A Match Made in Medicine

Jessica Senft and Aaron Retterbush met in physician assistant school in Atlanta in 2018. She recalled, “We were instant friends, but grew into something so much more within a few months. We were lucky to be able to rely on each other during the rigorous schedule of PA school. We graduated in May 2020 and have since found jobs.” After almost 3 1/2 years of dating, Retterbush proposed on the beautiful beaches of Riviera Maya.

The wedding was on Aug. 27 at the InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta with 200 guests. Laura Maddox, of Magnolia Celebrates, started planning in September 2021. The bride and groom’s parents are Craig and Karen Senft, and David and Denise Retterbush.

Jessica Senft and Aaron Retterbush pose in the InterContinental Buck

Senft said, “While, ultimately, my mother and I made the decisions, Laura was able to help us narrow our focus to two or three options in an overwhelming and saturated market. We had many meetings with Laura in which she helped us bring our ideas to life! I wanted Aaron to be more involved in the decision making, but he enjoyed taking a back seat. His main concerns were the food tasting and the band which seems very typical of a groom.”

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Maddox echoed, “Jessica was really focused on everyone having a great time. We worked toward that end hiring a band that would keep people on the dance floor and working with Edge Design & Décor to configure the room to create an intimate atmosphere conducive to dancing and spending time together.”

With a late summer wedding, the couple wanted to highlight bright seasonal colors. Senft’s inspiration came from fruit-flavored sorbet with soft pinks, peach tones, and light yellows mixed with traditional white flowers and greenery. Edge Design & Décor created her bouquet of peach and coral ranunculus, roses, pink tulips, blush peonies, and pale-yellow accents. Senft’s gown was from Winnie Couture.

The bride and groom with their parents, David and Denise Retterbush (left) and Karen and Craig Senft (right).

She elaborated, “While dress shopping, I realized that lace didn’t fit my personality and was fortunate to find a beautiful figure-forming satin mermaid gown with an organza and tulle layered skirt. I added crystal embroidered straps for a hint of sparkle.” Retterbush wore a classic black tuxedo.

Bridesmaids wore matching floor-length ivory Amsale dresses and carried petite bouquets. Retterbush wore a blush ranunculus boutonniere, and his groomsmen wore white ranunculus boutonnieres.

Mother of the bride, Karen Senft, after helping Jessica Senft, into her sleek mermaid gown

The menu was a duet of grouper and New York strip steak plated alongside summer vegetables. The wedding cake was layers of yellow and chocolate cake with white and dark chocolate mousse garnished with raspberry coulis and fresh raspberries.

The officiant was The Temple’s Rabbi Peter Berg, who conducted a ceremony that inspired both their Jewish and Catholic families. They used Retterbush’s tallis during the ceremony and a Kiddush cup that was a wedding gift.

Senft said, “With limited Jewish wedding experience, Aaron was most blown away by the ketubah signing which brought just our close family and friends together for an intimate ceremony prior to the wedding.”

Senft and Retterbush received compliments about the band, Big Night Dynamite. They had full creative liberty to play to the crowd and created a mix of the couple’s favorite oldies and the more contemporary hits. Their first dance was to Leon Bridges’ “Beyond,” which was a favorite song of Retterbush’s.

Moments before Aaron’s “first look”

In terms of venue selection, the couple wanted to stay in the Atlanta area and, originally, enjoy the option of an outdoor ceremony and indoor reception. With a few weeks left, they decided to keep everything inside due to unpredictable weather.

Senft said, “I’ve always loved the idea of a hotel wedding because of the ease and convenience. Our guests were able to stay at the venue and didn’t need organized transportation.”

Maddox added, “It could not have been a more beautiful day! However, I was so grateful they opted for an inside ceremony as a pop-up rain shower started almost immediately after the ceremony started!”

Senft and Retterbush took a “mini-moon” to Old Edwards’ Inn in Highlands, N.C. They are planning a spring European honeymoon.

Senft concluded, “Aaron truly is my better half and best friend, except for one day of the year, Florida-Georgia football.”