Gracie Blue, I simply love you. Because this wedding at The Georgian Terrace? It’s everything I adore about a southern fête sitting pretty in one, gorgeous post – delivered to us all through the stunning images captured by her lens. With a fairytale feel steeped deep in tradition, this gorgeous Bride and her dapper Groom said I do in serious southern style, and you can see every last moment right here in the full gallery of images.
From the Bride… Justin and I met a couple years ago at a Karaoke bar, called Fused, in downtown Roswell. I did not want to go out that night, but one of my best friends talked me into going… and I’m VERY glad she did. It all started with my friend going up to sing, she was nervous, so I told her I would make sure people cheered for her. I turned to a group of guys standing near by and asked them to cheer for my friend while she sang. Justin was one of the guys in that group…and the rest is history. He asked for my number and we’ve spent almost every moment together since!
Our Wedding Inspiration… Old Atlanta, to me, is the epitome of southern style and grace. Growing up here, instills in you a since of pride in who you are and where you came from. People from Atlanta, and other places around the south value God, family, and tradition. I grew up here, the home of Gone with the Wind, fantasizing about elegant parties, ball gowns, and meeting my very own Rhett Butler since I was a very small child. I’ll never forget the day my mother took me to see Gone With The Wind, at The Fox Theater downtown, it was an event. I can remember coming out of the theater and looking at the hotel directly across the street. It was beautiful. My mother informed me then that Scarlett O’Hara (Vivien Leigh) stayed at the hotel, The Georgian Terrace, after the premier of the movie. Well, that was enough for me, I told my mother right then that I wanted to get married and have my reception at that hotel. I dreamed of my elegant, southern wedding for years and years until my dream finally came true, and it was everything I could have imagined.
We chose our church, Saint Mark United Methodist, mostly because of its vicinity to The Georgian Terrace, but also because it is an old and gorgeous church. It is made of stone, has beautiful red doors, one of the best organs in Atlanta and the most magnificent stained glass windows. I was also lucky enough to have my pastor, Don Martin from Alpharetta First United Methodist, perform the ceremony. This made the event very special.
I wanted my dress to match my old Atlanta theme, therefore I wanted it to be classic, with a little bit of glam. I thought I wanted lace, but the lace gowns I found just weren’t enough. I liked a lot of different dresses, but didn’t love any of them. I was being very indecisive, which is not like me. I was wanting my mom and sisters opinion on everything… until I found THE dress. I came out of the fitting room and told them, “This is it!” It was slightly fitted, full lace, and covered in pearls! Perfect!
When I dreamt of my wedding I mostly pictured myself in my dress, my amazing husband and me at the alter, and the party with friends and family that would come after. I didn’t let myself stress over the little things for our wedding. I knew I would be happy as long as I had those three things: dress, husband, and a great party!
For our color palette, I wanted simple elegance, so the only colors we had were from the black tuxes, black bridesmaids dresses, and white flowers with greenery. It was so perfect. I was very happy with how it turned out.
We introduced a little whimsy with old fashioned bottles of Coca Cola, and bags of Georgia peanuts for our favors. Both are Georgia classics, and when you put the two together, it’s fantastic!
It is almost impossible for me to pick just one or even two of the most memorable moments from my day. I have quite a few. The first would be the morning of the wedding. I was in my hotel suite with only my immediate family, and I knew I would have very few times from here on out when it would be just the four of us in a room together. I gave each of them a card telling them how much they mean to me and how grateful I was to have them in my life. There were many happy tears that morning.
Then, I would have to say the second most memorable were the butterflies of excitement that I felt when Justin and I held hands without seeing each other before the wedding.
My 1st…and SECOND walk down the aisle. Long story short, they forgot to send the groom down the aisle so, I got to make two entrances. We had a great crowd, it was not what I had pictured, but perfect nonetheless.
Finally, our party afterwards! I can honestly say I have never seen that many people on the dance floor for an entire reception, EVER! It was a blast!!!
My advice for Future Brides… Savor every moment, it is a magical day, and is over far too quickly. No matter what goes wrong on your big day, as you wake up to the man you love as a married woman the next day, it went perfectly! If you are lucky enough to have photos like mine, you will be able to look at them over and over again to relive the big day.
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Wedding Photography: Gracie Blue Photography | Wedding Venue: The Georgian Terrace | Band: Flavor | Floral Design: Bloomin’Bouquets | Hair + Makeup: Formal Faces