CANDEN & MARK

October 23, 2022

When asked about their history as a couple, Canden sums it up best by sharing, “We always knew if the stars aligned for us, it would stick forever.” Well, the stars did align for them at last, and on a beautiful October day, Mark Andrew Kovaly, son of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Kovaly of Pittsburgh, wed Canden Bliss Jackson, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Steve Jackson of Silverhill.

Having seen each other through many phases of life, Mark and Canden joke they were on the “slow play” when it came to their relationship. After meeting through mutual friend, and Mark’s Ocean Street band member, Andy Kropf, their lives went in different directions. Mark was touring and Canden was dedicated to finishing college and staring her career. They remained dear friends for years, supporting each other from afar. “Canden’s unconditional love for me and my untraditional life allowed me to follow my dreams. She was a true friend, my rock, my biggest fan, and sometimes my most honest critic,” Mark shares. Years later they were thrown a lifeline when Canden moved from Los Angeles to accept a job in Atlanta. Mark had been living between Nashville and Atlanta and they both knew this was their chance. “We rescued our dog, Timmy, who quickly became the center of our universe, eventually we bought a house together and started preparing for our forever!”

When preparing for the engagement, the story gets even more special. “My Memama always had the most beautiful jewelry. She’s where we all get our sparkle. Her health had been declining and when she heard Mark was preparing to propose, she asked if he wanted to use the three-stone engagement ring given to her by my grandfather 60 years ago,” Canden shares. Knowing Canden’s name comes from her grandparents’ initials, Mark knew it would be incredibly sentimental to use such a meaningful heirloom. “Mark replaced one of the stones so now, when I look at them, I see the past love of my grandparents, the present blending of our hearts and families, and our future together.” Canden beams.

While a European wedding had long been her dream, Canden realized they could celebrate with more friends and family locally. “Our family property is a former nursery and boasts a variety of beautiful trees and flowers. My parents’ home resembles a European villa or chateau, and we knew we could achieve the same vision by giving a classic Southern wedding a French twist, there at my childhood home. My parents exhausted themselves getting everything ready, but it made us all so proud. It couldn’t have come together without my mom, dad, and a very special group of loved ones,” Canden shares.

The ceremony was held on the front steps with a vintage-inspired floral arch of Moab and cabbage roses. Olive branches and greenery spilled down and around the French doors. Mark’s tuxes were custom, European made, and the vintage lace design of Canden’s ceremony dress all came together to tie in the theme. Bridesmaids wore velvet gowns in a Prosecco hue representing the sparkling Italian wine it’s named after and further enhancing the neutral color scheme. With the bridal party in place, a vintage Rolls Royce pulled around the garden stopping at the top of the aisle.  Angelic flower girls made their procession, before the car pulled away to reveal Canden and her dad. “It was like a movie scene where everything was in slow motion. She was silhouetted by the sun setting and it truly took my breath away,” Mark exclaims.

Each tablescape included French antiques passed down from Canden’s grandmother. “Mandina’s catered and Troy, the executive chef, was absolutely wonderful. For a hint of Italy, we served Aperol Spritz, Castelvetrano olives, and caprese skewers during cocktail hour. We served mini muffulettas and Southern inspired fried green tomatoes with shrimp remoulade, too. For dinner, we enjoyed Mandina’s famous fish almandine, followed by bread pudding and a Community Coffee bar,” Canden shares.

Post-cocktail hour, the couple changed into slick ensembles for the tented reception. Weaving their love of music into the day, Canden admits, “One perk of marrying a musician? Talented friends! Mark’s musically gifted group of friends came out of the woodwork to make sure every aspect of the sound and music that day was spectacular.” Zander Wyatt, an original Ocean Street band member currently touring with country artist Larry Fleet, made the trip to play. Jazz band, Wabi Sabi, led cocktail hour, featuring Mark’s long-time dueling piano partner, Damian Cartier, and Vinnie D’agostino, who plays sax in Mark’s Billy Joel Tribute show. Andy Kropf of Ocean Street and the Ty Reynolds Band led the party at the reception. The groom himself also got on stage during the reception for a few songs.

Recalling a few meaningful moments, Canden shares, “For our first dance, Andy performed an original song he and Mark wrote called, “Back to Me”. At one point we were pressed up against the stage like fans both singing along. Mark and the band also took time to learn the song my dad requested for our dance: “My Special Angel” by the Vogues. My fondest memories with him are listening to oldies, and it was surreal to have my new husband singing to us in that moment.” Clearly a musical family, Mark’s sister also sang as he and his mom shared their dance. “We chose our siblings as best man and matron of honor, and they each gave a meaningful, heartfelt speech. Everyone went out of their way to make sure we felt loved, and we really felt on top of the world.”

When asked what they most adore about each other, Canden shares, “Mark is my lighthouse. I trust him with every fiber of my being, and I’m inspired by his undying positivity. More than anything, he just shows up for me and my family, embraces their unique personalities, and loves them unconditionally.” Mark adds, “Part of my true love for Canden came from watching the way my family fell in love with her, and the way she embraced them. I’ve always been close to my parents and sister, and I love that they adore her, too.”

Keeping with their theme, the couple honeymooned in the South of France, Monaco, and Italy. “We started at the Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, outside of Nice, and proceeded to Èze, a hilltop city overlooking the Côte d’Azur. From there, we spent time in Monaco and Northern Italy. We had photos taken around Casino Monte Carlo in our wedding attire. Canden added, “We got to live out our European wedding fantasy and felt like we were channeling our inner James Bond and Grace Kelly”.

Today, Mark and Canden live outside of Atlanta. Mark is a full-time musician and Canden works with BMW of North America as a Senior Product Trainer. So, what does the future hold now?  “We’re living for each moment and are thrilled with our home, jobs, and life in general. We’re excited to tackle life as a married couple, revel in the joy of the last few months, and obsess over our wedding pictures a little longer before we decide on our next adventure!”

VENDORS: DAY OF COORDINATOR: Pat Dawson CAKE: Cakes by Vickie MUSIC: Zander Wyatt, Brian Stephens, Wabi Sabi, Ocean Street, and Ty Reynolds Band LIGHTING: C&A Events CATERER: Mandina’s Chef Troy Mendoza FLOWERS: Luxe Florals by Libby Fillingim MAKEUP AND HAIR: Marisa Robison of Identity Salon PHOTOGRAPHY: Candice Brown Photography VIDEOGRAPHY: Connor Perdue RENTALS: A Grand Affair and Miller’s Grand Events BRIDES GOWNS: Calla Blanche & Tadashi Shoiji BRIDESMAIDS: Jenny Yoo GROOM ATTIRE: Balani Custom Clothiers INVITATIONS: Betty Lu Paperie VINTAGE ROLLS ROYCE LIMOUSINE: A Bride’s Ride OFFICIANT: Reverend Malcolm Richard