Love has no distance and that sentiment is true for Jill and Karl. These two lovebirds dated for 9 years, and though their distance was short— Jill went to Georgia Tech and Karl went to Emory University— it wasn’t always easy to see each other. Karl rode his bike to Jill each way just so they could be with each other more often. After years of bike peddling, Karl was ready for the distance between them to be nonexistent to which Jill said, “ yes” to being his forever.
Jill and Karl said their I do’s at the beautiful St. Jude Apostle Catholic Church in Atlanta. One by one, family and friends arrived and made their way to their seats to wait for the ceremony to begin. The bridesmaids began to walk down the aisle accompanied by the dashing groomsmen. Each bridesmaid had her own variation of a lavender dress, looking effortlessly beautiful.
As the last bridesmaid walked to her spot, the organ began playing and unanimously the crowd turned their direction to the front door. The doors opened and Jill looked angelic in her lace, ivory dress and sweetheart neckline as she walked down the aisle with her two biggest supporters— her mom and dad—both by her side. As Karl and Jill’s eyes locked, his eyes lit up with joy and admiration at the sight of his blushing bride. The ceremony concluded with them sealing their forever with a kiss.
After the ceremony, cocktail hour began at Callanwolde Fine Arts Center. It was a gorgeous spring day and the flowers were in full bloom. Purple, green and white flowers bursting with color greeted guests as they arrived for cocktail hour. The simplistic decorations matched perfectly with Jill and Karl’s elegant and natural wedding. Guests mingled inside and outside as they enjoyed the tasty passed hors d’ oeuvres: baby lamb chops, petite grilled white cheddar and goat cheese sandwiches, and basil parmesan chicken salad wrapped in a spinach leaf.
Karl and Jill kept their wedding original. Instead of a guest book, the couple opted for guests to write messages to them on a piece of fabric for it to later be made into a wedding quilt. This sentiment was a hit as friends and family wrote a mixture of messages to the couple; some funny, some sweet and some endearing. Guests really #staberthemoment.
Tea light candles were placed throughout the different rooms in Callanwolde for a warm, romantic ambiance, which complemented the acoustic duo—Drivetrain and Yvonne Smith beautifully—as the musicians played bluegrass music faintly in the background. Pictures of Jill and Karl decorated the tables, and the purple and green hydrangeas added a fresh touch.
Once cocktail hour concluded, the double doors opened to the courtyard for the reception. The room was breathtaking. The chandeliers sparkled and the tables were pristine. Each table had a white tablecloth draped over it with colorful blooms as the centerpiece. Guests began to take their seats so the wedding party could be introduced.
One by one the bridesmaids and groomsmen danced down the aisle to a tune of a different song; the love for the couple permeated the room. Finally, it was Jill and Karl’s turn to make their grand entrance. As the doors swung open, guests cheered and hollered for the newlyweds. Everyone in attendance was smiling from ear to ear as the couple danced their way down the aisle, too. Their first dance was unlike any other—it was a show. They danced to “Take it All Back” by Judah and Lion. The upbeat song was perfect for their dance, which included twists, turns and dips that put smiles on everyone’s faces, especially Jill and Karl’s.
After the first dance, Jill’s father said grace and dinner was served. Soriee catered the plated dinner that included mixed greens with pears, blueberries, toasted walnuts, gorgonzola and fresh raspberry vinaigrette, beef tenderloin with red wine bordelaise sauce and roasted salmon with dill shallot butter served with fresh asparagus and roasted potatoes.
Following dinner was the dance with their parents. Jill and her dad danced to the classic Van Morrison song, “Brown Eyed Girl,” and Karl and his mom danced to Kenny Chesney’s “ Don’t Blink." Once their sweet dances with their parents concluded, the dance floor immediately opened and it took no time for the guests to hit the dance floor and groove! Jill’s dad said in his speech “We only invited fun and exciting people.” And he wasn’t kidding.
The night continued with the cake cutting of two beautiful cakes, a bouquet toss, endless dancing and guest sending off the newlyweds into their newly wedded bliss.
We loved working with this adorable couple and helping them plan their dream wedding. Thank you for trusting us with your vision.
Happy Engagement, Happy Planning
Camille
Wedding Planner & Coordinator: Rebecca Niccole Weddings |Ceremony Venue: St. Jude Apostle Catholic Church | Reception Venue: Callanwolde Fine Arts Center | Floral + Décor: Tulip Blooming Creations | Photographer: Leslie West Photography | Entertainment: Drivetrain | Caterer: Soiree Catering & Events | Cake: Baker’s Man Inc | Hair: Van Michael Salon | Dress: Formally Yours | Transportation: Greene Worldwide Transportation
