The Hill

Rehearsal Dinner

Allgood Lounge

Welcome to Athens!

The Day Chapel

Ceremony

Georgian Hall

Reception

Spring

Our Wedding

Our Story

We met in middle school and became best friends before we really knew what that meant. By seventh grade, we decided to start dating, and never found a reason to stop. We grew up together in Macon with Friday nights at FPD football games, weekends on soccer sidelines, school dances, proms, and eventually graduation.

College at the University of Georgia meant growing up side by side. Between football Saturdays, late-night studying, and time spent with some of our favorite people, we built a life that felt fun, steady, and full. Those years taught us how to support each other, laugh often, and not take things too seriously.

After nearly a decade of living just minutes apart, distance became part of our story. John started medical school and Sara Parker pursued veterinary medicine, and for the first time we learned how to love each other from different places. With phone calls, weekend visits, and a lot of encouragement, we learned that what we’d built was strong enough to grow through change.

On July 16, 2024, in the Colorado mountains, John asked Sara Parker to marry him. She obviously said yes, without hesitation.

Now, after more than a decade together, we’re so excited to celebrate what we’ve built and what’s ahead. Having our family and friends all in one place truly means everything to us, and we can’t wait to celebrate, dance, and start the next chapter with you.

Photos

Bridesmaids

Callie Kate Ware - Maid of Honor Lauren HatfieldKate WraySadie FrameRoya ShirzadJulia BaileyKelsey Finny

Groomsmen

Jack Lester - Best Man Riley LesterWill WareCole CoughlinThomas BowenEthan LawsonHill Hartman

Wedding Party

We invite our guests to dress in Black Tie Optional attire, with a celebratory nod to summer elegance. Tuxes and gowns are warmly encouraged, but summer formal wear is equally appropriate for the occasion.

Ladies, we would love to see colorful dresses that reflect the joy of the season — vibrant tones, soft pastels, and playful elegance are all welcome. Gentlemen are invited to dress to their comfort, whether classic or elevated. Above all, we hope you’ll wear something that feels festive, timeless, and ready for a beautiful evening of celebration with us.

Dress Code

Q + A

Reserved Room Blocks

To book your stay at Hotel Indigo, in Downtown Athens, call IHG Hotel Reservations directly at&nbsp;1-866-808-1483&nbsp;and reference the&nbsp;Lester + Ware Wedding Block (block code: LWW)&nbsp;or use this link:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ihg.com/redirect?path=asearch&amp;brandCode=IN&amp;localeCode=en&amp;regionCode=1&amp;hotelCode=AHNIN&amp;checkInDate=05&amp;checkInMonthYear=052026&amp;checkOutDate=07&amp;checkOutMonthYear=052026&amp;rateCode=6CBARC&amp;_PMID=99801505&amp;GPC=LWW&amp;cn=no&amp;adjustMonth=false&amp;showApp=true&amp;monthIndex=00" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Lester + Ware Wedding Block</a>. ﻿Be sure to book your hotel room by 05/06/2026 in order to receive your discount. For special accommodations or extended dates, reach out to the Hotel Indigo Sales Dept. directly by calling 706.546.0430 ext. 2

Hotel Indigo Athens Downtown - Univ Area by IHG

<a href="https://www.hyatt.com/shop/rooms/ahnza?checkinDate=2026-06-05&amp;checkoutDate=2026-06-07&amp;rooms=1&amp;adults=1&amp;kids=0&amp;corp_id=G-AH35&amp;hpesrId=ps__Xl_zHAVmn4oJUedYWwnGEcMrWyd34MfE" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Room Block Here </a> this rate will be available until May 8th, 2026

Hyatt Place Athens / Downtown

<a href="https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=1754662053556&amp;key=GRP&amp;app=resvlink" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Room Blocks Available </a> Last Day to Book for discounted rate : Wednesday, May 06, 2026

SpringHill Suites Athens Downtown/University Area

Other Places To Stay

Rivet House

Travel

A staple in Athens, Last Resort Grill is known for its Southern-inspired dishes and lively atmosphere. It’s a great spot for lunch or dinner, and if you go, do yourself a favor—save room for dessert! Cecelia’s cakes are famous around town, and lucky for everyone, they’ll be making an appearance at Sara Parker and John’s wedding, too.

Last Resort Grill

With a cozy atmosphere and a menu that keeps things simple but delicious, Five Bar is one of our go-to spots in Athens. SP + John always start with the Uptown Shrimp (a must-try!), and Sara Parker never skips the paneed chicken. Whether you’re in the mood for great food, craft cocktails, or just a laid-back dinner, this spot never disappoints!

FIVE Athens

If you’re looking for the best brunch in town, Mama’s Boy is the place to go. Sitting right between John and Sara Parker’s college homes, it was a Saturday morning staple for them. From fluffy biscuits to their famous Georgia Peach French Toast, everything on the menu is worth the wait!

Mama's Boy Restaurant

Just a short drive from downtown, the Athens Botanical Gardens is a beautiful spot to wander, relax, and take in nature. It’s one of Sara Parker and John Lester’s favorite places for a walk, which makes it even more special as the setting for their wedding ceremony. Whether you’re up for a peaceful stroll or just want to soak in the scenery, it’s well worth a visit while you’re in town!

The State Botanical Garden of Georgia

For those who love a good round of golf, the UGA Golf Course is a must. With rolling fairways, scenic views, and a challenge for every skill level, it’s a favorite for locals and visitors alike. Whether you're looking to play 18 holes or just hit the driving range, it’s a great way to spend some time outdoors while in Athens!

University Golf Course

Things to Do

Registry

Amazon

<a href="https://www.amazon.com/wedding/registry/1Z2B3SS7H9QC4" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.amazon.com/wedding/registry/1Z2B3SS7H9QC4</a>

Williams Sonoma

<a href="https://www.williams-sonoma.com/registry/qjrt8v6rlp/registry-list.html?fromRegistrySignIn=true" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.williams-sonoma.com/registry/qjrt8v6rlp/registry-list.html?fromRegistrySignIn=true</a>

Pottery Barn

<a href="https://www.potterybarn.com/registry/qjrt8v6rlp/registry-list.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.potterybarn.com/registry/qjrt8v6rlp/registry-list.html</a>

Previews Interiors 

<a href="https://previewsinteriors.com/wishlist/sara-parker-ware-and-john-lester/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://previewsinteriors.com/wishlist/sara-parker-ware-and-john-lester/</a>located in Macon, GA

Crate&Barrel 

<a href="https://www.crateandbarrel.com/gift-registry/sara-ware/r7346862" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.crateandbarrel.com/gift-registry/sara-ware/r7346862</a>

CRETER'S

<a href="https://cretersgifts.com/apps/giftregistry/registry/410681?_r=1&amp;utm_source=gift_reggie&amp;utm_medium=gift_reggie&amp;utm_campaign=gift_reggie&amp;utm_content=410681" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://cretersgifts.com/apps/giftregistry/registry/410681?_r=1&amp;utm_source=gift_reggie&amp;utm_medium=gift_reggie&amp;utm_campaign=gift_reggie&amp;utm_content=410681</a> Located in Macon, GA

Sara Parker & John