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From the bride… Vy and I met the weekend before my freshman year at Georgia State University in Atlanta. We started a friendship together and then fell in love. After being a couple for a little over five-and-a-half years, Vy finally popped the question. The plan was to take me to Piedmont Park for an afternoon stroll with one of our pups. We found a nice spot under a tree where Vy said he had a gift for me and told me to close my eyes. When I opened them, he had a new digital camera, which I needed. He told me that there was a picture already on it because he had set it up and that I should take a look. When I hit the preview button, a photo appeared that said, “Will You Marry Me?” It was such a wonderful, creative surprise!

When planning our big day we knew that there was no other place we wanted to get married then the city we fell in love in: Atlanta. It was also the perfect place for our family and friends to travel to. When selecting a venue, we had a few guidelines — we wanted a place that was naturally beautiful, big enough for our guest list, had the facilities to host both our ceremony and reception, an outdoor space for cocktail hour, and we had to love it. When we found Summerour Studio, we knew it was perfect. It was a rustic, Tuscan villa on the outside but an expansive warehouse on the inside. I was one of the lucky brides who had a groom who was willing to help with planning the entire way. I couldn’t have planned our perfect day without all of Vy’s help. Even with a large guest list, we wanted the feeling of an intimate affair with close family and friends. We chose to have candles be the main design with few flowers. I wanted the day to be simple with romantic details, and I wanted to focus on the love that we shared and celebrate with everyone we hold dear to our hearts.

On our wedding day, it began to rain as I was putting on my wedding dress, but it stopped just in time for us to take pictures outside with the sun shining through the clouds. As our ceremony began, there was a steady rainfall and as I walked down the stairs to meet my future husband, the room got dark with the beating of the rain. The room glowed with the candles just enough to highlight the reason why we were all there, to celebrate the union between two people who loved each other. I could feel the love from my future husband and the happiness from everyone who was there. It was everything I wanted and more. We are eternally grateful and thankful for all our family, friends, and wonderful vendors who helped bring our vision to life. My sweet friend and one of my maids of honor, Andrea Gallina, who created and designed my invitation suite, programs, wedding tree guest book and  “here comes the bride” sign. She is truly an amazing artist. Bold American Event Design and Catering team delivered an intimately romantic layout and food that our guests continue to talk about. Brooke Drellos and Christy Gillam of Paperlily Photography, you captured our wedding day perfectly for us to relive forever. We love y’all!

Wedding Photography + Photobooth: Brooke Drellos + Christy Gillam of Paperlily Photography / Wedding Venue: Summerour Studio in Atlanta, Georgia / Wedding Flowers + Event Design: Michelle Leyden of Bold American Events / Catering: Bold American Catering / Wedding Dress: Enzoani via New Natalie’s Bridals / Going Away Dress: BCBG / Bride’s Shoes: Betsey Johnson + Steve Madden / Bridesmaids Dresses: Ivy & Aster via Bella Bridesmaid / Tuxes: Savvi Formalwear / Hair + Makeup: Ellen Park of Hi-Tech Hair Salon (678-530-0039) / DJ: Shane Holden of Pure Entertainment / Wedding Cake: Blanchard’s Bakery (404-366-0267) / Hotel Accommodations: TWELVE Atlantic Station / Koozies: Discount Favors / Sparklers: Sparkle / Invitations, Programs, Table Numbers, Guestbook + “Here Comes the Bride” Sign: Andrea Gallina, A Maid of Honor / Day-Of Coordinator: A Family Friend

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Post tags: Andrea Gallina, Atlanta, BCBG, Bella Bridesmaid, Betsey Johnson, Blanchard's Bakery, Bold American Catering, Bold American Events, Brooke Drellos, Christy Gillam, Discount Favors, Ellen Park, Enzoani, Georgia, Gray, Hi-Tech Hair Salon, Ivy & Aster, New Natalie's Bridals, Paperlily Photography, Pink, Pure Entertainment, Savvi Formalwear, Shane Holden, Sparkle, Steve Madden, Summerour Studio, TWELVE Atlantic Station
Post categories: Atlanta Weddings, Georgia Weddings

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From Nate of Nate Henderson Photography… Allison and Rob were married in Savannah’s first hotel, The Marshall House, which is located in the heart of the historic district. Their intimate ceremony took place in the early spring and was held in the open air atrium. They incorporated succulents along with simple white vases and flowers throughout giving a slight modern feeling among all of the history Savannah offers. We wandered the streets and squares of the city for portraits, and it paid off well! Savannah in springtime is absolutely beautiful, and this is exactly why Allison and Rob chose Savannah for their destination wedding.

From the bride… We were on an $8,000 budget, so our wedding cake was from Walmart. I shopped around all of the grocery stores/big box stores in the area in advance for prices. The morning of the wedding, my maid of honor, Abby, and I went to Walmart, bought a large cake, a small cake and cupcakes. We stacked the small cake on top of the large cake and our florist, A to Zinnias, decorated the top with flowers. My entire cake set up cost $40. We got several compliments on how good the red velvet was.

Wedding Photography: Nate Henderson Photography / Flowers: A to Zinnias / Wedding Venue: The Marshall House / Wedding Gown: Galina for David’s Bridal / Bride’s Shoes: Report (in Pewter) / Wedding Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas / Programs + Table Cards: Vicki Busby (Bride’s Step-Mother) of Studio 629 / Wedding Cake: Walmart / Maid of Honor’s Dress: Anthropologie / Men’s Custom Linen Suits: Studio Suits / Makeup: Glow Med Spa & Beauty Boutique / Hair: Salon Eden

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Post tags: A to Zinnias, Anthropologie, Blue, Galina for David's Bridal, Georgia, Glow Med Spa & Beauty Boutique, Green, Marshall House, Nate Henderson Photography, Report, Salon Eden, Savannah, Studio 629, Studio Suits, Vicki Busby, Walmart, Wedding Paper Divas, White, Yellow
Post categories: Do-It-Yourself Inspired, Georgia Weddings, Savannah Weddings

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From the bride… Alex and I met in July 2009 while I was on a study abroad trip in Costa Rica. I was there with a group from my art school and spoke very little Spanish. He spoke very little English. But like a cheesy romantic movie, we fell for each other within 2 short weeks! After I returned home, we kept in touch via telephone and Internet as I frantically studied Spanish and planned a 6-month return to Costa Rica. Following my second trip, where I was able to learn more about Alex, his family and culture, he decided to come to the US to do the same! And after a few trips back and forth, Alex was here to stay and we were planning our wedding.

Concerning the look and feel of the wedding, I was determined to have ours outdoors. I wanted something effortlessly beautiful — to be surrounded by nature without having perfectly manicured floral arrangements. I also wanted artsy little details that made our guests interact with one another and socialize. We had post cards on each table, DIY centerpieces and a corn hole game on the lawn for our guests to play. Trying to save a little money, I looked up DIY ideas that I could incorporate thoughout our big day. For flowers, I contacted a local farm owner who sold small bouquets at our town’s farmer’s market. She actually let me (and my sister and aunties) go pick flowers ourselves! Practically free flowers for a wedding?! We got so lucky. I wanted it to look like we’d just picked them from the garden, so that’s exactly what we did. My bridesmaids and I arranged the centerpieces the night before the wedding. I also had some bridesmaids paint the wedding signs with me. I was happy to have little projects that brought us together more often than usual.  

When it came to the venue, we decided to have our wedding at my parents’ house. We knew it was going to be a lot of work but felt more comfortable investing our money into my parents’ property rather than spending it on a rental fee at a venue. My friend, Brooke Covington of Dolce Bella Events, was able to sort through my thoughts and help plan it all. I wouldn’t have stayed sane if it weren’t for her great ideas! And while I was getting ready before the wedding, she set everything up and executed the day exactly as I’d hoped!

Wedding Photography: Nam Nguyen Photography / Wedding Venue: The Bride’s Family Home in Peachtree City, Georgia / Flowers: DIY / Wedding Coordination: Brooke Covington of Dolce Bella Events / Wedding Dress: Watters / Shoes: ModCloth / Wedding Cake: A Family Friend / Jewelry: Sophie Pie / Groom’s Vest + Tie: JoS. A. Bank / Catering: Sun in My Belly / Hair + Makeup: Ici Paris Day Spa & Salon

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Post tags: Brooke Covington, Dolce Bella Events, Georgia, Ici Paris Spa & Salon, Jos A Bank, ModCloth, Nam Nguyen Photography, Peachtree City, Pink, Purple, Sophie Pie, Sun in My Belly, Turqoise, Watters, Yellow
Post categories: Atlanta Weddings, Do-It-Yourself Inspired, Georgia Weddings

Engagement photos were such and important part of the wedding planning process to me – when else in life do you have an excuse to be professionally photographed in a stylized, romantic, intimate setting with the person you love? Since our wedding (this summer) is going to be a super casual, nautical affair on a marina, I wanted our engagement photos to be the opposite: indoors, more formal, and a little sexy.

As I brainstormed about possible themes and locations, I found myself drawn to classic-Hollywood photo shoots and Mad-Men era sleekness and style. (This came as no shock to my fiance, since I’m a big classic film nerd AND made him dress up as Don Draper to my Betty last year for Halloween.) I just love the richness and darkness and vintage feel of that time, the simmering elegance of men in suits and women in cocktail dresses meeting in hotel lobbies.

With this idea (and an unbelievably good sport of a fiance), I started shopping for photographers. Heidi Geldhauser of Our Labor of Love (based here in Atlanta, but traveling all over the place if you’re interested!) had photographed a friend’s wedding and her photos were some of the loveliest I’d ever seen. As you can tell, we are extraordinarily lucky to have found Heidi — she took my little kernels of ideas and locations and made them into these fantastically beautiful photos. She suggested things we’d never have thought of in a million years, like abandoning the marble staircase to take tons of photos in an empty office in front of some white plastic vertical blinds! It totally worked, and those are the best photos we have.

As a final note, since we were paying homage to a bygone era, I wore jewelry in each setting owned by either my mother or my grandmother. The white bracelet, the black beaded necklace, and the tri-color gold necklace are my little tokens of the women who lived (and dressed) like classic movie stars for real.

Photographer: Heidi Geldhauser, Our Labor of Love / Orange Dress: Zara / Black Dress: Ralph Lauren / Green Dress: Studio M by BCBG

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Post tags: Atlanta, BCBG, engagement session, Georgia, Mad Men, Old Hollywood, Our Labor of Love, Ralph Lauren, Studio M by BCBG, Wedding Photography, Zara
Post categories: engagement session, Little Black Book Blog

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From Rebecca of The Studio B Photography… Sometimes you just need to have faith. Although she got impatient every now and then, Julie knew that eventually God would bring her to the man she would marry. Luckily for James, he was that man. These two feel so strongly about each other and have such a sense of spirituality that it’s impossible not to feel uplifted when you’re around them.

Julie put her heart and soul into planning this wedding, handcrafting the invitations, the welcome bags, the favors and so much more. Her excitement to marry the love of her life was present in every aspect of the wedding, including during the ceremony when she threw back her head and laughed, saying, “Can y’all believe how amazing this is right now?” Indeed it was amazing. From start to finish, the wedding was wonderful. The pair opted to see each other before the ceremony and greeted each other with a tearful embrace. There really is nothing like those private moments spent together sharing the excitement about what the day will bring.

Speaking of exciting, James surprised Julie at the reception by serenading her with a beautiful love song. It was a huge hit, the guests swayed to the music as he sang, and some even held up candles like they were at a concert. Tucked away in the North Georgia Mountains, Montaluce Winery was a stunning venue for the wedding, from the lush vineyards to the delicious food served at the reception, no detail was overlooked. Styled to perfection by Lucky and Lovely and coordinated by ellyB Events, it was definitely an evening to remember.

Wedding Photography: The Studio B Photography / Wedding Day-Of Coordination: Eliana of ellyB Events / Wedding Flowers, Stationery + Styling: Melanie of Lucky and Lovely / Wedding Venue + Catering: Montaluce Winery in Dahlonega, Georgia / Wedding Cinematography: Iris Films / Cupcakes: Fresh to Order / Wedding Gown: Martina Liana / Shoes: Nine West / Wedding Veil: Veiled Beauty / Birdcage Veil: Fine & Fleurie / Hair Flowers: A La Parisienne / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Aria Dresses / Bridal Party Spa Robes: Chrissy’s Creations / Peach Jam Favors: Homegrown and Homemade by the Bride’s Mother / Band: Infinity Band Atlanta

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Post tags: A La Pariesienne, Aria Dresses, Chrissy's Creations, Dahlonega, EllyB Events, Fine + Fleurie, Fresh to Order, Georgia, Infinity Band Atlanta, Iris Films, Lucky and Lovely, Martina Liana, Montaluce Winery, Nine West, Pink, The Studio B Photography, Veiled Beauty
Post categories: Casual Elegance, Georgia Weddings

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From Nate of Nate Henderson Photography… Laura and Joseph held an intimate wedding on the grounds of Dunham Farms, south of Savannah, Georgia, to celebrate their union as husband and wife. They were married under a roughly-hewn arbor, and their reception was a stone’s throw from the marsh. Guests were treated to amazing food by Savannah Event Catering, a makeshift photobooth with props, live music from a local band, and other games.

Wedding Photography: Nate Henderson Photography / Wedding Venue: Dunham Farms in Midway, Georgia / Wedding Cake: Delectable Designs / Catering: Savannah Event Catering / Wedding Gown: Watters / Flowers + Peacock Hair Piece: DIY by the Bride / Umbrellas: Bella Umbrella

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Post tags: Bella Umbrella, Blue, Delectable Designs, Dunham Farms, Georgia, Midway, Nate Henderson Photography, Red, Savannah Event Catering, Watters
Post categories: Casual Elegance, Georgia Weddings, Savannah Weddings

From Jason of Jason Avery Films… Patsy and Jeff were married on St. Simons Island, Georgia, at a private estate named “Itylldoo.”  St. Simons is part of Georgia’s “Golden Isles,” which are the beautiful islands that make up Georgia’s coast.  It was a very rainy weekend but in the end it made the wedding even better as they had a beautiful clear tent put up and had the most amazing first kiss as husband and wife in the rain!

Wedding Cinematography: Jason Avery Films / Wedding Photography: Allison Reisz Photography / Wedding Venue: Itylldoo House on St. Simons Island, Georgia

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Post tags: Allison Reisz Photography, Colorful, Georgia, Golden Isles, Itylldoo House, Jason Avery Films, St. Simons, Wedding Video
Post categories: Coastal Georgia Weddings, Georgia Weddings

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From the bride… James and I both grew up in Georgia and wanted to have a wedding that was intimate not only for us, but for our friends and family. I am part Italian and have always wanted an Italian-influenced wedding. James grew up with southern influences, so we were on the hunt for something in the middle. We came across Montaluce Winery and Estates in Dahlonega. It was everything we were looking for! The entire venue is breathtaking. It had the Southern, Italian and vintage feel we were looking for. With the Appalachian Mountains surrounding the vineyard, it set the perfect romantic ambiance for our wedding. It was the first and last venue we toured. We cancelled all of our other appointments because we immediately fell in love.

Our colors were shades of gray with soft peach accents. We wanted everything to feel very simple and relaxed. We knew we wanted to have an outdoor ceremony, which is why we picked September to get married. We were hoping for the weather to have cooled off enough for our guests to be able to enjoy the ceremony and because September is rumored to be the driest month of the year. We picked the area of Montaluce that is down in the vineyard, set alongside a small pond for the ceremony. Our guests sat in the shaded area between two huge trees, surrounded by beautiful views of the rustic mountains in one direction and vineyards as far as you could see in the other.

Aside from the beautiful venue, we added our own little touches to help personalize the event. Our flowers were a very unique mix of different shades of peach and white, not the typical bouquets or arrangements you would normally see. We used several different shaped wine bottles throughout the day, hanging down the aisles with beautiful arrangements during the ceremony and used as vases on the tables at the reception. We also used the diverse wine bottles illuminated with tea lights to set a romantic and Italian feel all through the reception. We collected hundreds and hundreds of corks and used them to fill vases on the tables with arrangements in them, and made distinctive cork boards to which we pinned the guests’ table assignments. To tie in the Southern feel we were going for, there were hints of jute in the bouquets, boutonnieres and used to wrap the wooden table numbers. We had a decadent chocolate bar for take-away favors for our guests. It included chocolate-covered potato chips, salted caramels, espresso beans and pomegranates to name a few. Each guest had a custom-made mason jar to fill and bring home with them. Great dancing followed dinner and, to make our exit a little different and exciting, we ordered extra-long sparklers! Overall, the night was perfect for us and exactly what we wanted! I couldn’t have put everything together without the help of family and friends and all my fabulous vendors! I wouldn’t change anything. For other brides, my advice would be to try and remember that the day is about you and your fiancé and you should enjoy every moment of it.  On the day of, it will be a whirlwind.  You will hear that a million times before you get married, because I know I did. There is a reason why … because it’s true. Take it all in and cherish it! It was the best day of my life!

Wedding Photography: Brenda Upton Photography / Flowers, Event Design + Planning: Everything and More Events / Wedding Venue + Food: Montaluce Winery and Estates / Wedding Cake: Frosted Pumpkin / Dress: Taylor Parkerson of Elite Bridal / Wedding Gown: Wtoo Brides / Bridesmaid Dresses: Priscilla of Boston / Groomsmen Suits: Savvi Formalwear

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Post tags: Brenda Upton Photography, Dahlonega, Elite Bridal, Everything and More Events, Frosted Pumpkin, Georgia, Gray, Montaluce Winery and Estates, Peach, Priscilla of Boston, Savvi Formalwear, Taylor Parkerson, Wtoo Brides
Post categories: Georgia Weddings, Traditional Elegance