Atlanta Wedding at Callanwolde Fine Arts Center by ABJ Photography

Posted November 22nd, 2010 by Heather Vreeland | Post the First Comment

So this wedding is extra special in my book. Thursday, November 25th is my 4 year wedding anniversary. Five years ago I met my hubby Andrew ONLINE and we’ve been living happily ever after since. Yup, we met online on Yahoo Personals so you can imagine that I have special place in my heart for couples who have met online too. Bring in today’s couple, Hayley and Lee. Turns out a $60 monthly subscription, an online profile and few pics ended up paying off big time for this duo too. They had a gorgeous wedding at Callanwolde Fine Arts Center photographed by ABJ Photography and I’m thrilled to shared the gorgeous images of their decor and story today. Enjoy!

ABJ-photography
Now for the proposal . . . details!
Lee told me to get dressed up and that we were going out to dinner, but he would not tell me where. He grabbed my camera which was funny since he never needs a camera, but knew I’d want it to capture the proposal. That was my tip that something was happening. We arrived at the Capitol Grill in Buckhead and were greeted by some very eager hostesses- which was my second tip. They were anxious to seat us “at the best table in the place!” He waited until dessert time and had the waiter bring the ring over on a plate in the box and then he got down on one knee and proposed. I cried and said “YES!” The staff had my camera and they were all so excited that Lee had planned it with them in advance so they could all be in on it. The Capitol Grill also had a staff photographer that was able to take and process a photo during the time that we were there finishing up dessert. I was able to see a photo of what just happened and verify that it was not a dream!

We want to know all about the wedding details! Was it the small and intimate setting or the big traditional?!
The wedding was a medium size event at Callanwolde Fine Arts Center with friends and family. Lee and I got to know the venue very well while taking dance classes each week before the big day.

Was there a theme or inspiration behind the décor?
I used the Callanwolde ceiling molding as my theme for the invitations, program fans, and pint glass giveaways. It was a beautiful home and this captures the essence of the unique architecture. It is the most gorgeous and special place tucked away in Atlanta. It is very magical and provides such a wonderful setting for such an amazing day and moment.

What were your playful twists that made your wedding unique?
My mom did our table flowers and we used all of her old unpolished silver in unlikely vases. We also added a street address to each table of where Lee and I lived prior to living together. We sat guests at tables that made sense to how they knew us- for example: college addresses for college friends, hometown addresses for family. Our guests each had a wine cork with their name at their assigned table. This took quite a bit of extra effort. Lee’s friends at Rock Wall Wines provided the majority of the corks used in these settings which was special to Lee and his family being from California. Our guests were mostly surprised with our choreographed dance where Lee dipped and lifted me like we were on dancing with the stars! No one had any idea that we had been taking lessons and they were totally shocked. It was so easy to learn with group lessons at Callanwolde.

What was your splurge?!
My Jimy Choos! Not necessary, but totally worth the money. They were very comfortable to dance in and looked amazing. I can wear them again and again since they are not white satin- gold sparkly and glamorous!

If there was one thing you could change.. what would it be?
The rain. I had planned an outdoor affair with the theme centered around the crest in the amphitheater crest with program fans, lemonade
served by waiters and a grand entrance. All of this was scrubbed at the last minute with a downpour and we had to make sure the chairs were set up indoors and my make up redone after the waterworks.

What was the best wedding advice you received?
Buy a second dress- just in case. It was TRUE. We had taken weeks and weeks of dance lessons and the time came for me to dance in my gown after all of the days prior without practicing in it. I had a back up dress in case my dress ripped after the dance, but never thought I would dance in it. We began doing a few steps in the gown and neither of us could move. The dress was too bulky- Lee could not step forward and I could not step backward. I ran over to the bridal room and quickly changed into the secondary dress… it was a short white BCBG dress on sale for the end of the season and it was perfect for the dance!

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