Every once in a while, a classically elegant wedding comes along and sweeps me off my wedding loving feet. Like Prince Charming, it’s traditionally stunning with ball gowns and roses, a white cake and candles, and I just eat it right up. Artstar by Laura Stone captured said wedding and tied it up in a pretty blue and green bow. It’s perfect for a day like today.
From the beautiful bride… Our meeting was pure happenstance, as we had been working in the same office complex for several years before we ever met. A chance meeting in the cafeteria, and the rest is history! We soon learned that the stars had aligned in our favor. We discovered that we had many similarities. For example, our fathers had worked for the same company for many years, we each had a brother named John (Jim’s brother John was ironically married to a woman with the same name as me), and we both had a sibling with special needs. The coincidences continued to pile up until it became clear that we were truly meant to be.
Jim’s proposal was heartfelt and personal. On a Wednesday evening in August, he arranged to arrive at my apartment before I got home from work where he had flower petals everywhere, roses and champagne waiting, and most importantly a ring tied around my pug, Bella’s neck. When I walked in from work that night, Bella ran right to me and I knew as I saw the pink ribbon around her neck, with a shiny diamond ring attached, what was coming. Jim got down on one knee and of course I said yes!
So, let the planning begin! We knew we wanted a ceremony and reception that was classic, elegant, and traditional but also with some unique elements. We decided to get married in Atlanta because it had meaning to us. Jim grew up here and this is where we met and now call home. For the ceremony, I chose a variation of my favorite color scheme: blue, green and white. We worked with a local vendor on our invitations to incorporate our colors and taste. The bridesmaids wore blue dresses with green and white flowers and I had an off white dress with traditional flowers. I wore my grandmother’s garter as my something old. We had a small wedding party that consisted of our close friends and family. Our ring bearer and flower girl were the son and daughter of my bridesmaids. We had our cousin’s hand out the order of worship. We decided in lieu of traditional wedding favors to make donations to organizations in honor of our brothers with special needs.
We were wed in the church by which we both belong (Peachtree Presbyterian) and by our minister, whom we hope to have baptize our kids someday! It was a beautiful traditional service in a warm and familiar setting. This was the easy part of our planning!
Finding a reception venue proved much more difficult as there were so many choices in so many different styles. Jim and I wanted something with indoor-outdoor access, city skyline and water view (not to much to ask, right)?! We happened to stumble upon what we believe to be the best venue in the city – Greystone at Piedmont Park. A hidden gem within one of the cities most beautiful parks, set in a picturesque section bordering a small lake, a pool and the midtown skyline. We knew the second we saw it that this was the place for us.
Looking back on our wedding day, we think of many wonderful memories. One that we will cherish forever is walking down the aisle and seeing each other for the first time, since we chose not to do a first look. We had a gorgeous, classic Rolls Royce drive us through the city to our reception, bag pipes lead us in to be introduced as husband and wife, King of Pops (a local popsicle vendor) on the outside balcony overlooking the pool, and spending time with our family and friends as we danced the night away. Couldn’t have been a more perfect day!
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Photographer: Artstar by Laura Stone | Videographer: Ryan Rodinis | Floral Designer: Tulip Blooming Creations | Event Designer/Planner: Nicole Fantz of Peachtree Wedding and Events | Invitation Designer: Avie Designs | Calligraphy: MM Ink | Desserts: Classic Cheesecakes and Cakes and King of Pops | Wedding Gown Designer: Amsale | Bridesmaids’ Dress Designer: J.Crew | Hair Brooch: Scott Antique Market | Hair and Makeup: Formal Faces | Venue: Greystone at Piedmont Park