Say Yes! A Guide to Weddings & Celebrations In Georgia’s Lake Country
A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF
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• Luxurious accommodations and spa. • Elegantly appointed spaces for intimate weddings and events. • Grand ballrooms for large gatherings at the James Madison Conference Center. • A garden venue complete with sparkling pond and gazebo for beautiful outdoor weddings and celebrations.
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Say Yes!
2017
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Features
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8 FRIENDS, FAMILY, FUN
TAPPING HOME PLATE
High school sweethearts Bryan and Chris share an emotional union at Stan Mullins’ art studio in Athens.
Baseball fans Katy and Steve first met When Renata and Alex Catherine and Chris as fans of university tied the knot at the incorporate all things football rivals, but even Reynolds Pavilion, her baseball into their before their lovely lake second chance at love ceremony at The Barn wedding, a new team was all she’d hoped it at High Shoals Farm. had been formed. would be.
Lake Oconee
CLASSICAL BEAUTY
NEW BEGINNINGS
Departments 6 From the Editor Editor Tracey Buckalew invites you to Say Yes!
36 The Complete Wedding Checklist Organization is crucial when there is a seemingly infinite number of things on your to-do list. Keep it all in check with our handy time line.
38 Inspired Ideas from the florist Floral Appeal
42 Inspired Ideas from the bakery Flour Power
46 Inspired Ideas behind the camera Tell Your Story
50 Inspired Ideas from wedding planners In Retrospect - Hindsight is 20/20
52 Inspired Information How Much do I Need? Taking the guesswork out of ordering for the reception.
WOOD
SIGN WORKSHOPS & WINE
Private workshops are perfect for a party! Birthdays, Bachelorette parties, Bridal showers, Team building, Fundraising, and more!
54 Wedding Venue List A County-by-County guide to the top wedding venues in Georgia’s Lake Country.
6 Advertiser List
Say Yes! A Guide to Weddings & Celebrations In Georgia’s Lake Country
ABOUT THE COVER: A beautifully styled wedding shoot at Cloverleaf Farm in Arnoldsville, GA. Photographed by Andie Freeman Photography
Board & Brush
119 W. Jefferson St Madison GA 30650 ph: (706) 474-1292 www.boardandbrush.com/madison
A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF
Say Yes ! 2017
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From the Editor
M
y favorite part—by far—about planning for each new issue of Say Yes! magazine is meeting and interviewing the brides for the profile features. Such happiness. Such enthusiasm. Such love. I can’t help but smile and laugh along with them as they gush and giggle over planning successes and fumbles. I love looking at the photos just as you do, I’m sure, but I’m not only looking for excellent photography, I’m also looking for raw emotion and special moments caught by an attentive photographer.
Advertiser List
I had many such moments to choose from when I recieved the photo files for Isabel Bryan Barks and Chris Miller. Fall in love with the story of this effervescent, refreshing couple; tears, laughter and love mixed in the most fabulous of ways. Celebrate with Catherine and Chris at the incredibly gorgeous location of High Shoals Farm where these avid sports fans integrated their love of baseball into a very unique ceremony. Two lake weddings were part of the agenda in this issue. The beautiful couple of Katy and Steve graced the shores of Lake Oconee in a romantic, classically elegant ceremony, while lovely, doe-eyed Renata glided across the lawn of the Falanga lake home dressed in Victorian-esque Chantilly lace. Don’t forget to check out the department pieces! They are full of information to make planning your day easier, as will the countyby-county venue list and the Wedding Checklist! Then, you’ll be ready to start planning the day when you’ll be the one to Say Yes!
Tracey Buckalew , Editor
Athens Wedding Professionals.................27 Aurum Jewelry..............................................53 BankSouth.......................................44 Board & Brush Creative Studio........................5 Bone Island Grillhouse.................................21 Brady Inn.......................................................60 Chris Hudson Couture..................................2 Copperwood Pizza.....................................48 Cuscowilla...................................45 Downtown Greensboro.............................53 Gumucio Plastic Surgery.............................29 Harbor Club...................................Inside Front Jim Boyd & Associates.................................48 JK Linens.......................................................48 6
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say yes! 2017 is produced by Publisher: Patrick Yost Editor: Tracey Buckalew Art Director: Tracey Buckalew Marketing: Dianne Yost Advertising Representative: Robin Canup Circulation: Jesse Walker ADVERTISING Information regarding advertising and rates are available by contacting: CONTACT Lake Oconee Living, P.O. Box 708, Madison, Ga. 30650, or call 706.342.7440 or fax 706.342.2140 ©2017 Main Street Communications, Inc. Lake Oconee Living is a proud member of
and Grand GAMMA award winner 2012.
Le Petit Jardin by Z Grant..............Back Cover Merchants Hall...............................................7 Piedmont Athens Regional..........................14 St. Mary’s Health Care System...................15 The Blind Driver Band.................................49 The Clothing Depot......................................1 The Corry House..........................................53 The Cottages at Mergendollar...............30-31 The Farmhouse Inn.......................................49 The Hall on Foster St....................................28 The James Madison Inn...............................3 The Plaza Arts Center..................................61 Town Park......................................................35 Whitewood Events.......................................41
Merchants Hall 200 W. Washington St. Madison, Georgia • on the Town Park • Events Coordinator (706) 342-6779
Madison’s Most Exquisite Wedding Venue • Perfect for weddings, rehearsal dinners, showers (serving up to 300 guests.) and other celebrations. • Features 9,000 square feet of beautifully appointed space, with crystal chandeliers, a stunning staircase, outdoor veranda, on-site kitchen and more.
Friends.
Family.
FUN.
This is the story of Bryan and Chris Written by Tracey Buckalew Photographed by Love Stories by Halie & Alec
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In a true testament to the sign of ever-changing times, the new tradition is no tradition. Oh, of course the basics are still there…the wedding dress…the vows…the reception… The what is the same, but the how is now up for interpretation. Gone are the days of the classic church wedding where fussy formality and sophistication are the gold standard in which to pull off timehonored traditions. Today’s brides want personalization. They want ceremonies formed from meaning and expression of personal style, opening up a whole new world of possibilities…and they are endless.
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assion and enjoyment of...well, everything…paints a wide swath of delight around Isabel Bryan Barks and Chris Miller. Their admiration and deep love for the other is evident by wide smiles and the choice to integrate small vignettes of a shared past into the wedding details. Double-sided picture frames are scattered around the eclectic, colorful space owned by artist Stan Mullins. Inside, watercolor and ink renderings by Bryan’s friend Ash Conrad depict locations where meaningful milestones were experienced. The opposing side shows the story behind the setting. One such pairing reads, “Clarke Central High School,” and you think this is just a point of reference, but quickly realize it really was the beginning of “them.” “We spent innumerable hours on the first floor of this school, working together on the Odyssey Newsmagazine without ever really getting to know each other. But it helped turn us into the people we are and gave us
a reason to keep running into each other until we realized we were supposed to be together.” A couple more of these lovely views into the story of Bryan and Chris and you’re enchanted. Another, entitled “The Cabin,” solidifies your opinion that this couple find peace of mind and pure delight in the simple company of the other. “It’s up in the mountains, in Blue Ridge. You have to wind your way up and down the slopes, across gravelly creeks, dirt roads, then reach down amongst the crickets to turn the water on before you pull in the driveway. But once you get through all that, you’ll find Coleman’s cabin, where we stayed up late making fires and toasts and listening to the creek gurgle past.” Creative and motivated by the meaningful, this effervescent couple virtually vibrate with shared energy. The result? A wedding day guided by the easy grace of confidence and painted with the vibrant colors of joie de vivre.
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Outside the wedding venue of family friend and artist Stan Mullins, is an elegant garden. Weathered brick, stone and marble form steps and structures in an intimate coliseum-style arrangement. Adorned and accentuated by towering conifers, sculptures and pottery, it is reminiscent of an Italian courtyard. It is in the center of this lovely setting that Bryan’s grandfather, poet Coleman Barks, officiated
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over the ceremony while their friends and family loosely gathered around to watch the emotional union. Creating the guest list and reconnecting with people from every stage of their lives was one of the couple’s favorite parts of planning their day. “Most of our guests had known both of us from when we were growing up. We realized how many people made us who we are. We felt so
Look closely and you’ll see loved collecting “little things” with loved,” she recalls. “Everyone involved in the a tiny car parked on top of which to decorate the reception wedding was tied to us in some the wedding cake, under tables. “I’m really into junking, the words Our Next Odyssey. way. Cecilia [Villaveces] made my The cake topper was chosen antiquing and thrifting, and for first birthday cake, so she made as a nod to the couple’s a while before the wedding, my wedding cake,” Bryan begins. shared history at the Odyssey I collected items to decorate “The band were all family. They’ve newsmagazine at Clarke the tables. Some of those were always been big musicians and Central High School in Athens. amethyst geodes and little light all grew up singing and harmonizing. My cousin bulbs I found. My mom thought it was going was the sax player, and my uncle was on the to look weird and mismatched, but to her keyboard. The women singing? My aunts. They credit, she went along with it. When it was all played “Drive” by the Well Pennies, which was put together, we all loved the way it looked.” appropriate since Chris and I have put 100,000 Further (delightful) evidence of Bryan’s unique style was shown in the effervescent dress she miles on his car. We love road trips!” Eclectic (and enthusiastic about it), Bryan chose to wear. “Bryan has a unique style, so I
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“I got the dress in a little place in DC called Ellies Bridal Boutique. After I’d looked at dozens of dresses, another salesperson walked by carrying that dress. DC is known for its cherry blossoms and the designers at Theia were inspired by those same blossoms. I realized it was a beautiful tribute to DC.”
knew her dress would be different, but I never could have imagined that dress,” comments Chris. “She looked like a fairy wearing a dress made of flowers. Seeing her was the first time I cried that day. It’s hard to capture how beautiful she looked.” It’s difficult for the newlyweds to look back on their wedding and pick out their most favorite moment, as the entire day was filled with abundant love and joy, but one moment does stands out. “The last song of the reception was Purple Rain by Prince,” says Bryan. “Everyone was dancing, singing and swaying. We all had these purple glow sticks, and my little brother started throwing them up in the air. It was purple rain right then. It was an unplanned, spontaneous moment that I’ll remember forever.”
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Bryan has a tattoo on her left foot that says“So much.” We had to ask…. “Dad,” Bryan begins with a sigh, “Ever since I was a little girl, he’d tell me, ‘I love you,’ and end with ‘so much.’ It’s a thing now. He always signs off as …’So much.’ I love that. SO MUCH.”
“I have a really quirky sense of style, and so do my bridesmaids. I saw these unicorn slippers online and thought they were hilarious, and I wanted to give them something fun and different. When Halie [the photographer] saw them, she immediately had an idea of lining us up. It was so fun.”
THE PROPOSAL: “Chris showed up at my work one day, and he was dressed in a suit. It was very unusual, and I knew something was up. I thought it might be a proposal, because we’d been talking about it. It’s important to know it’s coming, right? I would never want to be surprised by someone wanting to marry me.” Bryan pauses as she recollects the details of the day. “He had flowers for me, and he took me to our favorite restaurant for dinner. I was waiting for it to happen all through dinner….looked for it. Nothing happened.” Bryan laughs and continues, “I wondered if he had cold feet, because we left and just went home. But, when we walked in, the house was decorated. There was champagne and more flowers! He sang a song for me that he’d written, and then he proposed.”
Cake Cecilia Villaveces Photographer Love Stories by Halie + Alec www.lovestoriesbyus.com Flowers Gardenia Floral design Hair and Makeup Layne Lasseter of Spa Collective Caterer Marti’s at Midday Dress Designer: Theia. Ellie’s Bridal Boutique, Washington, DC Venue Stan Arts Studio, Athens Music Family and friends
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John Hammonds arrived at St. Mary’s with extreme weakness and arm pain. Emergency diagnostics revealed that he was having a “widow-maker” heart attack. His strong heart had kept him alive long enough to reach the hospital, but time was running out. St. Mary’s rushed him to treatment, re-opening the blocked blood vessel in his heart and saving his
©2017 St. Mary’s
life. Now, he is free to return to the life he loves.
When heart attack symptoms arise, call 911. St. Mary’s is your heart hospital.
See John’s story at www.stmarysathens.org
TAPPING HOME PLATE at the Farm at High Shoals
Written by Tracey Buckalew Photographed by Andie Freeman Photography
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As the bride padded softly across the closely cropped grass in a pair of canvas Keds with baseball-style stitching, her groom wound up for the pitch wearing a red, baseball-themed bowtie. The game was tied and, at the end of the inning, his best girl joined his team as he bent over the plate and she stole...a kiss. The newly appointed Mr. and Mrs. Huskey tapped a custommade home plate after the ceremony, and made one team into one dream. Their day, their way. Perfect.
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n a gorgeous day in May, 32-yearold Catherine Benca married 30-year-old Christopher Huskey at High Point Farm in Watkinsville. It all started as a blind date gone right, turning a chance meeting of two individuals not even looking for love, into a grand slam. “We met on a blind date in Savannah, set up by a mutual friend,” says Catherine. “After dinner that night (Mexican food – our favorite!) we went to a minor league baseball game with a group of mutual friends. There was a lot of laughter throughout the evening. We talked for hours that first night and have been inseparable ever since.” And, according to Catherine, there have been “countless baseball games and tacos since then.” In fact, Christopher proposed to Catherine on their one-year anniversary...at a baseball game. “Christopher took me to to dinner on the night of our one year anniversary. The meal was delicious, and full of so many treats. About halfway through this meal, he asked if I wanted
to catch the Gwinnett Braves game on the way home. As we were ordering dessert, the game was just beginning, so we finished up and made our way to the game. Although it was nearly halfway over, we still got tickets and went inside. As we rounded the top of the lower section of the stadium, I noticed all of these people stationed with their cameras and phones in the air. I began looking around and said, “Honey, someone is getting proposed to, I think!” When
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I turned back around, I noticed the words “Marry Me” in gold letters each held up by one of our friends or family members. I was stopped in my tracks! He got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. It was perfect!” (See photo at left. She said yes!) As is important to many couples, a nod to meaningful people and events are incorporated into their most special of days. For Catherine and Christopher, that nod went to the game of baseball. From the “Huskey” team jerseys hung from the back of the bride and groom’s chairs, to the aisle flowers positioned prettily in mason jars painted white with red baseball stitching, opening day for the Huskey/Benca union was orchestrated with a charming ballpark theme. Perfect party favors were found in boxes of Cracker Jacks bought in bulk and personalized with stickers displaying the names of the bride and groom. The tasty treats were arranged in metal tubs and placed beside jars of peanuts and buckets of baseballs. A wallet on which appears the name Larry Yogi Berra was used to
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carry the wedding rings down the aisle. Modeled from a mitt used during the same era in which the great Yogi Berra played, the wallet was procured by a friend who deals in autographed memorabiia. The stables at High Shoals Farm—a sprawling 15,000 sq. ft.—is perfect for receptions, and had plenty of space for a section to be dedicated to Babe Ruth’s love of a good cigar. The area, dubbed “Babe’s Lounge,” boasted big, comfortable chairs positioned on either side of a barrel topped with classic Perdomo cigars, said to be one of the ball player’s favorites. Ties to the military were also incorporated into this most important of days, a meaningful changeup to the prevaling theme. “Chris is retired military, and the dog tags wrapped around my bouquet are his. Did you see the saber?” Catherine asks. “It was my brother’s sword; he was in the Army Calvary. When our parents were married, they cut their cake with a saber, and we cut ours with my brother’s
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Venue The Barn at High Shoals Farm Wedding Planner Morgan Hall Cake Classic City Confections Photographer Andie Freeman Photography Flowers Gardenia Floral Ceremony Music Athens Wedding Music Reception Music The Highballs Lighting and Rentals Oconee Rentals Hair and Makeup Bombshell Creations Caterer Elegantly Southern Dress David’s Bridal Groom’s Attire Men’s Wearhouse (with handmade suspenders and bow tie) Linens BBJ linen rental sword. “What’s the story with the Love Lock?” I asked Catherine. “You know,” she replied, “That was totally a surprise! High Shoals Farm does that on their own for the couples who get married there. It was really special. The lock had our names and wedding date engraved on it. They gave us two keys – one to save and one to throw over the bridge, to symbolize locking their love forever.” Well on their way to happiness, Chris and Catherine have already formed a strong foundation based on mutual interests, respect, and their strong Christian faith. The couple report they are looking forward to making their house into a home filled with children, laughter and
love. Catherine reports they will be welcoming their first child in April. Sportscaster Bryant Gumbel once said,“The other sports are just sports. Baseball is a love.” It was indeed, the love of the game that helped form a connection between these two sports fans. They learned that in baseball, as in life, all the important things happen at home. Editor’s note. There are three locations for Love Lock bridges in Georgia. One is in Atlanta on the Ralph McGill Beltline (although placing locks at this location is strongly discouraged), one is at High Shoals Farm, and one is located on the pedestrian bridge at the gates to the Canal in Augusta.
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CLASSICAL BEAUTY Written by Tracey Buckalew Photographed by Brandy Angel Photography
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W
It was Saturday, September 11, 2010 in Columbia, SC, and UGA senior Katy Ellard was excited to watch the Bulldogs play their long-time rival, the Gamecocks. Without tickets to the game, she and her sorority sisters found their way to a bar near the stadium to watch the matchup on television. The Dawgs would eventually lose their game to South Carolina, but during the evening, a different matchup would begin play. In this game, both players would win.
ith his brother Will studying at the University of South Carolina, Steve Van Duzer, found that living and working in Western Pennsylvania didn’t allow him to get together with his brother as much as he’d like, and a trip was planned for a football weekend. After tailgaiting all day in the sun, the VanDuzers and a group of their - very enthusiastic - friends descended on (name of bar) to watch the much-anticipated brawl between the UGA Bulldogs and the USC Gamecocks. The neighborhood bar was largely empty…except for a loud group of what looked to be sorority girls. Throughout the game, Steve made eye contact several times with one of the girls, and eventually managed to introduce himself amidst the competitive shouting of each group of game fans. “He was goofy, but very charming,” Katy says as she laughs. “We spent the rest of the game talking.” Steve smiles and nods, remembering the night he first saw her.
“She had the most beautiful eyes of any girl I’d ever met,” he compliments. After the game, Steve asked Katy for her phone number. They stayed in touch, talking and texting often. “He laughed at my jokes,” Katy marveled. “I couldn’t believe it, because I didn’t really think we’d end up meeting again and I was really goofy. We did have a connection, though.” Steve agreed, and eventually travel plans to Athens were made. It was during that weekend together when any doubt of something special between them was washed away. “Sparks flew, and we knew we had something real,” says Katy. Still, life events and career pursuits kept the couple in different states. “I took a job teaching elementary school in Jacksonville, FL with Teach for America, and Steve ended up taking a job in Washington,” Katy begins. “It was a struggle to keep in touch. Even though we felt like something was there between us, we drifted apart. I always thought back to that weekend in Athens though. ‘What if’ was always on my
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mind.” A year or so later, and Steve couldn’t get the pretty blonde out of his mind. He wanted to get in touch, and a fender-bender in the car proved to be just the opener he’d needed. “I texted her that I’d just been in a car accident,” explains Steve. “I knew I’d probably get a response from her, and I did. We kept up contact after that.” Weekend trips to Jacksonville reinforced their growing feelings for the other, and the pair was determined not to let the other slip away; in the fall of 2013, Katy moved to Washington to be with Steve. Another two years flew by, and on May 8,
2015, Katy arrived home from work to find a note on the kitchen table, asking her to go to a tree in the park under which she and Steve loved to sit. He and their yellow lab, Riggins, were waiting for her with a picnic basket filled with wine and cheese. After they shared a meal, Steve asked Katy to take a selfie with him and, as she moved in closer to take the photo, Steve dropped to one knee and proposed. As if on cue, Riggins rolled over in the grass and wiggled his approval. The DRESS “I thought I wanted a form-fitting lace dress for a nice silhouette, but when I tried on a few,
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Wedding Planner No Regrets Events Venue Reynolds Plantation Caterer Hallie Jane’s Cake Sweet Afternoons Photographer Brandy Angel Hair, Makeup Bombshell Creations Dress Designer Wtoo by Watters Dress Shop I do, I do Bridal Boutique Bridal Party Attire Combat Gentlemen/JCrew Floral Kent Duffey Reception Music 306 South Main Lighting/Rentals Goodwin Events
I realized that wasn’t what I was looking for at all,” says Katy. “I wanted to be able to move on our wedding day. I ended up buying a Watters Wtoo “Agatha.” I loved the detail at the top and how fun the tulle was! “I’m pretty tall already, at 5’9”,” explains Katy, “so when I was looking for shoes, I didn’t want to be too tall. I looked for a 2-3 inch wedge, but couldn’t find anything that I felt matched the aesthetic of the wedding. I came across these Keds from Kate Spade and thought they’d be fun and comfortable. I figured no one would see my feet anyway, so why couldn’t they be sparkly sneakers?”
The WEDDING “I spent my summers on a lake in Pennsylvania,” begins Steve, “and I had always wanted to get married by the water. Katy grew up in the Madison area, and her folks live at Lake Oconee. We have spent a lot of time there, so when we started planning the wedding, we knew we wanted to have it in the Marina Pavilion at Reynolds.” Katy and Steve also wanted to include elements that reflected the love they felt for each other and for their guests. Carrying through on that intent, Katy asked her friend Lauren to perform the wedding ceremony. During the
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time she and Katy had been roommates in college, Lauren had been ordained, and she went through the process once again to officiate for Katy and Steve. “Lauren really made it special,” shares Katy. “She inserted personal stories about us throughout the nuptials. It was so nice!” “One of my best friends performed our first song,” says Steve. “He played the guitar and sang Forever Like That by Ben Rector. It was awesome!” Later, the bride and groom shared their day with Katy’s grandfather, to celebrate his 89th birthday. The guests sang to him as Katy and Steve presented him with a cake. “It was personal. It was perfect,” gushes Katy. “Do what makes you happy at your wedding,” she advises. “Don’t worry about what the trends are. Make the day yours!”
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Written by Tracey Buckalew Photographed by Brandy Angel Photography
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The saying goes that “The third time is the charm,” but for Renata Wilson, her second chance at love with attorney Alex Falanga proved her suspicion that her soul mate had been found. Together, with Renata’s two boys from her first marriage, they have formed nary a more perfect union.
“I
at sunset, and the evening was really beautiful.” Great conversation cannot be overrated, especially in the early stages of a relationship, and Alex exceeded her expectations. “I was so impressed with all the questions he asked me. It was clear he was trying to get to know me better. It completely blew me away. He wasn’t anything like his reputation,” Renata confides. “I couldn’t wait to go home and call my friend. I was giddy. I said, ‘Renata Falanga definitely has a nice ring to it. Very Italian!’” Although the chemistry between them was off the charts, Renata was hesitant about falling in love the second time around. “I didn’t want to be hurt. I was more guarded and more cautious this time, for sure,” she admits. “But it didn’t take long for me to fall in love. The children knew, she says, of the fact that she’d fallen in love with Alex. “Jackson and Joshua were supportive, as was their father. We’re still friends,” Renata says, of her first husband, “and we co-parent well together. l It would be five years after their first date
didn’t want to go on a date with him,” admits Renata Falanga. “He had a bit of a reputation for being a ladies man, and I was a single mother of two young boys. I just didn’t have time for that nonsense.” Still, a good friend continued to encourage Renata to meet him. “She thought my maturity and calmness woud be good for him,” Renata recalls. During a birthday lunch with that same friend, Renata was surprised by an unannounced (but obviously invited) guest; the one man she had been adamant about not meeting, had joined the ladies for what turned out to be a very enjoyable lunch. “‘One chance. One date, was what I told my friend,” Renata laughs. “He said he’d call me later, and he did. The next evening when he arrived to pick me up for our date, he was very nervous, but was very much a gentleman. He treated me like a lady, and that was wonderful. Alex had arranged for us to have dinner at the Waterside restaurant at Cuscowilla. It was right
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before Alex popped the question. “He picked me up from my house, and was extremely talkative and nervous,” Renata explains. “We were headed to his parent’s lake house, and there were numerous deer in the back yard and the sun was setting. He suggested we take a stroll down to the dock to look at the deer and watch the sunset. As the sun was setting, he took me by the hand and dropped down on one knee and asked me to marry him. I couldn’t believe it! I was ecstatic! I had waited a long five and a half years for this moment. It was beautiful!” We asked Renata how planning a second wedding may have differed from her first ceremony. “I was so young the first time and there wasn’t a formal ceremony. This time, I knew what I’d wanted the first time and didn’t have.” Having eloped in St. Lucia with her first husband, Renata was thrilled to marry Alex surrounded by friends and family. “My father walked me halfway down the aisle and then my boys walked me to Alex and stood with me for the ceremony. Then the four of us poured colored sand together from bottles with each of our names on them. It was intimate and meaningful. That,” she says, “was the day I’d always wanted.”
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Wedding Coordinator Jana Roper Wedding Venue Falanga Lake Home Reception Venue Reynold’s Plantation Pavilion Photographer Brandy Angel Caterer Hallie Jane’s Catering Cake Publix Lake Oconee Hair & Makeup Zapien’s Salon Dress Designer Everly Bridals by Lori Shoes Bagley Mischka Grooms Attire Men’s Wearhouse Bridesmaids Dresses Rent the Runway Floral Designs by Kent Ceremony / Reception Music DJ Drive Lighting and Rentals Lake Oconee Rental Transportation Lakeside Companies
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The
COMPLETE
CHECKLIST
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cut along dotted line
g n i d d e W er n n a l P
6-12 months
before
Think about the type of wedding you want and the time of year you want it to take place. Set a budget and divide costs. Hire a wedding coordinator, if desired. Compile guest list, and organize addresses. Reserve ceremony and reception venue(s). Finalize wedding date. Choose your wedding party. Order dress, shoes and accessories. Book an officiant. Book a caterer if the venue doesn’t provide one. Book a florist. Order wedding cake. Book music for ceremony and reception. Book a photographer. Send save-the date cards.
4-6 months
before
Reserve rental equipment (tables, chairs, tents...) Arrange transportation for the wedding day. Order stationery, including invitations and thank you notes. Set up a gift registry. Purchase wedding rings. Purchase or reserve groom / groomsmen’s attire. Buy undergarments that your dress requires. Choose wedding favors. Book a room for wedding night. Choose gifts for the wedding party. Reserve accommodations for out-of-town guests. Sign up for dance lessons, if needed.
2-4 months
before
Discuss details of menu with caterer. Discuss service with officiant. Choose any readings for ceremony. Write wedding vows. Schedule rehearsal time. Try out makeup and hairstyles. Mail invitations.
1-2 months before Buy guest book. Have programs printed. Obtain marriage license. (Be sure to request certified copies) Prepare documents to change your name, if intended.
2 weeks
before
Have final dress fitting with shoes and jewelry. Begin seating plan and write place cards. Notify caterer of guest count. Write toasts for wedding reception. Break in wedding shoes at home. Designate someone to look after your home while you are on your honeymoon.
1 week
before
Finalize seating plan. Pick up dress or have it delivered. Confirm details with caterer. Confirm honeymoon arrangements, and give your itinerary to a friend or family member in case of emergency. Pack for honeymoon. Update caterer with final guest count.
1
day before Confirm transportation arrangements for ceremony and reception. Have manicure and pedicure. Rehearse ceremony. Give gifts to wedding party. Prepare payment envelopes for venue and make arrangements for someone to distribute them.
Your Wedding Day! Relax and enjoy yourself!
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INSPIRED IDEAS
from the florist
A
s one of the larger investments of your wedding, the choice of flowers and the arrangements thereof are integral to the execution of your “look.” Extravagant or minimalist, a floral accoutrement is effective in setting the tone of your event. It goes without saying that the setting of a budget (and sticking to it) is necessary to the success of planning your wedding, but what happens if your favorite flower is out of season? Procuring those special blooms may prove a challenge not only to your florist, but also to your budget. Have you fallen in love with tall, expansive centerpieces overflowing with dramatic blooms? Be sure not to choose arrangements that will prevent your guests from enjoying the scenic view for which you booked your venue. Whoops! Yes, the unexpected can and will throw a wrench into your most happy of days, but perhaps we can cut back on those pesky particulars by clueing you in on some of the most common considerations.
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Photo courtesy of Marianne Brown
FLORAL APPEAL
BIGGER MAY NOT BE BETTER. Hopefully you’ve chosen your gown and venue before you meet with the florist. Remember to take a picture of both with you when you meet. Why? Because the design of your bouquet should not only compliment the style of your dress, but also compliment your venue. The bouquet should not overpower nor underwhelm. Your florist can help you make the most of each with the right bouquet and arrangements. PICTURE THIS FACTS: Most brides are nervous. Nervous brides tend to grip their bouquets and hold them up high in front of their chests. Aforementioned highly held bouquet blocks view of the fabulously beaded, sparkly bodice of very expensive wedding dress, particularly when said dress is strapless. In order to get great photos, hold your bouquet with one hand, about waist high, extend it slightly to the side, and relax your shoulders. When choosing your arrangement, keep in mind that heavy bouquets or ones that are asymmetrical may be awkward and tedious to hold for long lengths of time.
Photo courtesy of Distiny Dawn Photography
COLOR SCHEME Many brides choose blooms that perfectly match the wedding party attire and forget that accent colors pop in photos better than those that blend in with the gown behind it. A visit to any home improvement store will provide an opportunity to score a handful of delicious color swatches from which your favorite hues can be matched (and accented) by your florist. THE PRICE OF HAPPINESS Pushing your budget? One way to economize is to relocate your ceremony arrangements to use at your reception. Yes, we thought that was a good idea, too! Use those aisle flowers or lanterns for table accents, and move your altar arrangements to the buffet table! PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Although florists dip flowers in a preservation liquid that boosts their staying power, some blooms are naturally hardier than others. One of the worst offenders of wilting? Hydrangeas. [Collective gasp] Yes, we understand. They’re one of our faves too, but the bitter truth is that they’ll last about three hours out of water. The upside? Roses and orchids are bouquet superstars. Something else to consider is the combined aroma of your multi-varietal bouquet and
Available year-round, succulents have the ultimate staying power. The trendy, colorful echeveria are go-to succulents, as they are varied in color and form. What’s more, they’re easy to get…even from Holland. Le Petit Jardin here in Madison can place an order on Monday and receive it on Friday! As an added bonus, succulents from your cake or bouquet are a breeze to preserve. Cut the end off, being careful to preserve some stem, and plug them into the dirt. The hole from where they were wired into your arrangement will heal.
arrangements. If one type of blossom smells great, a blend of five aromatic types will be even better, right? Ask your Uncle Joe how his allergies are faring at the end of the reception…if he’s still there. Consider your senses—and those of your guests—when choosing flower combinations, as some may be quite heady. GREAT EXPECTATIONS We know you love pink peonies (who doesn’t?) but insisting on them for your spring wedding, when only that particular shade of pink will do —two weeks before the event? Sorry princess. It just may not be possible. Having your heart set on a particular type of flower is not necessarily a bad thing, but your florist needs plenty of time to make your dream come true. Start talking to florists at least eight weeks out. Certainly take photos to your florist, that have the overall look and feel you love. Discuss color scheme and what compromises you are (and aren’t) willing to make. Also discuss the event space and let them help you visualize the room not only from your perspective, but from that of the guests. You might be surprised by what works and what doesn’t. Check out our availability-by-month chart on the next page. It will help you narrow down what blooms are available by season and month.
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Spring
Freesia Anemone Alstromeria Bouvardia Calla Lilies Cornflower Delphinium
Gerbera Hydrangea Iris Lavender Liatris Lilium: Casablanca,
Stargazer Lisianthus Magnolia Orchid: Cymbidium, Polymin Ranunculus
Roses Scabiosa Snap Dragon Sunflowers Sweet Pea Tulip Viburnum
Tulip Alstroemeria Anemone Bouvardia Calla Lilies Cornflower Delphinium
Gerbera Freesia Iris Kangaroo Paw Lavender Lilium: Casablanca,
Stargazer Lsianthus Orchid Cymbidium, Polymin Peonies Ranunculus
Roses Snapdragon A Stock P Sunflowers R Viburnum I
Peonies Alstroemeria Bouvardia Calla Cornflower Delphinium
M A R C H
L
Freesia Stargazer Gerbera Lsianthus Iris Kangaroo Paw Lavender Paper Whites Lilium: Roses Casablanca, Snapdragon
Stock Sunflowers Tulips
M A Y
Other Options for Spring: branches of apple, cherry, dogwood, forsythia, orange, and quince blossoms.
Hyacinthus Alstroemeria Bouvardia Gerbera Dahlia Daffodil Freesia
Iris Paphionopedilum, S Kangaroo Paw Polymin E Lavender Roses P T Lillium: Stargazer Snapdragon E Lsianthus Stock M Magnolia Sunflowers B E Orchid: Cymbidium, Zinnia R Gerbera Iris Kangaroo Paw Lavender Lily of the Valley Liatris Magnolia
Orchid: Cymbidium, Polymin Roses Snapdragon Sunflowers
Alstroemeria Bouvardia Calla lilies Camellia Dahlia Delphinium Gerbera Iris
Kangaroo Paw Liatris LIlium: Stargazer, Casablanca Lsianthus Orchid: Polymin Paper Whites Peonies
Roses Snapdragon Stock Stephanotis Sunflowers
Other Options for Fall: cotton bolls, berry branches, curly willow, fig branches, gourds, and pumpkins.
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Freesia Paphionopedilum, Iris Polymin Lavender Peonies Lilium: Casablanca, Roses Stargazer Stock Lsianthus Orchid Cymbidium,
J U N E
Zinnia Alstroemeria Bouvardia Calla Green Goddess Cornflower Daffodil
Delphinium Freesia Gerbera Iris Kangaroo Paw Lavender Lsianthus
Magnolia Orchid: Cymbidium Paphionopedilum Polymin Roses Stock Sunflowers
J U L Y
Alstroemeria Bouvardia Daffodil Freesia Gerbera Iris
Lavender Lilium Stargazer Magnolia Orchid: Cymbidium Paphionopedilum Polymin
Pussy Willow Snapdragon Stock Roses Zinnia
A U G U S T
Other Options for Summer: peegee and oakleaf hydrangeas, lemons, limes, and succulents.
Fall
Stock Alstroemeria Bouvardia Calla lilies Dahlia Delphinium Freesia
Gerbera Alstroemeria Bouvardia Calla Cornflower Daffodil Delphinium
Summer
Winter
Poppies Alstroemeria Bouvardia Calla lilies Camellia Delphinium Gardenias
Gerbera Kangaroo Paw Liatris LIlium: Stargazer, Casablanca Lsianthus Larkspur
Paper Whites Peonies Roses Tulips Snapdragon Stephanotis Sunflowers
D E C E M B E R
O C T O B E R
Ranunculus Alstromeria Anemone Bouvardia Calla Lillies Camellia Dahlias
Delphinium Gerbera Kangaroo Paw Larkspur Liatris Lilium: Casablanca, Stargazer
Lisianthus Paper whites Roses Snap Dragon Sweet Pea Stephanotis Tulips
J A N U A R Y
N O V E M B E R
Alstromeria Anemone Bouvardia Calla Lillies Camellia Delphinium Gerbera Hydrangea
Iris Kangaroo Paw Larkspur Liatris Lilium: Casablanca, Stargazer Lisianthus Magnolia
Paper whites Ranunculus Roses Snap Dragon Sunflowers Stephanotis Sweet Pea Tulips
F E B R U A R Y
Other Options for Winter: berry branches, cranberries, evergreen garland, pinecones, pomegranates, and snowberries, Dusty Miller, Lamb’s Ear.
Celebration Planning + Design www.whitewoodevents.com
706.340.0440
INSPIRED IDEAS
from the bakery
FLOUR POWER Photo courtesy of Kyle Hitchcock
With Shannon Stubbs of Slice in Milledgeville
Y
our wedding cake is as fundamental to the success of your wedding day as is the choice of music. If the product stinks, everyone will remember that… one…thing, taking your celebration from hero to zero status in the blink of an eye. Today’s brides are more savvy and aware of their options than ever before, and cake bakers have risen to the occasion (pun intended), creating designs and flavor combinations to impress even the most discriminatory bride. Shannon Stubbs, owner of Slice in Milledgeville, finds her family recipe pound cake to be perfect for wedding cakes. “It’s dense but not heavy, and is creamy and rich. It holds its shape well.” From multi-tiered, precisely constructed behemoths to simple, single-tiered creations topped by a sprig of lavender, delicious, decadent confections are carved, molded and frosted into any shape that can be imagined by Pinterest users. Here in the Lake Oconee area, the “rustic”
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Lake Oconee
wedding has been perfected. Mixing glam and sparkle with natural settings has created a romantic, outdoorsy look out of which many swoon-worthy micro-trends have been created. One of our favorites is the elegantly understated “naked” cake. Dusted with powdered sugar or lightly frosted, stacked layers of nearly bare cake, adorned with sugar-sprinkled marzipan fruit or fresh flowers, is surprisingly…pretty. Be aware though, that truly naked cakes – ones with no frosting on the outside at all – will dry out much faster than if there was a very thin layer of frosting applied to the outside. “It makes all the difference,” advises Shannon. It’s all for naught though, if the flavor can’t back up the presentation. “The recipe I use has been handed down through my family,” begins Shannon. “There’s never been a reason for me to change it, and it provides a good base for other flavors, like my signature grapefruit. The homemade grapefruit curd and cream cheese icing give it a delicious, decadent flavor.” A memorable cake is not always defined solely by the taste of the inside, however. The perfect pairing of fluffy buttercream, rich ganache or sleek, high-quality fondant can tip the scale from merely good to exquisite. “A high-quality fondant tastes like a vanilla tootsie-roll,” says Shannon. “It should be delicious. A lot of brides are adamant about not wanting fondant because they’d
Photo courtesy of Two Chics Photography
Helpful hints: • “Don’t be afraid of color,” says Shannon. “There are so many white cakes out there. Think of the last wedding you were at. Do you remember what the cake looked like? If it had been delicious and unusual, would it have been more memorable? Probably so.” • Opening a cake topper that has been in the freezer for a year, only to find it has been freezer burned is gross. According to Shannon, that can be prevented with proper storage. “If I know the bride wants to save the cake topper, I bring a box for it. Wrap it in multiple layers of Saran wrap, and then wrap it in aluminum foil. Basically, the more layers you put on it, the fresher it will taste.”
Photo courtesy of Kasie Tanner Photography
tasted it somewhere else and didn’t like it,” she explains. “This is why taste tests are so important.”
Equally important, she says, is the information provided in the consultation. 1. Know your guest count, which will indicate number of servings. 2. Have your wedding date set. Shannon suggests brides contact any vendor at least 6-8 months in advance. 3. Location of the wedding is also a factor when considering time frame and transportation. 4. Photos of cakes the bride likes are helpful. 5. Know your budget.
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43
IDENTITY PROTECTION. CELLPHONE PROTECTION. BUYER’S PROTECTION.
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BANKSOUTH’S
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www.B A N K S O U T H.com Member FDIC. IDProtect services is a personal identity theft protection service available to account owner(s) and their family. Family includes: spouse, persons qualifying as a domestic partner, and children under 25 years of age and parent(s) who are residents of the same household. IDProtect benefits are available to joint account holders. Benefits are not available to a “signer” or “beneficiary” of the account who is not an account owner. Service is not available to businesses and their employees, clubs and/or churches and their members, schools and their employees/students. Protection is supplemental to and in excess of other insurance coverage which may apply. Refer to Guide To Benefit for complete details of coverage. Contact a personal banker for more details.
An Unrivaled Golf Experience
Nestled amongst towering pines and winding its way across 700 of Lake Oconee’s most scenic acreage, Cuscowilla delivers a golf experience unlike any other in Georgia’s Lake Country. Since 1997, this spectacular Coore-Crenshaw design has been a fixture at the top of rankings among residential and modern golf courses in the U.S. Experience the architectural sophistication for yourself. Contact Cuscowilla today for more information on membership opportunities.
Non-Resident Golf Memberships Now Available 126 cuscowilla drive | eatonton, ga | cuscowilla.com | 706-923-2472
behind the camera
TELL YOUR STORY
Photo courtesy of Andie Freeman Photography
INSPIRED IDEAS
Clothes as text, clothes as narration, clothes as a story. Clothes as the story of our lives. If you were to gather all the clothes you have ever owned in your life, each baby shoe and winter coat and wedding dress, you would have your autobiography. ~ Linda Grant, novelist
T
here’s something decadent about trashing your wedding dress. It’s—quite literally—throwing away money. It’s a flamboyant flip-off to the economy, and a cross-your-fingers type of guarantee that you’ll never need your dress again because you’ve found everlasting love. Yea, I’m still not doing it, but that doesn’t mean you can’t. Let’s count the reasons why this trend is becoming increasingly popular. 1. Empowerment. Feminism is the counterargument to the quintessential female dream of a crisp, white, perfect wedding. Women should be permitted to be as brazen as they want. Today’s woman puts her pants on one leg at a time just as her man does. Does she need to be subjected to the social expectations that go along with the tidy, chaste image of a virgin bride? Heck no. Wear the dress, and then use it to demonstrate equality with your new
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Lake Oconee
partner. You’re just as strong and decisive as he is, even if you’re doing it in a princess dress. 2. Stress relief. Salon appointments, dress fittings, vendor meetings, endless lists and decisions, exhausting schedules... These things build up to a grand intersection—the wedding day. While some brides lock their precious dress away in a vacuum-packed bag, others are donning the dress for one final time….and getting down and dirty. It’s cathartic, they say, to let loose in a pristine wedding gown when they’ve spent the better part of a year in the pursuit of perfection. 3. Symbolism. You’ve kissed a hundred frogs and finally found your prince. It’s the forever kind of love that you’ve stumbled into. You knew he was the one when you asked if he’d pick up feminine products from the drugstore on his way home from work, and he
replied, “Of course I will.” He’s the keeper your mother told you to wait for; there will be no other. As a show of solidarity for the partnership you and he have formed, you have zero qualms about scheduling a fun, slightly naughty photo shoot that may or may not involve paint, fire or creek water. After all, you won’t be needing your wedding dress again. Ever.
All fun aside, the average bride spends around $1,400 on the dress of her dreams. It’s hard to imagine why she would want to demolish a garment that Oscar de la Renta described as “the most important dress in the life of a woman.” Still, the scenarios above do sound fun. What to do? It’s simple. Trash a dress, just not that dress. There are no requirements to be met insisting the dress you wear to your shoot is the dress in which you said your vows. Browse thrift stores or eBay. Find an economical gown for your play day, and schedule that shoot. I have a good friend who bought a fabulous Vera Wang from eBay for $20. She used it in photo shoots with her horse. Who cares if you end up with hay or a little mud on the hem of a $20 gown? The photos were priceless and, after all, that’s what dry cleaning is for. Be subtle, or be striking, but tell your story!
Photos courtesy of Scott Greene @ greeneworks.net
4. Creative re-use. That’s the name of the game when it comes to being environmentally conscious. Your gown served its purpose, and now you’re going one step further and have the time of your life getting the really interesting photos not possible at the wedding because you were afraid to get the dress dirty. You tell the photographer to “Bring it on!” and prepare to let loose. There are no rules here.
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47
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Lake Oconee
706-343-9919
Plan the country wedding of your dreams.. From our picturesque oak tree and lush garden to the beautifully restored chapel, the Farmhouse Inn is the go-to destination for weddings that are anything but ordinary.
Call 706-342-7933 or visit TheFarmhouseInn.com today!
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49
INSPIRED IDEAS
from the wedding planners
IN RETROSPECT Because Hindsight is 20/20
…dedicated to everyone who’s ever said, “Geez, I wish I’d thought of that!” PRACTICALITY Dedicated Email What better way to keep information organized and easy to find than to create a new email for all things wedding? Thoughtful Favors Give the gift of convenience. Sunglasses for sunny outdoor weddings, or flip flops for those tired, dancing feet…think outside the box.
Photo courtesy of Marianne Brown
Guest To-Go Boxes The reception meal was delicious, and your cake is melt-in-your-mouth sinful, but some of your guests are just too stuffed to partake. Have some to-go boxes that can hold a slice or two for later, so it doesn’t go to waste.
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Lake Oconee
Hire a Babysitter If children will be attending the wedding, hire a babysitter and dedicate a room or area for children to play games or draw. A big roll of paper with crayons, Disney movies or a children’s magician will be an instant hit, not only with the kids, but also with their parents!
ROMANCE Change up your Ceremony Seating Surround yourself in love by setting up the guest seating in a circle (or spiral) with you and your beloved exchanging vows in the middle. Candlelight Vows Give each guest a candle as they arrive, to be lit by ushers/ groomsmen before you say your vows. Guests can then
Photo courtesy of Pinterest
Photo courtesy of designingtheaisle.com
Bouquet by soireedesigns.net
“pass the flame” and light the space with candlelight by which you can read your vows. So romantic. Sentimental Bouquet Have something special you’d like to include in your ceremony? Pinning a locket with a photo or a treasured piece of jewelry to your bouquet is a sweet, sentimental way to give a beloved item or person a place of honor. Love Letter Aisle Runner Is your sweetheart an eloquent writer? Even if he/she isn’t, a sweet message (or just your initials) written in elegant calligraphy along an aisle runner is a romantic homerun.
FOOD Food Truck Service What could be easier (and more fun and delicious) than having a couple food trucks serve fast, hot fare? One for main course and one for desserts? Oh yea! Food/Drink Pairings Pair sliders or tapas-style fare with similarly themed cocktails. Try mini tacos with a spicy Paloma or Margarita shooter; mini California rolls with a shot of Sake; Cheeseburger sliders with a mini craft beer… the delicious options are endless! For those who are underage, how about a mini cookie and milk shooter? Yum.
FUN Printed Coasters “Don’t take my drink, I’m DANCING!” Handy. Dandy.
And, your guests can take them home as party favors. Name your Tables Keep your guests involved! Assign a song name or phrase to each table, and when the DJ calls out that name, the guests at that table must bust a move. Advice Cards There’s an endless list of fun questions to have your guests answer. What is your best marriage advice? Where do you see us spending our 10th anniversary? What should we name our first child? What are some fun date night ideas? Be creative! Disposable Cameras One on each table will virtually guarantee moments of hilarity are captured. We’re willing to bet you’ll love the results. Hire a Caricaturist/Cartoonist Who doesn’t love to have a cartoon drawing of themselves? What a great way to provide entertainment and a unique gift at the same time. Rent your Entertainment Consider renting carnival rides and/or a bouncy house to entertain your guests. One thing is for sure - your event will be memorable. Video Guest Box Instead of a mega-expensive photo booth, consider setting up a laptop or camera for guests to record a short video message.
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INSPIRED INFORMATION
HOW MUCH DO I NEED? FOOD
NAPKINS Must. Have. Item. • 2-3 cocktail napkins per guest at the bar area. • 1 cocktail-sized napkin per guest at the cake table. • 1-2 dinner or luncheon napkins per guest at the meal table, unless you’re using linen napkins. If that’s the case, you’ll want to plan on one napkin per guest, then add 50% more on top of that for the ones that are dropped or misplaced. (Because you know that will happen!)
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BEVERAGES Dancing people are thirsty people, and you definitely don’t want to run out of cold drinks. Although you can generally plan on one drink per person, per hour, that will need to be adjusted depending on what kind of crowd you’re hosting. A large number of kids at your celebration? You’ll want to increase your water and/or soft drink numbers. Conversely, if your friends are known for their love of a good party, you may want adjust the alcohol number upwards a bit and err on the side of caution. Check with your vendor when you order. Some companies will allow you to return unopened product. Some consumption averages are listed below to give you a jumping off point. • Beer - Three to four per person. • Champagne - Two glasses per person (for the toasts). • Wine - Three quarters of a bottle per person. One bottle of wine or champagne yields about six to seven glasses. • Soft drinks - Three to four servings per person. A 2-liter bottle holds seven to nine drink servings. • Limes/Lemons - 25 limes for every 100 people • Olives/Cherries - 10 jars each for every 100 people • Water - 2 bottles per person Photo courtesy of Brandy Angel Photography
Hors d’Oeuvres If you’re serving hors d’oeuvres prior to the reception, you’ll want to limit this munchie time to 60-90 minutes, or your guests will fill up before their meals. You can estimate 3-5 hors d’oeuvres per person, unless there will not be a sit-down meal, in which case you’ll need to increase that per person number to 12. Main Meal Start with expecting one plate per guest, with the assumption that children will eat approximately half of what an adult will consume. Also expect last-minute additions to arrive (perhaps with guests of their own), so a few extra plates would be a good idea. Cake Your baker will help you sort out cake servings, so be sure to tell them your final guest count (or as final as you can be). Assume that some guests will have seconds, but that you still may have cake left over. Consider providing to-go boxes.
PARTY FAVORS As with most of the other numbers, pad what seems obvious. Although you’d assume one favor for guests, add 10% more to that number. It won’t affect your bottom line all that much, and you’ll be glad you have a few extra.
One-of-a-kind designs for a one-of-a-kind Love. Custom Ring Designs in Gold, Platinum, & Silver
Parkside Commons at Lake Oconee Village (Behind Publix) 706-454-0444 Downtown Athens 125 E. Clayton St. 706-546-8826 www.aurumstudios.com
An elegantly rustic location for weddings and events. 6641 Union Point Hwy • Union Point • 706-296-1765 info@thecorryhouse.com • thecorryhouse.com
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VenueList Georgia’s Lake Country
Because location is everything...
Photography on location at Cloverleaf Farm by Andie Freeman Photography.
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Lake Oconee
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55
COUNTY - BY - COUNTY VENUE LIST
at your fingertips
BaldwinCounty ANTEBELLUM INN 200 North Columbia St. Milledgeville 478-453-3993 antebelluminn.com GEORGIA’S OLD GOVERNOR’S MANSION 120 South Clarke St. Milledgeville 478-445-4545 gcsu.edu/mansion LA FETE 571 NW Hammock Rd. Milledgeville 478-453-2611 MILLEDGEVILLE COUNTRY CLUB 3700 Sinclair Dam Rd. NE Milledgeville 478-452-3525 mccga.com ROSE HILL (FORMERLY LOCKERLY ARBORETUM) 1534 Irwinton Rd. Milledgeville 478-452-2112 lockerly.org THE WILLIS HOUSE 1760 Irwinton Rd. Milledgeville 478-452-2181
Clarke County ATHENS COTTON PRESS 149 Oneta St. Athens 706-353-1913 venues.eptingevents.com
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CINÉ 234 W. Hancock Ave. Athens 706-353-3343 athenscine.com
TAYLOR-GRADY HOUSE 6354 Prince Ave. Athens 706-549-8688 taylorgradyhouse.com
THE CLASSIC CENTER 300 N. Thomas St. Athens 706-208-0900 classiccenter.com
GreeneCounty
FIRE HALL NO. 2 489 Prince Ave. Athens 706-353-1801 achfonline.org achf@bellsouth.net GEORGIA MUSEUM OF ART 90 Carlton St. Athens 706-542-4662 georgiamuseum.org MICHAEL BROTHERS BUILDING 320 East Clayton St. Athens 706-543-3101
THE RIALTO CLUB, AT HOTEL INDIGO 500 College Ave. Athens 706-546-0430 indigoathens.com STAN MULLINS ART STUDIO 650 Pulaski St. Athens 706-227-2335 stanmullins.com
STATE BOTANICAL GARDEN OF GEORGIA 2450 South Milledge Ave. Athens 706-542-1244 botgarden.uga.edu
BRIDGEVIEW BARN 1831 Jernigan Bridge Rd. White Plains 404-247-4965 bridgeviewbarn.com THE CORRY HOUSE 6641 Union Point Hwy Union Point 706-296-1765 thecorryhouse.com info@thecorryhouse.com GOODWIN MANOR 306 S. Main St. Greensboro 706-453-6218 goodwinmanor.com HARBOR CLUB 1350 Club Dr. Greensboro 866-805-5253 harborclub.com THE NATIONAL TAVERN Reynolds Lake Oconee 1145 National Dr. Greensboro 706-467-3151 THE RITZ-CARLTON REYNOLDS, LAKE OCONEE One Lake Oconee Tr. Greensboro 706-467-0600 ritzcarlton.com THE SANDY CREEK BARN 1580 Hatcher’s Run*
Greensboro *GPS may have trouble with this address. Call Christine Plazola with questions.
THE WASHINGTON GRASS INN 2281 Fuller Rd. Greensboro 404-357-5944 washingtongrassweddings.com
MorganCounty BARN AT OAKLEAF FARM 2230 Sandy Creek Rd. Madison 706-474-2899 BRADY INN 250 N. Second St. Madison 706-342-4400 bradyinn.com BURNT PINE PLANTATION 1161 Blackwell Rd. Newborn 706-557-0407 burntpineweddings.com CABOOSE 104 West Main St. Rutledge 706-557-9021 reddoorsstudio.com THE COTTAGES ON MERGENDOLLAR 1651 Mergendollar Rd. Good Hope 706-286-4732 EMPIRE MILLS 1290 Pennington Rd. Madison 706-342-2837
THE FARMHOUSE INN 1051 Meadow Lane Madison 706-342-7933 www.thefarmhouseinn.com
TOWN PARK Jefferson and N. Second St. Madison 706-342-1251 x 206 madisonga.com
HARD LABOR CREEK STATE PARK 5 Hard Labor Creek Rd. Rutledge 706-557-3001
VARIETY WORKS 274 W. Washington St. Madison 706-342-0776 varietyworksmadison.com
HERITAGE HALL 277 South Main St. Madison 706-342-9627 friendsofheritagehall.org THE JAMES MADISON INN 240 West Washington St. Madison 770-262-1177 jamesmadisoninn.com MADISON MORGAN CULTURAL CENTER HALL 434 S. Main St. Madison 706-342-4743 mmcc-arts.org MERCHANTS HALL 200 W. Washington St. (On the Town Square) Madison 706-342-6779 STEFFEN THOMAS MUSEUM OF ART 4200 Bethany Rd. Buckhead 706-342-7557 www.steffenthomas.org SUNFLOWER FARM 1430 Durden Rd. Rutledge 706-434-5646 sunflowerfarmfestival.com
NewtonCounty BURGE PLANTATION Rt. 1, Morehouse Rd. Mansfield 770-787-5152 burgeplantation.com BURNT PINE PLANTATION 1161 Blackwell Rd. Newborn 706-557-0407 burntpine.com CHARLIE ELLIOTT WILDLIFE CENTER 563 Elliott Trail Mansfield 770-784-3152 georgiawildlife.com GAITHER PLANTATION 270 Davis Ford Rd. Covington 678-625-1200 gaitherplantation.com GEORGIA PIEDMONT TECHNICAL COLLEGE 8100 Bob Williams Pkwy.. Covington 770-784-3003 gptc.edu
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COUNTY - BY - COUNTY VENUE LIST
GEORGIA FFA-FCCLA CAMP 720 FFA Rd. Covington georgiaffacamp.org
TURNER LAKE COMPLEX 6185 Turner Lake Rd. Covington 770-786-4373 ext. 16 newtonrecreation.com
GEORGIA WILDLIFE FEDERATION 11600 Hazelbrand Rd. Covington 770-787-7887 gwf.org
THE TWELVE OAKS BED & BREAKFAST 2176 Monticello St. Covington 770-385-4005 thetwelveoaks.com
MANSFIELD COMMUNITY CENTER 3158 Highway 11 Mansfield 770-786-7235 mansfieldct.gov/mcc THE MILL AT YELLOW RIVER 2112 Main St. Porterdale 770-784-7001 themillatyellowriver.com NEWTON COUNTY LIBRARY 7116 Floyd St. Covington 770-787-3231 newton.library.org THE OAKS GOLF COURSE 11240 Browns Bridge Rd. Covington 770-786-3801 golfoaks.com OXFORD COLLEGE Hamill Street Oxford 770-784-8389 emory.edu/oxford PEACHTREE ACADEMY 14101 Highway 278 Covington 678-729-9111 peachtreeacademy.com
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Lake Oconee
OconeeCounty ANTIQUE ACRES 2531 Snows Mill Rd. Bogart 706-714-2089 antiqueacresga.com THE FARM AT HIGH SHOALS 5470 High Shoals Rd. Bishop 706-286-4732 highshoalsfarm.com JENNINGS MILL GOLF CLUB 1150 Chambers Court Watkinsville 706-548-3266 Ext. 1108 jenningsmillclub.com THE JOHN OLIVER MICHAEL HOUSE 1800 Hebron Church Rd. Statham 706-202-3583 johnolivermichaelhouse.com
OCONEE COUNTY CIVIC CENTER 2661 Hog Mountain Rd. Watkinsville 706-769-3902 oconeecounty.com THOMAS COTTON GIN BARN 3753 Greensboro Hwy. Watkinsville 706-769-6550 hotthomasbbq.com
THE THOMPSON HOUSE AND GARDENS 1431 Atlanta Hwy. Bogart 770-725-6252 thethompsonhouseandgardens.com VINTAGE OAKS FARM 6305 Hog Mountain Rd. Watkinsville 770-725-1999
OglethorpeCounty THE BARN ON BELMONT 1085 Belmont Rd Arnoldsville 404-276-6564 barnonbelmont.wordpress. com CLOVERLEAF FARM 536 Wolfskin Rd Arnoldsville 706-543-1111 cloverleaffarmevents.com COUNTRYSIDE CATERING & MANOR 20 Busbin Dr. WInterville 706-742-2454 countrysidecatering.net FAIR HAVENS PLANTATION 75 Old Edwards Rd. Arnoldsville 706-208-8900 fairhavensplantation.com
PutnamCounty ASHLEY-BELLE LANDINGS 436 Greensboro Rd. Eatonton 478-986-0972 ashleybellelandingsllc.com
THE BARN AT CROOKED PINES FARM 355 Harmony Rd. Eatonton 706-347-0274 thebarnatcrookedpinesfarm. com CROOKED CREEK MARINA 208 Crooked Creek Dr. Eatonton 706-485-9693 CUSCOWILLA ON LAKE OCONEE 126 Cuscowilla Dr. Eatonton 706-484-0050 cuscowilla.com THE EATONTON COTTON WAREHOUSE 118 North Jefferson Ave. 866-536-0054 eatontoncottonwarehouse. com EATONTON SENIOR CENTER City of Eatonton 201 N. Jefferson Ave. 706-485-3311 GREAT WATERS TENT SITE AND CLUBHOUSE 112 Plantation Rd. Eatonton 706-485-0235
THE LODGE AT LAKE OCONEE 930 Lake Oconee Pkwy. Eatonton 706-485-7785 thelodgeonlakeoconee.com THE PLAZA ARTS CENTER 305 N. Madison Ave. Eatonton 706-923-1655 theplazaartscenter.com ROCK EAGLE 4-H CONFERENCE 350 Rock Eagle Rd. Eatonton Reservations / Conference 706-484-2875 or 706-484-2868 rockeagle4h.org
WaltonCounty THE COTTON WAREHOUSE 132 E. Church St. Monroe 770-784-7001 thecottonwarehouse.com
THE ENGINE ROOM 601 S. Madison Ave Monroe 877-305-6455 theengineroomga.com FAIR WEATHER FARMS 2399 Mount Paran Drive Monroe 770-207-4557 fairweatherfarms.com MCDANIEL-TICHENOR HOUSE 319 McDaniel St. Monroe 770-267-5602 mcdaniel-tichenor.org NINE OAKS FARM 2425 Highway 83 Monroe 678-635-7157 9oaksfarm.com VINES MANSION 3500 Oak Grove Rd. Loganville 770-554-2284 vinesmansion.com
THE HUT City of Eatonton 201 N. Jefferson Ave. Eatonton 706-485-3311 LAWRENCE SHOALS PARK PAVILION 123 Wallace Dam Rd. Eatonton 706-485-5494 georgiapower.com
Photographed by Josiah Connelly
HARMONY COMMUNITY CENTER Harmony Community Assoc. Lake Oconee Pkwy. Eatonton 706-484-1649
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Memories Savor
to cherish forever
the romance of the Old South with the charm of historic Madison, Georgia. The spacious gardens, intimate settings, and beautifully appointed guest rooms of the Brady Inn await you.
Weddings, special events, & celebrations
A Victorian Bed & Breakfast Acclaimed in Southern Living, GPTV’s Georgia Traveler, and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution 250 N. SECOND ST. MADISON, GA • 706 342-4400 • 866 770-0773 • WWW.BRADYINN.COM
Let Your Life’s Journey Begin Here Celebrate your special day at the historic Plaza Arts Center where you can weave your story into the history of this renovated school house built in 1916. The facility offers a 500-seat theater, a reception hall, catering kitchen, lobby and gallery area, dressing rooms, restrooms, an outdoor area surrounding a beautiful fountain and plenty of parking. To learn how we can make your day special, schedule a tour, learn about our reasonable rates or get more information: 0: 706.923.1655 e: moreinfo@theplazaartscenter.com w: theplazaartscenter.com SOUTHERN CHARM AND HISTORICAL ELEGANCE