The Classic Wedding Magazine - Winter 2022 by Classic Wedding Magazine

Winter 2022 I Free

Georgia Grace Weddings 706-255-4713 georgiagraceweddings.com

Focused Photography by Beth

CIVIC CENTE R

The perfect location for a beautifully elegant and unique wedding, reception or any special occasion. Making your vision a reality. Wedding and Party Packages Available.

65 Kissam Street 706-367-5754 Focused Photography by Beth

Rooted Wildflower Photography

AN ELEGANT AND TIMELESS WEDDING VENUE. The perfect place to celebrate one of life’s beautiful moments.

Mandy Williams Photography

(706) 521-9322 whitefoxcottage.com terry@whitefoxcottage.com

736 Blacks Creek Church Rd Commerce, GA 30530

Rooted Wildflower Photography

Mandy Williams Photography

Rooted Wildflower Photography

Thompson House is a stunning Victorian farmhouse from the 1880’s. It embodies southern charm and hospitality creating a beautifully unique setting for any event. We can host up to 200 guests. Visit us online to find out more and start planning the wedding of your dreams today!

www.TheThompsonHouseandGardens.com | (706) 296–0945 | TheThompsonHouseandGardens@gmail.com 1431 Atlanta Highway, Bogart, GA 30622

N E W ,

C H A R M I N G

S P E C I A L

E V E N T S

V E N U E

Stonehedge House is a hidden gem located in historic, downtown Buford with over two acres of beautifully manicured landscape, multiple ceremony locations, indoor and outdoor entertaining spaces, and picturesque balconies to create your idyllic event. This is the perfect venue for private parties, corporate events and weddings up to 200 guests.

DATES STILL AVAILABLE FOR 2021 & BEYOND

406 E. Shadburn Ave. • Buford, GA 30518 www.stonehedgehouse.com (404) 647-4705 I info@stonehedgehouse.com

contents

CLASSIC WEDDING MAGAZINE | FALL / WINTER 2021-2022

13 10

31 38

{ ON THE COVER } FALL ISSUE

In The Woods 2173 Cartersville Hwy, Rockmart, GA 30153 (770) 634-3216 www.inthewoodsevents.com

See more about In The Woods on pages 24- 25 Photograph by Catherine Cansler Photography

WINTER ISSUE Georgia Grace Weddings 706-255-4713 www.georgiagraceweddings.com

Herty Field

Colorful Fall Wedding

Morning Rehearsal Celebration

REAL WEDDING

See more about Georgia Grace Weddings on pages 24- 25

Should You Invite Kids to Your Wedding?

Booking Entertainment

TIPS FROM A PRO

Photograph by Amanda Olivia Photography Facebook “f ” Logo

LIKE FOLLOW PIN

CMYK / .eps

Facebook “f ” Logo

CMYK / .eps

REAL WEDDING

LOCAL FAVORITES

TIPS FROM A PRO

REAL WEDDING Boho Dreaming

WEDDING IDEA

WEDDING CHECKLIST

Anna Shackleford Photography

It’s more than a wedding, it’s a historic moment. Venue | Planning | Floral Design

255milledge.com

FROM

the editor Publisher Susan Alvarado Editor Kaitlin Hawthorne Contributing Editors Brenden Robertson Mary Ellen Baker

Celebrate

Creative Director Ryan Litts Web Design Kaitlin Hawthorne

We could all use some celebration! There’s something so magically romantic about this time of year. The longer nights, the candlelight, the cinnamon spice, and everything nice, it’s just wonderfully cozy. This season is full of celebrations and togetherness and is a perfect time to add your special day to the mix. There are so many themes that can go along with this time of year, so break out the richer jewel tones, add in some metallics, or design a wintery wonderland. The possibilities are endless. We packed this issue full of wonderful local vendors and ideas for your wedding. We hope they inspire you. Use one of the vendors or ideas for your next event. We’d love for you to tag us on social media.

in l t i a K

Advertising 770.364.7491 info@classicweddingmagazine.com McMahan Productions PO Box 897 Suwanee, Ga 30024 The Classic Wedding Magazine PO Box 897 Suwanee, GA 30024 www.classicweddingmagazine.com The Classic Wedding Magazine A McMahan Productions publication McMahan Productions, LLC All rights reserved. The Classic Wedding Magazine is published quarterly by McMahan Productions. The opinions expressed by contributing writers are not necessarily those of the editor, the publisher or of The Classic Wedding Magazine. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without prior consent of the publisher.

Now booking for Summer 2020 and beyond 600 South Broad Street, Monroe, GA 30655 • www.thefactoryatwaltonmill.com • info@thefactoryatwaltonmill.com • 678-699-0733

Meghan & Kevin Meghan and Kevin planned a unique and intentional celebration for their special day, February 29, 2020. They included some of their favorite, meaningful Athens locations in their day, as well as incorporating sweet family traditions. First of all, Meghan chose a beautiful red gown as her wedding dress and she was absolutely stunning! And, of course, what could be a more appropriate color for a wedding ceremony on Herty Field on UGA’s North Campus? Their day together began at the location where it all started for them, Five and Ten Restaurant in Five Points. Kevin stood at the exact location where he first met his future bride, and awaited her for their “first look” on their wedding day. The restaurant was empty save for the happy couple and their photographer who captured the magical moment. For their ceremony, Meghan and Kevin read notes each had written for the other, which were sweet and nostalgic, but the most touching was when each of their mothers read selections they had chosen based on Meghan’s and Kevin’s childhood experiences. Their ceremony was planned with warm, intentional moments that reflected not only their love for each other, but also for their families. At the end, they opted to revise the traditional lighting of the unity candle to include all their guests. Candles were lit at the back rows and the flames were passed forward while guests sang “This Little Light of Mine,” culminating with Meghan and Kevin lighting the one candle up front signifying their union in marriage. Following the ceremony, more photos on North Campus, and a brief stop at another Athens favorite, The Globe, for a quick celebratory drink, Meghan and Kevin joined their guests at their last favorite spot of the day, Little Kings Shuffle Club, for a joy-filled evening featuring great food, music and dancing. At the end of the night, Meghan and Kevin departed to cheering amid the waving of colorful glowsticks as they walked into the night; a fitting exit to a magical day of celebration!

Vendors CeremonyVenue: Herty Field Reception Venue: Little Kings Shuffle Club Officiants: Rachel Sanders & David Alexander

Florist: Gardenia FLoral Design Photographer: Christian David

DJ: Brian King Caterer: Trumps Wedding Coordinator: Georgia Grace Weddings

TIPS FROM A PROFESSIONAL

Should you invite kids to your wedding?

Business Partner: Mary Ellen Baker, Georgia Grace Weddings

ne of the first and hardest decisions couples face after their engagement is deciding on the guest list. This process can be difficult, especially when you need to limit your number of guests. Many couples are choosing to have an adultonly wedding for numerous reasons.

BENEFITS OF AN ADULT-ONLY WEDDING: Cost ~ For every guest, couples must factor in the cost of food, drink (even non-alcoholic), table space, and more. The number one way to reduce wedding expenses is to lower your guest count. Children’s meals may cost less than adults, but they are still quite expensive comparatively speaking. Benefit #2 ~ Atmosphere. As much as everyone (well most everyone) loves children, some venues/events aren’t appropriate for them. Take into consideration if you are having an open bar, uncensored music, and/or just want your adult friends to be comfortable letting loose. Children love to dance, but having your dance floor taken over by kids is less than ideal. HOW TO INFORM YOUR GUESTS: Be Clear & Consistent ~ You’ll need to decide what age is considered a child and stick to it. Exceptions for flower girls or ring bearers are allowed because this is YOUR wedding! Inform Guests Early ~ This will help them be prepared to make childcare arrangements. Do this by stating the exact names of invited guests on the

invitations. You can go a step further and use the wording, “We have reserved 2 seats in your honor.” Spread the Word & Be Positive ~ Be sure to include the Adult-Only wording on your website. Remind parents this is their chance to enjoy a night out celebrating. “While we love all of the children in our lives, we have decided to host an adults-only ceremony and reception.” Be Understanding but Firm ~ If a couple tells you this will force them to miss your wedding, simply tell them you understand and hope you can get together at another time to celebrate. ANY ROOM FOR COMPROMISE? (SURE, IF YOU WANT)... On-Site Babysitter ~ Many couples arrange this in advance and ask on the RSVP card if this service will be needed so they have an accurate count of children. Unfortunately, some parents aren’t comfortable leaving their child with a “stranger” or use this as an opportunity to bring their child since they have already traveled to the wedding. Adult-Only Reception ~ You could have an all-inclusive ceremony and then make arrangements for children to return home before the reception or stay on site with a sitter. Regardless of the pros and cons, make the decision that feels best for you and your fiance. There are lots of events that are perfect for children, but your wedding doesn’t have to be one of them.

Mary Ellen Baker Georgia Grace Weddings See Our Ad on: Fall Edition Page 23 Winter Edition Pages 24-25

Commerce Civic Center

706.335.6417

civiccenter@commercega.org

All Source Travel YO U R L O C A L HO N EYM O O N SP E C IA L I ST

Ti na Mu s s elw h ite | 7 70 - 6 05 -374 3 | a l l s ou rc e t r avel@hot ma i l .c om

. s e v a LOCAL f

BrideLights provides light up custom marquee letters, uplighting, and fireworks for your big day!

linktr.ee/BrideLights 

Personalized Cake Toppers Adorable clay whimsical figures made to look like you that will last for decades

Art by Dianne McAlexander Live Wedding & Studio Painter 404.502.9275 artfulsoul.now@gmail.com Instagram @artbydianne facebook.com/artfulsoul.now artbydiannemcalexander.com

nicolewclark@gmail.com www.nicolewclark.com 16

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Maggie Dunn Photography

Rehearsal Dinners & Welcome Parties Indoor & Garden Ceremonies Wedding Receptions Beverage Catering Entertainment Booking

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Maggie Dunn Photography

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Best place to get married in Athens! I can't say enough good things about Live Wire Athens. If I could give them more than 5 stars, I would. Live Wire was the first venue we visited after getting engaged, and after leaving that day, we didn't bother looking at any otherswe were in love! -Mackenzie

Maggie Dunn Photography

GOOGLE

L I V E WIRE ATHENS Family hospitality with professional service for your custom occasion.

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LiveWireAthens.com/Weddings 706.543.8283

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Star & Jacob

The couple met while attending college at UGA and they were together for almost two years when Jacob proposed. He proposed at Star’s favorite spot on campus which was a bench on the trail that runs behind the intramural fields. They looked at a couple different venues before The Thompson House, but when they visited it, they instantly fell in love. Star & Jacob both knew that it was where they wanted to get married. It was just so beautiful and they loved all the greenery it had outside. Star always wanted to get married in the fall and so they could have the ceremony outside and not be too hot, but never planned on Halloween. It just happened to be the date that worked for both the venue and the coordinator. Since it was going to be on Halloween Star wanted the colors for the wedding to feel fun and moody. They are in love with how everything turned out! Because of covid the couple decided to have the wedding just be immediate families and the wedding parties. Their officiant was actually Star’s former youth pastor who Ishe knew growing up. It was really special that he was the one to marry Star and Jacob. Even though the couple didn’t have the big wedding they had originally planned, it was still a really special and fun day that they will cherish forever. 19

Vendors Venue: The Thompson House and Gardens Photography: Audrey Herron Photography

Videography: Adair Kucera Photography Caterer: Cali n’ Titos Florist: On Guest -Thompson House

Cake: Classic City Confections Coordinator: Sammy Kesner Jackson & June Events

9 Oaks Farm is located in rural Monroe, Georgia, only 25 minutes from downtown Athens and a short drive from Atlanta. The sprawling landscape and rustic barn sets the scene for an intimate wedding surrounded by cultivated gardens, towering trees, and pastoral fields. With a capacity of 200 guests, an in-house florist, a variety of decor and onsite tables, chairs, and linens, 9 Oaks Farm handles the heavy lifting of wedding planning!

(706) 296–0945 | www.9oaksfarm.com | 9OaksFarm@gmail.com 2425 Highway 83 Monroe, GA 30655

ROM A NCE , DEVOT ION A ND PA SSION… ONE C A N ON LY FOR E SEE H A PPY BEGI N N I NGS Northwest Georgia’s newest, state of the art event venue. Surrounded by 250 acres of beautiful greenery and lush woodlands,

2173 Cartersville Hwy, Rockmart, GA 30153 770.634.3216 | catherine@inthewoodsevents.com inthewoodsevents.com

Chase Lanier, Mike Moon Studio

In the Woods is just the place to make your fairytale Wedding come true. In the Woods offers all inclusive style Wedding Packages including a Wedding Coordinator, DJ, Flowers and much, much more…

Congratulations - You are engaged!!! Now what? Unfortunately, for many couples, this is where things can get stressful. You’ll need to figure out a budget, guest count, venue, vendors, and more, in a relatively short period of time; all while navigating two families’ thoughts and opinions. And that’s just the first step. About now, you may be asking yourself when are you supposed to enjoy your engagement?! That’s where we come in! Georgia Grace Weddings offers event planning and coordination. We understand the process can be overwhelming, especially since planning a wedding can feel like a full time job. Our role is to help you and your fiance navigate the endless choices and decisions. On your wedding day, your coordinator will ensure your vision is brought to life. Therefore, we like to have unlimited, open communication with our clients and truly invest in getting to know you as a couple. We take the task of planning and/or coordinating your wedding very seriously. We set our bar of standards extremely high and then strive to jump over it to exceed all expectations. A wedding coordinator is not a luxury; it truly is an essential part of a stress-free, organized wedding! Georgia Grace Weddings would consider it an honor to be chosen to help plan the start of your forever.

Mary Ellen Baker / 706-255-4713 www.georgiagraceweddings.com

Outside Wedding...Inside Reception

Wedding/Reception starting at $700! Rehearsal Dinners starting at $350!

Double Oaks Golf Club is the perfect setting!

doubleoaksgolfclub.net 706-201-5895

3100 Ila Road, Commerce, GA

Photo from I Do Pews

t r a e h t e e w S Special!

Book your wedding with Daffodils Design Studio before February 14th and get FREE use of Photo Greenery Wall backdrop with “Celebrate” neon sign added to your Floral Decor Package!

Daffodils Design Studio

Decorating the Southeast Since 1991

Huge Selection of Wedding Decor • Linens Lighting • Lounges • Bars • Strolling Tables By Appointment Only

678-467-7683

daffodilstudio@windstream.net daffodilstudio150

Wedding and Special Event Planning

Let us make all your Dreams become Lasting Memories! Our professional consultants handle all the details so you can enjoy your party! Now booking 2022 & 2023 celebrations. *Our first meeting is complementary*

C. M I . I . U

N I STR I E

Simply I Do Wedding Officiate

Rev. Katherine Bianga

wedding offi ciants Your Wedding Your Way and wedding planners Local or Destination

Simplyido@yahoo.com Georgia Notary 678-963-6649 14 Years of Experience with Destination Weddings Outdoors or Indoors Located in Georgia But Will Travel

906-420-2967 Magical Moments at

rris ead

sense of f people d there, a d a sense at better marriage?

The William Harris Homestead 3636 Georgia Highway 11 Monroe, GA 30656

319 McDaniel Street Monroe, GA 30655 770.267.5884 770-267-5602 www.mcdaniel-tichenor.org info@mcdaniel-tichenor.org www.harrishomestead.com

William Harris HOMESTEAD

Let Simply I Do officiate and/or plan your upcoming wedding. We do small intimate weddings, traditional weddings, elopements, courthouse/justice of the peace weddings, theme weddings and vow renewals. Our goal is to make your day special.3636 Just Georgia the way you want 11 it! Highway Monroe, GA 30656

770-267-5844

Marcia Smith –

Owner/Lead Officiant & Planner

www.harrishomestead.com Tammy Niles – Officiant & Planner Bailey Ballentine –

Officiant & Planner

Gloria Dean – Officiant/planner

19803.5.1.026.McDanielTichenor.SimplyIDo.indd 1

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Three All-inclusive Venues With Something for Every Bride!

The Corner District: Minimalist, industrial with tons of natural light

3 VENUE SPACES FOR PARTIES OF 20 TO 200 | THECORNERDISTRICT.COM

The Lodge at Old Mill: 12,000 sq ft log lodge with creekside ceremony area CAPACITY 250 | LODGEATOLDMILL.COM

The Barn at Tatum: White wedding barn with beautiful mountain views CAPACITY 100 | TATUMACRES.COM

We cover it all

Party Supplies, Wedding and Event Rentals, Construction and Homeowner Equipment Rentals. Serving Athens, GA & the surrounding areas since 1965

706.543.3486 or info@barronsrental.com We pride ourselves on the fact that “we cover it all” with our wide range of rental equipment and services available to the Photo Courtesy of area -- we provide everything to make your event great including party supplies, wedding supplies and services, tents, tent accessories, equipment rental, lighting and much more!

We pride ourselves on the fact that “we cover it all” with our wide range of rental equipment and services available to the area -- we provide everything to make your event great including party supplies, wedding supplies and services, tents, tent accessories, equipment rental, lighting and much more!

706.543.3486 340 Hawthorne Ave. | Athens GA 30606 info@barronsrental.com | www.barronsrental.com We currently are the Best Party Rental Company, as elected by the Georgia Elite Bridal Association. We have also earned many badges from being published on major blogs, such as Style Me Pretty, Martha Stewart Weddings, Ruffled, and many many more.

The State Botanical Garden of Georgia oﬀers a host of beautiful spaces for weddings and events both great and small.

2450 S. MILLEDGE AVE, ATHENS • (706) 542-6467 • SBGRENT@UGA.EDU BOTGARDEN.UGA.EDU

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC • Furnishings • Kitchen Supplies • Refrigerated Equipment • Storage & Transport Solutions • Chef ’s Apparel • Beverage & Bar Supplies • Cleaning Products • China & Linens 210 Sandy Creek Road Cooking Equipment Athens, GA •30607

8:30 am - 5 pm Mon - Fri 706-549-7088

210 Sandy Creek Rd. 8:30 am - 5:00 pm Athens, GA 30607 Monday - Friday

Visit our showroom or shop online www.manningbrothers.com

visit our showroom or shop online - www.manningbrothers.com Toll-free: 1-800-554-3004 Local: 706-549-7088 Fax: 706-549-8403 OVER 70 YEARS SUPPLYING THE FOOD SERVICE INDUSTRY!

TIPS FROM A PROFESSIONAL Choosing Your Musical Entertainment Business Partner - Brenden Robertson, Live Wire Athens

our wedding has already been a ton of work and yet the big day isn’t even here! The repetition is setting in as you choose your vendor candidates, negotiating and scaling, trying to spend wisely, etc. As you check down your list, you are destined to reach this crossroads: Band, DJ, or Playlist? Take a breath and ask yourself, “How will I remember this day for the rest of my life”? Quick answer: by ditching the playlist! First and foremost, educate yourself on who you want to book and what they do. Understand their sound and their vibe. Don’t bet the atmosphere of your party on blind recommendations from a future in-law that “knows good music”- even if they offer to pay for it. Just do your research and fuse your musical taste with the nostalgia you wish to create. Neuroscience supports that our experiences can be triggered by songs. When the song you love meets the people you love, in the same space and time, you subconsciously associate them together in the future. Choose professionals. Entertainers, at the top of their game, will appropriately demonstrate talent, showmanship, and professionalism. Look for these traits through your research and their media. The act should have strong media assets that include a website, promotional video, repertoire (song list), 5-star reviews or positive testimonials, and the types of events that they accommodate well. Sorry-not-sorry, but your cousin with the garage band, or the close friend that will DJ for cheap, is the wrong choice. Do good business. The order by which you ask for information matters. You should structure your proposal and be deliberate, but that doesn’t mean to show all of your cards upfront - like promptly offering up your max budget. Begin with an email asking if the particular date is available with some general details outlining the time of day/night and the city/locale. Some will come back unavailable, so don’t waste time composing a long intro email. If available for the play date, they will come back to you wanting to know the budget and type of event.

After you have their attention, set up a phone call to discuss further. A phone conversation gives both parties a better sense of each others’ personality. Determine your energy, volume, and your budget. Many wedding bands modulate the size and scope of their act based on budget and availability. But you need to equate the size of the band with the energy and volume that is right for the guests in the space. More band members typically means louder volumes. You should understand these concepts when negotiating. You could be interested in a band both with a 3-person horn section and latin percussion, but will the extra $400-$2000 add-on overwhelm your budget? Will the extra volume overwhelm your guests’ ears (maybe you want the extra umph)? Does the venue already have a great presentation with PA, lighting, and technical staff specifically there to support the act? Many wedding bands or DJs are expected to run their own lights and PA speaker package, and will quote the same with or without, be aware and discuss. If the venue provides the technical package, then you should already have the contact information in-hand for your entertainer and staff to share details, i.e. advance. Band or DJ? The modern answer is both. The modern wedding/corporate band is a cover band, playing music by original artists from the mainstream. They are composed of, but not limited to, both female and male lead vocalists, multi-instrumentalists that can sing backups, multi-timbral instrumentalists that can produce and recreate sounds of other instruments and familiar melodies, and a DJ that can emcee and playback. Not only are hit songs at a DJ’s fingertips, but guide tracks (sounds that cue the band), sound effects, and samples too. Additionally, a DJ can serve to offer a setbreak to the rest of the band. All in all, the band with the DJ is the rounded solution if you need a small band but want a big sound. Your budget may be big or small, but at the end of the night if you are happy with the results, then show a fine gesture to your entertainment by tipping and feeding them.

Brenden Robertson Live Wire Athens See Our Ad On Page 17

Jenny & Kasey

Jenny and Kasey both grew up and married in their hometown but their story began a long time before. Their parents’ land adjoined each other and their families were friends through the years. Both enjoyed farm life and Jenny loved animals. Kasey purchased an injured goat and as Jenny was in nursing school he used the goat to get Jenny to his house. Kasey said that he knew that day he would marry Jenny. They started dating during COVID and so dating was eating at home, driving country roads and listening to music. Their first official date was going through the drive through at Zaxbys because restaurants weren’t open for inside dining. Zaxbys is still one of their favorite places to eat. Kasey proposed to Jenny on Christmas Day at the family farm. One Sunday Jenny wanted to stop by Hidden Acres Wedding and Event Barn, which was only 5 min from home. Jenny wanted an outside wedding and the barn was a perfect place for the reception, so the venue was booked that day! Jenny always had in mind what she wanted her wedding dress to look like. The second dress she tried on would be her “yes to the dress”. When the dress and veil came in, it was a perfect fit! It was as if the dress was handmade especially for Jenny! Jenny dreamed of a “boho country” wedding. She and Kasey cut their own Pampas grass for the vases. Close friends and family members turned it all into a beautiful boho wedding. The morning of the wedding, the rain began. This was supposed to be a 5:00 outdoor wedding yet the rain was changing their plans. At almost 2:00 it looked like the rain was stopping and would hold off until 6:30. They started moving all the chairs outside and had a beautiful outside wedding. Jenny said she would go barefoot and all the bridesmaids went barefoot too while Kasey wore the snakeskin cowboy boots Jenny had found for him. Jenny and Kasey picked a very special date for their wedding. It was her grandparent’s 61st wedding anniversary and she surprised them with their own small wedding cake. The celebration ended with Jenny and Kasey riding off in the rain in a big 359 Peterbilt truck, in memory of Kasey’s grandfather.

Vendors Venue: Hidden Acres Wedding and Event Barn, Gillsville, Ga Caterer: Crumbs and Yums, Athens, Ga

Photography: Bethel Weddings - Mike Parker Videographers: Lilly Hammer and Patrick Woods

Wedding Cake: Truelove Celebrations Decorations and Flowers: Vivica Odonnell and Carly Simmons.

Choose the perfect setting for your special day... GA

J & J Bunkhouse

Brady Inn B&B & Wedding Gardens

Kick up your heels in Rutledge, GA

Dance under the stars in the heart of historic Madison, GA

Contact the Brady Inn 706-342-4400 www.BradyInn.com 250 N. Second Street Madison GA 30650

The Wedding of Your Dreams Awaits You! Discover Madison and Morgan County – the premier wedding destination in Georgia’s Lake Country. With unique and beautiful venues and a wide array of local bridal services and wedding professionals, every dream is possible!

www.madisonmorganweddingresources.com www.facebook.com/MadisonMorganWeddings

Madison-Morgan

Wedding a s s o c i a t i o n

19803.5.1.037.BradyInn.MMWA.indd 1

Madison Morgan

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Just Say “I Do” to a Rehearsal Brunch!

Vendors Table settings: The Prissy Plate Calligraphy and Signs: Written by Rachel Catering: Lisa Gallardo

Venue, decor, florals: The Corner District Donuts: Giggle Monsters Craft Donuts Photography: Lisa Michele Photography

LISA MICHELE PHOTOGRAPHY 678.979.3125 lisamichelephotography.net E n g a g e m e n t s | We d d i n g s 19803.5.1.048.LisaMichellePhotography.indd 1

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2425 Highway 83, Monroe, Georgia

www.2425warehouse.com

706-296-0945

info@2425warehouse.com

Host your wedding on 17 acres of beautiful, rolling Georgia pastureland in a very private setting dotted with pecan trees, oaks, & magnolias along with a carriage house, a formal garden, a pole barn and 2 quaint cottages for guests!

770-851-3714 brookﬁeldestatega@gmail.com facebook.com/historicbrookﬁeld

706-310-4000 • 16 First Street, Watkinsville, GA • www.sakredbridal.com

Carrie Scruggs HARPIST 706-369-1902 .CS. CS@.

PHOTO BY COURTNEY GOLDMAN

19803.5.1.047.SakredHalf.Scruggs.GlobalEscapes.indd 1

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www.zubcakes.com www.zubcakes.com jen@zubcakes.com jen@zubcakes.com •• 678-837-5497 678-837-5497 Buford, Buford, GA GA

*By *By appointment appointment only* only*

Licensed Licensed and and Insured Insured Home Home Baker Baker

https://www.instagram.com/zub_cakes/ www.instagram.com/zub_cakes https://www.facebook.com/zubcakes/ www.facebook.com/zubcakes

Fresh,always always from from scratch, scratch, luxury luxury cakes cakes baked baked with with love. Fresh, love.

DUNCAN & COMPANY Wedding Wedding Planning Planning and and Fine Fine Jewelry Jewelry

We We can can run run your your reception reception from from planning planning to to cleanup and everything in between. cleanup and everything in between. Engagement Engagement Rings Rings - - Wedding Wedding Bands Bands Bridesmaids Groomsman Bridesmaids - Groomsman Gifts Gifts Wedding Wedding Stationary Stationary

Hyoun Joo Song Ballrom & Latin Pianist • Organist DANCE LESSONS

Take the first step toward a lifetime of romance, learn to dance together.

706-436-7698 FREE first lesson Bride & Groom Father & Daughter Locally Owned and Family Operated for Over 32 Years

3810 Atlanta Highway • Athens, Ga. 30606

706-543-9700

19803.5.1.041.ZubCakes.Duncan.HyungJoo.indd 1

Mother & Son Wedding Party

770-363-3443

www.DancingGardensLakeHartwell.com hyounjoosong@yahoo.com

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Wedding

Checklist

6-12 Months _ Discuss the budget and who will pay for what _ Choose the kind of wedding you will have – theme, date, and time _ Start your (private) pinterest board _ Decide on your venue _ Begin your search at www.classicweddingmagazine.com _ It’s hard to sometimes be concrete on date until you confirm venue! _ Find out church/venue requirements to plan remainder of big day _ Look at reception locations and reserve _ Hire a wedding consultant _ Choose the honored roles – bridesmaids, groomsmen, ushers, flower girl, ring bearer _ Discuss the guest list with fiancé and families _ Discuss honeymoon and reservations _ Give plenty of time to get passport if needed _ Contact Global Escapes on page 29 _ Develop an organization system for contracts, ideas, photos, invitations, gifts, and thank you notes _ Start looking for a wedding gown, veil, accessories and your attendant’s attire _ Start customizing and looking at invitations _ Finalize Guest list _ Begin to send out save-the-date cards _ Select your photographer, florist, caterer, and/or videographer and band/DJ _ Schedule engagement photos _ Sign up for your gift registry

4-5 Months

2 Weeks

_ Place wedding announcement in local newspaper

_ Write seating cards and place cards for the reception

_ Order wedding stationary (invitations, envelopes, programs)

_ Call guests who have not yet responded to wedding

_ Start shopping for the bridal party’s attire _ Book limo/transportation _ Finalize arrangements with a florist _ Select a caterer _ Select wedding cake _ Start planning wedding decorations and book rental items needed _ Decide on wedding favors to go with theme or personalize a gift _ Set time, date and location for rehearsal dinner _ Arrange accommodations for out-of-town guests _ Select and book honeymoon night suite

and rehearsal dinner invitations

_ Decide on rehearsal/receptions toasts –

who you would like to speak

_ Final fittings for yourself and bridesmaids _ Make a wedding day itinerary _ Pick up wedding rings _ Give photographer a photo checklist _ Give musicians a list of your music selection _ Confirm honeymoon plans

2-3 Months

1 Week

_ Buy the cake knife, guest book, toasting glasses and garter

_ Give reception/caterer final number of guests

_ Choose gifts for bridal party, parents and helpers

_ Confirm ALL vendors you have hired and give them the number of

_ Host a “invitation writing party” and send out invitations

_ Customize your wedding vows, if you plan to do them yourself

_ Pick up men’s formalwear and your wedding gown

_ Check state/county marriage license requirements

_ Pack for honeymoon and wedding night

_ Plan rehearsal/dinner, ceremony, reception, menus, and all music involved

_ Clean engagement ring

_ Buy wedding bands _ Trial run of hair and makeup; bring your headpiece (veil) _ Get formal bridal portrait

your wedding consultant

_ Arrange mail collection and pet for while you are on honeymoon _ Remind wedding party and families what time they need to show up for rehearsal

_ Begin putting together your ceremony program

1 Day before

1 Month

_ Drop all wedding accessories and décor off at ceremony and

_ Confirm honeymoon reservations _ Meet with your photographer and videographer for last minute details

reception locations

_ Get manicure and pedicure _ At rehearsal, confirm wedding party and family knows time to be

_ Discuss final details with wedding consultant

ready for pictures

_ Maintain a record of RSVP’s _ Pick up marriage license

Wedding Day

_ Confirm all final payment amounts, dates and times with vendors

_ Send groom special notes and/or gifts throughout the day

_ Select ushers to seat your guests

_ Switch engagement ring to your right hand before the ceremony

_ Mail invitations for rehearsal dinner

_ Make sure the Maid of Honor has the grooms ring and Best Man

_ Select something old, new, borrowed and blue

has brides ring

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Resource Registry ACCOMMODATIONS, HOTELS & VENUES

ACCOMMODATIONS, HOTELS & VENUES (CONT.)

2425 WAREHOUSE AT 9 OAKS FARM 706.296.0945 2425warehouse.com 2425 Highway 83 Monroe, GA See Page 39

IN THE WOODS 770.634.3216 inthewoodsevents.com 2173 Cartersville Hwy, Rockmart, GA 30153 Fall Issue 24-25; Winter Issue 23

255 MILLEDGE HARDEMAN-SAMS HOUSE & GARDENS 255milledge.com 255 South Milledge Avenue, Athens GA See Page 7

JEFFERSON CIVIC CENTER 706.367.5754 cityofjeffersonga.com/civiccenter 65 Kissam St, Jefferson, GA See Page 2

9 OAKS FARM 678.635.7157 9oaksfarm.com 2425 Ga Highway 83 Monroe, GA See Page 21

LIVE WIRE ATHENS 706.543.8283 Livewireathens.com 227 W Dougherty St, Athens, GA See Page 17

BRADY INN 706.342.4400 bradyinn.com 250 N 2nd St, Madison, GA See Page 35 BROOKFIELD ESTATE 770.851.3714 facebook.com/historicbrookfield 1590 Carver Rd, Griffin, GA See Page 40 BUNKHOUSE @ J & J FARM 706.342.4400 Madisonweddings.com 250 Hawkins Ave., Rutledge GA See Page 35 COMMERCE CIVIC CENTER 706.335.6417 commercega.org 110 State St, Commerce, GA See Page 14 DOUBLE OAKS GOLF CLUB 706.335.8100 doubleoaksgolfclub.net 3100 Ila Rd, Commerce, GA See Page 26 HIGHTOWER FALLS 770.748.8588 hightowerfalls.com 771 Hightower Falls Rd, Cedartown, GA See Page 48 44

MCDANIEL-TICHENOR HOUSE 770.267.5602 mcdaniel-tichenor.org 319 McDaniel St, Monroe, GA See Page 27 STONEHEDGE 404.647.4705 stonehedgehouse.com 406 E. Shadburn Ave., Buford, GA See Page 5 THE BARN AT TATUM ACRES 770.862.3537 tatumacres.com 620 Station Camp Creek Rd, Jasper, GA See Page 28 THE CORNER DISTRICT 770.862.3537 thecornerdistrict.com 330 Gilmer Ferry Rd, Ball Ground, GA See Page 28 THE FACTORY AT WALTON MILL 678.699.0733 thefactoryatwaltonmill.com 600 South Broad Street Monroe, GA See Page 9 THE LODGE AT OLD MILL 770.862.3537 lodgeatoldmill.com 330 Gilmer Ferry Rd, Ball Ground, GA See Page 28

ACCOMMODATIONS, HOTELS & VENUES (CONT.) THE STATE BOTANICAL GARDENS OF GEORGIA 706.542.1244 botgarden.uga.edu 2450 S Milledge Ave, Athens, GA See Page 30 THE THOMPSON HOUSE 770.725.6252 Thethompsonhouseandgardens.com 1431 Atlanta Hwy, Bogart, GA See Page 4 WAYFARER HOTELS & EVENTS 678.871.8642 wayfarerhotelandevents.com 114 N Broad St, Monroe, GA See Page 46 WHITE FOX COTTAGE 706.521.9322 whitefoxcottage.com 736 Blacks Creek Church Rd, Commerce, GA See Page 3 WILLIAM HARRIS HOMESTEAD 770.267.5844 harrishomestead.com 3636 Georgia Highway 11 Monroe, GA See Page 27 CATERING, CAKES, COCKTAILS AND RESTAURANTS TRUMPS CATERING 706.546.1320 trumpscatering.com 2026 S. Milledge Avenue, Athens, GA See Page 22 ZUBCAKES 678.837.5497 zubcakes.com See Page 41 DANCE LESSONS DANCING GARDENS LAKE HARTWELL 706.436.7698 dancinggardenslakehartwell.com ENTERTAINMENT CARRIE SCRUGGS HARPIST 706.369.1902 CARRIESCRUGGS.COM See Page 40 EVENT PLANNING DREAM DAY OCCASIONS 770.596.4195 See Page 26

EVENT PLANNING (CONT.) DUNCAN & COMPANY 706.543.9700 3810 Atlanta Highway, Athens, GA See Page 41 GEORGIA GRACE 706.255.4713 georgiagraceweddings.com Fall Issue 23; Winter Issue 24-25 JACKSON & JUNE EVENTS 706.871.8523 jacksonandjune.com See Page 30 MADISON MORGAN WEDDING ASSOCIATION 706.717.0131 madisonmorganweddingresources.com See Page 35 FLORIST & EVENT DESIGN DAFFODILS DESIGN STUDIO 678.467.7683 See Page 26

PHOTOGRAPHY AMANDA OLIVIA PHOTOGRAPHY amandaoliviaphotography.com AUDREY HERRON 678.458.6510 audreyherron.com CATHERINE CANSLER PHOTOGRAPHY 706.537.0004 catherinecanslerphotography.com CHRISTIAN DAVID PHOTO 678.386.9952 christiandavidphoto.com LISA MICHELE PHOTOGRAPHY 678.979.3125 lisamichelephotography.net See Page 38 REAL ESTATE FUNARI REALTY 770.967.9889 funarirealty.com 3704 Village Way,Suite A, Braselton GA See Page 47

RENTALS BARRON’S RENTAL CENTER 706.543.3486 barronsrental.com 340 Hawthorne Ave, Athens, GA See Page 29 MANNING BROTHERS FOOD EQUIPMENT COMPANY 800.554.3004 manningbrothers.com 210 Sandy Creek Rd, Athens, GA See Page 30 TRAVEL ALL SOURCE TRAVEL 770.605.3743 See Page 15 GLOBAL ESCAPES 706.549.1164 globalescapes.com 697 S Milledge Ave # 1, Athens, GA See Page 47

JL FLORAL DESIGNS 770.267.5061 jldesignsfloral.com 120 N Wayne St, Monroe, GA See Page 9 JEWELRY DUNCAN & COMPANY 706.543.9700 3810 Atlanta Highway, Athens, GA See Page 41 OFFICIANTS U.I.C. MINISTRIES 906.420.2967 See Page 27

114 N Broad St, Monroe, GA 30655

678.871.8642

wayfarerhotel.com reservations@wayfarerhotel.com

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Hightower Falls • 770-748-8588 • www.hightowerfalls.com • 771 Hightower Falls Road, Cedartown GA 30125

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