Ashley + Tim

Only four more sleeps until Christmas!!! If you can’t get enough of the holidays, this wedding day is sure to inspire you! Ashley and Tim’s wedding at The Gardens of Cranesbury View was the perfect setting for a cozy winter wedding in the Texas hill country. Festive greenery adorned the estate table, cranberries and pine filled glass jar centerpieces and beautiful white floral arrangements made a statement for the ceremony and reception entrance. Grab your flannel PJs and hot cocoa while we relive this special day!

Thank you Ashley and Tim for sharing your wedding day with us! Scroll on to see the lovely photos and read more!

Ceremony & Reception Venue- The Gardens at Cranesbury View, Officiant - Reverend Rene Esparza, Catering - Anne Maries Catering, Cake - Cakes to Remember, Photography - Limelight Photography, Florist - Lesley's Flowers & Gifts, Transportation - Team One Luxury Charters, Hair/Makeup - Love, Lipstick and Lashes, Wedding Dress - Gautier Bridal, Bridesmaid Dresses - David’s Bridal, Groom + Groomsmen attire - The Black Tux , Reception Music - Vegas Event Group

What was your favorite part on wedding day? 

There were so many! Not one single moment of that day was bad. If I were to pick a special favorite moment then I would have to go with our last dance. I wasn't exactly sure how the last dance would work and almost didn't even pick a song but ultimately I just decided to go with it. As the guest left the reception to prepare for our sparkler send off, the DJ played John Michael Montgomery's "Rope The Moon"  for us and we danced privately on the dance floor with no one else watching. It ended up being one of the most romantic moments of our day. xoxo 

What was something special you incorporated into wedding day?

We are a blended family so it was very important to us to include our three children into the ceremony. We chose a sand ceremony to incorporate them into our vows. It was absolutely beautiful! The kids picked their sand color and enjoyed their special moment being the star on our big day. Our sand container is now displayed in our bedroom for us to wake up to every morning. 

What marriage advice would you like to give future couples?

Marriage isn’t a 50/50 effort it’s always 100/100!

Sarah + Keyirce

Sarah and Keyirce’s Texas wedding at The Gardens of Cranesbury View was an elegant day to remember! We are smitten with the dusty blue and ballet pink color palette they chose and had so much fun designing their wedding day. The groom and groomsmen sported indigo-blue suits, while the bridesmaids also matched the color palette in their mixed-match dresses. Understated grey flatware, blue glassware, and gold accents made the reception room magical! From the couple’s first look to their dreamy reception, you are certain to swoon with us while we relive this day.

Thank you Sarah and Keyirce for sharing your wedding day with us! Scroll on to see the lovely photos and read more!

Ceremony & Reception Venue- The Gardens at Cranesbury View, Officiant - Texas Wedding Ministers, Cake - Cakes Couture, Photographer - Chandra’s Collection Photography, Florist - Flourish Floral Design, Rentals - Monarch Event Rentals, Ceremony & Reception Music- DJ Connections, Hair & Makeup - Natalia Bailey, Wedding Dress - Julian Gold Bridal, Groom & Groomsmen Attire - Generation Tux, Catering - Got it Covered Events, Invitations - Envitations Ect.

What was your favorite part of wedding day?

Our favorite part was seeing everything come together. I loved seeing our reception hall prior to the ceremony. That moment I had alone in the reception hall was so special to me. Karen and I had been planning for months. The details looked stunning and better than I could have ever imagined.

How did you two meet?

Keyirce and I met while out with mutual friends. It was interesting to learn I had gone to high school with many of his close friends! Small world! We knew people in each other's circle, but didn't actually meet until years later. The night we met, we were basically inseparable. Keyirce and I knew pretty soon after we met we would be together forever.

What was something special you did on wedding day?

Keyirce and I are pretty shy and don't like public speaking so we decided to exchange private vows at our first peak. This was a super intimate moment. We were able to really listen and hear each other without others' eyes on us. It was perfect.

Any wedding advice you would like to give future couples?

Our wedding advice would be to enjoy the process. The wedding day will come and go but the process of planning should be special. Do not over stress and work on too many projects at a time. Most importantly-Have a rock solid coordinator such as Karen. I say it every time, her services were the best money I spent on the wedding.

Ashley + Rob

Exciting things are in the air - PSLs, candy corn, a crisp breeze AND Fall wedding season! Today we are sharing Ashley and Rob’s Fall wedding, which has the perfect touch of Autumn in it as we start October. It also happens to be the couple’s one year anniversary so it is even more fitting that we are reliving this day.

Ashley and Rob exchanged their heartfelt vows at Kaya Winery overlooking the North Georgia mountains. A circular arch with warm burgundy, pink and apricot blooms added to the already breathtaking backdrop and endless sky. The groom looked dapper in his navy tux while the bride looked like a goddess in her strapless gown that had an overskirt train which transitioned this wedding gown into two different looks! After their dreamy “I dos,” they made their way over to the stunning outdoor tented reception that awaited them. The tent overlooking the vineyard was utter perfection from the romantic candlelight, string lights and elegant blooms to the gold beaded chargers and blush napkins, these are gorgeous details you don’t want to miss.

Thank you Ashley and Rob for sharing your wedding day with us! Scroll on to see the lovely photos and read more!

Ceremony & Reception Venue- Kaya Vineyard & Winery, Officiant - North Point Ministries, Cake - Acuna's Custom Cakes, Photographer - Love Stories Collective, Videographer - Zachary Wills Videography, Florist - Stylish Stems, Rentals - Arrowed Beginnings (chargers), T3 Event Rentals (tent liner), Ceremony Music - Mariwell Strings, Reception Music - Emerald Empire Band, Hair & Makeup - Make Me Up, Wedding Dress - Elite Pour La Vie

What was your favorite part of wedding day?

I can honestly say we felt our day was amazing from start to finish, but my absolute favorite part was our first look. We used this opportunity to read our own personal vows, and it was an intimate reminder about what the day was truly about.

How the bride and groom met

Rob and I are both from a small town in central Illinois. We grew up about a mile from one another, but the irony is that despite this, we did not know each other until well after I finished graduate school and Rob was in St. Louis doing his surgical residency. He reached out to me on social media one day asking if I happened to be in St. Louis the previous weekend. I informed him that I had not, and that he must have seen a doppelganger. The next thing I know, we are meeting up for lunch in our hometown as Rob needed to pass through before meeting his friends for an international trip. I quickly realized during our lunch date that he drove out of the way just to meet me. Clearly the date went well, as the rest is history!

Any wedding advice you would like to give future couples?

Even if you want to plan the majority of your wedding, a day of coordinator is a no-brainer! We highly recommend Britt, Karen, and the rest of the Winey Blonde Events crew.

Rachel + Jay

Summer is coming to an end and we are sharing one very special wedding on the blog! The groom might look familiar because YES that is the one and only Jay Page, owner of One Night Entertainment! It was such an honor to be a part of Rachel and Jay’s wedding day, not only because Jay works in the industry but also, because these two have become our friends. After spending some time together during our planning meetings, it is easy to see why Jay fell so madly in love with Rachel. She is one of those people you feel like you have known your entire life, yet just met.

Their Atlanta wedding, held at The Carlyle, gives us all the modern yet classic vibes. Using a palette of evergreen, black, and white, they created a classy affair that was as cozy as it was elegant. The cherry on top to this modern celebration? The reception featured cold sparks during the couple’s first dance, a champagne tower to kick off the toasts and an array of lighting effects to make this celebration One Night to Remember!

Thank you Rachel and Jay for sharing your wedding day with us! Scroll on to see the lovely photos!

Ceremony & Reception Venue- The Carlyle, Officiant - Alex Lewis, Dessert - Nothing Bundt Cakes, Photographer - The Tinsley Co., Videographer - A. Lewis Films, Florist - Rittenhouse Design & Events, Hair - Style on Site, Makeup - Makeup by Kristin, Wedding Dress - Suite Bridal, Bridesmaid Dresses - Davids Bridal, Groomsmen Suits - Black Tux, Invitations - Magnet Street, Ceremony & Reception Music, Lighting & Photo Booth - One Night Entertainment

What was your favorite part of wedding day? By far my favorite part of the wedding day was our entrance into the reception room. My now husband is a wedding DJ and demanded we do a Kanye West Sunday Service song. I was sort of against it because it was so powerful and different. I didn’t want to look silly or uncomfortable next to him. However, he didn’t “demand” much in the planning process and this is one thing he wasn’t budging on. So we did it. Now we both like attention, so know that also, but it was just so fun to see our family and friends standing up, hype, twirling napkins, and cheering for us. Then we got to the dance floor and our bridal party was hyping us up and dancing….it was a true moment I will never forget.

Tell us about the proposal. Jay and I both have big personalities and don’t shy away from attention. He proposed on the Beltline in Old Fourth Ward Park. He had giant letters spelling out “Marry Me” and a picnic table. He also invited probably 50 of our closest friends and families to watch him propose. My girlfriends pretended we were doing girls' night to get me near the park, then walked me past it so it would be a surprise. It was magical. Of course because it is a public place, hundreds of strangers stayed in the park to watch him propose also. Because he’s extra, he hired a photographer and videographer too. We have the most amazing video of the proposal, our families that came, and our friends. We wanted to include this at the wedding somehow. We designed a seating chart for a TV screen that showed the tables and names, but also had a running loop of the proposal in the background. So when people were at cocktail hour, they were able to see the proposal video as well. We both felt it was important to incorporate such a big event that got us to the wedding day and was monumental in its own way.

Any wedding advice you would like to give future couples? My honest wedding advice is hire a planner. I loved planning our wedding and enjoyed making decisions for most of the year we were engaged. However, the last month before the wedding I had serious decision making fatigue. I was tired. I was just so ready to get married and see everything come together, that my decision making skills were spent. One of my vendors called it “bride brain” and that is so true. Having a planner helped alleviate so many decisions. Our planner also could sense when I was done with something and would just step in to finalize it or give me advice. I needed this.

The other reason I say hire a planner is for the wedding day. Every event, no matter the size, needs a “leader”. If it isn’t the planner or day of coordinator, who is it? Vendors went to her for final decisions and questions, not me. I can’t express enough how easy having a planner made my wedding day. She solved any of the small problems that popped up without me. I told her staying on time was making me anxious, so she made sure everyone was staying on schedule. She made sure the getaway car was packed so we could just exit and not worry about it. I could keep listing things, but you get it! Absolutely invaluable. Thanks Karen!

Karyn + Adam

Now that the weather has warmed up once again, we can’t help but start to dream of our Fall weddings. Crisp chill in the air, all the leaves changing - who could ask for more?! Karyn and Adam’s neutral and emerald green color palette played perfectly on the season and venue’s landscape. Although the venue’s natural beauty is unbeatable, the evening was elevated with lots of peonies, Italian ruscus greenery and candles galore. So if you love dreamy decor, and romantic tablescapes with a little boho touch, you’re going to want to see these photos.

Thank you Karyn and Adam for sharing your day with us! Scroll on to read more and see the lovely photos!

Ceremony & Reception Venue- The Venue at Daisy Hill, Cake - Publix, Catering - The Grand Gourmet, Photographer - Lindsey Johnson Photography, Florist - Marigold + Moss, Hair - Francesca Battista, Makeup - Lauren Maher Makeup, Wedding Dress - Kelly's Closet, Bridesmaid Dresses - Azazie, Band - Oxford Soul

What was your favorite part on wedding day? It is hard to pick one favorite part! Overall it was so amazing to see all of the months of planning and little details come together and my wedding day vision to truly come to life. Marrying Adam and also integrating my son, Noah, into the day was so magical.

How they met: I think Adam hates when I tell this story, but it's just too good not to. I was actually forced to go on a first date with Adam. We were introduced by my cousin who is married to one of Adam's best friends. Adam and I were introduced a few days before New Years Eve. We actually didn't talk to each other much that night, but I thought he seemed like a nice guy. Then on NYE, we just happened to be going to the same party where we shared our first kiss at midnight. (In my mind, it kind of just happened that way because everyone else was there with a date haha!) For weeks after, Adam called me and texted me, but I continued to blow him off. I think in my mind I thought he was too nice. Finally on a Friday night in early February, my cousin who originally introduced us called me, said she was coming over to babysit and that I was going on a date with Adam. I reluctantly agreed. We had a wonderful time and the rest is history! Turns out that he was exactly what I didn't know I needed.

Any wedding advice you would like to give future couples? HIRE A PLANNER! Especially Winey Blonde Events. Britt and her whole team were absolutely phenomenal throughout the entire process. My venue actually required that we have a planner and at first it was a bit of a sticking point for me. I am a pretty detail-orientated person so I didn't think I would need anyone’s help with the planning. But boy oh boy was I wrong! From reading over contracts that we were signing, determining the timeline for sending invitations, communicating with all of our vendors to setting up all of the little details on our wedding day, Britt was amazing. On the morning of our wedding as we were getting ready, everyone kept commenting on how I was so calm and honestly it is all thanks to Britt. I trusted her and knew that she was handling everything behind the scenes. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Julianna + Thomas

Overflowing bouquets full of pinks and whites, floral patterned bridesmaid dresses and a stunning venue with a butterfly garden, are just a few things that made Julianna and Thomas’ wedding day such a dream. The two were married at The Gardens of Cranesbury View in a romantic outdoor ceremony early Spring. In keeping with the floral accented theme, the bride wore the most adorable shoes that had light flowers embellished across paired with simple crystal cut earrings. Every moment of this day was mesmerizing and something that Spring wedding dreams are made of.

Thank you Julianna and Thomas for sharing your day with us! Scroll on to read more and see the lovely photos!

Ceremony & Reception Venue- The Gardens of Cranesbury View, Officiant - Texas Wedding Ministers, Cake - Cakes to Remember, Catering - Got It Covered Events, Photographer - Chandra's Collection, Florist - Flourish Floral Designs, Hair and Makeup - Love, Lipstick and Lashes, Wedding Dress - Olivia Grace Bridal, Bridesmaid Dresses - David's Bridal

What was your favorite part on wedding day: Tom’s favorite part was finally getting to see me walking down the aisle in my dress. My favorite part was kind of the same; finally getting to see Tom after all the time spent getting ready; also spending a moment alone together before the reception was SO NICE. Getting to see everything all together was also so fun. You’ve been planning with so many people for what feels like forever and getting to see the final product was so happy/satisfying!

How they met: Tom and I met our freshman year of college at Texas A&M! We lived down the hall from each other in our dorm, Dunn hall. We became fast friends and enjoyed “urban” exploring on campus at night and hammocking together. We also studied quite a bit together! We really used any excuse to hang out!

The proposal: Fast forward about 7 years, and on my family’s annual Colorado vacation Tom pops the question at the top of my favorite hike! It was such a surreal moment; getting to be in one of my favorite places with my favorite person and getting asked by said favorite person to get married!! We both love the beauty of nature so it was the perfect spot for both of us.

The ring: My engagement ring has so much meaning for us because the center stone was from Tom’s mother’s engagement ring. Additionally, 2 other stones in the ring were passed down to Tom from his late grandmother, Mary Jo Reeve.

Any wedding or marriage advice you would like to give future couples? Being best friends with your partner is the best way for a fun and lasting relationship! We also would say for wedding day stuff, don’t sweat the small stuff it will all work out. My personal recommendation is to hire a day coordinator.

Colleen + Tyler

When the bride says “Yes” to her fiancé’s proposal in front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, you know their wedding day is guaranteed to be full of romance. Colleen and Tyler’s wedding included a simple green and gray color palette with touches of white and candlelight. They exchanged vows under a sunset-lit sky overlooking the North Georgia mountains. Even though it turned into a rainy evening, there wasn’t anything that could steal the sunshine and gorgeous smiles from this couple! From the dapper groom and groomsmen in all black to the bride’s sophisticated yet timeless look, Brandi Sisson captured this day beautifully.

Thank you Colleen and Tyler for sharing your day with us! Scroll on to read more and see the lovely photos!

Ceremony, Reception Venue & Catering - Kaya Vineyard & Winery, Officiant - Sensational Ceremonies, Cake - Publix, Photographer - Brandi Sisson Photography, Florist - Bohemian Blooms, Music - Chops the Experience, Hair and Makeup - Make me Up Georgia, Wedding Dress & Bridesmaid Dresses - Sweet Elegance Bridal, Invitations - The Paperie Co.

What was your favorite part on wedding day? Our favorite part of our wedding day was hands down our ceremony. We timed it perfectly with a gorgeous fall sunset, as my mom walked me down a gorgeous candlelit aisle, hand in hand, to marry my groom! When we spoke our hand written vows to each other during our ceremony in front of our closest friends and family, there wasn't a dry eye in the room. The vows took almost the whole engagement to write, knowing there will never be enough words to sum up our love. Our ceremony was such a magical moment in time, and it will always be cherished as our favorite part.

How they met: Tyler and I actually met 10 years ago, when we were 20... at Georgia Tech, a college neither of us attended, but we had many mutual connections between the two of us who did. As college as it comes, we met at a fraternity party and each time we saw each other Tyler says he remembers me giving him the biggest hug with the biggest smile on my face, and that is what got his attention. Whether it was a small glimpse of fate into our future or the alcohol talking, we're both incredibly thankful for being at that same party so many years ago. We kept in touch through social media over the years but in 2016 is when Tyler and I went out on our first date and we haven't looked back since! Our wedding date is extremely special to us, as 10/10/2020 represents when we first met a decade ago when we were just twenty.

How he proposed: We were traveling Europe for our vacation and one of our stops just happened to be the City of Love, aka Paris. Tyler capitalized on this romantic setting with the absolute dreamiest proposal I could have ever imagined. We were under the Eiffel Tower at Trucadero Plaza when he popped the question. We laughed, I cried, he even spoke to me in French!! That's when I lost it for the second time, I didn't even know what he was saying, or when he had time to learn French, but gosh it was so romantic it made me cry. Absolutely, hands down, the most magical moment in my life. He surprised me with a photographer to capture this special time and we will cherish the photographs forever.

Special moments behind the wedding: As mentioned above, our wedding date is extremely special to us, as 10/10/2020 represents when we first met a decade ago when we were just twenty. Kaya was also extremely special to us, as we have explored wineries both in and out of America and wine-tasting is one of our favorite things to do together! Tyler and I have a love for wine, so getting married at a Vineyard was dream come true!

Any wedding or marriage advice you would like to give future couples? Yes!!! SO much!! Our number one piece of advice would be to stick with what you and your fiance want for your special day. That way when you look back on your day, you both really feel like it was your day! Also be flexible!! I had these really glitzy glamorous shoes picked out that I walked around our house for months breaking in, and on the day of our wedding we started out in the vineyards for pictures after a rainfall so I wore my all white platform sneakers and just never ended up changing into my "wedding shoes" at all that day! Besides my Mom, my bridesmaids and of course my now Husband, no one knew!! And by the end of the night, I was SO thankful I didn't put on those "glamorous" heels because now I get to wear my wedding shoes regularly and it's a sweet reminder of all the dancing we did that night! Speaking of dancing, being flexible with mother-nature is high up on the list for future couples as well! We ended up having hurricane winds and rain that stopped our band, our bar had to be moved inside, and everyone started getting wet! As we all scurried inside, Tyler and I decided nothing could "rain" on our parade so we hopped up on the tasting room bar, got some music on, and made it our very own "Club Hernandez!" as we like to call it. We danced above all of our guests, as they were covered in light up favors and cheered us on, as the celebration continued. It went from being what could have been disastrous, to a moment that made our night all the more special, and one that we will never forget.

Jessica + Ben

Jessica and Ben’s wedding day was written in the stars from the start. From the bride’s wedding gown that literally sparkled to the stars hanging from the ceiling, all the little details came together in the most perfect way. Their wedding day was filled with so much happiness and love-literally everyone at this wedding was so nice! You’ll be starry eyed too over how cute these two are and all of their colorful wedding details.

Thank you Jessica and Ben for sharing your day with us! Scroll on to read more, see the lovely photos and their wedding video!

Ceremony, Reception Venue & Catering - Big Canoe Clubhouse, Officiant - Buckhead Church, Couple’s Cutting Cake - Cake Flower, Cake & Dessert Bar - Tami's Cups 'N Cakes, Photography & Videography - Gray Productions, Florist - Blooming Hites, Place Settings - The Prissy Plate Company, Signage - From Sir with Love, Ceremony & Reception Music - AMP'D Entertainment, Makeup - Make Me Up, Invitations - Minted , Wedding Dress - White Magnolia (Blush by Haley Paige)

What was your favorite part on wedding day? By far, our first look. With the close second being our entire ceremony. The entire day was filled with so much happiness, gratitude, and love, and both Ben and I were overwhelmed with emotion. I could not have imagined a more perfect wedding to kick off our life together as a married couple.

Tell us about the proposal. Ben and I are so grateful for each other and our marriage. Neither of us expected to find someone with whom we are so compatible. We have so much in common including our beliefs, views, interests, goals, etc. From our very first date, we began building a relationship off a foundation of honesty and communication. So much honesty and communication that the proposal was hardly a surprise! Once he asked me what kind of ring I would "hypothetically" want, we were off to the races! He tried to keep things a surprise (I hate surprises) until I finally wore him down after I knew he had the ring in his possession. He was still keeping the actual proposal as close to the chest as possible, but after way too much excitement from me, he finally broke down and said "Can you at least wait 72 hours?!" Well, low and behold, just under 72 hours later, he proposed while we were on a hike in Big Canoe.

Ben and I were so excited to finally get all of our family together to celebrate. Since we got engaged right before the COVID shutdowns, our families were not able to meet in person until the wedding weekend, so it was so special for us to all be together.

Any marriage advice you would like to give future couples? Keep your attitude grounded in gratitude, keep your communication flowing freely, and treat each other with kindness and respect always!

Philomena + Christian

There is a lot that goes into planning a wedding, but if it happens to be during a pandemic - well that makes things a whole lot more stressful. Philomena and Christian were one of the few that kept their original wedding date last year, which meant they had to alter some of their original plans. Many things for their wedding day had to change, including the ceremony location and size of their wedding. Despite all of the changes, they still were able to celebrate with their closest family and friends.

The couple exchanged their vows overlooking the north Georgia mountains under a beautiful sunny sky. Rose pinks, white florals and lots of candlelight made the reception sparkle at night. After a long night of celebrating for the first time in forever, guests were treated to not only some wedding cake, but also to honey favors to take home. These two are certainly “Meant to Bee” and we are so thankful they were able to share this day with loves ones.

Thank you Philomena and Christian for sharing your day with us! Scroll on to read more and see the lovely photos and their wedding video!

Ceremony & Reception Venue - Big Canoe Clubhouse, Wedding Dress -The White Magnolia, Bridesmaids Dresses - Azazie, Florist - Mandy White , Cake - The Pastry Studio , Ceremony Music - Cobalt Strings, DJ - One Night Entertainment, Photography - Frank Gibson Photography Videography - Scott Belanger Films , Hair and Makeup - Simple Beauty

How they met and the proposal: Christian and I met in high school. From the beginning, we were pretty upfront about where we were in life and where we wanted the relationship to go. We have aimed to keep Christ at the center of our relationship and know that without Him, or our supportive families, we would not be where we are today.

Throughout our relationship, Christian has always gone above and beyond. Not only by paying attention to the little things but also by putting in the work to prove to my father that his intentions were pure. Before we began dating, he asked for my father's permission. Almost 3.5 years later, he finally got the go-ahead to propose!

Now, I know I am biased, but our proposal story is my favorite. Christian knows I love to travel, so on June 16, 2019, he hopped on a plane and met up with my family and me in Santander, Spain! I was so surprised to see him and was so overwhelmed with joy and excitement to hear him (finally) propose.

Favorite part of wedding day: Honestly, with all of the uncertainty surrounding COVID, Christian and I were happy to have had our wedding with many of our family members and friends. While many things did not go as planned, our vendors (Bethany included) were super helpful and quickly adapted to the seemingly ever-changing circumstances. I think I can speak for us all in saying that it was such a relief to spend such a beautiful day together and to just let loose amidst such a pressing time.

Any wedding or marriage advice you would like to give future couples?

There are so many things I would say to future couples, but perhaps the most significant thing -aside from faith- would be communication. I have found that many people are ready to have a wedding, but not a marriage. It is important to understand that marriage is a commitment, and commitments take work! You should always be upfront and honest, even if it is uncomfortable. If you are bothered by something, speak up. If you need help, or maybe just a moment to process, that is okay too.

Always put one another first, and speak gracefully. Trials and hardships will come, but if you can communicate clearly, and have one another's back, you will get through it.

ALSO, ask your dj about a private last dance!

---

Winter Wedding Inspiration

The holidays are over and while we love all things Christmas it’s nice to put those things away and start thinking about Spring. This time last year, our planner Bethany had the opportunity to plan her first styled shoot which was recently featured in The Celebration Society! For those planning a Winter wedding after the holidays, we suggest thinking beyond an all white affair-think cream and berry tones or moody jewel tones with gold accents. After all, we could use some positive energy and adding a pop of color is sure to do the trick!

From Bethany: The beautiful white winter months that lead into spring guided our inspiration. We chose the colors of winter for the theme and added a touch of gold for sophistication. One of our favorite components was the rich jewel tones in the flowers paired with subtle shades of blue table settings. It added such life to the overall feel.

Thank you to all of the vendors who supported this beautiful shoot! Scroll on to see the lovely photos!

Wedding Dress - Adore Bridal Boutique, Florist - Stylish Stems, Men’s Formal Shop - Savvi Formalwear, Photographer - Virginia Greene Photography, Place Settings - The Prissy Plate Company, Makeup - Sydney Skunberg, Venue - The Piedmont Room, Calligraphy -Letters By Lanta

Anna + Chris

Our hearts are smiling reminiscing over Anna and Chris’ New Years Eve wedding. The couple spent a lot of time choosing the details that were important to them and decided to close out 2019 with a big celebration. With a festive and romantic vibe in mind, our team helped bring Anna’s vision to life. Glittering candlelight, colorful pink and blue hues filled the reception room and Indaglow pulled out all the stops with confetti cannons to end the night. See all the glitz and glam below.

From Brittany: Anna and Chris' wedding day was all about moments. When I look back on my planning meetings with Anna there is a common theme we always resorted back to - every detail needs to serve a purpose and not just exist because we're able to make it happen. I can honestly say that when it came to wedding day all the specific details that made the cut provided a special moment that was so purposeful; from the simply decorated but formal church ceremony to the tall boxwood mirrored seating chart serving as the focal point at the entrance of cocktail hour to the last moment of the evening where a carefully timed confetti cannon was set off at midnight. Plus all the fun surprises in between! You should have seen the guest's faces light up as the ballroom doors opened to showcase the candlelit trees, yes trees, that lined the middle of the estate table or heard the cheers when four cold sparkler fountains shot off at just the right spin during their first dance. The colors, the linens, the menu...all so important, but on a night like NYE it's definitely fun to take it up a notch & provide an experience!

Thank you Anna and Chris for sharing your day with us! Scroll on to read more and see the lovely photos!

Cake, Catering & Reception Venue - The St. Regis, Wedding Dress - Anne Barge Atellier, Bridesmaids Dresses - Bridals By Lori, Florist - Andy Beach & Co., Band - The A-Town A List , Photography - Garter & Whiskey, Videography - Watson Wedding Videography, Place Settings - The Prissy Plate Company, Sparkler Fountains/Confetti Cannons - Indaglow, Hair and Makeup - The Moore Agency, Ceremony - Northside United Methodist Church, Rentals - CRUSH, Calligraphy - Letters by Lanta

Lauren + Will

Lauren and William’s wedding day brought luxury and quintessential Winter aesthetics to life. Lauren brought all the glam with her long sleeved ball gown paired with William’s dapper velvet tuxedo. Their light grey, white and gold color palette evoked a relaxed luxury that was remarkably romantic thanks to Faith Flowers. From their beautiful ceremony with string musicians and candlelight to their elaborate place settings for over 200 guests, this was one stunning wedding held at The Ritz Carlton Atlanta. Picture luxurious furs, floor length gowns, black tuxedos and magnificent white florals with the magic of Winter in the air and you’ll have found their wedding day. 

Thank you Lauren and Will for sharing your day with us! Scroll on to read more and see the lovely photos!

Cake & Catering - The Ritz-Carlton, Musicians - Me Me Me Trio, Videographer - Watson Wedding Videography , Hair Stylist - Amber Gross, Officiant - Sensational Ceremonies, Band - The Celebrity All Stars Band, Tuxedo and Mens Attire - The Black Tux, Florist - Faith Flowers, Bridesmaid Dresses - Weddington Way, Wedding Dress - Bridals By Lori Wedding Venue - The Ritz-Carlton, Photographer - Laura Stone

How they met: We actually met in high school - so crazy! We dated for a bit during our teenage years, there are pictures and they are hilarious! We went our separate ways, dated other people, and were drawn back to each other a few years later. He proposed Memorial Day Weekend 2017 at his favorite beach near Ponte Vedra. He grew up going there with his family and it holds such a special place in his heart (and now mine). We were hunting for sharks teeth on the beach early one morning, and he was trying to get me to see that he had placed a ring in the sand. Of course, I did not see it for a good 30 minutes. So, he finally drew a giant box in the sand, placed a ring in it and told me to find a 'giant sharks tooth' in that specific box. When I saw the ring he had placed in the sand, it was not my real engagement ring. It was the ring that he 'fake' proposed to me with asking me to be his girlfriend in my best friends basement when we were in high school. I was blown away that he kept the ring for all of those years! When he dropped to one knee, all I remember him saying was, "It has always been you". When he opened the ring box, the ring was his Mother's engagement ring. His mom, Caroline Bartels, passed away of breast cancer when he was young. Again, blown away by this priceless family heirloom, tears squirted from my eyes as I said yes to forever with my thoughtful and caring best friend!

What was the most anticipated or special moment of your wedding day? There were many moments that I looked forward to on our wedding day. I couldn't wait to open the door of my suite on that morning and see all of my best friends come in to get ready and drink mimosas with me. I couldn't wait to put on my dress, having my mom, step-mom, mother-in-law, and grandma all help zip me up, buckle my shoes, and put on my earrings. I couldn't wait to see my dad (we did a first look), one of the most important and special people in my life. And of course, I couldn't wait to see my husband waiting for me at the end of the aisle with tears in my eyes knowing that November 17th was the start to our forever.

Do you have any wedding planning advice? RELAX. It is so much easier said than done, but seriously soak up every single moment with each other and with your family and friends. Surround yourself with great vendors - huge shout out to all of mine (Karen Gramlich, Laura Stone - the photos are unreal, Nancy Resman, Richard Smith, Josh Watson, Amber Oberley, etc). Without all of you, the day wouldn't have been possible (Special shout out to my wedding angel, Adam Tidd at The Ritz-Carlton, you outdid yourself) . For those that don't want a big wedding like we had, that is fine as everyone is different, but I would encourage you to at least have a moment with your family and closest friends. Let them celebrate you and your partner because so often in life we get together with loved ones when bad things happen. This is a moment in life that is joyous and happy, so soak it in and just have fun!

Rachel + Nick

Rachel and Nick started the beginning of their forever at one of our favorite venues, Kaya Vineyard & Winery. The morning of their wedding they broke a little tradition and woke up early to watch the sunrise together. What better way to celebrate than to be cuddled up in jammies, enjoying your morning coffee and starting the day with one another.

The venue has beautiful views so this fun-loving couple kept things simple with organic florals and lots of candlelight. They incorporated personal touches throughout the day including candles that Rachel made and specialty drinks named after their cats. From their first look, to the moment they exchanged love letters, this Dahlonega wedding was such a joyful celebration.

Thank you Rachel and Nick for sharing your day with us! Scroll on to read more and see the lovely photos!

Cake - Sweet Treats by Leigh, Catering - Talk of the Town, DJ - One Night Entertainment, Florist - Honeypot Sugarbush, Photographer - Natalie Fields Photography, Wedding Dress - Wedding Angels, Hair Stylist - Cassi Rowlett, Makeup Stylist - Lace Cosmetics, Videographer - Watson Weddings, Wedding Venue - Kaya Vineyard & Winery

How they met: My husband and I met our freshman year of college. We both were majoring in nutrition at the time, and were placed in the same learning community. We started studying together and played cat and mouse for a few months until Valentine's Day. He asked me to come to his dorm room, which was just a few floors down from mine, and gave me a Valentine's Day card. The card read, "TO: The Love of My Life. FROM: The Love of Your Life." We were not dating at this point so *maybe* this should have been weird, but we both know what he said was true. We shared our first kiss that night and the rest is history.

Any wedding advice you would like to give future couples?

Get premarital counseling! I can not recommend this enough. Not only is it a fun way to connect with your future spouse on a deeper level, but it also gives you tools for your marriage after the big day.

Also, make sure your wedding has aspects that are really unique to you and your spouse. We had signature drinks that were named after our cats, we wrote our own vows, I made homemade candles as the favors, and we had a coffee bar at the reception because both families are big coffee drinkers. Finally, get excited! You are marrying the love of your life. No matter what your wedding day looks like, big, intimate, elopement- marriage is the best thing to come from a wedding.

Whimsical Colorful Shoot

Bold pinks and a subtle slate blue were the main inspiration for this styled wedding shoot at Pleasant Union Farm. This shoot is one of whimsy and love including bright flowers that come from your own fairytale garden. From cascading greenery along the wall to a fully styled farmhouse table featuring blueberries from the venue’s farm, no detail was forgotten. The venue is known for its farm-to-table style so this shoot brings that garden feeling to life and also shares a little bit of the venue’ s values, as a working farm, and event space.

From Brittany: The goal of this shoot was to create an overall look that could be a bride's vision in Spring, Summer or Fall. It's whimsical and bright with pops of pinks, flowy dresses and airy arrangements, but then moody and warm featuring a slate blue, touch of burgundy florals and black candles. We also wanted to have a romantic feel contributing touches of both feminine and masculine elements. The whimsical florals, romantic candlelight and flow of the runner were complimented with a variety of more masculine textures including the wood farm table, modern copper flatware and beveled copper bowl. Pleasant Union Farm is a blueberry farm so we knew we wanted to incorporate a pretty shade of blue throughout the day and what better way to tie the look together than to be greeted at your place setting with freshly picked blueberries? Lastly, we wanted to showcase that just because your venue is a farm or barn doesn't mean your go to theme has to be rustic. We want to encourage brides to look at their venue as a blank slate, start with a vision that showcases your style, then let the vision evolve to where it compliments and flows nicely within your venue! 

Thank you to all of the vendors who supported this beautiful shoot! Scroll on to see the lovely photos!

Wedding Dress & Bridesmaid Dresses - Anna Christine Bridal, Florist - Stems Atlanta, Men’s Formal Shop - Anna Christine Bridal, Cake - My Cake Lady Lynne, Photographer - Syd & Lex Photography, Estate Farm Table - Party Time, Place Settings - The Prissy Plate Company, Hair & Makeup - Hannah Easterwood Hair & Makeup Artistry, Venue - Pleasant Union Farm

Geena + Bobby

It’s time to get everything ready for Fall! Soon the temperatures will be dropping and the leaves will be changing, but in the meantime we are reminiscing over Geena and Bobby’s October wedding. The couple chose a burgundy and navy color palette with pops of blush and ivory. Rather than going with traditional music for their ceremony, the couple chose something from their nerdy side including music from Star Wars and Game of Thrones. The bride even walked down the aisle to a song from Harry Potter! From their custom Funko Pop cake topper to their fabulous grand exit in a helicopter, their wedding day was magic and completely unique to them.

Thank you Geena and Bobby for sharing your day with us! Scroll on to read more and see the lovely photos!

Cake - Confection Perfection, Catering - Coast 2 Coast Catering, DJ - D Street Entertainment, Florist - All Things Floral , Photographer & Videographer - Marc and Anna Photo & Film, Wedding Dress & Bridesmaid Dresses - Wedding Angels, Hair & Makeup Stylist - Crystal Nix, Wedding Venue - The Greystone Estate

How they met and how he proposed: Bobby and I met when we were in school at Kennesaw State and bonded over a goofy professor that we had for Economics. As we got to know one another, we discovered that we both shared a love for Star Wars and other nerdy things. We were together for 6 years before getting engaged, and the proposal was a total surprise! We took a trip to Nashville for our anniversary, and he had the ring on him the entire time. Every time he planned on asking, the timing or scene wasn't right. We ended up stopping in Chattanooga on the way home, and we drove to the top of Lookout Mountain where he proposed on the very top! I had no idea he was going to propose, but I was so excited!

From the bride: My favorite part of our wedding day was definitely our first look! For us, it really let us hit the pause button from all of the business of that day and let us just enjoy being together in the moment. I was extremely nervous the entire day until we had that moment, and from then on I was so calm and ready to start enjoying our day!

What the couple has been up to since the wedding: Since the wedding, we've moved into our first home together! It's been wonderful starting our lives and our home and building the traditions we will hold as a family.

Any wedding or marriage advice you would like to give future couples?

My advice to current brides is to not sweat the little things. I know it's easier said than done, but a year after your wedding, you won't even remember what happened during most of the planning process! We also had a few small hiccups during our wedding day, but I made the decision to not let it ruin the special day and we had the most wonderful time! Family may argue with you, friends may be difficult, but in the end everything will work out.

And most importantly, have fun! Your wedding day only comes around once, make sure you take the time to enjoy yourself.

Maria + Michael

Give us all the greenery, ice cream pops and Summer time vibes! Maria and Michael’s wedding held at Blue Mountain Vineyards is something out of a warm Summer dream. Their ceremony included a backdrop of the North Georgia mountains paired with sage green florals and flowy bridesmaids dresses. From the succulent favors, to the bride’s eucalyptus flower crown we are in love with this wedding!

From the bride: My favorite part of our wedding was having a few minutes of alone time right after our wedding! We were both so overwhelmed with joy, it was truly special! And having yummy snacks waiting for us was also a plus (all thanks to our awesome coordinators).

Thank you, Maria and Michael for sharing your day with us! Scroll on to see the lovely photos and learn more about these friends of ours!

Wedding Dress- Bel Fiore Catering- Center Cut Catering Cake - Aura’s Cakes Florist - Flowers From Us Hair - Hannah Easterwood Makeup - Lauren Shreve Photographer- Brandi Sisson Photography DJ - D Street Ceremony & Reception - Blue Mountain Vineyards

How they met: Michael and I both attended the same high school, but met through Facebook 2 years after we both had graduated. At that time neither of us were looking for a serious relationship, but we were inseparable after our first date. On our one year anniversary as boyfriend and girlfriend, we had professional photos done at The Roswell Mill, and that is exactly where Michael proposed two years later. The location holds a special place in our hearts!

What the couple has been up to since the wedding: A week after our wedding, Michael started traveling Monday-Friday for work. In December of 2018, Michael was offered a job opportunity in Orlando, Florida that did not require travel. We immediately said yes, and moved there two months later!! We have been in Florida now for a year and a half and are loving every bit of it. We are hoping to start a family very soon! We have spent the weekends exploring the sunshine state, which typically consists of going to Disney or the beach, and trying new restaurants.

Texas Safari Shoot

At the beginning of March we had the privilege of coordinating our first styled shoot in the Hill Country of Texas and it was absolutely breathtaking. Not only was this shoot unique because of the location, but it also featured fourteen military spouse creatives! There were five photographers, a potter, two models, a hair & make-up stylist, a graphic designer and a professional baker to name a few. Creatives in the military spouse community aren’t always able to showcase their talents so this shoot gave them the opportunity to do exactly that and support one another on their journey’s afterwards.

Our owner, Karen, who is also a military spouse, chose a terra cotta, dusty rose, cream and grey color palette which were perfection against the desert scenery. Karen’s inspiration was drawn from the venue’s atmosphere which she explains further below.

From Karen: Upon entering the resort, you feel as though you have transported to a continent where wild animals roam free. The venue’s property encompasses over thirteen thousand rolling acres of oak trees and wild grasses so the animals at this ranch certainly do just that. I wanted this shoot to incorporate the exotic nature of the property, along with some romantic bohemian elements which I pulled in with a soft color palette.

Being a military spouse can also often feel like a safari itself; there are points of excitement and things you may not have expected to see, but overall it is a beautiful adventure that is uniquely your own.

Thank you to all of the vendors and military spouse creatives who supported this beautiful shoot! Scroll on to see the lovely photos!

Wedding Dress - Olivia Grace Bridal , Cake/Desserts - Side Hustle Sweets , Florals & Event Design - Winey Blonde Events Co. , Groom’s Attire - Generation Tux , Linens - BBJ Linen , Rentals - Cru Vintage Rentals , Pottery - Julia the Potter , Hair & Makeup - Kendra Hittinger , Venue - JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa , Invitation Designer - Katrina Gotschall , Models - Courtney & Donovan Kennedy , Marketing Coordinator - Erin Beene , Day of Assistant - Jessica Reagan

Photographers - A Wanderlust Narrative , Calle Fortun Photography , Asia Woodmancy Photography , Gillian Menzie Photography

Photography featured in this blog post: Erica Lauren Photography

Allison + Gerrit

We know so many of you have had to make tough choices this last month with the unexpected crisis effecting our country and weddings worldwide. Our couples and vendors who are working together to reschedule weddings have inspired us and as a result we want to showcase our own couple’s love stories.

Today we are celebrating Allison and Gerrit’s love story and dreaming of their wedding day in the North Georgia mountains. We wish we could be celebrating their wedding day today in person, but this pandemic has unfortunately forced them to change dates. While we all navigate these uncharted waters, we hope you will remain positive and remember that love isn’t cancelled.

Photography: E.A.W. Photography

How they met: Gerrit and I met online through our mutual love of the Dave Matthews Band and had a lot of mutual followers that kinda connected the two of us. This July we will have been together 7 years and we’ve lived together for the last 6! Crazy how time flies. Gerrit and I love being outdoors, hiking, kayaking and spending time with our two dogs. We LOVE going to concerts and have been to more than I can even count.

The proposal: Gerrit proposed to me in Columbus, Ohio with some of our closest friends there. He ordered a round of saki bombs at this fancy sushi restaurant, but instead of the shot glass on my chop sticks he placed the ring on them instead. It was funny, and such a Gerrit way to propose. 

What part of the wedding are you excited for and do you have any advice for other couples postponing?

On our wedding day we most look forward to having all of our closest friends and family in one place.

The best advice I can give for having to reschedule the wedding is just go with the flow! It’s so much easier to not let it get to you and know that it will happen when it’s supposed to. Everything you had planned will still look great! 

Thank you Ally and Gerrit for sharing your love story with us! We can’t wait to see you walk down the aisle later this year!

Stay safe and healthy friends.

-Winey Blonde Events

Sabrina + Beau

Spring is normally our favorite time of the year for weddings, but sadly this year couples have had to put their wedding day dreams on hold due to COVID-19. Our hearts ache for couples that have been effected across the country, but we all must stay positive and remember that love has no date. Sabrina and Beau are one of our Spring couples who were supposed to get married this Friday, but unfortunately had to postpone. While they patiently wait for their new wedding date to come, we wanted to share their love story and how they have remained positive during this time.

Photography: Sol Flower Photography

How they met: Our story is an interesting one for sure. We met the summer of 2011 just before my Sophmore year of high school, which was his Senior year. We were in sports and JROTC together, and became pretty great friends. We flirted a bit when we were single around the same time, but never pursued more. When I left for college in 2013, we fell off for a while; different states, different schools, different careers... and then one day in my Senior year of undergrad (2017) I sent him a message on Facebook. Within the month, we had made plans to hang out in Galveston, Texas for 4th of July! We started talking then, fell madly in love despite it being long distance, and officially started dating on December 10th 2017.

The proposal: We both enjoy being outdoors and going hiking or camping, and I accidentally ruined the plans he had made for the proposal without knowing, because I said I didn't want a cheesy proposal like in the Grand Canyon at sunset... oops! So he changed plans (which he told me later) and proposed on a beautiful bridge in Waco, Texas after sunset when the lights came on, on November 24th 2018.

What part of the wedding are you excited for and how have you stayed positive through all of this? I am looking forward to the theme really coming together for our wedding. We went with a roaring 20's theme, and went all out with a prohibition bar serving custom prohibition cocktails. It will be so much fun seeing all of the dresses and watching people dance and enjoy the party.

We have had several obstacles to combat due to the COVID-19 situation, and I can honestly say it has not been easy. I am going to miss my April wedding dearly, the mountains are always so beautiful in the spring and the cherry trees were going to look so stunning as an archway of flowers for us, but some good has come from it too. We are able to have guests who previously couldn't come due to school year restrictions, including close family. July is also my birth month, so now our anniversary will fall less than a week from my birthday, which just means double the celebrations! I have always loved July any way, and having a Friday wedding in the summer just seems like the best way to party at that time of year.

What advice would you give to other couples? My advice for other brides who may be experiencing having to move a wedding, especially one you have been planning for 2 or more years, is just to look at the absolute positive. Everything is crashing down, and the day feels cursed by the events unfolding, but in the end you will be married to the love of your life, and everyone who matters will still be there to celebrate this stepping stone into your new life together. Your venue may have minor adjustments to compensate for the time of year, but they may actually add a lot of character you never considered before, and in the end everything will be perfect because it is exactly how you planned it. Roll with the punches, keep your head up, and look for new things to love about your new date. Also, try to pick a day that holds significance, even if it's not exactly spot on. Go with a similar month or a similar date or a day of the week that holds value instead of arbitrarily picking a new random day. It will help you pick yourself up a little bit more, and give a new spark to the changes you had to make.

Thank you so much Sabrina and Beau for letting us share your love story! We absolutely cannot wait to celebrate with you in July!

We hope all of our Spring couples remain positive during this unprecedented time and stay healthy.

-Winey Blonde Events Team

Ashley + Nathan

Nathan and Ashley met shortly after she moved to Augusta to start a new chapter in her life. At the time neither of them were looking for a relationship, but they had an instant connection and would share everything with each other. It wasn’t very long before they started dating and a few years later Nathan proposed on a beach in Tybee Island during the Fourth of July fireworks.

Their wedding has our hearts feeling all the warm, fuzzy feels we need right now. Ashley, was truly a sight to behold in her Calle Blanche gown, which she paired with loose curls and natural makeup. Dusty rose and burgundy were the perfect color palette against their sunset ceremony and reception under a tented sky. The couple personalized their ceremony with a Blessing of the Rings and Blessing of the Hands, which the bride explains below.

From the bride: During the ceremony, my ring was given to his family and his ring given to mine. The rings were passed from family member to family member and each person said a small prayer for our marriage before we said our vows and gave each other the rings. Another special moment we included was The Blessing of the Hands. Nathan's son, Reid, came and stood in between us while we held hands. He draped a three strand cord around us binding our hands together. The colored cords represented man, woman, and God. The minister then said a blessing over our hands, the hands that will build our future, comfort each other, give each other strength when we need it, and hold our family.

From the bride: My favorite part of our wedding day was sitting at the table when the reception first started and looking around at all the people we love most in the world who traveled to be there to celebrate our love. Everything was so beautiful with the table settings, the flowers, and white lights. It was so magical it brought me to tears.

Thank you, Ashley and Nathan for sharing your day with us! Scroll on to see the lovely photos!

Wedding Dress- La Raine’s Bridal Boutique Catering- Talk of the Town Cake- Nothing Bundt Cakes Florist - Blooming Hites Hair - Khadijah Makeup - Kimberly Robinson Photographer- Love Stories Collective DJ & Photo Booth-One Night Entertainment Ceremony & Reception - Kaya Vineyard and Winery