Winter Wonderland Industrial Wedding

It is New Years Day, and it is a time of renewal, new year’s resolutions, and change. We hope that each and every one of you had a safe and happy New Years Eve. In honor of of the first day of 2015, we wanted to feature a very special wedding. One year ago, this couple celebrated their love for each other, and today we want to dedicate the New Year to this fabulous couple. Gorgeous images from Andie Freeman Photography  and beautifully planned by Southern Sophistication Designs this winter wedding is romantic and very sweet.  Happy Anniversary to Eddie and Courtney!

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A few words from  Southern Sophistication Designs…

Courtney and Eddie, “are an absolutely adorable couple.  They started out as clients, but living through her leukemia journey with her and planning her dream wedding, they quickly became family.  The inspiration for their wedding was at first going to be southern summer sweetness but after her diagnosis made a summer wedding an impossibility, we changed her wedding into a southern sophisticated New Year’s celebration to remember.  It was also Courtney’s first big event after her diagnosis and treatment.  The story would even make the Grinches heart grow three too big.”

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From Andie Freeman Photography

Courtney was originally planning a summer wedding to her sweetheart, Eddie.  But in January of 2013, that all changed.  She was tired, so she decided to go and see her doctor.  The results weren’t good.  She was diagnosed with Leukemia and immediately hospitalized for treatment.  Her brother donated his bone marrow for a transplant and she underwent chemotherapy and radiation.  She lost her glorious blonde hair that she has been growing out for her summer wedding.  It was a summer wedding that would never happen.  She was not allowed to be around a large group of people for one year.  So she and Eddie changed their plans.  They began to plan a winder wedding.  With the help of their wedding planning and event designer, Jessie Patton, they planned a glorious event at the Foundry at Puritan Mill in Midtown Atlanta.  And even though she didn’t have her long blonde locks, she had the cutest short, curly bob.  Courtney stated, “My fiance and I have been through alot together, especially in the past year after a cancer diagnosis last Fall. Now with a clean bill of health, our wedding has become an even bigger celebration. Our wedding will be a mix of northern and southern guests. I am envisioning a rustic winter wedding”.It was a stunning event from beginning to end and Eddie and Courtney got their dream wedding with all of their family and friends.  She is now a little older than 1 (her cancer free date) and they are living in their dream house in the suburbs of Atlanta.  

 

Vendors:

Photographer: Andie Freeman Photography

Wedding Planner: Southern Sophistication Designs

Venue: The Foundry At Puritan Mill

Wedding Cake: The Posh Cakery

Caterer: Bleu House Cafe

Bridal Gown: Bride Beautiful

Videographer: Hammond Studios

Groom and Groomsmen Attire: Men’s Warehouse

DJ: Osborne DJ Entertainment

Officiant: Rev. Sam The Marrying Man

Winter Wonderland Rustic Wedding

The holiday week continues with this gorgeous winter wonderland wedding from the very talented Andie Freeman Photography. This wedding is very special and has warmed our hearts with its very moving love story. This beautiful couple’s love is so strong, it radiates from each and every image. I was so enamored by their incredible love, I almost missed out on all the amazing lovely winter wedding details. This wedding is cozy, intimate, and so pretty! Winter + Rustic + Stunning Couple= Winter Wonderland Dream. I think I have fallen in love with winter, and it is all due to the exquisite details of this Southern wedding. I have to admit, I have browsed through these images more than once, so make sure to set some time aside for this one. Happy Winter!

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From Andie Freeman Photography …

I was amazingly touched when I was told the story of Alison and Brandon by venue owner, Debbie Benson.  Brandon, who was diagnosed with terminal melanoma, was to wed his fiance Alison.  They were married at an outdoor barn wedding with beautiful quilts and stunning winter wonderland country accents.  Although we almost froze to death that day (40 degrees!), it was so wonderful to be a part of the culmination of their love story.  Sadly, only a few months after their marriage, Brandon passed away with Alison by his side.  All services by vendors were donated or provided at cost.  Brandon decided to grow his beard after his cancer treatment made him lose all of this hair.

Alison wanted a winter wonderland rustic wedding so venue owner, Debbie Benson, came together with myself and Event Planner, Cissy Wood to put together a beautiful winter wedding.  There were pinecones and teal glitter balls in beautiful lanterns.  There were snowflakes hanging from the ceiling.  There was an extremely popular hot chocolate bar.  And because of the cold, there were quilts for all of the guests to wrap up in.  Even though it was bitterly cold, Brandon and Alison truly made the best out of their special day.  Alison stated recently that she loves Brandon and misses him every day.

 

 

Vendors:

Photography: Andie Freeman Photography

Venue: The Barn On Belmont

Caterer: Blind Pig Tavern & Buffalo’s

Makeup: Bombshell Creations

Event Planner: Hydrangea House Events

DJ: Osborne DJ Entertainment

Three Ways to be Holiday Festive

December is one of the most festive months of the year with Christmas, Hanukah and New Years’ Eve all in the span of four weeks.  It’s a busy time but it’s an exciting opportunity to have the festive holiday wedding you’ve always dreamed of! Here are a few ways you can make your winter wedding holiday festive.

FLOWERS AND GREENERY

 By choosing the right flowers and accents your guests will be immersed in holiday cheer.  Be sure to mix in lots of reds and greens into your arrangements for that wonderfully Christmas feel.  You can also add touches of gold or silver into bouquets and boutonnieres or blues, silver and white for an elegant Jewish affair.  However, if you want your wedding to be unmistakably Christmas themed add a beautifully decorated Christmas tree as a focal point and wrap garland over any staircases.  This will serve as a great photo opportunity for you and your guests.

LIGHTS

Lights are a huge part of any festive event.  Rely on large amounts of candles during your ceremony.  The warm, low light of candles will not only make for a romantic ceremony, they will produce an intimate atmosphere where guests will feel they are sharing a special moment with a couple in love.  Also, what could be more festive than Christmas lights?  Dress your reception space in white twinkling lights to create your enchanted winter wonderland.  If you want some more sparkle use lots of crystals in your décor and the reflection of light off the crystals will create a snowy feel in the space.  Finally, play with projections on the walls and dance floors.  Snowflakes would be perfect projections on the dance floor and tie into the holiday theme brilliantly!

FAVORS AND ACTIVITIES

There are so many great opportunities to be festive when it comes to favors and fun activities for your guests.  First, create holiday feelings of a cozy night by the fire with friends by offering a warm beverage station with holiday treats like peppermint hot chocolate or spiked eggnog.  Next, have holiday themed favors at the tables.  Snowflake shaped frames, yummy holiday treats or even a monogrammed ornament are all great options.  Last but not least, kick up the holiday fun with a holiday photo booth!  Provide Santa hats, reindeer antlers, elf ears, a Santa beard, etc.  Your guests will have a ball taking photos and who knows, you might even see some of the pictures in future Christmas cards!

There are so many ways to be festive at your holiday wedding.  The most important thing to remember is to enjoy the time you spend with your family and friends in this celebration of your love.  The holidays are a time to be together with the people you love.  Have a wonderful holiday wedding season!!