Occasions: Weddings Edition - Summer 2014

SUMMER 2014 Display until August 30, 2014

OCCASIONSONLINE.COM

Guide to Everything

®

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LOCAL WEDDING VENUES • COLOR INSPIRATION • REAL WEDDING IDEAS REPUTABLE VENDORS • PLANNING ADVICE

From your favorite website for Celebrating in Style, OCCASIONSONLINE.COM

STYLISH BRIDE'S

u u u u u u u u u u u u weddings u u u u u u u u u u u u u u u u u u u u u u u u u u u u u receptions u u u u u u u u u u u u u u u u u u u u u u u u u u u u u u u rehearsals u u u u u u u u u u u u u u u u u showers u u u u u u u u u u u u u

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Photos courtesy: The Decisive Moment Wedding Photojournalism • Achor & Eden • Brian Cole Photography

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Ocean's Edge at The Cove

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ATLANTIS

Setting the new standard for destination weddings. Because nothing you do is ever ordinary.

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Destination Weddings I Honeymoons I Exceptional Celebrations

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At Occasions we live, eat and breathe weddings. That’s why we feel pretty confident saying this issue is The Stylish Bride’s Guide to Everything… weddings that is. From identifying your authentic style to working with your wedding vendors and finding the perfect venue (you bet we’ve got over 50 locations from Atlanta to The Keys to choose from) there’s no need to even pick up another wedding magazine. We’ve got you covered.

The great thing about modern days weddings is you don’t always have to do things by the book. Like say.. wear a white wedding dress. Nope. To show you how you can make your style shine our new Editor-at-Large and probably one of the most stylish women I know, Mandy Kellogg Rye, brings you 5 colorful wedding day looks for the bride who craves something more than the expected. Ladies take note at this special section. Often it’s not just about the dress but all the accessories too!

By the way, we want to feature your wedding! If you’re the ultimate “everybride” and turned to Occasions to plan your wedding, I’d love to see the photos and share them with new brides in our future issue. Get with your photographer and submit us your wedding or hashtag #occasions on instagram on the day of!

BE

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- Heather

HEATHER VREELAND EDITORIAL DIRECTORHV

OCCASIONSONLINE.COM

Daily Real Wedding Posts

Bridal Show & Trunk Show Calendar of Events

Venue Guide

Vendor Directories

Bride Reviews

Expert Interviews

NO annoying signup or login required!

www.OCCASIONSONLINE.com

Editor's Letter

Inspiration

There's more to this magazine than what's in your hand.

ONLINE, ALL THE TIME

C

,

CATERING | FLORALS | déCOR | EVENT PLANNING | VENUES 404.815.1178 | boldamerican.com | @BoldEventsATL | facebook.com/boldamerican

We approach every wedding from a surprisingly unique angle. From trend-setting, chef-

driven cuisine to colorful, eye-catching décor to truly breathtaking floral design, our passion

for perfection will be reflected in every unexpectedly delicious detail. Contact us today and

let us bring something beautiful and bold to your once-in-a-lifetime celebration.

Be beautiful. Be bold.

Our Mission

Identify your Authentic Style Embrace your Personal Wedding Budget Prioritize what is Most Important to You

To help as many girls do this as we can, we don't stake our claim to the luxury, budget, southern, modern, or traditional wedding markets. We aim to reach every girl and give her current, honest-to-goodness ideas and information she can use at whatever budget is comfortable for her. You’ll find the Occasions® editorial will range from extravagant splurges to discount finds because we believe there is value in each end of the spectrum. The everybride we hope to inspire is a style seeker, quality-centric but also cost-conscious shopper who shuns cookie-cutter ideas and craves a unique, personal touch. And she's smart with her money.

Whether you take the ideas straight from this book to your wedding team and recreate them identically or use them to inspire a wedding that is either more conservative or extravagant, do what suits your personal circumstances best.


Editorial Mission

It is our core belief that you can have style at any budget. But, to achieve such an ideal there are three crucial elements you must do first...

WE WILL ALWAYS....

Curate simply beautiful wedding ideas

Inspire you to identify & embrace your personal style and budget

Encourage you to think outside cookie-cutter trends

Educate you with honest expectations on wedding pricing

Deliver style cues for every bride

Elevate the vendor - bride relationship

Help you locate the BEST venue for your wedding

Remind you that weddings are about the magic of marriage

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IN EVERY ISSUE

Working with the Most Reputable Wedding Vendors 50

"With each of their families and closest friends in attendance the couple said

their vows to the crashing of the waves beneath an endless sky." PAGE 176Inspiration

C

24

130

"Pale flowers were nestled within jars of all shapes and sizes, while accents of burlap and the warm glow of

marquis lights lent the perfect air of rugged elegance to the affair." PAGE 154

Our cover shoot pictorial offers breathtaking summer bridal inspiration.

A charmingly Southern Bridesmaid's Tea at The Gilbert House

START WITH YOUR STYLE We scouted and scoured for the latest in wedding planning goodness. From cocktails to high heels, catering and stationery, it's all here.

STYLE PROFILES Here you will find the creme de la creme of the wedding industry serving up their styled shoot A-game.

HIRING THE MOST REPUTABLE VENDORS Everything you need to know about working with the most reputable wedding vendors like pricing, expert advice & questions to ask. WEDDING VENUE GUIDE The most thorough guide to local venues, and restaurants you’ll find in the Southeast! Over 60 venues ranging from hotels, country clubs, mansions and outdoor locations.

JUST MARRIED Nationwide trends, executed right in your backyard... and beautifully. These are our top pics for real weddings in Georgia and Florida. LOOKING BACK Sending you off in style with a personal perspec-tive from wedding professionals and experiences from their weddings.

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48

68

142

192

In This Issue

36

38


The Pavillion of East Cobb Avenue Catering Concepts at The Historic Pace House in Vinings

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~ SARATOGA EVENT GROUP

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~~~~@~ .... HISTORIC PACE HOUSE

THE PAVILLION

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SARATOGAEVENTS.COM I Main Tel (770) 578-mo

Chastain Horse Park - Buckhead

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AVENUE-CATERING.COM THE-PAVILLION.COM I CHASTAINHORSEPARK.ORG I THEPACEHOUSE.COM I AVENUEEVENTDESIGN.COM

ANDREW VREELANDExecutive Director

HEATHER VREELAND Group Publisher & Editorial Director

LISA ALEXANDER Georgia Membership Sales Director

SERENA WALLER

Florida Membership Sales Director

JENNIFER TAYLOR Member Services Coordinator

HOLLY SEWELL Production Assistant

KAT NEUNABER Social Media Coordinator

COVER PHOTOGRAPHY BY Rustic White Photography

PURCHASE COPIES & ARCHIVES

In-the-know readers turn to Occasions for all things wedding & party planning. So, if you’ve got an upcoming occasion on the calendar,

grab the latest copy of Occasions Magazines to get all the wedding and party inspiration you'll need to celebrate in style or purchase

additional copies to share with your friends. www.OccasionsOnline.com/subscribe

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GET FEATURED We are looking for remarkable weddings, mitzvahs, parties and events

to feature. If you have an event that you’d like for us to consider, please review the event submission procedures on

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distribution route, email [email protected] with information about your storefront or location. We're continually

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Occasions Magazine is published tri-annually. Copyright 2014. All Rights Reserved.

Reproduction in whole or in part without the written consent of Occasions Magazine, Inc. is strictly prohibited. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information

in Occasions Magazine, no responsibility can be accepted for the quality of goods and services provided by advertisers or printer’s errors. All advertisements are accepted and published on the representation that advertisers are properly authorized to publish the

entire contents and subject matter thereof. All editorial images not specifically credited to a photographer are courtesy of the respective company and used with their permission.

Published and printed in the USA.

®

BRENNA LAUREN Novelist and feature writer, Brenna Lauren, shares first-hand accounts of the southern-chic, Low Country flare that Savannah has to offer Georgia’s event industry. From weddings, to baby showers, to charity soirées, no place parties quite like Savannah, and she couldn't be more in love.

ROBERT & TIFFANY PETERSON of Rustic White Photography Robert and Tiffany, two inspired artists and the husband and wife team behind Rustic White Photography, believe that ultimately art is service.With a romantic and playful sensibility they capture effortless laughs, beautiful color palettes and gorgeous, seasonal light, inviting their clients to relish in the experience as much as the images that follow.

MOLLY MCKINLEY of Molly McKinley Designs Molly McKinley is the Owner and Lead Planner behind Molly McKinley Designs, an Atlanta-based wedding planning and creative event design company. Determined to be one of the top Atlanta wedding visionaries, Molly is dedicated to make every wedding unique and each client speechless.

ContributorsThese talented wedding & party professionals contributed

their time and talent to produce the inspiring pictorials in this issue. To become a contributor, email Heather Vreeland at

[email protected].

MANDY KELLOGG RYE of Waiting on Martha Waiting On Martha's Founder and Creative Director Mandy Kellogg Rye believes that "life should be lived beautifully everyday." Her uncompromising style, and keen eye for mixing the unexpected are infused into every single one of her designs.

ASHLEY PEPITONE Stylist and Illustrator Ashley Pepitone is an Atlanta based lawyer and mother who can't shake her former life as a stylist. Her design work has been featured by many popular event design blogs and publications. Ashley is a "counselor" on the popular lifestyle and DIY online treasure trove that is Camp Makery (www.campmakery.com) and a regular contributor to Pottery Barn's blog, Inside and Out.

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At Occasions® we want you to have the confidence to baulk trends, steer clear of conforming to the masses and ignore what you 'think' weddings should include and seek out event elements that communicate your unique style and personalities. Your

wedding style is in the details and while there are a myriad of choices, always be sure to choose what suits you. Period.

In the following pages, we've compiled useful tips to help you identify your wedding style, ideas to draw inspiration from, colorful wedding

combinations we adore, and some of our favorite products from across the globe that will add just the personal touch you're looking for.

Don't stress. You've got this.

Start withjYOUR STYLE

See more details on the styled shoot featured here on page 40.

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Start with Your Style

Congratulations, you're engaged! Before you go all pinterest crazy and the little green monster inside of you starts to take over, we want to give you a bit of guidance to make sure that during your wedding planning process, you stay true to you. We know on a regular basis us gals are plagued with an overwhelming urge to keep up with the Joneses and it can be especially difficult to fend off that urge when it comes to your wedding. Here, we've compiled some basic tips to help you identify your true style as a couple and arm you with the know-how you'll need to pull it all together.

Start

LOCATION Your venue will have a great deal of impact

on the environment of your wedding. If you opt for a barn.. you'll likely want to go for a more rustic feel. Or, if you book the

most prestigious hotel in town, a glamorous wedding for you it is! Don't overlook your

biggest expense in the wedding as a possible source for your overall theme too!

PASSION Everyone has a hobby, activity,

cause or pledge they fully support and this may be just the place to

draw inspiration from. Show off your priorities in life to your guests by

finding inspiration on what your true passions are.

BE TRUE TO YOU Ultimately, you know deep down inside what's truly important to you. Just know this: your wedding is the first big event you will host together as a couple so

it's the first time to let your personalities truly shine in front of friends and family.

Whatever your source of inspiration, make decisions that feel right to you, not what

you've seen other couples do.

SCALE When you put together your guest list you'll either be looking at a large event or intimate gathering. The amount of people you choose to invite will affect the environment so when looking for sources of inspiration, remember how big or intimate the event will feel with

the amount of friends and family in attendance and work off of that.

MUSE Inspiration abounds from a myriad of places and a muse might be just the thing you center your wedding style around. Your favorite movie, color, flowers, character, season or

destination. Pick something near and dear to you and let it guide all of your

style decisions.

TIME OF THE DAY Are you a morning person or night owl?

Whatever your preference, the time of day you ultimately choose to host your wedding ceremony and reception will effect the feel of the event. If you and your fiance are up

and at 'em each day with a morning coffee... a brunch wedding just might be the thing

for you. The possibilities are endless!

TEN WAYS TO FIND YOUR INSPIRATION

WITH YOUR STYLE

BRAND ITBranding might be a term you've only thought to be relevant to marketing departments, but branding on a personal level takes company logos and color combinations and transforms them into monograms, slogans and party themes when it comes to modern day weddings.

WHAT'S IN A PERSONAL BRAND? Monograms, color preferences, favorite fonts and even paper weight are the essential tools-of-the-trade wedding stationers and designers use to make your personal style shine through to family and friends.

HOW & WHERE TO BRAND.... If you want to create a custom wedding brand, your stationer is the go-to creative guru to turn to. They are the graphic designers behind all the great typography and scroll work you see in wedding magazines and blogs.

Here are several places we recommend you use your personal wedding brand... q Save the dates q Invitations q Napkins q Coasters q Directional Signage q Menu Cards q Escort Cards or Place Cards q Bar Signs q Drink Stirrers q Thank you Cards q Dance Floor Vinyl Covers q Monogram Gobo Lighting q Welcome Kits q Party Favors q Bridal Party Gifts


CONSIDER THE SEASON The time of the year could greatly

affect the overall style of your wedding. Temperature and foliage are great places to find inspiration

and build your wedding style around.

FORMALITY If you're a Great Gatsby girl at heart, a

formal setting just might be the style for you. But, if a laid back casual setting is

for you.. so be it. Consider your personal preferences on dressing down or up when

identifying the style wedding you want.

JOINT INTERESTS Do you and the future hubs have a common interest that brought you

together? Flying, skydiving, traveling or food? Whatever it is you spend your free time doing, consider letting it be

the source of your wedding style. Golf anyone?

HERITAGE & HISTORY Do you hail from a great land afar or

find yourself among a long lineage of great folks? Then let your family history

and heritage guide the style of your wedding and enjoy reminiscing with your parents and loved ones about

your roots.

Be considerate of family traditions and wants but don't feel chained to them

Be authentic to YOUR true style

Create a budget, fine tune it and stick to it

Edit. Edit. Edit. Start with a big picture and bring it into focus from there

Manage the guest list... Don’t feel obligated to invite everyone. This will help your budget too.

Don't spend too much energy focusing on what others are doing

Don't let the party details outshine the magic of your marriage

Don't skimp on wedding vendors. Trust us... you get what you pay for

Don't sweat the small stuff

DO'S & DON'TS



20


DAVID AUSTIN ROSE In season year round;

Available in pink, peach, fuschia, cream and mauve

BILLY BALLS In season year round;

Available in yellow

SPRAY ROSE In season during year round;

Available in a variety of colors

PROTEA PIN CUSHION In season during winter &

spring; Available in orange, red, and yellow

AMARYLLIS In season during Winter & Spring; Available in white,

pink, red, yellow and green

RANUNCULUS In season during winter & spring;

Available in white, pink, red, orange, and yellow

HEATHER In season during winter & spring; Available in white,

pink, red and purple

HYACINTH In season during summer & fall; Available in white, pink,

blue and purple

ANEMONIES In season during winter and spring; Available in white,

pink, red and purple

DAHLIA In season during summer and fall; Available in white, pink,

red, orange, yellow and purple

SILVER BRUNIA In season during June, July

and August; Available in neutral gray tone

ERNYGIUM SUPERNOVA In season during November,

December and January; Available in blue

FINDING YOUR FLOWERSFlowers are one of the most obvious ways to make your style shine. A well thought-out combination can say I'm "uber traditional" or "go-with-the-flow organic." So, before you head over to your first appointment with your wedding floral designer, we've compiled some of the most popular flowers making their mark on everything from bouquets to

centerpieces so you can identify which flowers speak to your style.

DAFFODIL In season during winter and spring; Available in white,

orange and yellow

SWEET PEA In season during winter and spring; Available in white,

pink, red, and purple

TULIP In season during winter and spring; Available in white,

pink, red, orange, yellow and purple.

CALLA LILY In season during winter and spring; Available in white,

pink, red, orange, yellow and green.

A N DY B E A C H & C 0.

event deri;pi and decor

Creating exceptionally beaut(ful events

weddings bar & bat mitzvahs & more

(770)521-0468 www.andybeach.com


22


SOUTHERN GARDENSpring is in full bloom, so where better to host your big day than in the elegance of a Southern garden? The sunshine, scenery, and sweet smell of flowers is certain to sweep your guests off their feet, while unique elements of gold and silver can provide the manicured grounds of the venue with a classic yet modern touch.

ABOUT THE DESIGNER My name is Amanda Knight and I am a driven twenty-something with a fierce passion for branding, typography, design, and so much more. I believe in following your dreams with all your heart and constantly seeking joy among all the riffraff. My love for design and typography plays into my event branding side where I work to create consistent themes for my clients that can be translated throughout different areas of their event. When I am not creating, you can find me sipping too much coffee, playing with my pups, or being inspired by a good magazine.

WHAT TO WEAR If you were attending this outdoor garden

wedding, you would wear one of your favorite JCrew dresses just in time for spring and warm weather, paired with your favorite

nude heels!

ITEMS TO INCORPORATE Replicate this look by mixing the classic and modern. Dress up your head table by using

more high-end chairs that do not necessarily have to be replicated throughout the entire wedding. Do not be afraid to mix silver and gold. Those elements create such a classic

look to any event.

THINGS TO REMEMBER This wedding style is best fit for a spring or early summer wedding, with so many

flowers in bloom and the weather just warm enough to have an outdoor celebration.

Perfect for a bride and groom who appreciates nature, the beauty of a growing garden, and want to celebrate their occasion

overlooking gorgeous landscapes with elegant details throughout their day.

THEME Southern Swoon Silver and Gold

COLORS

Pinks, corals, navy, gold, silver, white, and grey

FLOWERS Peach Campanella roses, orchids,

oriental lilies, dahlias, California spray roses, thistle, hypericum berries, and

wax flowers

PERFECT FOR The traditional couple searching

for an elegant, yet modern look for an outdoor wedding with beautiful details for their big day! A couple

that is not afraid to mix tradition with modern touches.

SIGNATURE COCKTAIL Rosemary - Citrus Punch

TAKE IT UP A NOTCH There are so many different directions a couple can take this styled shoot up a notch, whether it's incorporating floral headbands for the bridesmaids too, or setting up a dessert table by the pool, or stringing cafe lights throughout the

garden for slow dancing at sunset.

WHO TO HIRE

STYLIST

The Creative Porcupine

PHOTOGRAPHY

Chloe Giancola Photography

VENUE

Thornbury

FLORAL

Le Petit Jardin

RENTALS

Goodwin Events

STATIONERY

Puddleduck Paper Co.

HAIR & MAKEUP

Elijana Cosmetics Tella to You Hair Studio

FASHION

I Do I Do Bridal Boutique

JEWELRY Jessie Jordan Jewelry

Style Profile...

Get the Look...

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ABOUT THE DESIGNER Jennifer Shields has been designing and executing flawless events since 2007 when she launched Posh Tot Events, Atlanta's premier event planning company specializing in full service theme parties for children. Her latest labor of love, The Gilbert House, is a charming antebellum home in Historic Roswell ideal for intimate events such as birthday/anniversary parties, showers, rehearsal dinners, launch parties and more.

WHAT TO WEAR In our increasingly more casual era, an

Afternoon Tea brings to mind the nostalgia of more elegant times when visiting

someone for tea was a formal affair. This is an occasion for soft, feminine attire. Bring fancy back with gloves, pearls and hats!

ITEMS TO INCORPORATE

Scour antique shops for vintage teacups and saucers (they don’t have to match). Use Depression glass goblets for water

and lace trimmed linen napkins. To bring some personal touches to your event,

pull out the family china, silver and linens. Display tea selections in vintage suitcases. Use mismatched teacups and teapots or

mason jars in varying sizes to display roses or wildflowers.

THINGS TO REMEMBER The traditional time for afternoon tea is

four o'clock, however any time between two and five o'clock is appropriate. Along with a choice of teas, typically three types of items are served: savories such as tiny

sandwiches, scones, and pastries.

THEME Vintage Romance, incorporating

antique china, pearls and lace

COLORS Rose, blush, pale pink, cream

and white

FLOWERS Tea pots, mason jars and other vessels were filled with loose flowers acquired

from various local sources. We used a mix of soft pink roses and rich pink

ranunculus.

PERFECT FOR The classic bride with a love of all things vintage. This is the perfect opportunity to incorporate family

heirlooms to make your event more personal.

SIGNATURE COCKTAIL What better way to end an Afternoon

Tea on the porch than with a pink champagne cocktail? Garnish with a single raspberry and monogrammed

cocktail napkin.

TAKE IT UP A NOTCH The appeal of this style is the simple,

elegant use of vintage items and family heirlooms. However, you

can incorporate more drama with ornate chargers, real silver flatware, monogrammed linens and crystal

chandeliers or silver candelabras. Opt for soft, custom pillows at each seat to

make guests more comfortable.

WHO TO HIRE

PLANNING, FLORAL & DESIGN

Jennifer Shields

PHOTOGRAPHY

35 Atlanta

VENUE

The Gilbert House

DRESS

Muse Boutique

RENTALS

The Prop Closet at The Gilbert House

STATIONERY

AmelityCom Professional Design

CAKE

Sugarbenders Bakery

MACAROONS, CUPCAKES & COOKIES

Grace Trading Internationals

STYLING

Erica Benoit, benoitEnstyle

Get the Look...

Style Profile... VINTAGE TEAHeld at the historic The Gilbert House, this Bridesmaid's Tea manifests Southern charm at its finest. A cozy, sunlit porch, delicate lace tablecloths, fine china and dainty desserts . . . All this combined with floral arrangements of ivory, fuchsia, and blush brings the feminine grace and elegance of a past era freshly to life.


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ABOUT THE DESIGNER I am a wedding photographer based in Atlanta, but love to travel the globe. I am in awe of the trust my clients have in me. I am so honored to be part of their big celebration with their loved ones. My clients inspire me to shoot from my heart--that glance, that giggle, the way the light hits you…that’s what I’m here for. I like to get to know clients--find out how they meet, what they like to do, what inspires them. My goal is to be a part of their wedding not just as the photographer, but also a friend.

WHAT TO WEAR A gown that displays your own personal style. We chose a gorgeous blush gown from Anya Bridal that was cinched at the waist with beautiful crystals and flowers.

It’s the perfect dress for a Bride who loves fashion and isn’t afraid to take a risk and

choose an unconventional gown.

ITEMS TO INCORPORATE Fun stationery and unique linens have the ability to transform your tablescape. Feel free to play with colors and textures to

make the space more vibrant. We focused on bringing in the bright fun colors to

the rich linens and funky stationery, and let the flowers be the accessory of the

tablescape.

THINGS TO REMEMBER This wedding is best fit for a summertime wedding. We incorporated both an indoor

and outdoor setting because there was plenty of shade, but If your space doesn’t provide shade for an outdoor lounge think

about adding large umbrellas or fabric over seating areas.

THEME Everything Bright

COLORS Pink, Orange, Green, White, & Gold

FLOWERS Hydrangeas, billy balls, dendrobium

orchids, sweet peas, roses, green dianthus balls, peonies, ranunculus,

and pincushion proteas

PERFECT FOR A vibrant and fun couple that is not

afraid to think outside of the box.

SIGNATURE COCKTAIL JCT’s “The Perfect Sin” specialty drink is not only a refreshing and delicious choice on a warm summer evening,

but also offers a nod to our color palette. The drink has pomegranate-

clove brandy and dry vermouth.

TAKE IT UP A NOTCH Why not add a live paint artist to your

event to create paintings of your guests interacting at your wedding.

You could choose to display and treasure the art for yourself after your

wedding day, or offer them to your guests as unique gifts.

WHO TO HIRE

PHOTOGRAPHY & DESIGN

Evie Perez Photography

FLORAL

Creme de la Chic Events

LINENS

I Do Linens

MENSWEAR

Savvi Formalwear

STATIONERY

Invitation Creations

CAKE

Confection Perfection

WEDDING GOWN

Anya Bridal

LOCATION

JCT Kitchen

Get the Look...

Style Profile... CHIC SWEET SUMMERAs bright and bold as summertime itself, this style profile is for the passionate, fun-loving couple with a taste for all things chic and modern. Boasting vibrant pinks, oranges, and golds, this shoot at JCT Kitchen perfectly displays how a city wedding can be a stylish reflection of sunny personalities and ardent love.


28


Get the Look...

ABOUT THE DESIGNER Hester Parks is one of Atlanta’s elite wedding planners. With her flair for style, keen eye for detail and in depth knowledge of project management as well as finance, she is the “go-to” girl for all things wedding. Hester has been coordinating weddings for over 9 years. Her passion is in making her clients’ wedding day fun, worry free and most of all memorable! Although Hester is known for her flair for the creative, she also understands that clients want to keep some tradition in their weddings and finding the right combination of both, is where Hester excels.

WHAT TO WEAR Ladies: A bold-bright floor-length chiffon

dress paired with a subtle sparkling necklace, canary accessories and a soft pink lip. Guys: A linen suit in a pastel hue paired with a Jeff McLaurin Designs belt

buckle and casual loafer.

ITEMS TO INCORPORATE Nature inspired elements in bright colors combined with an elegant mix of modern and traditional gold details. For the table, incorporate luxe touches through custom menu cards with embellishments, ornate

gold chargers and gold rimmed china and glassware. Add custom linens to the table

in a soft shade from the primary color palette.

THINGS TO REMEMBER

Such an energetic color palatte deserves a summer setting. Be sure to consider rainy

weather conditions and insects as they are heavily prevalent this time of year in the south. Also be sure to incorporate lots of foliage to balance the vivacious colors.

THEME Sweet Southern Romance

COLORS Coral, Violet, Peach and Shades of Pink

with golden accents

FLOWERS Roses and tiered tree branch

centerpiece

PERFECT FOR The couple with a love for the

colorful skyline of a summer sunset in Savannah and the passion that it evokes in all those blessed with its

splendor.

SIGNATURE COCKTAIL Orange Blossom with a touch of cranberry juice for color. Served

chilled in a gold rimmed cocktail glass with an orange peel garnish

TAKE IT UP A NOTCH Add dramatic pin spot lighting over

each table to highlight the floral centerpieces. For the perimeter,

use large tree accents with hanging glass containers filled with flowers or

candles.

WHO TO HIRE

PLANNING & DESIGN

Park Avenue Events

PHOTOGRAPHY

Javon Longieliere Photography

VENUE

The Mansion on Forsyth Park

FLORAL & DECOR

Perfect Petals Design Group

TABLEWARE

Event Rentals Unlimited

STATIONERY

Sandi Spells Design

CAKE

Cakes by La'Meeka

LINENS

I Do Linens

CHAIRS

Sweet Seats

Style Profile... RICH ROSEInspired by the beauty and warmth of a Savannah sunset, this evening, park-side reception was made for the bride with a huge heart for romance and a splash of sass. Abounding in rich roses of coral, violet, and pale orange, this dreamy, candlelit scene is one of flawless femininity and enchanting elegance.

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30


Get the Look...

ABOUT THE DESIGNER Waiting On Martha's Founder and Creative Director Mandy Kellogg Rye believes that "life should be lived beautifully everyday." Her uncompromising style, and keen eye for mixing the unexpected are infused into every single one of her designs.

WHAT TO WEAR As the bridal shower host keep it simple and classy with an LBD and as the bride

try a vibrant colorful cocktail dress.

ITEMS TO INCORPORATE To project the true Kate Spade New York vibe make sure to bring in the element of fun. Consider a cotton candy station,

cheeky cocktail napkins, and a photo booth to pose with all of your best

girlfriends.

THINGS TO REMEMBER When working with any sort of theme it's important to remember that the theme

should be the day's guide, not the focus. The focus should of course be on the

bride. So keep it personal and centered around who you're celebrating not how

you're celebrating.

THEME A Kate Spade New York bridal brunch.

COLORS Black, White, Gold, and Shades

of Pink

FLOWERS Pink peonies, tulips, roses, and

ranunculus with small pops of light purple wildflowers and green foliage

PERFECT FOR A fashion forward bride who loves the

flirty and fun girly-ness that Kate Spade New York embodies.

SIGNATURE COCKTAIL For a bridal brunch or shower I suggest

keeping it simple with champagne, preferably a rose, and white wine. However, I do love the idea of a

champagne bar where guests create their own champagne cocktails

by adding fresh squeezed orange juice, peach puree or simply a fresh

strawberry or two.

TAKE IT UP A NOTCH The day began the moment the

invitations arrived in guests' mail boxes with Kate Spade's signature font type, envelopes lined with gold "xo's", and of course a shocking pink bow tie RSVP card complete with a black and white

striped ribbon.

WHO TO HIRE

CONCEPT & STYLING Mandy Kellogg Rye

PHOTOGRAPHY Rustic White Photography

VENUE The Seed Studio

FLORAL

Juli Vaughn Designs

RENTALS Crush Event Rentals, I Do Linens,

Kate Spade New York

INVITATIONS Flair Designery

DESSERTS Blooming Flour Bakery, Cotton Cravings

Whipped Bakeshop

CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES Kate Spade New York

HAIR & MAKEUP Claudia Mejerle

CHALK ART Jessica Garvin

Style Profile... CLASSICALLY PREPPYSleek, classy, and flirtatiously fun, perhaps no brand better per-sonifies the fashionable bride-to-be than Kate Spade New York — making it the ideal theme for a bridal shower. Seep your soiree in sophisticated Kate Spade style with playful desserts, crisp fonts, classic black and white patterns and girly pops of pink.


32


Cool and elegant, cobalt is just the hue for ladies with a taste for sleek sophistication. Used throughout the centuries in

ceramics and jewelry, this deep, electric blue exudes a royal flair beyond the reach of other colors,

putting it in a class all its own.

COBALT

PAIR WITH THESE COLORS...

NECKLACE Make a bold statement with this necklace of cobalt blue stones. KENDRA SCOTT www.kendrascott.com

PARTY DRESS Cut from cool, glossy satin, this Kay Unger dress brings stylish and sleek to a whole new level. SAKS FIFTH AVENUE www.saksfifthavenue.com

CAKE An exquisite white and cobalt masterpiece topped with pale anemones. Photo by Taun H. Bui. ELYSIA ROOT CAKES www.elysiarootcakes.com

NAIL POLISH Giddy Kipper by BUTTER LONDON www.butterlondon.com

GLASSES Dress up your reception tables with these rich blue crystal glasses. GRACIOUS STYLE www.graciousstyle.com

HANDBAG Italian silk satin with chain shoulder strap KATE SPADE www.katespade.com

SHOES You've got your "something blue" with these Billie Heels! KATE SPADE www.katespade.com

RING Glam it up with this flower ring complete with heart-shaped petals. CHARMING CHARLIE www.charmingcharlie.com

WEDDING DRESS Fall 2014 Bridal Collection, style Teagan MODERN TROUSSEAU www.moderntrousseau.com

Real is Beautiful. - Anna and Spencer

-

na~Spencer tography


34


CELERYThrow out the lime this

summer, because celery green is boldly stealing the spotlight!

Possessing the vibrance of yellow but with a splash of chic, this zesty

shade of green screams fresh, funky, and modern, making it the

must-have color of the season.


INVITATIONS Winsome Blooms foil-stamped wedding invitation, designed by Stacey Day for WEDDING PAPER DIVAS www.weddingpaperdivas.com

RING Victoria Townsend Peridot Cable Ring MACY'S www.macys.com

NAIL POLISH Radium by Illamasqua BLOOMINGDALES www.bloomingdales.com

PARTY DRESS Sexy chartreuse haltertop dress with sheer, patterned midriff and V-neckline. Style VM1154 MIGNON www.mignonfashions.com

SHOES Shine this summer with these funky, celery green Yoma sandals. SCORPIO www.scorpioshoes.com

CAKE This ombre ruffle cake of bright green, white, and tan is fresh and modern - perfect for your chic summer affair! SUGABLOSSOM CAKES www.facebook.com/Sugablossomcakes

CHARGER These elegant Anna Weatherley porcelain plates will bring a vivid pop of color to your celebration. GRACIOUS STYLE www.graciousstyle.com

EARRINGS For a look that's fun yet simple, try these simulated olivine stone earrings from KOHL'S www.kohls.com

WEDDING DRESS Alvina Valenta V-Neck Sheath Gown in Charmuse KLEINFELD www.kleinfeldbridal.com

Your perfect day starts in Gwinnett!Call for your frEE 30-pagE guidE to gwinnEtt’s wEdding vEnuEs

asK aBout a

Call Maurice Odoms 770.814.6059 | [email protected] | ExploreGwinnett.org

Use the complimentary services of Explore Gwinnett to book hotel rooms for your out-of-town wedding guests and receive a free photo session by Crimson Shutter Photography.All photos will be provided to you by email at no charge. Offer good through December 31, 2014. Certain conditions apply. Call for details.

Buford Community Center

The Atrium

Hudgens Art Center

550 Trackside

Free EngagementPhoto Session!


36



INVITATIONS Flourishing Joy by Elk Design for WEDDING PAPER DIVAS www.weddingpaperdivas.com

Take a break from blush and embrace a shade of pink just as sweet: flamingo! Quick to grab attention, this hue has all the beauty of blush blended with

the sass of hot pink, creating the perfect swirl of flirty, feminine

fun for any summer soiree.

FLAMINGO

NAIL POLISH Daytripper by DEBORAH LIPPMANN www.deborahlippmann.com

WALLET Go for pretty and polished with this Tony Burch wallet in Tory Pink. BLOOMINGDALES www.bloomingdales.com

NECKLACE Steer your outfit in the right direction with this Astar Arrow Necklace. CHARMING CHARLIE www.charmingcharlie.com

CAKE Simple and feminine. Photo courtesy of Love Shutter, www.loveshutter.com THE WOW FACTOR CAKES www.charlotteweddingcakes.com

EARRINGS 1928 Cabochon Textured Openwork Oval Drop Earrings KOHL'S www.kohls.com

WEDDING DRESS Covered in dozens of lasercut petals, this breathtaking Emma Gown was inspired by the blossoms of a Japanese cherry tree. BHLDN www.bhldn.com PARTY DRESS

This lovely lace dress Lauren by Ralph Lauren is the epitome of sweet, girlish charm. BLOOMINGDALES www.bloomingdales.com


SHOES These playful, pink, patent leather sandals from kate spade new york are the perfect addition to your summer wardrobe! BLOOMINGDALES www.bloomingdales.com

When ordinary invitations are just not enough

M

SANDt SPELLS

Please respond by October 25th

------CE REMO Ny

Temple Sinai

Introducing Personalized Pockets

To view co lors and styles visit www.sand1spells .com


38


With a magic and elegance as strong as its name, Radiant

Orchid, the Pantone Color of 2014, has quickly blossomed in today's

wedding scene! Emanating grace and love, this exotic

blend of fuchsia and violet is as captivating as it is beautiful.

RADIANT ORCHID


PITCHER William Yeoward Country "Amethyst" Jug BLOOMINGDALES www.bloomingdales.com

SHOES Sleek, slim, and elegant Coco Satin Flamingo Heel Pumps from Sophia Webster START LONDON www.start-london.com

INVITATIONS Radiant Orchid Wedding Invitation DIGIBUDDHA PAPERIE www.etsy.com/shop/digibuddhaPaperie

WEDDING DRESS Fall 2013 Bridal Collection, style Gigi MODERN TROUSSEAU www.moderntrousseau.com

NAIL POLISH A Grape Fit! by OPI www.opi.com

EARRINGS Amethyst Sea Glass Drops. An exquisite touch to your orchid ensemble. BAUBLEBAR www.baublebar.com

CLUTCH This evening clutch made of satin and rhinestones is enough to make any woman feel like a queen! DELILAH ACCESSORIES www.delilahaccessories.com

PARTY DRESS This stunning trumpet gown from Monique Lhuillier will leave all who see you wonderstruck! SHOPBOP www.shopbop.com

CAKE A masterpiece of purple ombre, this cake exudes a beauty both striking and delicate. MAGGIE AUSTIN CAKE www.maggieaustincake.com

Evocative of the pale, serene skies of a late summer afternoon in Tuscany, this styled shoot is a unique gem of beauty, tranquility, and timeless

Italian details. Brought to life in the stillness of Summerour Studio — a venue modeled after a rustic, Tuscan villa — this dreamy scene, swathed

in a palette of grey, dusty blue, taupe, and peach, will undoubtedly refresh your spirit, delight your eyes and steal your breath away.

TUSCANYtoTake Mej

Credits

PRODUCED BY MOLLY MCKINLEY DESIGNS SHOT ON LOCATION AT SUMMEROUR STUDIO

BY RUSTIC WHITE PHOTOGRAPHY

VIDEOGRAPHY: Homestead Society Films, BRIDAL GOWN: Carol Hannah, MENSWEAR: The Modern Gent, FLORAL: Lindsay Coletta Designs, INVITATION SUITE & NAME CARDS: Yes Ma'am Paper + Goods, LINENS: Nuage Designs, TABLE, SEATING & LOUNGE FURNITURE: Blue Eyed Yonder, CAKE: Lush Cakery, BRIDESMAID

GOWN: Jenny Yoo via Fabulous Frocks of Atlanta, HAIR & MAKEUP: Jennifer C Nieman, WEDDING RINGS & JEWELRY: Jessie Jordan Jewelry, BRIDE: Rachel Zehner of Wilhelmina Models, GROOM: Blake Ballard of Click Models + J Pervis Talent Agency, BRIDESMAID: Tinsley Cohen of Click Models, BRIDE'S SHOES: Badgley Mischka,

BRIDESMAID'S SHOES: Michael Kors, GROOM'S SHOES: Calibrate, GLASSWARE & HAIR ACCESSORIES: Anthropologie, PLATES: VIETRI via Bloomingdales

Her hair swept up into an Italian inspired bun,

the bride exuded a quiet, natural beauty with

her soft makeup and understated accessories.

Her breathtaking silk gazar gown held vintage

elegance and modern style with its ivory hue and

embellishments of tulle and chiffon.

The Tuscan Province of Carrara is renowned for its

marble, so touches of this stone were seen throughout

the shoot, from the invitations to the wedding cake.

Bride and bridesmaid each carried lavish bouquets of garden roses, tweedia, lisianthus,

anemones, camellias, olive leaves, and pear tree and cherry blossoms.

Made in Tuscany, these stone gray VIETRI plates (opposite) were

perfectly suited to the rustic, Italian feel of the tablescape, as were the

striped taupe napkins.

Behind The Scenes Want to see more of this

stunning wedding style? Scan to see the behind the scenes video from this shoot online.

HiringjVENDORS

to execute your style

Besides the setting, your wedding vendors will make the most impact on the success of your wedding day. The professional services they supply like wedding planning, coordination, entertainment, floral

design, rentals and catering are the essential event elements no party could take place without. Their expertise orchestrate the senses you

and your guests will experience throughout the day, so finding the very best companies to execute your style is of utmost importance.

That's where we come in. Occasions® is connected to the most reputable wedding vendors across the country. We have a personal

relationship with almost all of the vendors represented in this book. We consider them to be among the top 5% of wedding vendors in the country. Seek their expertise and soak it up.

You'll be a better hostess because of it.

See more details on the wedding featured here on page 168.

the most reputable

49

50

Hiring Vendors to Execute Your Style


Besides the obvious question "are you available on our wedding date?" there are a few key questions that can ease the interview process of selecting your wedding day creative team. Here's the thing: These people are the pros and while they work on weddings daily and may find themselves repeating these key answers over and over, it's helpful for a bride like you to feel armed with just the knowledge you need to speak intelligently with your vendors. Ice breakers if you will. Use these questions & pricing guides below to get the conversation going and hire with confidence.

WEDDING PLANNER

How do you charge? Per hour, lump sum, percentage of total

budget?

Are there specific vendors he/she likes to use. What is the

process of selecting and hiring vendors?

Can I use other vendors?

What is the process of paying vendors? Is that done through him/her or direct to vendors?

Does she/he handle vendor services, contract and payment

processing?

Does she handle guest list coordination and RSVPs?

What is her/his specialty?

How many meetings will we have together? In person, via

phone?

STATIONER

Do you design custom work or sell from invitation lines?

Do you help with branding or custom monograms?

Is there a specific style you specialize in?

Do you offer calligraphy or addressing services?

Can I purchase additional personalized items like save-the date, welcome bags, favor tags,

etc?

Will you supply a proof before the invitation is offically printed?

What happens if there is an error?

How long after I place the order will the invitations come in?

Can I customize the wording?

CATERER

Do you specialize in specific food types?

Is a tasting included in your services?

Will they provide waitstaff? Is that extra?

If so, what is the ratio of staff to guest?

What will your staff wear?

How do you work with my wedding planner and venue?

Will you feed everyone, including band members and

waitstaff? If so, what is their menu and cost per person?

Is tax and gratuity included?

How do you handle clean up and trash removal?

CAKE BAKER

Is he/she licensed by the state health department?

How does delivery work?

What happens if something is damaged on the cake in transit?

Does she/he do sugar flowers and custom sculptured pieces

from sugar?

What are the options for cake flavors and fillings?

Fondant or Buttercream?

What is their average cost per slice?

Will you design a custom cake or do you have preset styles to

choose from?

Is the cake stand provided by you?

Working

QUESTIONS TO ASK WHEN INTERVIEWING POTENTIAL VENDORS . . .

WITH WEDDING VENDORS

Full Service wedding planners

range in price from $5,000 to $7,000+ while Month-of

Coordinators will likely charge between $2,000 - $3,000

depending on scope of work.

$ $ $ $

Depending on the complexity of the invitation suites, you can expect to pay between $4 - $8+ an invite. Further

customizations will increase your per piece price.

Catering costs are dependent on the menu, venue and set up, but for a starting point can run between $35 - $85+ per person not including any alcohol, linen

or decor upgrades.

Your wedding cake will likely cost approximately

$4 - $7+ per slice depending on the complexity of the

design, baker's skill level and availability.

MUSICIAN, BAND, DJ

What will the musician wear?

How much set up time do you need?

Do you have demos online where I can view your

performance?

What is your signature sound?

How does the band/dj feel about a request list?

How many breaks will the band or dj need?

What is the overtime policy should the reception last longer

than anticipated?

What is your experience being the master of ceremonies?

PHOTOGRAPHERS

What is your primary style of photography? Traditional,

documentary?

How independent is the photographer? Does he want to know all the shots you'd like

or free reign to shoot all the moments of the day at will?

Will the photographer you book, be the one to shoot your

wedding?

How long after the wedding will the photos be ready?

What happens if the photographer is ill on the day of

the wedding?

What are their backup procedures?

What is included in your pricing? Albums, hours of coverage,

engagement shots, etc?

FLORIST & DECOR

What is the florist style?

What is your process?

Has the florist/designer worked at your venue before?

How do items get returned after the wedding? Will they pickup?

Does the designer offer rental items.. vases, trellis, decor... or must they be supplied via a

rental company?

Can my guests take centerpieces home?

Do you charge for mockup centerpieces before my

wedding or is that included?

$ $ $ $

A professional DJ will likely charge between $1,500 &

$2,500+ depending on their expertise & availability. Live bands range in price from

$2,000 - $6,000+ depending on size and demand.

Professional wedding photographers will likely charge between $3,000

and $6,000+ depending on experience level, demand and

packages.

Flower pricing is dependent on the amount of decor at your

wedding. You'll want to budget starting at $1,500 for the basics like bouquets, boutonnières and

know the sky is truly the limit for the rest.

Professional wedding cinematographers will likely

charge between $2,800 and $5,000+ depending on

experience level, demand and packages.

CINEMATOGRAPHY

What is your cinematography style? Documentary, movie-like,

artistic?

Have you worked with our photographer?

How does the crew stay unobtrusive during the

ceremony and reception?

How long after the wedding will the video be ready?

What is your process?

Am I allowed to make edits once you present video to us?

What are their backup procedures?

What happens if the cinematographer is ill on the day

of the wedding?


52



WHAT IS THE PROCESS OF WORKING WITH A "MONTH-OF WEDDING PLANNER" LIKE? I don’t describe my most basic package as a “Month-of” but rather I offer a “Basic” package providing my client with 5 Check Lists sent throughout the planning process, however, should there be any other request for service from the client, they would be billed an hourly rate for my services. Beginning approximately a month before the wedding, we meet with the client to discuss in great detail the specifics of the wedding and develop a flow to the day. After that meeting, we then meet with certain key vendors to determine all of the set-up specifications after which time we provide vendor confirmation documents to each and every vendor confirming the details of the day along with their vendor-specific Itinerary. We are then at the Rehearsal and will conduct it if necessary, we provide Wedding Party Itinerary’s to all wedding party and family members which is a snapshot of the Wedding Day with arrival times and other pertinent information. We are then there on the wedding day for a minimum of 9 hours to oversee all details and ensure that the wedding flows flawlessly.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE IN COST BETWEEN A "MONTH-OF" OR "FULL SERVICE" PLANNER? My Basic package is typically in the $2000 range where as my complete Full-Service with unlimited hours is several thousand more. I have found that clients like to have an option of price-points so they can determine the level of service (number of hours) and budget they are comfortable with.

WHAT IF MY "WEDDING PLANNER" IS SICK ON THE DAY OF? For my company, we work with a Team approach,

which means there is more than one person working the wedding. Because I have a team of folks that work for me on events, I have the flexibility of having a “substitute” available if the Lead for the wedding happens to be sick. This gives my clients a sense of relief so that they know they will not be left in the lurch but will definitely have a reliable team to ensure the wedding day is flawless.

WHAT DOESN'T A "MONTH-OF PLANNER" DO? For my company, my Basic package does not incorporate any consulting requests. So, no assistance is included in vendor negotiation, design plans, etc. If any assistance is requested, the client is billed an hourly fee for the service provided.

I'VE MADE IT THIS FAR...DO I REALLY NEED A "MONTH-OF PLANNER"? Even for those brides that think they have covered everything, I have found that there are always details they have overlooked – sometimes because they never thought of them. My clients have the benefit of receiving the Check Lists which have proved to be extremely helpful to ensure details are covered. I have actually been hired 2 weeks prior to a wedding, provided all 5 Check Lists at once to the bride and received a call from them with things they never had even thought of. The saying “You don’t know what you don’t know” is very true. Most of the time, a bride is only a bride once – so to think that they will know all of the multitude of details to handle is ludicrous, therefore a Planner is essential to making sure their wedding does go as they want.

IS THERE SUCH A THING AS A "DAY OF" WEDDING PLANNER?

"No, there is no such thing as a “Day of Planner." There is such a thing as a Wedding Director – which is someone

that is there to only “direct” the wedding ceremony which doesn’t require much

advance knowledge of the wedding, but to think that someone could step in on the wedding day and produce a smooth and

flawless wedding is a fallacy."

QUICK FACTS

Lives in

Newnan, Georgia

Known for Serious attention to detail

and fabulous fetes.

Been in the Business 25 years

Website JaniceBlackmonEvents.com

Janice Blackmon is considered one of the premier Event Consultants in the Atlanta area by many of the most reputable vendors and venues. Her experience and professionalism has earned her a

top spot on some of the most prestigious preferred vendor lists in the city.

Q & A

54



54

CUSTOM SOUNDS EXPENSIVE. IS IT? Not really...We have designs that are very affordable. We wanted to make sure we service all brides and clients YOU HAVE CREATED SOME EXTRAVAGANT STATIONERY FOR SOME PRETTY FAMOUS PEOPLE, CAN I AFFORD YOU? Yes... 90% of my business comes from everyday people. This is one misconception that a lot of people have about my work. I love to design very simple to very extravagant invitations......However, I love both worlds. Although we do custom stationery...we have a very affordable line called Personalized Pockets. These designs can be used for weddings....birthdays....anniversaries and all sorts of occasions.

HOW FAR IN ADVANCE BEFORE THE WEDDING SHOULD I ORDER ANY CUSTOM STATIONERY PIECES? If you are ordering custom stationery I say its always good to start 6 months prior to mail out. You want to allot for designing and production time.

HOW MANY INVITATION SUITES SHOULD I ORDER? I tell brides to use the 60% rule when trying to figure out the number of invites to order.... Take your total number and multiply by 60%....this is the number you should order. However, Always keep in mind to order extra's (10% more) for those last minute add ons.

SHOULD MY STATIONERY BUDGET ALLOT FOR ANYTHING ELSE? Yes, Always remember to allot for things like programs, menus, escort and placecards, and thank you notes. Many brides tend to leave this out when they are figuring out their stationery budget.

HOW DO I KEEP WITH TRADITION BUT GET CREATIVE WITH MY STATIONERY? Brides can keep with tradition with their wording and etiquette. However, they can use unique materials and such as velvet, acrylic, wood and other materials other than paper.

WHERE DO YOU FIND YOUR INSPIRATION? I find my inspiration in fashion and nature.... majority of the time my inspiration comes from dreams.. Ive been known to go to sleep with an incompleted idea but once I awake it's totally completed.

WHAT EXACTLY IS CUSTOM WEDDING STATIONERY?

Sandi Spells is one of the most sought out invitation designers today. Since 2004, she has

been recognized for turning simple ideas into spectacular masterpieces by many brides and

celebrities throughout the country.

"Custom stationery to us is simply adding your own style... Taking

one idea and making it your own... Personalizing your stationery with

your own motif or monogram."

QUICK FACTS

Lives in

Atlanta, Georgia

Known for Extreme stationery


Website SandiSpells.com

Q & A

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56


www.OCCASIONSONLINE.comwww.OCCASIONSONLINE.com

Sebrell Smith, owner of Sebrell Smith Designer Events, brings a savvy sense of style and spirited Southern grace to weddings and celebrations in

the south ranging from the intimate garden affair to grand black-tie galas.

QUICK FACTS

Lives in

Savannah, Georgia

Known for Spirited Southern Events


Website SebrellSmith.com

WHAT WEDDING FLOWERS COST AND WHY

Flowers are not the only cost that affect the final look of your wedding day flowers. Elements like conceiving designs, preparing orders, placing orders, securing containers and accessories, receiving inventory, prepping inventory, arranging, delivering, and breaking down after the event all effect the operating costs of wedding florists thus the rate brides pay for wedding flowers. While creativity is what fuels modern day florists, it’s the nuts and bolts of business that ultimately determine what the cost of your wedding flowers will be. To help the everybride understand how it all comes together I’ve outlined four insights that give you a behind the scenes look on how wedding florists work.

HARD COSTS There are many things that have to be considered when pricing a floral order. My first approach is to add the wholesale cost for each stem in each arrangement and apply a percentage markup appropriate for perishables. Then I add the wholesale costs of supplies used and apply an appropriate percentage markup for hard goods. I also consider the time and expertise required in consultations with the bride and flower brokers, time needed for proper handling of the flowers, actual creative design time, along with the time requirements for delivery and installation. The retail price is a sum of all of these factors.

INVENTORY EFFECTS My second consideration is the volume and types of flowers needed. Most flowers are bundled in bunches of 10, and some are in bundles of 25 stems. Should a bride choose mixed floral bouquets, then I have to think about the cost of the flowers I will

purchase to accomplish the designs, but are not sold in the designs. Stem lengths and shelf life must be considered, as well as out of season colors or varieties which do not fare well as typical shop inventory. In this case, it is necessary to increase the retail value of each finished item.

NOT YOUR TYPICAL RETAIL BUSINESS The florist industry is not a typical retail business. It is a manufacturing business that is serviced by individuals who are typically self-employed, inventorying fresh flowers and supplies, in a shop, with helpers. There are the five controlling factors to the end (retail) price of any wedding order: cost of flowers, cost of hard goods (containers, vases, ribbons, etc.), overhead expenses, payroll (which includes the time spent on meetings, the creative process, execution, and other considerations outlined above), and profit.

FINDING THE RIGHT TEAM Brides will find the best value by employing a planning and design company that offers professional floral services in house. This is where a bride will find a "wedding team" delivering the most benefits for dollars spent. She will have one contact for all of the various components of her wedding, and every selection will show her personality and signature style. With a company that offers planning, a budget is established to balance dollars for the best overall wedding experience which includes beautiful flowers. Finally, it is important to point out, when reviewing event planners and/or florists, look for images of real events, rather than staged shoots. A bride will want to know what they can do in a situation with several moving parts, as well as in a static environment.

"Besides stem costs, elements like conceiving designs, preparing orders, securing containers and accessories,

managing inventory, arranging, delivering, and breaking down after

the event all affect the operating costs of wedding florists thus the cost

of wedding flowers."

INSIDER INSIGHTS

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WHAT TRENDS ARE YOU SEEING IN BRIDAL HAIR & MAKEUP STYLES?

IS IT MORE EXPENSIVE TO HIRE AN ONSITE HAIR AND MAKEUP ARTIST VERUS GOING TO A SALON? Pricing varies across all salons and onsite makeup artists, so it is hard to say one is more expensive overall because of the location in which the services take place. However, it is worth every penny to have an onsite makeup artist for the wedding day so that she can come where everyone will be getting ready, which eliminates any stress of getting to and from a salon. Also, onsite stylists have the ability to stay nearby for any requested touchups. It just makes things more laid back on the wedding day! HOW DO YOU MANAGE LARGE BRIDAL PARTIES? It is so important to me to give each client the necessary amount of time and attention so that they have a pleasant, relaxing experience. In the case there are more women than I can handle on my own in the allotted time frame, I will bring another stylist with me to help complete the services.

IS A TRIAL APPOINTMENT ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY? Trial appointments are absolutely necessary for most brides. The trial is a great opportunity for us to get to know each other and for me to learn what is going to make the bride look and feel her best. We also have a chance to experiment with multiple looks in the case she is uncertain about what look she wants. But some brides don’t have time for a bridal trial because they live out of town for example, so we just have to talk through the hair and makeup vision ahead of time so that everyone is comfortable and relaxed on the wedding day.

WHAT IF I DON'T LIKE MY HAIR/MAKEUP ON THE DAY OF? Doing a trial ahead of time ensures the hair and makeup process on the wedding day goes smoothly and that the bride feels comfortable with everything. But in the case the bride wants to make any adjustments to her hair and makeup on the wedding

day, I always build in additional time to accommodate those tweaks so we aren’t rushed. I will not leave a bride until she looks and feels amazing!

I DON'T WEAR A LOT OF MAKEUP ON A REGULAR BASIS SO I WANT TO MAKE SURE ON THE DAY OF MY WEDDING I STILL LOOK LIKE "MYSELF," IS THAT POSSIBLE? I would say 75% of the brides I work with don’t regularly wear makeup and really want to look natural for the wedding. I love soft, natural makeup anyways because people aren’t distracted by the actual makeup—they just see a gorgeous face. So when I am working with someone who isn’t big on wearing makeup, I warn them that it may seem like we are using a lot of products, but the goal is to really enhance her features so that she not only looks stunning in person, but she really glows in photos.

"Natural, glowy makeup and soft, relaxed hairstyles are most

popular and what I am asked to do most often."

QUICK FACTS

Lives in

Atlanta, Georgia

Known for Making brides look seriously gorgeous


Website ClaudiaMerjerle.com

Claudia Merjerle is an Atlanta based makeup artist known for her natural, soft style. She works with brides and can be

found on set for commercials, backstage at events and in studio for photo shoots.

Q & A

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PROXIMITY BETWEEN CEREMONY AND RECEPTION LOCATION. Many couples do not have the time or budget to visit their destination/resort before the actual wedding weekend and are viewing venues on a website or resort map. You may see a beautiful waterfall backdrop that’s perfect for your ceremony and a charming restaurant for your reception. Ask the questions, how far will my guests have to walk, are there golf carts or other forms of transportation for those guest that are less mobile, what are the advantages and disadvantages to these locations.

BEACH WEDDINGS ARE BEAUTIFUL/BEACH RECEPTIONS ARE TRICKY. If at all possible, consider having your ceremony on the beach and then moving your reception

inside or further away from the water. Many times breezes can pick up at night, and in some locations, it can even get chilly depending on the season. A gorgeous sunset wedding and cocktails followed by a dark, windy and sandy reception will bring dinner and dancing to an end much quicker than you planned. Plus, events on the beach at night normally require additional power and lighting that can be an additional cost to you.

YOUR RESORT WEDDING PLANNER IS NOT YOUR DESTINATION WEDDING PLANNER. If you have a busy weekend planned with several events and lots of moving parts, YOU NEED to hire a destination wedding planner. While the resort wedding planner may be amazing, remember that he or she is normally responsible for only what happens at the resort. If you are planning off-site excursions or dinners, elaborate gift bags or favors, specialty transportation, a destination wedding planner will be worth every penny.

CONSIDER UNEXPECTED FEES AND ASK YOUR CONTACT TO PROVIDE EVERYTHING IN WRITING. Every country, destination, and hotel/resort has different taxes, fees, and gratuities. Some of these may even be negotiable, but some may be handed down by the government or labor unions. Make sure these are all defined clearly, especially in regards to room rates and gratuities.

Anna Schmid is the Vice President and General Manager of Special Events, Weddings, and

Entertainment for Atlantis, Paradise Island. A mom of two amazing daughters and lover of travel,

destination weddings, and all things unexpected.

"There are many advantages to booking off-season at any destination:

better rates, more aggressive offers and in many cases, your event will

also be the main focus of the resort and its employees, giving a much more

exclusive vibe to your big day."

QUICK FACTS

Lives in

Ft. Lauderdale, Florida

Known for Luxurious destination

weddings


Website LoveAtlantiscom

DESTINATION WEDDING DETAILS NOT TO FORGET

EXPERT ADVICE

Anna has a lot more things to say about

destination weddings that you won't want to

miss. To read the rest of her interview, head

on over to OccasionsOnline.com.

“Experience Modern Sophistication...”(770)389-2000www.eagleslandingcc.com

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weddingDestinationjPRODUCED BY CANDICE COPPOLA OF JUBILEE EVENTS

IMAGES BY CARLA TEN EYCK PHOTOGRAPHY

STYLE

FASHION STYLING: Beth Chapman of The White Dress by the shore, LOCATIONS: El Taj Resort, Aldea Corazon, La Azotea, and Mi Pueblo, DRESSES: Amsale, David Fielden, and Ivy & Aster, JEWELRY: Haute Bride and K. Brunini, FLORAL: Datura: A Modern Garden, MAKEUP: d.d. Nickel, VIDEOGRAPHY: Jeremy White, PAPER DESIGN: Coral Pheasant

Credits

With its stunning silhouette and airy chiffon skirt, nothing suits a sunset stroll down the beach better than this exquisite gown

by Ivy & Aster.DRESS: Griffin by Ivy & Aster

EARRINGS: Maria Elena

OPPOSITE PAGE

DRESS: Style 7541 by David Fielden ACCESSORIES: Haute Bride

Be the queen of your tropical wedding day paradise with this luxurious one-shoulder dress from David Fielden.

DRESS: Posey by Ivy & Aster NECKLACE: Anne Barge

COMB & EARRINGS: Maria Elena

Bring traditional elegance to the lush, tropical garden with this short sleeve, lace sheath

dress by Ivy & Aster.

Possessing a flowing white skirt and glorious sheen, this

dramatic gown by David Fielden was created to showcase your

inner beauty and strength.

DRESS: Style 4533 by David Fielden JEWELRY: Deepa Gurnani

DRESS: Bali by Amsale JEWELRY: Deepa Gurnani

Be swept away in the salty sea breeze with this heavenly

gown of Alencon lace and organza by Amsale.

Our Venue Guide is all about finding the right location for your wedding. After all, it all starts with your venue. There are

appropriate facilities for parties of all sizes, but when you’re choosing the perfect spot for your next event, all of those options can be

overwhelming. The size of the crowd will narrow down your choices, but then there are still numerous types of venues to consider.

Whatever your particular tastes, when the time comes to choose your wedding location, make sure you know what to look for in a venue

before you book.

S P E C I A L A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N

UenueGUIDE

A Vetted Resource of the Most Reputable Special Event Locations Across the Southeast

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HOW MANY HOURS DOES MY RENTAL FEE INCLUDE? ARE THERE OVERTIME CHARGES? Some venues charge by the hour for use of their facility. Knowing exactly how many hours are included, and alloting plenty of time for set up and tear down is important. HOW DO YOU CHARGE? PER PERSON, BY THE HOUR OR FLAT FEE? Always good to know how your venue charges for rental. It's likely that facilities who include catering will charge a per person rate and venues without catering will charge a flat fee or hourly rental.

CAN I BRING IN MY OWN VENDORS OR DO I HAVE TO USE A PREFERRED VENDOR LIST SUPPLIED BY THE VENUE? Many venues will supply you with a list of their preferred wedding vendors to use. This can be helpful to the bride who needs direction and referrals but also a hinderance for brides who know exactly which vendors they'd like to use. Clarify with your venue whether it's required or not to use their specfied vendors before you book.

CAN I BRING IN MY OWN ALCOHOL? Venues that don't carry their own liquor license often allow brides to bring in their own alcohol. This is not typically the norm, but there are a few venues out there with this option. Remember, if you do opt to bring in your own alcohol, you'll want to hire a bar service to tend to guests.

IF NOT, IS THERE AN ALCOHOL MINIMUM? Often venues with liquor licenses will have a bar minimum in addition to the cost of their venue rental. Best to have a heads up about this before you book for budgeting.

HOW MANY PEOPLE WILL THE SPACE HOLD (NOT JUST OFFICIAL CAPACITY) ACCORDING TO MY ROOM SET UP. Your room set up will greatly effect the amount of guests you can have at your wedding. Official capacities are for the fire marshal. You'll want to focus on how many guests you can fit into the room with a seated dinner, estate table, dance floor or buffet set up.

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE VENUE RENTAL? Most venues have house items that are included in the cost of their facililty rental like dancefloors, tables, chairs, standard linens, etc. But, there are several venues that don't offer this and could amount to an additional cost to you. Ask before you book.

WHAT IS THE PARKING SITUATION? Valet parking, limited options, street parking or ample complimentary parking for guests are all important things to consider.

WILL THERE BE OTHER WEDDINGS HAPPENING ON THE SAME DAY? Depending on the size of the venue, it will be nice to know whether your event will be the only event happening on property or if there will be others. Other events may infringe on your time use of the venue or confusion for guests so best to know ahead of time and be prepared.

So, exactly what type of Occasion do you envision for your upcoming wedding? Knowing this will ease your venue search because the setting affects the overall style tremendously. Not to mention the budget! In the southeast, the options for brides are limitless. From country clubs to hotels, city clubs, oceanfront resorts, farms, barns, antebellum homes, private mansions and everything in between... a girl's got options. So, we've scoured the top cities to bring you the very best venues to select from.

WeddingVENUE REVIEW

QUESTIONS TO ASK A POTENTIAL VENUE . . .

GET MORE INFORMATION INSTANTLY >>> As you're flipping through, scan the QR code for more information, photos, inquiry forms and links to social networks & websites.


www.OCCASIONSONLINE.com70

ATLANTA VENUES ............... Pg 72 From the North Georgia Mountains, through Metro Atlanta to Macon... we bring you the largest venue resource in the south.

SOUTH FLORIDA VENUES .......... Pg 110 From Vero Beach to the Keys, we bring you all the best venues in sunny South Florida.

TAMPA VENUES ........................... Pg 124

JACKSONVILLE VENUES .............. Pg 128 Northeast Florida is home to many beautiful venues from Amelia Island to St. Augustine.

ORLANDO VENUES ..................... Pg 120 Central Florida venues abound here!

SAVANNAH VENUES .............. Pg 109

RECEPTION VENUE CHECKLIST . . .

VENUES NEAR YOU . . .

Coordinator q q $_______________________ Cake Table q q $_______________________ Head Table q q $_______________________ Gift Table q q $_______________________ Sound System q q $_______________________ Stage q q $_______________________ Air Conditioning q q $_______________________ Clean-up q q $_______________________ Corkage q q $_______________________ Valet Parking q q $_______________________ Taxes & Gratuity q q $_______________________ Bar q q $_______________________ Private Room q q $_______________________ Basic Linens q q $_______________________ China q q $_______________________ Stemware q q $_______________________ Cake Cutting q q $_______________________ Piano q q $_______________________ Guest Book Table q q $_______________________

GOOD TO KNOW Hours Available _______________________

Set-up Time ______________________ Head Count Deadline ________________ Menu Select Deadline ________________

Deposit Deadline _____________________

Final Payment Deadline ______________

VENUE OPTIONS INCLUDED AVAILABLE AT COST

The thing about a wedding venue is.... there are a lot of extras, options and upgrades and every single venue has a different package and procedure. So, to make sure you are comparing apples to apples use this handy checklist when identifing the best venue for you.



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Quietly nestled among lush pines, rolling hills, and sparkling streams lies perhaps the most beautiful wedding site in all of Georgia, The Country Club of the South. The three level stone and cedar clubhouse sets the stage for an unmatched experience of warmth and genuine southern hospitality. With the clubs magnificent ballroom, beautiful patio overlooking the 18th green, and a four-bedroom guest villa it’s no wonder that The Country Club of the South is the new favorite choice of couples in search of the perfect wedding. From an elegant seated dinner to a grilled feast on the terrace, you will experience award-winning cuisine under the close supervision of the Club’s acclaimed chef. You can also plan your rehearsal dinner, bridal shower or engagement party in one of the club’s five elegant private dining rooms. In addition to the world–class cuisine and beautiful lodge-like surroundings, you will also experience the ultimate in service-attention paid to your every need. Whether your style is traditional or unique, The Club’s professionals will bring your dream to life. From the first planning consultation to the creation of your one-of–a-kind wedding, you will have a team of talented personal “assistants” at your side every step of the way.

Once I stepped foot into the Traditions

Ballroom at Country Club of the South, I knew ‘this is it.’ Not

only the overall appearance of the club met my expectations, but the staff was very professional and went

above and beyond.- Kylie Roger (678) 297-5951

4100 Old Alabama RoadJohns Creek, GA 30022

[email protected]

COUNTRY CLUB OF THE SOUTH

MORE ABOUT THIS LOCATION ONLINE AT OCCASIONSONLINE.COM


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LOCATED IN: Johns Creek TOTAL SQUARE FOOTAGE: 55,000# OF EVENT SPACES: 10CAPACITY: 10 - 500CATERING: Onsite catering provided by award winning chef, custom designed menus including organic and vegan INCLUDES: Tables, chairs, linens, glassware, silverware, setup & breakdown, service staffPARKING: Complimentary ParkingSPECIAL FEATURES: Outdoor and indoor ceremony sites, exquisite lodge style clubhouse with stone fireplace, golf course view, onsite 4 bedroom, 4 and a half bath, villa for fine lodging, outside terrace for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres

All the guests had a wonderful time and are still admiring the delicious food and an amazing staff who made it all happen.- Anna Meehan

Photography by Kristen Alexander, Leslie Walker, and Angela Wilson.



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No address in prestigious Buckhead is more synonymous with unforgettable events than 103 West. Newly renovated, the elegant, classically modern venue is Atlanta’s premier event space. The Club Room, which welcomes guests with white floor-to-ceiling wainscoting accented by antique mirrors, is perfect for bridal luncheons or corporate events for up to 40 guests. The Buckhead Ballroom is bright and contemporary, with three elaborate crystal chandeliers, neutral fabric covered walls and four architectural columns. It can accommodate 150 seated guests around the custom black and white checkered dance floor or up to 250 guest reception style. At 4,500 square feet, the Grand Ballroom is the largest event space at 103 West, featuring a 15-foot vaulted ceiling in the entry way, mirrored ceilings, arched windows and six magnificent crystal chandeliers.

LOCATED IN: Buckhead TOTAL SQUARE FOOTAGE: 8,000# OF EVENT SPACES: 5CAPACITY: 400CATERING: Onsite Catering & Pastry ChefINCLUDES: Tables, Chiavari chairs, linen, glassware, china, silverware, floral bud vases, votives, accent mirrors, house cocktail music and Baby Grand Pianos. Courtesy guest wireless and coat check. PARKING: ValetSPECIAL FEATURES: Newly renovated, stylish sophisticated decor. Located in Atlanta’s most prestigous neighborhood. Preferred guest rates available for Buckhead’s finest hotels. Part of the award-winning Buckhead Life Restaurant Group.

(404) 233-5993 103 West Paces Ferry RoadAtlanta, GA 30305 WWW.103WEST.COM [email protected]

103 WEST

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Resplendent in its marble floors, crystal chandeliers, and classical architectural details, 200 Peachtree now makes an elegant statement as an unsurpassed special events venue. The Grand Atrium is the perfect setting for grand occasions, featuring 30-foot ceilings, 14-foot crystal chandeliers, stately Greek columns topped by elegant Corinthian capitals, and a custom drapery system. Its over 18,000 square feet of space on the main floor and mezzanine accommodates from 150 guests to over 1,200 guests on a flow basis. The Carnegie Salon is sophistication in the city, bedecked in white satin lit by a system of dramatic downlights capable of a variety of colors and moods. It features 18’ ceilings, original terrazzo floors, and stylish Italian globe lighting. Its 20,000 square feet accommodates over 1,300 people, or can be scaled down by the movable drapery system to an intimate gathering of 100 people.

LOCATED IN: Downtown TOTAL SQUARE FOOTAGE: 50,000# OF EVENT SPACES: 3CAPACITY: 5,000CATERING: Choose from our list of Atlanta's top caterers INCLUDES: Tables, chairs, stage, custom drapery system, and some speciality furniture items PARKING: Valet and self-parkingSPECIAL FEATURES: Historic features including marble floors, crystal chandeliers, stained glass windows, and exquisite architectural details; LED marquee; elegant custom drapery system; high-speed internet; 1,000 - space parking deck (via an enclosed SkyBridge); hospitality suite

(404) 522-5522 200 Peachtree Street NW

Atlanta, GA 30303

WWW.200PEACHTREE.COM [email protected]

200 PEACHTREE

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Your fairytale begins here … whether you’re planning a wedding, reception, rehearsal dinner or bridal shower, you and your guests will be captivated by the lure of the historic ambiance and breathtaking collegiate and contemporary Gothic architecture of Agnes Scott College. The Julia Thompson Smith Chapel is available for your special day. Your ceremony can take place in our stunning yet intimate Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired chapel, designed to allow its natural setting to enhance special occasions. The chapel is approximately 1100 square feet with seating for up to 140 people. Multiple indoor and outdoor event facilities that seat up to 350 guests are available for your special occasion. For an unparalleled celebration filled with charm, beauty and modern conveniences, reserve your date today with Agnes Scott College in historic Decatur.

LOCATED IN: Decatur TOTAL SQUARE FOOTAGE: 42,000# OF EVENT SPACES: 6CAPACITY: 350CATERING: Catering on site, custom designed menusINCLUDES: Tables, chairs, linens, china and bar wares PARKING: Ample free parking, valet SPECIAL FEATURES: Historic site, picturesque campus, event lawns, garden, hardwood floors, close proximity to downtown Decatur

(404) 471-6700 141 East College AvenueDecatur, GA 30809 WWW.AGNESSCOTT.EDU [email protected]

AGNES SCOTT COLLEGE



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Let beauty and serenity set the scene at the glorious Swan House. Outdoor gatherings at this iconic 1928 mansion rise to unforgettable heights on private lawns with majestic cascading fountains and beautiful boxwood garden. After your ceremony, stroll across the bridge to enjoy the elegance of the Grand Overlook ballroom featuring a barrel vaulted ceiling, cherry-wood floors and floor to ceiling windows overlooking the magnificent Quarry Garden. Ceremonies on our terraces embrace nature in an impressive way. Our 1860s farmhouse and period gardens give your wedding remarkably rustic overtones and charming allure in a peaceful setting among the trees where your guests will experience a memorable, historic experience. The Members Room, our boutique ballroom, features three crystal chandeliers, windows overlooking the beautiful Asian American wooded garden and a sky-lit atrium with room enough for cocktails.

LOCATED IN: Buckhead TOTAL SQUARE FOOTAGE: 16,000# OF EVENT SPACES: 8CAPACITY: 10-1,250CATERING: Approved catering listINCLUDES: Limited tables & chairs, event manager and securityPARKING: ComplimentarySPECIAL FEATURES: Lush gardens and majestic woodlands surround the ultimate unique Atlanta venue that includes the renowned Swan House lawns and Grand Overlook Ballroom located in the heart of Buckhead.

ATLANTA HISTORY CENTER

(404) 814-4090 130 West Paces Ferry Road

Atlanta, GA 30305

WWW.ATLANTAHISTORYCENTER.COM/[email protected]

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Host a celebration to remember at Atlanta Airport Marriott® Gateway, the event destination that connects you with everything you need to create an unforgettable experience for your guests. Set the stage for a magical evening with the sparkling chandeliers and textured walls in our 12,000 square-foot Gateway Ballroom, the largest hotel ballroom in the airport area. Hold your pre- and post-event functions in our Gateway Ballroom Foyer, an ideal place to mix and mingle. Or host an event that reflects your unique sense of style with over 21,000 square-feet of flexible event space at your disposal. Allow our professional event planners to handle every detail as they help you execute the perfect themed party, banquet or family gathering. Satisfy even the most discerning palates with customized menus of exquisite cuisine from our full-service culinary team.

LOCATED NEAR: Airport TOTAL SQUARE FOOTAGE: 22,000# OF EVENT SPACES: 6CAPACITY: 800CATERING: Onsite catering available with customized menus, offsite catering approved for specialty eventsINCLUDES: Tables, chairs, linens, dancefloor, in-house staging, white silk floral centerpiecesPARKING: Valet or Self Park Available SPECIAL FEATURES: Connected to Atlanta Airport via 2 minute free ride on the ATL Skytrain, LEED certified, spacious suites, beautiful event space

(404) 763-1544 2020 Convention Center Concourse Atlanta, GA 30337

ATLANTAAIRPORTMARRIOTTGATEWAY.COM [email protected]

ATLANTA AIRPORT MARRIOTT GATEWAY



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Nestled within our own 6 acre forest, Ashton Gardens is the most unique wedding destination in Atlanta offering absolutely everything you need for the entire celebration. The Chapel “marries” the romantic serenity of natural light with majestic views of the private forest setting. Ivory pews, elegant candelabras, flowing greenery and the towering gabled ceiling welcome you as you walk down the center aisle. Your guests will adjourn from the Chapel ceremony, along the trellised colonnade, through “The Gallery” to our spectacular Ballrooms. Your guests will be totally in awe of the floor-to-ceiling clearstory windows with views of the wooded grounds and illuminated fountained courtyards. Spectacular crystal chandeliers and candlelight centerpieces reflect from the soaring glass walls creating the perfect atmosphere for your special day.

LOCATED IN: Gwinnett County TOTAL SQUARE FOOTAGE: 15,000# OF EVENT SPACES: 2CAPACITY: 400CATERING: Exclusive Onsite Culinary Team, Personally Designed MenusINCLUDES: Wedding Coordinators, All Furnishings, Linens, Silverware, Fine China, Glassware, Candlelit Table Centerpieces, Chapel Sound System & Chapel Decor PARKING: Complimentary Onsite ParkingSPECIAL FEATURES: Beautiful Indoor Chapel & Ballroom in one location, Unique floor to ceiling windows in Chapel & Ballrooms providing one of a kind views of private forest, All-Inclusive Pricing

ASHTON GARDENS

(678) 714-3363 260 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard

Sugar Hill, GA 30518

WWW.ASHTONGARDENS.COM [email protected]



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Set on over 30 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, The Carter Center is located just minutes from downtown Atlanta, on the same site as the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum. A distinguished venue for hosting wedding ceremonies, receptions, and rehearsal dinners, The Carter Center’s awe-inspiring setting provides an unforgettable experience for you and your guests. We are privileged to partner exclusively with Proof of the Pudding, one of Atlanta’s most established caterers, for over 25 years. Whether you’re planning a wedding, conference, or cocktail reception, you will find the ideal venue in one of our nine well-appointed special event spaces. We look forward to assisting you in turning your one-of-a-kind vision into a reality.

LOCATED IN : Poncey-Highland TOTAL SQUARE FOOTAGE: 21,000 # OF EVENT SPACES: 9CAPACITY: 10-500CATERING: Catering provided exclusively by Proof of the Pudding INCLUDES: Tables, chairs, setup/break down, security, basic audio visual equipment, cleaning service and event managerPARKING: Complimentary onsite parking, valet can be arranged, onsite bus parking SPECIAL FEATURES: Ceremony and reception space, Japanese garden with waterfalls for photos, views of the grounds and natural light in all event spaces

(404) 420-5113 453 Freedom ParkwayAtlanta, GA 30307

WWW.CARTERCENTER.ORG/EVENTS [email protected]

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Nestled in historic downtown Douglasville, the new Conference Center is uniquely equipped to offer everything you need to stage a spectacular event. Whether planning an intimate or large-scale affair, the conference center can accommodate groups from 15 to 560 guests. Among its exquisite architecture and beautiful landscape, the conference center includes a 7,672-square-foot ballroom that can be divided into five separate rooms, in addition to a business center, bride and groom dressing rooms, two pre-function areas and a 150-seat auditorium. The conference center also features a breathtaking rear terrace that overlooks Douglasville’s charming historic district. The unique blend of elegance and technology-savvy equipped rooms makes the new Douglasville Conference Center the perfect choice for weddings.

LOCATED IN: Douglasville TOTAL SQUARE FOOTAGE: 37,000# OF EVENT SPACES: 8CAPACITY: 15-560CATERING: Onsite cateringINCLUDES: Tables and chairsPARKING: Self parkingSPECIAL FEATURES: Rear terrace, O’Neal Plaza, located in the historic district, 30 minutes west of Atlanta including the airport, two bridal/groom suites

DOUGLASVILLE CONFERENCE CENTER

(678) 715-6094 6700 Church St.

Douglasville, GA 30134

WWW.VISITDOUGLASVILLE.COM [email protected]



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Your wedding is a blur. All your favorite people in the world are there and you barely have time to see them. How do you squeeze your thanks and excitement for each guest into a brief encounter on the receiving line? Atlanta Evergreen Marriott® Conference Resort can help. Our stunning location designed to turn your beautiful big day into a memorable weekend. Breathe in the fresh air of your unforgettable wedding day at our indoor and outdoor venues tucked in 3,200 wooded acres of Stone Mountain Park. Our versatile event spaces and the surrounding natural beauty set the stage for intimate gatherings and the grandest of celebrations. Relax with your bridesmaids at our soothing spa. Take a peaceful walk with your new family through calm forests or challenge each other to a hike to the top of the mountain. Do it all and enjoy your big day even more as you leave the details to our team of talented service professionals.

LOCATED IN: Stone Mountain TOTAL SQUARE FOOTAGE: 40,000# OF EVENT SPACES: 28CAPACITY: 700CATERING: Onsite Catering featuring Custom Designed MenusINCLUDES: Tables, Chairs, Hotel Linens, Flatware, China, Stemware, Votive, Candles, Dance Floor and StagingPARKING: Complimentary Park Gate Entrance and Complimentary ParkingSPECIAL FEATURES: Two Championship Golf Courses, The Spa at Evergreen, 24 hour Fitness Center, Indoor/Outdoor Heated Pools, Beautiful Lake and Mountain Views, Convenient to Downtown Atlanta

(770) 879-9900 4021 Lakeview Drive Stone Mountain, GA 30083

ATLANTAEVERGREENWEDDINGS.COM [email protected]

EVERGREEN MARRIOTT CONFERENCE RESORT

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Atlanta’s Modern Classic located in the heart of the city’s business and cultural district, The Georgian Terrace Hotel is a midtown icon familiar to anyone who knows Atlanta. The Georgian Terrace delivers a brand of service rarely found, even in the south. We don’t just fulfill we anticipate needs, and with a host of new and improved amenities we aim to exceed our guest’s expectations. Once you take a look at all we have to offer, from our three classic ballrooms to our spacious penthouse suites and our award-winning catering, we can begin to help you make the wedding of your dreams into reality. The Georgian Terrace has been the site of Atlanta celebrations since 1911. In fact, the hotel hosted one of the city’s most memorable events, the premier gala for Gone With the Wind. Romantic, historic, artistic and fun, with wonderful architectural elements, practical amenities and bend-over-backwards service, The Georgian Terrace Hotel has it all.

LOCATED IN: Midtown TOTAL SQUARE FOOTAGE: 9,388# OF EVENT SPACES: 3CAPACITY: 225CATERING: Onsite Catering,Customized PackagesINCLUDES: Tables, chairs, china, glass, silver, dancefloor, staging, specialty linens of satin floorlength table lines with chair cover and tie, coordinating napkin colors. Complimentary bartender, attendant fees, cake cutting and service.PARKING: Valet or self on propertySPECIAL FEATURES: Historic property, crystal chandeliers, classic charm, floor to ceiling windows, onsite rehearsal dinner venue: Livingston Restaurant

GEORGIAN TERRACE HOTEL

(404) 897-1991 659 Peachtree Street NE

Atlanta, GA 30308

[email protected]

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The sleek, stunning, award-winning architecture of the High Museum of Art, designed by Richard Meier and Renzo Piano, lends an extraordinary and elegant atmosphere for your event. Architect Renzo Piano designed the Margaretta Taylor Lobby as part of the Museum's 2005 expansion. The generous space is furnished with beautiful hardwood floors and graceful, eighteen-foot-high ceiling. With floor-to-ceiling windows on the North and South walls, the Lobby offers grand views of the campus and piazza, surrounded by Midtown Atlanta. The Stent Family Wing provides a dramatic, light-filled space for any special occasion. Below the fan-shaped glass ceiling, the Robinson Atrium features granite floors and an elegant four-story ramp leading to the Museum's permanent collection galleries. The Carroll Slater Sifly Piazza offers a picturesque exterior view of the Museum.

LOCATED IN: Midtown TOTAL SQUARE FOOTAGE: 11,000# OF EVENT SPACES: 3CAPACITY: 600CATERING: Approved catering listINCLUDES: One-hour exhibition tour, limited tables & chairs, special event staff, security, housekeepingPARKING: Parking facility managed by Lanier Parking. Self-parking and valet available.SPECIAL FEATURES: Indoor and outdoor event space, soaring interior lobbies, private viewing of permanent collection or renowned special exhibitions, located in the heart of Midtown.

(404) 733-4439 1280 Peachtree St. NE Atlanta, GA 30309 WWW.HIGH.ORG/SPECIALEVENTS [email protected]

HIGH MUSEUM OF ART



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In the heart of bustling Midtown Atlanta, the Historic Academy of Medicine at Georgia Tech is one of Atlanta’s most unique and elegant venues for receptions, weddings, dinners, and meetings. Built in 1941, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and boasts beautiful composition and neoclassical architecture. Radiant with charm and elegance, the facility displays Doric columns, an entry portico, and a central rotunda with black and white Italian marble floors accented with the famous Czechoslovakian chandelier seen in the movie, “Gone with the Wind”. Matchless photo opportunities are abundant. The Historic Academy of Medicine offers Old-World elegance and intimacy, coupled with first-class service. We will assist you with everything you need to host an event of a lifetime.

LOCATED IN: Midtown TOTAL SQUARE FOOTAGE: 19,000# OF EVENT SPACES: 7CAPACITY: 5-230 CATERING: Choose from a preferred list of caterers. Kosher catering available. On-site bar serviceINCLUDES: 250 Chiavari chairs, tables, baby grand piano, dance floor, basic audio equipment, bridal suite, setup and break-downPARKING: Reserved and/or valet on-site parking can be arrangedSPECIAL FEATURES: Historic Landmark, Italian marble floors, Close proximity to Marta, walking distance to hotels, restaurants, shopping and nightlife. Easy access to 75/85.

HISTORIC ACADEMY OF MEDICINE AT GEORGIA TECH

(404) 894-1414 875 West Peachtree Street NW

Atlanta, GA 30309

WWW.ACADEMY.GATECH.EDU [email protected]



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Let Hyatt Regency Atlanta help you plan a remarkably successful wedding. Perfectly located in downtown Atlanta on Peachtree Street, Hyatt Regency Atlanta offers a sophisticated environment that is the ideal setting for your event, with more than 180,000 square feet of flexible event space, tastefully appointed guest suites and an inviting atmosphere for you and your guests to enjoy. Our expert wedding and event planners are on hand to help you with all of the details, from personalized décor and custom catering menus to block room reservations and group activities. And now when you celebrate your wedding day at Hyatt, you can earn free honeymoon nights at any Hyatt Hotels & Resorts location worldwide. At Hyatt Regency Atlanta, our renowned service and extraordinary amenities will make your special event a time to remember.

LOCATED IN: Downtown TOTAL SQUARE FOOTAGE: 180,000# OF EVENT SPACES: 50CAPACITY: 3,000CATERING: On-site catering with customized menusINCLUDES: Tables, chairs, hotel linen, dance floor, staging, podium, table numbers, votive candles and a designated banquet captainPARKING: ValetSPECIAL FEATURES: $65 Million renovation of all guestrooms, ballrooms, outlets and common areas. Three elegant ballrooms, including the largest hotel ballroom in Georgia at 30,000 sq. ft. Historic atrium style hotel

(404) 460-6460 265 Peachtree Street, NEAtlanta, GA 30303

WWW.ATLANTAREGENCY.HYATT.COM [email protected]

HYATT REGENCY ATLANTA

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Indulge your guests with unparalleled luxury in the uniquely elegant setting and newly refined spaces at JW Marriott Atlanta Buckhead. Inside the exclusive Buckhead neighborhood of Atlanta, we’ve carefully crafted a sophisticated environment, perfect for your most important occasion. From our incredible surroundings and magnificent event spaces to the breathtaking results of our $12 Million modernization and seamless, personalized service, we are singularly focused on providing everything you need for a memorable event. From intimate gatherings to grand celebrations, allow our professional event specialists to create an elegant banquet for up to 400 guests in our breathtaking 9,000 square-foot Phoenix Ballroom. Or plan for memories that last a lifetime in our Grand Foyer with our picture-perfect Grand Staircase, a striking backdrop for a fabulous cocktail party or reception.

LOCATED IN: Buckhead TOTAL SQUARE FOOTAGE: 22,300# OF EVENT SPACES: 5CAPACITY: 400CATERING: Onsite catering available with customized menus, offsite catering approved for specialty eventsINCLUDES: Tables, chairs, linens, dancefloor, in-house stagingPARKING: Valet or self parkingSPECIAL FEATURES: Luxury full service with private event space, world class shopping in walking distance, full fitness center with steam and sauna rooms, close proximity to MARTA transit system

JW MARRIOTT ATLANTA BUCKHEAD

(404) 262-3344 3300 Lenox Rd. NE Atlanta, GA 30326

[email protected]

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Make your next occasion truly special, and give your guests an experience they won’t forget at the stylish Atlanta Marriott® Marquis. With flexible, customizable spaces to choose from, it’s easy to find the perfect backdrop, no matter what your event. Three elegant ballrooms, each offer a unique design, gorgeous décor and flexible pre-function spaces to add to the experience. Dining reaches new heights at Sear specializing in fire-inspired steak, seafood and even desserts. Make a day of pampering and blissful indulgences part of the event with our full-service Spa. And don’t forget the guest rooms and suites, which offer incredible views and plenty of space for out-of-town guests, smaller gatherings or a place to get some rest after a day or evening socializing. It’s everything you need for a memorable and flawless event, in the heart of Atlanta,at the Atlanta Marriott® Marquis.

LOCATED IN: Downtown TOTAL SQUARE FOOTAGE: 160,000# OF EVENT SPACES: 10CAPACITY: 2,500CATERING: Catering onsite, custom designed menusINCLUDES: Tables, chairs, linens, flatware, china, stemware, votive candles, dance floor, stagingPARKING: Valet parkingSPECIAL FEATURES: Three beautiful ballrooms, 50 story breathtaking atrium, The Spa, 24 hour Fitness Center, indoor/outdoor pool and terrace, amazing skyline views

(404) 586-6079 265 Peachtree Center AvenueAtlanta, GA 30303

WWW.ATLANTAMARQUIS.COM [email protected]

ATLANTA MARRIOTT MARQUIS

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Overlooking the beautiful North Georgia Foothills, our enchanted clubhouse features amazing stone detail befitting a European castle. The clubhouse at The Manor Golf and Country Club is truly majestic and lavishly designed with old-world details and timeless European architecture. Featuring a scenic ceremony lawn, large ballroom and exquisite small dining rooms, an event at The Manor is truly unforgettable. The Manor's skilled culinary team has crafted delicious event menus that will satisfy your senses, but can always design a customized menu that is sure to impress your guests as well. With several well-appointed rooms to suit the size of your event, we invite you to tour The Manor today.

LOCATED IN: Alpharetta TOTAL SQUARE FOOTAGE: 5,049# OF EVENT SPACES: 6CAPACITY: 200CATERING: Onsite catering, wedding packages, customized menusINCLUDES: Rental includes room/space, linen and glassware, set up and break down.PARKING: ComplimentarySPECIAL FEATURES: Outdoor event lawn, several room options to fit the size of your group, beautiful outdoor views including golf course and North GA Mountains, beautiful stone work and decor.

THE MANOR GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

(678) 366-3886 15951 Manor Club DriveAlpharetta, GA 30004

WWW.MANORGCC.COM [email protected]

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Looking for the perfect meeting or event venue comfortably south of Atlanta? Merle Manders Center is classy and sophisticated enough for a formal affair, yet cozy and relaxed enough for a fun, laid back type of atmosphere. Whether you host your corporate meeting, conference, wedding, reception or special event at MMC, you can be rest assured that it will be a special event to remember. The impressive center is adjacent to the beautiful and serene Clark Park, which is a city park that has a flowing creek, over 2 miles of walking trails and 2 pavilions. The center has over 14,000 square feet of meeting space, with a 6,000 square-foot fully carpeted ballroom complete with a huge stone fireplace, 30 foot peaked wood ceiling, beautiful chandeliers with several lighting options and a variety of setup options.

LOCATED IN: Stockbridge TOTAL SQUARE FOOTAGE: 16,000# OF EVENT SPACES: 6 CAPACITY: 300CATERING: Kitchen rental availableINCLUDES: Tables, chairs, bridal suitePARKING: Free parkingSPECIAL FEATURES: Beautiful natural setting viewed from covered veranda. Large windows allow natural light for daytime events and spectacular chandeliers for an evening glow. Only 20 minutes south of the airport and easily accessible from I-75, I-285 and I-675.

(770) 389-5982 111 Davis RoadStockbridge, GA 30281

[email protected]

MERLE MANDERS CENTER

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The Morrow Center is poised to create your event with affordable elegance. We will provide complete concierge service throughout your entire event and we have the flexibility to work within your budget without compromising your imagination. Event planning options range from the guest supplying their own amenities to a total care package coordinated fully by our team. Guests of The Morrow Center enjoy a host of event amenities including 4,700 sq. ft. ballroom- multiple floor plans, hardwood stage for ceremony & dance, state-of-the-art audio sound system, full 120” screen & LCD presentations, movable hardwood dance floor, 18” high ceilings, 2 large (2,000+ sq. ft.) reception areas, rehearsal dining built-in induction buffet, complimentary wi-fi and 500+ parking spaces, coat room and main desk concierge, wedding planner on staff, and full bar options.

LOCATED IN: Morrow TOTAL SQUARE FOOTAGE: 28,000# OF EVENT SPACES: 8CAPACITY: 600CATERING: Choose from our preferred caterers listINCLUDES: Tables, Chairs, in-house sound system, Built in 334 sq. ft. Hardwood Stage, Wi-Fi, Coat Room & Concierge ServicePARKING: Onsite complimentary parking, valet parking optionalSPECIAL FEATURES: Dining Lounge with built in Induction Buffet, Designer Axminster Belgium Carpet, Built in 120” Drop down Screen and LCD Projector, Brazilian Firewood Marble

THE MORROW CENTER

(678) 489-5161 1180 Southlake Circle, Ste. 100

Morrow, GA 30260

[email protected]



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The Newnan Centre is the perfect venue for the perfect event day. Our professional staff will assist you with every detail to ensure your event is flawless.The Newnan Centre is a beautifully appointed state-of-the-art venue with a 6,250 square foot ballroom, divisible into four individual rooms, designed to meet any event need. For weddings, the bride’s room features a separate dressing room with makeup table and three way mirror. The groom can relax in style in the stately groom’s room. A full service kitchen is available to your caterer selected from the Centre’s Approved Caterers List. Alcoholic beverages must be served through the Centre’s licensed provider.From the beautifully appointed ballroom to the outdoor amphitheater, the Newnan Centre has what you need to orchestrate an event.

LOCATED IN: Newnan TOTAL SQUARE FOOTAGE: 6,250# OF EVENT SPACES: 6CAPACITY: 500CATERING: Approved Caterers ListINCLUDES: Rental fee is for an eight hour period and includes a one-time room set-up of tables and chairsPARKING: Onsite complimentary parkingSPECIAL FEATURES: Beautifully appointed venue with stylish decor; indoor and outdoor event capabilities; convenient location with proximity to shopping, dining and accommodations

(678) 673-5494 1515 Lower Fayetteville RoadNewnan, GA 30265

[email protected]

THE NEWNAN CENTRE



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Imagine yourself 28 stories above the heart of Midtown, outside and surrounded by the amazing Atlanta Skyline. The Peachtree Club and 28th Floor Skyline Terrace is the only rooftop venue of its kind in Atlanta. Ceremonies under the stars and receptions among the clouds create the perfect rooftop wedding and the most unique events in the city. Panoramic views from Kennesaw Mountain to Stone Mountain, spectacular sunsets, twinkling lights and cool Georgia breezes combine to create an elegant and romantic atmosphere for you and your guests. With the Club’s six private dining rooms, the main dining room, European Bar and Skyline Terrace, the event possibilities are endless. From intimate dinner parties to receptions for up to 200, The Peachtree Club is available to meet a variety of special event needs. It is a perfect location to show off Atlanta to out-of-town friends and family.

LOCATED IN: Midtown TOTAL SQUARE FOOTAGE: 7,000# OF EVENT SPACES: 1CAPACITY: 200CATERING: Award winning onsite cateringINCLUDES: Use of entire facility, chiavari chairs, tables, ivory linens, glassware/silverware, votives, cake riser, service staffPARKING: Self parking in secure deckSPECIAL FEATURES: Panoramic views of Midtown, Piedmont Park and Buckhead, 1700 square feet of outdoor event space, retractable awnings provide shade and relief from light rain, highest outdoor venue in the Southeast

THE PEACHTREE CLUB

(404) 817-0999 999 Peachtree Street, NE/ 28th Floor

Atlanta, GA 30309

WWW.ATLANTAROOFTOPWEDDINGS.COM [email protected]

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A distinctive blend of Southern hospitality, artful sophistication and modern comfort, Atlanta’s newest AAA® Four Diamond boutique hotel is the ultimate starting point to explore Atlanta’s most unique event spaces. Our expert event planners and talented culinary team can help you coordinate the perfect event in the avant-garde High Ballroom for up to 250 guests with a dance floor. Rooftop 866 is an open air lounge option with dramatic sweeping views of Midtown’s shimmering skyline. With fabulous resort style cabanas, sculptured fire pits and a spectacular water wall, it serves local microbrewery beers, one-of-a-kind handcrafted cocktails and a small plates menu…perfect for a bachelorette party, pre-reception cocktail hour or wedding after-party. Come discover what’s new and next where modern glam meets Atlanta charm.

LOCATED IN: Midtown TOTAL SQUARE FOOTAGE: 18,000# OF EVENT SPACES: 5CAPACITY: 300CATERING: Onsite and ethnic cateringINCLUDES: Tables, chairs, linens, dance floor and audio visualPARKING: ValetSPECIAL FEATURES: Warm, inviting lobby complete with fireplace, stylish atmosphere, original artwork by local artists, pet-friendly policy

(678) 412-2400 866 West Peachtree Street, NW Atlanta, GA 30309

RENAISSANCEATLANTAMIDTOWN.COM [email protected]

RENAISSANCE ATLANTA MIDTOWN HOTEL



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With a 30 year tradition of hospitality and special event excellence in Atlanta, the Renaissance Atlanta Waverly Hotel has just the team and space to create your most memorable event. Our 14 story sun-drenched atrium lobby offers a unique sense of arrival, and the perfect location for wedding photos, a cocktail reception or just spending time with colleagues, family or friends. Beyond our atrium you’ll discover 4 beautiful ballrooms, all with individual sound, climate controls and lighting. With high ceilings, natural light and marble columns, the Garden Court is a lovely setting for cocktail receptions or after dinner dessert and coffee gatherings. Compliment the perfect special event with overnight stays in one of our 522 spacious guest rooms and suites. For the ultimate in special treatment, SpaWaverly offers soothing, personalized treatments, or relax in our complimentary Fitness Center, sauna, and indoor salt water swimming pool.

LOCATED NEAR: Atlanta Galleria TOTAL SQUARE FOOTAGE: 60,000# OF EVENT SPACES: 6CAPACITY: 1,000CATERING: Catering onsite, offsite allowed for specialized eventsINCLUDES: Tables, chairs, linens, white or ivory chair covers, and colored sashes,flatware, china, stemware, votive candles, dance floor, in-house stagingPARKING: Self Parking is complimentary; Valet parking availableSPECIAL FEATURES: 14 story atrium lobby, access to Galleria Gardens, spa services available, full fitness center, steam and sauna

RENAISSANCE ATLANTA WAVERLY HOTEL & CONVENTION CENTER

(770) 953-4500 2450 Galleria Parkway SE

Atlanta, GA 30339

[email protected]



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Summerour Studio is an old world refurbished factory overlooking Atlantic Station and Atlanta with a great skyline view! Summerour blends the past and present perfectly. This wonderful building is the main studio and office for Summerour & Associates architecture firm. The over 8,000 square feet of space is wide open with great windows to capture the view. As you arrive to Summerour you enter through arches into a beautiful cobblestone courtyard that rivals the villas of Tuscany. The main event space has many wonderful details that reinforce the architectural background of this great building, such as the original wood barrel vaulted ceiling and a hand carved Michelangelo replica staircase. Convenient to Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, Atlantic Station and the interstate, consider Summerour Studio for your wedding ceremony, reception, and rehearsal dinner.

LOCATED IN: Midtown TOTAL SQUARE FOOTAGE: 8,500# OF EVENT SPACES: 1CAPACITY: 400CATERING: Preferred caterer list providedINCLUDES: Our inventory of tables and chairs that include 200 gold chiavari chairs and dark wood farm tables, security guard and event manager. PARKING: Free self parking, optional valet availableSPECIAL FEATURES: Fabulous outdoor courtyard, amazing city views, original wood floors and ceiling, great lighting and ambiance

(404) 962-8708 409 Bishop Street NWAtlanta, GA 30318

WWW.NOVAREEVENTS.COM [email protected]

SUMMEROUR

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Sitting majestically atop one of the highest points in North Fulton County is St Ives Country Club’s crowning jewel, a 45,000 square foot stone encased clubhouse. Once inside, you experience the feeling of an 18th Century country English Manor. Full height mahogany paneling, crystal chandeliers, woven carpets handmade in the Far East, and silk wall coverings are just some of the spectacular appointments. Whether entertaining honored guests, hosting a small private party, throwing a large holiday event or coordinating an executive golf outing, St Ives Country Club provides the perfect combination of private elegance and impeccable service to make your event the talk of the town. Enjoy our culinary artists’ finest creations whether it is one of our menus or a menu that will reflect your own personal style. Let us help you create a special occasion for all to enjoy!

LOCATED IN: Johns Creek TOTAL SQUARE FOOTAGE: 3,500# OF EVENT SPACES: 3CAPACITY: 250CATERING: Onsite caterer with custom menus, vegetarian availableINCLUDES: Tables, chairs, linens, glassware, silverware, setup/breakdown, centerpiecesPARKING: Complimentary self parking available, valet service availableSPECIAL FEATURES: Golf course view, outdoor ceremony site, close to hotels, board room and private banquet rooms

ST. IVES COUNTRY CLUB

(770) 623-1239 1 St Ives Country Club Drive

Johns Creek, GA 30097

[email protected]

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Vecoma is Atlanta’s most secluded, charming and distinctive special events venue. Guests enjoy PRIVATE use of the lovely romantic lodge hidden in a 70 acre forest oasis. Included on the RIVERSIDE property is a huge back lawn perfect for large gatherings, ceremonies or games. Vecoma is a family owned business which specializes in the personal touch. In 1927 Venie and Cotton Mather completed a 6-sided cabin made entirely of stone and wood taken from the property. The lodge was named Vecoma, combining the first two letters of each of their names. The foundation and chimney of this family relic still remain next to the new reception hall built in 1996. The large deck on the back of the hall overlooks the woods, lawn and river. It is rich in history and natural beauty. Today, the family of Venie and Cotton Mather invite you to enjoy Vecoma as you celebrate your own historic and special event.

LOCATED IN: Gwinnett TOTAL SQUARE FOOTAGE: 3,500# OF EVENT SPACES: 3CAPACITY: 330CATERING: Onsite catering with organic, vegan options, full alcohol licenseINCLUDES: Chairs, tables, dance floor, centerpieces, decorations, dinnerwarePARKING: Ample free onsite parkingSPECIAL FEATURES: Riverside,70 acre forest oasis in a metropolis with total privacy, fireplace in a lovely lodge, indoor/outdoor events, huge lawn available for outdoor activities, large covered veranda, family owned since 1920’s.

(770) 972-6540 4400 Vecoma LaneSnellville, GA 30039

WWW.VECOMA1.COM [email protected]

VECOMA AT THE YELLOW RIVER



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Ventanas offers its dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows to reveal a sweeping view of downtown and midtown Atlanta - a view that soars from Stone Mountain to Kennesaw Mountain. Perched atop the 14th and 15th stories of the Park Pavilion building in Downtown Atlanta's Luckie Marietta District, Ventanas offers more than 9,000 inspiring square feet of premier indoor and outdoor rooftop space. Located across the street from Centennial Olympic Park, The Georgia Aquarium and the World of Coca-Cola, Ventanas offers an array of Atlanta entertainment opportunities. Spacious, light-filled and designed for flexibility with help from our catering partners, Ventanas allows you to customize the indoor and outdoor entertaining space for a signature event, whether for 50 people or 500.

LOCATED IN: Downtown TOTAL SQUARE FOOTAGE: 9,547# OF EVENT SPACES: 3CAPACITY: 500CATERING: Choose from a preferred catering list of Atlanta’s finest caterersINCLUDES: Visit our website for a complete list of our inventoryPARKING: Valet and self parking availableSPECIAL FEATURES: Rooftop venue, breathtaking view of the Downtown, Midtown and Buckhead skyline, indoor and outdoor space available, helipad, outdoor patio and firepits

VENTANAS

(404) 766-3867 275 Baker Street

Atlanta, GA 30313

[email protected]



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Host the most talked about event in town at one of the most unique places in the city. Look no further for the perfect destination for your wedding, rehearsal dinner, engagement party, birthday party, family reunion, conference meeting, business luncheon, or company picnic. Located just minutes from downtown Atlanta, Zoo Atlanta offers a convenient yet unique setting for your next event. Offering year-round daytime and evening events from 20 to 5,000 people, and with eight venue options to choose from, Zoo Atlanta has a venue for every occasion. For more information on hosting your next event at Zoo Atlanta, contact our events team at 404-624-5650, or e-mail us a [email protected]. Give your guests something to ROAR about!

LOCATED IN: Atlanta/Grant Park TOTAL SQUARE FOOTAGE: 20,000# OF EVENT SPACES: 8CAPACITY: 5,000CATERING: Onsite Catering, Full Alcohol LicenseINCLUDES: Our table and chair inventory which includes 200 white padded chairs, Complimentary Parking, Security PARKING: Complimentary, 800+ spaces SPECIAL FEATURES: Unique indoor and outdoor venue options amongst a lush landscape, some venues feature exclusive animal exerperiences. Close proximity to downtown and midtown, and easily accessible from I-20, I-75 and I-85.

(404) 624-5650 800 Cherokee Avenue SEAtlanta, GA 30315

WWW.ZOOATLANTA.ORG [email protected]

ZOO ATLANTA

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(770) 448-8353 2300 Pond Road Duluth, GA 30096

[email protected]

ABOUT: Celebrating it's 50th Anniversary, Berkeley Hills is one of Atlanta's premier Country Clubs specializing in beautiful events and corporate functions ranging from 10 to 300 people. Offering customized menus, exceptional service, elegant facilities, and personalized attention, our team of professionals will turn your ideas into a truly extraordinary occasion. Your guests will enjoy the perfect entertaining area with great cocktails and conversations before proceeding into our grand ballroom complete with vaulted ceilings, large picture windows, and a beautiful wrap around covered veranda overlooking our incredible golf course. LOCATED IN: DuluthCATERING: Full service cateringINCLUDES: Banquet tables, chairs, linens, china, silverware, glassware, and dancefloorCAPACITY: 300

BERKELEY HILLS COUNTRY CLUB

ABOUT: The Banquet Halls of Alvaton & Jonesboro are two of South Atlanta’s best kept secrets. Alvaton is a 10,000 sq. ft. 1927 historically built landmark located 12 miles south of Peachtree City and Senoia, Georgia. It’s elegant & charming structure is equipped to host all types of events, specializing in indoor/outdoor weddings & receptions. Alvaton has been meticulously restored with hand-trimmed support columns, beautiful chandeliers, and refurbished original hardwood floors with a 3000 sq. ft. covered porch that encircles the entire building. Jonesboro is a 7000 sq. ft. event space located about 15 miles south of Atlanta Hartsfield Airport. Jonesboro’s interior is designed with Roman Corinthian columns; beautifully French inspired bronze chandeliers, and a huge gorgeous cypress hardwood dance floor to keep your guests dancing all night long!! LOCATED IN: South AtlantaCATERING: Full Service Catering. Offsite Licensed Caterers Welcome.INCLUDES: House linens (ivory, black or white), gold chiavari chairs, tablesCAPACITY: Alvaton: 50-500; Jonesboro: 50-300

BANQUET HALLS OF ALVATON & JONESBORO


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(404) 634-0606 24599 Hwy 85 Alvaton, GA 30218

990 Pointe South Parkway, Jonesboro, GA 30238

WWW.THEBANQUETHALL.COM [email protected]


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(404) 238-0015 3342 Peachtree Rd NEAtlanta, GA 30326

WWW.DOUBLETREEBUCKHEAD.COM [email protected]

ABOUT: Celebrate with style while in the heart of Buckhead at the lovely, newly renovated Doubletree by Hilton Atlanta Buckhead Hotel! Host your wedding reception, rehearsal dinner, class reunion or any other special celebration in our intimate, boutique-style hotel. Our flexible event space can accomodate groups from 20-200 in traditional ballrooms or in our modern restaurant and lounge. Our grand Peachtree Ballroom features 6 modern chandeliers, mirrored walls and beautiful 13 ft ceilings- a perfect setting for your special event! LOCATED IN: BuckheadCATERING: Onsite catering for all events. Outside catering allowed for Kosher or Indian events.INCLUDES: House Linens, Standard Centerpieces and Votive Candles, Round and Rectangular Tables, Chairs, China, Dance Floor, Staging and Experienced Event and Banquet ProfessionalsCAPACITY: 400

(770) 586-0095 1176 Atlanta HighwayAuburn, GA 30011

WWW.CARLHOUSE.COM [email protected]

ABOUT: Award winning Carl House! The home of 'Extraordinary. Memorable. Events.' Why all the buzz? A sterling reputation, lavishly appointed interiors including a dramatic 4,000 sq. ft. grand ballroom with classic curved staircase, ten working fireplaces, exquisite gazebo, lush private gardens, dramatic covered porches, 30 plus acres of tranquil pasture land, a charming rustic barn, exquisite culinary prepared in-house chef, in-house florals, and custom vendor services all designed to assist a busy bride! Our team of experts will help you with as much or as little of the planning of your wedding, guiding you step by step. We begin with a relaxed, private planning session with our in-house planner to best understand your vision. Once your planning is mapped out, you'll be on your way to putting together the wedding you’ve always envisioned! LOCATED IN: Gwinnett/BarrowCATERING: Onsite and offsite catering by in-house Executive ChefINCLUDES: Tables, mahogany charivari chairs, flatware, stemware, linens, centerpieces, exquisite bride and groom suites and in-house decorationsCAPACITY: 350

CARL HOUSE

Two small photos by Alternative Life Photography & Design

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(404) 881-2100 660 Peachtree Street NE Atlanta, GA 30308

WWW.FOXTHEATRE.ORG [email protected]

ABOUT: The Theatre, Egyptian Ballroom, Grand Salon, and Terrace have been completely renovated to their original grandeur. The Fox provides complete beverage service, a state-of-the-art kitchen, and we can suggest musicians, caterers, and other supporting cast. The Grand Salon includes the use of a beautiful outdoor terrace. Romantically lit and always enjoying a lovely breeze, the terrace provides your guests with both indoor and outdoor areas during your event. The Landmark Lounge, a 30-person hospitality suite, will provide guests with the ultimate 1929 movie palace experience. LOCATED IN: MidtownCATERING: Properly licensed and insured caterers are welcome.INCLUDES: Support staff for nine consecutive hours, a uniformed police officer for the event, tables, chairs, risers, dance floor and cleaning.CAPACITY: 1,100

THE FOX THEATRE

(762) 243-8022 201 N. Main St P.O. Box 711 Greensboro, GA 30642

WWW.FESTIVALHALLGREENSBORO.COM [email protected]

ABOUT: Festival Hall, located in historic Downtown Greensboro, is a beautiful and flexible 550-seat venue for cultural, entertainment and social events. The art-gallery lobby welcomes guests and invites them to enter a spacious, 4500 square-foot auditorium that can comfortably accommodate 275 guests in banquet seating. Come stroll along or sit inside our lovely garden area or beside our fountains. This charming facility is ready to help you create life-long memories and is conveniently located less than 5 minutes from I-20. LOCATED IN: Downtown GreensboroCATERING: We have a preferred caterers list. Catering is done offsite, but we feature a concession area complete with dual sink, refrigerator and bar.INCLUDES: Venue rental includes full use of all audio and video equipment, security, all cleaning services, and venue usage for set-up during business hours the day before your event (if available).CAPACITY: 275

FESTIVAL HALL


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(678) 607-5231 38 Sloan StreetRoswell, GA 30075

[email protected]

ABOUT: The Gilbert House is a charming antebellum home perfect for hosting intimate events and celebrations. Enjoy the vintage feel of an Historic Southern Home from the "Shabby Chic" interior filled with eclectic pieces to the beautifully manicured front lawn and relaxing front porch. The venue is well suited for birthday/anniversary parties, tea parties, showers, rehearsal dinners, launch parties, workshops and more. With a comfortable sitting room, two dining rooms and an activity room, the space is both inviting and functional. LOCATED IN: Historic RoswellCATERING: Preferred caterersINCLUDES: Exclusive use of our The Gilbert House for your event; complimentary Wi-Fi, coffee, tea and filtered water; use of kitchenette equipped with refrigerator and microwave; use of MP3, radio and CD music system, and Internet enabled 42" flat screen television; 46" round tables and elegant white Chiavari chairs with white linens and your choice of house satin overlays; onsite facility manager for duration of your eventCAPACITY: 49

(770) 725-3110 1050 Chancellors Dr. Statham, GA 30666

WWW.THEGEORGIACLUB.COM [email protected]

ABOUT: Whether you are planning an intimate affair or large celebration, the amenities at The Georgia Club create a beautiful and warm setting for your dream day. Located minutes from downtown Athens, The Georgia Club offers so many unique options, there is simply not another wedding venue like it!With an outdoor wedding garden, indoor ceremony location, two reception venues with customizable floor plans for up to 300 people, and award-winning cuisine, let The Georgia Club create the wedding you have always imagined. LOCATED IN: AthensCATERING: Onsite catering, wedding packages available, custom menus upon requestINCLUDES: Banquet tables, chairs, linens, china, silverware and glasswareCAPACITY: 300

THE GEORGIA CLUB

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THE GILBERT HOUSE



(770) 904-3500 2020 Clean Water DriveBuford, GA 30519

WWW.GWINNETTEHC.ORG [email protected]

ABOUT: At the Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center (GEHC), we believe your wedding should reflect your personal style as a couple and therefore, we invite you to bring in the wedding professionals of your choice. We have an incredible indoor/outdoor venue with a variety of spaces for the couple dreaming of a contemporary, nature infused or vintage inspired location. Nestled just half an hour from the center of Atlanta, GEHC is the first LEED Green Building in Gwinnett County, and only a quick ride up I-85 or I-985 to have the wedding of your dreams. GEHC offers outstanding customer service, flexibility, affordability, and a definite WOW FACTOR!LOCATED IN: Gwinnett County CATERING: Brides are more than welcome to use the caterer of their choice. INCLUDES: Wedding and Reception Includes 9-hours; Ability to Choose Own Vendors; Set-up and Breakdown of our Rented Tables and Chairs; Use of Prep-Kitchen; Personal Rental Attendant and Operations/IT Staff Representative during Wedding and Reception. CAPACITY: 400

(404) 822-4236 848 Peachtree Street Northeast Atlanta, GA 30308

3242 Peachtree Road Northeast Atlanta, GA 30305

WWW.GORDONBIERSCHRESTAURANTS.COM [email protected]

ABOUT: Gordon Biersch has been a staple in Atlanta for over 10 years. We can easily customize a seated or buffet dinner to suit your tastes and budget. We have convenient locations in Midtown and Buckhead. All of our menu items are made from scratch daily to ensure the freshest ingredients are brought to you and your guests. Our Event Team is easy to work with and will ensure that your guests have an exceptional experience from the moment you book your event.

CUISINE SPECIALTIES: Made-from-scratch California-inspired menu PRIVATE DINING OPTIONS: There are two adjoining dining rooms that open into one large room, and two private rooms creating an event customizable to your liking. NEIGHBORHOOD: Buckhead, MidtownSEATS: Up to 150 guests

GORDON BIERSCH

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(404) 898-8323 659 Peachtree Street NE Atlanta, GA 30308

WWW.LIVINGSTONATLANTA.COM [email protected]

ABOUT: Located within the historic walls of The Georgian Terrace, Livingston boasts a warm ambient interior that sets the tone for a fabulous event. Guests will enjoy southern inspired American cuisine while taking in the views of Midtown. Livingston offers several vibrant entertaining spaces that are perfect for corporate events and celebrating special occasions such as birthdays/anniversaries, bridal/baby showers, rehearsal dinners, wedding receptions and post-wedding brunches. CUISINE SPECIALTIES: New AmericanPRIVATE DINING OPTIONS: Private Dining Room accommodates 20 seated and 35 cocktail, Mezzanine accommodates up to 50 seated and 100 cocktail. Main Dining Room and Mezzanine may be utilized for a restaurant buyout with the option to include exclusive use of the Bar+Lounge.NEIGHBORHOOD: MidtownSEATS: Up to 150

LIVINGSTON RESTAURANT + BAR

(770) 476-5366 2987 Main StreetDuluth, Georgia 30096

WWW.PAYNECORLEYHOUSE.COM [email protected]

ABOUT: Built in 1873, The Payne-Corley House is an elegantly restored farmhouse that is lovingly maintained by owners who also operate the business day to day. With 3. 5 acres of lush grounds we offer several outdoor ceremony options for your garden wedding. A dedicated Event Specialist will work with you from the time you book your event until you depart your reception as husband and wife, offering the personal experience you deserve on your special day. The home's interior features all hardwood floors and a custom built 12 ft. bar designed from reclaimed barn wood. Neutral tones throughout offer the perfect backdrop to bring in your own style and colors. Our on-site, scratch kitchen will provide your guests with a dining experience they will rave about. LOCATED IN: AtlantaCATERING: Exclusive Onsite Culinary Team, Personalized Menus, Gluten-Free, Vegetarian and Organic Options Available.INCLUDES: Event Specialist, Chivari Chairs, Floor Legnth Linens, Silverware, Fine China, Glassware, Centerpieces, Votive Candles, Cake Stand, House Sound SystemCAPACITY: 250

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(706) 637-4933 602 East Main StreetHogansville, GA 30230

WWW.VICTORIABELLEWEDDINGS.COM [email protected]

ABOUT: Let your forever begin here - Victoria Belle Mansion and Vintage White Barn, a full service venue offering both outdoor and indoor wedding and reception sites. Weddings at Victoria Belle make a statement: refined elegance. Our staff is prepared to make your special day memorable and unique. From ceremonies and receptions, rehearsal dinners to bridesmaids' luncheons, weddings at Victoria Belle are unforgettable. Your guests will always remember the relaxed elegance and sophistication of your Victoria Belle wedding. LOCATED IN: Southern arc of Atlanta CATERING: Use our caterer or provide your own licensed and insured caterer. INCLUDES: Use of the Mansion, Barn, & beautifully manicured 3 acre estate - includes a garden gazebo with 2 fountains; a covered veranda which overlooks a 6 foot waterfall and the barn; a vineyard. Includes wedding & reception chairs; tables, white linens & napkins; china tableware, flatware and glasses. Baby grand piano with music library CAPACITY: 400

VICTORIA BELLE MANSION AND VINTAGE WHITE BARN

(770) 495-7725 7755 St. Marlo Country Club Pkwy Duluth, GA 30097

[email protected]

ABOUT: With multiple venues on property, St Marlo Country Club brings the beauty of the outdoors in. St Marlo pairs first rate amenities with delectable cuisine and a well trained staff, making the perfect combination to help you host a great event. Choose the room that best suits your engagement’s style; our boardroom, dining room, bar and grill, and banquet hall all feature large beautiful picture windows. For those seeking an outdoor event, our stone courtyard complete with fire pit and waterfall will be exactly what you are looking for. LOCATED IN: DuluthCATERING: Full service catering, customized menus and wedding packages are available.INCLUDES: Banquet tables, chairs, linens, china, silverware, and glassware.CAPACITY: 150

ST MARLO COUNTRY CLUB

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(706) 212-4000 1105 Waterfall Drive Clayton, GA 30525

WWW.THEWATERFALLCLUB.COM [email protected]

ABOUT: Nestled in the North Georgia Mountains, Waterfall Club offers some of the most breathtaking scenery to be found anywhere. Our Exclusive private club was designed to be a refreshing retreat with The Lodge perched high above Lake Burton. Events are often held on the Lodge's premium porch where guests feel as if they are surrounded by the sun as it sets. Located less than two hours from Atlanta and Athens - you will feel as if you are a world away. Events are custom tailored with the perfect setting, menus, and services. ensuring you create memories that will last a lifetime.LOCATED IN: Lake Burton, Clayton, GeorgiaCATERING: Full Service Catering department on site. Special Dietary needs met by classically trained chef. List of preferred vendors and overnight accommodations available upon request.INCLUDES: Set up break down, tables chairs & default linen, Work with our events coordinator for your perfect wedding!CAPACITY: 250

WATERFALL CLUB

Main photo by Thu Tran with 2T Photography.; small right photo by Griffin Gibson Photography


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(404) 963-7898 690 Miami Circle Suite 600Atlanta, GA 30324

WWW.THEBLOFT.COM [email protected]

ABOUT: The B Loft is a high-end modern loft perfect for intimate events and parties such as rehearsal dinners, engagement parties, birthday celebrations, baby showers, bridal luncheons and much more. The space can easily accomodate up to 80 people for a seated dinner and 100 for cocktail reception style events.

LOCATED IN: BuckheadCATERING: You are more than welcome to bring in your own catering. Recommendations are available upon request.INCLUDES: [5] 6ft tables, [5] 48” round tables, 30 chiavari chairs (mixed colors of white, silver and gun metal), Lounge furniture setting (all white couch 2 clear chiavari chairs, glass coffee table, 2 silver side tables)CAPACITY: 120

THE B LOFT


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(912) 445-0035 520 Cedar StreetLocated Inside J.F. Gregory Park Richmond Hill, GA 31324

[email protected]

ABOUT: The Richmond Hill City Center is the only LEED Certified building in Bryan County, Georgia; where modern comfort meets the environmentally conscious. We provide Southern Hospitality at its finest in a unique environment that cannot be matched. We are ideally situated 20 minutes from Savannah inside JF Gregory Park; Richmond Hill City Center was designed with weddings and family gatherings in mind. A country club atmosphere with a beautiful garden, this natural environment is the perfect location for your event. The Great Ogeechee Ballroom with its glass filled walls and porch allows guests to enjoy the scenic beauty of the Historic Wetlands while in comfort. For smaller more intimate gatherings, Red Bird Creek is the perfect venue. Whether grand or intimate, our professional team is at your service to make your dream a reality. LOCATED IN: Richmond HillCATERING: Onsite Culinary Team, Offsite Catering, Sustainable Option MenuINCLUDES: Space, Tables, Banquet Chairs, White House Linens, Dance FloorCAPACITY: 400

THE RICHMOND HILL CITY CENTER

(912) 233-5400601 Cohen Street Savannah, GA 31401

WWW.SAVANNAHSTATION.COM [email protected]

ABOUT: With 12,000 square feet of event space in the heart of downtown Savannah, this historic venue has everything a bride needs. Originally constructed in 1902, Savannah Station features facilities that can accommodate both weddings and rehearsal dinners. Their 6,000-square-foot ballroom and 2,000-square-foot bar areas are perfect for occasions of any size. Extras like beverage service, décor, food and entertainment coordination make your event more manageable, and special details such as crystal chandeliers, ornate woodwork, 13-foot ceilings and brick floors make it memorable. Savannah Station is also happy to work with your event planner to make everything go as smoothly as possible. Savannah Station is truly a one-stop venue for a grand event. LOCATED IN: Historic SavannahCATERING: List of Approved CaterersINCLUDES: Tables, Chairs, Sound System for Background Music and AnnouncementsCAPACITY: 500

SAVANNAH STATION



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Imagine saying "I do" below a canopy of 100 year-old Banyan trees with a grand cascading fountain set as the backdrop. Imagine sharing your vows in the 10,000 square foot courtyard of a restored 1920s estate built by famed architect Addison Mizner himself. Whether you are dreaming of a unique celebration, steeped in Old World elegance and charm or a traditional ballroom affair, the Addison is the perfect setting to host the single most important day of your life. The only venue in Florida dedicated exclusively to weddings and events to ever receive the prestigious Five Star Diamond Award for excellence in cuisine, service and atmosphere, the Addison offers a highly personalized service. With a la carte menus, your very own complimentary wedding coordinator and a variety of spaces perfect for a grand affair or a small elegant celebration, The Addison will help you to create an experience that you and your guests will never forget.

LOCATED IN: Boca Raton TOTAL SQUARE FOOTAGE: 21,000 # OF EVENT SPACES: 3CAPACITY: 250CATERING: Exclusive, onsite catering with custom menus created by our Five Star Diamond Executive ChefINCLUDES: Tables, chiavari chairs, linens, dinnerware, dance floor, AV equipment, bridal suite, barsPARKING: Complimentary valet parking for groups of 50+SPECIAL FEATURES: Outdoor and indoor ceremony sites, dramatic naturally canopied aisle, Old World 1920s elegance and charm

(561) 372-05682 E. Camino RealBoca Raton, FL 33432

WWW.THEADDISON.COM [email protected]

THE ADDISON

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LOVE is in the air…. and the water at Atlantis. Imagine a destination wedding or honeymoon like no other in a true Caribbean wonderland. Atlantis is the promise of a wedding that’s wildly romantic, with magical settings and endless experiences and adventures to satisfy your every whim. It’s a guarantee of options – of venues intimate and grand, alfresco and enclosed, that will make your ceremony and reception exactly what you envision. And it’s an indication of ease, nodding to the team of ace wedding coordinators and tempting wedding packages that will make the planning such a breeze for the two of you that you’ll be free to enjoy everything that Atlantis has to offer, and most importantly, each other. For your ceremony and reception choose a secluded beach, a sea-side gazebo, an elegant ballroom or select from countless other unique and inviting options.

LOCATED ON: Paradise Island TOTAL SQUARE FOOTAGE: 20,000# OF EVENT SPACES: 40CAPACITY: 1,000CATERING: Onsite Catering & Pastry ChefINCLUDES: House linens, banquet tables, chairs, tableware, and glasswarePARKING: Most guests choose to stay on property. Valet parking is available.SPECIAL FEATURES: Beach venues, seaside pavilions, garden venues, Augustinian Cloisters, elegant ballroom space

(888) 528-9758 1 Casino Drive

Paradise IslandNassau, New Providence Bahamas

WWW.LOVEATLANTIS.COM [email protected]

ATLANTIS



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Bathed in chic contemporary elegance from the inside out, The Caribbean's Cove Atlantis boasts sleek, award-winning design and decadence around every corner. Indulgence is a way of life at this ocean-side resort, offering a myriad of ways to relax and unwind - think closed-door cabanas, blackjack by the adults-only pool, or a prickly pear margarita at Bobby Flay’s Mesa Grill. Cove guests also enjoy access to all of the excitement and attractions at neighboring Atlantis including, over 40 restaurants and lounges, a world-class spa, and the largest casino in the Caribbean. Located on an exclusive Paradise Island powdery white sand beach, The Cove Atlantis caters to your every whim to ensure your wedding is simply perfection while allowing you and your guests to revel in all the activities this popular island has to offer without all the hustle and bustle of other resorts.

LOCATED ON: Paradise Island TOTAL SQUARE FOOTAGE: 20,000 # OF EVENT SPACES: 40CAPACITY: 1,000CATERING: Onsite cateringINCLUDES: House linens, tableware, glassware, cocktail and banquet round tables, banquet chairsPARKING: Most guests stay on property so parking is not necessary. Valet parking is availableSPECIAL FEATURES: Over 40 venues to choose from (indoor and outdoor), Beach Front, GardensSeaside Pavilion, Indoor Ballrooms, Pool Decks, Augustinian Cloisters

(888) 528-97581 Casino DriveParadise IslandNassau, New Providence Bahamas

WWW.THECOVEATLANTIS.COM [email protected]

THE COVE ATLANTIS

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Peaceful and pristine, the One&Only Ocean Club is a Paradise Island beachfront getaway for couples seeking romance and total relaxation. Renown for its legendary sophistication and contemporary elegance, this acclaimed resort is designed in the elegant style of a grand colonial manor with inviting residential-style accommodations, and is set apart for its world-class service that only a One&Only Resort can provide. Let their kind, caring staff plan your unforgettable wedding on their breathtaking beach deck, or atop their Versailles-inspired gardens complete with a 12-century Augustinian Cloisters that you simply must see to believe. Then, follow your idyllic ceremony with a reception and honeymoon that will find you both returning to the One&Only Ocean Club year after fabulous year ahead.

LOCATED ON: Paradise Island TOTAL SQUARE FOOTAGE: 5,000# OF EVENT SPACES: 4CAPACITY: 200CATERING: Full in-house catering and banquet menus, dedicated wedding cake artist, gourmet restaurantsINCLUDES: In-house linens, tables, chairs, tableware, glasswarePARKING: Most guests stay on property so parking is not necessary. Valet parking is availableSPECIAL FEATURES: Beach Deck overlooking the Private Ocean Club Beach, 12th century Augustinian Cloisters, al-fresco pool terrace, multi-tiered Versailles gardens

(888) 528-9758 1 Casino Drive

Paradise IslandNassau, New Providence Bahamas

WWW.OCEANCLUB.ONEANDONLYRESORTS.COM

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ONE AND ONLY OCEAN CLUB



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A Palm Beach wedding resort that offers luxurious and serene surroundings, along with gorgeous condo-like guest suites, a full- service spa, and plenty of ways to soak up the sun on our beachfront location. The Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort & Spa provides the perfect indoor and unique outdoor space for your special day. Located directly on the beach, place your toes in the sand and let the ocean be your backdrop on your special day. Hold elegant dinners and receptions at 3800 Ocean, our on-site restaurant with beautiful ocean views. Our Certified Wedding Planners are experts in helping couples plan the perfect wedding. Each Certified Wedding Planner has completed specially designed course work that covers a variety of wedding protocols and etiquette, as well as culinary and decorating trends.

LOCATED IN: Palm Beach/Singer Island TOTAL SQUARE FOOTAGE: 3,560 # OF EVENT SPACES: 7CAPACITY: 150CATERING: Onsite cateringINCLUDES: Certified Event Planners will make your event memorable by placing the perfect touch on all décor, allowing your individual style to shine. Choose from decadent house linens, tables and chairs to give your event a cherished feel.PARKING: ValetSPECIAL FEATURES: Beachfront, beach access, condo style guest suites, full service spa

(561) 340-17133800 North Ocean DriveSinger Island-Riviera Beach, FL 33404

WWW.MARRIOTTPALMBEACH.COM/[email protected]

PALM BEACH MARRIOTT SINGER ISLAND BEACH RESORT & SPA

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Sofitel Miami is a luxury French Inspired hotel where your every whim is attended to and you are transported to Paris daily. We cater to our brides' needs with tailor made service and award winning French cuisine that they so deserve on their special day. At Sofitel, we incorporate the French touch in everything we do from the warm welcome of a bonjour at the door, aroma of fresh flowers to tingle your senses, and a customized wedding package made just for you. Our view will enchant you with one of the most mesmerizing sunsets transporting you to paradise. Come to Sofitel and experience true inspiration.

LOCATED IN: Miami TOTAL SQUARE FOOTAGE: 13,000 # OF EVENT SPACES: 5CAPACITY: 400CATERING: French Cuisine and Customized Menu Packages for all events, also specialize in exotic events such as Indian, Muslim, and Jewish weddings.INCLUDES: Variety of packages that include speciality linens, chiavarri chairs, wedding cake, 3 to 5 course meals, etc.PARKING: Valet and Self-parking SPECIAL FEATURES: Gorgeous waterfront view, lush gardens and palm trees throughout outside areas, beautiful waterfall, 1920s art deco french style decor

(305) 503-83175800 Blue Lagoon Drive

Miami, FL 33126

[email protected]

SOFITEL MIAMI HOTEL

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The Southernmost Hotel Collection is a simple, yet sophisticated group of four unique hotels in historic Old Town Key West, where Duval meets the Atlantic. Southernmost Hotel in the USA sits on the quieter side of the most active street in the area. Southernmost on the Beach offers a front row seat to the Atlantic Ocean’s sunrises and winter sunsets. Those wanting to celebrate their special day, plan your destination wedding at one of our two oceanfront venues! The Southernmost Beach Café provides special events at the Southernmost Hotel Collection with catering options that have a Caribbean feel as well as serves their guests breakfast, lunch, dinner and happy hour daily. Book your event in America’s Caribbean today and make it something to remember! Simply elegant, simply charming, simply Southernmost.

LOCATED IN: Key West TOTAL SQUARE FOOTAGE: 2,400# OF EVENT SPACES: 3CAPACITY: 200CATERING: Our onsite restaurant caters all of our eventsINCLUDES: Rental Space and depends on what type of event you are havingPARKING: Complimentary for guests - self-parking SPECIAL FEATURES: Outdoor beachfront venue perfect for weddings, rehearsal dinners, receptions, cocktail parties and incentive corporate group parties

(305) 296-6500 1405 Duval StreetKey West, FL 33040

WWW.SOUTHERNMOSTRESORTS.COM [email protected]

SOUTHERNMOST HOTEL COLLECTION


(305) 517-4424 81801 Overseas HighwayIslamorada, FL 33036

WWW.CHEECA.COM [email protected]

ABOUT: The term “destination wedding” has never been more fitting. Escape to an intimate tropical getaway pairing stunning scenery with impeccable service. Every detail of your special day is bound to be charming with the help of our experienced staff, ready to assist you every step of the way. Our resort goes beyond just a wedding venue and provides everything you need for a truly seamless occasion. Bring your loved ones together in a luxurious, carefree environment. While the focus is on your big day, your guests can still enjoy themselves while waiting for the main event. From bicycle rides to sunset cruises to golf, the activities at Cheeca Lodge are sure to keep everyone entertained. LOCATED IN: Florida KeysCATERING: INCLUDES: Our Islamorada Wedding Services Include: Wedding Planning, Menu Planning, Day-of Coordinator, Event DecorCAPACITY: 120

CHEECA LODGE & SPA

(561) 626-686013535 Eastpointe Blvd.Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33417

WWW.EASTPOINTE-CC.COM [email protected]

ABOUT: Over the years we’ve come to intimately understand the challenges in flawlessly executing an event. Eastpointe Country Club’s continued success simply comes down to an incredibly personalized level of service, which we deliver time and time again. Floor to ceiling windows overlooking our 18th island green provide a picture perfect backdrop while our team works tirelessly in the background, their dedication and experience ensuring every detail is immaculate and nothing is overlooked. The bar and dining room just underwent a renovation, and our outdoor ceremony space is set against the same lake, fountains and island green. We recognize that these amenities are nothing without your personal touch, guests and our staff to bring them alive creating memories that will last a lifetime. LOCATED IN: Palm Beach Gardens / JupiterCATERING: Onsite with customizable menu selectionsINCLUDES: Tables, Chairs, White Linens and Napkins, Dance Floor, Cake Cutting, Votive Candles, Wedding Day of CoordinationCAPACITY: 250


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Main photo and small left photo by Dillon Photo; small right photo by Ryan Merrill Photography

(305) 381-30691435 Brickell Avenue Miami, FL 33131

WWW.FOURSEASONS.COM/MIAMI/WEDDINGS [email protected]

ABOUT: An impressive pool deck and Four Seasons service make Four Seasons Hotel Miami a stunning choice for a wedding venue. The urban resort offers a wedding experience that reflects the rhythm and flavor of the vibrant city of Miami, whether wedding dreams include dancing the night away while overlooking the dazzling city or dining with friends and family in a more traditional and exclusive setting. No matter the size or season, Four Seasons Hotel Miami is the perfect city hotel with a resort-like feel for truly spectacular weddings. LOCATED IN: Downtown MiamiCATERING: Menus are farm-to-table with mainly local products, kosher catering also available INCLUDES: Hotel underlays and overlays tables, chairs, bars, accent showplates, chiavari chairs, etc.CAPACITY: 500

FOUR SEASONS HOTEL MIAMI

(855) 293-88513555 South Ocean DriveHollywood, FL 33019

[email protected]

ABOUT: Beautiful venues, delicious cuisine and sublime details, the delights are endless. Whether your dream is to exchange vows overlooking the ocean, or a sunset reception amid a Mediterranean-inspired setting, we blend expertise with intuition to create a celebration as unique and individual as you are. Your dedicated Westin Diplomat wedding specialist will listen closely to your vision and anticipate your needs to ensure every element of your celebration is distinctly you. LOCATED IN: HollywoodCATERING: Onsite, Kosher, Indian, OrganicINCLUDES: House linens, votive candles, tables, banquet chairs, staging and dance floorCAPACITY: 1,500

WESTIN DIPLOMAT RESORT & SPA


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Immerse yourself in the perfect Orlando setting – Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld style. Whether planning an intimate gathering or a large event, your guests will feel relaxed and well-connected from the moment they arrive. Our resorts modern and newly refreshed design flows through innovative, flexible event space. Transform expansive 20,000 square feet of lush, outdoor event space into your tropical oasis. From a breathtaking 10-story sun-bathed lobby to 781 modern, residential suites and luxurious guest rooms – among the largest in the Orlando area – a distinctive, exhilarating journey to discovery awaits. Allow our seasoned team to exceed your expectations as we provide the perfect combination of location, amenities and unexpected touches to create an unparalleled and memorable event.

LOCATED IN: Orlando TOTAL SQUARE FOOTAGE: 185,000 # OF EVENT SPACES: 45CAPACITY: 3,024CATERING: Onsite, offsite for KosherINCLUDES: Tables, chairs, elegant white, or black floor length table linens and napkins, dance floor, discounted parking, special room rates PARKING: Valet, self parkingSPECIAL FEATURES: Located directly across from SeaWorld Orlando and adjacent to Discovery Cove and Aquatica. Enjoy lush green lawns for outdoor events or large atrium for a unique setting.

(407) 351-5555 6677 Sea Harbor DriveOrlando, FL 32821

[email protected]

RENAISSANCE ORLANDO AT SEAWORLD

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Say “I do” to that special someone at the premier Orlando World Center Marriott. Offering 200 lush acres of stunning landscape, this enchanting, world-class destination fulfills couples dreams of the perfect wedding, from an intimate ceremony to an opulent affair, highlighted by award-winning service and culinary expertise. Conveniently located only 1.5 miles from Walt Disney World® and just minutes from all major theme parks and attractions, we are sure to be the destination for your friends and families. Offering breathtaking event space in various sizes and atmospheres, lavish banquet rooms and elegant, spacious ballrooms with soaring ceilings that can accommodate even the largest guest list. At the Orlando World Center Marriott, we pride ourselves in creating exquisite experiences for everyone traveling with you on your journey to wedded bliss.

LOCATED IN: Orlando TOTAL SQUARE FOOTAGE: 450,000 # OF EVENT SPACES: 50CAPACITY: 9,480CATERING: Preferred caterersINCLUDES: Certified Wedding Planners-Tables, chairs, elegant white, or black floor length table linens and napkins, dance floor, discounted parking, special room ratesPARKING: Valet- Self- ParkingSPECIAL FEATURES: The Orlando World Center Marriott offers breathtaking event space in various sizes and atmospheres. Our Orlando, Florida resort features lavish banquet rooms and elegant, spacious ballrooms with soaring ceilings that can accommodate even the largest guest list.

ORLANDO WORLD CENTER MARRIOTT

(407) 238-8521 8701 World Center Drive

Orlando, FL 32821

WWW.ORLANDOWORLDCENTERWEDDINGS.COM [email protected]

(352) 201-4882 4554 E Windmill Dr. Inverness, FL 34453

WWW.LAKESIDE-RANCH.COM [email protected]

ABOUT: Come experience Central Florida’s newest exclusive wedding and events venue! Situated on Florida’s Nature Coast, Lakeside Ranch offers unmatched beauty and southern hospitality. Lakeside Ranch at Connell Lake offers 600 acres of rolling hills, romantic moss-draped oak trees, picturesque setting, and close proximity to Ocala/Gainesville, Tampa, and Orlando. Lakeside Ranch is ideal for parties and events of all types: wedding ceremonies and receptions, corporate retreats, evening receptions, holiday parties, birthday and anniversary celebrations, bar or bat mitzvahs, charity galas, high school proms and sweet sixteen parties. Contact us to schedule a private tour! LOCATED IN: InvernessCATERING: Approved Caterers with the option to provide your own alcohol & customized menusINCLUDES: Farm Tables, Farm Cocktail Tables, Chiavari Chairs, & Benches CAPACITY: 450

LAKESIDE RANCH

(407) 876-1112 2710 Butler Bay Drive North Windermere, FL 34786

WWW.WINDERMEREGOLF.COM [email protected]

ABOUT: If you are looking for some of the best venue space in Orlando, FL then the best kept secret is Windermere Country Club. Our clubhouse is the perfect setting for your next special occasion. Our ballroom with breathtaking views of our surrounding golf course can accommodate up to two hundred fifty guests. Enjoy sunset cocktail receptions on the ballroom veranda. Revel in our modernized meeting space set with state of the art technology. Outdoor ceremonies can be held on our golf course. Our staff provides exceptional service and uncompromising attention to detail. Relax and truly enjoy your experience! LOCATED IN: WindermereCATERING: Onsite catering, wedding packages, customized menusINCLUDES: Rental includes ballroom, ceremony site, linen and glassware, dance floor, champagne toast, set up and break down. CAPACITY: 250

WINDERMERE GOLF CLUB



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Main photo by J&R Productions; small right photo by Jenna Michele Photography

Main photo and small right photo by Russell Martin Photography; small left photo by Red Canary Photography

A refreshing resource for both the wedding vendor and bride-to-be, The Celebration Society is an invitation only, carefully curated network of only the most talented, quality-centric venues and

vendors in the wedding industry.

®

ONLY THE MOST REPUTABLE VENDORS

CelebrationSociety

WEDDING VENUES

PHOTOGRAPHERS

WEDDING PLANNERS

CAKES & DESSERT

CATERERS & RENTALS

+ MORE

Think your business should be listed?

VENDORS!

APPLY FOR MEMBERSHIPOccasionsOnline.com/advertise

Online at www.OccasionsOnline.com/vendors



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Congratulations on your engagement! For your special day, make your dreams come true by choosing Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo. For celebrations large and small, the Zoo has many venues and catering options available that will suit your budget. Exchange your vows in Africa at sunset or host your reception or rehearsal under the stars in Australia. Our picturesque Zoo is the perfect place for your fairytale wedding day.

Let the Zoo create a unique and memorable experience for your big day. We would love the chance to show you everything the Zoo has to offer, and help with your wedding planning.

LOCATED IN: Tampa TOTAL SQUARE FOOTAGE: 20,000 # OF EVENT SPACES: 5 CAPACITY: 625 seatedCATERING: Please contact the Sales & Catering Department.INCLUDES: Champagne or Sparkling Cider Toast for the Bridal Party; Bridal Suite; Table Linens; Tables; Chairs; China; GlasswarePARKING: Free self-parking. Valet parking can be arranged for an additional cost.SPECIAL FEATURES: Lush gardens, waterfalls, ponds, fountains, up-close animal encounters, panoramic views of animals, climate-controlled facilities, state-of-the-art AV equipment, spacious patios and rides.

(813) 935-8552 ext. 4211101 W. Sligh Ave.Tampa, FL 33604

WWW.LOWRYPARKZOO.COM/WEDDINGS [email protected]

TAMPA'S LOWRY PARK ZOO

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Nothing sets the tone for your wedding or special event more so than its surroundings. So when the most special chapter in your life requires an equally special hotel, The Vinoy Renaissance Resort & Golf Club provides the perfect storybook setting Acknowledged as the epicenter of social life in St. Petersburg when it opened in 1925, The Vinoy played host to presidents, world leaders, the social elite and some of the most celebrated St. Petersburg weddings. Here you and your wedding guests are treated to warm and attentive service, a distinctive Mediterranean-style grandeur and delightful surprise that transcend the expected and defy the ordinary. It’s easy to see why this gloriously restored landmark has been beloved for generations. But what you’ll love is the Renaissance approach to making your wedding all about you.

LOCATED IN: St. Petersburg TOTAL SQUARE FOOTAGE: 42,000 # OF EVENT SPACES: 36 CAPACITY: 10-800CATERING: Onsite catering, customized packagesINCLUDES: Tables, upholstered banquet chairs, standard Hotel china, flatware and glassware; black or white floor length linens, dance floorPARKING: Self and valet parkingSPECIAL FEATURES: Historical waterfront property with bayview venues, gazebos and elegantly appointed ballrooms

THE VINOY® RENAISSANCE ST. PETERSBURG RESORT & GOLF CLUB

(727) 894-1000501 Fifth Avenue, NE

St. Petersburg, FL 33701

WWW.WEDDINGSATVINOY.COM [email protected]


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(813) 313-3222 4200 Jim Walter BoulevardTampa, FL 33607

WWW.RENAISSANCETAMPAWEDDINGS.COM [email protected]

ABOUT: While located in Tampa’s upscale Westshore neighborhood and close to the area’s renowned Gulf beaches, the Renaissance Tampa International Plaza Hotel just might as well be an elegant private mansion perched on the Costa del Sol. Here, you are transported to a place of modern Mediterranean elegance and old-world romance. When you hold your special event at Renaissance Tampa International Plaza, your guests will not only enjoy luxurious yet comfortable surroundings, but all of the facilities and amenities that this Westshore hotel has to offer: sumptuous guest rooms, an outdoor pool and a stunning open-kitchen restaurant. LOCATED IN: Tampa WestshoreCATERING: Our award winning culinary team will create personalized menus to meet all special requirementsINCLUDES: White or black linens, standard centerpieces, dance floorCAPACITY: 530

RENAISSANCE TAMPA INTERNATIONAL PLAZA HOTEL

(813) 878-6505 4200 George J Bean ParkwayTampa, FL 33607

WWW.TAMPAAIRPORTWEDDINGS.COM [email protected]

ABOUT: With spectacular indoor and outdoor event venues, this newly renovated hotel is the perfect place to host any special event, from a lavish gathering to a more intimate affair. With customized menu options including a dedicated kosher kitchen, our hotel is able to accommodate weddings and events of all styles. Let us make your dream events come true and your planning a joy. As you work closely with our certified wedding and event planners, you'll choose from several customized packages and services, which will make planning your special event easier, satisfy your every wish and create the most unforgettable day. LOCATED IN: TampaCATERING: Onsite Catering, allow offsite for Indian Cuisine, kosher kitchen on propertyINCLUDES: Hotel centerpieces, round table seating, head table, sweetheart table, linens, china, silverware, staging, dance floorCAPACITY: 400

TAMPA AIRPORT MARRIOTT


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Two small photos by Mark Borosch Photography

(813) 221-4900 700 South Florida AvenueTampa, FL 33602

WWW.TAMPAWATERSIDEWEDDINGS.COM [email protected]

ABOUT: When the most special moments in your life require an equally special hotel, the Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel & Marina is the perfect place. Your guests will not only enjoy our spectacular waterfront location on Tampa’s Riverwalk, but the many facilities and amenities this city-center hotel has to offer: guest rooms designed with a contemporary décor, a rooftop swimming pool and fitness center, and a 6,000-sq-ft spa offering a wide variety of services to help you relax and prepare for your big day. LOCATED IN: Downtown TampaCATERING: Customized plated dinners and buffet dinners, select outside vendors for indian cuisine onlyINCLUDES: Tables, chairs, stage, dance floor, house floor length linens, table numbers, votive candles, complimentary suite for bride and groom and more!CAPACITY: 1,100

(813) 225-3450 611 N Franklin StTampa, FL 33602

WWW.THEVAULTTAMPA.COM [email protected]

ABOUT: Located in the heart of Tampa’s Downtown Arts District, The Vault is a unique and versatile venue. The historical, neo-classical building was constructed in 1923 as The Exchange National Bank. Now revitalized, the space combines elegant architecture with a contemporary feel. The Vault’s restored interior space is highlighted by 35 foot tall ceilings with intricate medallion ornamentation and a second floor mezzanine that overlooks the open gallery. Floor-to-ceiling window walls offer stunning views of Tampa’s skyline. Just outside the main entrance is a charming private park to accommodate outdoor entertaining. The Vault provides for a one of a kind wedding, private party, corporate event, fundraiser, fashion show, art exhibition, and more. This urban space exudes a sophisticated vision with diverse decorating and catering options to make your event special. LOCATED IN: Downtown TampaCATERING: Offsite catering and vendors allowed; Onsite bar serviceINCLUDES: Tables, white chiavari chairsCAPACITY: 200


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Main photo by Robert La Follette Phoography; left small photo by Mark Borosch Photography; small right photo by Carrie Wildes Photography


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TAMPA MARRIOTT WATERSIDE HOTEL AND MARINA

THE VAULT



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The Conference Center at the Main Library is no cookie cutter venue. Unique, inviting spaces all under one roof provide endless possibilities for everything from intimate parties to large, over-the-top celebrations. Flexible banquet rooms with mood lighting and attractive interiors are easily transformed into something eclectic, thematic, romantic, dramatic—whatever your heart desires. With stylish architecture at every turn, enjoy hors d’oeuvres in the art-adorned Gallery or mix and mingle over cocktails in The Lounge at 303 North. The light-filled Atrium with its Grand Staircase features the most impressive bridal photo spot in the city! So if you want the storybook ending to your big day, book a classic—The Conference Center at the Main Library, downtown Jacksonville’s unique event destination.

LOCATED IN: Downtown Jacksonville TOTAL SQUARE FOOTAGE: 20,000 # OF EVENT SPACES: 12 CAPACITY: 400CATERING: Choose your own caterer and bartender. Convenient catering and prep kitchens are available for use on site. INCLUDES: Packages include event supervision, chairs, equipment and furniture rental, technical and audio/visual support, etc.PARKING: Parking options include metered parking and nearby parking lots and garages.SPECIAL FEATURES: Classic architecture with modern amenities. Tropical landscaped Courtyard with elegant water feature. Spectacular Grand Staircase.

(904) 630-1947303 Laura Street NorthJacksonville, FL 32202

WWW.JAXPUBLICLIBRARY.ORG/CONFERENCECENTER [email protected]

THE CONFERENCE CENTER AT THE MAIN LIBRARY

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(904) 217-0077 24 Cathedral Place Saint Augustine, FL 32084

WWW.TREASURYONTHEPLAZA.COM [email protected]

ABOUT: The Treasury on the Plaza’s Grande Ballroom opened in 1928 as Saint Augustine’s landmark bank on the bayfront plaza. The opulent Mediterranean Revival architecture features towering ceilings with exquisite detailing and ornate columns that wrap the room in luxury. The Grande Ballroom is a stunning setting for ceremonies and receptions, and the adjacent Exchange Gallery can serve up to 300 for a cocktail hour. Situated in the very heart of the downtown historic district, weddings and receptions at The Treasury on the Plaza are within easy walking distance of local churches, hotels and the bayfront.

LOCATED IN: The heart of downtown Saint AugustineCATERING: Catering service kitchen for use by Preferred CaterersINCLUDES: The Grande Ballroom, The Exchange Gallery, Bridal Suite, Groom's Suite, The Vault Bar, banquet tables, chiavari chairs, multicolor lighting system & marble dancefloorCAPACITY: 300, Seated

THE TREASURY ON THE PLAZA

(904) 471-1111 9600 Oceanshore Blvd.St. Augustine, FL 32080

WWW.MARINELAND.NET [email protected]

ABOUT: Plan your unforgettable wedding celebration or birthday party at one of Florida’s most beautiful venues – Marineland Dolphin Adventure! Join us for this once-in-a-lifetime experience with a beach - and dolphins! – as your backdrop. With a birthday party program and three available wedding packages, you are sure to find something that fits your celebration. LOCATED IN: St. AugustineCATERING: Outside caterers allowedINCLUDES: Exclusive access to the habitat deck areas, use of tent, bridal and groomsman lounges, sound system, tables and chairs, banquet /cocktail tables, two dolphin behaviors and one hour rehearsal CAPACITY: 100

MARINELAND


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Behind The Scenes Want to see more of

these gorgeous looks? Scan to see the behind the scenes video from

this shoot online.

SUMMERofColorsj

Credits

PRODUCED BY MANDY KELLOGG RYE IMAGES BY RUSTIC WHITE PHOTOGRAPHY

VENUE: Ambient Plus Studio, HAIR & MAKEUP: Jennifer C Nieman, FLORAL: Lindsay Coletta Designs, CINEMATOGRAPHY: Munn Brothers Films, DRESSES: Kelly's Closet and The Sentimentalist, SHOES & ACCESSORIES: Bloomingdales Lenox, Kelly's Closet, and The Sentimentalist

Emitting the subtle glow of a fresh Georgia peach,

this embroidered lace gown from Olia Zavozina boasts a detachable peplum and keepsake pearl buttons.

Peach

DRESS: Bridgette by Olia Zavozina via Kelly's Closet HEADBAND & BRACELET: Jenny Packham via Kelly's Closet

SHOES: Kate Spade New York via Bloomingdales Lenox

The delicate petals covering this v-neck gown from Theia Bridal gently flow from ivory

to pale pink in a soft and beautiful ombre effect.

Ombré

DRESS: Style 890061 by Theia Bridal via The Sentimentalist EARRINGS: Aqua via Bloomingdales Lenox

Ethereal and elegant, this shell colored, sweetheart ballgown

from Liancarlo bears embroidered blossoms and Swarovski crystals from the bodice to the top of the tulle skirt.

Champagne

DRESS: Style 5806 by Liancarlo via Kelly's Closet JEWELRY: Carolee via Bloomingdales Lenox SHOES: Via Spiga via Bloomingdales Lenox

Made from blue mist dupioni with an overlay of ivory lace and a silk duchess bow, this

fit and flare gown by Lea-Ann Belter carries the classic grace

of a time gone by.

Blue

DRESS: Layla by Lea-Ann Belter via Kelly's Closet VEIL: Vintage The Sentimentalist

JEWELRY: Carolee via Bloomingdales Lenox SHOES: Brian Atwood via Bloomingdales Lenox

Shine bright as the sun with this gown from Sarah Seven, its unique texture and golden hue simultaneously radiating

richness and warmth.

Gold

DRESS: Goldie by Sarah Seven via The Sentimentalist JEWELRY: Carolee via Bloomingdales Lenox

SHOES: Stuart Weitzman via Bloomingdales Lenox HAIR ADORNMENET: Twigs & Honey via The Sentimentalist

JustjMARRIED

Ideas from recent real weddings

Real wedding features are the source of some serious inspiration for new brides-to-be. We've hand selected each of the following real weddings particularly for their style, unique details, great vendors and amazing imagery. They're an honest representation of current

trends, venues in action and a wedding vendor's work. Bonus!

Look to these love stories for ideas and examples, but don't feel the pressure to measure up. Remember your

personal style and pull from each as you see fit.

Your wedding is about you.

See more details and info on the wedding featured here on page 158.

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WisdomFROM OUR FEATURED COUPLES THIS ISSUE

Splurge on...

"A wedding planner! These people are the experts! Although it may seem as though you can save a few dollars by planning yourself, you may find that their expertise is worth the money. Eliana and her team throw a fabulous event."

- NaKia & Omari, page 166

Don't sweat...

"The weather – there’s no sense in worrying about things you can’t control. Our day was cold, rainy, and had to be moved inside. But it still turned out to be incredible! We were able to take some cool photos with umbrellas, it cleared up enough to take outdoor pictures in great lighting, and they say rain is good luck. Whatever happens on your day is meant to be – and it’s part of what makes your story unique."

-Christy & Taylor, page 168

Smartest savings...

"Skipping all the little stuff. We decided against wedding favors, instead putting together guest bags with Atlanta/Georgia maps and memorabilia... And we also skipped things like programs (we used a giant chalkboard to outline the day's events), mints (who eats them), a wedding cake (we wanted LOTS of choices which SIMB provided), etc. "

- Wendy & Chris, page 154

Splurge on...

"After it is all over, you get to keep the pictures forever, so I suggest not going cheap on photography, I also highly recommend a videograpgher. At first we were unsure about it , but in the end it was one of the best decisions we made."

- Ashley and Andrew, page 182

Don't sweat...

"Anything! Always remember WHY you are having a wedding. Magazines and family members may tell you you MUST HAVE or MUST DO certain things, and any number of things could go " wrong," but at the end of the day, all you really NEED is your partner and a marriage certificate."

- Meghann & Adam, page 146

Smartest savings...

"Be smart about menu choices- whether it's saving by not serving alcoholic beverages, or having a good understanding of food portions, this is the place to save money without being cheap!"

- Ramak & Saman, page 158

Smartest savings...

"I would say this would probably be the invitations. We invited around 300 guests so the price escalated quickly. I wanted to keep them pretty basic, so we went with a very simple 1 color letterpress invite. Because the ceremony and reception were in the same location, the only other insert needed was an RSVP card. This reduced costs quite a bit and we were able to allocate the money saved towards other items."

-Ashley & Greg, page 164

Smartest savings...

"A ceremony and reception area with a naturally beautiful backdrop."

- Leigh & Steve, page 174

Splurge on...

" Whatever is important to you! We wanted great food and lots of dancing. And our photographers, Ashley and Greg from Brooke Images, were amazing."

- Christina & Scott, page 176

Splurge on...

"Flowers! I wanted my wedding to be like The Secret Garden! I think with me doing a traditional wedding it was essential, but I would certainly recommend putting the most effort into the centerpieces and the decor because it makes your wedding!"

- Brittany & Mitchell, page 156

Don't sweat...

"Every little detail....there will be mistakes but everything works out in the end!"

- Samantha & Scott, page 184

Don't sweat...

" The weather. You have absolutely no control over it. The morning of our wedding, the weather report said there was a 60% chance of rain. My loving sister made a trip to Target and purchased every umbrella in stock so that our quests would not have to walk to the venue in the rain. Luckily, by 1:00 pm the chance of rain fell to just 10% and the rain held off for the entirety of the wedding."

- Ailis & Tim, page 148

Smartest savings...

"I was planning to make the special touches to our wedding: signs, table numbers, decorating the inside of the estate house (even the bathrooms) etc. Surprisingly, we found that hiring a wedding stylist to handle these details was actually less expensive than buying all of the things that we would have needed to make them ourselves. It also allowed my mom and I to have time to enjoy the moments before the big day."

-Karin & Ethan, page 178


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MEGHANN + ADAM Atlanta, Georgia

PHOTOGRAPHY Loren Routhier Photography

VENUE Atlanta Contemporary

Art Center

CATERING & CAKE Epic Events Catering

WEDDING PLANNER

A Big To Do Events

See Entire Vendor List Online

The city skyline shone above the rustic chic surroundings of the Atlanta Contemporary Art Center downtown. Meghann wore a trumpet-style lace gown with mauve sash and one-of-a-kind veil hand stitched for her alone,

and her bridesmaids accompanied her in long navy blue Jenny Yoo gowns. The couple’s personality was present in every detail of the affair, from the reading of the poem, How Falling in Love is Like Owning a Dog

during their ceremony in honor of their beloved four-legged companions, to the nods toward their shared love of craft beers. Adam’s boutonniere boasted a Dogfish Head bottle cap, hops and grains, and the newlyweds

even shared a very special bottle of beer in a “beer ceremony” after exchanging vows. Guests adjourned to the reception where they were greeted by a jumbo Jenga set, a photo hunt game and an entire evening’s worth of

amazing music by the band, Moontower. And once the dancing shoes were worn out and they’d enjoyed all the amazing treats to be had, the newlyweds exited the scene to the tune of “Keep on Rockin’ In the Free World.”

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The scent of roses was light on the air as the bride and her father took their first steps down the aisle at 6:30pm in the Atlanta Botanical Garden. The Rose Garden proved the perfect romantic backdrop, though no sight was so beautiful as Ailis dressed in a Romona Keveza gown, ruffles cascading down from the bustline all the way down her cathedral length train. Tim, dressed in navy, stood surrounded by the wedding party sporting coral gowns by Ted Baker and suits by Sid Mashburn. The intimate ceremony paid tribute to the couple’s Irish heritage, with the exchanging of original vows and the reading of an Irish poem. A string trio serenaded family and friends during the cocktail hour around the Chihuly fountain, followed by a seated

dinner by Bold American in the Day Hall. Tables decked in peonies, hydrangeas, and succulents in shades of coral and pink set the stage for a sweetly elegant affair, and tunes by the Flavor Band kept the guests and

newlyweds on the dance floor well into the night.

AILIS + TIM Atlanta, Georgia

PHOTOGRAPHY Andrew Thomas Lee

VENUE Atlanta Botanical Garden

WEDDING PLANNER ellyB Events

CATERING Bold American Events


" Fo r an event o f /

suyerior quaCity"

A Family Affair Catering

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Azaleas, live oaks, the scent of magnolias on the warm ocean breeze. The wedding between Ashley and Justin had all of this and more as they vowed to love one another forever within the quaint walls of an old Spanish-style chapel on Sea Island, Georgia. Ashley wore the Gemma dress by Vera Wang accompanied by Jimmy

Choo heels. Rivers snaked through endless fields of marsh nearby as the newlyweds and guests adjourned to the reception at Rainbow Island. Picnic tables draped with linen and sequined runners, candles, and delicate

flowers lent an air of elegance to the rustic Southern affair. Guests cut loose for an unforgettable evening, complete with a fire pit and comfortable, pillow-tossed chairs. Crystal chandeliers shined down from the

branches of moss-draped oaks above, revelers entertained by sound of a live band, cornhole competitions and unforgettable food, including an oyster bar and skillet shrimp. The evening culminated in fireworks across the

night sky, family and friends cheering on the newlyweds as they set off for their happily-ever-after.

ASHLEY + JUSTIN Sea Island, Georgia

PHOTOGRAPHY Aharon Hill Photography

VENUE, CATERING & DECOR The Cloister

STATIONERY Emma J Design

BAND 14 Karat Gold Band


Don't miss the Wedding Alliance of North Georgia

Bridal Showcase September 14, 201 A!

THINK ALPHARETTA FIRST.

BE ONE OF THE FIRST TEN BRIDES TO BOOK

TEN OR MORE HOTEL ROOM NIGHTS TO

RECEIVE A FRESHWATER PEARL NECKLACE

AND EARRINGS .

The Alpharetta Convention & Visitors Bureau www.awesomealpharetta.com • 678-297-0102 • 800-294-0923 The Official Destination Marketing Organization for Alpharetta • [!] .. . .

STATIONERY BOUTIQ!JE

www.t-evenire.com • 404.622.9092


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ANSLEY + JOSHUA Athens, Georgia

PHOTOGRAPHY ZoomWorks Photography

VENUE State Botanical Garden of Georgia

WEDDING COORDINATOR 622 Soirees

LINENS BBJ


Every once in a while you catch a glimpse of something that makes you look twice. This exquisite autumn wedding finds you looking again and again. French garden elegance was the tone of the day, with only

Ansley and Joshua's closest friends and family in attendance. The bride walked down the aisle of the Cecil B Day Chapel on the grounds of the State Botanical Garden of Georgia wearing a stunning gown of satin and lace with a scalloped hemline and chapel train that glowed in the warm light of the room. Her bridesmaids

attended in charcoal chiffon that complemented the groom and his groomsmen to perfection. Tons of grey, ivory and peach lent a sense of elegance and serenity from ceremony to reception, coming to full bloom with bouquets of tulips, cabbage roses, freesias and hydrangeas, the manicured garden theme accented by vases

of boxwood. Guests were treated to a saxophone serenade from the chapel to the cocktail hour, followed by an exquisite meal by Sweet Delights. Grand piano music accompanied the fare, after which dancing and

celebration lasted well into the night.

Bringing the fabu�o�� to yourwedding planning experience!

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Atlanta, GeorgiaWENDY + CHRISPHOTOGRAPHY

Anna and Spencer Photography

VENUE Piedmont Park

CATERING Sun in my Belly

FLORAL Holly Bryan

Floral & Botanical Design


Intimate elegance. Natural grace. Unforgettable moments. The wedding between Wendy and Chris was an experience savored down to the smallest moment, from the unique blessings that each and every one of their guests left over their rings, to the one-of-a-kind marriage agreement ceremony witnessed by their children. A

cocktail hour preceded the lakeside wedding ceremony in Piedmont Park, ensuring that friends and family knew one another before witnessing such an important moment. The reception followed with gourmet dishes by Sun

in my Belly and carefully selected music special to Chris and Wendy. Pale flowers were nestled within jars of all shapes and sizes, while accents of burlap and the warm glow of marquis lights lent the perfect air of rugged elegance to the affair. The night commenced in easy fellowship with enough tender hugs and smiles to last the

couple a lifetime’s worth of happy memories. Following the celebration, the newlyweds departed for a three day "tinymoon" on The Cloister in Sea Island, Georgia, preceding a two week retreat to Europe later that fall.


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Just Married

Atlanta, Georgia

Timeless class found its way into each and every facet of the wedding celebration between Brittany and Mitchell at the Loews Atlanta Hotel, the lights of the city glowing all around them. Grecian themed décor paired

with bright jewel tones of fuchsia and purple fit the bride’s vision perfectly. Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed favors reminiscent of the couple’s first date at the movies, enjoying popcorn, candy and cola, fun

accents to the gourmet fare provided by Loews. Guests enjoyed buffets of Italian cuisine, complete with penne bolognese, risotto, and traditional cioppino. The bride and groom’s cake were accompanied by a shmorgishborg of chocolate, lemon and vanilla favors paired with fruit and cream cheeses, sure to delight every persuasion of

sweet tooth. Live musician Donnie Long entertained with smooth R&B during the cocktail hour before DJ Six Five took the celebration to the next level, most of the guests finding themselves on the dance floor for most of the

night. Brittany and Mitchell quite literally stole off towards the sunset, honeymooning in Maui, Hawaii.

PHOTOGRAPHY Kelly Lane Photography

VENUE & CATERING Loews Atlanta Hotel


FLORAL & DECOR Perfect Creations & Design


BRITTANY + MITCHELL


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Just Married

Dahlonega, GeorgiaRAMAK & SAMANThe traditional Iranian wedding between Ramak and Saman paid homage to their Persian roots with gorgeous details, from the meticulously designed Persian table, to the handmade Persian sweets, to the unforgettable

night of dancing. The marriage ceremony incorporated the carefully chosen display of desired traits in a marriage arranged with care atop a table on, of course, a Persian rug. Guests sat in the shade of giant trees on

the grounds of Montaluce, a violinist playing as the bridal party took their places. The bride arrived to the scene in a white horse-drawn carriage, the perfect fairy tale detail. The rest of the night followed in similar splendor

with a cocktail hour and dinner so complete with delicacies that guests could have their hearts’ content of anything from steak to strawberry cake. Dancing and entertainment by two Persian DJs had guests young and

old on their feet from the moment dinner ended to the very last pic snapped in the photobooth. Overjoyed, Ramak and Saman exited in style amid the glow of cheerfully waving sparklers.

PHOTOGRAPHY LeahAndMark & Co. VENUE & CATERING

Montaluce Winery & Estates WEDDING PLANNER Park Avenue Events

FLORIST

The Perfect Stem


Details Make the Difference

C o ck t a i l Pa r t i e s We d d i n g s S o c i a l

N o n - P r o f i t H o l i d ay C o r p o ra t e

Sister’s Sweet CreationsCreating Your Sweetest Memories

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Just Married

JESSICA + JOE St. Simons Island, Georgia

PHOTOGRAPHY Britt Croft Photography

VENUE & CATERING The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort

FLORAL Emily Burton Designs

CAKES Serendipity Bakery


The effortless romance of Georgia’s coastal empire was the long-awaited setting for Jessica and Joe’s wedding. According to tradition, every woman in Jessica’s family said their vows on St. Simons Island at their own specially-chosen venue with a reception to follow at The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort. And so

Jessica and Joe promised one another forever at Epworth By The Sea’s Tabby House Gardens surrounded by manicured boxwoods, moss-draped live oaks, lace, ribbons and flowers. Following the ceremony the couple and guests hitched a ride on the island’s wedding trolley for The King and Prince, where steaks, seafood and soulful tunes awaited them. Intimate details drove home the theme of family and togetherness, with guests leaving their unique thumbprints on paper in lieu of signatures, and a tree of paper leaves meant for leaving

advice to the bride and groom. Antique family vases, heirloom blue and white china — effortless reminders of the new and perfect union, affirmations that their love would join a long and cherished line of many.

/ / ,/ .


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Atlanta, GeorgiaDANIELLE + YONIPHOTOGRAPHY

Scobey Photography VENUE

The Foundry at Puritan Mill WEDDING PLANNER

Kesha Nettles, Watermark Weddings

FLORAL & DECOR Tulip


Danielle sat in elegant greeting, a backdrop of wood and warm lamplight arranged in the foyer of The Foundry at Puritan Mill, as guests walked in one by one to celebrate the special day. Southern rustic decor met urban,

modern delights in the wedding of Danielle and Yoni. The sweet intimacy of family and Jewish tradition surrounded the couple as they vowed forever to one another. The reception followed, the woodsy elegance

of the decor accentuated by the roomy warehouse setting and exposed brick of the much sought-after venue. One of a kind details like the hand carved cake topper, courtesy of the bride's father, and breathtaking

centerpieces accentuated the vibe of hospitality while guests enjoyed a meal by A Divine Event, peach cobbler served in cast iron skillets and wedding cake by Frosted Pumpkin topping off the gourmet delights. The

newlyweds danced the night away to the tunes of the band GLOW before driving off into Happily Ever After in a Cadillac convertible, the cheers of family and friends and the waving of sparklers not far behind.

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Just Married

Atlanta, Georgia

The sheer elegance of Ashley and Greg's wedding proved no detail had gone unplanned, each and every whisper of romance, the garden trellis theme that speckled its way across the decor, cascading flowers and ethereal centerpieces turned the ballrooms of The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead into a long-awaited vision. And

still, all of it faded, everything stilled when Ashley made her way down the aisle, locking eyes with Greg as the ceremony commenced and they vowed to love one another forever. The bride was stunning in a Kenneth Pool ballgown, the silk taffeta bustled into a dramatic train. The bridal party wore whisper shades of grey,

Greg and his groomsmen effortlessly handsome in modern tuxedos. The reception was a flurry of dancing, mouthwatering food and laughter, culminating in a once-in-a-lifetime performance by Greg, his brother and a friend, that of course, led to Ashley and Greg crowd-surfing in a perfectly unexpected moment. A beautiful

send-off saw the newlyweds bound for their honeymoon in exotic Fiji.

PHOTOGRAPHY Garrett Nudd Weddings

VENUE, CATERING & CAKE The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead

FLORAL & DECOR A Legendary Event

BAND Celebrity AllStars


ASHLEY + GREG


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Just Married

Atlanta, GeorgiaNAKIA & OMARILaissez les bon temps rouler. Let the good times roll. When NaKia and Omari brought Mardi Gras to Atlanta for their wedding, it turned into an event that they nor any of their guests will ever forget. Family and friends were gifted with intricate masks, beads and handkerchiefs, each of the Creole-southern details paying homage to the groom’s roots. The ceremony took place at The Foundry at Puritan Mill, the bride stunning in a strapless

sweetheart gown, the groom equally dapper in slate grey, both of them accentuated to perfection by the wedding party all in elegant black. The reception offered delicious fare by Endive, each dish giving a nod to New Orleans specialties and Georgian comfort food. Nothing says a good time quite like Southern fried chicken and waffles

paired with mac and cheese and crawfish etoufee. The Second Line Brass Band stunned with their “Do What Ya Wanna” rendition, followed by tunes and entertainment throughout the night courtesy of DJ Nick Rhen. Amongst

all the grandeur and good times, NaKia and Omari wrote a chapter of memories they’ll never forget.

PHOTOGRAPHY Kelly Lane Photography

VENUE The Foundry at Puritan Mill


CAKE

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Just Married

Dahlonega, GeorgiaCHRISTY & TAYLORFellowship and rustic grace ruled the day in the wedding of Christy and Taylor. The ceremony took place at Frogtown Cellars, where accents of vintage lace and crystals, baby's breath and peach peonies proved the

perfect sweet accompaniments to the mahogany winery and rolling hills. The bride wore an ivory lace gown by Allure with cap sleeves and flared skirt that absolutely shone alongside champagne gowns of lace on her

bridesmaids. Following the ceremony guests adjourned to the reception where personalized hand-decor made for familiar intimacy. Photographs of the bride and groom were used throughout the affair, alongside vintage suitcases, repurposed wine bottles and delicate floral arrangements. A gourmet meal by Frogtown

included bourbon-glazed tenderloin, pecan sweet potatoes, and green beans to name a few. Three different bridal cakes by GGEvents ensured that guests could indulge to their hearts’ desires, while wine flowed and

music kept everyone on the dance floor well into the night.

PHOTOGRAPHY Alea Moore Photography

VENUE & CATERING Frogtown Cellars

FLORAL & CAKES GGEvents

VIDEOGRAPHY Bob's Eye View Weddings


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170

Just Married

Atlanta, Georgia

Elegant and refined, the wedding celebration for Lauren and Daniel was everything they dreamed it would be. White flowers flowed from ceremony to reception, draped in crystals and illuminated by pale candles. Accents of royal blue and teal were splashes of energy in the meticulously styled event. Following an unforgettable first

look photographed by Janet Howard, the evening started with a traditional ceremony at St. James Methodist Church in Buckhead, where Lauren walked down the second longest aisle wearing a gown too lovely for words

and the couple vowed to love one another forever. Guests were treated to a string-serenaded cocktail hour atop the roof of Briza, complete with gourmet treats and nitrogen-spiked cocktails. The reception boasted a stunning ten wedding cakes by Alpine Bakery, and live DJ entertainment. The cocktail hour refreshments and five-course meal by Chef Falvo featured raw oysters, Caribbean ceviche, lionfish, and Thai street food. The night progressed

in an unforgettable flurry of dancing and fellowship, the newlyweds making memories to last a lifetime.

PHOTOGRAPHY Janet Howard Studio

VENUE Renaissance Atlanta

Midtown Hotel WEDDING PLANNER

F&G Weddings

FLORAL & DECOR Edge Design Group


LAUREN + DANIEL

dream

www.visithenrycountygeorgia.com

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Just Married

REBECCA + ANDREW Seattle, Washington

PHOTOGRAPHY Blue Rose Photography

VENUE WithinSodo

WEDDING PLANNER Simply By Tamara Nicole

CAKE Honey Crumb Cake Studio


Posh tones of navy and gold lent a classy, sophisticated air to the New Year’s Eve wedding celebration of long-time sweethearts, Rebecca and Andrew. The bride wore three stunning gowns throughout the evening: a fitted white number by Winnie Couture, followed by a sexy open-backed lace gown by Alice and Olivia, and a finale gold party dress by BCBG. Limited edition Christian Louboutins completed Rebecca’s glamorous ensembles.

The exclusive event proved intimate and sweet, a party that brought everyone involved closer together. As weddings should! Following a ceremony honoring the couple’s long journey, everyone adjourned to the cocktail hour complete with a custom slider bar and an array of Southern comfort cuisine. Dinner was served amid the delivery of personal, heartfelt speeches, after which guests hit the dance floor and ate their fill of ten different

dessert options. The bride and groom partied the night away until five minutes until midnight when the New Year’s countdown began. The two exited the celebration in style, friends and family waving sparklers to light the way.


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Just Married


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Just Married

LEIGH + STEVE Naples, Florida

PHOTOGRAPHY Hunter Ryan Photo

RENTALS CORT

DJ Black Tie Entertainment

HAIR & MAKEUP Jamie Lyn Cintron


All the fresh and bold beauty of a bright flower garden could be found in the much anticipated wedding celebration of Leigh and Steve. Upon arriving at Naples Botanical Garden, guests were greeted by a sweet

and sassy lemonade stand, setting the mood for all the fun to follow. The couple’s closest friends and family looked on as they exchanged personal vows in an intimate ceremony that left the newlyweds misty-eyed and smiling. The bride wore a Romona Keveza gown with a belt by Elizabeth Bower, accessories by Kate Spade

and gold Badgley Mischka shoes, her fabulous look complimented by her bridesmaids dressed in Ann Taylor. A reception followed at the Inn On Fifth with gourmet cuisine, a delectable chocolate wedding cake and dancing inspired by Black Tie Entertainment. The Naples Botanical Garden’s Caribbean Garden served as the inspiration for much of the posh event’s bright décor, golden accents adding an understated and easy elegance from the

first step down the aisle to the newlywed’s grand exit.

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Just Married

CHRISTINA + SCOTTThe warm sand of Amelia Island shone bright exactly three-hundred-and-sixty-four days after Christina and Scott’s engagement. With each of their families and closest friends in attendance the couple said their vows to the crashing of the waves beneath an endless sky. It was an affair of effortless class with the casual mood of a beach vacation, the perfect atmosphere for the blending of two loving families. A nautical theme carried

throughout, with hints of navy and silver and sea glass, anchor accents and even a fisherman’s knot-tying during the ceremony. A shoe butler brushed the beach from everyone’s feet, and guests adjourned to a reception at

The Ritz-Carlton where centerpieces of lanterns and candles, mason jars, and bouquets of tulips and hydrangeas awaited them. An Italian cookie display, meet-and-greet cupcakes in the bride and groom’s favorite flavors and

custom koozies got the party started. A whole roasted suckling pig, pasta stations and tropical salads primed one and all for the cookies and gelato bar, the Ritz bringing the couple’s plans to perfect fruition. The newlyweds danced together with their guests late into the evening, the promise of happily ever after sweet on the ocean air.

PHOTOGRAPHY Brooke Images

FLORAL Anything With Plants & Flowers

VENUE, CATERING & DECOR The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island

DJ Resort Talent


Amelia Island, Florida


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Just Married

KARIN + ETHAN Orlando, Florida

PHOTOGRAPHY Kristen Weaver Photography

VENUE Cypress Grove Estate House

WEDDING PLANNER At Last Wedding + Event Design

STATIONERY Paperwhites


Southern chic met intimately elegant in the estate wedding of Karin and Ethan. Each and every detail was carefully chosen to reflect the love and commitment the bride and groom made to one another, highlighting

the truest, most romantic purpose for the day’s festivities. The couple recited vows they wrote for one another, the bride dressed in an ethereal strapless gown with empire waist and delicate tiny dot embellishments. The

wedding party complemented the bride and groom to perfection, the bridesmaids in coral gowns from JCrew, the groomsmen in navy suits and coral ties. Preppy Southern vibes greeted guests during the reception with navy chevron accents, monogrammed corn hole bean bags, mason jars, and an Italian ice cart surprise once

the party really got started. Big City Catering prepared a classic Southern dinner to remember. Tunes by Kristen with Our DJ Rocks kept the dance floor hopping, the newlyweds making unforgettable memories with each

passing moment before escaping to Jamaica and white, sandy beaches.


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Just Married

NATALIE + CHAY Clearwater, Florida

PHOTOGRAPHY Kristen Weaver Photography

VENUE Hilton Clearwater Beach

FLORAL & DECOR Iza's Flowers

WEDDING COORDINATOR Lainey Dunn,

Confetti Events


Beach, band and open bar. These elements were at the top of the list for Natalie and Chay’s vacation-style wedding. Family and friends traveled from all over the country to take part in the festivities, most of them taking

the opportunity to enjoy an extended stay on Florida’s sandy beaches. The bride walked down the aisle to “Here Comes the Sun” accompanied by her bridesmaids in perfectly coordinated dresses of many colors. The couple exchanged vows during a fully customized ceremony complete with an acoustic guitarist. The intimate setting carried over to the reception where vintage family wedding photos complemented the natural décor,

guests leaving signatures on wine corks in lieu of a guest book and a bright teal, orchid-draped cheesecake as the culinary focal point. A fire pit in the sand and the warm, spicy scent of cigars set the mood for a personal

reception, the ocean crashing just beyond. The reception deck became a dance floor, the band getting everyone to their feet for a night of unforgettable cheer.

1'~ SOIREE · soUTH ---&CO.---

DESIGNING LIFE'S CELEBRATIONS

www.soireesouth.com • 678-744-7003 • [email protected]

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Just Married

ASHLEY + ANDREW Jensen Beach, Florida

Tones of blush pink, gold and ivory, the view of the water from the front deck of The Mansion at Tuckahoe on the Indian River, the memories shared together in this special place — all these things and so much more culminated in the wedding celebration for Ashley and Andrew. Intimate and romantic, the ceremony brought together friends and family who had been in the bride and groom’s lives for decades, many of them members

of the bridal party. And so the couple vowed forever to one another beneath the light of a chandelier handcrafted by the bride’s father and grandfather. A cocktail hour inside the mansion got the party started, and culinary delights and entertainment by Vision DJs followed in a tented reception on the back terrace.

Many memories were made and happy tears shed. And when the last guest left the tent, preparing to wish the newlyweds farewell, Ashley and Andrew shared one final dance, just the two of them — a cherished moment

neither will ever forget.

PHOTOGRAPHY Leslie Hollingsworth

Photography

VENUE The Mansion at Tuckahoe

FLORAL Harbour Bay Florist

VIDEOGRAPHY Bridges Cinema


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Just Married

SAMANTHA + SCOTT Key West, Florida

Their sunset wedding on the beach of Key West was every bit the magical experience Samantha and Scott dreamed it would be. It was an affair to remember with unique twists that shone with an elegance all their own. From Samantha’s hot pink wedding dress, to their fathers conducting the ceremony, the bride and groom didn’t

settle for anything outside of their one-of-a-kind vision. Samantha walked down the aisle to the tune of the Beatles’ “Across the Universe,” the ocean shimmering behind her groom, and they vowed their love to one another

as the sun inched across the horizon. Family and friends were treated to gourmet fare following the ceremony, with decadent dishes of crab cake with caper remoulade, lobster bites and mango, glazed chicken, blackened

grouper and more, all expertly prepared by Casa Marina. The wedding cake boasted bright pink flowers to match the bride’s gown, each layer of icing a different flavor sure to satisfy the pickiest of sweet connoisseurs. The newlyweds danced the night away to the sounds of The Bay King Band, the party lasting well into the night.

PHOTOGRAPHY Transier Photography

WEDDING PLANNER Simply You

FLORAL & DECOR Milan Event

CAKE Key West Cakes


Lethal Rhythms Entertainment DJ I Video I Lighting

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Select your personalized music that matches your Style, Taste & Vision!

Work directly with our event team to create a flow of events

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Just Married

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Weddings are an occasion to celebrate true love. To celebrate where we’re from. To celebrate where we’re going. This was especially evident in the Fort Lauderdale wedding between Barbara and Francesco. Bride and groom made special care to pay homage to their cultural heritages and time honored traditions. The ceremony

joined their Episcopalian and Jewish faiths with both a Rabbi and Bishop presiding. The bride wore an ivory Amsale gown, her bridesmaids following the Brazilian tradition to choose their own dresses. Following the

exchanging of vows and their first kiss as man and wife, the newlyweds stole away to the beach for photos while family and friends enjoyed a cocktail hour. The reception commenced with Barbara and Francesco’s first dance

to “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” followed by exceptional fare courtesy of B Ocean. Spring tones of pastel greens and white accented the elegant setting, made even more beautiful by the laughter of dancing children.

The newlyweds joined their family and friends on the dance floor, the celebration lasting long into the night.

PHOTOGRAPHY Red Stone Photography

WEDDING PLANNER Your Special Day by Joni

DECOR Panache Style

CAKE Edda's Cake Designs


BARBARA + FRANCESCO

your ideas your weddings your wedding tv

Watch Videosbehind-the-scenes at

real weddings!

Find t he per fect venue, watch vendors i n act ion . . .p lus, get t i ps and ideas

f or your wedd ing!ideastoido.com

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THE ROOM YOU NEED


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Just Married

JENNIFER + SAM Nassau, Bahamas

It’s a fairly solid indication that a wedding is going to be positively epic if the guests actually arrive at the affair via luxury cruise line. The wedding of Jennifer and Sam was a romantically elegant celebration, the ambiance of sand and palm trees the perfect natural backdrop. Following a first look between the bride and groom at the historic Cloisters, guests arrived at the beach for the ceremony, officiated by the long time best friend of the groom. A cocktail hour complete with Bahamian steel drums playing and butler passed hors d’oeuvres

followed before the reception on a nearby grass lawn. Tables accented in blooms of bright pink and orange reflected the native Bahamian flare while the traditional surf and turf seated meal provided a casual elegance.

Personal touches brought the event together in a seamless fashion, from straw bags filled with Caribbean treats, to cruise ship shaped luggage tags, to baskets of flip flops for guests to change into. And after the last slice of

cake had been served and the final toast given, the newlyweds danced the night away under the stars.

PHOTOGRAPHY Caroline & Evan Photography

VENUE & CATERING British Colonial Hilton Nassau

FLORAL The Nassau Florist

WEDDING PLANNER Anna's Wedding Planning Service


Jennifer and Samar


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Just Married

LINDA + PAUL Lakeland, Florida

A forever kind of love deserves lots of extra special celebration along the way. The vow renewal celebrating Linda and Paul’s thirty years of marriage was an intimate affair that bespoke a lifetime of love. Officiated by a

family friend, the ceremony included the couple’s grown children and grandchild-to-be, their vows expressed again beneath an overflowing cream and lavender floral canopy. Tears of happiness were shed as the pair recounted times of patience and faith, and love letters were displayed from a time when Paul was away on

multiple military deployments. Scrapbooks filled with photos of their lives together spoke more than words ever could as their very closest family members and friends celebrated with them near the waterside. Scrumptious

fare by Terrie Lobb Catering included filet mignon, chicken bruschetta, potatoes and the most gorgeous chocolate raspberry wedding cake a couple could ask for. Dancing and reminiscing ensued, and without a

doubt, Linda and Paul’s special day ushered many more happily ever afters to come.

PHOTOGRAPHY Kismis Ink Photography

FLORAL Events in Bloom

LINENS Connie Duglin

CAKE A Piece of Cake


ABOUT OUR WEDDING "We were married in 1992 at St Johns United Methodist Church and held our reception at Spangler Farms in Chattanooga, Tennessee. I

was working in the family rental business and we just happened to specialize in tent rental. Chattanooga Tent had been well established as an industry leader in the party markets and we started using white tents long before most. So with that, my bride-to-be agreed to marry me in the off-season under a tent. Unfortunately, the off-season was August and it was hot, so a nice tent with lots of fans was welcomed by our 150 guests on that hot August afternoon in the south. The cake cutting, champagne, and traditions were all present and accounted

for and we really spent the evening enjoying our friends and family. We had a great time and the send-off was exceptional."

BEST ADVICE "I can sum that up very succinctly! PAY FOR AN EXCEPTIONAL PLANNER. Then… Trust that he/she will listen and give you what you want,

because if they are good, they will!"

WORDS OF WISDOM FOR A HAPPY MARRIAGE "Marriage is a partnership and you chose this person for life. That is for better and worse, and if you’re doing it right, there will always be

some worse… Don’t give up on your partner. You are different people, you do things sometimes because it’s right for your partner but there are some times when you need a veto. Let your spouse have the power of the veto. If you chose the right partner, they will never use it to hurt you. And my number one rule, never go to bed mad. It’s very difficult to do this sometimes, but if you make this an unbreakable rule from day one, it forces you to communicate and communication is the key to it all… if you do not communicate and say what needs to be

said, you will never make it long term. Twenty Two years later, this still works for Jen and I."

DAN + JENNIFER

Looking Back


Nolan Dan Nolan is a pillar of the Atlanta event rental business. Co-owner of Event Rentals Unlimited and Tents Unlimited, he married his wife Jennifer in 1992 and together the

two have raised two beautiful daughers and several businesses through the years. In his 26 years in the rental business he has cleaned, loaded, installed and dismantled, sold,

managed, and owned rental equipment so he knows a thing or two, or ten about throwing a party. Here he gives us a look back at his wedding, shares a bit of advice for making

your planning painless and the most important take away from this whole issue, wisdom for a happy marriage.

2014

1992

MAKE YOUR EVENT EXTRAORDINARY

EVENTlilil~ll• RENTALSUNLIMITED

Y2 ~~ <I> !//

ATLANTA BIRMINGHAM (404) 604-3000 (205) 545-9500

EVENTRENTALSUNLIMITED.COM

nuager es19ns couture inen, furniture and accessory rentals

Nuage Designs invites you to discover a new world of luxury linens that will bring Preston Bailey's legendary creations to your celebration. www.prestonbaileylinencollection .com www.nuagedesigns.com · 1-866-41 NUAGE

Occasions: Weddings Edition - Summer 2014

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