I’ve been partial to picnicking since I first discovered the love of my life, Jane Austen.  I mean, is it just me or do those Regency ladies and gents love to throw a party in the middle of the forest?  And since I think lounging around on a blanket is pretty much one of the most romantic things you could ever do, this Atlanta shoot captured by SmmS Photography happens to have me all kinds of excited.  Because, really, who wouldn’t love the vintage meets southern stylings of Elisa Event Design set against the stunning Atlanta gem of Stone Mountain?  Jane Austen, eat your heart out.  See so much more right here.

 

From Elisa Event Design … For tourists visiting Atlanta, Stone Mountain is a must-see. For a gal raised in the South, the park is part of so many childhood memories. For this shoot, we wanted to explore the possibility of having a romantic, vintage inspired wedding in a place that is so familiar and dear to Atlantans.

Infused with a myriad of details, this shoot reflects the best that the South has to offer: tasty food, charming landscape, and a spirit of fun. The shoot also captures what in our mind the perfect picnic wedding would include – lawn games and marshmallows roasted by the fireside. Even more perfect would be for the couple and guests to go on boat rides in the park, and we hint at this with the paddle and boat motifs repeated throughout.

For the decor we chose a soft, fresh pattern of peach and mint. We mixed raw, unfinished wood with dainty lace, rusty metal and a gorgeous collection of spring blooms. We included a number of carefully curated vintage pieces from some wonderful Etsy vendors.

Wedding Photography: SmmS Photography | Location: Stone Mountain in Atlanta, Georgia | Floral + Event Design: Elisa Event Design | Letters: Edie’s Lab | Blanket: PoBa  | Afghan: Tinkers Vintage | Wedding Stationery: Ink and Honey | Utensils: The Baker’s Confection | Picnic Basket: Put Family First | Ice Bucket: Rhapsody Attic | Books: The Farm Road | Photo Booth + Decor: Little Retreats | Vintage Garland: Anita Spero Design | Wedding Dress, Belt + Hairpiece: Chaviano Designs | Vintage Earrings: Tasha Hussey Jewelry | Bride’s Garter: Rosebud Lips Bridal | Purse: San Monet | Rings: Scarlett Jewelry | Groom’s Bole Tie: Linda Kratz | Models: Natalie Joy Nicoara (Nathalie.nicoara@gmail.com) + Frank Gallo

There’s something pretty magical about two people falling in love after years of friendship.  Like your soulmate was literally right there next to you, but you didn’t even know it.  It gives me chills.  So, when I read that these two cuties met at work and developed a friendship first relationship, I couldn’t help but adore them OR their sweet engagement session styled by the uber-talented B. Moore Events.  It’s a love story for the ages set against a breathtaking Georgian Terrace backdrop with Milanes Photography on hand to capture every second.  See it all unfold right here.

 

From B. Moore Events… Corey and Brandy met while working at Ft. Benning. The two became fast friends, but only friends. They didn’t have a “love at first sight” experience but rather something more memorable and rewarding… a true friendship. That friendship led to an extraordinary connection between two people. All those years looking for Mr. Right and all along he was there in the cubicle next door.

Wedding Photography: Milanes Photography |  Venue: Georgian Terrace | Event Design: B. Moore Events

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From the very moment I started reading this darling bride’s description of her day, I knew I was going to love her AND her wedding.  Because not only is she one of the sweetest brides you’ll ever have the privilege to virtually meet (she sooo is), she and her Mr. crafted a day that was literally overflowing with meaningful details, heartwarming moments and, of course, a whole lot of pretty.  Swoontastic?  Yes, indeed.  See it all captured by Thompson Photography Group in the full gallery.

 

And a beautiful look at the day from Key Moment Films…

From the Bride… We always knew that we wanted a destination wedding, but we were just unsure where that place was. We loved the idea of spending the weekend with all of our loved ones, instead of one quick day. After pulling onto the property of Jekyll Island Club Hotel I immediately fell in love with its beauty and charm. After touring the hotel it was clear that this was where I would marry my best friend. 

The highlight of our wedding was our ceremony. We both played a very active part in writing our ceremony with our officiant, I think that helped make our ceremony that much more intimate. There were close to 100 people there, but it only felt like Chris and me. I was happy and overcome with emotion and couldn’t stop laughing. We decided to do traditional and non-traditional vows and hearing the words that came from the bottom of his heart was so touching. Another highlight of our wedding was our Same Day Edit by Key Moment Films. At the end of the night they played a quick film of the day. From us getting ready, walking down the aisle, first kiss/dance and announcing us as Mr. & Mrs. for the first time. Sitting down and watching the day with my husband, family and friends was amazing. That was when the waterworks started. All of our family and friends were so impressed by the quick editing skills of our amazing videographers. Another great part of that was when we were able to watch it on our honeymoon. We were able to relive our day over and over again.

I wore 4 pieces of jewelry all which came from my mom and mother-in-law. My mom let me borrow her anniversary ring and my late grandmother’s wedding ring, they were my something old and borrowed. They were beautiful, and I felt so special wearing them. For a shower gift my mother-in-law gave me earrings from Boca Raton Bridal and a bracelet from Nordstrom.

Even before being engaged I always knew I wanted a romantic country chic wedding. I knew I wanted something simple and the elements of nature. We had such an amazing location that there really wasn’t much that needed to be added, and that’s what drew me to Jekyll Island. The Island speaks for itself.

My mom and I did a lot of DIY for the wedding. We bought picture frames and painted the inside with chalk paint for the table “numbers,” however to tie in Chris’s love for fishing we used fish names instead of the traditional table numbers. We also made the place cards with a wine cork, we made welcoming bags that were filled with a welcoming note, water, fish mix (trail mix) and homemade chocolate dipped pretzels and oreos with sprinkles. My mom also made a MR and MRS sign that hung behind of chairs, a “cards” sign that hung from an old suitcase. Chris is an avid fisherman, so for the boutonniere we bought fishing lures and had the florist wrap them with eucalyptus.

We said a prayer for all of our family members that could not be with us. That was especially touching, meaningful and hard for Chris. His older brother passed away and I know it would have meant to world to Chris to have Jeff there on our wedding day.

The afternoon of our wedding it poured, and I mean poured. Our ceremony site and reception site both had to be relocated. I was so upset; this wedding I had dreamt of, spent a year and a half planning was ruined. Or so I thought… Our amazing vendors did a fabulous job recreating an even better dream for me and Chris. Know that there will be hiccups, and things don’t always go as planned, but remember the most important thing, you are marrying your best friend and that is all that matters!

Photography: Thompson Photography Group | Venue: Jekyll Island Club Hotel | Floral Design: The Vine Garden Market | Cinematography: Key Moment Films | Dress: Jasmine Couture from Boca Raton Bridal & Consultants | Makeup: Makeup by Paulina Perez | DJ: Skip Kelly Productions | Shoes: Aldo + Stephen Bonanno | Bridesmaid Dresses: Monique Lhuillier via Nordstrom | Flower Girl Dresses: Gurliglam | Suits: Jos. A. Bank