Georgia Weddings

If you’re a sucker (like me!) for thoughtful details and bright pops of color, this Cinco de Mayo fiesta will surely get your wedding-loving heart racing! Channeling Anthropologie’s eclectic + vintage vibe as inspiration, the bride, along with event + floral designer Amy Osba, brought in mix-matched napkins, painted Mason jars and (drumroll, please….) a SEQUIN chevron runner for the head table! Lauren Nicole Studios captured all the details and you can see the rest for yourself right here-believe me, you don’t want to miss this one!

From Lauren Nicole Studios… Stephanie and Mike were married on Cinco de Mayo this year at the Puritan Mill in Atlanta, Georgia. Given a blank slate at Puritan Mill, Stephanie made it a goal to leave no detail behind for her day. She worked hand-in-hand with Amy Osaba and Callie Garrett to create the picturesque, Anthropologie-inspired wedding day. Keeping it simple at the ceremony so that the reception could shine, she tied pink ribbons to the chairs to line the aisle and draw the eye to the simple cross at the altar where she and Mike married.

Immediately following the ceremony, margaritas were served in mason jars to pay homage to the holiday. At the reception, Stephanie’s vision came together beautifully. Every table was covered with burlap and topped with beautiful floral arrangements, vintage vases and pastel colored mason jars crafted by the unbelievably talented Amy Osaba. At every seat, the guests were greeted with a thank you from the bride and groom and were told to help themselves to the candy and cookie bar.  The main attraction of the room was the head table, an old estate table lined with a sparkly chevron runner and covered with beautiful arrangements and brightly-colored Anthropologie napkins at every seat. The backs of Mike and Stephanie’s seats were tied together with Mr. and Mrs. lettering. The entire table was tied together by a beautiful ivory ribbon chandelier that hung above the table. After the first dances ended, the guests were invited to the buffets, each with a different theme; the Southern buffet featured items such as fried chicken and corn bread; the Mediterranean buffet offered Greek salad and hummus; and of course there had to be a Mexican buffet with freshly-made quesadillas and a salsa bar. After cutting the beautiful tiered cake topped with fresh peonies, the guests danced the night away to Atlanta Beat, a band that really knows how to get a crowd up and dancing. Before the night was over, Mike joined the band to sing Stephanie their song, “Sweet Caroline.” At the end, the guests sent Stephanie and Mike off as newlyweds with a sparkler exit. An unbelievably beautiful wedding all around.

Wedding Photography: Lauren Nicole Studios / Wedding Venue: Puritan Mill in Atlanta, Georgia / Wedding Planning: Callie Garrett of We Tie The Knots / Floral Design + Decor: Amy Osaba / Catering: Bold American Events / Wedding Cake: Sweet Caroline’s Cakes / Band: Atlanta Beat / Wedding Dress: Christos “Femme”

Dreams of a Caribbean wedding quickly changed once this adorable couple saw the beauty of Sea Island. Their wedding is the perfect expression of all the elements they wanted to infuse like nature, comfort and style. They used the gorgeous oak trees as inspiration for their reception and just wait til you see all the pretty, pretty flowers! Sarah DeShaw captured each and every beautiful moment and there’s even more right here!

From the Bride… Mike and I are the perfect complement to each other. We met working at the New York City Economic Development Corporation together back in 2005. Our journey together has taken us from our workplace to Chicago and back to New York, where we settled in Brooklyn. We’ve been in Park Slope, Brooklyn since 2008.

When we first got engaged, we were planning on having a Caribbean wedding but quickly changed gears to embrace a more domestic yet still tropical locale. The Cloister at Sea Island was the best of both worlds. It had everything we needed for our guests to feel swept away but yet was still close enough to home. Once we decided on Sea Island, everything just flowed from there. At the invitation shop a beautiful ivory piece just jumped off the wall for me. I fell in love with the mossy green tree that was its motif. That tree, just like the ones our guests would travel under as they approached the resort, became our inspiration. It represented everything we wanted our wedding to be. Natural, inviting and beautiful. Expanding on that, Sea Island is surrounded not only by ocean and palm trees, but also lush, green lawns and large oak trees. We tried to incorporate moss green and chocolate brown throughout our wedding design. For the flowers, we used a cascade of beautiful spring flowers including peonies, ranunculus and, for a pop of color, blush pink roses. For the altar swag, we incorporated a lot of green and blush pinks in our flowers. We also used many, many candles throughout the reception to soften the lighting. I wanted everything to just glow!

When guests started arriving in Georgia, we wanted them to feel at home. So we treated them to a little of that famous Southern hospitality and some amazing BBQ, of course! The night set the tone for an inviting weekend. On the day of the wedding, we woke up to some rain clouds in the sky but were lucky enough to have it stay dry long enough for us to get married in the amazingly picturesque garden. It was my dream come true. At the reception, guests danced the night away in a softly-lit room with French doors that looked directly out to the ocean. Everyone dined on local cuisine and topped the night off with a beautiful cake with two intertwined chocolate birds on top! My favorite. It was the perfect Georgia night…

Wedding Photography: Sarah DeShaw / Wedding Venue: Sea Island in Sea Island, Georgia / Wedding Planning: Danielle Elder of Classic Events NYC / Floral + Event Design: Sea Island / Wedding Stationery: Lion in the Sun / Ceremony Music: Music by Pegge / Music: Island Sound Live / Favors: Georgia Peach Cookies via Byrd Cookie Company / Wedding Dress: Nicole Miller / Bride’s Shoes: Butter / Bride’s Earrings: Ippolita / Rings: David S. Diamonds / Hair: Steve Steve Hightower Hair Artists’ Studio / Makeup: Katherine Taylor / Groom’s Attire: His Own / Rehearsal Dinner Catering: Southern Soul Barbecue / Post Wedding Brunch Catering: Thyme It Right

Anytime I see that a wedding took place in Savannah my heart starts to swoon. This elegant affair by Ave Nocturna Photography is, in one word, breathtaking. The lavish florals by Harvey Designs pair up perfectly with the wonderful live oaks dripping with Spanish moss. A long time fan of all things BHLDN, I’m crushing on their bridesmaids dresses even more now after seeing them in action. Head to the full gallery for more loveliness.

From the Bride… After meeting and dating my now-husband for three years in Georgia, it was never a question that we would marry in the city of our first formal date: Savannah. Soon after Mark’s romantic proposal overlooking the Savannah River, I began thinking of ways to really showcase the beautiful city on our special day. Savannah encompasses so much romance, history and tradition, and these were exactly the elements I wanted incorporated in our wedding. From the moment we drove down the oak-lined entrance of Bethesda’s Home for Boys, we knew we had found the location. The grounds are home to the oldest existing orphanage in the U.S., dating back to the 1700’s, and the Whitefield Chapel is situated beautifully among majestic live oaks dripping with Spanish moss. As I opened the doors to the quaint chapel lined with rustic pine pews seated upon brick flooring, I immediately began to cry. It was exactly what we wanted for an intimate and personal ceremony. To keep in line with the simplistic beauty of the surroundings, Amy from Harvey Designs help me pick baby’s breath, peonies and roses in a neutral color palette of ivories and soft blushes to decorate the church and reception.

Our downtown reception took place at the beautiful and historic Scarborough House and Gardens. We had trolleys to escort guests to the wedding location and back downtown for the party. Our menu included traditional southern fare with crab cakes, stuffed mushrooms, and quail breast for passed hors d’oeuvres, followed by pork belly, shrimp and grits, and a beef carving station for main course. Chef Nick Mueller and his wife were incredible to work with and went above and beyond to create a fantastic menu that incorporated both our wishes and personalities. They even gifted us with traditional baklava for dessert in honor of my mother’s Greek heritage. Mollie Stone created an incredible wedding cake, and as a surprise for Mark, my grandmother was sweet enough to make her famous carrot cake as a groom’s cake! After eating and drinking, we danced the night away to classic blues and jazz performed by a 13-piece band, “The Sapphire Bullets of Pure Love with the Bonaventure Horns.” After our  first dance to Van Morrison’s “Someone  Like You,” the band went into classics, such as Bobby Darin’s “Mack the Knife,” Frank Sinatra’s “Always and Forever” and Mack Rice’s “Mustang Sally.” We finished the evening off by leaving in a Savannah pedi-cab to our nearby downtown hotel. To make the day even more personal, our ceremony officiant is a dear family friend and was my father’s best man in his wedding. We were also fortunate to have the talented Keli Brown as our photographer. The day was perfect. The one piece of advice I would give to other brides is to try and really connect with your vendors and don’t choose one unless you do. Mark and I felt so blessed to have so many wonderful people to help make our day so special!

Wedding Photography: Keli Brown of Ave Nocturna Photography / Ceremony: Whitefield Chapel at Bethesda Academy in Savannah, Georgia / Reception: The Scarbrough House in Savannah, Georgia / Event Planning: Tricia Windom / Floral Design: Amy Harvey of Harvey Designs / Wedding Cinematography: HD Savannah / Wedding Cake: Mollie Stone / Groom’s Cake: The Bride’s Grandmother / Band: The Sapphire Bullets of Pure Love featuring The Bonaventure Horns / Transportation: Old Savannah Tours / Wedding Dress: Jim Hjelm / Bride’s Veil + Dress Tailoring: Cate Lyon (912-238-9410) / Bride’s + Bridesmaids’ Shoes: Seychelles / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: BHLDN “Tracery” in Shell

While putting this lovely post together, I noticed a huge goofy grin forming on my face. Because this couple just gets it. Not to mention their day was what dreams are made of. You can totally tell that they enjoyed every minute of their drop-dead gorgeous day, and their joy just seeps through all the breathtaking images by LeeAnn Ritch Photography. How can you not smile about that? See it all here!

From LeeAnn Ritch Photography… An elegant, timeless and breathtaking wedding for couple who owns the amazing Tybee Island Social Club on Tybee Island, Georgia. From the gorgeousness of the couple to their incredible appreciation for design, the water and great food and wine, it was perfect. The lunch lasted over two hours and was “European style”… no rush, simply enjoying fine wines poured with each course and great company. Elegant and beach chic summed this up. And did I mention that Kurtis is a great musician who serenaded Sarah as well? Romantic? Absolutely. Truly one of the most lovely weddings I had had the honor to shoot.

From the Bride… The menu was constructed with our love of food and wine in mind, along with Kurt’s Kentucky heritage and me being a Georgia peach. Several passed appetizers, such as bacon pimento cheese, seared tuna on cucumber, and watermelon and roasted grape tomato skewers garnished with mint were offered to guests as they arrived, along with Social’s white sangria. We knew we wanted to embrace our backgrounds through our menu, which began with an amuse-bouche consisting of root vegetable soup shooters with thyme butter-poached lobster, paired with Domaine Les grands Bois 2011 Cotes du Rhone Rose. The first course was a Caprese salad with mixed greens, fresh mozzerella, vine-ripened tomatoes, bleu cheese, fresh basil, and caramelized onions, finished with a balsamic glaze and paired with Henri Bourgeois Quincy 2006 Haute Victoire. An interim course of strawberry moscato sorbet with a chiffonade of mint was followed by the main course of roasted, local grouper with artichoke hearts, Meyer lemon, shitake tarragon bourbon butternut squash mash paired with Chateau Coupe Roses Minervois 2010 la Bastide. Jalapeno and corn hushpuppies with maple butter were also on the table. Our cake was a Kentucky bourbon and Georgia praline cheesecake. For the Southern Coastal Social Friday night, we served suckling pig, roasted oysters, tempura haricots verts, bacon and herb potato salad, Social’s famous crab stew, stuffed mushrooms and a few other appetizers, along with Social’s red sangria and famous fresh-squeezed lime margaritas. Sunday brunch consisted of quiches, whole hams, pastries, mimosas and Social’s bacon bloody marys.

Wedding Photography: LeeAnn Ritch Photography / Ceremony: Lovely Lane Chapel on St. Simons Island, Georgia / Reception: A Private Estate on Jekyll Island, Georgia / Event Planning, Floral + Event Design: DIY / Catering: FORM / Wedding Invitations: Number Four Eleven / Wedding Dress: Jim Hjelm / Bride’s Shoes: Borrowed from a Friend / Men’s Attire: Marc by Marc Jacobs

This Farm 255 wedding is a little bit country, and a little bit city slick, just like the LA based Southern rooted bride and groom. Fluffy garden florals by Gardenia Floral Design keep the Southern charm rolling in milk glass vases collected by the bride and her mother. Speaking of white and pretty: the bride’s uber elegant structural silk Vera Wang sheath is just to die. You simply must see it from every angle possible in Caroline Fontenot‘s shots the rest of the gallery!

From the Bride… My husband and I met at the University of Georgia in a painting class we took together eleven years ago. We were friends first and then soon became a couple. We moved out to California together in 2004 and have lived here ever since. We decided to have our wedding in Athens because we met there, we love it there, and because our families live in Georgia and Tennessee, so it would be easier and less expensive for all of them to come to the wedding if it were back down south. It was perfect.

We wanted the look of our wedding to feel homey and relaxed. I’m from south Georgia, Brian’s from Tennessee, and we currently live in Los Angeles. So somehow, we wanted it to feel both country and modern; a little bit southern and a little bit urban. I liked the idea of using a ton of small milk glass vases instead of only a few large arrangements for the tables. My mother collected over 100 milk glass vases during our one-year engagement. She borrowed some from friends and family, but she found most of them at small consignment shops along the way from our house in south Georgia to my grandmother’s house near Savannah. My talented aunt made the beautiful linen table runners, and my mom found a bunch of votives to warm it up and add some glow. I made all of the table numbers and signage myself and put each in 5×7-inch gold frames. I also made the place cards and party booth banner. Because I was planning the wedding from so far away, I wanted the seat assignment display to be easy to assemble but not boring. So we took some wooden skewers and white artist’s tape to make name flags for each guest. My husband’s handwriting is much better than mine, so he wrote everyone’s name and table number on each flag. We filled each glass container with different colored grains, peas, beans and grits and inserted the guest flags into the corresponding container according to their last name. It matched the vibe of the venue and was easy to make.

We wanted the ceremony site to feel important and beautiful. Since we were getting married in Georgia in June, an inside venue was also appealing. It’s hot outside! So after some searching we decided the Day Chapel at the State Botanical Gardens would be perfect. It’s beautiful and small. We only had 65 guests, so we didn’t want our ceremony venue to be so large that it felt empty. The craftsman style is gorgeous and the room feels very reverent and serene. The chapel itself was so lovely that we only had one large orchid arrangement in the back of the room. Plus, the chapel is surrounded by manicured gardens and walking trails. You rent the chapel, but you get to enjoy acres and acres of gorgeous State Botanical Gardens for free!

Again, because we were having a “destination wedding,” we thought having the reception at a restaurant made the most sense. Everything is on site, and you don’t have to worry about rentals and coordinating a lot of different vendors. Brian and I care a lot about food. Where it comes from, how it’s prepared and how yummy it tastes. Brian is an avid cook and selecting a place for our reception was very important to both of us. While visiting Athens several years ago, we ate at Farm 255 for the first time, as it was not there when we lived in Athens. They own their own farm just outside of town and use it to provide delicious meats and fresh vegetables to guests. It was a perfect fit for us. It’s intimate, it has a outdoor patio and stage, the interior feels like an urban loft and the minimalist decor is southern. It’s also downtown, so any guests that wanted to keep the party going after the reception could visit any of the 100 or so local bars. The location was also only a few blocks from the hotel so if some guests had too much fun, walking back home was easy and safe. The chef, bartenders, and servers at Farm 255 are so talented and friendly. They made our reception easy, delicious, and fun. It was exactly what we wanted.

Wedding Photography: Caroline Fontenot / Ceremony: The State Botanical Garden of Georgia in Athens, Georgia / Reception: Farm 255 in Athens, Georgia / Floral Design: Gardenia Floral Design / Wedding Cake: The Bride’s Cousin, Candace / Cake Bunting, Table Numbers + Signage: DIY by the Bride / Desserts: The Bride’s Aunts / Wedding Dress: Vera Wang / Bride’s Shoes: Loeffler Randall / Hair + Makeup: Jennifer Hadden of Flawless Finish / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: J.Crew / Groom’s Suit: Thick as Thieves /Groomsmen’s Suits: Tommy Hilfiger / Men’s Ties + Socks: Express

We’ve all heard the saying “the couple that plays together stays together” and I just love how this couple chose to play together on their one year wedding anniversary.  The wonderful work by Mackensey Alexander Photography fully captures the relaxed, comfortable yet chic aesthetic of the session and the overall design by Intrigue Design & Decor + 2hands Studios is hands down fabulous! There’s more to drool over in the full gallery here.

From Meg Vendley (The Bride)… I love weddings and styled shoots and always thought about putting together a vintage shoot for our one-year anniversary. When my wedding florist, Intrigue Design & Decor, along with the help of 2hands Studios, offered to make a vintage fabric bouquet and boutonniere for the event, I knew I had to put it together. I searched for a local photographer with an ethereal but artistic style and found Mackensey. She was absolutely perfect to work with, and she was able to capture the classic Savannah style that I wanted. I love vintage and shabby items and thought that style fit perfectly with the rich history of Savannah. Everything in the shoot was found at vintage shops or from our own home. My favorite pieces were the 1930s champagne glasses for my us to toast with and the monogrammed pendant he gave me as an anniversary gift. I even baked and decorated the cupcakes myself! Putting together this photo shoot was such a fun and memorable way to celebrate our anniversary and our new Savannah home.

Photography: Mackensey Alexander Photography / Location: Forsyth Park in Savannah, Georgia / Floral Design: Intrigue Design & Decor + 2hands Studios / Event Design: Meg Vendley (The Bride) / Dress: Paloma Blanca / Shoes: Vera Wang Lavender / Sweater: J.Crew / Necklace: Jennifer Zeuner

This couple provided more than just super cute thoughtful DIY touches for the guests at their Oakhurst Farm wedding. When their big day turned out to be the hottest one of the year, they moved the waterside ceremony they had planned indoors for the comfort of their guests, keeping only the releasing of the doves outside afterward, complete with sweet custom hand fans made by the bride, of course. Details of the Gardens made creamy off white and punchy orange florals for the perfect color complement to the cool blue linens and bridesmaids dresses. Kaitie Bryant Photography + Texture Photo shot all the lovely thoughtfulness and it’s all here in the full gallery!

From Kaitie Bryant Photography… I’m in love with this wedding. They are such a gorgeous couple and couldn’t take a bad picture. Ana is a DIY queen, and so many of the details of the day were the product of her hands and time. She made fans for the wedding programs, used old shutters for table seating place cards, wooden hearts that said, “I DO” for the cake topper, and combined blue and orange to create an awesome color palette for the wedding day. Brayden and Ana even had a “ring man” and “flower man,” breaking the traditional rules of using children for these roles and instead including special friends in the ceremony. And it made for some fun laughs during the processional! But what sticks out most to me is the thoughtfulness of Ana and Brayden. Their wedding was on one of the hottest days of the year here in Georgia (reaching 104 degrees in LaGrange), and the wedding was supposed to be outdoors. Oakhurst Farm is a beautiful venue for outdoor ceremonies, but Ana and Brayden wanted to take care of their guests (especially elderly family members) and felt like the 100+ degree temperature might be too hot for their guests. So they thought creatively and did most of their ceremony indoors and saved two special parts of the ceremony for outside. The guests went out to the veranda to watch Ana and Brayden release doves from a basket and the pronouncement of their marriage/the first kiss. I was so struck by how Ana and Brayden were thinking more about other people than themselves on their wedding day and make changes accordingly. And it was still so beautiful! I liked how they creatively came up with a solution and were still able to enjoy the outside property for the ceremony. To top it off, I loved seeing the basket of bug spray they had for guests when going outside — anyone from Georgia knows how bad the mosquitos can be, especially near water. Truly, they were thinking about their guests and wanting this day to be a celebration for everyone to enjoy. It ended up not just raining but also hailing before the ceremony, which made it difficult to figure out when we would take pictures. But right before the ceremony the rain stopped, the temperature dropped a bit — maybe even into the 90s — and it made the world of a difference.  By the time Brayden and Ana stepped outside, it was beautiful after-storm light and a perfect cloud covering to keep everyone cool. I thought what they did was such a great idea for weddings in hot summer months, and I’m still so impressed that they wanted to take care of their guests. Love it!

Wedding Photography: Kaitie Bryant Photography + Texture Photo / Wedding Venue: Oakhurst Farm in West Point, Georgia / Floral Design: Details of the Gardens / Wedding Cake: Fran Papenfuss of The Cake Lady / DJ: Travis Gilbert of Fonix Entertainment / Wedding Dress: Venus Bridals (Pallas Athena Collection) via A Formal Occasion / Hair: Aarika Anderson of Oohs and Ahhs in Newnan, Georgia / Makeup: Beautiful You by Nancy

The sweet southern charm mixed with the seriously stylish loft venue of this wedding by Brita Photography could not be a more perfect match. It just could not. It compliments the other perfect match dancing around in this post, and that is the oh-so-adorable duo saying I do. They are just too cute for words, and their personality-filled fête is making for one stylish Monday! See it all here!

From Brita Photography… This DIY wedding was filled with beautiful, rustic details. From mason jars, vintage Coke decorations and wooden crates to burlap flowers and elegant branch centerpieces, every single detail was made and designed (even their logo!) by Ian and Victoria.

Ian and Victoria are the bride and groom that every photographer dreams of working with. They are the sweetest, kindest, most thoughtful, in love and gorgeous couple you will ever meet! Seriously! (Sounds cheesy, I know.) I can’t tell you how many times during their day that Victoria asked me how I was doing or if I wanted to have a seat. They sent us their custom-designed save-the-dates along with their custom-made wedding invitation, and they even reserved seats for us at their reception with the most delicious chicken, roasted red potatoes and vegetables. It’s the small things. We were so appreciative to work with them and have them as our clients, and even more so now that we’ve become friends.

Wedding Photography: Brita Photography / Reception: The Foundry at Puritan Mill in Atlanta, Georgia / Wedding Coordination: Lauren Duplantis / Floral Design: DIY by the Bride / Wedding Cake: McEntyre’s Bakery / DJ: DJ Spanks / Wedding Dress: Maggie Sottero via Bride Beautiful / Hair: Gina Earnest / Makeup: Vanessa Burnham / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: J.Crew

It doesn’t get much more classic Atlanta than this exquisite (and undoubtably timeless) affair by Robin Nathan Photography. The stunning Bride and dashing Groom kept things simple and clean letting the historic Swan House venue speak for itself and Unique Floral Expressions kept things fresh with a bright yellow palette, incorporating artichokes and succulents into the bouquets! See it all right here!

From Robin Nathan Photography… Brenda and Brent are such a great couple. Their wedding was a perfect reflection of their life, music, art and a blend of timeless and modern. Choosing the Swan House as the venue was a perfect choice. Adding the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra set the bar very high for a classic Atlanta feel. The table names were Atlanta street names, which were displayed on a vintage city map. The groom’s cake featured a skyline decoration. But they also wanted a modern and funky vibe as a contrast to the venue. Working off the colors of chrome and marigold, their florist, Julie Coffin of Unique Floral Expressions, added a modern feel by using artichokes, baby clementines, succulents, king protea and dusty miller. Instead of a traditional guest book, they provided a Scrabble board for their guests to build on through the evening. They went vintage with a polaroid camera for a DIY photo booth. Brent is a printer and brought the letterpress plate of the invitation to be photographed. (How cool is that!?)

Wedding Photography: Robin Nathan Photography / Ceremony: Swan House at the Atlanta History Center in Atlanta, Georgia / Reception: McElreath Hall at the Atlanta History Center in Atlanta, Georgia / Event Planning: Courtney Surber Paz Weddings & Events / Floral Design: Unique Floral Expressions / Wedding Cake: Sweet Sensations / Paletas: King of Pops / Wedding Invitations: DIY by the Groom / Music: Atlanta Symphony Orchestra / Wedding Dress: Amy Kuschel via Kelly’s Closet / Bride’s Shoes: Kate Spade / Hair Comb: Lulu Splendor / Groom’s Tuxedo: Black by Vera Wang

Give me a Bride in a Claire Pettibone gown and photographed to perfection by Simply Bloom Photography and I give you my undivided and whole heartedly enamored attention. Done deal. But all gorgeous dress and breath-taking photography aside, this wedding is chock full of amazing vendors who built a gem one lovely layer at a time. From the wild florals by Lucky + Lovely to a sea of steal-worthy details crafted by Simply Charming Socials + the Bride, there’s a whole lot to love. And you can love it all night long in the full gallery.

From the Bride… We had over a year to plan, which was perfect for me — I had so many ideas I wanted to execute that I knew it would take a long time to put everything into place. I knew the second I found pictures of Fair Weather Farm that I had found where we should get married. It was remotely-located  and surrounded by acres of beautiful land, a lake and a 200-year-old oak tree that took my breath away. Getting Christine at Simply Bloom as our photographer was a no brainer for us as well. We knew from day one that besides our venue, having an amazing photographer was at the very tippy-top of our list in terms of what we thought was most important. When I found them online, I fell in love with their amazing photographs and overall aesthetic and knew we had to book them. Luckily, when we found Fair Weather Farm, we also found Danielle and Kristine, our wedding coordinators, who spent countless hours helping me narrow down my vision and ended up executing it perfectly. They also helped us find our amazing florist, Melanie, who created some of the most beautiful arrangements I’ve ever seen. My bouquet was so beautiful that Danielle and Melanie made me have a “first look” with it! Melanie also created giant gold flowers and pom-pom flowers for the ceremony, and Danielle and Kristine individually spray-painted hundreds of animals gold to create the amazing tablescapes for the reception. 

As so many people have said of their wedding planning, ours was truly a labor of love. So many wonderful friends and family members spent hours helping me brainstorm, one of our close friends letterpressed each invitation and RSVP card by hand, my maid of honor helped stuff all of our invitation envelopes, Brian’s father cooked for the rehearsal dinner, my older brother played guitar during the ceremony, I painted the programs, one of Brian’s groomsmen set up an AMAZING photo booth (which he later made into a video) … and I could go on and on. Although at the time planning was stressful, we felt such an outpouring of love from everyone which helped us immensely. Of course, without the help — of every kind — and support of our parents, our wedding wouldn’t have been what it was. We are so incredibly thankful to them for everything they contributed.

The day of the wedding we were panicking because there was a 30% chance of rain, and EVERYTHING was happening outside. We had an option to set everything up inside, and I almost pulled the trigger on it, even though it wasn’t what I had envisioned at all. I was talking with my dad, in tears at the salon, because I was so disappointed that everything I had planned could be ruined by the rain, and he said, “Hannah, would you be more disappointed if it didn’t rain and we had moved it inside, or if it DID rain and everything got soaked?” and I knew at that moment that I had to follow through with what I wanted and keep everything outside. In the end, even if it did rain, it would still be a beautiful and joyful day, and that was all that mattered. And you know what? There wasn’t a cloud in the sky from start to finish, and we danced the night away under the super moon. I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect way to celebrate marrying the love of my life, surrounded by all the people who had shaped us and made us who we are today. 

Wedding Photography: Simply Bloom Photography, LLC / Wedding Venue: Fair Weather Farms in Monroe, Georgia / Wedding Design, Planning + Decor: Simply Charming Socials + The Bride / Floral Design: Melanie Hernquist of Lucky + Lovely / Catering: Home.Made Catering / Wedding Cake: Deborah’s Specialty Cakes / Wedding Invitations: Bess Gaby, A Friend of the Bride / Wedding Programs: The Bride / Vintage Rentals: Blue Eyed Yonder / Rentals: Goodwin Rentals / Ceremony Guitar: The Bride’s Brother / DJ: Michael Doyle of Lethal Rhythms / Photo Booth: A Friend of the Groom / Wedding Dress: Claire Pettibone / Bride’s Shoes: ZiGiNY / Hair: Rizzie at Republic Salon / Makeup: Keka Heron

I think by now, y’all know I am a sappy mess. Love stories turn me into mush, and since my days consist of featuring love stories – I can often be found with tears in my eyes and a goofy grin on my face. Today I can thank Shutter Life Productions for my happy tears, because this proposal video is just what my sappy heart lives for. I could go on and on (and on), but I think the Groom-to-be says it best, “All I wanted to do was to give Kimberly a story to be proud of — she is worth it all” – oh my goodness! Swoon!

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From the Groom-to-Be… Kimberly and I met through a campus ministry called Campus Crusade for Christ at FSU. We had been dating for a little more than three years when I asked her to marry me. The day I proposed, she thought I was headed down to Orlando to play music at a church called Summit, where I often volunteer. She had decided with her roommates to go to Thomasville, Georgia (about 45 minutes from Tallahassee), for the afternoon to spend some time taking photos and having some girls’ time. What she didn’t know is that I had been out in Thomasville all day with a few of her friends and some of my roommates setting everything up. We brought 300 balloons to a place very special to Kimberly and me: The Bookshelf. She had always said she wanted her proposal to be magical, so this was my best attempt at making her dreams come true. I wanted to set up the art gallery as a place dedicated to Kimberly and me. Retelling ourselves our story with lots of photos and notes and such. Hanging from all the balloons were lots of little keepsakes from our relationship. Photos, receipts from dates, little notes and things. It all couldn’t have gone better. When I first saw her, I completely forgot everything I wanted to say. We were completely overwhelmed with joy. All I could think to do was hug her.

The only thing the video didn’t capture, which was the perfect end to all of this, was directly after leaving The Bookshelf we walked a block down the street to a restaurant called Jonah’s Fish & Grits. I had been talking with all of her friends and family and had invited them from all over the Southeast to come and celebrate with us afterwards, assuming she would say yes, of course! We walked in to a room full of all of our loved ones. It was beautiful. I’m so grateful that people have enjoyed hearing about our engagement. All I wanted to do was to give Kimberly a story to be proud of — she is worth it all.

Cinematography: Nathan + Lori Puhr of Shutter Life Productions / Location: The Bookshelf in Thomasville, Georgia / Music: “Generator ^ First Floor” by Freelance Whales + “Blindsided” by Bon Iver

I have a confession. Even though I am a full blown wedding junkie, I thought about eloping more than once when planning my big day. There is something so incredibly romantic about running off with the love of your life to say I do, just you two. It’s even better when you get to bring along the talents of Minutes of Love Photography so all the romance is captured on film – which is just what this new Mr. & Mrs. did allowing us to get lost in all the love in the full gallery of images!

From the Bride… Spencer and I met in sixth grade at summer camp. We were friends at first, and then in eighth grade, we began dating. The jewelry on the bouquet is from all those years spent together — the promise ring he gave me in high school and my mom’s wedding band. When the day came, I felt very at ease and secure. It was truly the day we had been talking about since were were in eighth grade (we had always told each other we wanted to marry the other, even from the beginning). We had a very small ceremony to keep it intimate. We just wanted the day to focus on the two of us making commitments to one another … and get to the root of what marriage truly is about — two people.

Wedding Photography: Minutes of Love Photography / Wedding Venue: Heritage Green in Atlanta, Georgia / Bouquet: Whole Foods / Wedding Dress: Tadashi Shoji from Neiman Marcus / Bride’s Shoes: Kate Spade / Groom’s Hat: Vintage

Warning: the following Twin Hearts Photography images may cause severe and urgent popsicle hunger pangs. It also may cause pangs of wedding envy, because this Summerour Studio soiree has a serious violet vibe via Flowers by Patrick that will have you second guessing your color choice, and so many sweet ways missing loved ones were honored, you’ll wish you had thought of them yourself. What better way to beat the heatwave than looking at this King of Pops punctuated fiesta? There isn’t one, so cool off here with the rest of the pretty party!

From the Bride… The morning after Matt proposed, he played Bowerbirds’ “Northern Lights” for me, and with. that we had our theme — that we do not need perfection, just each other. With that in mind, we sought to build a day that showed our favorite people what was truly “us” — a Southern girl who loves to dance, a Midwestern boy (via Texas) who loves to eat and go to concerts, and how they just happened to love each other. While we were blessed with friends who came from all over the world — including crossing two oceans —  we tried to include those not able to attend. My great-grandmother’s candelabras stood at the altar in memory of our grandparents who had passed away, and the boys wore pins in honor of one of Matt’s groomsmen currently serving with the Army Rangers. We also wore pieces of jewelry from my mother’s parents, whose health kept them away. I chose my grandmother’s brooch and earrings, while Matt sported my grandfather’s cufflinks — the same ones he wore on their own wedding day 60 years ago. If I were to list highlights of the day, it would be Matt’s eyes when we first saw each other, the doors of the church opening to the swell of the organ, the commitment of the people on the dance floor (including the most epic dance competition of.all.time.), and King of Pops to finish off the night. It was magical.

Wedding Photography: Twin Hearts Photography / Ceremony: Saint Mark United Methodist Church in Atlanta, Georgia / Reception: Summerour Studio in Atlanta, Georgia / Floral Design: Flowers by Patrick / Wedding Day Coordination: Carol Whitlow / Ceremony Coordination: Phil Hulst / Catering: Bold American Catering / Dessert: Highland Bakery + King of Pops / Music: Fernando of Lethal Rhythms / Photo Booth: Red Eye Photo Booths / Wedding Dress: Custom by Ruby of Bridal Couture by Ruby V / Groom + Bridal Party Attire: J.Crew

You know what I love? Garden weddings and this is about as gardeny as they come. You know the type: loads of greenery and fresh florals as far as the eye can see. This Georgia peach has all that and more with images by The Studio B Photography that tell a tale of an oh so in love couple and their alfresco shindig with the cutest floral bridesmaids dresses might I add. It’s pretty times a mil and you can see it all right here!

From The Studio B Photography… Victoria is one of those people who wins you over with her warm, outgoing personality as soon as you meet her. An artist and an actress, she is simultaneously hilarious, dramatic and elegant. Shawn brings out the very best in her and is happy to let his darling fiancé shine like the star she is. Their wedding day was bright and sunny — the perfect accompaniment to their laid-back garden party. It was filled with so much genuine happiness and the contagious kind of laughter that makes you tilt back your head and giggle with glee. The styling of the wedding was beautiful, with each table featuring a completely different centerpiece, yet they all tied together perfectly. Instead of a traditional guestbook, the couple set out a display of keys with tags attached. Guests left “keys to a happy marriage” and shared relationship advice with the bride and groom. The bridesmaids each wore a different dress, all floral prints to coordinate with the overall theme of the day. After a gorgeous outdoor ceremony, the site was transformed into a beautiful dance floor under the stars. Everyone had a wonderful time!

Wedding Photography: The Studio B Photography / Wedding Venue: Brumby Hall & Gardens in Marietta, Georgia (770-427-2500) / Floral Design + Styling: Annette Joseph / Wedding Day Coordination: Sharon Fisher Events / Officiant: Jeremiah O’Keefe-West / Catering: Hilton Atlanta/Marietta Hotel & Conference Center / Wedding Cake + Pies: Gabriel’s / Wedding Invitations: Studio Four Three / Wedding Programs: DIY by the Bride / DJ: Disc Jockey Etc. / Wedding Dress: Casablanca Bridal / Custom Sleeve Alterations: Lily of Bravura Bridal / Bride’s Shoes: Seychelles / Hair + Makeup: Hair Art Day Spa / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: ModCloth / Groom’s Suit: J.Crew / Men’s Ties: General Knot & Co.

We never grow tired of a knock-your-socks-off meeting story, and this couple, who met on the job as firefighters, takes the cake. What kind of cake? Wedding cake of course, because they went from friends to roomies to a couldn’t-look-happier Bride and Groom at this country chic Braselton Stover House ceremony. Another detail that never goes out of style: wearing something meaningful on your wedding day. This Bride donned white ostrich skin cowboy boots under her gown because she vowed she would marry in them after her mom gifted her with a pair on her 16th birthday.  We Do Wedding Photography got all the money shots from these gorgeous garden I-Do’s, including the Bride spinning for joy in her big girl boots and it’s all here in the full gallery!

From the Bride… Brett and I first met at the fire house. We worked on different shifts at the same station, so we’d see each other every morning at shift change (he’d come wake me up every morning!). Our friendship grew over the passing months after a few weekend trips down to the fire academy for classes and eventually became such close friends we decided to move in together as roommates. From then on we did everything together! Grocery shopping, UGA football games, pumpkin carving, road trips, wine tasting and movie nights. We realized that we were becoming more then just friends. I fought it for the longest time because I didn’t want to chance losing such a wonderful friend, but Brett had a different plan. As one last power play for my birthday, he planned this awesome scuba diving trip to Florida. Once we landed, we were informed that there was going to be bad weather all weekend. Ever the Marine, Brett packed up all our stuff, rented a convertible and we drove all the way down to Key West were he surprised me by renting an unbelievable bungalow on a private island and took me out for a night on the town. We got home and I fought it for about a week longer but by the end of the month, I caved and we’ve been together ever since.

A year later (for my birthday — ha ha) on a Sunday afternoon, Brett looked at me and told me to pack a swimsuit because we were leaving for Mexico on Tuesday! We flew into Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, where that night we had a private sunset dinner for two on the beach, and when we headed back up to your suite, a rose petal path lead into the bedroom, where my engagement ring sat on the bed in a pile of more rose petals. I turned around and Brett was on one knee, proposing! It was something out of a movie. :) We spent the whole next day swinging in a hammock on the beach, drinking mimosas and flew back home the next morning. (I bought a wedding magazine in the airport and started planning immediately!)

I knew I wanted a fun, elegant, country chic wedding. Big Cinderella dress, peonies and cream roses, burlap and lace, an awesome band that played country and southern rock, good southern cooking and of course…. fabulous photographers to capture it all! My mama bought me my first pair of ostrich skin cowboy boots for my 16th birthday, and ever since, I VOWED I would get married in white ostrich skin boots. So naturally that was one of the most important details on my list. The day I got them in the mail, I pranced and jumped and skipped around ALL night! The HUGE poofy Cinderella dress was next. All my bridesmaids, moms and grandmothers all came. I tried on a billion dresses and when I tried on the dress that I ended up picking, I walked out and EVERYONE started crying at once! We all just instantly knew that was the one. A few moments later after twirling around in the mirror, Brett’s mother pulled a box out of her purse and said, “These were Brett’s grandmother’s. She gave them to me, and now I’m giving them to you.” Inside was a beautiful pair of pearl earrings, which are the earrings I wore on my wedding day!

I got the beautiful, elegant, spring garden ceremony, and then the reception was a good ole fashioned southern barn party! Fried chicken, mason jars full of Georgia beer, a great band, tons and tons of sparkly lights, homemade wedding cake and EVERY SINGLE family and friend in my life was there, not to mention the best wedding party a couple could ask for and my DROP DEAD GORGEOUS GROOM! :) This day would not have been possible without their unconditional love, help and support. Looking back its overwhelming to see the pure LOVE that was shown to Brett and me just so that we could have this one special day.

Photography:  We Do Wedding Photography / Ceremony: Braselton Stover House in Braselton, Georgia / Reception: Clark Barn in Jefferson, Georgia / Floral Design + Wedding Coordination: Cantey Smith (A Family Friend) / Catering: Cornbread and Cavair Catering / Wedding Cake: Shirrley Smith (A Family Friend) / Band: Jimmy + Kara Chotas / Transportation: The Bride’s Grandpa’s 1962 Corvette / Wedding Dress: Oleg Cassini for David’s Bridal / Hair: Three-13 Salon / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: David’s Bridal / Men’s Attire: Men’s Wearhouse

Eight years of dating gives a bride plenty of time to envision her wedding day, and once the question is finally popped,  the vision can become a reality! This DIY-filled wedding was planned to perfection by a bride who works in the industry and knew how to create the personalized touches that made the couple’s big day a true reflection of them. Kelli Boyd Photography captured all the details and you can see the rest in the full gallery!

From Kelli Boyd Photography… After eight years of courtship, Joe asked for Jaclyn’s hand in marriage on a sunny day in Savannah a little over a year ago. Once the ring was on, the planning was full steam ahead. Jaclyn had worked in the bridal industry for five years, so she had a general idea of what she wanted their wedding to be like. Being a creative person and a designer at heart, she chose to make her wedding a complete DIY success! She created and made almost everything: her veil, bridesmaids’ dresses, bouquets, centerpieces, linens for the candy buffet and a fabulous quilt! Jaclyn wanted her wedding to have a vintage feel, so she incorporated old milk crates as centerpieces and used the glasses as favors for her guests. She created silhouettes of her and Joe to use as decor for her reception. She wore a Romona Keveza gown from Bluebelle Bridal, and Joe wore a southern seersucker suit. She chose a purple color palette because of its versatility and to suit her maids.They were wed at Wesley Monumental United Methodist Church on June 9. The couple both participated in directing the youth program for the church, so their ceremony was very special to the both of them. While planning their wedding, Jaclyn realized that her break from the wedding industry was over. She and Joe will be moving to Chicago, where she will transition into the role of manager at the Macy’s Bridal Salon. The salon will also feature an exclusive line of veils designed by Jaclyn. Jaclyn says, “It really was the most perfect day. Having thought about our wedding since we first started dating eight years ago, I couldn’t have imagined it turning out any better! All of the DIY projects allowed me to get the exact look we wanted and utilize my talented friends in the process.”

Wedding Photography: Kelli Boyd Photography / Ceremony: Wesley Monumental United Methodist Church in Savannah, Georgia / Reception: American Legion in Savannah, Georgia / Floral Design: DIY by the Bride / Quilt: DIY by the Bride / Wedding Dress: Romona Keveza via Bleubelle Bridal / Bride’s Veil: DIY by the Bride / Bride’s Shoes: Kate Spade / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: DIY by the Bride

What better way to celebrate America’s independence than with a good ole fashioned southern, vintage style photo shoot by Berrytree Photography! The unbelievably charming table arrangements and elements of gingham with lace have all been so beautifully coordinated by Chancey Charm Weddings and I absolutely love the splashes of cotton that Gardenia Floral Design added in the mix. Feeling extra peachy? Me too! Wait until you see the entire gallery here!

From Molly McKinley of Chancey Charm Weddings… “Southern Peach” was the theme that Sarah of Berrytree Photography and I came up with after many hours of brainstorming. A styled wedding shoot inspired by the great Peach State… why hadn’t we thought of it yet?! Madison Oaks Inn was the perfect Southern bed and breakfast for the shoot to take place. Covered in giant oak trees and flowers of every kind, the grounds are an absolutely gorgeous place for a Southern affair. The home itself has a large porch with rocking chairs and giant columns that remind me of my grandmother’s. Of course, Coca-Cola (born in Atlanta, the South’s favorite drink) had to make a debut. We used vintage Coke bottles, along with vintage glassware, for the centerpieces. Each guest had their own glass bottle Coke. Place cards were real peaches with DIY pendant flags. As Southern girls, we often call ourselves “Georgia Peaches.” Peaches are one of the state’s best products and proud motifs! The fabrics incorporated by robintreelane were Southern as could be: gingham and florals, reminiscent of home. We used vintage doilies as “place mats” and rose-colored depression glass for the settings. Goodwin Rentals provided us with one of their farmhouse tables, along with stunning white chiavari chairs. Mismatched silverware, from different thrift stores, completed the look. The flowers, by Gardenia Floral Design, incorporated soft colored florals and cotton (another well-known Georgia product), with a pop of red to match our Coca-Cola bottles. The bouquet was tied with a vintage red polka dot scarf. Ashley Bardash, a Stella & Dot stylist and wedding planner, styled the jewelry for our Southern bride, who wore a vintage ruffled peach dress and a pearl bib necklace. What Southern girl doesn’t love ruffles and pearls? Invitations by Plainjane Designs were the perfect addition to the modern Georgia Peach’s wedding, with a watercolor background and bold fonts. Sugar Kneads Cakery designed a beautiful modern coral and peach cake, which complemented our colors so well! We loved the idea of having a custom cake flavor for both the bride and groom that reflected Georgia. Silver Lining Cupcake Company created two “special” cupcakes for our bride and groom: peach cobbler cupcakes for the bride, and cherry cola for the groom. Not only were they super cute, they were delicious too. Our models were a real Southern couple, both from Macon, Georgia, who just married this past March.

There are so many other ideas you could take from this shoot that we did not touch. Instead of a traditional guestbook, why not use a map of Georgia? Have guests sign by where they are from, where they were born, or their favorite place to visit in the Peach State. Treat your guests to boiled peanuts during cocktail hour! Have a sweet tea bar for your guests, where they can choose from different flavors and add fruit to their drink. Pimento cheese is always welcome at a Southern wedding. Pecan pie would be a yummy alternative to a groom’s cake! Dogwoods could be a fun addition to your flowers, and if you are on a budget, just fill thrift store baskets with peaches instead of using flowers for all of your centerpieces. Your bridesmaids could also carry baskets of peaches, with a few flowers tucked in. Be creative and have fun with planning. Take the time to think of what truly reflects you as a couple, and incorporate those ideas into your wedding. Southern girls, be inspired by your roots. You are part of a beautiful history!

Photography: Berrytree Photography / Photo Shoot Venue: Madison Oaks Inn & Gardens in Madison, Georgia / Styling + Planning: Molly McKinley of Chancey Charm Weddings / Floral Design: Gardenia Floral Design / Invitations + Paper Goods: Plainjane Designs / Wedding Cake: Sugar Kneads Cakery / Cupcakes: Silver Lining Cupcake Co. / Cake Stand Rental: Barron’s Rentals / Chiavari Chairs + Farm Table Rentals: Goodwin Event Rentals / Napkins, Runner + Ties: robintreelane / Wedding Dress: Vintage / Bride’s Makeup: Linda Brothers Purvis, Independent Mary Kay Consultant / Jewelry Styling: Ashley Bardash, Independent Stella & Dot Stylist

We might be smack dab in the middle of summer, but for all of you brides out there planning your fall fête – get your bookmarks ready, because this wedding by Paperlily Photography is favorite-worthy. The flowers by Stylish Stems alone are enough to fill up your favorites’ folder, and when you add pretty as can be details and a pup in a bow tie, well – you have one lovely wedding and one fab full gallery!

 

From the Bride… Planning my wedding was truly one of the easiest tasks I’ve ever had to do. I owe so much of that to my husband, who shares my vision and understands my dreams — not to mention the fact that he agreed with everything I described to him. I also owe many “thank you’s” to my florist, Heather Oliver at Stylish Stems. At my first meeting with her, I bombarded her with my vision of “vintage rustic” and “non-traditional” ideas. The only words I could use to describe what image I had in my head was “rustic, vintage, nature, branches, moss, romantic, candles, glass, mason jars, wildflowers, coupled with a peacock feather.” With the various adjectives that I threw at her, she was able to create exactly the image I had in my head … and more.

Nick and I had our first date at Piedmont Park during sunset so it was undoubtedly where we wanted to get married. Magnolia Hall Lawn was the perfect place for Nick and I to say “I do” while the sun went to rest. Our close friend Kyle Gordon played a Spanish guitar, singing a variation of Bob Marley’s “Turn Your Lights Down Low” while I walked down the aisle. Nick and I shared our vows under a large oak tree which symbolized so much for us. Our officiant, Reverend Donna said it best, “Marriage creates from two committed spirits one beautiful tree of life. It’s roots are the trust and devotion that underlie each action, thought and motive. It’s branches are experience created, hopes realized, and dreams pursued. And it’s blossoms are the kisses, gentle words and tender sighs that decorate each day, and beautify the union of two loving hearts.” It was under this large oak tree, decorated with beautiful white lanterns, where I kissed my husband for the first time. That moment was magical.

The reception decor was just as perfect, with each table having an arrangement of flowers similar to my bouquet sitting in a water-filled mason jar, wrapped with twine, and surrounded by candles that flickered throughout the night. The estate table couldn’t have been better put together — a center runner of green sheet moss with interwoven grapevine going down the full length of the table. Ivory dendrobium orchids sat on the moss in various places. A moss-covered “N” and “J” hung by twine on each side of the mantle which was covered by 50 candles protected by glass votives and pillars. The decor and arrangements were better than I could have imagined — a dream come true. Although the flowers and decor pieces were perfect, I couldn’t have done any of it without the help of my day-of coordinator, Susan Roberson with Endive. Susan listened to all of my ideas and ensured that each one of them were executed flawlessly and without any worry to me. As the sole wedding planner, most of my inspiration came from Etsy, Style Me Pretty and my heart. My DIY projects and fun ideas included an interactive guestbook where our guests could take a Polaroid picture, sign it, and hang it on twine with a clothespin, a still slideshow that showcased our love-story, seed bombs so our guests could spread the love, luggage tags for our guests to write advice to hang on a tree, a photo booth and props (compliments of Paperlily Photography), our pup in a homemade tux (thanks to our dear friend Earnest Randall), a vintage suitcase filled with cards, and a table dedicated to our parent’s wedding day to always remember what true love is all about.    

Wedding Photography: Brooke Drellos + Christy Gillam of Paperlily Photography / Ceremony + Reception Venue: Magnolia Hall at Piedmont Park in Atlanta, Georgia / Floral Design: Heather Oliver of Stylish Stems / Wedding Coordination + Catering: Susan Roberson of Endive / Wedding Cake: Publix / Reception Signs + Decor: DIY by the Bride + Friends / Guitar: Kyle Gordon (A Friend of the Couple) / Band: Kingsized / Wedding Dress: Vintage via Le Dress Boutique / Hair + Makeup: Cathi Chandler of Bridal Styles by Cathi / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Anthropologie

When you’re a lover of wine and the great outdoors, it makes total sense to get married in a vineyard. And that’s exactly what this adorable couple did. Every detail from the cute as can be flower girl’s floral head wreath to the simple mercury glass centerpieces was captured perfectly by Amy Arrington Photography. And lucky for us, there’s an entire gallery just full of images to inspire! Click here for more!

From the Bride… As soon as Bryan and I saw Wolf Mountain Vineyard, we knew that this was the venue that we wanted to get married at. Beyond being wine enthusiasts, Bryan and I have a deep passion for the outdoors … especially mountains. Bryan has lived in the North Georgia mountains his whole life, and we have enjoyed many hiking trips together. I am thrilled to say that our wedding day was perfect. I was expecting some flaws along the way because of all the horror stories I have heard from other weddings. Lindsey and Linda from Wolf Mountain were terrific making sure that the day went according to plan and that our whole family was looked after. We got married on May 5, and the weather was absolutely beautiful. It was also the night of the super-moon, so our guests got an amazing view from the back patio. Bryan and I are more than pleased with the vendors that we chose for our wedding, and if we were to do it all over again, we wouldn’t change a thing.

Wedding Photography: Amy Arrington Photography / Wedding Venue: Wolf Mountain Vineyards in Dahlonega, Georgia / Floral Design: The Flower Post / Officiant: Durwood Snead / Wedding Cake: Frosted Pumpkin / Wedding Invitations: Paper Affair / Harp: Lisa Handman / Wedding Dress: Alfred Angelo / Bride’s Shoes: Nina / Hair: Alisa Lawson / Makeup: Lindsey Bryant Carter / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: David’s Bridal / Groomsmen’s Tuxedos: Men’s Wearhouse

I don’t know about you, but whenever I see a wedding with this much southern charm, I wish I was a belle myself. Luckily, we can all live vicariously through the lens of Carla Gates Photography who caught every.single.detail from this rustic Atlanta celebration! The custom lemonade stand, chalkboard signage and bow-tie clad gents captured my heart…and you’ll be smitten too when you peek through the full gallery!

From Carla Gates Photography… It was such an honor to not only get to capture, but to be a part of Laurie and Caleb’s magical wedding day! They have such a gentle sweetness between them and such a warm surrounding of family and friends whose love absolutely permeated the air all around. Laurie, as well as the many wonderful vendors involved, worked so hard to dream up and produce all of the beautiful details that came so wonderfully together to create the perfect Southern Soiree they had been dreaming of! It was an evening to remember and I can’t say enough how grateful I was to get to work alongside such talented, wonderful people!

From the Bride… It all started with a walk on the beach among some of our closest friends. We had just met, and as we walked, Caleb told me his life story; the conversation was so real. Being the quieter one who loves to listen, I only got a few words in but enjoyed our time so much. Over time, we became good friends and continued to grow that friendship until a year later on a fateful night after a kickball party when Caleb asked me on a date. I said, “Yes,” and it wasn’t long before we realized that what we had was extraordinary! Ten months later he proposed, and I couldn’t have been more elated to marry the man of my dreams! Having both grown up in Georgia, there was no question that it would be a southern affair. We began by taking inspiration for the feel of the day from one of my all time favorite cities, Charleston, South Carolina. Fried chicken, mac-n-cheese, collard greens and biscuits were a must and absolutely had to be accompanied by none other than some good ol’ southern sweet tea. Additionally, we wanted to have a church that reflected Christ, a choir that echoed His presence, and a band to play fantastic music as we danced the night away! We felt so fortunate to have found Mao Tao of Four Inch Fold, who has become a dear friend in helping to bring our vision to life! Farm tables, old books and lanterns dangling from the trees combined with the dreamy, old-world feel of Rhodes Hall was truly incredible. I have to admit though, my absolutely most favorite moment of the day was having a gospel choir lead us and the bridal party from the church to Rhodes Hall singing “Oh Happy Day!” The guests were enjoying their pimento sandwiches and sweet tea on the lawn at Rhodes Hall as the choir, with us close behind, rounded the corner of Peachtree Street, carrying such beautiful melodies as we made our entrance as husband and wife! I will forever cherish March 31, 2012, as such a sweet celebration of the amazing union God has given us!

Wedding Photography: Carla Gates Photography / Ceremony: Peachtree Christian Church in Atlanta, Georgia / Reception: Rhodes Hall in Atlanta, Georgia / Reception Venue Contact: Chrystal Butts / Event Planning + Coordination: Kathleen Dennison / Floral Design: Jennifer Euart of Elizabeth Lucille Floral and Event Design / Wedding Cinematography: Rodinis Films / Catering: Zest Atlanta / Wedding Cake: Gabriel’s Desserts / Wedding Invitations + Paper Goods: Diane Rember of Calligraphy Expressions / Vintage Rentals: Four Inch Fold / Band: Yacht Rock Revue / Wedding Dress: Rivini via Bridals by Lori / Bride’s Shoes: Jimmy Choo / Bride’s Hair: Kristo Willson of Melrose & McQueen Salon / Bride’s Makeup: Diego Christian / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Bella Bridesmaid / Grooms’ Suit: Bridals by Lori