When I first laid eyes on this beauty from Belle Of The Ball Events and Our Labor Of Love By Heidi, I couldn’t help but be mesmerized by it’s sparkly, shining elegance. The Georgian Terrace, the iconic hotel with it’s delicate marble detailing, grand staircases and fancy chandeliers paved the way for every inch of sophistication and Gertie Mae’s Floral Studio added just the right amount of romance with their lush florals. Head to the gallery to be enchanted.
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From the beautiful Bride…There are some moments in time that will forever stay with you. Just a blip on the radar when you think about a lifetime, but no matter how much time passes it always stays clear and vivid in your memory. Mainly because you know that from that moment on you will never be the same. First laying eyes on Rob in that quaint Baltimore bar, Memorial Day weekend 2011, is one of those moments. He was confident, sensitive yet strong…incredibly handsome. He took me off guard with his charm and impressed me with his chivalry—the man of my dreams. Two days after we met that day in May, we went on our first date and 6 months later we were engaged to be married. Not long after, prompted by a job opportunity for Rob, we packed ourselves up, kissed our hometown of Baltimore goodbye and moved to Atlanta. While we missed (and still miss) the Chesapeake Bay, crab cakes and our families dearly, we were happy to embrace the warmness of both the people and the weather in the south. Although, I must admit, when it came time for us to plan our special day, we didn’t quite know where to begin. Having just moved to this southern city, we knew little about where we wanted to tie the knot. I knew only that I wanted Veronica Lake inspired waves and Rob, well, he just knew he wanted me as his wife. So, as I assume most newly engaged couples do, we began exploring venues. And while a few outdoor locations did steal my attention, the Georgian Terrace stole my heart. Everything about the chandeliers, marble floors, delicately spiraled staircases and intricate architecture of the iconic hotel held an elegance that allowed us to envision our love story unfolding between its walls. We wanted a palette and florals that complimented the innate beauty of the ballroom, so we kept it romantic, yet classic with ivory and blush tones. Hints of gold arrived in the reception decor as it seemed only right to include them in such a grand space. As a designer for a living, I delightfully took the invitation look and feel upon myself. The beauty and art of letterpress has always held a special place in my heart, so we enlisted the help of Farmwood Press to have my designs crafted that way. Before stuffing and sending them off, Rob and I wrapped each invitation suite in a tulle bow and then Myrtle and Lloyd, a local calligrapher, added to the loveliness by hand addressing each one. After we had selected the reception venue, we needed to nail down the ceremony location. This was easy for us as Rob and I had always talked of wanting a sacred occasion of love and commitment. Therefore, exchanging vows at the breathtaking Cathedral of Christ the King was the perfect choice. One of my fondest memories today is walking down that magnificent aisle towards my groom as Pachelbel’s ever-lovely “Canon in D” was played on the harp. It was magical! After our nuptials, Rob and I were whisked to the reception in a 1947 Rolls Royce Silver Wrath while buses transported our guests to cocktail hour. There they noshed on hors d’oeuvres and sipped champagne while a pianist filled the air with classic love songs. After a seated dinner and toasts, guests spilled onto the floor and danced to an array of tunes by Chris Watson of Lethal Rhythms. To cap off the evening we had milk and cookies passed at midnight and gave out sunglasses in an array of colors shortly there after. Rob and I danced joyfully together well into the morning hours, surrounded by a 100 of our nearest and dearest — me with my Veronica Lake curls (and my dear husband!) and Rob with his wife.
Photography: Our Labor of Love by Heidi | Videography: Wages Films | Coordination: Eva Clark Events | Floral Design: Gertie Mae’s Floral Studio | Wedding Dress: JLM Couture, Inc | Cake: Frosted Pumpkin Gourmet, Inc. | Invitations: Farmwood Press | Ceremony Venue: Cathedral Of Christ The King | Reception Venue: Georgian Terrace | Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Rings: D.Gellar And Son | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Bari Jay | Catering: Georgian Terrace | Hair & Makeup: Brushworx Hair & Makeup | Calligraphy: Myrtle and Lloyd | DJ: Lethal Rhythms | Favors: Macaroons | Groom's Attire: Jos. A. Bank | Groom's Attire: Jos. A. Bank | Transportation: Atlantic Limo | Ceremony Harpist: Julie Albertson | Cocktail Hour Pianist: Bob Cardone | Linens: Georgian Terrace | Veil: JLM Couture, Inc