Iberian Pig

The Night Before

The Chapel on Sycamore

Rehearsal

Rehearsal Dinner

Wedding Day

Please be aware the FIFA World Cup will be taking place throughout June and July in Atlanta. We highly recommend booking flights and accommodations early to avoid price hikes and limited availability.

Our Wedding

How the Future Harpers Came Together

It all started on Hinge in early June 2024 — a modern love story, complete with carefully crafted prompts and a healthy dose of skepticism. Erica was on a two-week trip visiting family and friends when she and Russell matched, which meant their first date had to wait. Luckily, Russell kept her attention (and interest) through great conversation and even better jokes. Before they met in person, Russell suggested a “quick” get-to-know-you phone call. Erica, after much internal debate, agreed — expecting a polite 10-minute chat. Two hours later, they were still laughing, sharing stories, and realizing how much they had in common. Finally, on June 28, they met for their first date at Gypsy Kitchen in Atlanta. They had so much to talk about, they accidentally closed the restaurant — without ever ordering dinner. (Charcuterie and wine apparently do count as a full meal when you’re falling for someone.) Not wanting to waste any time, Russell asked Erica out again for the very next night. Their second date at Ruby Chow’s confirmed what they were both already thinking: this might really be something. The next day’s “third date” was supposed to be bowling, but Erica forgot socks — a small oversight that led to an impromptu visit to Northside Tavern, where she introduced Russell to her favorite local dive. Then came two more weeks apart for Erica’s bachelorette-party-filled travel schedule. Russell didn’t miss a beat, sending flowers to her parents’ house (after a minor delivery mishap — persistence pays off). For the first time in her life, Erica was ready to cut a trip short and get back to Atlanta. The months that followed were filled with weekend getaways, meeting each other’s families, and celebrating holidays together — including Russell’s first Chicago Christmas. Their worlds blended naturally, and their circles of friends quickly became one big, joyful crew (a must-have for both of them). They’ve since learned they can travel together — after a week in Italy that confirmed they’re just as good a team abroad as they are at home — and they can enjoy music together, after countless concerts that proved Russell can, in fact, share the spotlight on the aux cord. The grand gestures from Russell haven’t stopped since those first flowers, and neither have the home-cooked meals from Erica — both always finding ways to make sure the other feels loved and cared for. Exactly 484 days after that first date at Gypsy Kitchen, Russell got down on one knee and asked Erica to marry him — followed by the most thoughtful surprise engagement party surrounded by their favorite people. They can’t wait to start their life together in Decatur, Georgia and celebrate with all of you on June 13, 2026.

Our Story

Photos

Rebecca McCarthy

Paige McCarthy

Best Friend and Oldest Friend of the Groom

Robbie & Brittni Clark

Olivia & Cody Pruitt

Kenzie, Sasha, Molly & Siyi 

Mandi, Hallie & Allie

Anna McCarthy

Kaitlyn & Kevin Fraser

James & Mary "Sissy" Yost

Connor Dunnaway

Daniel Coyle

Jonathan D’Ambra

Chris Ward & Jess Bless 

Wesley Young

Wedding Party

Please be aware that the FIFA World Cup will be taking place throughout June and July in Atlanta. We highly recommend booking flights and accommodations early to avoid price hikes and lack of availability. Many hotels are not allowing room blocks during this time, due to the event occurring. We urge you to book lodging as soon as possible.

To lock in this rate, you must use the link on this page. There are limited rooms available on this block. This hotel is one city block away from the venue, and makes for an easy and safe walk to and from.

Courtyard by Marriott Atlanta Decatur Downtown/Emory

The Wylie Hotel is a boutique hotel adjacent to Ponce City Market in the Old Fourth Ward neighborhood of Atlanta. The most walkable area, right off of the Beltline. Wylie is about a 15-20 minute drive to The Chapel on Sycamore. To secure the block rate, you must book by May 12, 2026, and use the link included here.

Wylie Hotel Atlanta, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

To lock in this rate, you must book by May 13, 2026. and use the link on this page. There are limited rooms available on this block. The Courtyard is about a 20-minute Uber ride to the venue, and is across the street from the Grand Hyatt. IMPORTANT: You must book in this link or the hotel will show as sold out. Once clicking the link scroll down, and select the number of people and rooms you would like to book, then click "See Availability". Rooms will then populate for you to book.

Courtyard by Marriott Atlanta Buckhead

To lock in this rate, you must use the link on this page. There are limited rooms available on this block. The Grand Hyatt is across the street from The Courtyard Buckhead and is about a 20-minute Uber ride to the venue.

Grand Hyatt Atlanta in Buckhead

Thinking About Airbnb?

We recommend looking for a rental property in the square on the map. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions on a property's specific location!

Travel

Things to Do

Registry

What is Summer Formal?

Formal attire that feels at home in warm weather. Floor-length or midi dresses, colorful or floral patterns encouraged. Suits or sport coats in light fabrics and colors. Leave the black tie at home and bring your best summer style!

Erica & Russell

Erica & Russell

Q + A

Is the wedding indoors or outdoors?

Can I bring my kids?

If I'm flying to Atlanta, should I rent a car?

What should I wear?

Can I bring a date?