Georgia Weddings

I wish Amy Arrington could follow me around and capture all my life moments. Because her images? They are breathtaking. They have this beautiful, timeless feel, and always tell the sweetest of stories filled with moments that are completely priceless. This pretty little Georgia peach is the perfect example. Every image makes my heart sing the sweetest of songs, and you can see them all right here.

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From the bride: Our wedding was held on June 1, 2013 at the First Baptist Chapel in Gainesville, Ga. The colors were champagne, white, and shades of pink. I enjoyed getting ready with my mom, sister, & closest friends in the beautiful church parlor. One special detail was my Grandmother’s vintage pins on my bouquet which I used to honor and remember her. A favorite memory of the day was playing with my sister on the couch in the parlor right before the ceremony. The harpist really set the mood for my traditional church wedding. My sweet cousin was the ring bearer, and he carried a “Here Comes the Bride” sign which will be passed down to each of my bridesmaids for their future weddings. My dad had the honor of marrying us which was a very sweet blessing! We enjoyed eating Truelove’s cupcakes before being sent off with bubbles by our best friends and family. It truly was a perfect day!

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Photography: Amy Arrington Photography | Flowers: Judy Morris & Bonnie Vaughan of Floral Passions | Food & Cake: Truelove Celebrations, 770-983-0160 | Reception Coordinator & Candy Table: Southern Elegance by Stacey Morgan, 706-983-1127 | Harpist: Elizabeth Bennett, 678) 997-9871 | Hair: Brooke Stephens at Hair Artistry | Dresses: David’s Bridal | Venue: First Baptist Church | Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas

There is something so magical about a ballroom wedding. Don’t you agree? The gowns, the chandeliers, the elegance – it all tends to make me swoon. So when I come across a wedding like this one by Artstar by Laura Stone, I feel like I’ve hit the wedding jackpot. Because not only is it filled to the brim with lovely, but it’s also overflowing with love…and it doesn’t get better than that. See every gorgeous moment here.

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Colby proposed on Christmas day 2011. We had talked about getting married earlier that year, and went and looked at rings a few times. Christmas came around and I thought it maybe would happen on or around Christmas. Christmas day came and we visited both sides of the family and soon it was ten o’clock at night (I was thinking, “Maybe next year.”) I went into our room to unpack our things because we were just settling into a new house. When I came out he had all the lights out and candles lit. He had a 3 Musketeers bar on the table, and I said, “What the heck is this? I am confused?” He started to talk about our lives together, and one of the first times of us meeting how he asked me to marry him, how “he meant it then and means it now”. The 3 Musketeers bar represented the movie, which had marry me on the back. The Holiday-our favorite movie at the time, which we watched ALL the time. Jude Law told his family that they are the 3 musketeers. “We are in our first home and soon our first child. I want us to be the three musketeers”. Of course I said yes.

Colby is very rare. He is the kindest person I have ever met. He tells me I am beautiful every day, even when I am not acting that way. We welcomed our first child in April of 2012. It was not easy having a newborn, going to school, and planning a wedding at the same time. Luckily I found an angel, my wedding planner, Nicole Fantz. She was a dream, and so was everyone who was part of our special day.

When we first looked at the Biltmore Ballrooms, we thought it was gorgeous — the architecture was amazing! I wanted a glamorous, white/clean, romantic feel for our wedding. I happened to spend a lot of time on Style Me Pretty, Etsy, and Pinterest. That is how I came across Style Me Pretty. I spent a lot of time on the web due to school and the baby…..and the fact that I was all the way in Phenix City.

We had a lot of special touches. I couldn’t even begin to say which one was my favorite! I LOVED the thank you note that we placed on every charger at each table setting. Loved our monogrammed “book signing” and our advice box-both from Etsy. My brother walking our son down the aisle in his Army Blues, and the dedication we had to all of the family members we have lost. Our food was amazing and we had Cake Pops wrapped in cellophane for our guests. Everyone that we worked with just played such a big part in all if it. I think they put in their special touches and made it what it was.

My favorite memory is probably how calm the whole weekend was. How you hear that all you see when you walk down the aisle is your future husband, and how very true that is. How unbelievably gorgeous the day was-flowers, lighting. THE BAND!!! Honestly, EVERYTHING continues to be a vivid memory from that day because of how absolutely beautiful and wonderful it was. I am still amazed. My favorite photos are the reception photos of Colby and me and our son. I really loved all of the detailed pictures as well. The slide show that Laura, our photographer made, was amazing. She really captured the whole day and night very well, enough to make the slide show as good as any video. I cry every time I watch it.

Photography: Artstar by Laura Stone | Event Planning: Peachtree Weddings & Events | Floral Design: Blossoms Atlanta | Cake Pops: Sweet Sensations | Wedding Location: Georgian Ballroom

You know what makes for one seriously awesome combo?  Two adorable high school sweethearts, the amazing city of Atlanta and one breathtakingly gorgeous wedding.  That’s what we here at SMP call the trifecta of wedding goodness and this pretty little affair has all three.  Not to mention it’s a day that is seriously brimming with pretty, from the sweet romantic details to the traditional reception bursting with elegance to the fabulous gallery from Melissa Pepin Photography.  Join me there for every ounce of lovely.

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From Melissa Pepin… There are not enough words to describe how beautiful this affair was! Danielle and Tyler were the epitome of beautiful on their wedding day. Every detail was custom fitted to them. From the monogrammed outdoor bar to the artist drawn images from their engagement session pictures to the personalized wedding cakes… it was perfect.

Danielle adorned her hair with a custom-made piece that was created based on the belt of her wedding dress. All of her maids wore beautiful Kate Spade jewelry that went perfectly with their peach and soft pink dresses. Tyler was stunning in his linen suit and made all of his groomsmen happy with their customized cigar boxes filled with favorites he selected for each person. Outdoor seating on the back patio of their venue also made for a super relaxing evening under the stars while inside their guests dined and danced the night away to an amazing band brought in just for their big day.

After dating for 10 years and finally marrying their high school sweetheart, this couple put on the perfect affair and we were SO excited to be a part of it!

Photography: Melissa Pepin Photography | Florals: Jamie Parrish | Wedding Dress: Matthew Christopher | Wedding Cake: Sugar Kneads | Ceremony: UGA Chapel | Reception: Foundry Park Inn & Spa | Jewelry: Kate Spade | Catering: Foundry Park Inn & Spa | Make up and hair: Southern Roots | Band: Fly By Radio

It might not feel like fall just yet, but after five seconds with this Georgia “I do,” a mug of cider was calling. my. name. Factor in all the autumn-inspired florals from Twigs, Leaves & Flowers plus every picture-perfect moment caught by Red Fly Studio, and I’m feeling an oh so sudden urge to cuddle up in a cardigan and watch the leaves change outside my window…but until then, I’ll be perfectly happy spending my days right here.

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From the Bride…When Daniel and I first started planning our wedding we knew that we wanted an event that came from our hearts. We choose a venue that was near his parents home in the mountains and it fit our vision perfectly. We’ve always loved the area and it seemed fitting to get married in a place that was close to our hearts. We did a first look, included our dog, Bella, and spent our time focusing on the things that really matter. I’ll never forget our ceremony and the way that Daniel looked at me, the prayer that Matt spoke over us and the feeling when“Home” by Edward Sharpe started playing as we walked down the aisle as husband and wife.

It’s the moments that are spent with the people that mean the most to you that really matter and working with a great team that you know, love and trust makes all of the difference. Molly and Cristina, our photographers, did an amazing job capturing every moment and we loved having them as part of our celebration. We can’t say thank you enough to Daniel’s family for making sure that everything came together the week before hand. Our florist Mrs. Cyndi of Twigs, Leaves and Flowers understood our vision perfectly and created the most precious wreath for Bella to wear, along with my bouquet and all of the table pieces.

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Photography: Red Fly Studio | Floral Design: Twigs, Leaves & Flowers | Event Venue: Lawn at Skylake Clubhouse | Black Tie Events: Rich Leggitt | Wedding Dress: J. Crew

Weddings like this Lake Lanier beauty by VUE Photography always make me wish I could crawl through the computer screen and experience it all first hand. The gorgeous lake-side setting, the oh-so in love couple, the pretty vintage details – it all makes for one gorgeous day. Beyond gorgeous actually. Thankfully, we all get to soak it all up right here in the full gallery.

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From VUE Photography…Ali an Nick’s wedding was in early Fall of 2012.  Set beside Lake Lanier the whole event was out doors.  Greys, Whites, Blushes, Greens, and touches of Aqua, and pink were the colors.  There was a bit of a message in a bottle theme! 

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Photography: VUE Photography | Event Design: Edge Design Group | Stationary: Ali Rendulic | Hair + Makeup: Authentic Beauty | Cake Toppers: Claylicious | Groom + Groomsmen Suits: Custom | Wedding Dress: Jim Hjelm | Shoes: Ivanka Trump | Bridesmaids Dresses: Joanna August | Cuff: Couturelove | Bridesmaids Robes: Silkandmore | Bridesmaids Gifts: HawaiiChicJewelry | Bridesmaids Bags: BucktoothedBunny | Groomsmen Cuffs: whitetruffle

Old Hollywood meets the south, and the result? Perfection. With a little bit of spunk and a whole lot of sweet southern charm, the combo makes for a party that people are probably still talking about. It doesn’t hurt that the new Mr. & Mrs. are head over heels in love with each other, which just might be the most fabulous detail of all. See all the pretty captured by Julie Anne, Wedding Photographer right here.

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Photography: Julie Anne, Wedding Photographer | Wedding Cake: Confection Perfection | Ceremony Venue: Cedar Plantation | Catering: Adriane's Delectables | Hair + Makeup: Amber Nicole Design

I love rehearsal dinners. The air is full of excitement and everyone wears smiles as if it is their most prized accessory. So when I come across such a dinner like this one snapped up by Bre Sessions, Scobey Photography, I get a little giddy. Ok a lot giddy. Because when you combine happiness and prettiness, it doesn’t get any better to me. See it all here.

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Photography: Scobey Photography | Floral Design: Le Jardin Fracais | Location: Restaurant Eugene

Sometimes I have to pinch myself that this is what I get to do for a living.  You know… spend my days soaking in some seriously stunning inspiration from some of the world’s most talented vendors?  I know I am so, so very lucky, and on days like today, I count my blessings in a big way.  That’s because I’ve been spending my morning gazing at this stunning affair from Stephie Hicks Photography, aka, a Southern-inspired masterpiece with too many beautiful details to count literally bursting from my computer screen.  See it all right here in the full gallery.

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From Stephie Hicks Photography… Hannah and Rhett’s wedding was absolutely gorgeous!  The vintage touches and soft colors were really amazing.  The Thompson House and Garden’s was the perfect venue – You can’t find a bad spot to photograph. 

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Photography: Stephie Hicks Photography | Ceremony  + Reception Location: Thompson House and Gardens | Event + Floral Design + Planning: Thompson House and Gardens

This wedding had me at hello.  Well, actually it had me at two high school sweethearts tying the knot in a drop-dead gorgeous modern meets vintage masterpiece, but you get the point… I love every last second of this sweet, sweet day captured by Eclectic Exposures.  And once you dive into all of this whimsical + DIY pretty, you’ll see exactly what I mean.  Because this isn’t just any Southern-inspired day of lovely.  It’s a day chock-full of beautiful stylings from The Conservatory at Waterstone and a whole lot of happy.  See it all in the full gallery.

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From the Bride… From the moment I agreed to go to an independent professional wrestling show our junior year of high school to watch him wrestle, I knew Kyle was going to be the one. Nine years, one high school and college graduation and one simple Christmas Eve proposal that perfectly fit our relationship style later, I was walking down the aisle to marry the man I’ve loved for so long. Kyle and I had actually been friends since 9th grade, but 11th grade chemistry is where our love started blossoming. Funny thing is, to this day we still find ourselves acting like we did during those first high school moments.

We knew we would be sharing this special day with so many of our loved ones that have grown over the years with our relationship so we wanted to make sure our day incorporated everyone. We chose to get married at the Conservatory at Waterstone (which used to be an old restaurant before it was turned into a wedding venue) in the quaint downtown area of Acworth, GA. We did some researching for venues online prior to choosing, but the Conservatory was the first and last venue that we visited. Everything about it from the cobblestone floors to the walls and back down to the wrought iron details made this venue incredibly inspiring. The Conservatory provides an all-inclusive package as well which played a major role in our tight wedding budget.

The venue really inspired the “vintage-modern” theme of our wedding. We spent the next year and a half searching yard sales, flea markets, estate sales, Four Inch Fold vintage rental shop … everywhere to collect bottles, glasses, jars, any assortment of items to put flowers in. We knew we wanted the flowers to be arranged in a very simple and minimalist technique throughout the 35+ tables at the Conservatory. Along with bottles, we collected trunks, old coke crates, windows and other used and re-purposed odds and ends to complete our venue’s modern vintage feel. We also completed several DIY projects throughout the process including the Yarn M nailed to wood, beautifully hand-written signs (courtesy of my maid of honor) throughout the Conservatory, several dyed paper doilies, our window program sign, guestbook canvas and the menu signs made out of pallets and chalkboard paint to name a few. Kyle and I really enjoyed adding these meaningful touches throughout our wedding.

Before the ceremony, rather than going by tradition and not seeing each other up until I’m walking down the aisle, we chose to write each other letters and do a first look in a garden location that Amber, our photographer chose near the ceremony site. It was definitely a special and personal moment for us both.

My personal favorite detail for our entire wedding day was actually a site not even seen, it was our selection of music throughout the night. Here are a few from our list:

Wedding Party Entrance – Falling Slowly by Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova; Bride’s Entrance – Harvest Moon by Neil Young (I listened to this song on tape over and over again with my mom as a child); Unity Candle Ceremony – I Won’t Give Up by Jason Mraz; Ceremony Exit – Send Me On My Way by Rusted Root; Wedding Party Reception Entrance – Let’s Get Married by Jagged Edge (we had each pair do a dance as they were announced in); First Dance – At Last by Etta James; Father/Daughter Dance – Landslide by Fleetwood Mac.

Truth be told, nothing can compare to hearing our close friend and pastor pronounce us husband and wife. However, all of the well-thought out details of our wedding and our team of wedding day extraordinaires made this an unforgettable day for everyone.

Photography: Eclectic Exposures | Event Design: The Conservatory at Waterstone | Event Planning: The Conservatory at Waterstone | Floral Design: The Conservatory at Waterstone | Wedding Dress: David's Bridal | Cake: The Conservatory at Waterstone | Invitations: Swirl Creative | Ceremony Location: The Conservatory at Waterstone | Reception Location: The Conservatory at Waterstone | Bridesmaid Dresses: Alfred Sung | Rentals: Four Inch Fold

When it comes to weddings, I consider myself a little bit of a contemporary lover.  But show me a drop-dead gorgeous barn wedding and I turn to some serious wedding lovin’ putty.  Especially when that drop-dead gorgeous barn wedding is rich in DIY details and some of the prettiest rustic stylings you will ever lay your eyes upon.  That’s the kind of affair that can make any modern lady or gent reconsider (believe you me)… and you can see it all captured by One Nine Images right here in the full gallery.

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From the Bride… I grew up in the horse country of the northern suburbs of Atlanta and had always dreamed of having my wedding reception in a barn. Soon after our engagement, I had given up hope of finding one in our area that hosted events until I stumbled upon a link to The Reid Barn. When my fiance and I visited it for the first time, I instantly fell in love. With a pond, a pasture and plenty of indoor and outdoor space to accommodate our 300 guests, we knew it was the place for us. I immediately began brainstorming all of the DIY decor that would compliment the Barn’s rustic yet elegant yet simple aura and we spent the next eleven months making them a reality. My brother-in-law cut slabs and branches from fallen trees and he, my fiance and I spent countless hours drilling and sanding them to make centerpieces. I scoured every thrift store in a ten mile radius for mason jars and my family and friends saved wine bottles and miscellaneous jars for months. I purchased 100 yards of burlap from a discount online store and used it to make table runners, bows for the church pews, table numbers, bean bags for Corn Hole, a bulletin board for photos and many other decor elements. (We still have so much burlap left that we joke we’ll be making burlap crafts for our grandchildren some day!) We wanted our wedding to have as many personal touches as possible and nearly everything was created by one of us or one of our friends or family members. From our toasting glasses hand painted by my aunt, to my bridesmaids’ hair flowers made by a friend, to the wedding programs and escort cards designed and printed by me, to signage hand painted by my mom, our wedding was certainly a labor of love made possible by countless loved ones. My cousin, Marjorie, volunteered to be our day-of decorator and she did an outstanding job offering ideas and bringing my wedding dream to life. I wish I could list out each project and each person who contributed to our decor, but the list would go on and on! I love looking back at the pictures and having the ability to say “We made that. And that. And that. And it’s beautiful.”

It was important to me to also honor the natural simplicity and beauty of the Barn and its surroundings and to keep a more casual vibe to the day. We opted for a simple white cake with no topper to allow the Barn’s beauty and our own DIY decor to do the talking. I loved the lace-like look to a cluster of plain baby’s breath and decided to use it as the bridesmaids’ bouquets and the groomsmen’s boutonnieres. The groomsmen wore vests instead of full suits to allow them to be more comfortable and casual on a warm Georgia October day. My bridesmaids chose from a selection of dark purple Bill Levkoff dresses and chose their own shoes and jewelry so they could feel comfortable and beautiful in their own style. Our flowers at the reception were a combination of baby’s breath, green mums and white carnations– lovingly arranged by my cousin. They didn’t overpower the decor but added a touch of simple elegance. The neutral tones of the burlap and wood, the green tones of the mums and groomsmen ties and the classic white of various flowers grounded the day in the aura of the Barn I had first adored. And the glimpse of a purple bridesmaid dress here and there provided some definite pop!

It took me six months to decide on a wedding dress and I ended up choosing the first one I had tried on. I loved the simple lace, the lovely neckline and the stunning train. I toyed with the idea of other dresses along the way, but ultimately decided on the first and only one that I had fallen in love with. I like to compare my dress buying experience to my relationship with Arthur. We met when we were 14 at church and he has always said that the first time he saw me, he knew I would be his wife. We were friends for several years and then began dating when we were 16. We broke up at 19, but stayed in touch and had a long saga of reunions and then more break ups. When we were 26, we realized we were both still crazy about each other and decided to give it one final try. Ten months later, we were engaged. Much like my dress, Arthur was the first and only one I ever loved. I’m so glad I followed my heart and ended up with the perfect dress… and husband!

The most special thing about our wedding was that we actually got married at the church where we met. I grew up in that parish and his family became very involved there in high school. We met as children in the very same building where we said our vows and committed our lives to each other as adults. It’s such a special place for both of us as individuals and as a couple and we couldn’t imagine starting our marriage at any other place. Sitting with him and holding his hand during the ceremony was such a powerful experience for me and my favorite part of the entire day.

Fun Fact – I practically placed the bouquet in my best friend’s hands, knowing she was hoping for a proposal very soon. She caught the bouquet and got engaged a week later! I was a bridesmaid in her wedding in June.

Photography: One Nine Images | Cinematography: Marquee Events | Wedding Dress: Allure Bridal | Cake: The Cake Shoppe | Ceremony Venue: St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic | Reception Venue: The Reid Barn | Bridesmaids Dresses: Bill Levkoff | Catering: Tam's Backstage | DJ: Marquee Events | Men's Attire: Dillard's | Men's Attire: Perry Ellis | Bouquets + Boutonnieres: Amazing by Amanda | Bridal Boutique: I Do I Do Bridal | Bride's Hair: Davao Hair Salon | Bride's Make Up: Makeup Couture | String Light Rentals: North Georgia Party Rental

You know, I’ve never been to St. Simons Island but after devouring all the pretty sitting in this gallery captured by Nate and Jenny Weddings, I’m pretty sure I’ll be convincing my hubby we need a getaway. That little island set the scene for this oh-so-sweet soiree, one that perfected southern elegance in a way you can’t help but swoon over. It’s image after image of pure southern lovely, and it’s all waiting for you right here.

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Photography: Nate And Jenny Weddings | Wedding Dress: BHLDN | Ceremony Venue: St. William Catholic Church | Reception Venue: Village Creek Landing | Shoes: Toms | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Amsale | Catering: Halyards Catering | Accomodations: Sea Palms Resort

You know why I love Georgia weddings?  This darling Peachtree wedding right here, aka, the perfect example of Southern awesomeness all wrapped up in beautiful imagery by Claudia McDade Photography. Because this is the kind of wedding that just screams Georgia elegance with lush florals from Sheridan’s Designs and a Flat Creek Country Club setting that will literally make your heart sing.  Oh, and the darling “can’t stop smiling” sweeties?  They’re amazing.  See so much more in the full gallery.

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From the Bride… My husband Patrick and I met at Presbyterian College in small Clinton, South Carolina. We are both so proud to call ourself Blue Hose! Some of our fondest memories will always be playing college basketball and volleyball. After college we moved to Augusta, Georgia to pursue our masters degrees and continue to find Gods plan for our lives. Once we both finished school Pat finally popped the question and I couldn’t wait to start planning my dream wedding.

We decided to have a Spring wedding on a beautiful golf course in my home town of Peachtree City, Georgia. I have always wanted an outdoor wedding and after visiting the country club we both knew this was our venue. We loved the intimate feeling of the beautiful veranda over looking the golf course and the party to follow in the club house. Our wedding was a classic style with purples, pinks and grays. I was so blessed to have amazing vendors, and my talented mother, to help me make my dream wedding come to life.

Saturday was finally here! The weather was absolutely perfect, we could not have asked for anything better. The white wisteria hung over the venue and set the stage for a beautiful ceremony. Our family and wedding coordinators made the day go by so smoothly, it was stress free, and allowed us to take in every moment and focus on our love and commitment. Our families traveled from all over the country for our big day, so it was very special to have such a great celebration with everyone. We both had the best times of our lives, we wish we could do it over and over!

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Wedding Photography: Claudia McDade | Cinematography: Bobs Eye View | Wedding Venue: Flat Creek Country Club, Peachtree City, Georgia | Floral Design: Sheridan’s Designs | Cake: Sweet Sisters Creations | Wedding Coordinator: Weddings by Elain | DJ/Music: Beat House Productions | Makeup: Shakuwra Norwood | Hair: Robin Melton | Shoes: Toms

An outdoor wedding is always a bit of a risk. Just a tad. But when it all goes as planned (or even better that you could have imagined), that’s when wedding magic happens. There is something so sweet about saying I do outdoors, particularly at a place as pretty as Kellum Valley Farm. And it just gets better. This Bride’s gorgeous vision of her biggest of big days unfolded in the most perfect fashion, and you can see it all right here.

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From the Bride…Everyone always asked Jamie and I the same question about our venue, “Do you two have family up there?” And the answer was always the same, “No, but have you seen it up there!? It’s beautiful!” We knew we wanted an outdoor ceremony, and we knew we wanted natural beauty within driving distance of most of our family. That left an obvious choice- the mountains. The Ruins at Kellum Valley Farm was the first and only venue we visited; I think we both knew that was “it” before we even stepped out of the car. The ruins exude such rustic elegance, and it was a perfect fit for our dream wedding. We won the wedding lottery in choosing The Ruins at Kellum Valley Farm, as they introduced us to a dream team of suggested vendors, all of whom we used, and all of whom went above and beyond our wildest dreams.

We originally chose to have the ceremony in front of this beautiful old tree on the side of the house that by April, would be adorned with gorgeous purple blooms. The reception was to be held in the ruins strung with twinkle lights and adorned with tons of romantic candles. As luck would have it, the cool spring held off the blooms, and it rained. So, our outdoor wedding resorted to plan B. We were fortunate enough to have a dry ceremony, still under our tree, and the overcast weather made for fantastic pictures. We even had umbrellas waiting in the wings just in case the rain moved in. We were determined to carry on the ceremony under the tree; no rain was going to stop us! The aisle was marked with beautiful flower arrangements in mason jars hung on delicate shepherds hooks. The same arrangements hung in the tree in mason jars adorned with ribbons that blew in the coming winds. It was incredible.

The reception was moved under a tent that was draped in lights, chandeliers, and beautiful flowers. It truly was a dream. I gave very little direction to any of the vendors, save for “rustic elegance and timeless romance with pink and peach hues.” Truthfully, that was all I really had of a vision, it really was created for me that day. There were twinkle lights with intertwining tulle that were strung around the perimeter of the tent. Fresh flowers in pinks, peaches, and lavenders spilled over all the surfaces to create the most romantic setting I’ve ever seen. Whitewashed woods, rustic antiques and intricate details kept the ambiance cozy and personal. Dinner was served in the adjoining barn, where the gift table, guest book and favors were set up as well.

Jamie and I enjoyed our last dance to “Come Away with Me” by Norah Jones before running through a tunnel of our favorite people cheering with sparklers (a long held dream of mine) to a getaway car we had no idea was there. My grandparents surprised us with a car to take us to the Atlanta airport to fly off to Jamaica. While the cooler temperatures and rain threw our initial plan for quite the loop, the day turned out to be the most picturesque fairy tale. All that mattered in the end is that I married my best friend in the company of our favorite people.

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Photography: Adam Nash Photography | Flowers: Flower Buds | Ceremony Location: The Ruins at Kellum Valley Farm | Reception Location: The Ruins at Kellum Valley Farm | Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas | Dress: Jim Hjelm | DJ: Party Animator DJ

This wedding is literally dripping with Southern elegance.  And when I say dripping, I mean that a cool sophistication is seriously bursting from every nook and cranny… the kind of day where glamorous stylings and vintage details collide with lush blooms from Gardenia Floral Design and a mesmerizing Vera Wang standing front and center of all of the pretty.  Oh, and the gallery of gorgeous images from Coleman Photography?  Simply amazing.  Join me there NOW for all of the pretty.

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From the Bride… This Georgia Historic Landmark created the perfect atmosphere of rich Southern charm and Georgia history I was looking for in my military wedding. The venue is a historic governor’s mansion nestled among grand Georgia Oak trees located in the middle of downtown Monroe, Georgia. A vintage chandelier dripping with crystals hung from a linen draped arbor envisioned and built by myself and my family for a simple, yet dramatic backdrop where my husband-to-be (dressed in Marine Corps dress blues) and I exchanged vows. Inspiration for the centerpieces came from the mansion’s book-lined library and masculine glamour reflected throughout the rooms inside with mixed mercury glass votives and tea cups filled with delicate flowers floating among stacked vintage books. Lace wrapped votives made by me were scattered amongst tables that were covered in ivory lace overlays for an extra chic touch. The bridal party table was designed by me with vintage china plates laid atop large vintage doilies on farmhouse tables to create unique place-settings. Coleman Photography captured the details of our day perfectly. Amy Reed with Amy Reed Events was beyond phenomenal in allowing everything to flow smoothly from start to finish.

Being a military wedding, there was a certain level of class and style I needed to attain. Choosing the perfect location was the hardest part about planning for our big day, because I desired for the venue to reflect both of our personalities. Alex, my groom, was in flight school throughout our entire engagement, so I was left to make most decisions such as this. A true Georgia peach (born and raised), I often drool over plantation homes with large columns and old gorgeous oak trees decorating the property . While touring our venue, there were little reminders of the beautiful things I love in life screaming out that this was the perfect place: vintage tea cups scattered throughout the house, a grand library full of old books owned by the historic governor, crystal chandeliers in every room, I swooned. Very carefully, I picked out details of the venue we fell in love with and incorporated them into our decor to create the chic vintage feel of our wedding day. A few of my favorite things from the wedding day: seeing how beautiful my bridesmaids looked in their soft blush colored chiffon dresses, sipping on mimosas while being pampered by Flawless Finish, the anticipation of seeing Alex’s face for the first time that day as I walked down the aisle, my father’s happy tears as he had his first glance at me in my white dress… The most perfect part of our day however, all details and decorations aside, was that I became married to the man of my dreams.

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Photography: Coleman Photography, Athens, Georgia | Wedding Dress: Vera Wang | Hair + Makeup: Flawless Finish | Floral Design: Gardenia Floral Design | Event Coordination: Amy Reed Events | Wedding Venue: McDaniel-Tichenor House, Monroe, Georgia | Bride’s Shoes: Valentino | Bridesmaids’ Dresses: I DO I DO Bridal, Athens, Georgia | Flower Girl Dress: Marchesa for Target | Farmhouse Tables: Wedding & Event Rental, Oconee, Georgia | Vintage Rentals: (Chandelier, Tea Cups, Vintage Plates, Doilies) Ooh La La Vintage Rentals, Watkinsville, Georgia | Other Rentals: (Tent, Tables, Chairs, Lights): Barron’s Rentals | Arbor: Built by Bride’s Family + Bride | Unity Candle: Waterford | Catering + Wedding Cake: Trump’s Catering | Cake Bar: Cecilia’s

I want to live inside this wedding.  Like cozy on up forever just so I can spend every single day soaking in every fabulous detail planned to perfection by Belle of the Ball Events.  And I am not kidding.  Because this is the kind of wedding that is sooo amazing and sooo full of beautiful moments, it deserves its very own virtual dance party.  One we’re starting right here, right now in the full gallery captured by Matt Yung Photography.  Join us there for all of the pretty.

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From Belle of the Ball Events… With the expertise of Atlanta-based planner, Eva Clark (Belle of the Ball Events), Pennsylvania residents, Monique and Dan, spared no attention to detail: gracefully syncing their deep-rooted traditions with their charismatic, yet poised, dispositions and style. The end result being a special keepsake, not only for themselves but the guests, who were fortunate to experience such a lovely affair.

The Georgian Terrace, a setting rich with history, modern refinements and romantic details proved the perfect atmosphere for Monique and Dan’s fun and lavish Jewish wedding. A night rich with tradition and sincerity easily transformed into a night of celebration for all. There’s was a deep, palpable affection between these two, providing intimacy and allure. This kind of love is the cornerstone of any great wedding.

The happy newlyweds traveled to South Africa, the bride’s home, the following weekend, for an intimate, outdoor Christian ceremony.

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Wedding Photography: Matt Yung Photography | Wedding Venue: Georgian Terrace Hotel in Atlanta, Georgia | Wedding Cinematography: Artworks Wedding Cinema | Event Planning: Belle of the Ball Events | Floral Design + Runner: Jade Lee Events | Wedding Cake: The Frosted Pumpkin | Specialty Linens: I Do Linens | Band: Rupert’s Orchestra | Wedding Dress: Allure | Bride’s Shoes: Badgley Mischka

You know what’s sweeter than a Southern-inspired (+ drop-dead gorgeous) wedding?  A Southern-inspired wedding held at the Fernbank Museum of Natural History with a cuter than cute dinosaur theme.  That’s what we call sweet and then some, and when it’s all paired up with lush blooms from Petal’s Edge Floral, fab paper goods from Simply Honest and J.Crew bridesmaid frocks in the loveliest of navy blue hues, it takes it to entirely new level of pretty.  See it all captured by Drew Newman in the full gallery.

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From the Bride… We met at Georgia Tech in 2010, and started dating after a trip to New Orleans together, so it only made sense that he would take me back there to propose.  We got engaged in August 2011, and set our date for June 2012. Fernbank was the perfect venue for us as it had that unique science/engineering touch that really resonated with us. It inspired us to use a subtle dinosaur theme in a few places, especially our paper goods, which are my favorite detail.

My something old was my pearls, which belonged to my great grandmother. They are one of my most treasured possessions. My something borrowed was my diamond bracelet, borrowed from my aunt who also gave me the center stone for my engagement ring.

My bridesmaids processed to a string arrangement of “I’m Yours,” while I processed to Wagner’s “Bridal March.” After a short-but-sweet Methodist ceremony, we recessed to a string arrangement of “I Want to Hold Your Hand.”

I loved everything about my flowers. I adore hydrangeas and peonies, and wanted a just-picked kind of look. For dinner, we had slightly upscale Southern fare – the fried green tomatoes with goat cheese and roasted red pepper aioli were my favorite! After dinner, toasts, and parent dances, we partied the night away until our sparkler exit where the Ramblin’ Wreck picked us up. Riding to our hotel in the Wreck was one of the coolest experiences of our lives.

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Photography: Drew Newman Photographers | Bride’s Dress: Priscilla of Boston | Bride’s Shoes: Badgley Mischka | Flowers: Laura Southern of Petal’s Edge Floral | Cake: Gabriel’s Desserts | Location: Fernbank Museum of Natural History in Atlanta, GA | Bridesmaids’ Dresses: J.Crew | Hair: Shannon Lang (shannonvanityhair@gmail.com) | Makeup: Kristy of The Moore Agency | Catering: Steve Moore of A Divine Event | Getaway Car: Ramblin’ Wreck via Georgia Tech Alumni Association | DJ: Jay Page of D Street Entertainment | String Trio: Kazanetti (kazanetti@mindspring.com) | Programs + Escort Cards + Menues + Save-the-Dates: Kelsey Blevins of Simply Honest | Day-of Coordination: Allison Giddens of Weddings Imagined | Invitations: Paper Source | Jewelry: Bride’s Own | Wedding Bands: Blue Nile

Can I just say that I am super jealous of you Atlanta lovelies?  Super.  Jealous.  Because this weekend (August 18th to be exact) you get to attend The NotWedding, that crazy cool bridal show alternative that actually lets you attend a fake wedding to see all of your area vendors at work.  It’s genius + fun + all kinds of amazing and today we’re getting a little sneak peek with a bridal shower kick-off from Molly McKinley Designs and Love Like Weddings.  I’m talking Southern-inspired goodness where classic meets contemporary in the prettiest of ways.  So dive into the full gallery of lovely and then make sure you get your tickets for this weekend’s festivities… ASAP.

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From Molly McKinley Designs… While brainstorming for the Atlanta NotWedding Styled Shoot, we focused on the importance of relationships and community while planning a wedding. A Bridal Shower was a great opportunity to step away from the perfectly set formal table and refocus on the friends there to celebrate the Bride. In the breakfast nook at Madison Oaks, we placed a beautiful trestle table adorned with dainty appetizers and romantic, flowing florals. It was the perfect place for guests to casually gather, meet one another, and fill their plates with yummy bites from Sun in My Belly. By having guests sit around a coffee table piled with gifts, the setting became intimate and almost real. We all felt like someone should be opening those pretty gifts! The guests rocked in the rocking chairs on the front porch of Madison’s most gorgeous Southern home between shooting. The vendors involved just smiled with sincerity all day because of their love for their craft. This afternoon was so lovely. (Can we do it again?)

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Photography: Love Like Weddings | Planning, Styling & Favors: Molly McKinley Designs | Invitations & Paper Goods: Yellow Door Creative | Signage: Liddabits | Vintage Platters & Dishes: The Vintage Chicks | Ghost Chairs & Specialty Trestle Tables: Goodwin Events | Florals: Bloomin’ Bouquets | Catering & Signature Drink: Sun in My Belly | Venue: Madison Oaks Inn in Madison, Georgia | Custom Runner: Robintreelane | Honeycomb Necklace: Be Good Shop

There’s a magnetic force that drives me to country-style weddings.  A sort of “can’t stop thinking about it” vibe that makes me want to pull on some boots and join the party.  This is one of those weddings.  A BBQ meets cowboy boots meets crazy gorgeous shindig held at the breathtaking Vinewood Plantation boasting some of the prettiest Southern-inspired details you will ever see.  Get your pretty on in the full gallery captured by Slava Slavik.  It’s a must-see.

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From the Bride… Mike and I are simple people and I have never been one of those girls who dreamed about her wedding day since I was a little girl, but when Mike proposed we knew we wanted something simple to reflect our everyday lives. We wanted a unique wedding that all of our guests would talk about for years! We had quite a few guests coming from the North and we wanted them to feel like they have stepped into our lives here in the South with every detail from the chalkboard mason jars cups, homemade corn hole boards, DIY fabric bouquet, cowboy boots, wildflower centerpieces, DIY jute utensil pockets and vintage china collected by the mother of the bride. Our bridesmaids were in floral sundresses from American Eagle Outfitters which the mother of the bride added eyelet to the bottom to add an additional southern flair finished with a belt and cowboy boots. The groomsmen were in jeans, gray vests, ties and cowboy boots accented with a baby’s breath boutonniere. We wanted our guests to feel comfortable like they were at a backyard BBQ and not feel like they could not wait for the night to be over to get out of uncomfortable clothing, so we asked our guests to dress comfortable to stick with the casual feel.

Vinewood was the perfect venue for us! The restored 1800’s house, transformed stables and lush wedding tree were the perfect setting for our guests to feel Southern charm at its finest. The staff at Vinewood Events are truly amazing! They made our day flawless and fun. Every detail fell into place just the way we imagined!

Our favorite part of our wedding day was our first look. I highly recommend this to brides because it definitely eased the nerves of walking down the aisle and it was a great moment for Mike and I to be able to talk prior to the ceremony. Having our photos completed prior to the ceremony made it easy for us to slide right into the party after the ceremony.

Our ceremony was accompanied by white washed pews rented by Crush Rentals and acoustic instruments played by Capo3 Band. The music carried into the cocktail hour where we served hush puppies, cheese straws, mini crab cakes and collard green dip.

The reception was full of dancing, cigars, corn hole games, eating and drinking. Our menu consisted of a a sliders station (pulled pork BBQ, jerk turkey and cheeseburgers), mac and cheese station and a kabbos station, red velvet cake, peach ice cream in mason jars, bourbon pecan bars, brownies and mini apple pies. One of the bridesmaids is a firefighter with the groom so they arranged for one of their fire trucks show up to the reception. At the end of the night we left through a line of sparklers with a vintage chevy truck to get away in.

We are very glad we stuck with our theme to show our family and friends our lives here in the South and keeping true to incorporating things we do in our daily lives. Over the years, I will love looking over or photos and remembering the best day of our lives!

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Photography: Slava Slavik Photography | Wedding Venue + Coordination: Vinewood Events | Bridal Gown: Belfiore Bridal Salon – After 6 Designs | Bridesmaid Dresses: American Eagle (Customized) | Floral Design: Pat Sena of Its Your Party | Catering: Kimble’s Catering | Desserts: Blooming Flour Bakery | Transportation: MTI Limo Service | DJ: Bwells Productions |  Invitations & Paper Goods: Moore Creations | Hair & Make-up: Claudia Mejerle | Brides’s Boot: Lane  via Horsetown Marietta | Vintage Pews: Crush Rental | Ceremony & Cocktail Music: Capo 3 band

I get a little too excited when I see a wedding from Amy Arrington, and I’ll tell you why. Her images always tell a gorgeous story, one where even the simplest moments stand out. Her ability to capture a day in that way always leaves me chomping at the bit to get her work on the pages of SMP as soon as I possibly can. The only problem is, it’s basically impossible to choose my favorite images from a wedding as gorgeous as this one, so be sure to check them all out in the full gallery of gorgeous.

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From the Bride… From the dreaming stages, my husband and I knew we wanted each piece of our wedding on the lake to be uniquely meaningful. From highlighting our families by placing them on the platform with us, surprising our guests with a show from the Groom’s improv troupe, entertaining the kids with lawn games, creating a family-style table setting, we attempted to create an environment that emphasized what we felt were the key elements of any marriage. The wedding ceremony for us was a celebration of family, community, and faith.

From the beginning, we wanted to maintain a hands-on approach in the design and development of the ceremony and the celebration to follow. We personally created concept sketches, collected each vintage centerpiece, assembled flower arrangements instead of going with a floral boutique, and even built many of the ceremony’s decorative elements. I designed the save the date, the program and other graphic elements, and worked with the lovely Anya’s bridal to personalize my ruched satin and soft organza ruffle wedding gown, deciding to add some sassyness and contrast to it by angling its straight fit and flare silhouette and adding a bridal trim I found on Etsy.

We chose a rustic door as the ceremony centerpiece. This kept our family, community and faith in the forefront because we wanted our new home to have an open-door-policy for all three. My husband, using a painting technique his father taught him, painted and weathered the door with our mint accent color and adorned it with a cross made out of a door handle which we found at an antique store. It only felt natural to include outdoor elements in the design as well, so we created an earthy display for our desserts by having a table top made of planed and varnished sections of tree trunks with wooden barrels for legs. We used salvaged twigs in our DIY flower arrangements, and placed flowers in each bridesmaid’s hairstyle. We kept things fun for our friends and family with the Mongoose Improv show, silly photo booth, gelato and cappucinos, sweet table loaded with delicate desserts created by my aunt and her company Trudle’s Catering, and metallic hand rolled streamers for our send-off. The atmosphere was fun and festive- a perfect blend of the sanctity of the occasion and the camaraderie of those who witnessed it.

We wanted our day to be a unique reflection of our individual personalities and our tastes as a couple as well as to give us the opportunity to highlight and give back to those who have helped make us who we are. This was an opportunity we cherished and, in the end, we think that’s exactly what we got. [dotted]

Photography: Amy Arrington Photography | Venue + Catering: Lake Lanier Islands Resort (Legacy Pointe) | Videographer: J & J Digital Media | Wedding Dress: Anya Bridal | Bridesmaids Dresses: Affordable Bridal | Groomsmen’s Attire: Charme Bridal | Bouquets + Boutonnières: Design House of Flowers | Decor + Floral Arrangements: DIY | Entertainment: Mongoose Improv | Cake: The Baking Grounds | Gelato: Dreamy Gelato & Chocolates | Sweet Table: Trudle’s Catering

Great Gatsby-inspired weddings have made a serious comeback in 2013… something that I’m guessing has a little something to do with a handsome man named Leo and an awesome movie adaptation from Baz Luhrmann.  Whatever the reason (I think I’m right), it’s been one seriously fantastic love-fest of all things The Roaring 20’s and I don’t ever want it to end.  Case in point?  This drop-dead gorgeous photo shoot from Paris Mountain Photography, aka, an ode to F. Scott’s amazing novel with the glamorous stylings of Kelly Garner, beautiful blooms from A Perfect Wedding Floral Design, dazzling hair and makeup from A Glamour Affair and the oh-so-chic stylings from Brides Atlanta.  See it all in the full gallery.

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There’s nothing more glitzy or glamorous than the roaring ’20’s! With the release of the recent Hollywood version of the Great Gatsby, more and more brides are looking for this flashy, vintage theme for their weddings. The style team we call the “fantastic four” were thrilled when The McGarity House asked them to put together this Gatsby Inspired shoot for her vintage wedding venue in Georgia. Stylist Kelley Garner put together all of the fabulous antique pieces for the setting! No one could have done a better job with the finger curls and fantastic makeup than A Glamour Affair. A Perfect Wedding Floral Design always goes above and beyond with her bouquets and centerpieces. Then, Pam with Paris Mountain Photography puts it all together with her photographic edge! The fantastic four always puts together styled shoots to inspire brides, push their creative juices, and just plain have fun!

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Photography: Paris Mountain Photography | Styling: Kelly Garner | Floral Design: A Perfect Wedding Floral Design | Hair + Makeup: A Glamour Affair Hair and Makeup | Venue: The McGarity House | Furniture: Puddle Duck Cottage | Dress: Brides Atlanta | Rentals: Unlimited Party Rentals | Cakes: Sweet Like Me Cakes | Car: Xtreme Cycles of Dallas | Headpiece:  Fairytale Jubilee