Browsing Tag

Event

SURPRISE!

party
On Saturday night Dustin and I went over to my best gal pal’s loft for what we thought was a casual supper. When we arrived they gave us drinks and told us that the meal needed a little more time in the oven and that while we were waiting we should head up to the roof to see the sun set. We were all for it and took the elevator to the top of Mattress Factory Lofts. When the doors opened we were greeted with a group of our friends yelling “SURPRISE!” from the upper level! We were SPEECHLESS. Literally. Stood there confused and shocked, haha! When things finally started to make sense we dried tears and hugged everyone and then checked out the adorable diy decor Ashleigh and Ashley had assembled including this “Happy Engagement” sign:
atlanta engaged
decor event atlanta rooftop
The girls diy decor also included old soda bottles and mason jars filled with flowers, some of which even came from Ashley’s backyard! They took old fabric and dresses and jazzed up the chairs they rented. Additionally, Ashley asked that everyone draw on the “table cloth” with encouraging words or illustrations as she’d be saving them and making into a book. I won’t get into details about some of the “anatomically correct” drawings that occurred! (payback for other drawings Dustin drew for Jonny + Ashley at their reception!)
cheers
After we hung out sipping on Ash’s infamous gin punch and a few more friends trickled in we sat down for a potluck Southern feast. There was delicious 15-hour pulled pork, mac-and-cheese, fancy potato salad and more then for dessert we noshed on Muriel’s poppy seed blueberry hand pies!

Stuffed full and proudly wearing a grin from ear to ear we watched the sun go down and then packed it up to move indoors where we played “heads up” which was hilarious since we were slightly intoxicated- and our friends are naturally silly!
friends
The whole night we felt so lucky to have great friends that would put together a special night just for us, we are truly blessed, thanks Atlanta family!

BEGINNING STAGES

As I’m sure you can imagine I’m somewhat overwhelmed (but really really excited!) with the beginning stages of wedding planning. I am thankful that we’ve decided to shoot for next Autumn so there’s time to figure things out.  I have quickly learned that the first and most important task is finding a venue and that it’s something to jump on right away. That being said I’ve already scheduled one visit at a barn on a plantation outside the city with several other locations in mind!  Another priority on my list is nailing down a general color scheme and theme because I want the save-the-dates and invites to follow to correspond with the colors we select.

Getting organized and started I got help from Ashleigh, who got married last October. She provided me with her Google docs and vendor list just as a reference. Dustin is excited about being involved and gives his two cents on ideas and brainstorms with me which is really nice. Can’t imagine battling to get an opinion! Also I have a personal wedding planner, my mom! She doesn’t live in Georgia but when go on vacation next week we’ll definitely knock off some of the to-dos. So far things are going good! Ask me in a few months and I hope to be thinking the same! Another thing I bet you could guess is that I’m going Pinterest crazy with wedding stuff! No shame..it’s a huge help having a digital mood board! Here are some of my favorite images and the overall vibe I’m thinking —

nativebearStamp set by local talent, Leela of Native Bear. Would love to support local and part DIY our invitations!

dressThis dress is actually from BHLDN and is sadly sold out. I’ve had it on my Pinterest board for a while and then spotted it worn in a real wedding via Our Labor of Love.

campReally like the use of lanterns and ferns to give a camp feel. Also would like to have some green garland around the altar area, not necessarily the tent that is shown here but the draping garland is nice.

confettiThese printed bags that contain coffetti to throw after the vows are a great idea! The photos would turn out really cool too!

supperDustin and I have already decided that we want long, rectangular tables vs. circle.

BEYNot sure what car yet but we do know we want to drive away in something vintage!
Click for Image credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

There you have it, the very beginning stages of the Smith-Winchester wedding planning!

Follow along my Pinterest board www.pinterest.com/ladyflashback/omg-im-engaged/

EVENT PHOTOGRAPHY | RECEPTION

14369746626_9684f68803_bMy good friends Jonny and Ashley exchanged vows in Florida but because they are loved so much by their Atlanta family who didn’t want to miss out on celebrating the nuptials we all pulled together and hosted a reception for them in their own backyard last month. I took on the duty of decorating with all of my rustic findings from home, including deer antlers, mason jars, drift wood, vintage Readers Digest and other knickknacks. Friends brought additional decor that really pulled everything together like flowers and burlap.

14206228048_653d28ea97_bThere are lots of special things about J+A’s home but one of the coolest parts is that they built the back porch all by themselves! Additionally they commissioned mutual friend Olive to do the bird mural on the back of their home. Bet you’re realizing why we choose to do it at their house!

14391796814_32e25632ee_b14206279230_4b3008394e_b14391794864_90dbc7567b_b14391790504_27d559195f_b14413020443_3c33f14e73_b14206607250_eb05cf3393_bEvent photography has always been at the top of my list of favorite things to photograph. I’m especially proud of these since I planned it, decorated and snapped the photos.  I couldn’t have done it without the help of many, so thanks! (y’all know who you are!)