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Leah may have needed a little persuasion to agree to her first date with Brian, but she sure didn’t need any to say “yes” to his sweet surprise proposal, or when it came to picking out the place where they would tie the knot! As the fourth generation in her family be raised in Atlanta, Leah knew the Atlanta History Center would be the perfect venue, and I can only imagine how stunning her dramatic entrance down the steps of the Swan House was for their guests. From the sound of it, they had quite a fun group–according to Leah, the band had to tell guests to sit down to eat dinner because they were dancing too much!

Big thanks to Scobey Photography for sharing this beautiful day with us!

How did y’all meet? Tell us your love story. Brian and I met through mutual friends. We were both coming out of relationships, and Brian asked his friend, Charlie, who is married to my best friend, Michelle, if they had any single girlfriends. Michelle said no, because she knew I was just coming out of a relationship and didn’t think I would be ready to date again so quickly. It’s a good thing that Charlie responded, “What about Leah?” Michelle and Charlie spent the better part of a month trying to sell me on all the reasons I should consider going out on a date with Brian. Those reasons included: he is Jewish (so am I), he is an attorney (I don’t typically like the attorney type), and we had grown up living less than ten minutes apart (and yet somehow, we had never met), but the reason that actually got me interested was that he had just built a pool at his new house. It was summer time in Atlanta, and who doesn’t need a good pool to stay cool by during those hot Southern summers?! We went out on our first date with Charlie and Michelle a few weeks later, and the rest is history!

Did you decide to do a “first look”? Why or why not? We did do a first look, and I am so glad that we did. Brian and I had such a huge wedding that it was important to us to see each other first, and take all of our photos before the ceremony. That way, we could join the cocktail hour and try to speak to as many of our guest as we could. We had friends and family in attendance that flew in from all over the country, and we wanted them to know how important they are to us! We also wanted to really be in the moment and enjoy our reception to the fullest. Seeing each other for the first time on our wedding day was just the most amazing feeling, and it was something we wanted to share in private.

There was no question in my mind about where I wanted to have our ceremony and reception. I was born and raised in Atlanta, and I am the fourth generation in my family to be raised in Atlanta, so the Atlanta History Center was the perfect venue. When you grow up in the South, you are surrounded by beautiful backdrops and weather, so I knew that the Swan House would be the perfect setting for our big Southern summer wedding.

My most memorable moment of the wedding was when the doors of the Swan House opened, and my father and I started walking down all the stairs to the ceremony. It felt like time stood still, and the only thing that I was focused on was walking down the stairs to my husband. He was looking up at me with the biggest smile on his face, and it was the most amazing moment of the entire day. Our guests later told me that it was one of the most dramatic and beautiful entrances they had ever seen.

Describe your wedding flowers. I love anything classic, so I knew that I wanted to include some wedding staples, like roses, hydrangea, ranunculus, lilies, and peonies. Unfortunately, peonies were out of season in mid-August. My florist used a flower I had never heard of before that was so beautiful: blushing bride protea! I mean, who wouldn’t want a flower at their wedding with “bride” in the name! For colors, we went with light pinks, whites, and sage green. It was a beautiful combination that didn’t distract from my dress, but was colorful enough to stand out.

What Southern details or traditions did you include in your celebration? What was Southern about your wedding? We decided to do a tradional Southern menu! We served fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, and biscuits as our main course. For dessert, we served traditional Southern dishes like banana pudding, mini pecan pies, blackberry and peach cobblers, and sweet potato moon pies.

Brian and I danced our first song to Sam Cooke’s “You Send Me.” I heard the song on the radio one day, and the lyrics were so perfect, so I asked Brian what he thought of it. He agreed that it would be the perfect song to do our first dance to–we loved the old time-y melody!

Having Yacht Rock perform at our wedding was the best decision that we made. So many of our guests told us that it was the most fun wedding that they have ever been to. You know it’s going to be a great night when the band has to tell your guests to sit down to eat dinner! Our guests filled up the dance floor for the entire night, and the energy and excitement was palpable!

Tell us all about the proposal! Brian and I got engaged in August 2013. We were going on vacation to Mexico for Labor Day weekend. We had gone to Mexico that weekend the year before, shortly after we started dating, and Brian had told me that he loved me for the first time while we were having dinner in our private casita beachside. When Brian suggested we go back to Mexico in 2013, I though that maybe something was coming–I even told my sister that I thought he might propose. So, in typical Brian fashion, he decided to throw me for a major loop! We were getting ready to head to the airport for Mexico, and I was running around the house like a mad woman trying to get all of my last minute packing done. I threw everything in a suitcase, and Brian rushed me out of the house. It was a sweltering August day in Atlanta, and Brian went to open my car door. Well, it was so hot, I kept asking Brian if he could just start the car first, and he kept telling me “Just get in the car, Leah, and then I will start it.” I didn’t understand why he didn’t just get in and start the car to cool it off, but as it turns out, he was helping me into the car so that he could then get down on one knee IN OUR DRIVEWAY to propose before we even left for Mexico! He knew I was on to him, and he wanted our engagement to be a real surprise. It was actually perfect, because we got to make a few phone calls to our family and closest friends before we got on the plane. Then, we got to spend the next five days in paradise celebrating our engagement!
When did y’all get married? August 16, 2014
How many friends, family members, and loved ones attended your wedding? 350
Tell us about finding your wedding dress. I looked everywhere for my wedding dress! I went shopping in New York with my sister-in-law, but ended up choosing my gown at Joan Pillow Bridal in Atlanta. I knew I wanted a dress that would be perfect for an outdoor summer ceremony, but also glamorous enough for a big ballroom reception. I ended up choosing an all-lace gown, and added a belt by Monique Lhuillier to give the dress a little extra bling.
What advice do you have for folks currently planning a wedding? Don’t take the wedding planning too seriously. This is supposed to be a wonderful time for you and your fiancé, so try to enjoy it as much as possible. Once your wedding day is there, all the planning becomes completely worth it, and the most important thing of all is that your wedding is a day that is just about you and your partner, and the love that you have for each other.
If you are comfortable responding, what range did your wedding budget fall into? More than $100,000
What’s next for you as a couple? What are you most looking forward to about married life? Brian and I just bought a new home, so we are settling into married life and planning a renovation of our home, as it was built in 1928. The renovation will include a total gut of the kitchen and family room, so wish us luck, as the project is about to begin!

Photographer: Scobey Photography / Videographer: Cinema Weddings / Planner: Laura Maddox with Magnolia Events / Ceremony Venue: The Swan House / Reception Venue: The Atlanta History Center Grand Overlook Ballroom / Florist: Flowers by Yona / Catering and Cake: A Legendary Event / Rentals: We Rent / Band: Yacht Rock Revue / Paper Products: Eberle Invitations / Bride’s Gown: Anna Maier Couture / Bride’s Belt: Monique Lhuillier / Bridal Salon: Joan Pillow Bridal Salon / Hair Stylist: Nadia Javan / Makeup Artist: Wendy Role for Trish McEvoy / Bride’s Shoes: “Lacie: by Badgely Mishka / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: J. Crew / Groom’s Attire: Sid Mashburn

marissa Written with love by Marissa
3 Comments
  1. avatar Jenny reply

    I agree too much wedding planning can be very stressful.

  2. avatar Classic Wedding Invitations reply

    Gorgeous photography!

  3. avatar Classic Wedding Invitations reply

    Gorgeous details! The planning definitely paid off!

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Anytime a bride cites “Father of the Bride” as a source of wedding inspiration, you know her wedding is going to be lovely! Following a traditional Catholic ceremony, Kelly and Marvin celebrated with their guests in the backyard of Kelly’s childhood home, in a reception full of lush red peonies, the most charming swing, and sweet nods to Kelly’s Chinese heritage. I especially love that their most memorable moment was their peaceful, private drive to the reception, and the fact that Kelly literally let her hair down to twirl around the dance floor with her new husband!

Big SW hugs to the talented Katie Stoops for sharing Kelly and Marvin’s wedding with us!

Tell us about finding your wedding dress. I was so lucky to have my mom with me at every dress appointment. When we visited Carine’s Bridal Atelier, I loved every Monique Lhuillier dress I tried on! Putting my dress on with the veil sealed the deal. I felt like a bride!
Did you have something borrowed, blue, old, and new? If so, do tell! My something borrowed and old was my pendant from my mom, which was passed down to her from my great grandmother. My something new was my shoes. I wore a little something blue under my dress!

I loved our wedding flowers! We used our wedding invitations and other Redoute prints as inspiration. The colors ranged from white, blush, pops of peach, pink, and red. We had peonies, garden roses, clematis, ranunculus, freesia, sweet peas, jasmine, and hypericum. The red peonies were amazing, full, and lush.

Did you decide to do a “first look”? Why or why not? We did not do a first look. It didn’t fit into our schedule before the ceremony and I really wanted that moment of seeing Marvin waiting for me at the altar. I didn’t realize I would become so emotional the moment we arrived at the church!
Did you write your own vows? If so, what was your favorite phrase, verse or line? We did not write our own vows. We stuck to the traditional Catholic vows.

Our favorite detail of the wedding was: The swing! The swing hung on a huge tree in my parents’ backyard, just beyond the tent. It was decorated with greens, beautiful flowers, and ribbon streamers. It added just the right hint of whimsy to our wedding.

What made you choose your ceremony and reception venues? Did they have any special significance to you? St. Clare of Assisi is a beautiful church tucked away in the town of Clifton. It is surrounded by trees and natural beauty. Our reception was at my parents’ house. Ever since I was a little girl watching Father of the Bride, I’ve dreamed about a wedding at the home I grew up in. I couldn’t have picked a more special place for our wedding celebration!

I am half Chinese, and for our favors, my Aunt Wendy handmade tea cups with the Chinese characters for double happiness stamped in red on the front. In China, red is the traditional wedding color, as it signifies joy, love, and prosperity. Because the wedding was at my parents’ house, we were able to use lots of personal items throughout the day.

Our first dance was to “The Way I Am,” by Ingrid Michaelson, and the father daughter dance was to “The Way You Look Tonight,” by Steve Tyrell. Marvin is Puerto Rican and I teach Zumba, so we also put together a collection of salsa music to dance to later in the evening.

Describe your wedding cake or dessert. Our wedding cake was called Heaven and it is my favorite cake–we have it every year for my birthday! It is white chocolate cake with raspberry filling and white chocolate frosting. It was simply decorated and adorned with flowers. We also had a dessert bar with mini sweet treats. The berry crumble with ginger ice cream was amazing!

How did y’all meet? Tell us your love story. We first met on Memorial Day 2010 when Marvin moved onto the same floor as me in our condo building. A few months later, after lots of brief chats in the elevator (he was a principal and I am a teacher), he slipped a note under my door. We eventually met for coffee and went out for dinner. We’ve been together ever since! The real love story unfolded shortly thereafter on my birthday when Marvin gifted me our two puppies, Pippi and Penelope!
Tell us all about the proposal! Marvin proposed on Memorial Day 2012, two years after we first met! After finishing dinner with my family, Marvin gave me a gift: a picture of him with our puppies that read, “Will you marry us?” Then, he pulled out the ring, and of course, I said YES!
When did y’all get married? June 29, 2013
How many friends, family members, and loved ones attended your wedding? 100
What readings, if any, did you have at your ceremony? The readings we selected were Genesis 2:18-24, 1 Corinthians 12:31-13:8, and Mark 10:6-9.
Tell us about some of the songs you used throughout your wedding and why you chose them. We chose “Canon in D” for the procession and “Ode to Joy” for the recessional. A family friend sang the most beautiful “Ave Maria” during the presentation of flowers to Mary.
What was the biggest challenge you had to overcome while planning your wedding? We really wanted an outdoor tented wedding reception, but that meant we had to let Mother Nature do her thing. It poured like crazy the day before our wedding. Thankfully, we had Megan, our wedding planner, by our side, thinking of backup plans for pictures, cocktail hour, etc. Luckily, the sun came out bright and early the morning of our wedding!
If you are comfortable responding, what range did your wedding budget fall into? $50,000-$75,000
What is the one detail or vendor that you were so happy to have as a part of your wedding? I really loved all of our vendors. I’m so happy that we worked with our photographer, Katie Stoops. Her work is amazing and she has a great personality. Plus, she loves dogs! She was able to make us feel comfortable and capture the beauty of the day. I also loved our florist, because she brought our wedding to life. She had such a fun personality and really listened to what we envisioned. I love that in her description of my bouquet, she wrote “It will be drop dead gorgeous.”
What was your most memorable moment about your wedding day? My favorite memory of the day was leaving the church with Marvin by my side. We didn’t have a limo, so the two of us drove from the church back to my parents’ house together. I loved the moment we had alone, driving through the back roads of Clifton, with the sun shining down on us. Our other favorite moment was walking out as Mr. and Mrs. Rodriguez, escorted by our puppies!
What advice do you have for folks currently planning a wedding? Don’t stress, and enjoy every moment! What’s meant to be, will be. I felt confident about our wedding day going off without a hitch because we had an amazing wedding planner who stayed on top of the details and thought one step ahead! And, it helps if you have a team of vendors that have worked together in the past.
What’s next for you as a couple? What are you most looking forward to about married life? We are enjoying married life! We bought a home the month before getting married, so we’ve been busily making our home our own. We can’t wait to start a family. We’ve been writing shared goals for our future and we’re excited for the journey ahead!

Photographer: Katie Stoops / Planner: Megan Pollard, Events in the City / Ceremony Venue: St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Church / Reception Venue: Private residence / Florist: Barbara Von Elm, Growing Wild Floral Company / Cake Baker: Victoria’s Cakery / Catering: Design Cuisine / Rentals: Capital Party Rentals / Band: Empty Pocket / Custom Watercolor: Tina Steenerson / Bride’s Gown: “Sentimental” by Monique Lhuillier / Paper Products: Smitten on Paper / Bride’s Accessories: Carine’s Bridal Atelier / Hair Stylist: Giselle Chreky / Makeup Artist: Susan Lim Bride’s Shoes: Badgley Mischka /Bridesmaid Dresses: BCBG and David’s Bridal / Men’s Attire: Brooks Brothers / Tea Cup Favors: Double Happiness Pottery / Caricature Artists: About Faces / Valet Parking: MarcPark

Events in the City is a delightful member of our Blue Ribbon Vendor Directory!

lisa Written with love by Lisa
10 Comments
  1. avatar Emily reply

    As a fellow “Father of the Bride” fan, I love that it was an inspiration for their wedding! And what a beautiful backyard to celebrate in!

  2. avatar Alana reply

    Oh my goodness! This wedding is absolutely gorgeous! I am in love with the pops of red and subtle pink touches! The flowers, the china, even the place cards are all so beautiful!!

  3. avatar Dana reply

    love the paper products!

  4. avatar Cheri {Woodsy Weddings} reply

    GASP! I adore this romantic red and pink color scheme! So pretty.

  5. avatar Hochzeitsfotograf reply

    So beautiful!!

  6. avatar Southern Weddings Weekly Round-Up – Southern Weddings Magazine reply

    […] and Dylan‘s fun personalities came through so perfectly at their bold red and gold wedding. Kelly and Marvin‘s lovely Virginia backyard wedding was such a welcome escape from this week’s snowy […]

  7. avatar Wedding Rental Supplies @ Apex Tent and Party reply

    Each and every details about this wedding is so unique and beautiful. Right from the wedding venue, to the beautiful usage of colors, the florals, the chairs and table decor, is so pretty. Specially loved those hanging glass spheres with flowers inside. So gorgeous!

  8. avatar Catherine Grace reply

    SO pretty, delightful and well, Southern !

  9. avatar Pretty Petals: Florals Stationery | Oh, What Love Studios | The Blog reply

    […] WHITE PHOTOGRAPHY via Ruffled  4. Shaw Photo Co. via 100 Layer Cake  5. Katie Stoops via Southern Weddings 6. ElleJaneDesigns 7. Cempaka Surakusumah 8.  Kat Willson Photography, LouLou Weddings, […]

  10. avatar {Inspiration board} Matrimonio verde e rosso reply

    […] via Bridal Musings, foto di Janel KG Photography | Torta via Southern Weddings, foto di Katie Stoops | Tavola, centrotavola e scarpe rosse via Southern […]

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