Garden Vibes & Island Roots: A Georgian Terrace Wedding for Kiah & Derrek
Kiah & Derrek
Derrek, a civil engineer, brings a grounding sense of logic to the couple’s dynamic, while Kiah, a family nurse practitioner, leads with a deep, open-hearted compassion.
Though Kiah grew up in Atlanta and Derrek is a born-and-raised Marylander, their roots run along remarkably parallel paths. Both share vibrant Caribbean heritage, Derrek’s parents were born in Jamaica and Kiah’s mother is from St. Kitts. Their mothers are so striking in their similarities that when the two families joined together, it felt less like a first meeting and more like a reunion.
A Quintessential Atlanta Setting
When it came time to plan the wedding, Atlanta was non-negotiable. Having grown up in the Atlanta, Kiah always envisioned marrying in the heart of the city that raised her. Its skyline, history and unmistakable energy held years of personal milestones, tracing her journey from elementary school to her college years.
The moment Kiah and Derrek stepped into the grand ballroom at The Georgian Terrace Hotel, the decision was made. Soaring architectural lines, crisp white pillars and a dramatic balcony offered a classic Southern backdrop. The couple took advantage of the hotel’s Piedmont Foyer for their cocktail hour, enjoying that the murals on the wall reminded them of being in the Caribbean.
The central location also gave out-of-town guests a front-row seat to the city’s charm. Just across the street sat the historic Fox Theatre, a landmark Kiah had visited at various stages of her life, which also made for an iconic backdrop in their wedding portraits.
The Garden-Chic Aesthetic
“We wanted our wedding to be a celebration of our relationship and encompass the happiness, joy and laughter that make up our lives together,” Kiah shared.
To bring warmth to the historic space, the couple chose a romantic palette of rich purples, vivid pinks and soft blues. The centerpiece of the design was a whimsical, sprawling floral arch crafted by Blossom & Bud Floral Design, which infused the ballroom with the magical feel of a hidden garden.
The Sweet Details
Custom details were naturally woven the reception. At the bar, guests ordered drinks named after the couple’s beloved cats — “The Louis,” an orange Old Fashioned, and “The Linus,” a refreshing peach lemonade spritz — while a subtle soundtrack of instrumental video game music played during cocktail hour.
Later in the evening, the energy shifted entirely to the dance floor. St. Kitts and Jamaican flags were passed out as Caribbean rhythms took over the room, bringing both families together in a vibrant blur of movement. As the night wound down, guests departed with small jars of personalized peach cobbler jam, a sweet, lingering taste of Atlanta.
It was, from start to finish, an authentic reflection of their path together. “We wanted our guests to see our personalities throughout the day,” Kiah reflected, “and to experience an unforgettable celebration of the love we’ve built.”
Vendors
PHOTOGRAPHER Lana Marie Photography
VENUE The Georgian Terrace Hotel
FLORAL Blossom & Bud Floral Design
PLANNER Tulle & Tinsel Event Co.
HAIR Brides By Deanna
MAKEUP The Refined Glam
BRIDE’S ATTIRE Martina Liana
GROOM’S ATTIRE Men’s Wearhouse
CATERING The Georgian Terrace Hotel
CAKE Eva Christine’s Sweets
TABLETOP RENTALS Southern Vintage
LINENS I Do Linens
ENTERTAINMENT JayBee The Dj
