Some weddings begin with a color palette or design inspiration. Others begin with a story.

For M and C, the story started on stage.

Both actors, they met performing together and built their relationship around creativity, humor, and a shared love of storytelling. So it felt only fitting that their wedding would reflect that same spirit: expressive, theatrical, and completely authentic to who they are.

The Venue: Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta

Their venue choice came from a moment of serendipity. The year before their wedding, they attended Dragon Con in Atlanta and visited the Georgia Aquarium, instantly falling in love with the space. Living on the east coast, they decided to bring their community south for a destination wedding that would feel immersive, joyful, and a little unexpected.

For couples considering a destination wedding venue that goes beyond the expected, the Georgia Aquarium is in a category of its own. As one of the largest aquariums in the world, it offers a wedding experience that is genuinely unlike anything else — architectural, theatrical, and alive in a way that no ballroom can replicate.

The Atmosphere

From the beginning, this wedding was never meant to be overly formal. The couple invited their guests — many of them fellow actors — to lean into a playful dress code. The result was a room full of vibrant outfits, expressive personalities, and even one guest who arrived dressed as a Jedi. It was exactly the kind of joyful chaos the couple hoped for.

The Ceremony

The ceremony itself was unforgettable. Their vows were some of the most heartfelt I’ve ever witnessed: deeply personal, emotional, and beautifully written. And just when guests thought the ceremony had reached its conclusion, the officiant surprised everyone by closing with a rap. It was unexpected, hilarious, and perfectly on brand.

The Design

Rather than arriving with a detailed aesthetic vision, the couple shared something more intuitive: their love for the Galápagos Islands. That inspiration became the starting point for the design direction. Drawing from the vibrant colors of tropical waters and island landscapes, the celebration incorporated rich blues, greens, and purples throughout the space — a palette that felt right at home within the aquatic surroundings of the venue.

The Georgia Aquarium itself provided a breathtaking backdrop. Guests gathered for cocktail hour beside a massive fish tank, watching sea life drift quietly through the water as they mingled and celebrated. Later, the reception unfolded beneath the beluga whale tank, where the gentle movement of the whales created an almost surreal atmosphere in the ballroom. There is simply no other wedding venue in the country that can offer that.

The Celebration

Throughout the evening, traditions were honored — but always in a way that reflected the couple themselves. Show tunes broke out during dinner. Instead of a speech, the maid of honor graced the guests with “For Good” from the Broadway musical Wicked. The horah lifted the couple high into the air in celebration. Guests sang, danced, and embraced the playful spirit of the night from beginning to end.

What made this wedding so memorable wasn’t just the incredible setting or the theatrical moments throughout the day. It was the way M and C infused every part of the celebration with their personalities. This wedding was a beautiful reminder that traditions don’t have to be followed exactly as they’ve always been done. Sometimes the most meaningful celebrations come from taking those traditions and making them entirely your own.

This destination wedding was featured in Rock n Roll Bride — a testament to just how distinctive and design-forward the day truly was.

If you’re planning a destination wedding and looking for a Chicago wedding planner who can help you design an experience that is entirely, unmistakably yours, explore our full-service planning offerings.

The Details

Birdcage and Blushers: Partial Wedding Planning

Ceremony & Reception: Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta, GA

Catering: Wolfgang Puck Catering

Photography: Prugh Photo

Dj: Sloan Lee Music

Florist: Special Event Factory, Atlanta, GA

Wedding Featured In: Rock n Roll Bride