not staying on property.Will transportation be provided?Especially important if people will be drinking and staying at the Lodge or nearby hotels.RSVP questionsWhen is the RSVP deadline?Can I bring a plus-one?I'd word this carefully: “We’re excited to celebrate with those named on your invitation. Due to the intimate size of our celebration, we’re unable to accommodate additional guests.”Are children invited?Absolutely address this if children aren't universally invited. It prevents awkward conversations.What if I have a dietary restriction or food allergy?Tell them where/how to communicate it.Can I change my RSVP after submitting it?Provide a contact method rather than having guests text Lily.GiftsWhere are Lily and Zack registered?Should we bring gifts to the wedding?If you'd prefer shipped gifts, say so graciously.A few I would NOT put on thereSkip things like “How did you meet?” “Who proposed?” “What's your wedding hashtag?” in the Q&amp;A. Those can have their own Story section if Lily wants them. The FAQ should be ruthlessly practical.For this particular wedding, I think the most important questions people won't realize they need answered are: how early to arrive at the chapel, how they get from the chapel to Discovery Center, parking, Gardens admission, attire/weather, transportation after the reception, and exactly what—if anything—is happening Friday night and Sunday morning.

Good to Know

We&#39;ve&nbsp;reserved&nbsp;a&nbsp;block&nbsp;of&nbsp;rooms&nbsp;at&nbsp;both&nbsp;the&nbsp;Lodge&nbsp;and&nbsp;Cottages&nbsp;at&nbsp;Callaway&nbsp;Resort&nbsp;&amp;&nbsp;Gardens&nbsp;for&nbsp;a&nbsp;discounted&nbsp;rate,&nbsp;conveniently&nbsp;located&nbsp;near&nbsp;the&nbsp;wedding&nbsp;site&nbsp;and&nbsp;venue.&nbsp;You&nbsp;can&nbsp;choose&nbsp;to&nbsp;stay&nbsp;1&nbsp;or&nbsp;2&nbsp;nights&nbsp;and&nbsp;enjoy&nbsp;Callaway&nbsp;Gardens&nbsp;on&nbsp;Saturday&nbsp;before&nbsp;the&nbsp;wedding.&nbsp;We&nbsp;encourage&nbsp;you&nbsp;to&nbsp;book&nbsp;early&nbsp;as&nbsp;our&nbsp;date&nbsp;is&nbsp;a&nbsp;very&nbsp;popular&nbsp;time&nbsp;to&nbsp;visit&nbsp;Callaway.&nbsp;Please&nbsp;click&nbsp;the&nbsp;website&nbsp;link&nbsp;below&nbsp;to&nbsp;book.&nbsp;In&nbsp;the&nbsp;event&nbsp;you&nbsp;don&#39;t&nbsp;see&nbsp;availability&nbsp;using&nbsp;the&nbsp;link,&nbsp;email&nbsp;or&nbsp;call&nbsp;Candy&nbsp;McDowell&nbsp;at&nbsp;706-663-6998&nbsp;to&nbsp;reserve&nbsp;your&nbsp;room.&nbsp;They&nbsp;may&nbsp;need&nbsp;to&nbsp;open&nbsp;up&nbsp;more&nbsp;rooms&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;room&nbsp;block.

The Lodge & Cottages at Callaway Resort & Gardens

The Lodge - Stay in the heart of Callaway Gardens at the Four Diamond–rated Lodge, featuring beautiful guest rooms and suites with scenic lake and woodland views, plus easy access to miles of walking and biking trails, colorful gardens, the Butterfly Center, golf, the spa, and all the natural beauty of Callaway.

The Cottages - Enjoy a cozy two-bedroom Cottage surrounded by Callaway’s natural beauty, featuring four queen beds, two bathrooms, a full kitchen, spacious living areas, and a screened porch overlooking the peaceful woodlands.

Travel

Callaway Resort & Gardens 

Click on map to enlarge

Callaway Gardens Map

Callaway Resort & Gardens

The Fields Golf Club

Prioritizing&nbsp;natural&nbsp;products&nbsp;and&nbsp;gentle&nbsp;methodologies,&nbsp;our&nbsp;spa&nbsp;provides&nbsp;an&nbsp;array&nbsp;of&nbsp;treatments&nbsp;inspired&nbsp;by&nbsp;the&nbsp;inherent&nbsp;virtues&nbsp;of&nbsp;herbs,&nbsp;plants,&nbsp;and&nbsp;the&nbsp;awe-inspiring&nbsp;beauty&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;surrounding&nbsp;landscape.

The Spa at Callaway Gardens

Flights&nbsp;of&nbsp;fancy&nbsp;await&nbsp;you&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;Cecil&nbsp;B.&nbsp;Day&nbsp;Butterfly&nbsp;Center,&nbsp;where&nbsp;typically&nbsp;1,000&nbsp;or&nbsp;more&nbsp;butterflies&nbsp;flutter&nbsp;freely&nbsp;about&nbsp;in&nbsp;one&nbsp;of&nbsp;North&nbsp;America’s&nbsp;largest&nbsp;tropical&nbsp;butterfly&nbsp;conservatories.&nbsp;The&nbsp;Day&nbsp;Butterfly&nbsp;Center&nbsp;is&nbsp;a&nbsp;living,&nbsp;dynamic,&nbsp;glass-enclosed&nbsp;environment&nbsp;in&nbsp;which&nbsp;a&nbsp;variety&nbsp;of&nbsp;tropical&nbsp;plants&nbsp;nourish&nbsp;the&nbsp;residents&nbsp;and&nbsp;new&nbsp;arrivals&nbsp;emerge&nbsp;from&nbsp;their&nbsp;chrysalides,&nbsp;dry&nbsp;their&nbsp;wings,&nbsp;and&nbsp;begin&nbsp;their&nbsp;very&nbsp;first&nbsp;wing-beats.

Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center at Callaway

<p&nbsp;class="ql-align-center">With&nbsp;over&nbsp;10&nbsp;miles&nbsp;of&nbsp;bike&nbsp;trails,&nbsp;there&nbsp;is&nbsp;plenty&nbsp;for&nbsp;all&nbsp;ages&nbsp;to&nbsp;explore&nbsp;on&nbsp;two&nbsp;wheels.&nbsp;Rentals&nbsp;periods&nbsp;are&nbsp;for&nbsp;the&nbsp;day&nbsp;from&nbsp;the&nbsp;time&nbsp;rented.<p&nbsp;class="ql-align-center">Rental&nbsp;bikes&nbsp;and&nbsp;equipment&nbsp;are&nbsp;available&nbsp;daily,&nbsp;based&nbsp;on&nbsp;availability,&nbsp;at&nbsp;the&nbsp;Virginia&nbsp;Hand&nbsp;Callaway&nbsp;Discovery&nbsp;Center.

Bicycle Rentals at Callaway

Things to Do

Registry

lilyandzackery.com

Lily & Zackery

Lily & Zackery

Travel

The Lodge & Cottages at Callaway Resort & Gardens