I don’t know about you, but whenever I see a wedding with this much southern charm, I wish I was a belle myself. Luckily, we can all live vicariously through the lens of Carla Gates Photography who caught every.single.detail from this rustic Atlanta celebration! The custom lemonade stand, chalkboard signage and bow-tie clad gents captured my heart…and you’ll be smitten too when you peek through the full gallery!
From Carla Gates Photography… It was such an honor to not only get to capture, but to be a part of Laurie and Caleb’s magical wedding day! They have such a gentle sweetness between them and such a warm surrounding of family and friends whose love absolutely permeated the air all around. Laurie, as well as the many wonderful vendors involved, worked so hard to dream up and produce all of the beautiful details that came so wonderfully together to create the perfect Southern Soiree they had been dreaming of! It was an evening to remember and I can’t say enough how grateful I was to get to work alongside such talented, wonderful people!
From the Bride… It all started with a walk on the beach among some of our closest friends. We had just met, and as we walked, Caleb told me his life story; the conversation was so real. Being the quieter one who loves to listen, I only got a few words in but enjoyed our time so much. Over time, we became good friends and continued to grow that friendship until a year later on a fateful night after a kickball party when Caleb asked me on a date. I said, “Yes,” and it wasn’t long before we realized that what we had was extraordinary! Ten months later he proposed, and I couldn’t have been more elated to marry the man of my dreams! Having both grown up in Georgia, there was no question that it would be a southern affair. We began by taking inspiration for the feel of the day from one of my all time favorite cities, Charleston, South Carolina. Fried chicken, mac-n-cheese, collard greens and biscuits were a must and absolutely had to be accompanied by none other than some good ol’ southern sweet tea. Additionally, we wanted to have a church that reflected Christ, a choir that echoed His presence, and a band to play fantastic music as we danced the night away! We felt so fortunate to have found Mao Tao of Four Inch Fold, who has become a dear friend in helping to bring our vision to life! Farm tables, old books and lanterns dangling from the trees combined with the dreamy, old-world feel of Rhodes Hall was truly incredible. I have to admit though, my absolutely most favorite moment of the day was having a gospel choir lead us and the bridal party from the church to Rhodes Hall singing “Oh Happy Day!” The guests were enjoying their pimento sandwiches and sweet tea on the lawn at Rhodes Hall as the choir, with us close behind, rounded the corner of Peachtree Street, carrying such beautiful melodies as we made our entrance as husband and wife! I will forever cherish March 31, 2012, as such a sweet celebration of the amazing union God has given us!
Wedding Photography: Carla Gates Photography / Ceremony: Peachtree Christian Church in Atlanta, Georgia / Reception: Rhodes Hall in Atlanta, Georgia / Reception Venue Contact: Chrystal Butts / Event Planning + Coordination: Kathleen Dennison / Floral Design: Jennifer Euart of Elizabeth Lucille Floral and Event Design / Wedding Cinematography: Rodinis Films / Catering: Zest Atlanta / Wedding Cake: Gabriel’s Desserts / Wedding Invitations + Paper Goods: Diane Rember of Calligraphy Expressions / Vintage Rentals: Four Inch Fold / Band: Yacht Rock Revue / Wedding Dress: Rivini via Bridals by Lori / Bride’s Shoes: Jimmy Choo / Bride’s Hair: Kristo Willson of Melrose & McQueen Salon / Bride’s Makeup: Diego Christian / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Bella Bridesmaid / Grooms’ Suit: Bridals by Lori