Couple Gets Happily ‘Hinged’

Paige Wolkin and David Port met as teens at Dunwoody High, but only “officially” met years later following a successful match on the dating app Hinge.

David sent the first message, and Paige didn’t see it until two weeks later. David had almost given up hope until Paige finally responded. Fast forward to more than two years of dating, then a 22-month engagement.

Paige recalled, “Luckily we met about six months before COVID, so we were comfortable enough with each other to continue dating.”

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A rousing horrah is always a balancing act.

David, a creative director at Learfield, a media data and tech service company for college sports and live events, surprised Paige, a speech language pathologist for Fulton County Schools, by getting on one knee on the terrace of the Bellyard Hotel in West Midtown with the Atlanta skyline in the background. With families and a photographer on hand, they followed with a meal at the Bellyard, then onto Ormsby’s, a nearby bar where the couple went on their first date.

The wedding took place at The Carlyle off Piedmont Road on New Year’s Eve. David said, “We chose Dec. 31 because we attended a New Year’s wedding in 2021 and had the absolute best time. That date doubled the excitement knowing that we get to ring in the New Year at midnight.”

More than 200 guests in black-tie attire, sequins, velvet, shimmer, and tuxedos, did indeed bring in 2024 with a flowing fountain of champagne.

David surprised Paige with a formal engagement in front of the Atlanta skyline.

Paige’s dress (from Bridals by Lori) was designed by Rita Vinieris with a simple, strapless fit and flare gown. The flowers and décor were a mix of lush white blooms, heavy greenery, and a plethora of candles.

Paige said, “It was a dreamy and glowy New Year’s evening. For food, we passed hors d’oeuvres during cocktail hour, a plated entrée provided by Carlyle’s Catering, an assortment of desserts from Nothing Bundt Cakes, and slices of Gino’s pizza for late night bites. Espresso martinis were our signature drink — they are a favorite for the both of us!”

Gleeful father, Larry Wolkin, and mom, Susan, walked Paige down the aisle.

For music, Paige preferred a band, and David wanted more of a DJ vibe. A friend recommended Radial Entertainment which combined the feel of both. They chose a DJ along with a saxophonist and conga player. “Together they create combination of music like no other!” exclaimed David.

Rabbi Laurence Rosenthal, of Ahavath Achim Synagogue, shared some powerful words on how to adapt, adjust, and use the best language with partners in various situations when resolving disagreements and overcoming obstacles. Under the chuppah, David wore Paige’s maternal grandfather’s cuff links, and they used a kiddush cup from David’s parents’ wedding for special sentiments from both families.

The couple signed the ketubah with family looking on.

Paige is glad that she used a wedding planner. “I highly recommend one if it is in your budget. Laura Potts with Sugar Event + Design was fabulous and made our vision come to life … I wouldn’t call myself a ‘bridezilla’, but because we had a long engagement, it felt like the planning was never ending, which caused extra stress and often over thinking.”

The couple wanted guests to enjoy their favorite signature chocolate cocktail.

Paige and David went on a “mini moon” to Half Mile Farm in Highlands, N.C., for four nights in the luxury country Inn by Old Edwards to decompress and relax post-wedding.

“In the Highlands, we met the sweetest old man who gave us this marriage advice, and it stuck with us: There are going to be good years and there are going to bad years — you just have to get through them both.”

Parents are Susan and Lawrence Wolkin and Judy and Robert Port.

All About the Details

Venue: The Carlyle
Hotel Block: The Bellyard
Makeup: Bogart Beauty
Hair: Sirene and Tinte Salons
Videographer: Luis Magarin
Food: Carlyle’s Catering, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Ginos Pizza
Florist: Caroline Worth