Ross-Grisham

Tonya Ross  & Chris Grisham
April 5, 2008
Dahlonega, Georgia

Photography by Anita & Al Kennison, Kennison Photography

by Carly Felton

Their Story
The saying “Absence makes the heart grow fonder” certainly proved true for Tonya Ross and Chris Grisham. The happy couple met during Chris’ one-day visit to Atlanta while on leave from the U.S. Army. They talked on the phone the entire night, then went out for breakfast together the following day before Chris departed to Iraq, where he’d spend the next five months. “We knew each other for less than 24 hours before he left [to go to Iraq],” Tonya says. “I figured I’d never speak to him again. He called from Kuwait the next day.” The two communicated over the phone and Internet, and Chris sent flowers and cards whenever he could. “We knew each other better in five months than those couples who are right there with each other because all we could do was talk,” Tonya says. Including the five months apart, Tonya and Chris dated for two years. They even picked out their dream house together. One day, Chris brought Tonya to the house they’d chosen, and knelt down on the front porch and proposed.

Wedding Sources

Ceremony/Reception Site and Caterer: Water’s Mill, Dahlonega

Bridal Gown and Veil Source: David’s Bridal

Favors: Personalized glass votive candles, Favor Favor, www.favorfavor.com

Florist: Creations by Water’s Mill

Groom’s Cake: Denise Walker, Cakes2Delight, Cumming

Hair and Makeup: Tammy Samples, Salon 306, Cumming

Honeymoon Destination: Paris, France

Invitations: Terry-Lee Ross, Drive By Studios, Decatur, 404-378-9918

Men’s Attire Source: Men’s Wearhouse

Music: Black Tie Events, Norcross

Photographer/Company: Al and Anita Kennison, Kennison Photography, Dahlonega

Rings: The Shane Company

Travel Agency: Accent Travel, Dawsonville, 770-783-1344

Videographer: Artie Buffington, 404-273-0393

Wedding Planner: Rhonda Sheppard, Water’s Mill