Georgia Weddings

Romantic Old Decatur Courthouse Wedding

From B. Moore Events… Sam and Yovanni named their wedding “The Egyptorican Event of the Year.” She is Puerto Rican and he’s Egyptian. The two together made their 300 guest, fusion wedding an all-night party. The rustic fall wedding took place at the Loew’s Hotel. The ceremony was outside on their city view veranda with the reception following in their elegant ballroom. Although the Loews is a very modern hotel, Savage Garden turned the space into a rustic oasis. The beautiful fall colors were perfect for the season. The couple and their guests ate, drank and danced the night away as they celebrated in style.

The very second Amy Arrington shared her captures of this gray and lilac lovefest, we knew it was destined for the pages of SMP. Coordinated by Eva Clark of Belle of The Ball Events, it’s the ultimate fusion of timeless romance and crisp, clean design with florals by Amy Osaba Events that’ll leave your jaw dropped. Start your Tuesday off right with a gallery worth of pin-ready perfection.

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Traditionally Elegant Botanical Garden Wedding

From The Bride… We wanted our wedding day to be romantic and classic, something that would be feel timeless when we looked back and thought of everything it represented. It was hard trying to imagine all of the smaller details put together for one big event, but I knew I wanted to keep the details to kind of an understated elegance look where nothing was too much. This lead to the beautiful, but subtle colors of lilac and gray, and when it was all said and done, it was beyond perfect.

We brought a lot of our own stuff in to the venue, and I cannot thank my family enough for helping to make and put together so many of the details that made everything unique. My dad handmade all of the table numbers and our chalkboard, we had a family friend make our wedding cake, my mom helped make my photobooth, but it was all of that and more that made our day even more special. The venue also has these large bay windows in it that brings in the most magnificent light, so we didn’t have to do a lot of decorating, but the flowers from Amy Osaba paired with the candles and lighting of the room just made it all look so enchanting. It was the perfect amount of romance and party for our wedding.

Everyone had such a good time, and I can’t imagine our day being captured by any other photographer! Cory and I were just so overwhelmed by the love and support from everyone on our wedding day, and it really was everything we could have imagined.

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Donna Morgan

Bridesmaids

Bridal

Mother of the Bride

Donna Morgan Collection - Core Chiffon

Donna Morgan Collection - Core Lace

Donna Morgan Collection - Serenity

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I agree with Harwell Photography, nothing speaks romance quite like a rose garden on a warm June day. Botanical-inspired, these Southern sweethearts wed amongst the flowers and kept every detail sweet. From the adorned antique door to the butterflies released in honor of the Bride’s mother, every detail Simply Charming Socials planned was sentimental. See the entire day right here!

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Garden Weddings

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From Harwell Photography… Nothing speaks romance like a couple saying their vows in a rose garden on a warm June day. Natalie and Jake’s botanical-inspired Southern wedding was full of sweet details, lush blooms, and touching moments.

Wedding day begin as the girls sipped champagne in floral robes before dressing the bride Natalie in a stunning Leanne Marshall gown. The designer hand sketched a depiction of Natalie in her dress, such a sentimental keepsake for the bride.

The couple wed at The Atlanta Botanical Gardens in front of a antique door, original to their home, adorned with a lush wreath of greenery and garden roses. The wedding party, donned in blush and grey, surrounded Natalie and Jake as they said their I Dos. During the ceremony, they sweetly released monarch butterflies in honor of Natalie’s mother who passed away a few years ago. There were laughs and tears from all.

After ceremony, guests enjoyed signature cocktails among the manicured hedges of the English garden. They signed a vintage botanical book with best wishes.

The reception was styled with textured linens, pastel florals in vintage glass vessels, and handwritten signage. Each place setting was dressed the couple’s monogram tied to a sprig of rosemary with hand-dyed ribbon. Dinner stations served lite summer cuisine before guests enjoyed wedding cake and a Florida State themed groom’s cake.

Guests danced the night away before the bride and groom departed under a sea of bubbles and took off into the night in a vintage white Rolls Royce.

Kathryn McCrary knows a lot of talented ladies; from the painters to the crafters of beautiful hand lettering (ahem Ashley Buzzy we’re talking about you). It might be an Atlanta thing or a creative people flock together thing. But, whatever the case, we love to catch a glimpse of these talents at work. Have a look at Ashley’s Lettering Workshop and stay tuned for a tutorial + awesome giveaway up next.

From Ashley… I started teaching workshops in the summer of 2014. It really came to me by request: a lot of my current clients were interested in what I did and curious to see if they could do it too. I knew I wasn’t the best calligrapher in the world, so I made sure that it was a class for beginners: basics that I knew I could teach. I held my first class at my studio with a few flower arrangements I made myself and a high priority on making sure everyone had a mimosa. My thought process was that calligraphy is harder and more frustrating than anyone expects, and I wanted the students to have fun, take in some beauty and enjoy themselves while they worked.

What I didn’t know is what teaching would spark inside of me. I realized that teaching calligraphy made everything in my own heart and mind click into place. I learned how to explain what I did, which made me realize different ways that I could be doing it better. It made me eager to seek more information so that I could give those students as much knowledge as possible. It cut through the fog of competition and comparison that so many artists struggle with. I wasn’t working against these people, I was coming alongside them. Their victories had something to do with me. I helped! I’ll never forget the first time that feeling washed over me – from that point onward I realized: I am a teacher.

Coming from a weddings and events background, I am also a hostess. I thought if I subjected my students to six hours of calligraphy drills, I wanted to treat them with surprises in their supply kits, amazing food at lunch, fresh cinnamon-covered doughnuts, the good coffee, and yes – more champagne. From that, traditions were born! My assistant and I have now hosted ten workshops to date, and we always eat, pop some bubbly, and get to know the people who learn with us. This experience has introduced me to some of the most beautifully creative people, it’s motivated me to travel to meet them and it’s improved and inspired my work like nothing else has. It motivated us to move into a beautiful new space in Atlanta where we could have people over for pour-over coffee and some good old shop-talk. I sincerely can’t wait to meet the people who take our classes this year – the adventure awaits!

Behind the Scenes with Britt Bass Turner

A life filled with color, creativity and a super cute dog is a life well spent in my humble opinion and I think Britt Bass Turner would agree. Through the images of Kathryn McCrary, we’re catching a glimpse of STUDIO STUDIO. It’s the cozy spot where Britt creates those wildly beautiful paintings of hers, holds fun Studio Sessions (click here for a glimpse) and carves out a little time to chat about life, work and wearing bras. Click here for more!

SMP: Some words you live by?
“Comparison is the thief of joy.” Theodore Roosevelt

SMP: Any guilty pleasures?
HBO’s Girls

SMP: What is your favorite item in your home?
This changes with each new acquisition, naturally, but right now it’s a giant 4×4′ weaving made by my childhood best friend and talented artist Liv Grant of Liv + Work

SMP: What’s your best tip for balancing work and personal life?
Work is a part of life, but not life. Work is a part of my identity but not my identity. These two truths drive my decision making, help me to create boundaries, and allow me to remove the emotion and separate work and personal life, this is crucial and so important to me!

SMP: What is the hardest lesson in business you’ve ever learned?
Learning how to say NO, I’m still practicing!!

SMP: What color do you think will stand the test of trend time?
All the colors! I have no trend time! Every color is the best!

SMP: If you could buy yourself a single gift of any cost, what would it be?
Unlimited massages! Yes please.

SMP: Three things every home should have?
A dog, a growing art collection, fresh flowers

SMP: Your secret to success?
No fear!

SMP: Best moment of your career so far:
Opening party of STUDIO STUDIO.

SMP: What would you do differently if you knew nobody would judge you?
Never wear a bra, and always where a robe while sipping champagne.

SMP: Your favorite instagrammers?
@moeblake, @carolinebrewer

SMP: What’s one thing you really want to do, but have never done?
Get a tattoo! Don’t tell my in-laws!

SMP: The best advice you’ve ever received?
Only you can be you, so do you.

SMP: Where do you see yourself in five years?
Painting in a white studio with lots of natural light, maybe a few more puppies, in a robe with a glass of champagne….

Photography: Kathryn Mccrary | Artist / Owner: Britt Bass Turner | Studio: Britt Bass Turner

Chic and Modern Atlanta Wedding

This modern Atlanta affair takes the black and white combo to new levels of chic. Kate And Campbell wrapped up every pretty detail of this black tie fete with creamy Unique Floral Expressions blooms and one stunning Gabriel’s Desserts cake, while Scobey Photography was behind the scenes snapping up every detail here.

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Winter Weddings

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Romantic Lakeside Anniversary Session

From Scobey Photography… Julie and Anthony’s stunning Atlanta Wedding was full of meaning, joy and bold details. There is something magical about Winter Weddings, and this one was especially magical. Kate and Campbell did a beautiful job incorporating modern black and white stripes with timeless florals and a stunning, iconic Atlanta location. All of these elements made for one amazing celebration!

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Modern Trousseau

Spring & Fall Classics

Spring 2015

Fall 2015

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It isn’t the flowers (or even the chocolate) that make today day special, it’s the love. The type of love that is – without a doubt – worth celebrating. The type of love that radiates warmth and fills your heart with happiness. And it’s that type of love that brought this duo lakeside, bringing along blankets, a darling pup, and Gracie Blue Photography to capture every heartwarming image here!

From Gracie Blue Photography… This winter I had the pleasure of taking portraits of Carole and Chris for their one year anniversary. We met by a lake on a cold Sunday morning and these two wonderful people preceded to take my breath away.

On Valentine’s Day, I couldn’t help but think of Carole and Chris; the way they kept each other warm and were considerate of one another. They loved being together, holding each other, and just taking the time to appreciate what life looks like for them right now. This is what I want to celebrate about love.

Love is a team effort. She doesn’t fall because he’s there to guide her through the rocks. He’s confident because she fills him with acceptance and reassurance. At the end of the day, flowers and chocolates don’t hold a candle to the rush you feel when that special someone holds you close and confesses that your love is a gift 365 days a year.

Photography: Gracie Blue Photography

Romantic Summer Wedding at The Georgian Terrace

After staring at grey skies for what seems like eternity here in the northeast, this wedding is a breath of fresh air. Bright and cheerful, with some of the prettiest pink florals by Bloomin Bouquets that I’ve ever seen, this summer celebration is giving me the hope I need on these dreary days. Our Labor Of Love worked their magic once again and their photos won’t be leaving my desktop anytime soon.

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Organic Black Tie Bridal Inspiration

From The Bride… Bryan and I met while working on Capitol Hill in DC in 2010 and were engaged on the rooftop of the Kennedy Center before seeing The Book of Mormon (I remember nothing). As southerners, we could not resist an opportunity to host our guests in either my beautiful hometown of Live Oak, Florida or my college town of Dahlonega, Georgia. When neither or these options worked out due to lack of accommodations for our guests, we panicked and immediately hired a wedding planner to help us with the process. Melissa helped us narrow down nearly every venue in the state of Georgia before we settled on the Georgian Terrace and we couldn’t have been happier. I was finishing graduate school and Bryan was in the throes of law school during our planning process, so Melissa became like a member of our family that we frequently spoke to over the phone. And thank goodness because everything was beyond what we had dreamed.

Early on in the planning process, we agreed that one of the most important parts of our wedding would be including our large families. Bryan included his brothers, my brother, and his best friends as groomsmen, and my sister, sister-in-law, and friends were in my bridal party. My Dad and Step-Dad walked me down the aisle, and my cousin, Trey, who is two months younger than I, read a Bible verse during the ceremony. We also insisted that all of our younger cousins be in attendance, and they were all the life of the party.

At the recommendation of the Georgian Terrace, we skipped the cocktail hour for a private dinner together, and it was one of the best decisions we made. We had private time to celebrate, and we went in to the reception ready to mingle with each table instead of sitting for dinner.

I would say that our introductions to double dutch and Jump Around really set the tone for the night, but the speeches at the reception really made the night. My Dad gave a beautiful prayer and my brother followed with the most moving and heartfelt welcome I’ve ever heard. My sister read a quote from my grandmother who couldn’t attend, and Bryan’s brothers and co-best men delivered a tag-team toast that had us rolling on the ground.

When we look back on the reception, we of course remember those special times, but also how beautiful everything was. Melissa, our wedding planner, spent endless hours hand-making our beautiful table numbers, letters for the cake table, and the cigar table signs. One of the most beautiful elements of the reception was the handmade magnolia garland down the center of the estate table as the focal point of the room. Sarah, our florist, alternated centerpiece designs for the other tables, using mirrors to reflect the light of the gold and silver votives. Our guests loved having cigars out on the terrace, and the reception hall never felt overcrowded to us.

Our photos from the wedding are a great representation of how the day played out – our getting ready processes in our suites were fun and laughter-filled, the ceremony and reception were really emotional and lighthearted, and we had the time of our lives. Amber and Lucas were great to work with and faded into the background of the reception to capture real moments instead of hours of posing. Some of my favorite images are of us getting ready for the day. Amber did a really great job of capturing happy moments behind the scenes.

Looking back on the day, it was one of the most beautiful days of our lives, made even better by our vendors and friends and family who went above and beyond to make it special.

Dreamy doesn’t even begin to describe these images from Austin Gros. Inspired by timeless affairs, Jessica Sloane styled a fairytale vision filled with elegant Chaviano Couture gowns and organic blooms by Amy Osaba. It’s style perfection and seamless storytelling all the way. See it all here!

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Sophisticated Atlanta Wedding at the Georgian Terrace Hotel

From Austin Gros…“Happiness is spiritual, born of Truth and Love. It is unselfish; therefore it cannot exist alone, but requires all mankind to share it.” Mary Baker Eddy

A classic bride knows her wedding dress will represent her past, her present and her future. Her dress fuels her imagination when she envisions an elegant, timeless and intimate affair.

She values her heritage and tradition. Carrying her grandmother’s silver to share with her cherished friends and family who joined her on the special day. The patinated silver and pale mint blue balance the old with the new. The flowers cascade over the table, just as the fabric of her dress moves in the breeze. She shares her innocence and joy during this sacred time.

Where do I even begin with this sweet Georgia fête? Perhaps we should start with the Bride’s gorgeous Monique Lhuillier gown or the stunning florals from Design House or beautiful ballroom at Georgian Terrace Hotel. Wherever you start, the images from Paige Jones will have you happy beyond belief, and it’s all waiting for you here.

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Bright and Elegant Atlanta Wedding

From The Bride…May 17, 2014 was the best day of my life. I, the Georgia peach, was marrying the man of my dreams, the NY apple. I felt no venue was more fitting than the historic Georgian Terrace Hotel. I wanted my big day to be Southern and sophisticated and simply dripping in romance. The ceremony and reception were covered in several shades of white and gold with candles and flowers scattered throughout. It was beyond my wildest dreams. But while my vision of a wedding full of romance came to fruition, there was no lack of celebration! Dancing the night away with my new husband, family, and close friends in my perfect wedding gown will forever be in my memory.

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Monique Lhuillier

Monique Lhuillier Bridal Fall 2015

Monique Lhuillier Bridesmaids Fall 2015

Spring 2016

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I’ve got a soft spot for long time loves and this darling duo is no exception. After almost nine years of courtship they wed in a French-themed affair infused with a dash of Dominican flair and Southern cuisine. Every detail was saturated with purpose, including the colorfully crafted florals by Rittenhouse Design & Events and Love Like Weddings was there to capture every vibrant moment.

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From the Bride… We’ve been together for 8.5 years. Those years together as boyfriend and girlfriend may seem long to some but for me they went by so quickly. It’s like they say, time flies when you’re having fun. We’ve lived in many tiny apartments, traveled together and shared so many momentous occasions in between. He’s made me smile and laugh through it all (even if it causes a few smile lines and crows feet, it’s been worth it).

Jeremy and I met in NYC while attending college and the connection was instant. He was so vulnerable and unashamed to express his feelings. It was refreshing to meet someone so honest. It made it so easy to reciprocate that honesty. He’s my confidant and knows more about me than anyone in the world. Jeremy puts so much love and care into our relationship. So when he proposed to me it became my goal to create a celebration that was a physical manifestation of my love for him.

I decided to take the reins and plan my entire wedding. I wanted in on every bit of the wedding, from my mothers makeup to the flower girl’s shoes. Thank god for Pinterest! Since I wanted in on every single detail it was very difficult accepting help. But towards the finish line accepting help became necessary. For instance, I gave Jeremy the responsibility of picking up the rentals and put his mom and uncle in charge of the welcoming favors for out of town guests. I was so relieved and appreciative for any little bit of help.

We went with a French theme but made it so that we’d incorporate both our backgrounds. Jeremy is from the south, so we had red velvet cupcakes and half the buffet was Southern comfort food. I’m Dominican, so we also had Dulce de Leche cupcakes and the other half of the buffet was Dominican Cuisines. Basically, our wedding was a Foodie’s paradise.

The most memorable moment for me was walking down the aisle with my father and looking at all the smiling faces of our guests. It was surreal and overwhelming all at once. Overall, our wedding was a labor of love. But I couldn’t of made it a reality without the love and support of both our families and friends.

These Featured Designers are members of our Look Book.
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Wedding Dresses

Allure

Allure Bridals Fall 2014

Allure Couture Fall 2014

Allure Romance Fall 2014

Allure Bridals Spring 2015

Allure Romance Spring 2015

Allure Couture Spring 2015

Allure Bridals Fall 2015

Allure Couture Fall 2015

Allure Romance Fall 2015

Allure Bridals Spring 2016

Allure Couture Spring 2016

Allure Romance Spring 2016

Allure Bridals Fall 2016

Allure Couture Fall 2016

Allure Romance Fall 2016

Allure Romance Spring 2017

Allure Couture Spring 2017

Allure Bridals Spring 2017

Allure Couture Fall 2017

Allure Fall 2017

Allure Romance Fall 2017

Wilderly Collection

Allure Bridals Spring 2018

Allure Romance Spring 2018

Wilderly Collection

Allure Couture Spring 2018

Wilderly Collection 2019

Allure Couture Spring 2019

Allure Bridals Spring 2019

Allure Romance Spring 2019

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Adorable Atlanta Botanical Gardens Engagement Session

When this sweet, sweet duo landed their cute little selves onto my screen, they stole a little piece of my heart and tucked it away in this tiny, but love-filled gallery from Gracie Blue Photography. And let me tell you, it’s filled to the brim. Filled with ear-to-ear grins, gentle forehead kisses, hand holding amongst the tulips and one furry little white friend that just so happened to steal my heart, too.

From Gracie Blue Photography…Melissa and Michael are such a fantastic couple. Any description I give wont do them justice, so here are a few of my favorite things they had to say about each other.

From The Groom…I love the way she looks out for everyone but herself. How she is more concerned about the welfare of others than her own. It fits well because she is the only thing I really care about, so it allows me to take care of her while she takes care of the rest of the world. That’s why we fit together so well.

From The Bride… I love how he’s not afraid of anything, and he truly believes that–no matter what happens in life–things will always work out in the end. I am definitely the worrier of the two of us, and he can always comfort me and convince me that everything will be okay. Watching how he lives life so fully and without fear encourages me to be strong and brave.

We can play normal in front of other people (for the most part), but when it’s just the two of us, all bets are off. We always seem to be making jokes and running around the house playing with each other. We’ve given up on saying any version of the word “hello” to each other after being apart for any length of time, instead opting to scream, “LOVE!” upon being reunited.

Photography: Gracie Blue Photography | Garden: Atlanta Botanical Gardens | Park: Piedmont Park

Elegant Affair at The Georgian Terrace

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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Fall Weddings

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Behind The Blog: Waiting On Martha

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.

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Jim Hjelm

Fall 2015

Spring 2016 Collection

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Bari Jay

Spring 2015

Fall 2015

Bari Jay Sequins

Spring 2016

Fall 2016

Flower Girls Spring 2017

Spring 2017

Junior Bridesmaids Spring 2017

Fall 2017

Spring 2018

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You know when you meet someone and you just know you’re going to be lifelong friends? Well that’s kind of how I feel about Mandy of Waiting on Martha. She’s no stranger to SMP (in fact, she’s part of our contributor network!) but we’ve yet to take the chance to delve a little deeper. With photos from Rustic White, we’re going behind the blog!

SMP: Tell us a little about Waiting on Martha!
MKR: Waiting On Martha is a lifestyle blog with the philosophy of making every day beautiful. From food and cocktail recipes, decorating tips, fashion and beauty tutorials and most importantly, entertaining ideas, I believe that everything, no matter the apparent importance, presents a reason to celebrate and raise a glass.

SMP: What’s one change you made that really made your blog thrive?
MKR: Original imagery really made my blog thrive. With millions of blogs penned daily, I knew I would have to make a splash and I’ve tried to do that by telling stories through gorgeous imagery. Whether it’s a simple cocktail party or a lavish dinner party, I want my readers to be able to visualize my ideas so that they can truly put them to use.

SMP: What piece of advice would you give to a blogger just starting out?
MKR: Don’t compare your beginning to someone else’s end. Some bloggers have been around for a decade and they didn’t have millions of followers from the start. It takes time to cultivate an identity and loyal readership. Also, be consistent. Blogging is a job, so if you promise your readers 5 blogs a week, then you better blog 5 days a week.

SMP: If you had the opportunity to get a message across to a large group of people, what would your message be?
MKR: Kindness. The world would be a much better place if we could all be kinder–kinder to each other and kinder to ourselves.

SMP: If you could do it all over again, would you change anything?
MKR: No. I truly believe that where I am in this exact moment is where I’m supposed to be. Life is too short for “should’ve, could’ve, would’ve.”

SMP: Your most favorite item in your home?
MKR: My Gray Malin, A la’ Montagne, Top of Aspen Mountain photograph. It’s huge (36 x 54) and framed in a gorgeous white lacquer. It was the first piece of art I invested in and it represents the Mr. and my love of skiing, so it’s very personal.

SMP: Three things every style savvy homeowner should have?
MKR: Every style savvy homeowner should have a well-styled and stocked bar cart so he/she can be ready to throw a party with a 20-minute notice. They should also have a personal collection of something. Whether it’s of coffee table books, ginger jars, or Staffordshire dogs, a collection is a personal touch that will stay with you from house to house. Finally, high quality bedding is essential. You spend half of your life sleeping so you might as well be comfortable!

SMP: What’s your best tip for balancing work and personal life?
MKR: Work hard play hard. I may work more than I play, but when I’m spending time with friends, family, the Mr., or even enjoying some quiet time to myself, my phone is off and I’m 100% in the now.

SMP: The best job you ever had?
MKR: This job! It’s a job I never expected to have and I now I can’t imagine doing anything else. I really am living my dream.

SMP: What advice would you give to your younger self?
MKR: Live in the moment. Learn a second language. Don’t pine for adulthood because you’ll be an adult much longer than you’ll be young. Take school a bit more seriously and always wash your makeup off before bed.

SMP: What’s your secret to success?
MKR: Hustle, humility, and understanding. Hustle. If you want a thriving blog, business or relationship you have to work at it every single day. Humility. I love the quote “work hard in silence, let your success be your noise.” Understanding. I think the biggest key to success is honest understanding. You have to understand yourself, your business, your audience and your competitors and keep adjusting your game plan to that reality.

SMP: Why do you think Waiting on Martha has done so well?
MKR: I think Waiting On Martha has done well because I try to put an original spin on everything we create. I also try to share content that offers something for everyone: recipes for foodies, entertaining ideas for the hostess, outfits for the fashion forward, and interior inspiration for the decor obsessed.

Photography: Rustic White Photography | Hair & Makeup: Jennifer C Nieman | Blogger: Waiting On Martha | The Optimist: The Optimist

Jacquelyn Clark

Altanta Floral Engagement Shoot

Our next dose of inspiration comes to us in the form of this beyond charming engagement picnic. (Can we make that a thing please!?!?) Brought to us by Kait Murphy Photography it’s as effortless and as it is elegant, as romantic as it is rustic. The florals alone are enough to make us start swooning… and can we talk about those adorable save the date tees?!? There’s even more where that came from and it’s all right here in the gallery.

From Kait Murphy Photography…It was an absolute dream to shoot Kelsey and Taylor. They are such a beautiful couple and we could all really see how truly in love they are as they kissed at sunrise, danced in the gazebo, and splashed their feet off the dock.

We were inspired by The Lumineers song “Flowers in Your Hair” to create a dreamy, natural, and earthy feel to elevate the typical picnic to a romantic date where the couple could escape wedding planning and start dreaming about the honeymoon and their marriage. With an amazing team of vendors gathered by The Not Wedding we were able to put together a romantic sunrise inspiration shoot and we’ll be teaming up again for the 2nd Not Wedding in Athens on April 3rd!

Timeless Ballroom Wedding in Atlanta

I’m so excited to bring you this next Biltmore Ballroom wedding, I want to just skip right over the intro. But, a few quick words to sum it up? Opulent. Lavish. Luxurious. Elegant. Timeless. Stunning. I could seriously go on and on, but then it’d take longer to get you to the gallery. Check out the shots from Kaitie Bryant and you’ll know exactly what I mean. Go!

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From The Bride…I wanted to be able to look back at our wedding in 20 years and still love everything I chose, so I opted for a traditional ceremony, a neutral color scheme, and no first look! We chose to have a band and a full bar at our reception because although we did want our wedding day to be elegant and timeless, we definitely still wanted our guests to let loose and dance!

From Kaitie Bryant… Austin and Sarah’s wedding was the most elegant wedding I have ever shot. The Biltmore Ballrooms remind me of something you would expect to see in a French palace like Versailles, and the elegance of both the Cathedral and the Biltmore were a perfect fit for Sarah’s vision of a timeless wedding that could be appreciated 20+ years down the road. They both were radiant and the details of the day were simple and classy and elegant. Austin and Sarah did a great job incorporating their Alma Mater, Georgia Tech, by having the Tech Trolley for transportation and stopping to take some pictures near the main Georgia Tech sign.

Elegant Atlanta Wedding

Wrapped in shimmering linens and beneath a crystal chandelier, this couple seriously sparkled while exchanging “I do’s.” And, thanks to Amy Arrington Photography, we’ve got a front row seat on all the glam. Click here for more gorgeous details from Bride Beautiful and Stylish Stems. Plus, wedding video by Rusticus Films!

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Weddings + Events at Georgia Aquarium

From Amy Arrington Photography…Vanessa + Gustavo’s wedding was such a stunning atmosphere. There were so many linens draped around Venue 92. The ceremony area was surrounded by sheer white drapes, and the couple were married under a gorgeous crystal chandelier. Pillars lined the aisle. Each pillar contained beautiful florals that sat in crystal vases. The reception area was full of rustic charm with exposed brick walls. The sweets tables held an array of pastries displayed in crystal vases + jars, and I loved Vanessa’s pink reception dress!

From The Bride…Our wedding day was even more special than I imagined it would be. Everything was perfect and beautiful ! We want to Thank Amy and Brandon for creating these gorgeous pictures and for their amazing work. Thank you so much for everything !!

As a bride who said “I do” in a converted industrial warehouse, I’m all about unique venues. And how much more special could it get than the one-of-a-kind Georgia Aquarium?! The perfect spot for your wedding day (or engagement shoot!), this amazing locale offers couples top-of-the-line catering from Wolfgang Puck, a stunning space and a once-in-a-lifetime experience for your guests.

Georgia Aquarium ensures your big day is seamless + stress free thanks to their incredible special event planners who will leave no detail attended! To get started planning your unforgettable Georgia Aquarium wedding, call 404.581.4126.

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Autumn Atlanta Estate Wedding

Fall lovers, get excited because this autumn “I do” is about as good as it gets. Captured by Amy Arrington Photography it’s a true celebration of Southern elegance amongst the foliage, and Design House Weddings and Events whipped up all-white blooms that sort of stole the show. Click here for more and don’t miss the film from Artworks Wedding Cinema.

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Georgian Terrace Wedding + Atlanta Engagement

From the Bride… Our wedding day simply could not have been more perfect. It was incredibly rewarding to see four months of hard work and meticulous planning come together to create a beautiful, relaxing atmosphere to celebrate our love and start our life together.

We were blessed with the opportunity to say our vows at a truly unique, exquisite, and private home that exuded Southern elegance and timeless tradition, two themes that we carried forth into every detail of the wedding. The beauty of the home and its landscaping spoke for themselves, so we kept the ceremony décor simple. Sahara and cream rose petals lined the wedding aisle, leading to several oversized flower arrangements, which mimicked my bouquet. A springing fountain behind us created the illusion of an overhead altar, while its sounds added to the romantic and relaxed atmosphere.

The ceremony was short, sweet, and officiated by Danny’s Step-Father. Our vows were traditional in theme, yet modern and personal in diction. One of my favorite moments of the entire day was standing at the altar, watching my Danny trying to hold himself together, and realizing that I had never felt so relaxed and reassured in all of my life. It was gratifying to feel the confidence that I was bringing into marriage completely erase the stress that I brought into wedding planning.

Our reception was held in the grand ballroom of a local community center. The lighting of the chandeliers and the opulence of the large space added to our theme of timeless elegance. We added several personal touches to the traditional elements of our reception. Instead of sitting at the head table with our bridal party, Danny and I enjoyed a private candlelit dinner on a terrace overlooking the city lights. This was one of the most intimate moments of the entire day, as we were able to finally have a private moment to talk, laugh, and relish in the fact that we were officially a married couple.

The wedding cake was simply decorated with a pattern of hand-rolled, white chocolate pearls, while the back of the cake held a surprise. Baseball has always been one of the biggest aspects of Danny’s life, so I surprised him with a fondant baseball “smooshed” into the back of the cake. As another personal touch, we decided to forego traditional wedding favors and instead donated our wedding favor budget to a nonprofit called charity:water. Each guest was given a water bottle with a label designed to educate them on charity:water and the work they are doing to solve the world’s water crisis.

We (rather embarrassingly) danced the night away with our closest friends and family before ending the night to a song I had dedicated to my cousin, who tragically passed away just two years before. Driving off in a beautifully restored 1956 Chevy was the perfect moment to take it all in. At the end of it all, our wedding day served as a microcosm for how we hope to live the rest of our lives—surrounded by the ones we love, focused on our commitment to one another, dancing like fools, and laughing in stride at the “uh-oh’s” that life will undoubtedly throw at us.

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EveryBody/EveryBride Fall 2017

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Fridays are good for many reasons, but this Friday just got a lot sweeter thanks to these gorgeous images from Artstar By Laura Stone. A plethora of pretty waits for you below, and once you get to scrolling you’ll see why we are oh-so-obsessed with every picture sitting pretty in this gallery.

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