North & Peach Magazine Volume 3 by North & Peach

SPRING/ SUMMER 2019

| VOLUME I I I

N O RT H & P E A C H A North Georgia Wedding Publication

CELEBRATING love, weddings + adventures

START PLANNING YOUR WEDDING WITH NORTH AND PEACH AT

P IN T E R E ST.COM/ N ORTHAN DPEACHWEDDI NGS

REAL NORTH GEORGIA WEDDING

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HAPPY EVERYTHING CO. PHOTOGRAPHY

TABLESCAPES AND DECOR RENTAL borrowedandbluega.com

beautiful & custom

gifts and gift boxes for all occasions

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A NOTE FROM NORTH & PEACH’S

FOUNDER Ma ri a S c o t t

Love. When you think of that word in the wedding industry, you may think of the day a couple gets engaged, their wedding day, and maybe even their honeymoon. To me, a good love story isn’t just your wedding day or the days leading up to it. A good love story is truly the beginning to your forever together. It is how you met, where you first fell in love, where, why, and how they proposed at that very spot. It’s the choices and decisions you made leading up to that life changing moment when you met the person you were supposed to spend the rest of your life with. I believe God puts you in front of your person at the right time when you need them most. A good love story is also how you continue to build your lives together. Buying your first home, traveling the world, raising your children, relocating for a new job, or how you support each other after one of you gets passed over for a job. It’s how you work through the good and the bad together. TIFFANY AND MAKENZIE PHOTOGRAPHY

Our 3rd issue of North & Peach Magazine is all about Love. But not just Wedding love… it’s about love that’s just beginning, love that’s spanned for generations, it’s your everyday love, and yes, even “A Sunday Kinda Love.” We’ve filled this issue with much needed love stories and conversations on hot bridal topics from real couples and local experts, and we made sure to keep our Men’s Only section, for guys ready to propose. And as always, we’ve filled the pages with beautiful photography and wedding inspiration from our North Georgia area. Love in North Georgia will continue to be our passion. We want to know where your love story started, where it is now, and where its going. We will also continue to bring all the resources in the North Georgia wedding industry right to your fingertips. It is called Love & Marriage, of course! With every flip of these pages, we hope your excitement continues to grow for our North Georgia area, and you are able to live out all of your wedding dreams!

in this issue

MCSWEEN PHOTOGRAPHY

STYLE GUIDE

MEGAN WALLACH PHOTOGRAPHY

Styled Shoots 28 Engagement Tea 48 Cake Trends 53 Stationery Trends 60 Venue Spotlight 70

PLANNING GUIDE 74

CASTO PHOTOGRAPHY

BEYOND THE RING

116

Top Honeymoon Locations 118 Moving In- A Newlywed Q&A 122 Love Stories 124

128

GIFT GUIDE Gift guide with Fox Blossom

130

Types of Weddings 76 After “I-Do” To-Do 82 Bridal Luncheon Planning 83 What to do with Wedding Things 88

COVER PHOTOGRAPHY BY LAURA WATSON PHOTOGRAPHY WWW.LAURAANNEWATSON.COM See more from this elegant southern wedding on pages 17-20

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REAL

North Georgia

WEDDINGS

ELIZABETH & TYLER

A Southern Estate Wedding

GENESIS & CHARLIE

A Historic Courthouse Wedding

RIDLEY & SCOTT

100

A Little River Farm Wedding

JESSE & COURTNEY

104

A Romantic Vineyard Wedding

CARMEN & CORY

108

A Gorgeous Garden Wedding

ERIN & BOBBY

112

An Intimte Ivy Hall Wedding

GROOMS GUIDE

138

LAURA WATSON PHOTOGRAPHY

Ring Guide 140 Men Tell All 143

EXCLUSIVE FEATURES I DO with a View Borrowed and Blue

132 144

VENDOR DIRECTORY Get a peek at some amazing North Georgia Vendors! 147

LINDSEY LARUE PHOTOGRAPHY

JB MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY

40° 44°

59° 73° W

N O RT H & P E AC H

CONNECTwith www.facebook.com/northandpeach

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NORTH & PEACH WEDDINGS Volume III www.northandpeach.com Published semi-annually, this issue of North & Peach Weddings Magazine can be purchased on the North & Peach website at www.northandpeach.com for $8.99 plus shipping. Coming to North Georgia retail outlets soon. For more information, visit www. northandpeach.com. BE A CONTRIBUTOR First comes love, then comes marriage. We want to know everything in between! If you have a story to share, we want to hear from you. North & Peach is looking for real North Georgia weddings to feature, real love stories to share, and local vendors to highlight. If you are an expert bride or an expert in the industry, submit your experiences with us. And you just might be featured in the next issue of North & Peach Weddings.. Interested in being a contributor? Contact Maria at maria@northandpeach.com for more info. GET FEATURED We are looking for remarkable North Georgia weddings, engagements, proposals, and other area wedding celebrations to feature. If you have an event you’d like us to consider, please go to www.northandpeach.com/submission and submit today. BECOME A MEMBER North & Peach offers several online through our Bride Guide and print advertising opportunities for vendors to connect with our readers. For information and media kit visit www.northandpeach.com/advertise or email Maria at maria@northandpeach.com. DISTRIBUTION If you’d like to be considered for our exclusive distribution route, email Maria at maria@northandpeach.com with information about your storefront or location. We’re continually seeking partnerships with wedding businesses who would like to gift their clients with copies of North & Peach Wedding Magazine. Advertising claims the views expressed in this magazine by writers do not necessarily represent those of North & Peach. North & Peach is not responsible for the return of any manuscripts, photographs, artwork or other materials submitted. Originals of manuscripts, photographs, artwork, or other materials should not be sent to North & Peach unless specifically requested to do so in writing. North & Peach shall have no liability for errors, omissions, or inadequacies in the information contained herein or for interpretations therefore. North & Peach shall have no liability for any infringement of copyright or other arising out of publication thereof. North & Peach reserves the right to edit submissions before publication. Reproduction in any form without prior written consent from the Founder is strictly prohibited. All requests for permission and reprints must be made in writing to North & Peach 7110 Titchfield Place, Cumming, GA 30041. Copyright 2019 by North & Peach LLC. All rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A PLEASE RECYCLE

MEET THE

N O RT H & P E A C H team

MARIA SCOTT EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

CREATIVE DIRECTOR/ MAGAZINE DESIGNER

BAILEY WEISSER

COLLYN FREDETTE

1. What age did you go on your first date? 4th Grade. We went to Little Women and broke up after the movie. I’m not surprised that it didn’t work out

1. What age did you go on your first date? My first unsupervised date was when I was 15. Dating a 16 year old boy with a drivers license was freeing!

1. What age did you go on your first date? I was 18 years old. I went out for pizza and coffee with my now husband, Korey!

2. Where was your first kiss? Behind an apartment complex in 7th grade. Let’s just say it wasn’t one I want to remember

2. Where was your first kiss? Outside the Library at Meigs Middle School on my last day of 8th grade.

2. Where was your first kiss? I must have been in kindergarten or first grade *gasp!* ... I snuck a kiss with my childhood best friend in after school care.

3. Kissing or Cuddling? Both - My hubby is 6’6 and I”m 5’3 so being the big spoon has never been an option for me.

3. Kissing or Cuddling? I’m a major cuddle bug unless it comes time to go to sleep- I’ve gotta have my space in bed!

3. Kissing or Cuddling? Kissing. I don’t always cuddle... but when I do I prefer to be the big spoon.

4. Have you ever been on a blind date or an online date? Yes to both. I have some great stories and I have some terrible stories. May have to just leave it at that!

4. Have you ever been on a blind date or an online date? No and No

4. Have you ever been on a blind date or an online date? Thankfully, no.

5. Favorite TV couple? Marshall and Lily from How I Met Your Mother - or Derek and Meredith from Greys Anatomy

5. Favorite TV couple? Ooo this is a hard one, I’ve narrowed it down to Marshall and Lily from How I Met Your Mother OR Lucy and Ricky from I Love Lucy.

5. Favorite TV couple? Marshall and Lily from How I Met Your Mother 6. Describe your perfect date. April 25th - Just kidding! The older I get the more I enjoy spending time at home with my husband cooking, perfecting our own signature cocktails, and watching terrible movies.

6. Describe your perfect date. My husband and I had our first date and got engaged on top of Mount Curahee, so going back to that spot is always super special for me. I love packing a little picnic and hiking down to watch the sunset together! It is such a fun nostalgic time for us, to see how far we have come since our first date.

PRODUCTION ASSISTANT

6. Describe your perfect date. My perfect date would begin with a trip to the museum, aquarium, or at some obscure concert in ATL and end at a cute coffee shop! Contrarily, the BEST date I’ve ever been on was when Korey took me to the mountains and we ate breakfast at the Rusty Bike Cafe and hiked Tallulah Gorge. northandpeach.com

GET TO KNOW

N O RT H & P E A C H THE #1 WEDDING PLANNING RESOURCE for North Georgia + Destination Couples

Wedding planning is a huge deal, One that can either be the best experience of your life, or one that can quickly become overwhelming. North & Peach as a whole is a collective group of talented, vetted, and LOCAL wedding vendors with the unified goal of helping you plan your dream wedding. Between our online platform, social events, and this magazine, you will find the resources, tips, and inspiration to make planning your North Georgia wedding a breeze!

Enter our next cover contest!

WE WANT TO PUBLISH YOU

Submit your wedding for publication on our blog or in one of our future magazines. You’ve made it through the big day, and you’re ready to share it with the world!? That’s great! Whether you’re a Bride, Groom, or a wedding vendor who helped make their day absolutely perfect, we want to hear from YOU! Submit your wedding on northandpeach.com to be considered for future North & Peach Publications.

hey bride, get inspired!

FIND everything YOU NEED

ON THE WEB

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DITCH THE STRESS of planning your dream wedding YAY! You’re engaged! Once that post-engagement afterglow fades you realize that now you have to PLAN your wedding. Eek! Your to-do list is a mile long and it will take hours of searching online to find just the right vendors to bring your perfect vision to life. We GET IT! Planning your wedding can be overwhelming. The only thing more overwhelming is searching through large national wedding vendor directories full of vendors who aren’t right - they’re too far away, too expensive, not enough experience, too Steel Magnolias (Blush AND bashful? C’mon now..). You need to find the perfect vendors for your wedding right here in North Georgia! They need to be top-notch and truly care about your story, your vision, and your wedding day. With the North & Peach Bride Guide, you can now find your vendor dream team in just a few clicks!

northandpeach.com/bride-guide

MARIETTA

ROSWELL DULUTH ATLANTA

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A SPECIAL A SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR OTHER AMAZING CONTRIBUTORS: Laura Anne Watson @lauraannewatson Jessica Lowell @fivefourteenphotography Sydney Duckworth @loveleighco.photos Fox Blossom @foxblossom Worthmore Jewlers @worthmorejewlers Abby Byrd @AbbyByrdPhotography Whitewood Events @whitewoodevents Abby Waller Photography @mrsabbywaller Meadows at Mossy Creek @meadowsmossycreek Borrowed and Blue @BorrowedandblueGA

thanks KALEY STEPHENS Borrowed & Blue www.borrowedandbluega.com @borrowedandbluega

Kaley has been a resident of North Georgia for the last ten years and fell completely in love with the charm and beauty that the mountains have to offer. In addition to offering sophisticated rentals, Kaley also has owned and operated her wedding planning business, Kenna Beth Bridal, for the last seven years.

NATALIE BRYN Cake Envy www.CakeEnvyOnline.com @cake_envy_ga Natalie is an award winning Cake designer who has been creating custom and unique designs for almost 19 years! Her favorite aspect of Cake Envy is being a part of the best day of people’s lives and she doesn’t take it lightly. She also loves to donate her services to those in need. She supports Wounded Warriors and donates custom cakes to returning veterans who desire to make their wedding special.

CAGNEY MEADS Camden Gray Weddings www.camdengrayweddings.com @Camdengrayweddings Cagney is the owner of Camden Gray Weddings. Cagney has been coordinating and styling weddings since 2011, when she helped a high school friend put together her wedding in less than 7 weeks! During that experience, she realized it was something she wanted to pursue with her whole heart, but it wasn’t until August 2015 that she was able to make the leap and take her business from part time to full time.

SHANNON FORD Shannon Ford Photography www.ShannonFordPhotography.com @Shannonfordphotography Owner and lead photographer of Shannon Ford Photography. When she’s not behind the camera or designing styled shoots, you can find her spending quality time with her family. Whether if its trading recipes, hair tips or fashion trends with her sister, hanging with her dad in his garden planting and tending to seasonal veggies or spending it with her husband and two handsome boys watching Disney movies or pretending to be the Avengers..... there’s never a dull moment.

CAITLIN DYE Whitewood Events www.whitewoodevents.com @whitewoodevents Caitlin Dye is a Wedding & Event Planner with the Whitewood Events. She believes that each wedding is just as important as the next and every personalized piece should be molded together in order to give the bride and groom a wedding that they will never forget. Her mission is to help brides plan a timeless wedding that showcases the breathtaking love between her couple and make sure this is a stress free time! In her spare time, she loves hiking in the North GA Mountains, and planting her flower garden.

JESSICA ARMSTRONG Tiger Lily Invitations www.tigerlilyinvitations.com @tigerlilyinvitations Jessica is the owner and designer at Tiger Lily Invitations. Based in northeast Georgia, but working with clients both local and worldwide since 2010, Jessica has a true passion for paper and creating beautiful invitations and day-of items for her clients. She loves working one on one with customers to create the perfect stationery for their special event. Each invitation is like a “celebration on paper” and she loves the idea of sending a little joy into homes everywhere.

TO OUR CONTRIBUTORS Without you, these pages would be empty of the reality of marriage. You bring the piece of expertise that only you can and it’s your creativity and passion that has given us this platform to share. You’ve been there, you’ve seen it, and your willingness to share it with our readers is so very appreciated. Thank you for being such an important part of this issue and in our North Georgia area! You’ve believed in our mission, and we believe in your journey to facilitate one of the most beautiful times in a person’s life. You make the North & Peach experience what it truly is; LOCAL, AUTHENTIC, and INSPIRATIONAL. northandpeach.com

www.CakeEnvyOnline.com @cake_envy_ga

MEGAN WALLACH PHOTOGRAPHY

ENTER THE FALL/ WINTER ISSUE

Cover Contest

R E A L N O RT H G E O R G I A W E D D I N G S

submit your wedding to grace our next cover The Fall/Winter issue of North & Peach Magazine launches September 2019 and we would love for YOUR wedding to be our next cover image! Submissions for the cover contest are open and voting for the next cover image will go live in early July.

ENTER YOUR WEDDING TODAY AT

N O RT H A N D P E A C H . C O M

A LITTLE ABOUT OUR COVER PHOTOGRAPHER AND THE COVER WEDDING

Laura Anne Watson LauraAnneWatson.com

I’m Laura, and I LOVE what I do! I photograph weddings for extraordinary couples who love timeless imagery with heart behind it. Every couple’s love story is unique and beautiful, and I’m beyond honored to capture such special moments for my couples. After being published in national magazines and capturing over 100 wedding days, it’s safe to say that I love being a wedding photographer! When I’m not behind a camera, you’ll most likely find me at home, working on my photography business in the presence of my pup and kitten (Guinness and Kahleesi, respectively) or off on an adventure with my husband, Garrett! We’re newlyweds ourselves, having just gotten married in Oahu last may! We love to spend our free time traveling, trying new breweries, flying, and spending time with family and friends. Winning the cover contest was a fantastic surprise! Having only photographed Meredith and Bradley’s wedding just days before the submission deadline, I never guessed that their image would be selected as a finalist, let alone the cover winner. In fact, when their photo was named in the top three, I immediately texted Meredith and Whitney (the incredible planner of Whitewood Events) to celebrate and give them both the good news! Amid all the excitement, my favorite part about winning the cover is seeing the light shine on Meredith and Bradley. Throughout their wedding day, all of the vendors were telling each other how incredible the day was going and how gracious Meredith and Bradley were. Their families and all

4 CORNERS PHOTOGRAPHY

@lauraannewatson

23 bridesmaids and groomsmen were the most inspiring and extraordinary people to photograph! We felt like a part of the family. In fact, it was my cheeks that were hurting at the end of the day from smiling so much! I am so thankful to North & Peach for not only giving me this honor, but allowing me to share it with such a deserving group of people. From the Meredith and Bradley’s family to the incredible vendor team who made my job a pleasure, this wedding was an incredible way to begin 2019! I hope the rest of my year is just as joyful! I first met Meredith and Bradley at a Starbucks in Brookhaven. After only minutes, I felt like I was talking to two longtime friends. I LOVE when that happens because it’s a clear indication that we’re the perfect fit for each other! Being a wedding photographer is so personal, and I tell all of my potential couples that connection is everything. I aim to focus on couples who are open, warm, & enthusiastic about their wedding day, so I can be the same. And it was clear within the first few moments of meeting Meredith and Bradley that they were shoo-ins! Watching Bradley smile at Meredith, and seeing the way Meredith laughed with Bradley, it was evident how genuine their love is for one another. I’m so thankful for their friendship and that they trusted me with their wedding day memories! It’s always so hard to pick a favorite moment from a wedding day because I love the collection of moments so much! Most often, I gravitate towards the 27 Dresses moment when he sees her for the first time or when dad gets to twirl his little

LAUREN CARNES HOTOGRAPHY

4 CORNERS PHOTOGRAPHY

STACI ADDISON PHOTOGRAPHY

Meredith & Bradley shared a dream wedding day! Ever since they met almost five years ago, they’ve naturally gravitated towards each other. They’re one of those couples where when you see them, you immediately see how much they love each other! It’s written in the joy on their faces and in the simple way they hold hands. They’re meant to be. And their wedding day was a perfect example of what it looks like when a beautiful love story and two families come together to celebrate a new marriage.

LYNDSEY PETHEL PHOTOGRAPHY

girl on the dance floor. But one of the more emotional parts of the day came just before the ceremony. Meredith’s sweet grandma wasn’t able to make the wedding day due to her health. Because my own grandma couldn’t make it to my wedding day for similar reasons, my heart broke for Meredith on a personal level. It was clear that the day wasn’t quite the same without her. But as Meredith and her gals gathered together for a prayer, they called Grandma Terry on FaceTime. She was able to pray with her granddaughter on her wedding day, see how beautiful she was, and wish her all the luck before she walked down the aisle. Wedding days are made up of so many sentimental moments like this one, and I was so grateful to capture it for them! My favorite part of what I do is the relationship I have with my couples! Ever since holding a camera for the first time, I felt a connection to bringing others joy through images. Getting to watch my couples enjoy taking pictures (even my grooms!) fills me with joy and purpose. Wedding photography is so much more than creating pretty pictures. It’s about the experience my couples have in front of my camera that creates the images they’ll hang in their homes and hold onto in albums, diaries, scrapbooks and keepsakes. I love being a part of their lives, even if it’s only for a few short months, so that I can bring them joy and make my couples feel loved and valued as they step into the next phase of life, together.

From the moment I walked into the bridal suite at Hotel Indigo in downtown Athens, I knew I was in for a treat. All of Meredith’s bridesmaids were joyfully cheering on their bride. Their admiration and love for her set the tone for the day, and it carried into their portraits, the ceremony and all through the reception. Classic moments filled their wedding day. One of my favorites happened when Meredith’s dad saw her in her wedding dress and pulled her into a strong hug. Another happened when her bridesmaids saw her for the first time and couldn’t contain their excitement! And yet another when the church doors opened and Meredith began walking down the aisle towards Bradley. Seeing his bride walk towards him, I didn’t believe his smile could get any brighter. At least until he said “I do” and led his wife back up the aisle! Giddy would be an understatement! I loved Meredith and Bradley’s blush + neutral color palette that perfectly matched the cool February day and the historic setting of Georgian Hall! Their unique crest was such a romantic touch to their invitation suite, but my favorite details of the day were the flowers Meredith wore in her hair. They were a part of the headpiece that Meredith’s mother wore on her own wedding day, and it was such a sweet heirloom to honor the history of love in her family! Guests (and all of us vendors!) danced the night away in Georgian Hall’s ballroom to killer live music and ended the evening wishing the happy couple a farewell in their classic getaway! It truly was an incredible day!

MEET THE C OV E R C O U P L E

th i d e r e M

y e l d a r B

Hello from Mr. & Mrs. Covington! We recently tied the knot on February 9th, 2019, are just back from honeymooning in Cabo, Mexico and fully embracing newlywed bliss! Here is a sneak peek into our story and some of our favorite memories...

Bradley and I met at work in August of 2014. He started in the winter and after some encouragement from friends, I decided to take a job at the same company. My first day I remember meeting Bradley and thinking how cute he was - however, we were both dating other people! We had a team happy hour that week and Bradley wouldn’t make eye contact with me at all - I was so bummed! The next few months were spent getting to know each other, hanging out as friends, and him leaving little “happies” on my desk. He’d remember things I liked or mentioned in passing and somehow they would show up on my desk the next day. Come December, we were both single and I was ready to fully embrace my new “single girl status” and committed to moving to Austin, TX with my company. At this point Bradley and I had become close friends - it was no secret to my girlfriends and my mom that I had a “work crush.” We hung out in groups, but just remained friends. January 9th, 2015 changed everything! We were all hanging out in a big group for a friends birthday when Bradley pulls me aside and says he’s been crazy about me from the moment I walked into work and that he wanted us to start a relationship (cue my shocked face!). That week was followed by our first official date with dinner at Brickstore Pub in Decatur and from that point on, we were inseparable. The next few months were filled with us having it keep our relationship a secret at work, (not as easy as it sounds), moving to (and back) from Austin, TX, and getting to know each other on a romantic level. Bradley told me he loved me pretty early on - and by early on I mean one month into our relationship. But what I love about Bradley, is that he told me he loved me, but wasn’t saying it to hear it back. He wanted to

say it because he truly did love me and wanted me to know and that whenever I was ready to say it back, that was fine with him. About a month later, I told him I loved him and I’ve never seen him smile so hard. Bradley’s version: “I surprised Meredith by flying to Austin about a month after she moved and the moment I saw her in the Airport is one I will never forget. She plowed through the sea of people to get to me like Herschel Walker on the way to the end zone. That was the moment I knew we were in love.” Meredith’s version: “I think in the back of my head I always wanted Bradley to be the one. I would call my mom about my “work crush” and after going through a break-up, I remember telling her that I wished I could just meet someone like Bradley. I think it officially hit me that Bradley was the one during my move to Austin. I was outside of his Decatur apartment saying goodbye and I just couldn’t leave. During that moment I realized I never wanted to be without him.” Marriage is always something we have talked about since we first started dating. It was obvious come January 2018, that I was ready to get engaged. We had previously looked at rings a few months back and I was getting antsy! Little did I know, Bradley had everything planned for the last two months. Poor Bradley, I had been so cranky! January 24th, 2018 rolled around, and he told me we were going to Iberian Pig in Decatur to meet his dad for drinks who was in town for business. I was so tired, but agreed to go because Decatur is “our place”. It crossed my mind - but Bradley was acting incredibly casual that I convinced myself I was being ridiculous of a proposal even happening (cue my hair being in a ponytail). We walk up

to the square and I didn’t see his dad anywhere - he pulls me over to the fountain and gets down on one knee and proposed! Then my whole family and his family come out and then made our way to our friends house who threw us a surprise party. Our wedding was a group effort planned by multiple people. We had the wonderful Whitney Downs from Whitewood Events taking the lead on our planning. With Whitney plus my mom, Bradley’s mom, and myself and Bradley we were able to plan everything from start to finish. It’s funny, if you asked me a few years ago I was content eloping and now look! I am so happy we decided to go with a bigger wedding - it truly was the best feeling knowing that everyone you loved was under the same roof. My most favorite memory of our wedding day was not seeing each other before the ceremony. I don’t think my hands have ever shaked so hard, heart beat as fast, and seeing his face holding back tears is something I don’t think I’ll ever get out of my head. Bradley: My favorite part of our wedding was the moment Meredith walked down the aisle. She looked amazing and in the moment I realized how lucky I was to fall in love with my best friend. A close second was the amazing band we had at our reception. The New Royals absolutely rocked Georgian Hall and made it a night we will never forget.

F E AT U R E D V E N D O R S Photography: Laura Anne Watson Planning: Whitewood Events @whitewoodevents HMUA: Erin Ryser @erinvryser Floral Design: European Floral Design @eurofloral Venue: (ceremony) Athens First United Methodist (reception) Georgian Hall @georgianhall Gown: Hayley Paige @misshayleypaige Earrings: BHLDN Shoes: Loeffleur Randall Robes: Robed With Love @robedwithlove Bridesmaids: Jenny Yoo @jennyyoonyc Groomsmen: Pernos Formal Wear @pernosformalwear Catering: South Kitchen Bar @southkitchenbar Invitations: Peggy Williams @peggywilliamscollection Band: The New Royals @newroyalsband

hey bride, get inspired!

FIND inspiration YOU NEED

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GET YOUR DOSE OF LOCAL WEDDING INSPIRATION AND EXPERT PLANNING ADVICE

Gather your bride tribe and get ready to be inspired

Wayne & Joanna

PHOTOGRAPHY : Loveleigh Co. // DRESS: Eddy K Bali // SHOES: Steve Madden // HAIR AND MAKEUP: Pretty By Kittyy // TUX: Indochino // RINGS: Shane Co. // VENUE: West Milford Farm // VIDEOGRAPHER: Christian Garcia and Elise Akin // FLORALS: Kendall Wesely Florals // FOOD: Waffle House Catering

Marjolein & Dylan

PHOTOGRAPHY : Five Fourteen Photography // VENUE: Chateu Elan Winery and Resort// CATERING MANAGER: Hannah Cassady // COORDINATOR: Briden Wedding Consultants Julie Baltazar // VIDEOGRAPHY: Rustic River Films// FLORIST: JL Designs// DJ: Mike Jones Entertainment and Events // HAIR AND MAKEUP: Brushworx, LaKisha Minter

LAURA WATSON PHOTOGRAPHY

style

GU IDE

“Create your own style...let it be unique for yourself and yet identifiable for others”

-Anna Wintour

Our Style Guide is the ultimate resource for all things North Georgia Weddings! It features locally inspired wedding designs to help you visualize your big day. The following pages focus on event elements that will help personalize your wedding day, so that the end result is individualistic and unique! From the latest cake trends and brilliant wedding color combinations, we are talking all the details. Stay informed on fashion trends and stationery styles. We’ve done our part by cultivating our favorite wedding trends and ideas in one place... now it’s time to

get inspired!

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Dreamy Neutrals

STYLED SHOOT

MCSWEEN PHOTOGRAPHY

neutrals, marble tones, soft greens, elegant calligraphy, golden accents, draping florals, beaded dress detail, neutrals, marble tones, soft greens, elegant calligraphy, golden accents, draping florals, beaded dress detail, neutrals, marble tones, soft greens, elegant calligraphy, golden accents, draping florals, beaded dress detail,

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Leonardo De Vinci said it best, “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” This styled shoot does not boast bold patterns or bright colors, but has achieved ultimate sophistication by picking a beautiful neutral palette accented with stone, a gorgeous blue, marble tones and soft greenery to help make everything even more romantic with a soft ambiance included. Light, romantic and industrial are three ways to best describe this gorgeous styled shoot. The stylist was able to take this gorgeous neutral palette and incorporate the modern furniture touches and stunning florals for a fresh take on industrial modern (but still oh-so romantic) wedding style. Breathtaking details aside, we can’t forget the best part of this shoot: an adorable pup named Bentley, who stole the show. To achieve this look, remember that colors like beige, ivory, cream, blush and light Grey stand the test of time. If those colors are too basic of a palette for you, subtly incorporate subdued pastels such as an airy blush and light peach or go the opposite direction and throw in gorgeous blue tones, champagnes and golds for a more glamorous feel and a sparkling finishing touch. And don’t forget the power of accents — organic decor such as raw wood or additional greenery can enhance the natural look a neutral color palette creates. And, bear in mind — your entire wedding doesn’t have to be completely neutral. Sometimes, weaving in just neutral elements into certain parts of your wedding, such as your ceremony chairs or tablescapes, can round out or complement a broader theme. The result is anything but boring, and it’ll bring such a light, dreamy feel to any wedding. PHOTOGRAPHY | Mcsween Photography // CONCEPT / COORDINATION | Victoria Miller // FURNITURE / DECOR RENTALS | Decor By The Day // FLORAL DESIGN | Ten Point Floral Design // VENUE | The Train Depot// INVITATIONS | Boxed Wedding Invitations// HAIR | Artistic Expressions Hair Salon// MAKEUP | Absurdly Gorgeous// DRESSES | Wedding Angels Bridal// GROOMS ATTIRE | Savvi Formalwear// CAKE | Cake Envy// BRIDE MODEL | Maggie Dukes// GROOM MODEL| Erik Peterson// HIGH FASHION BRIDE MODEL | Haley Eberhart// BRIDESMAID MODEL | Katelyn Womack// BENTLEY (PUPPY) | Brett Miller

An Elegant Affair

STYLED SHOOT

SECOND TO NUNN PHOTOGRAPHY

elegant off the shoulder gown, hammered plates, waterfall florals, marble accents, watercolor floral stationery, elegant off the shoulder gown, hammered plates, waterfall florals, marble accents, watercolor floral stationery, elegant off the shoulder gown, hammered plates, waterfall florals, marble accents, watercolor floral stationery,

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Crawling vines, rolling hills, winding staircases, plenty of natural light, and beautiful grounds are some of the reasons your elegant winery wedding can be filled with so much romance and elegant charm. This is definitely one of the trends we can’t get enough of in North Georgia! From the full white and blush bouquet, to the elegant botanical invitation suite with soft pastels, torn edges and a more muted color palette helps create the perfect setting for a romantic winery wedding. The stylist also included a soft dusty blue chiffon fabric to bring additional color to the tables and who doesn’t love the vineyard cross-back wood chairs? To achieve this look, choose a venue that’s already filled with an abundance of natural beauty. Let the site speak for itself and opt for a minimal display of decor. Less truly can be more surrounded by gorgeous vines. Blush can be a great color for elegant winery weddings. The soft pinks really can play into the greens, yellows, and reds from the vineyard throughout the season. To add a bit more elegance consider your flowers. Lush greenery and white bloom, such as roses, hydrangeas, or peonies can looks so effortless and chic and will definitely up the elegant factor for your entire wedding.

PHOTOGRAPHER: Maggie Nunn, Second to Nunn Photo // STYLIST AND FLORAL DESIGNER: Natalie Durham Events, Arranged To Eat// STATIONERY: Kelli Barnes, Paper Made Lovely // CAKE: The Baking Grounds // RENTALS AND LINENS: Chair Covers and Linens, Linenhero.com // MODELS: Rachel and Erastus McCart // DRESS: Wedding Angels Bridal // TUX RENTAL: Men’s Warehouse // HAIR: Haley St. Germain // MAKEUP: Haley St. Germain // JEWELRY: Kendra Scott

Rooftop Romance

STYLED SHOOT MEGAN WALLACH PHOTOGRAPHY

whimsical floral design, pops of pink, elegant tablescapes, draping fabrics, gold accents, floral heels, watercolor stationery, whimsical floral design, pops of pink, elegant tablescapes, draping fabrics, gold accents, floral heels, watercolor stationery, whimsical floral design, pops of pink, elegant tablescapes, draping fabrics, gold accents, floral heels, watercolor stationery, northandpeach.com

Set at dusk on the rooftop of the trendy Hotel at Avalon, the bride’s delicate Berta dress from Elite Pour La Vie twinkled in the dusk with the city lights in the background, and Kendra Scott’s rosegold Kay pendant caught the fading light perfectly. Floral Ted Baker heels completed the look with an eye-catching detail dripping in deep tones, making the bride a vision of perfection from her flawlessly-made face by Ellis Paige to her toes. The second-story pool deck was transformed into an intimate space with romantic details. With over 1500 inches of wispy netting draped with dusty pink velvet and peach tulle, the ceremony site brought both warmth and lightness to the clean lines of city architecture in the background. Florals from Mary Wynn of Amy Osaba brought an organic and intensely feminine touch to the whole shoot — ceremony, couple, cake and dinnerscape. The reception table was designed with the ageless value of intimate dining in mind. Over 30 feet of wine-colored velvet spilled over the Arhaus table, anchored by the warmth of glowing candles and moody florals. Since the New Romantics are all about a shared, intimate experience, an overflowing charcuterie board was central to the table with a special focus on figs, berries and pomegranates. Each place was marked with a hand-lettered vintage book from Into the Lemon Grove and a rose-colored glass, ready for the merlot breathing in the matching decanter. A custom piece from artist Hannah Joiner set the backdrop for the scene, bringing the fall-toned color story to life perfectly. A custom bourbon nightcap paired with a slice of wedding cake made for a dreamy end as the sun set over the rooftop. The cake, by Cake Envy, featured marbled peach fondant with a feathered edge and hand-painted gold leaf detailing, finished with lush florals. As for the nightcap, what’s more “new” and “romantic” than an unexpected reception look: a full-length white romper from Anthropologie paired with an avant-garde bridal boutenniere from the magical touch of Mary Wynn!

PHOTOGRAPHY: Megan Wallach // CAKE: Cake Envy // EVENT DESIGN: Into the Mongrove, Talie Shove // HAIR AND MAKEUP: Ellis Paige Makeup // VENUE: The Hotel at Avalon // FLORALS: Mary Wynn for Amy Osaba // DRESS DESIGNER: Berta // DRESS RETAINLER: Elite Pour La Vie // INVITATION SUITE: Talie Shove // PAINTING: Hannah Joiner

Mediterranean

STYLED SHOOT

PHOTOGRAPHY BY HEATHER COOK

bright colors, lace sleeve gown, multi textured floral design, gold accents, drip cake with fresh fruit, bright colors, lace sleeve gown, multi textured floral design, gold accents, drip cake with fresh fruit, bright colors, lace sleeve gown, multi textured floral design, gold accents, drip cake with fresh fruit, bright colors, lace sleeve gown, multi textured floral design, gold accents, drip cake with fresh fruit,

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Let this bold color palette whisk you away to the shores of the dreamy Mediterranean. Vibrant blues, yellows, and oranges gives off the freshness of the summer sun, the warm coastal breeze, and a Spanish romance one only dreams about. Good news is, you don’t have to travel so far to get your perfect wedding under the Mediterranean sun, nor can you only enjoy these gorgeous colors in the summer. This styled shoot team was able to create a Mediterranean love story that we just can’t stop gushing about. The stylist opted for a fresh and vibrant color palette with an organic vibe that makes us feel like we’re frolicking on the Spanish countryside. This entire shoot conveys the beauty and culture of the region, from the bright colors, to the softer hues of the land. They were even able to include intricate details and texture blends of Mediterranean architecture - from the gorgeous floral print runner, pops of citrus details, the beautiful rustic sweetheart table, and even the nut topped drip cake blends perfectly and looks absolutely delicious!. The vintage tableware with floral detail and dark orange napkins, contrasted beautifully with rustic brassware. Not to mention the lace dress and the navy blue suite blended perfectly and made this shoot even more romantic and sophisticated. To achieve this look, an indoor or outdoor space will work. The natural elements will help carry your theme and set the Mediterranean mood. When styling your decor, think of what evokes that warm Mediterranean sun and breeze. Don’t be afraid of using bright colors (even if you’re having a fall/winter wedding. If needed, bring in some of the softer neutral hues for balance.

PHOTOGRAPHY: Heather K Cook Photography // PLANNING & DESIGN: Papillon du Bois Events // VENUE: The Corner District // FLORALS: Ivy Marie Weddings // RENTALS: Party Time Rentals, The Prissy Plate Company , Decor by the Day // CAKE: Cake Envy // STATIONERY: Amavi Studio // HAIR AND MAKEUP: Muah Bridal Beauty // DRESS: Carrie’s Bridal Collection // TUX: Generation Tux // MODELS: Tinsley Smith and Nicholas Bartley

Toasted

STYLED SHOOT CHRISTA Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;BRIEN PHOTOGRAPHY

hand-torn stationery, delecate details, towering florals, toasted cake, unique floral accents, signature toasted drink, hand-torn stationery, delecate details, towering florals, toasted cake, unique floral accents, signature toasted drink, hand-torn stationery, delecate details, towering florals, toasted cake, unique floral accents, signature toasted drink, northandpeach.com

The charm of a fall wedding is irresistible, especially in North Georgia. The rich colors of nature, cooler temperatures, and beautiful sceneries make it one of the most ideal times to host a wedding. Fall wedding colors usually involve colors of harvest and colors on the warm side of the color wheel, but they definitely don’t have to. Muted and neutral colors can also be included if you’re going for a softer look. The stylist for this shoot was able to take the feel of a fall wedding and incorporate a more neutral color palette for a softer feel that attracts coziness and feelings of peace and comfort that you can use for any season. It still feels like hay rides, hot cocoa, warm peach pie, and the crisp fall air, but it is also so natural and can easily have a Bohemian vibe if you want to style it that way, or you can keep it simple and elegant or trendy and fun! Beige can be timeless and versatile. This soft and elegant hue can be paired with ivory and blush for a more modern wedding look as well. To achieve this softer look, Combine neutral hues with greenery and natural accents to emphasize the fall season. Incorporate your favorite fall food items, but with a twist. (tomato bisque and grilled cheese shooter, or the delicious smores martini). If you don’t want a white wedding gown, try a grey or an off-white one! Soft blush and nude tones look very rich and gorgeous, whatever dress design you choose. Add a pair of blush or silver heels or flats, believe me, neutral-colored shoes aren’t boring, they can be beaded, spiked or lace ones. Try neutral makeup looks, with subtle smokey eyes and a nude lip. Your bridal look is gonna be soft and delicate, this is very beautiful and non-typical for the fall.

WORKSHOP: Style Your Brand Workshop // PHOTOGRAPHY: Christa O’Brien Photography // PLANNER: Kristi with Coco Red Events// ASST PLANNER: Jessica with Coco Red Events // VENUE: The Greystone Estate// STYLE BOARD & RING DISH: Shannon Ford // CAKE: Natalie with Cake Envy // FLORALS: Jackie with Blooming Hites // MUA: Joyua with Be Simply Stunning // HAIR: Tamika with Doll Faces // STATIONERY: Jessica with Tiger Lily Invitation// JEWELRY: Terrie with Anna Bellagio// RENTALS: Kaley with Borrowed and Blue// SHOES: Badgley Mischka // DECOR: West Elm Ponce City Market// FAVORS: Laura with Malvi’s Mallows// DRESS: Kelly with Kelly’s Closet// DRESS DESIGNER: Alexandra Grecco // SUIT: Heather with Xedo

Diana and Andrew

ENGAGEMENT TEA CEREMONY GLORIOUS MOMENTS PHOTOGRAPHY

Photographer: Glorious Moments // Videographer: Angle 3 Films // Makeup: Monica Eung // Hair: Jennifer Lunn // Cake: The Sweet Spot Baker

the tradition

The Vietnamese tea ceremony is a tradition which combines the celebration of marriage with honoring the family’s ancestors and relatives. It is considered the proper meeting of both families. Traditionally, the groom’s parents will lead a procession to the bride’s family home where the groom and his family will ask for the bride’s hand in marriage The groom's family members will bring gifts to the bride's family and each gifts has significant meaning. For example, the syrup is sweet, so it's wishing the couple for a sweet married life. It is traditional in Vietnamese weddings for the groom to gift a roasted pig to the bride’s family.. There is a receiving line from the bride's side. After a few formal introductions, the groom will present his gifts to the bride’s family before receiving permission to see his bride-to-be. The bride and groom will serve Green Tea or Chrysanthemum Tea as a sign of respect, starting with the eldest family members. Thereafter, family members will gift the bride and groom with money, family jewelry, and advice for a long-lasting marriage.

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TIGERLily WWW.TIGERLILYINVITATIONS.COM @TIGERLILYINVITATIONS

CAKE trends

with cake expert Natalie Bryn of Cake Envy

The Cake Bar

1 CHRISTA OBRIEN PHOTOGRAPHY

I’m Natalie with Cake Envy! I’m a luxury wedding cake designer up here in North Georgia and I do around 150 weddings a year, so I’ve seen a cake or two! Nothing makes me happier than when I get a new idea presented to me and we get to design something on the front end of a trend. We all love being first and cake is no exception, so I’m here to talk to you about some of the new cake trends so you can be one of the first to have these designs at your wedding! Ready? Let’s go girls!! THE CAKE BAR - The first trend that I’m really getting a lot of inquires about is a “Cake Bar”. A cake bar is multiple smaller cakes in place of the one large one. Sure, Cake Trio’s have been around for awhile, but the Cake Bar is coming in hot! Brides are LOVING these! And why not? You can have all the cakes! Mix and match textures, design, colors, heights and sizes. And while they all go together, they don’t all match. These are particularly amazing on a large cake buffet or if you need to fill a lot of space. But beware! If you choose multiple flavors, you may need to increase how many servings you get. It only takes one person at a table to rave about a particular flavor for everyone at that table to want to try it, and with smaller cakes, you’re going to run out quicker! But these are show stoppers for sure! GO BIG OR GO HOME is the motto of this amazing display. northandpeach.com

MEGAN WALLACH PHOTOGRAPHY

The Deckled Edge

THE DECKLED EDGE - While a handful of decorators had done this before it was made famous by Meghan Markel & Prince Harry, you see these gaining popularity! The “Deckled Edge” cake is referring to the unclean top edge of the cake. Decorators have been striving, since the beginning of cake, to get those edges crisp and clean. WELL NO MORE!!! Let that freak flag fly and let the butter cream go where it may! The deckled edge is created as the cake is smoothed out and the butter cream is pushed upward into an amazing ruffle-esque detail! It’s beautifully subtle yet stands out and says, “LOOK AT ME!!! It’s a gorgeous small detail to an otherwise simple cake! If you want simplicity, you will definitely want to consider a deckled edge. If you want whimsy, yeah. It fits there too! You can’t go wrong with this one!

Buttercream Flowers and Palette Paint BUTTERCREAM FLOWERS/PALETTE PAINT - We need to just stop and catch our breath with these cakes! (deep breath Natalie) Buttercream flowers are as delicate as they come. Multidimensional detail. HAND MADE! WHATTT? Yes girrrrrl! HAND! MADE!. Mix that with palette paint and you have a texture that is reminiscent of acrylic paintings you’ll see in the finest art galleries. These are beautifully adorned with a somewhat “un-done” look. Random and specific at the same time. Perfectly placed floral cascades that make everyone gasp when they see it. Use a bold color underneath to add depth and interest. You may need to put a guard on duty to keep guests from reaching out to touch it! Yep, that happens. THAT is how beautiful they are! Are you ethereal? A bit on the organic side? Artsy? This is definitely the cake for you!

CHRISTA OBRIEN PHOTOGRAPHY

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Hexagons HEXAGONS- Still kind of an underdog in the cake fight are non-traditional cake shapes... but trust me when I say, everywhere these go, they make people pause and gasp! So while maybe not as trendy, they are distinctly unique and memorable, like that time you nailed the bogo AND had a coupon on black Friday with extra money on an old gift card! “CHA-FREAKIN-CHING!” (that’s a thing people actually say. And by people I mean I actually say that) Throw in a marble middle tier for some depth and WOWZA! Now that’s a cake to remember!

RUSTIC WHITE PHOTOGRAPHY

Oversize Corsage OVERSIZE CORSAGE - So maybe my favorite thing happening right now is a lavish amount of insanely gorgeous flowers in an “Oversize Corsage” type of placement. The cake itself is simple, but when we add your live flowers on there to be front and center and to highlight and compliment your bouquet...KAPOW!!! IN. YO. FACE. GORGEOUS! Can I tell you a secret? Flowers are my favorite part of weddings! Yes.... even more than cake! (shhhhhhh. Don’t tell anyone!) But if you’re like me and went all kinds of overthe-top-crazy on that floral budget, let’s get the most mileage out of those pretties and show them off on the cake as well! Are you a little bit on the BOHO side? Then yes girl! You want this cake! LAUREN RAE PHOTOGRAPHY

DIFFERENT HEIGHT TIERS - First, a little cakeology: So first off, they’re called “tiers”, not layers. There are generally 2 layers of cake in a traditional tier. A traditional tier is around 4-5” tall depending on fillings & how it’s baked and all. When you get a quote on a wedding cake, you’re getting a quote on traditional size tiers. So generally a 3 tier cake is going to be approximately 12’-15” tall. Now that we got that out of the way... Back to the tiers! Adding in an additional layer to one of the tiers to make it a 6”! Or maybe two additional layers to make it an 8” tier (twice the size of the standard, which is called a double barrel tier). You can also take out a layer to make a shorter 2” tier. You can literally add and subtract layers all over your cake to add visual interest, or to highlight a specific detail you love! Ask your cake designer to play with this with you. Just keep in mind, you’re going to need to make sure your caterer is up to date on serving sizes because they start to change a bit when you start playing with tier sizes! Your designer can help you with a cutting guide if needed!

Different Height Tiers

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SHANNON FORD PHOTOGRAPHY

AMANDA OLIVIA PHOTOGRAPHY

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www.whitewoodevents.com

@whitewoodevents

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www.camdengrayweddings.com

@camdengrayweddings

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P.S.

I Love You

Stationery Trends

for Every Type of Romantic

with Jessica Armstrong from Tiger Lily Invitations Wedding trends come and go so much quicker now than they did when I started Tiger Lily Invitations in 2010. There are so many design options to choose from today that really almost anything goes, as long as it reflects the style of the wedding. Your invitations are still the first glimpse at what guests can expect to find at the wedding, so make sure your invitations reflect your special day and are something you are proud to be hanging on the fridges of 200 of your closest friends for the couple of months before your wedding. As far as 2019 trends, beautiful calligraphy fonts and lux paper with handtorn edges are still trending heavily, but beginning in late 2018 we started to see a shift toward more modern and minimal invitations as well. We are finally seeing the end of ultra-rustic styling here in the South and after a few years of watercolor design overload we are seeing a swing back to a simpler, more traditional look. I think some watercolor accents like floral envelope liners, monograms and crests and the looser, edgier rustic script fonts are here to stay for a while, but in a cleaner, modern and more elegant format. Vellum (translucent paper) is definitely making a comeback and if the budget allows acrylic invitations and signs are super hot right now too as well as wax seals and beautiful ribbon. As far as colors, we are still seeing a huge push for dusty blue, blush, and green for ink colors and envelopes, but with the fresh modern styles coming in, crisp black and white, sometimes with a bright color accent, is definitely growing in popularity. The greenery craze is still hanging on and flows well with the trend toward modern and minimal. For fall, we saw beautiful mixes of taupes, soft white and muted florals, but burgundy and gold are still a popular fall combination as well, and mustard yellow is sneaking in too as a unique accent color. And last but not least metallics, especially gold and copper, are still popular, currently trending in the form of geometric designs which complement the modern look and foiled accents which complement the more elegant styles. northandpeach.com

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Casual meets classy with this new wedding trend. If you are a rustic bride, a rock-n-roll bride, a boho bride, or a beachy bride, a denim jacket may be the perfect accessory for your I Do’s. Whether it’s a traditional denim look, a bedazzled denim, handletterd denim, or the very popular letterman denim jacket, the contrast between this jacket and your gown will give you a relaxed and casual look. This playful look can bring out your personality with your choice of color and design. From patches, to calligraphy, each jacket is unique and is an accessory that can be worn long after your wedding day. No matter your style or wedding gown, there is a perfect, personalized look for you and endless ways to make it 100% your own. Whether you gravitate toward matching jackets for your bridesBABES, or a “Mr.” and “Mrs.” set for you and your spouse, you can rock it during your honeymoon, or even every anniversary as a sweet reminder of your special day. Kim and Kanye may have set the example with their custom leather wedding jackets back in 2014, but we definitely think that this trend is making it’s way into the wedding industry. Let’s face it, denim is a trend that is always evolving.

HEY BRIDE, GET THIS LOOK

1 2 1. Bash Creative Design. Bashcreativedesign.com Botanical Monogram DIY Kit. $51 2. Gyp Stitch Embroidery on Etsy.com Just Married Custom Embroidered Wedding Jacket $100-$175

PHOTOGRAPHY - ABBY WALLER DRESS - GOWN COLLECTIVE HAIR AND MAKEUP - ELLIS PAIGE

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VENDOR SPOTLIGHT

MEADOWS AT MOSSY CREEK Meadows at Mossy Creek is a modern, industrial-farmhouse venue located in Cleveland, GA. Located just an hour north of Atlanta over-looking grassy meadows with breathtaking short and long range mountain views, Meadows at Mossy Creek offers a fresh, new vibe with ability to host the most intimate elopement, to the biggest bash without feeling too big or too small. The clean, white lines with the piercing black accents offers a truly blank canvas ready to be molded to any couples dream. Barbecue or caviar, this venue has it all.

meet Karson and Calah

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED? December 12,2012 we closed on our first house, a 100 year old foreclosure in downtown Clermont, GA. The house had a ton of potential, but needed a complete make-over. We spent the next four years remodeling the house. October 22nd, 2016. The party was winding down at the wedding of two of our friends, and Calah and I were exhausted, but happy. We were finishing filming for their wedding video and we knew that this one was special. Special because the couple was so in love, special because we were able to film our friends, special because the whole day took place in our backyard, and special because it was the conformation Calah and I needed to know we could do this. Now, almost four years later, with the second backyard wedding now under our belt we knew the crazy idea we had been dreaming for years was something we needed to do. Now here we are, with Meadows nearly complete, looking back at the craziness of the past few years, thankful that all of our hard work is making that dream our reality.

Like most great love stories, our story started as high school sweethearts who had to fight through insurmountable odds to be together. Also like most great stories, one should never let facts get in the way of a good story, so picture your favorite Nicholas Sparks story in your mind and just know, our love story is better. Calah and I have been married for nearly seven years. We have a curly headed son named Kohan, and a beautiful daughter, Collins. Calah has been doing hair for almost nine years and I, according to Calah and anyone else close to me have successfully dodged any kind of real work in those same years. During all my free time I was a childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pastor for three years (side note to brides, if your pastor no-shows Meadows has you covered), ran/still semi run a fundraising company for elementary and high schools, own a wedding videography company, and am the marketing and media director for a non-profit we started in honor of my brother who passed away from brain cancer called Thumbs Up Mission. Calah and I also remodeled a 100 year old house in Clermont, GA were we had a few backyard weddings for friends and family. Legend has it that it was at those weddings where the idea for Meadows was born.

IMAGES BY ASHLYN CATHEY PHOTOGRAPHY

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ASPECT OF MEADOWS? The doors. Pictures don’t allow you to really see how just how massive the doors really are. Windows are beautiful, over 100 feet of doors that can be opened make the outdoors become a part of the venue WHAT ARE SOME THINGS THAT MAKE YOU PROUD TO BE THE OWNERS ? Seeing the excitement on people’s faces when they book is pretty awesome. We had a bride and her mom cheering the other day as her dad wrote the check. It was pretty funny, but it was also additional conformation for us in what we are trying to accomplish.

FO L L OW A L O N G FACEBOOK - @MEADOWSMOSSYCREEK INSTAGRAM - @MEADOWSMOSSYCREEK PINTREST - @MEADOWSMOSSYCREEK TWITTER - @MEADOWSVENUE MEADOWSMOSSYCREEK.COM

IMAGES BY ASHLYN CATHEY PHOTOGRAPHY

“A goal without a plan is just a wish.”

-Antoine Fe Saint-Exupéry

Pinterest will only get you so far when it comes to planning your wedding. Taking those jumble of pins from wish status, takes expertise. North & Peach is your pocket planner that offers you tips from local vendors, advice from real wedding planners, and insight into all of the hottest resources. These pages give solid, and most importantly, local expertise from industry leaders. Our local vendors are sharing exclusive tips with you to help make planning a little less stressful and a lot more fun.

Time to get planning!

planning

GUI DE IMAGE BY GRACIOUS COMPANY

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TYPES OF weddings

Non-traditional Wedding Day trends are on the rise and definitely something to consider. Here are four trends you may not have thought about when planning for your big day!

BRUNCH “Brunch isn’t just a meal… it’s a lifestyle”

PROS Usually budget-friendly If done correctly, a daytime affair can be every bit as elegant as its nighttime counterpart It can be a bit more laid back Think of the delicious leftovers The celebration can carry on and on after the ceremony and brunch. There’s so many more hours until sunset Can we say tea-length wedding dress?! =) Mimosas Towering Waffle Cake or other non-traditional cakes/desserts SOME THINGS TO CONSIDER It may be hard to fill the dance floor that early in the day. Even if the mimosas are flowing, guests may not feel as inclined to dance the early afternoon away. You may not be able to spend as much time with family and friends depending on their travels to get home or if they plan another afternoon activity on their own. You better make sure you’re a morning person. By the time you get to your ceremony, you will have been up for hours doing your hair, makeup, photos, first look, etc. Make sure you get ample sleep the night before.

WEEKDAY “Fairy Tales come true, even on a Monday”

Who says you need to get married on a traditional weekend day? Many couples are opting for a midweek wedding due to costs, venue availability, travel, etc. PROS Significant discounts - for yourself and your guests Venue availability - you won’t have to wait a year or two to get married at your perfect venue Increased choice of wedding vendors/services Midweek travel and room rates are generally cheaper than weekends SOME THINGS TO CONSIDER May be inconvenient for out of town or working guests. Make sure you talk to some of your guests to see if it’s possible to take off of work during the week. Some friends/family may not be able to come because of this. No brunching allowed - With working guests and rush hour traffic, an evening wedding would most likely be in your future. Will you allow children to come or do you prefer a kid-free wedding? If you prefer adults only, a lot of out of town parents may not come because trying to find a babysitter for a day or two might be extremely difficult.

IMAGES BY HORN PHOTOGRAPHY

INTIMATE “Quality over Quantity, perhaps?”

Couples now are really starting to focus in on the guest experiences for their family and loved ones. PROS More room to splurge More intimate Have a more relaxed wedding day Spend more time with your guests Shorter timeline Do more DIY projects Can elaborate on more details, upgraded menu/centerpieces and still have the reception look exactly how you want it to. Can rent out a smaller, more affordable venue SOMETHINGS TO CONSIDER Smaller guest count = some hurt feelings. You won’t be able to invite certain people in your life who may be upset and cause additional stress. Who’s paying? Depending on who’s paying for the wedding, they may want to invite more people than they can.

IMAGES BY HORN PHOTOGRAPHY

IMAGE BY HORN PHOTOGRAPHY

ELOPEMENTS “Surprise! We tied the knot”

Elopements are on the rise as couples buck traditional weddings in favor of a more intimate and personal experience. Eloping is no longer reserved for those star-crossed lovers whose parents disapprove. The modern elopement could be just the couple, or a few more key family members/friends. It is typically a very small guest count (under 10) and it is still typically planned fairly quickly. Another term we hear a lot is, “Micro Wedding”, this is typically a small wedding with under 30 guests. This can take a bit more planning since you are having to inform more people, but it has a similar scaled-back vibe as an elopement. PROS

Eloping focuses more on the marriage than on the wedding Way less planning - It helps couples who feel overwhelmed in the planning process and want to get back to the roots of why they are getting married in the first place Not wanting to deviate from their own wedding day vision due to parental/peer opinions or financial contributions Budget friendly Can have your ceremony almost anywhere Getting to really spend your entire wedding day TOGETHER

SOME THINGS TO CONSIDER

You will most likely wish you had certain people there. If that’s the case, then micro-weddings may be better for you. Certain family/friends will not be happy that they weren’t invited A reception once you get back home may need to happen to avoid hurt feelings Wedding photos - you won’t be able to get any fun reception-style photos Less of a party northandpeach.com

VENDOR SPOTLIGHT

WHITE LAUREL

estate BY SHANNON DIAZ

North Georgiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Newest Wedding Destination Event Venue

White Laurel Estate is truly a one of kind destination wedding and event venue, located in Dawsonville, GA. This Estate sits at the basin of the Northeast Georgia Mountains 57 miles north of Atlanta. Dawsonville is home to a major outlet mall, several hotels and restaurants. From the moment guests arrive at the private gate, they will be greeted by this truly romantic countryside setting with beautifully manicured landscaping and lush rolling hills. As you continue down the Crape Myrtle lined drive of this 16 acre Estate, you will enjoy a scenic view reminiscent of Napa Valleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wine country. Just beyond the short winding drive, sits a magnificent white equestrian style barn, once home to the finest Arabian horses in Georgia. This newly renovated, spacious, charming barn boasts an open floor plan, a perfect setting for your event. Imagine high ceilings with off white wood paneling, refinished concrete floors, beautiful ceiling fans, modern lighting fixtures strung throughout the barn. For expansion of your reception and event to 250 guests, is a newly constructed, spacious covered garden solarium. Get dressed in the dreamy natural light of the elegant bridal suite. A comfortable private dressing room for the groom also adds to the perfect wedding day experience. The estate is a stunning backdrop for wedding photos, portrait sessions, event or commercial productions as well.

IMAGES BY NINA SUTHERLAND

FO L L OW A L O N G FACEBOOK - @WHITELAURELESTATE INSTAGRAM - @WHITELAURELESTATE WWW.WHITELAURELESTATE.COM/

Equipped with multiple ceremony spaces on the secluded property, this venue invites you to select a space that meets your unique event needs. The estate can comfortably accommodate up to 250 guests. Located on the grounds are two custom, permanent covered white pavilions. One is a spacious modern tent situated outside of the main barn. The other pavilion is located inside the fenced, traditional horse ring. Experience the exceptional panoramic views of the green rolling hills and towering trees from your wedding ceremony and event reception. Enjoy your romantic evening paradise with twinkling lights or find a relaxing and comfortable spot around the fire pit. Feeling more energetic, then you and your guests can dance the night away under the stars, on the dance floor or under one of the pavillions. This exquisite location is a versatile blank canvas that can be transformed into the wedding or event youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve always imagined. IMAGES BY NINA SUTHERLAND

“I DO”

hey bride, cut this out

NOW WHAT DO I DO? a guide for after the wedding to-do’s

-Get your dress professionally cleaned and store in a cool dry place.

what you are not going to use as decor in your new place.

- Leave helpful reviews about your wedding vendors. This is a huge perk for brides when looking for the perfect team for their wedding day.

-It’s important to make provisions for your health insurance, life insurance, and living will. Sorting these things out now will give you a peace of mind in the long run.

-If changing your name, do them all simultaneously to avoid confusion. -Social Security -Passport -Driver License -Bank Account -Health Insurance -HR at work -Mortgage -Car Registration -Membership Cards -Subscriptions -Voter Registration

-Discuss options regarding bank account and credit cards, are you going to share a joint account or keep seperate accounts?

-Send thank you notes for wedding gifts. If you received a lot of gifts, make it a goal to do 10 a night until they are completed! (Don’t forget to thank your family and friends for their help in the wedding- not just the people that gave you gifts). -Finalize your wedding album and order prints of your wedding photos and honeymoon. This is a great time to start thinking about Christmas gifts for your family as well- Wedding albums and prints make the best gifts!

-Celebrate! You are officially husband and wife! Now is the time to relax and enjoy your new life together!

-Make sure your marriage certificate/ license was mailed to the proper county office. You will need this license with you when applying for your name chance on your drivers license, social security card, and passport.

-Start a joint savings account to -Set up a new voicemail message begin saving for your future. -Sort through your wedding dewith your new last name! cor and store, sell, or give away

8 helpful tips for planning a

BRIDAL LUNCHEON With Caitlin Dye of Whitewood Events

Keep the guest count small as this is a time to relax and celebrate before the hustle and bustle of the big day. Normally, the guest list is limited to the bride and her attendants.

Theme it around your guest of honor, the bride! We decided to celebrate our bride to be with a Mediterranean twist since it’s her favorite destination. Ideas to think about are: where she got engaged, her favorite hobby or where she is going on her honeymoon.

Keep it light - easy pick up foods are great for the day before the wedding! Keep it true to theme and add in mimosa’s - mimosa’s go with everything, right?!

Chances are the bride has gotten a gift for each of you, so shower her with sweet gifts as well! We chose to

coordinate the wrappings in order to make it feel extra thoughtful!

Make it different! This isn’t the wedding, so choose bright colors to make it fun and laid back

Incorporate family heirlooms - this is the perfect time to use her family’s china or that perfect glass punch bowl since the party is low-key and feminine.

Have fun games to play after snacking to keep the energy and mood up. I personally love Wedding Catch Phrase or Wedding Ring Toss.

Most importantly, don’t forget the cake! The cake traditionally has a trinket inside and whichever bridesmaids gets the surprise is supposedly the next to wed. northandpeach.com

Mediterranean Bridal Luncheon STYLED SHOOT

â&#x20AC;&#x153;When creating this bridal luncheon, I absolutely knew the design had to showcase blue chinoiserie since that is what makes a southern bridal luncheon southern! The intricate design of the chinoiserie blended well into a Mediterranean theme because it brings out the blue and marries well with bright colors, which is always a necessity for a fun luncheon. To bring this theme to life, I featured the shoot in an Italian-inspired venue with a blue chinoiserie table setting, baklava and a citrus signature drink called Grapefruit Lemosas This shower would be perfect for a Southern Belle who loves to travel.â&#x20AC;? -Caitlin Dye with Whitewood Events

F E AT U R E D V E N D O R S Venue -Montaluce Winery Planning and Design- Caitlin with Whitewood Events Photography- Becky Casto with Casto Photography Florals- White Wolf Floral Designs Stationery-Design by Laney Table Dinnerware + Glassware-The Prissy Plate Company Flatware + Candleholders- Tablemade Linens-BBJ Linen Hair Styling-Stephanie Barker with J. Thomas Salon Makeup- Julie Kline with Mary Kay northandpeach.com

A Q&A ON PROPER OUT-OF-TOWN

guest etiquite

1. What advice to you give to brides who are expecting a lot of out of town guests? Be prepared for the potential of another element to be added the planning process! Especially if the bride and groom are wanting to provide transportation to all of their guests from their lodging. 2. How do you go about blocking out rooms for a hotel or making accommodations for your guests?

I’m Cagney, the owner of Camden Gray Wedding + Events. I am married to a retired rockstar, and we have two beautiful babes together... Camden and Gray. Music, my creative friends, flowers, details, love, and laughter inspire me, and all the coffee drives me. I have been coordinating and styling weddings since 2011, when I helped a high school friend put together her wedding in less than 7 weeks! During that experience, I felt joy for the first time in something I was doing. I felt alive and at my best, on the top of my game. It was something I wanted to pursue with my whole heart, but it wasn’t until August 2015 that I was able to make the leap and take my business from part time to full time. I have been truly blessed with every single new bride and every new experience.

FO L L OW A L O N G CAMDENGRAYWEDDINGS.COM @CAMDENGRAYWEDDINGS

I send the bride and groom multiple local hotels to look into and see what they like. From there I have them choose their favorites in a low, medium, and a higher price range so their guests are not limited to one price. When they pick the ones they like, I call and reserve rooms under their names. I also suggest they think about Airbnb and VRBOs if they think they have large groups of friends and family members who would want to stay together. 3. Should you provide your out of town guests with anything? A note, list of things to do, gift? I think providing your out of town guests with something even if it’s small, is such a thoughtful way to thank your guests for traveling to celebrate you and your wedding day. I always suggest an itinerary if there are multiple festivities, a thank you note, a list of local places to visit or things to do, and something personal to the couple or the location of the wedding. 4. Any tips on creating a welcome gift- what to put inside? How to deliver them? The list is seriously endless for this! And a lot of times I have to wrangle the bride back from going overboard, reminding her that she will have to recreate it X amount of times and it will add up! My first piece of advise is to look at your budget and see where you are, and how much you have available to spend. From there you can decide what goes in them. A map and itinerary are always good ideas, as well as a welcome/thank you note and a transportation schedule if necessary. These paper products do not have to be expensive, but don’t let them fool you they can add up quickly if they are custom made! Next I suggest the couple to decide what direction they want the bag to go in...snacks for the stay, local items to take home, miniature champagne bottles to celebrate. I recommend to keep it simple, especially if you’re going to have to make a lot of these! Also, one bag/basket is good per couple. Not one per person! And as far as who delivers them, it can be anyone from a family member, to a friend, to a wedding planner. Most hotels allow you to drop them off the night before or the morning of check in and the guests will pick them up as they arrive. northandpeach.com

HANNAH WADE PHOTOGRAPHY

with leftover wedding items You’re officially married!! Woohoo! But now what in the world are you going to do with everything you’ve bought and saved for months and months? Consider these 6 fun ideas for your leftover wedding items:

There are so many great causes out there that would greatly appreciate used wedding items. Think about the good feeling you will get from donating your dress or decorations to someone who might not be as lucky as you. Check out Brides Against Breast Cancer to donate your dress or other local charities. Even some food banks or local police/fire departments might even appreciate your delicious leftovers while they’re working their long hours. Your flowers can also be redistributed to local nursing homes, assisted-living communities, or hospitals to help brighten up patients days! You can always gift your family or wedding party with leftovers, flowers, or other special memento’s to remember your special day. You can also use your leftover vases, frames, ribbon and cards for other gifts throughout the year.

Think about the number of weddings each year and then think about how many other brides are also looking to get rid of wedding items. The wedding marketplace is a huge place with many brides wanting to buy items for less.money. List the items on a large selling site like Etsy or even your local wedding facebook pages!

Not all wedding items need to go away. Get creative and keep some for your own momentums. Make a shadow box with your dried flower bouquet or your stationary, scrapbook your wedding cards, table cards, etc. Or even reuse your candles or other decor around your house!

Some wedding planners , event planners or wedding vendors may be interested in your wedding items too depending on the condition of the items. Place a few calls to see if they can take some things off your hands.

Who says you can’t have another party to use up the rest of your wedding items? Throw a party to use up leftover candy, games, balloons and favors. You don’t need a special occasion to get friends together for some fun! northandpeach.com

“Whatever our souls are made of, his, and mine are the same.”

Emily Bronte

We’ve cultivated real North Georgia Weddings that begin with the same idea, two people creating their own love story. Out of their journey, we are able to witness the beauty of their special day... the beauty in the details... the dress she imagined standing next to him... the cake they would cut together... and the rings that would represent their unique bond forever. These weddings are as true as the bond of marriage, and their love story is a great start to someone else’s. They highlight the best vendors in our area - venues, cakes, florals, coordinators, photographers, and so many more. Let their love stories ignite your own.

Real

NORTH GEORGIA

WEDDINGS CHRISTA O’BRIEN PHOTOGRAPHY

a southern estate wedding

ELIZABETH & TYLER OCTOBER 2018

“This beautiful plantation wedding at Sanctuary Estate in North Georgia was comprised of so many of my favorite things: a golden-hearted couple, personalized details, and two families that welcomed me into the day like I was one of their own! Infusing your own personalities into a wedding day is one of the best parts of planning! I love how custom illustrations allow couples to highlight the things they love most. Travel, golf, a beloved pup, and even an ode to the bride’s unique ring design were incorporated into the Cullums’ monogram and then used on their invitations, decor, and even wedding favors! My favorite thing about spending time with Elizabeth and Tyler is how incredibly relaxed and laid-back they are. Their wedding day from beginning to end was filled with a sense of ease and peace that I wish for every one of my couple’s on their big day. You can say it was because of the carefully crafted timeline we made, or the lovely vendor team they had, but honestly I think a lot of it stemmed from Elizabeth and Tyler themselves and the open hearts they carried throughout every moment!” -Lindsey LaRue

Elizabeth. Tyler and I met over five years ago at one of his fraternity events. We continued to cross paths over the next several weeks, however, it was not until Halloween that we exchanged phone numbers. Several dates later, Tyler asked me to be his girlfriend. Tyler now admits he was a little intimidated because I am older than him. For the first several month of our relationship we spent time together each day, but at the end of the summer I was moving to the Connecticut coast for graduate school. Despite the distance, our relationship continued to flourish. While in Connecticut, Tyler would visit frequently. We were able to share our love of traveling during many trips to NYC, Boston, Niagara Falls and other locations around the northeast. One memorable trip to New York, we visited the Empire State Building. Once to the top, Tyler expressed his commitment to our relationship and knew that we would marry when the time was right. Two years later, Tyler tells me he won a raffle for a vacation to the Biltmore Estate. Little did I know, there was no raffle and that he had planned this trip to propose. On the terrace overlooking the Biltmore house, I got the surprise of my life, and of course I said yes! He even remembered the design of my dream ring. We recently revisited the Biltmore Estate to celebrate our newlywed status.

While planning our wedding, Tyler and I envisioned a classic wedding that was low stress and fun for all! We included a subtle detail that represented our love story;I had a custom crest designed, which was incorporated on the wedding suite, welcome sign, throw pillows, and favors. The crest was chock full of details that not only looked beautiful, but also, represented our path to marriage, and things that we will continue to treasure throughout our marriage. Our wedding day is something we both cherish, and we frequently reminisce about our best day surrounded by family and friends. While I took the lead role planning our wedding, Tyler was busy planning the perfect honeymoon. As I have mentioned before, we both love traveling and wanted to visit somewhere like no other. Together we decided on a week in Bora Bora in an overwater bungalow. It was incredibly beautiful and the perfect mixture of romance and adventure. A private sunset cruise and swimming with sharks, were our favorite memories from our honeymoon. Our first wedding anniversary will be 10/06/2019. As newlyweds have loved spending more time with each other and our beloved Brittany Spaniel “Stella” , who was illustrated as part of our wedding crest. In our free time we enjoy planning new travel adventures. We are hoping that we can top our honeymoon trip! northandpeach.com

hues she used

F E AT U R E D V E N D O R S Photography: Lindsey LaRue Venue: Sanctuary Estate Planning: Cindy Crumley Gown: Hayley Paige from J. Andrews Bridal Florals and Cake: Tim Williams String Music Trio: Bella Musica Bridesmaid Dresses: Azazie Garter: La Gartier Crest/invitation suite/programs/signage: Fiber & Dye Guestbook: Miss Design Berry

a historic courthouse wedding

GENISIS & CHARLIE JUNE 2018

“Genesis & Charlie’s wedding day was one for the record books! It was clear from the moment I walked through the door that these two have been looking forward to this day their entire lives. So much so that they were already legally married months earlier! I loved that Charlie and Genesis decided to share a first look. It was tears from the minute he laid eyes on her! His smile reached his ears as he looked at his bride for the first time, and Genesis was so beautiful, I didn’t blame him one bit! After taking it all in together, they chose to read each other personal letters they’d written. In these letters, they each vowed to love the other, thanking God for bringing them together and blessing them with an amazing family. My favorite part of their wedding day was their ceremony. The only person Genesis and Charlie love more than each other is God, and their ceremony was such an intentional dedication of their lives and their marriage. It was such an honor to be invited in to witness it, let alone capture it all for generations. Their family and friends gathered around them promised to encourage the newlyweds in their marriage, to always seek God, and to grow their family with intention and in faith. It was such a beautiful message and an even more beautiful celebration! Congratulations Genesis & Charlie!” -Laura Watson After too many failed relationships, both Charles “Charlie” and Genesis decided to sign up on Match. com to see what potential matches they could find. Little did they know, through much waiting and praying, they would find each other. Even though they had similar stories, interests, and beliefs, they actually did not match on the site due to the 100 mile distance from each other. They both wanted to meet someone in their local areas but had no luck so Charlie decided to extend his search to Atlanta. As he searched through the profiles, he came across a page titled, “The Beginning”. He immediately felt that it was something different about her and decided to write her a message. As they messaged each other back and forth, they decided to FaceTime. From the moment Charlie saw Genesis and began talking to her, he immediately knew that she was the woman he had been praying for. However, though he was overwhelmed with joy, he held in all of his emotions to not let it show. But it wasn’t the same experience for Genesis. As they FaceTimed, Genesis felt that Charlie was not interested in her because he showed no emotions. So as they hung up the call, she felt disappointed and thought that she would never hear from him again. But when Charlie asked her out on a date she thought, “I’m so confused, maybe he does like me” It was on October 28th when Genesis and Charlie went on a date for the first time at the World of Coke in Atlanta Georgia. As they enjoyed themselves to learning Coca Cola history and by tasting the many

flavors of the world, it was time to leave. The day was cold and rainy and Charlie forgot his umbrella. When Genesis immediately shared her umbrella by putting her arm around charlie and insisted that he didn’t get wet, he knew that it was another confirmation that she was the caring woman he prayed for. Afterwards, they decided to grab something to eat. After dinner, they were enjoying each other’s company so much that they just sat in the car and talked about their life’s while listening to r&b music. As the night was still young, they still did not want to leave each other so they decided to extend the date by going skating. Charlie held Genesis’ hand all night long on the skate floor to ensure that she did not fall. As they continued to date, Genesis began to see all of the qualities she prayed for all wrapped up in Charlie. It was New Year’s Day when they shared their first kiss and weeks later, Charlie bought Genesis flowers and said I love you first. On April 8th, Charlie surprised Genesis with a proposal that she will never forget at the High Falls water fall. They got married on June 29th but later had the wedding celebration of their lives on the anniversary of their first date, Oct 28th,with their loved ones. Their best wedding memories are the shoe game and the amazing photos captured during the wedding. They can forever share these beautiful memories with their future children. With that being said, they are extremely excited to share that they are expecting their first child 5 days before their 1 year wedding anniversary! northandpeach.com

hues she used

F E AT U R E D V E N D O R S Photography: Laura Anne Watson Planning & Coordination: Chivonne with AEMA Love Deluxe Florals: Fabulous Fox Designs Videography: Covington Films Hair & Makeup: Intensify by Patience Entertainment: DJ J-Smoov Catering: Legacy Catering & Events Invitations: Penelopeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Paper Pantry Cake: Nothing Bundt Cakes

a little river farm wedding

RIDLEY & SCOTT OCTOBER 2018

“Ridley and I went to college together and were even in the same sorority so to be able to help her throughout her journey down the aisle and to be there behind the lens to see her marry her best friend was unlike anything else. Their day started off like any other except the Fall weather was truly showing off with the cooler temps and Fall like leaves that naturally decorated the property. The First Look was hands down one of the most memorable moments during the day, especially when Scott flashed the most genuine smile of pure happiness when he saw his bride for the first time and you couldn’t help but smile back. The same emotions were shown again when Ridley was walked down the aisle by her Mom and the couple exchanged vows right as the sun dipped below the ceremony site and as they cheered along with all their family + friends after they shared their first kiss!” -JB Marie Photography

Scott and I met at a sports bar in February 2015 in Braselton, Georgia known as Jeffery’s. While this was Scott’s local watering hole, my friend Steph and I just happened to stop in by chance, in an attempt to extend the night. Steph and I sat at the bar and after a bit I notice a cute guy and his friend standing at the other end of the bar. While I didn’t want to come off as aggressive something told me that I was supposed to talk to this guy and get to know him. Luckily, he took the initiative, walked over and struck up a conversation. After great conversation over a few drinks, we both knew something special was happening and we were excited to see where it was going. The next day we exchanged a text messages and he asked if he could come to Athens and take me out on a date. After a great time over margaritas, and chips and salsa we both knew this was meant to be. We spent the next year traveling between Athens, where I was finishing grad school, and Braselton where Scott was living. We both fit into each other’s lives and friend groups like we had always been there; everything was and still is, so easy. It was then as we realized how easy everything fit together that we knew we were meant to be together and couldn’t imagine our lives without each other. Scott proposed on July 5th, 2017 at our summer vacation spot, St George Island. For the two previous annual beach trips Scott had asked if we could rent bikes and bike around the island, to which I always responded with a grumbling, no, and “it’s too hot”.

But this particular year our beach rental came with bikes so I didn’t have much of an excuse. We set out this particular morning on our bikes towards the state park and around ten minutes in I was already asking for a water break; needless to say I wasn’t thrilled with the mornings’ activity. He was such a trooper and put up with me complaining and I’m so glad he did. We stopped on the side of the small beach road, walked down the boardwalk onto the beach, and just took in the view. The next thing I knew he was down on one knee and asked, “Will you marry me?”. So taken aback, the first thing to come out of my mouth was “Really?!”. After my mouth caught up with my heart I realized what happened and I was thrilled to say “Yes!” On November 10th 2018 we gathered with our friends and family for the.best.day at Little River Farms in Milton Georgia. The week leading up to the wedding it rained nonstop, but something told me the weather was not going to get in the way of our day. Saturday came and was accompanied by the most gorgeous clear blue sky we could have ever asked for. Everything about our day went more perfectly than we could have imagined and I secretly wish we could do it every weekend! Having everyone we loved, from near and far, in the same place at the same time, celebrating our love, is one of the greatest, most rare moments we’ve ever experienced and we wouldn’t have changed a single detail. northandpeach.com

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hues she used

F E AT U R E D V E N D O R S Photographer: JB Marie Photography Venue: Little River Farms Dress: Affordable Bridal Inc Bridesmaid: Weddington Way Groomsmen: Macy’s Florals: Samantha Medlin DJ: JB Jams Entertainment & Events Caterer: Chef Gary’s Cuisine Hair + Makeup: A Glamour Affair Coordinator: Christine Meyer Invitations: Tiger Lily Invitations

a romantic vineyard wedding

J E S S E & C O U RT N E Y SEPTEMBER 2018

“Courtney’s elegant and soft updo and gorgeous blue eyes were the first two things that caught my immediate attention. She absolutely radiated joy and beauty. The detail on her dress was insane! The under layers of delicate lace were topped with a soft tulle that caught the light beautifully. The burgundy/wine bridesmaids dresses and pops of red florals were a perfect nod to welcoming fall. The cross was the focal point of their ceremony, with a beautiful backdrop of Yonah Mountain peeking through the trees. I loved being able to hear their personalities come through in their vows to one another, from Jesse’s fear of being too complex to fall in love, to Courtney’s fear of Jesse’s driving. The sunset was miraculous as it dropped behind the vineyard, so we snuck out for a few extra golden hour photos, and they turned out to be some of my absolute favorite from the day. I could go on and on and on about how incredible this wedding was and how beautiful Jesse + Courtney were, but I will let these images tell you the story better than I ever could.” - Hello Jude Photography Jesse and I met in the summer of 2014 playing Ultimate Frisbee in our hometown of McDonough, GA. We ended up hanging out a couple of times that summer with mutual friends before parting ways and attending different colleges. A couple months later Jesse added me on social media out of the blue, which gave me the opportunity to reach out to see how he was doing. A connection began to develop between us as we talked nearly every day until we both returned home for Christmas Break and finally went on our first date to Shane’s rib shack. I honestly didn’t even know it was a date at first. I had been talking to him every day for a couple of months, but we had never talked about anything more than friendship. Jesse, however, says it was obvious that it was a date. We went on a couple more dinner dates over Christmas break, but fate decided we needed more time together because Jesse was able to get an internship five minutes from my college where he could work for the next semester. Since we were so close, we were able to see each other a lot and our relationship took off. After 3 years of dating, Jesse and his family planned a trip to New York City where he would propose. It was all a complete surprise to me, because I was told that we were going to Calloway Gardens. Luckily, my family was in on the secret and helped me pack clothes warm enough for NYC in December! On the 3 rd day of the trip, December 18 th 2017, we decided to walk around central park and go see the Metropolitan Museum of Art (the Met). I was really excited about going to the Met because I am a huge Gossip Girl fan and that’s an iconic location in the show. With this in mind, Jesse knew that the Met steps would be the perfect place to propose and of course I said Yes! Now it is even more of an iconic location for me! We got married at CeNita Vineyards on September 30 th 2018. The day was everything I could have imagined and more. Picking one favorite memory from the day is tough

but I have to say the best part for me was when the curtains opened for me to walk down the aisle and I saw all our family and friends surrounding us on such a special day and my soon-to-be husband at the end of aisle waiting for me. I was so happy we didn’t do a first look because that moment was so special for me. For Jesse, the best part of our wedding was right after we were officially announced Mr. and Mrs. Welch. At that moment there were no more nerves, no more counting the days until we were married and we were ready able to finally stand in front of everyone that mattered most to us as husband and wife. The most challenging part of marriage for me has been the long distance. Jesse’s job requires him to travel Monday through Thursday nearly every week, so only seeing your husband 3 days out of the week can be really hard. However, since for most of our relationship we were only able to see each other on the weekends because our colleges were 2 hours apart, so we are used to it. We’ve found that the key is to make our time together count and of course Facetime every night! The most challenging part of marriage to Jesse has been empathy.Actively listening with the intent to understand other people’s viewpoint/feelings and not just to respond is not exactly how most people are typically wired. Jesse believes that seeing things from my perspective will help us to communicate better and is something we both strive to improve on. Jesse and I both agree that the very best part of marriage is knowing that you have someone there for you who loves you unconditionally, someone you can always talk to, someone who you can always come home to, someone you get to spend the rest of your life building memories with, growing a family with and growing old together with. It is a sense of peace, peace in knowing that no matter what happens in life you have each other.

hues she used

F E AT U R E D V E N D O R S Photography: Hello Jude Photography Videography: Hello Jude Videography Venue: CeNita Vineyards Gown: Atlanta Street Bridal Company Florist: Cleveland Florist Wedding Coordinator: Cindy Crumley DJ: Wes Brawner Events Invitations: Basic Invite

a gorgeous garden wedding

C A R M E N & C O RY APRIL 2018

“There are so many amazing things that I could say about this day…about this couple…and about their love. Carmen and Cory have such a special love and adoration for each other. The love and kindness they so clearly have for one another is inspiring and such a privilege to witness. It’s no surprise that their wedding was filled with charming details, happy tears and a lot of laughter! They got married at the beautiful Dunaway Gardens, where you’ll find the most romantic stone pathways, waterfalls, lush greenery and storybook views. Just walking around the garden takes you back in time and it couldn’t have been more romantic. One of the most beautiful elements of their wedding was their ceremony site which was at the garden amphitheater surrounded by tall trees. Carmen’s entrance into the ceremony was unforgettable. She walked out of the woods in the distant and made her way down the stone steps to Cory. Truly a fairytale moment. As I looked around I saw so many people smiling and tearing up. Their entire day was filled with these genuine moments.” -Hannah Wade

We are Cory & Carmen Worley! We met while bar tending together in college. What we love most about our story is that we were truly friends first. When we met, we were both dating other people. We were friends, we supported the others relationship and were able to lay a foundation as being friends first. Then one day our friend Ryan got a group together to go to the Braves game. We were both invited and coincidentally both single at the same time. We ended up sitting next to each other that warm summer night and although we were completely surrounded by our friends and 10,000 other people, it seemed as though it was just the two of us watching Braves take on the Sox at Turner Field. And somehow at the end of the night, we left the stadium laughing and holding hands. A few days later Cory asked Carmen out on a date. We started the night at Baileys for dinner and drinks and walked across the street afterwards to see a movie. The rest is history. The next three years were filled with silly jokes, laughter and both of us finishing college and pursuing our dreams together. After school Carmen began her career as a Radiation Therapist at a local hospital and Cory shared his love for quality spirits and crafted cocktails as a Rep for a local beer, liquor and wine distributor. After a busy few weeks at the hospital, Carmen asked Cory if they could go see the Nutcracker at the Fox, one of her favorite holiday traditions. Cory told her not to worry, he would treat her to her favorite ballet and a weekend of much needed rest & relaxation. The weekend of the show Carmen came home exhausted. She arrived home to Cory saying pack your bags babe, we are going on a stay cation in the city, while holding tickets to Saturday night’s show. We packed our bags

and headed to town. We checked in to the W Friday night and enjoyed a night on the town. The next day we slept in and Cory suggested we explore the city as tourists. We enjoyed a nice breakfast and headed out to explore our city through a tourist’s eyes. We walked through Centennial Park, passing the World of Coke and the Georgia Aquarium. Cory them suggested that we go ride the ferris wheel. We got on the ferris wheel as soon as we got into our cabin, Cory had a huge grin on his face, “He was very smiley and acting very strange” says Carmen. As soon as the ferris wheel got to the very top, Cory stool up in the cabin, well, as much as he could have for being 6’6”, got one knee and made Carmen the happiest girl in Atlanta. We topped the night off enjoying the Nutcracker ballet as fiancés. We then picked a wedding date, Saturday April 7th, 2018 and planned our dream wedding together. The theme of our wedding was a romantic secret garden, therefore Dunaway Gardens in Newnan, GA was the only venue that would do. Our favorite memory from that day was dancing to one of our favorite songs that we normally only dance to in our living room, “Why Don’t We Just Dance” by Josh Turner. Just like that night at turner field, although we were surrounded by 150 of our closest family & friends, in that moment when that song played it like it was just us in our living room, only dressed a little nicer. The most rewarding part of our marriage has been experiencing our unity which each other & God on a new level. We know that together and with Him we can do anything, we make the perfect team!

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hues she used

F E AT U R E D V E N D O R S Photography: Hannah Wade Photography Coordinator: In An Instant Events Venue: Dunaway Gardens Hair: Amanda Hill MUA: Deep Cover Beauty Caterer: Elegant Expressions Catering Flowers: The Perfect Posey Rentals: Shade Tree Event Rentals Videographer: CL Money Films DJ: Nice Entertainment Cake: Elfs Cakery Dress: Winnie Couture Calligrapher: Emily A. Howell

an intimate ivy hall wedding

ERIN & BOBBY JULY 2018

“I absolutely loved how Erin and Bobby included their family in as much of their wedding day as possible. Whether it was Bobby’s father’s leather jacket displayed in memory at the ceremony, Erin’s grandmother’s earrings, or even wearing Erin’s mother’s veil, these two definitely put their family first and I loved every minute of it. I loved how they cherished their heirlooms and wanted to make sure they were prominently on display.” - Heather K. Cook Bobby and I met at the University of Georgia, GO DAWGS! I was starting my master’s program while he was finishing up his undergraduate degree. Bobby says he can remember seeing me enter the room and can recall how I introduced myself in the first day icebreaker exercise. We quickly became friends while sharing the same practicum location and remained friends for a year and a half. We were always together going to classes together, playing intramurals together, and going to cohort events together. I resisted the relationship for a while but Bobby knew otherwise and courted me with sweet notes saying, “hey good looking” or surprising me with my favorite candy. He finally won me over and I realized he was the one and the rest is history. The proposal took place outside of the building we first met on The University of Georgia campus. Bobby told me we were going to his brother’s, now fiancé’s work BBQ on campus. I thought it was strange we were invited but Bobby explained families were encouraged to attend, so I didn’t second-guess it. Once arriving on campus, Bobby started to park in a different area of campus then he originally explained where the BBQ was and it was July and so hot outside, so I started complaining about having to walk and be all sweaty for the BBQ. He explained to not worry and to just come on! We started walking through the parking lot and he grabbed my hand, while seeming so anxious; I was like what is going on! Once we approached the building we had first met 4 years ago, he started talking about how this is the spot where his life changed, the rest I cannot remember from being in shock. He got down on one knee and asked me to marry him in front of the building we met 4 years earlier. My sister had been hiding and taking pictures the whole time, which was extra special. On the way home, I was trying to face time my mom and best friends but no one was answering my calls. I was getting so upset but Bobby reassured me we were seeing our families later that night for dinner to celebrate. He then explained how my best friends couldn’t be there because they had already committed to other events. I was so upset because I had always told him I would like all my best friends

and family to be present after our proposal. But then we got home to take care of our dog, Stella, and get ready for dinner. I opened the door to our house and there were all our best friends and family for a surprise engagement party. Bobby and I started planning right away, we are both teachers and wanted to use our summer break to get married and honeymoon. We both are among the last of our friends to get married so we both knew what we wanted and did not want for our wedding. The whole planning process was pretty easy. Bobby and I made majority of the planning decisions but we wanted to make sure our families were included in the process so both of our moms helped a lot. We got married a little short of year after our proposal on July 7th at Ivy Hall in Roswell. The whole wedding day was amazing, it went so perfectly; if something went wrong I had no idea. I was so grateful to have all of our friends and family in one room to help us celebrate. Our band was both of our favorite parts from the wedding, helping us dance the night away! After the wedding, Bobby and I took one day to recover then we were off to Jamaica! Bobby planned the most romantic and special honeymoon at an all-inclusive resort in Montego Bay. We were able to sip and relax next to the beach or pool. It was a great way for us to unwind from the wedding and spend time with each other before heading back to work. We have been married for almost 9 months now and life could not be any better. We have created so many memories in these 9 months as a married couple going on vacations, celebrating birthdays, and enjoying creating our relationship now as a married couple. While I believe our relationship is so strong from being together for so long being married has created a new level to our relationship. For me little things have meant the most to me, such as being able to say husband and taking his last name. We have not had to face many obstacles or challenges during our short 9 months of marriage but I know that we have created a loving and strong foundation that we will be able to conquer anything thrown at us. northandpeach.com

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hues she used

F E AT U R E D V E N D O R S Photography: Heather K Cook Venue: Ivy Hall Coordinator: Linda of Events Catering Videographer: Zachary Will Photography Assistant: Ruzin Cunningham Florals: The Flower Post Limo & Transportation: Aspen Limousines of Atlanta Band: Satellite Blvd

IMAGE BY IVY AND LINEN

beyond the

RING

“From this day forward, you shall not walk alone. My heart will be your shelter, and my arms will be your home”

Marianne Williamson You’ve just spent the last year and some planning the best day ever, but now that you’ve said “We Do”, now what? There’s nothing like the effort that comes with committing to someone “til death do you part.” The steps after your wedding are just as important as the steps before. This section is all about how to navigate love and marriage in the eyes of our wedding experts and other couples who have gone the distance, or are just getting started in their marriage journey. We’re dishing out the best places to honeymoon, how to move in together, and love stories from amazing North Georgia couples.

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TOP honeymoon

getaways THE MALDIVES

The Maldives are located southwest of Sri Lanka on the equator. This paradise is made up of 11,900 coral islands, 202 of which are inhabited, and 100 are exclusive luxury island resorts. Because of the seclusion and scenery, this makes the perfect destination for a honeymoon. From turquoise lagoons, white sandy beaches and tiny villas, this little piece of Heaven on Earth is one of the most romantic locations in the world. If you are looking for a tropical location with total relaxation and privacy the Maldives is a great option for you! IMAGE BY MIROSLAVA

INDONESIA

IMAGE BY WAYAN PARMANA

A honeymoon in Indonesia can be as relaxing or adventured packed as your heart desires. With over 13,000 islands, the opportunities for exploration are endless. With it’s sandy coastline, luxuriant rain forests, ancient temples, mountain views, and breathtaking volcanos, this beautiful place has it all. Specifically, 10 islands to consider checking out are, Komodo, Ora Beach, Banyuwangi, Banda Islands, Lake Toba, Togean Islands, Bali, Yoguakarta, Mount Bromo, and Belitung Island. Perhaps one of the most popular is Indonesia’s tourist capital, Bali. Complete with it’s beautiful temples, wildlife, and jawdropping views, a trip to Indonesia isn’t complete without a stop in Bali.

HAWAII

IMAGE BY WILD AND AWAY

Tourism is the number one industry in Hawaii, and people on the island totally understand it! The people of Hawaii are very friendly and happy to help educate you on the culture and history. The islands of Hawaii offer some of the world’s best sight-seeing. From helicopter tours, ATV tours, and submarie tours there are plenty of ways to see the sights. Hidden waterfalls, sunrises, secret water holes, private dinners on the beach... let’s just say that there is a lot of potential for romantic moments. Because there is so much to do in Hawaii, be midful to schedule in some time to actually relax!

SANTORINI

The island of Santorini Greece is an ideal destination for newlyweds. The picturesque aleys, stunning architecture, and out of this world sunsets, make Santorini a romantic haven for visitors. With it’s iconic whitewashed homes perched on a cliff facing the clear waters of the Aegean Sea, Santorini is home to mesmerizing views. It comes as no surprise that it is one of the most sought after honeymoon destination sin the world.

IMAGE BY CARLOS SANTIAGO

BIG SUR

IMAGE BY CAMERON VENTI

Less than three hours from San Francisco, Big Sur is a peaceful retreat along the edge of the Pacific Ocean. Surrounded by redwood trees, quiet forests, rocky beaches, and more beautiful views than you can count, this is a nature lover’s paradise. Drive down Highway 1 and wiggle along the coast, pull off for some incredible photo ops and stop for hiking trails or beach access points. Check out Pfeiffer Burns State Park where you can find yourself surrounded by a forest of redwood and madrone trees. While there, check out McWay Falls, a stunning 80ft waterfall and enjoy a picnic under the trees. northandpeach.com

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BRYCE CANYON

Bryce Canyon National Park is a sprawling reserve in southern Utah. Known for crimson-colored hoodoos and hiking, this honeymoon location is for the adventure loving couple. Start your day at Sunrise Popint as the sun rises over the hoodoos creating a beauiful rainbow of color. Enjoy a rim stroll, take in the panoramic views from Inspiration Point, Rainbow Point, and Fairyland Point. Hike the trails inside Bryce Canyon National Park or explore more secluded hikes outside the park in Escalante or Boulder Mountain. Enjoy horsebackriding trails, discover the perfect picnic spot, or take a dip in a cool alpine like or waterfall.

IMAGE BYTRACY ZHANG

SAVANNAH For a honeymoon a little closer to home, check out the charm in Savannah, Georgia. With it’s unique blend of history, Southern charm, and beauty, Savannah is the perfect blend of casual and classy. Whether you are taking a romantic carriage ride down the cobblestone streets, lounging on the beaches at Tybee Island, enjoying a candlelight dinner at one of the many romantic restaurants by the River, or sharing a picnic in one of Savannah’s parks or squares, there are endless options for enjoying and exploring the city. IMAGE BY JOSE LLAMAS

honeymoon advice from a recent bride

ABBY BYRD Abby Byrd Photography www.AbbyByrd.com @AbbyByrdPhotography

I learned a few things along the way TREAT YO’ SELf and wanted to share my advice with Honeymoons can get expensive (I’m anyone who is planning a honeymoon. looking at you, Hawaii) but, be sure to have a few things on your list that you PICKING A LOCATION know both of you will enjoy! We decidAfter deciding on a budget for your ed to treat ourselves when it came to special trip, I think picking a location renting cars on each island. We got a that suits your personality as a cou- jeep for the Big Island and a convertible ple is important! David and I knew we for Oahu. David did most of the driving wanted adventure mixed in with beach which he really enjoyed and I had fun and rest. It suited my laid back per- taking the wheel from time to time but sonality and his go-getter style. But, was happy riding along as his passenger. we both love adventure so Hawaii gave I mean, top down in Hawaii? Yes, please! us plenty to explore!

When David proposed to me in downtown Atlanta, it was right after we got out of a helicopter (you can see that story here) so when we saw that the Big Island offered helicopter tours we were very interested! We took a few days to think it over as it was not cheap. But wow, that was our favorite thing that we did on the Big Island. I’m so glad we went for it! Worth every penny. We skipped out on some other things in order to do that such as attending a Luau dinner. My best friend visited an all-inclusive in St. Lucia for her honeymoon and her advice is to splurge on a couples massage! I’m all about that life.

That flight we were on at LAX was also delayed on the tarmac for FOUR hours. We were getting stressed and worried about our rental car company closing before we arrived. Luckily everything worked out, but we went to bed very hungry since nothing was open (and my airport dinner was horrible). We got up and ate the most expensive breakfast buffet I’ve ever had. Anyways, I wish I had packed my own food for the plane (more than just power bars). David took very good care of me though and everything turned out just fine!

TELL PEOPLE Tell anyone and everyone that it’s your honeymoon! You only get to do this once MISHAPS MIGHT HAPPEN and people are happy to help you celeYou’re going to want your honeymoon brate! Restaurants and hotels are espeto be romantic and as perfect as you cially great at this! imagine it to be but be prepared for the unexpected and the unwelcomed. TAKE CARE OF THOSE RINGS In our case, delayed flights and food Don’t leave your rings unattended in poisoning. So, be ready to roll with your room, unless you trust the safe in the unplanned and make the most of your room. But, also be careful about it. We flew to Hawaii from Atlanta taking them into the ocean. David and which is a very long journey. We had I both have a set of rubber wedding to stop in Los Angeles, so we decid- bands. We have Enso rings and we love ed to buy dinner before hopping on them! Another great brand is Qalo. Dathe next plane. You probably already vid actually wears his Enso ring Monknow this, but be sure to make smart day-Friday at work and his metal ring food choices when stopping for dinner on the weekends. The rubber wedding at the airport. David chose something band is safer for people with a hands on better than I did (he always does) but job/dealing with machinery. I wanted a hot meal. I got food poisoning after the first day of our hon- MAKE RESERVATIONS eymoon. The silver lining is that it hit This is advice related specifically to Hame at dinner time after we had spent waii (that I wish I had known about). all day sightseeing. I suffered through Every restaurant requires a reservation. it all night and recovered the next day. Otherwise, good luck eating before 9:30

pm or getting a table at all. So, each day I was on my phone in the morning searching for somewhere to save a table. I wish I would have planned for that/ known in advance. UNPLUG I think it’s a great idea to unplug as much as possible when you’re on your honeymoon. Don’t post things to social media in the moment or feel like you need to make phone calls. I made a couple of posts with a photo or two during a wait between flights or a moment where we were relaxing. It’s exciting to share! But, being present is so much better. DOCUMENT YOUR MEMORIES I think keeping a journal during our honeymoon would have been really neat! I took A LOT of pictures, it’s kinda my thing. I also didn’t take my professional camera. Which, sometimes made me feel lost but it was also very freeing. We had just bought ourselves the Google Pixel XL 2 (which have terrific cameras) so the cell phone photography was a welcomed challenge and helped me relax and be more present. We also booked a professional photographer which fueled my photographer heart with so much joy! With so many pictures happening during the wedding year, I thanked David a million times for going along with this idea and hoping back in front of the camera. We booked a session with Vanessa Hicks Photography on the North Shore of Oahu and it was so much fun! Highly recommend a photo shoot during your honeymoon to help document the trip.

fun items to pack

Honeymoonin’ Tee- Etsy: CambridgeAvenue $18.24 // Mrs. Jumbo Tote- Etsy: VowandVibe $12.00 //Mr.and Mrs. Luggage Tags - Etsy: MrsMyLaurie $27.50+ // Silicone Rings- ENSO $24.99 // Honeymoon Vibes Cap- Etsy: ResisDentzDesign $15.00

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moving in together REAL GEORGIA NEWLYWEDS ON

meet brooke and chris

Q. Did you set any false expectations when it came to what married life would be like? A. “I came into this with leniency and expectation that there was no expectation. I’m in this for the long run and I know there will be twists and turns. As long as there in an understanding or middle ground by the end of it I am okay.” Said the greatest husband I am blessed to call my own! Q. When did you get married? A. Chris and I are still considered “newly weds”. We got married this past September and it was such a long time coming!

Q.What is your favorite thing about your home? A. Our coffee bar! If coffee was a love language it would be at our top. We had a wall that was bare and awkward separating the kitchen from our living room, so we found the cutest mobile bar cart and created an entire coffee bar with racks, shelves, and hooks for all the coffee necessities. Also complete with a fresh espresso maker and coffee bean grinder. It was a collaboration we designed together and I speak for both of us that it’s our absolute favorite.

Q. What was your biggest question when it came to moving in together? A. “So who does what?” was my biggest question coming into this. Who cooks, who cleans, who shops for groceries, who pays the bills? I was eager to see what my expected responsibilities would be and so far we’ve had pretty great teamwork. Chris is happy to do whatever is asked, so we divide and conquer. Everyone does things a little different and our way works for us! Q.. What is your joint style? Does it lean towards one of your personalities more, or have you morphed into a new style together? Do you have separate rooms for each of your styles (ex: den- his style, bedroom her style, etc.) A. Chris has actually designed majority of the house and I’m obsessed! He is cool, calm and collected but wanted a say in the style of the house. From furniture to color schemes, he has an eye for style! He likes straight lines, clean edges, and neutral tones. All I ask for is clutter free!

Q. What is the most rewarding part about living together? A. Brooklyn: The most rewarding part about living together is laughing at our mistakes. We conquered all the phases of building a strong relationship and now we have the challenge of marriage, a home, dog, and settling into our new careers. We expect mistakes to be made. It’s so rewarding, however, to have someone at your side lifting you up and laughing along with you at the lessons learned. Chris: I enjoy getting to cook and make dinner together. We now have a home and our own space and that in itself feels like a reward

Q. Have you experienced any surprises living together Yet? A. Well, I’m surprised the house is still standing! Within months of moving in, we (Chris) managed to burn a hole in the kitchen floor from still-burning coals emptied out of the fireplace, our garage door came off the tracks and broke, and the basement flooded! I think we handled each event pretty well tough. It’s easy to get frustrated being new brand new home-owners but floor tiles can be replaced, a garage door can be fixed, and the basement is getting a fun new carpet! Q. hat is your favorite activity to do in your home together? A. Wash the dog! We have the SWEETEST aussiedoodle, Steve! Rather than pay for an expensive grooming visit every time he needs a bath, we put him in the tub and scrub him down ourselves. It’s definitely a two person job so we use lots of teamwork and treats to finish the task. In a way we get a glimpse at future parenthood with Stevie and we love it. Q. Have you developed or adopted any traditions in your home together? A. Sunday nights are for Asian takeout. There’s a small, somewhat sketch, Asian restaurant within a mile from our house and it’s delicious! It’s so convenient and easy, so it’s become a Sunday dinner tradition that is eagerly awaited.

Q. Did you move into the other persons apartment/home, or did you find this place together? A. Chris and I lived separately with our parents until after the wedding. Chris was looking at houses long before he proposed, but it wasn’t until we were engaged and looking together that we found our beyond perfect starter home. It is a nice sized split-level home that was perfectly located between our work and our family, it had plenty of bedrooms, a finished basement, and newly remodeled kitchen and floors. We knew it was the one the minute we got there. It is perfect. And I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way because we are getting to start from scratch creating a house into our home. Q. If you could go to one place to buy something for your home where would it be? (Each answer separately) A. Brooklyn: Target. Who isn’t obsessed with the collections they come out with? It’s easy, convenient, and cost-effective. Chris: Target. This is only our starter home so we haven’t filled it with big expensive pieces yet. The items we find from Kirkland’s, Hobby Lobby, and Target are perfect for what we need right now. As the family grows and finances expand we will buy a bigger home and invest more into quality products and furniture. But probably still a vast majority from Target if we’re honest. IMAGES BY COURTNEY CAINE PHOTO CO. northandpeach.com

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L OV E S T O R I E S

Kayla

When it comes to our wedding vows, I have a mountain to reflect on. The line “in sickness and in health” couldn’t be more of a reality to my husband John and I. We first met in the 7 th grade in art club; for John it was love at first sight. We fell in love over the summer of our sophomore year in high school. Our first real date wasn’t until were 17. Both our parents agreed that John and I should wait to date, so John and I found loopholes. We purposefully got to school almost 45 minutes early just so we could sit in the library together. When you essentially grow together like John and I did, there was just no turning back. John and I, along with everyone who knew us, assumed we’d end up married sooner than later. They were right. John and I officially got engaged March 22 nd at the infamous Georgia Aquarium. I was completely surprised, but at the same time it wasn’t unexpected. I had just come home from a week spent in Europe. The next day John begged to see me since he missed me so much. On one knee, he told me he didn’t know how he could live without me. I told him he wouldn’t have to (and “YES!”). That was two months into his battle with stage 2 Hodgkins Lympoma, a form of blood cancer. Our wedding day was the greatest day in my entire life. May 20 th 2018 was such a blur. My favorite moment from our wedding day: as I was walking down the aisle with my father, I could feel this unseen transition. I noticed my dad and my soon to be husband tearing up as I ascended. Unspoken, yet they knew it and I felt it, I was truly being given away. After a long evening of celebrating one another, he was so excited to whisk me away. We strolled under a canopy of sparklers as they were waved around by our guests. It was all in slow-motion. We had one final kiss to appease the crowd of people who loved us and wanted us to see success and many years together. We both felt like we were walking into the next chapter of our lives together. We’ve been married almost 10 months now. 6 months into our marriage, John’s cancer relapsed. I hope no one will ever experience the stress, suffering, and heart break we’ve gone through in not even our first year of marriage. The hardest and most rewarding part of marriage has been serving one another. I have put myself aside to take care of my husband, while simultaneously he is prioritizing his healing. But even on a larger scale, John and I have always gone out of our way to make sure there is balance. If we are both investing in one another, neither of us will be left with wanting more. That’s what I love most about my husband; he still finds unique ways to serve and love me around the current limitations of being hospitalized for 3 weeks. We hold each other accountable for our character, and we challenge each other to better ourselves. We are each other’s greatest joy; despite the hardships we are facing and will eventually face, we couldn’t be happier.

TOP: HELLO JUDE PHOTOGRAPHY, BOTTOM MEGAN SMITH PHOTOGRAPHY

John

L OV E S T O R I E S

Melissa Russell

IMAGES BY RIVER WEST PHOTOGRAPHY

One of the unique aspects of our relationship is the fact that I (Melissa) met Russell’s entire family before meeting him! While attending Toccoa Falls College I met one of Russell’s brothers in 2006 as a fellow student. I later met his parents and youngest brother in 2007 through a local church’s AWANA program. When Russell moved to Toccoa in 2008 it was this church’s youth programs that facilitated our first meeting. After being friends for several months, a practical joke involving a fake proposal spurred a conversation about romantic feelings and we started dating on April 23, 2009. Two months later, we faced our first challenge – I was moving to New York for the summer for an internship. Russell grew up overseas and was used long distance communication, so he was confident that we could continue our relationship despite not being in the same geographic area. We wrote letters, planned phone calls (after 9pm so it didn’t “cost” minutes), and emailed. After a long summer, we were so thankful to be reunited while I finished my senior year. After graduation, Melissa went back to New York to work while I stayed in Toccoa. At the end of the summer, I picked up Melissa from the airport and before arriving at baggage claim I stopped in the middle of the walkway. She wasn’t paying attention because she was very concerned that I had let go of her luggage in the middle of the airport (side note from Melissa: it’s a security risk!!). She started paying attention when I pulled the ring out of my pocket and got down on one knee. Obviously, she said “yes!”! We got married at Vecoma at the Yellow River in Lilburn, Georgia on April 22, 2011 – just one day short of two years together. Favorite memories from that day include our first dance, seeing friends and family who traveled for our wedding, and our glowstick send-off. After a honeymoon in Florida, we settled into our tiny apartment and I began job-searching. Unfortunately, two months later Russell got laid off. We were now both unemployed in a town that had few job opportunities. Due to savings and low living expenses, we survived until I found employment in September 2011. It wasn’t until January 2012 that Russell found a fulltime job. While spending our first year of marriage in financial straits wasn’t ideal, it helped us grow closer. We relied on each other, trusted each other, and we also discovered some really cheap date ideas! When our first son was born in 2014, the entire dynamic of our relationship changed. In addition to figuring out our individual roles as parents, we also had to adjust our expectations as husband and wife while navigating the crash course of parenting 101. This April we will celebrate eight years of marriage. Thanks to our love and commitment to each other we’re ready to tackle any situation that life throws at us. Being married to your best friend is the greatest blessing we’ve been given, and we thank God for our life together.

L OV E S T O R I E S

Jake

Jessa

BOTTOM IMAGE BY HELLO JUDE PHOTOGRAPHY

Jake and I met in early 2003 while I worked at a local restaurant. He was very persistent at the time and I had absolutely no interest in the beginning. He would come into the restaurant daily just to see me even if he never spoke to me. We exchanged numbers and left it at that. I decided to give him a call one day just to say I hope he had a good day and we never stopped talking after that. I agreed to a first date and we have been inseparable since that moment… Literally (* We both knew we were the one)! We married just 6 months of knowing each other in a private ceremony and we honeymooned in Jamaica for a week. We will never regret that moment at such a short notice. Jake was/is someone you could be around for hours and never get tired of and here 16 yrs later I even feel the same way. We were babies at the time and now in our late 30’s, we haven’t spent longer than 10 days away from each other and that is by choice. Life when we aren’t with each other just isn’t the same. October 7th we will be celebrating 16 years of marriage. 16! Marriage is beautiful and messy and hard, but most of all so worth it. Early on in our first year together we dealt with two major challenges.. One being my dad was extremely ill with cancer and we lost our first baby while 4 months pregnant… I felt like I was losing hope in all areas of my life at that time but Jake was there holding me every step of the way.. We were told we may never have children after the loss of our first so we felt like the weight of the world was on our shoulders mainly mine and Jake got the left over exhausted me at the end of the day but the most beautiful thing about that hard season was he never once stopped loving me. We started seeing a fertility physician and by Christmas of 2004 we were pregnant again and couldn’t have felt more blessed. A month after our son was born, my father passed away at age 42 exactly three days shy of his 43rd birthday.. Talk about a hard season! But in the end our most rewarding moments were the love of Jesus we felt the entire time and still feel to this day, our children’s births and our beautiful life we worked and fault so hard for. Its hard writing 16 years of marriage in a short summary trying to cover all important moments but here we are… This is us and they are my Home!

L OV E S T O R I E S

Ross

n e m r a C

Ross and Carmen met during Junior High School in Puerto Rico a small beautiful island located in the Caribbean. It was in the year of 1970 during a school gathering on school grounds we were introduced by friends. One of the very first photos we have is of us at a school baseball game. A few years later, we were young and found ourselves expecting.. so we eloped. We were married by a Judge on a Tuesday morning, January 15, 1974. We were both nervous and unsure of our future but one thing we promised each other was we would never raise our children in a broken home .. So divorce was never an option. Adversities we had to deal with were many. We married at the age of 17 and 16 years old. Take it from there and try to imagine how difficult and challenging it was for these two young people..Having a child, no job, not owning a home, still in school, living with our parents. Ross had to work, study and raise a family with his young bride. Ross eventually joined the United Stares ARMY in order to gain a College scholarship. That resulted in family separation for 18 months while he did basic training and then was stationed in Korea. After that, Ross and Carmen moved to Fort Campbell, Ky in 1977 to form their first home while in the military.By this time they had 2 small daughters. We knew nobody, nobody knew us. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s how we started our journey of Love away from home.â&#x20AC;&#x2039; It was hard and difficult but boy did we grow stronger and better for it. the Army became a career choice and commitment for over 20 years. Ross retired from the US Army in 1995 he served in war and was deployed countless times.. our home was spread over many continents many countries and many cities.. regardless of where we were .. home was wherever we were together. We raised 5 kids all over the world. Our Young Love turned into an unimaginable world wind romance that covered many corners of the world and gifted us with 5 kids, 3 daughters and two sons and 11 grandchildren. Our legacy! There are things that we wished we could have done differently or even better.. however if it would have caused us out of the will of God or even our marriage then we are grateful for those failures. We believe those were life lessons God allowed to pave our paths.

BOTTOM IMAGE BY ABBY STANCIL

gift

GU IDE â&#x20AC;&#x153;The best gifts are the ones that you give.â&#x20AC;? Words are sometimes hard to find when you want to show someone how much you apprectiate them. Our next best option is the gift of giving. Gifts have the ability to say what words cannot when you put purposeful thought into them. Making them usable and unique can be a challenge, but this gift guide is here to help in the process.

Your wedding planning process is one with so many details. We want to take the nail biting guess work out for you! In this section, we will walk you thrgouh some amazing gift ideas for all those that make your day special!

Time to get gifting!

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a b o u t FOX B L O S S O M

Foxblossom Co. began in 2012 as a one-woman Etsy shop, creating unique, personalized wedding dress hangers from hand-sculpted wire. The hangers were a huge success and the business grew very quickly, with new products releasing frequently and several other women joining the team. The brand was originally known as Deighan Design, until a comprehensive rebrand in early 2016. Now Foxblossom Co. has developed into a luxury gifting company. While our specialty will always be gifts for bridesmaids, engagements, bridal showers and weddings, we now offer gifts to celebrate all of life’s occasions, big and small.

e d i u g

PERSONALIZED GLASS JEWELRY BOX These gorgeous glass jewelry boxes are a wonderful way to store rings, necklaces, bracelets, and other small keepsakes. The lid is printed with a single hand-lettered initial using professional-grade white vinyl for a personal touch. Antique brass and glass box with a slide lock closure Approx. 3" x 3" x 1.25"

BRIDAL PARTY HAIR TIE Each hair tie is handmade in our studio from super soft elastic designed not to damage hair or even leave a kink. On a heavy card with “To Have and to Hold Your Hair Back” in gold foil print. Blush elastic with metallic gold print - available in Bridesmaid, Maid of Honor, Matron of Honor, Flower Girl, or plain blush (no print).

ENGRAVED BRIDESMAID HANGER A custom wedding dress hanger is the perfect way to show off your gorgeous gown in your wedding photos! These hangers make a wonderful keepsake gift that your bridesmaids will love (and actually use!) Our modern hangers are completely handcrafted in the US, using premium natural unfinished wood and solid brushed brass or nickel hooks. The hangers feature carved notches to help prevent slippage of your delicate garments, and the curved shape and modern hook style add just the right amount of elegance. Each hanger is laser engraved with your choice of name and title or date right in our Pittsburgh studio.

t f i g

S BLOS X O F WITH

KNOT BRIDESMAIDS EARRINGS What a perfect way to pop the question to your bridesmaids! These beautiful 18k white gold plated knot earrings are nice for everyday wear, or as wedding day jewelry. Packaged on a thick, letterpressed card with the phrase “I Couldn’t Tie the Knot Without You” in an ivory gift box. A gift your bridesmaids will love forever. -Small (approx. 8mm in diameter) knot post earrings -Zinc alloy base metal, nickel-free. -18k white gold or rose gold plated available -Packaged on a thick letterpress earring card and placed in a beautiful ivory gift box SOY TRAVEL CANDLE Our hand-poured soy candle tin in your choice of fragrance. All natural, phthalate-free, poured in small batches in our Pittsburgh studio. 30 hour burn time. Available with bridesmaid/maid of honor/matron of honor proposal labels, or standard fragrance labels.

CUSTOM BRIDAL PARTY TEES These brand new bridal party tees are so cute! The bride and bridesmaids will love wearing these for pre-wedding errands, the bachelorette party, and even the wedding morning! -Super soft blend of airlume combed and ringspun cotton -Available for the whole bridal party: Bride, Bridesmaid, Maid of Honor, Matron of Honor, Mother of the Bride, Mother of the Groom, Team Bride, Bride’s Entourage, Bride’s Besties, Junior Bridesmaid or a custom title -Available in XS - 2XL -9 colors available

BRIDAL PARTY STEMLESS FLUTE Pop the bubbly, our stemless champagne flutes are perfect bridesmaid gifts! Perfect for your bridesmaid proposals, or even for the bachelorette party or wedding day. Titles are printed your choice of 12 colors (Mirrored Gold pictured) in a beautiful script font. Cheers! Personalize with any bridal party title and choose from 12 lettering colors Recommended hand washing Glass holds 8.5 oz and is approximately 6” tall and 2.5” wide

I DO with a

VIEW

There’s no shortage of gorgeous views all across our North Georgia area for your beautiful wedding day! When planning your outdoor ceremony, remember to choose a location that aligns with your overall wedding vision and think about what type of experience you want to give all of your guests! Of course you and your new spouse are the obvious focal points, but your guests will also thank you for giving them a gorgeous view to enjoy with you as well. Plus, you can’t forget about the stunning photos you’ll get in these gorgeous locations! From stunning cityscapes, to gorgeous waterfalls, mountain views, forests, lakes, and everything in between, here are some of our fave North Georgia ceremony locations for you to consider for your big day!

love on the lake

BUFORD,GA Lanier Islands gives you so many wonderful options to have your perfect Lakeside Wedding. Exchange your vows along the beautiful shores, aboard a yacht, or even in a wooded lakeside hideaway. If you love the lake as much as we do, make sure you check out all that Lanier Islands has to offer.

IMAGES BY HAPPY EVERYTHING CO.

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love in the vineyard

CLEVELAND,GA Nestled in the foothills of the Northeast Georgia Mountains, The Venue at CeNita offers the perfect backdrop for a gorgeous vineyard wedding! With lush landscaping, stunning views of the vineyards and Yonah Mountain, The Venue at CeNita is the perfect place to say “I Do”.

IMAGES BY HELO JUDE PHOTOGRAPHY

love can move mountains

WALESKA, GA If you want stunning views in every direction, Lewallenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 400 acre Farm is the place for you! With countless mountains, forests, and lake views, they have everything you could ever want and more for a beautiful North Georgia mountain wedding.

IMAGES BY SHANNON FORD PHOTOGRAPHY

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say “I Do” in the clouds

CLAYTON, GA Get married overlooking Lake Burton.The Waterfall Club also has breathtaking panoramic mountain views of the Chattahoochee and Nantahala National Forestabsolutely magical! What a stunning place to say “I Do”.

IMAGES BY AUDREY GRACE PHOTOGRAPHY

“I Do” with a city view

ATLANTA, GA

Located in the heart of downtown Atlanta, Ventanas features one of the best and romantic rooftop ceremony locations in the city. Breathtaking views of iconic Atlanta landmarks, will make your guests undoubtedly be in awe.

IMAGES BY FIVE FOURTEEN PHOTOGRAPHY

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grooms

G U IDE

â&#x20AC;&#x153;When a man truly loves a woman, she becomes his weakness. When a woman truly loves a man, he becomes her strength. This is called exchange of power.â&#x20AC;? Guys, we know that sometimes it seems like you are the forgotten variable in this wedding planning equation. All of this fluff is because we want to celebrate your love in the best way possible.

We also know that this can be a challenging time for you! There are so many details, so much stress, and so much to learn in this world of wedding planning. This section is for you! We want to help you navigate this process, from purchasing the perfect ring to hearing from grooms in the past. We are giving you real advice from real men who have been in your shoes!

Time to get planning!

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A GROOMS GUIDE TO

ENGAGEMENT RINGS RINGS FROM WORTHMORE JEWELERS, IMAGES BY SHANNON FORD PHOTOGRAPHY

Getting down on one knee and proposing is by far one of the most romantic things you’ll ever do. However, the days, weeks, months leading up to this magical moment can definitely feel very daunting! From thinking about how to pick out and purchase the perfect ring they’re going to love and cherish forever, to how you’re going to propose, and even thinking about when/where you’ll proposal can make even the most level-headed, put together person super nervous. We’re here to help ease some of your worry by showcasing some gorgeous rings from Worthmore Jewelers and give you some basic guidelines to follow when picking your loves’ perfect ring.

ENGAGEMENT RING BASICS Which finger? In most countries the finger next to the little finger on the left hand is known as the ‘ring finger’. In some countries such as Germany it is worn on the right hand. Wearing the ring on the left hand is a tradition that dates back to the Romans who gave rings as a pledge of their love. It was believed that the vein from this finger lead straight to the heart - the vena amoris. How much to spend? You may have heard that at least one month’s wages should be spent on an engagement ring - which is a total myth! What you spend is entirely up to you and what you feel comfortable with. If you have an idea of budget when you make your initial enquiry then this really helps us to advise you. Usually a ballpark or upper limit is enough at this stage. If you are looking at a diamond engagement ring, then as a general rule of thumb it will be the diamond that will have most influence on the cost, and this can vary considerably depending on the size and quality. Other factors include things like the complexity of the design. Should you buy the ring together? There is a lot of information to take in once you start researching engagement rings, and it can be a bit overwhelming. Since this piece of jewelry is going to be one of the most important items you ever buy, making sure you know what your significant other loves and their ring size is always a plus. Whether it’s going to the store together to try on rings (and still surprising them with a proposal down the road of course), or looking at their secret wedding pinterest board (which we all have) are always great ideas. Also, making sure you have an idea of what cut, shape, and color they love and secretly have had their eyes on for months before hand, will definitely make things a lot less stressful when you get to the store. Plus,you’ll be 100% certain you’ve bought the right ring.

ENGAGEMENT RING TRENDS Vintage Inspired

Contemporary Three-Stone Rings

Vintage-inspired designs aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. You may start seeing more of a vintage style with a modern twist. By taking classic design elements from vintage-style engagement rings, but losing some of the impracticalities, you can have a ring that is timeless with a twist.

Thank you to Meghan Markle and Prince Harry for this trend. As the name implies, a three-stone ring boasts a center gem accented by two diamonds or gemstones on either side (said to represent a couple’s past, present and future). You may start to see a more contemporary spin on this trend, with fancy-shaped diamonds and unique accent gemstones like baguettes, trillions and pears featuring elegant, thin bands.

18k White Gold Vintage inspired bezel setting. Customization options available $1699 (setting only)

14k white gold bezel setting with diamond accents set with a one carat round brilliant cut diamond. $2898

Gallery Detailing

Sometimes, it’s the little things. Go for a beautiful hidden touch to add something special to an otherwise understated or classic ring, like an accented gallery or surprise diamond detailing—it’s the perfect way to set your ring apart from the crowd. 14k Rose Gold double halo mounting w/mixed round and baguette diamonds. Customization options available. $1659(setting only)

Non-Traditional Colored Stones

More brides are ditching traditional diamonds and gold bands for colorful engagement rings that reflect their own personal styles. Black Diamonds and pink or purple sapphire are three colors that you’ll see more this year 14k white gold four prong solitaire set with a 2 and 1/2 carat cushion unheated natural purple sapphire. $5969

14k White Gold bypass halo mounting set with two and half carat black diamond pear $2459

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Yellow Gold

The lustrous metal works with both with diamonds and colorful gemstones, and complements just about every type of setting, including classic, vintage and modern. 18k Yellow gold setting with pear center with round diamond accents and birch texture. Customization available. $1698

Gear for the Guys

Don’t worry, we didn’t forget about you. Making sure you love what you wear for the rest of your life is definitely equally important as uniquely you as you want. Here are some additional rings, money clips, and belt buckles that may have your name and personality all over them. 1. Chris Ploof Designs - 18k gold sleeve with vintage shotgun barrel center. $2239

Fancy Shaped Diamonds

These faceted cut and feminine curves make this ring style one of the most elegant and flattering shapes for the hand. We’re seeing this cut paired with delicate diamond halos, which highlights the stone’s shape, while intensifying its sparkle.

2. Read Wilson hand engraved titanium band with 24k cold forged gold inlay. $2895

14k white gold & diamond halo style mounting for oval center. Customization available. $1439 (setting only)

Money clip- hand engraved titanium w/custom cold forged monogram. Available in gold & silver. Pictured in gold $1195 Belt Buckle - hand engraved titanium w/ customization options available. Each buckle comes with a custom length belt. $2795

Delicate and Distinctive Halos

Halos will always be popular—after all, they tend to make a center diamond appear larger. But in 2019, we’ll see couples getting more and more creative with their halo design, and choosing distinctive shapes and delicate details rather than cushion halos and the like. Estate Platinum ring with onyx and diamond double halo set with a let round brilliant cut diamond. $7698

3. Chris Ploof Meteorite Collection $2629-$5979

MEN

TELL ALL North & Peach spoke with guys who have been in the same season as you.... and survived! Who better to ask for wedding planning advice than a few dudes who have been in your shoes. 1. How much did you help/ plan for the wedding? Nate: I was on the other side of the country during the whole wedding planning process, so my wife took the reigns on planning the wedding. I didn’t want to not help, so I took over the honeymoon planning and it was really fun for both of us! Brian: Believe it or not, I took on almost all of it, and my wife would agree. Everything was decided together, but I enjoyed making it happen. Dustin: I helped very little. I planned the engagement ring and the honeymoon. That’s what we agreed on from the beginning, and then I gave my occasional opinion. Dillon: I was pretty involved in the wedding planning and building. I built the wedding arbor, helped setup music, and tracked down what vendors we wanted. 2. How did you pick the engagement ring?

LAURA ANNE WATSON PHOTOGRAPHY

3. How did you know she was the one? Nate: She told me.

Brian: We were friends first and I was attracted to her perNate: She (not so secretly) hinted at the style she loved and sonality. We sought God first, and when I wasn’t with her I then it was my responsibility to do the research and find the missed being around her. That’s when I knew...didn’t take perfect fit for her. that long to figure that out. Brian: By design. I started with the shape of the diamond Dustin: I knew she was the one by our second date because our and worked around that. I wanted her to have a unique one lives aligned and were headed in the same direction. of a kind ring. Dillon: We started dating in high school, we were inseparable. Dustin I got what style of ring my wife wanted and went From showing cows to tail riding. But the one things that sold from there. me on her, was the way she calmed me during times of anxiety and frustration. Dillon: I knew she wanted a simple thing, not a big diamond. And it had to be a solitare. northandpeach.com

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VENDOR SPOTLIGHT

borrowed & blue meet kaley

Hey there! My name is Kaley Stephens, owner and creative director behind Borrowed and Blue event planning and decor rental. I am happily married to my best friend of ten years, a stepmom to the sweetest little boy, Clayton, and birth mom to a mama’s boy and sassy little girl, Kenna and Branson. Although my husband and I are not native to the North Georgia mountains originally, we quickly fell in love with the charm and simplicity of our sweet little mountain town. Through the last ten years, (seven of which married) we have made lasting relationships and built three successful businesses within a city who has shown us much support. On most days I can be found mocking up wedding designs in our storefront in Cornelia Georgia. When creative wheels aren’t turning you can guarantee I am most likely skimming the aisles of Hobby Lobby or Home Goods (hope went out the window for wallet survival when they built them side by side) and coming up with new creative ideas on how to convince my husband that we have always had a collection of tobacco baskets and eucalyptus wreaths in our keeping room. Borrowed and Blue is a unique company that focuses on creating major aesthetic appeal to any event we have the opportunity to work on. We firmly believe that each and every bride comes with a style that is unique to her and work tirelessly to incorporate her (or his) individual taste into the event. Whether it be table settings, funky gold swirl chargers, shatter-glass votives, floating greenery walls or a modern pair of studded chairs, our main goal is for guest to enter an event “wowed” and to leave with only happy memories that will be shared for decades. HOW DID YOU GET STARTED? I got into wedding planning by complete accident. In my past life, I worked for a corporation and planned events on a large scale. I first tasted the thrill of wedding planning through corporate events and knew I had only scratched the surface of what would be a life-long love that I never burn out from. Shortly after my own wedding in March of 2012, a friend of mine asked if I could coordinate her wedding the following June. Knowing nothing about weddings, I dived into the opportunity head first. I absolutely loved each and every minute of her wedding day and it truly began the now seven year journey of Kenna Beth Bridal and Borrowed and Blue. I’m so thankful for the opportunity I had then and for every single wedding that followed after. From what started as a hobby, hammering out emails on my lunch breaks with my full-time job, is now a full time career. To date, my team at Kenna Beth Bridal has completed planning and coordination for over 215 weddings.

BRITTANY RAE PHOTOGRAPHY

What makes Borrowed and Blue unique is the fact that we cater 100% to our client and their style. Rarely do we create looks on our own and we pride ourselves on that very fact. We put customer service at the front handle of our business and work specifically with our brides to bring her vision to life. Sometimes we have brides who claim to have no vision and in those instances, we sit for hours and create one with her. Borrowed and Blue desires to build relationships, not numbers. My team at Borrowed and Blue focuses on the quality of work that we deliver to our brides and the ability to create an event that she is able to fully enjoy and cherish.

CRAIG OBRIST PHOTOGRAPHY

MEGAN WALLACH PHOTOGRAPHY

ANY TIPS FOR BRIDES? It sounds cliche, but hire a wedding planner! The one thing I hear from engaged couples is that they don’t think they can afford a wedding planner. The truth is, you can’t afford not to! I can honestly say in every single wedding my team has worked on, we have paid for ourselves in what we are able to save her overall. Another tip is to not lose focus on the most important thing, your marriage. With wedding planning brings tough stress and sometimes its hard to lose focus on the fact that you’re marrying your best friend. We encourage all of our brides to keep the eye on the prize and leave the tough decisions to us.

BRITTANY RAE PHOTOGRAPHY

SHANNON FORD PHOTOGRAPHY

What makes me proud is to pull into work every day knowing that I followed a calling that wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t an easy or safe decision to make. When I started KBB and B&B, I worked a full time job and made more than my husband did at the time. It was absolutely terrifying knowing I was responsible for so much in the home as well as out of the home. Through lots of prayer, and several freak out moments, I decided to allow faith take fearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s place in my mind and we really buckled down to make these businesses successful. From what started as a dream shortly became a reality. That reality became a storefront and that storefront brought me a dynamic team. That dynamic team brought in solid business practices and those solid practices brought us our first fully booked year, while only in the second week of January. That is something I am so, so proud of.

FO L L OW A L O N G BORRWEDANDBLUEGA.COM KENNABETHBRIDAL.COM @BORROWEDANDBLUEGA

a closer look at borrowed & blue

Borrowed and Blue is an event design studio. We opened our first store front in June of 2018 and we have been full speed ahead ever since. We offer our 2000 sq. foot fully renovated space available for rent to host baby showers, birthday parties, corporate events and rehearsal dinners in. We have all of our design meetings in the store (when possible). Brides love to come in, sit on our awesome furniture, enjoy a cup of coffee and brainstorm about her big day. If you ever visit Borrowed and Blue, you will meet the right hand to our success, Kadie Hudgins. Kadie has been with me since we opened and I can honestly say Borrowed and Blue wouldn't be without her. To know her is to love her and we are so thankful for everything she dedicates to my business and her brides. Kadie is also a full-time wedding planner on our staff. Her knowledge and grace is insurmountable. Kenna Beth Bridal is the planning portion of Borrowed and Blue. KBB focuses on planning and executing flawless events. From the first initial email, to the last box shoved in a car, we do it all.

VENDOR Guide Your Vendor Dream Team AWAITS DITCH THE STRESS of planning your dream wedding!

YAY! You’re engaged! Once that post-engagement afterglow fades you realize you have to start planning your wedding! Eeek! Your to-do list is a mile long and it will take hours of searching online to find the right vendors to bring your vision to life. We GET IT! Planning your wedding can be overwhelming. The only thing more overwhelming is searching through large national wedding vendor directories full of vendors who aren’t right - they’re too far way, too expensive, too cheap, too Steep Magnolias (blush AND bashful? C’mon now…). You need to find the perfect vendors for your wedding right here in North Georgia. They need to be top-notch and truly care about your story, your vision, and your wedding day. With the North & Peach Vendor Directory, you can now find your vendor dream team in just a few clicks!

ACCOMODATIONS

BRIDAL SHOW

ENTERTAINMENT

ALPHARETTA CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU awesomealpharetta.com info@awesomealpharetta.com @awesomealpharetta

ALPHARETTA WEDDING SHOWCASE awesomealpharetta.com/event/alpharetta-wedding-showcase info@awesomealpharetta.com @awesomealpharetta

APRIL ROOKS ENTERTAINMENT Aprilrooks.net aprilrooksent@yahoo.com @aprilrooks

ATTIRE TRUE PURPLE DESIGNS CUSTOM GARTERS Truepurpledesigns.com truepurpledesigns@gmail.com @truepurpledesigns BEAUTY VENYAH Venyah.co connect@venyah.co @venyahbeauty MAKIN’ FACES SPECIAL OCCASIONS MAKEUP Makinfacesbydb.com makinfacesbydb@gmail.com @makinfacesbydb

CAKES & DESSERTS ACUNA’S CUSTOM CAKES Acunascustomcakes.com acunascustomcakes@gmail.com @acunascustomcakes SWEETLY BAKED Sweetlybaked.org dale.brittney@yahoo.com @bgrantqueenofbuttercream ZELL’S COTTAGE BAKERY Zellscottagebakery.com info@zellscottagebakery.com @zellscottagebakery

DJ ALEXANDER ENTERTAINMENT Djofatlanta.com djalexanderatl@gmail.com MIKE JONES ENTERTAINMENT & EVENTS Mikejoneseae.com @mikejoneseae FLORALS SOUTHERN BLOOM EVENTS Southernbloomevents.com audrey@southernbloomevents.com @southernbloomevents

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PHOTOBOOTHS STOP THE TIME PHOTOBOOTHS Stopthetimephotobooths.com info@stopthetimephotobooth.com @stopthetimephotobooth

HEATHER K COOK PHOTOGRAPHY Heatherkcook.com hello@heatherkcook.com @heatherkcook

PHOTOGRAPHY

HELLO JUDE PHOTOGRAPHY Hellojudephotography.com hellojudephotography@gmail.com @hellojudephotography

LINDSEY LARUE PHOTOGRAPHY Lindseylarue.com lindsey@lindseylarue.com @lindseylaruephoto

INDIGO TIDWELL Indigotidewell.com indigotidewell@gmail.com @indigotidewell

LAURA WATSON PHOTOGRAPHY Lauraannewatson.com laura@lauraannewatson.com @lauraannewatson

JENRETTE ROMBERG Jenretteromberg.com hello@jenretteromberg.com @jenretteromberg

AUDREY GRACE PHOTO Audreygracephoto.com audreygracephoto@gmail.com @audreygracephoto

JESSICA PENDLEY PHOTOGRAPHY Jessicaphendleyphotography.com jessica@jessicapendleyphotography.com @jessicapendleyphoto

BRIAN + LINDSEY PHOTOGRAPHY Brianpluslindsey.com info@brianpluslindsey.com @brianpluslindsey

KVC PHOTOGRAPHY Kvcphotography.com katievcathell@gmail.com @kvcphotography

CAPTURE THIRTEEN PHOTOGRAPHY Capturethirteenphotography.com capturephotography13@gmail.com @capturethirteenphotography CHRISTA Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;BRIEN PHOTOGRAPHY Christa-obrien.com chat@christa-obrien.com @christa.obrien.photography

LESLIE TERRELL PHOTOGRAPHY leslietterrell.wixsite.com/leslieterrellphoto leslietterrell@gmail.com @leslieterrellphotography

CHRISTINE QUARTE PHOTOGRAPHY Quartephotography.com quartephotography@gmail.com @quartephotography DIANA BELLO STUDIO BelloEstudio.com dianabellostudio@gmail.com @dianabellostudio FIVE FOURTEEN PHOTOGRAPHY Fivefourteenphoto.com jessica@fivefourteenphoto.com @fivefourteenphotography GLORIOUS MOMENTS PHOTOGRAPHY Gloriousmoments.org Info.gloriousmoments.com @glorious.moments

MANDI MITCHELL PHOTOGRAPHY Mandimitchell.com mandi@mandimitchellphotography.com @mandimitchellphoto MIRRORED IMAGES BOUDOIR Mirroredimages.net shootme@mirroredimages.net @mirrored_images_boudoir MISHAUN ARRINGTON PHOTOGRAPHY Mishaun.com mishaun@mishaun.com @mishaunarrington RON QUERIDO PHOTOGRAPHY Ronqueridophotography.com ronquerido.photography@gmail.com @ronqueridophotography

SHELBY NORRIS PHOTOGRAPHY Shelbynorrisphotography.com shelbynorrisphotography@gmail.com @shelbynorrisphotography

CAMDEN GRAY WEDDINGS + EVENTS Camdengrayweddings.com cagney@camdengrayweddings.com @camdengrayweddings

STEPHANIE INDRANEE PHOTOGRAPHY Stephanieindranee.com stephanie.indranee@outlook.com @stephindranee

A CLASSY OCCASION Aclassyoccasion.com ashlie@aclassyoccasion.com @aclassyoccasion

STATIONERY

FOR YOU, I DO Stephanielorraine.com Foryouidoevents@gmail.com @foryouidoevents

ELISAANNE CALLIGRAPHY Elisaannecalligraphy.com elisabeth@elisaannecalligraphy.com @elisaannecalligraphy HONEY + OLIVE LETTERING Honeyandolivelettering.com honeyandolivelettering@gmail.com @honeyandolivelettering

JESSICA BENCOMO EVENTS Jessicabencomoevents.com jessicabencomoeevnts@gmail.com @jessicabencomoevents

VENUES

THEN COMES MARRIAGE Thencomesmarriagega.com thencomesmarriagega@gmail.com @thencomesmarriagega

PLEASANT UNION FARM Pleasantunionfarm.com pleasantunionfarm@outlook.com @pleasantunionfarm

WEDDINGS BY V Weddingsbyv.com weddingsbyv@gmail.com @weddingsbyv

SILVER CITY FARM Silvercityfarm.com maria@tottatl.com @silvercityfarm 6140 EVENTS 6140events.com julie@6140events.com @6140events THE DENSMORE FARM Thedensmorefarm.com audrey@thedensmorefarm.com @thedensmorefarm VIDEOGRAPHY CINEMA JUBILEE Cinemajubilee.com info@cinemajubilee.com @cinemajubilee HELLO JUDE PHOTOGRAPHY Hellojudephotography.com hellojudephotography@gmail.com @hellojudephotography WEDDING PLANNERS

@THEWANDERINGPHOTOCAMPER

WWW.THEWANDERINGPHOTOCAMPER.COM

TERESA GREEN PHOTOGRAPHY

N O RT H & P E A C H

summit

ASHLYN CATHEY PHOTOGRAPHY

July 18-19, 2019

Meadows at Mossy Creek details coming soon to northandpeach.com/summit

LAURA WATSON PHOTOGRAPHY