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It’s always so inspiring to hear from a bride and groom who were deeply purposeful and thoughtful through every step of their wedding planning. Anna and Matt are that couple in spades–after deciding to fulfill Anna’s dream of tying the knot in her home state of Georgia, they set out to plan a “peachy affair” that fit their personalities to a tee and graciously welcomed their guests to Atlanta. I loved reading the story of how Anna chose her stunner of a gown (“finding your wedding dress is like finding yourself”), the heart behind the readings and songs they selected, and the fun ways they tied Anna’s Georgia roots into their reception in particular. While they may live on the West Coast now, there was no denying the fact this was a Southern celebration through and through, and I can’t think of a sweeter start to Anna and Matt’s marriage than their Georgian Terrace wedding!

Thank you so much to our talented Blue Ribbon Vendor Amy Arrington Photography for sharing this gorgeous day with us!

Since Matt and I live on the West Coast, we knew we’d have many guests from different parts of the country attend our wedding in Atlanta. It was important to us that we incorporated the richness of the South in our wedding for our guests to experience and enjoy. We welcomed guests with baskets of treats produced by local Atlanta vendors: boiled peanuts, grits bits, pecan bars, chocolate peaches, and Coca Cola, to name a few. We also served Atlanta favorites as late night treats at the reception, including King of Pops and Krispy Kreme donuts.

At the risk of sounding completely cliché, I now tell my newly engaged girlfriends that finding your wedding dress is like finding yourself. One weekend last October, my mom flew to Los Angeles to help me find my dress. We literally went everywhere, from Pasadena to Orange County to Beverly Hills. Nothing I tried on felt right, or made me feel like myself. There’s something about living in Los Angeles that I’ve found more so than in other cities: the city sort of frees you up to be yourself. You are fearfully and wonderfully made, and, in my opinion, this city reminds you of that more often than not. I had all but given up when my mom and I made one final stop at Panache Bridal Beverly Hills. I looked at a dress on the rack and knew it was my dress. It was enchanting and unique, and best of all, I felt like myself when I put it on.

Did you have something borrowed, blue, old, and new? If so, do tell! Yes! I borrowed my best friend’s veil that she wore at her wedding. My something blue was my shoes. For my something old, I wore my mom’s antique ring on my right hand, and my something new was my dress and earrings.

What was the biggest challenge you had to overcome while planning your wedding? Just being in Los Angeles while the wedding and the majority of the preparation was taking place in Atlanta. My mom, our wedding planner Kathleen, and several of my mom’s friends really made the wedding happen. They’re the ones who went to tastings and put together wedding baskets, favors, etc. I guess in retrospect, Matt and I had the easiest job of all–we got to enjoy the wedding day without having to do all of the heavy lifting preparation work.

Did you decide to do a first look? Why or why not? No, we wanted to savor the moment of seeing one another for the first time when I walked down the aisle.

Did you write your own vows? If so, what was your favorite phrase, verse or line? We went the traditional route and used classic vows that our pastor helped us find.
What readings, if any, did you have at your ceremony? Matt and I each selected a reading. For mine, I chose Psalm 103; a wedding is such a praise-worthy event and I deeply wanted Christ to be glorified in every aspect of the day. Matt selected Colossians 3:12-17, as he felt these were great words of instruction and grace for us as we entered into marriage together.

I had always known I wanted to get married back home in Atlanta. With so many of our friends and family making the trek from the West Coast and around the globe, we wanted to provide them with a truly Southern, Atlanta experience. The Georgian Terrace was just the place–it was where “Gone with the Wind” held their world premiere. Other than that, we knew we wanted to be married in a church, so we decided to have our ceremony just down the road from the reception at Peachtree Christian Church.

Out of the entire wedding process, one of my favorite things to think about during the planning was the flowers. Katie McDaniel at Cloth of Gold creates the most ethereal arrangements that are so unique and customized to each bride. Our arrangements featured some of my favorite flowers: peonies, ranunculus, and Juliet roses. The bouquets were loose and whimsical and the arrangements at each table were soft and sprawling. Katie also incorporated The Peach Truck’s delicious peaches into the decor at each table–at each place setting, each guest had their name card attached to a peach. Matt even came up with a list of different peach varietals that are produced in Georgia as the names of the tables. As wedding favors, we asked guests to “Be a Peach and Spread the Love” with peach jam jars. All in all, it was a peachy affair!

Describe your wedding cake or dessert. I’m convinced Atlanta has the best sweets–it is the Peach State, after all! With that in mind, we offered guests a selection of desserts, from an assortment of flavors of King of Pops popsicles, to Krispy Kreme donuts, mini strawberry milkshakes, and a traditional wedding cake.

What advice do you have for folks currently planning a wedding? It can be challenging at times, but try to enjoy every moment! Getting married and planning a wedding is such a gift and a blessing. It goes by so quickly, so treasure that time and try to experience as much of it as possible. Find joy in even the difficult things, like managing RSVPs and seating arrangements–there’s beauty and fun in even those things!

How did y’all meet? Tell us your love story. Matt and I are from opposite ends of the country. He was raised in Rhode Island and I was born and raised in Marietta, Georgia. After college, we both moved to Los Angeles. Matt attended grad school at UCLA and I got a job in the entertainment industry. We met and fell in love in what we consider the greatest city on earth. We attended the same church and met there through mutual friends. At the time, Matt was working as a recruiter and sent me a Snapchat video where he typed out the words “Will you go to Korean BBQ with me on Friday?” We share a love for Korean food and had talked about it the week prior. I responded in Google-translated Korean (I don’t speak Korean, y’all), “Sure, that sounds great!” We went out for Korean BBQ that Friday. On our date, I told him that I actually had to cut out early to pick up some girlfriends at Disneyland. It wasn’t that I was wanting to cut the date short–I’m just a terrible procrastinator and told him at the last minute that I had plans later that night too. Matt was so sweet and offered to drive me out to Anaheim (an hour-long drive!) to pick up my friends. We had a blast with my friends on the drive back and it was then that I knew I liked him and could see a future with him.
Tell us all about the proposal! Matt is full of surprises. On Labor Day 2014, I flew home to Atlanta to spend the weekend with my family, while Matt had told me he was going camping with some friends in Northern California. When I arrived home, my mom kept asking me questions about Matt-–how we were doing, when we’d be getting engaged, where we’d want to get married, etc. I was starting to get a little annoyed by all the questions, and texted Matt Saturday morning and told him I was feeling sad that we weren’t engaged yet. Matt told me not to worry, but that he was losing cell service (being on a camping trip and all) and that we’d talk about it more later. That day, my mom and I went shopping in Atlanta. On the way home, she “took a wrong turn” and pulled into the parking lot at the Atlanta Historical Center. I looked over and my sweet mom had started crying, which immediately led to me tear up as well. She said to me, “I want you to get out of the car and walk down that hill; there’s the most incredible future waiting for you.” She was in on it the whole time! Out popped Matt, who walked up to the car and escorted me to the garden and said a million wonderful things that I can’t remember now, and asked me to spend forever with him. I said yes. We walked over to the Swan Coach House, my favorite place in the city, took pictures, and met up with my best friend and her husband. After the proposal, we returned to my parents’ house, where all of my neighbors and many of my friends from childhood were waiting for an engagement party. We both felt so loved and excited for the future together!
When did y’all get married? June 13, 2015
How many friends, family members, and loved ones attended your wedding? 200
Tell us about some of the songs you used throughout your wedding and why you chose them. Peachtree Christian Church has one of the largest organs in the Southeast. It really is stunning and sounds so beautiful, so we wanted music that was both Christ-centered and allowed the organ to do what it was created to do. I walked down the aisle to “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty.” At the reception, Matt and I danced to Frank Sinatra’s “The Way You Look Tonight.” Continuing with our Georgia theme, my dad and I danced to “Georgia on My Mind.” Matt and his mom danced to “That’s Amore!”
How did you plan for your marriage while planning your wedding? Our Christian faith is central to who we are and is one of the reasons we were initially even interested in one another. Throughout our engagement, we met with our pastor and his wife and regularly discussed Christian marriage. We also read a few books together and began praying with one another.
What was one way you saved money or cut costs at your wedding? There are endless options and ways to spend money when planning a wedding. From the type of wine you serve to the type of linens used, you can really spend as much or as little as you want. When we started planning, we quickly realized our budget could get out of control if we didn’t prioritize. We often asked ourselves, what are the “must haves” and what are the “nice to haves?” Often, the “nice to haves” got left on the cutting room floor to make room for the “must haves.”
What’s next for you as a couple? What memories are you looking forward to making together? We’re just settling into our new apartment together in Los Angeles, enjoying our community and our friends, and taking life one day at a time.

Photographer: Amy Arrington Photography / Videographer: Artworks Wedding Cinema / Planner: Kathleen Benedict / Ceremony Venue: Peachtree Christian Church / Reception Venue and Caterer: The Georgian Terrace Hotel / Florist: Cloth of Gold / Cake Baker: Frosted Pumpkin / Rentals: Cover Ups Linens / Band: Momentum Party Band / Invitations: Aerialist Letterpress / Day-of Paper Products: Paper Daisies Stationery / Bride’s Gown: St. Pucchi / Bridal Salon: Panache Bridal / Bride’s Hair Accessories: BHLDN / Hair and Makeup: Logan Baker / Bride’s Shoes: Manolo Blahnik / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: “Juliette” in Cameo Pink by Jenny Yoo / Menswear: Calvin Klein Tuxedo / Event Signage: Stitch & Petal / Calligraphy: Everthine Designs / Peaches: The Peach Truck / Trolley: The Historic Marietta Trolley Company

Amy Arrington is a delightful member of our Blue Ribbon Vendor Directory!

lisa Written with love by Lisa
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As you may know, Kristin and I are virtual BFFs. While we don’t live in the same city, we maintain quite a close bond (we even have our own hashtag!), and I’m pretty sure Kristi would fit right in with us. While we love being modern ladies, all three of us are undeniably traditional Southern brides! After choosing her gorgeous gown, Kristi knew she wanted to throw what she had originally pictured for her wedding out the window, and instead, plan a sweet Southern soirée that reflected her Georgia roots and showed Peter’s family the classic and elegant side of the deep South. Of course, The Georgian Terrace fit the bill perfectly–the final manuscript of Gone with the Wind was finished in the hotel, after all!

Gracious, we’re glad Amy Arrington was hand to capture this lovely day!

I originally pictured myself in something very modern and form-fitting. Although my dress was not the style that I originally thought I would choose, the instant I put the dress on, it took me back to being a little girl. All of a sudden, I realized I couldn’t fight being that traditional Southern bride–it’s who I am! Every detail I originally pictured for my wedding went out the window, all because of the dress. My dress was elegant and made a statement, but was not over the top. I fell in love with the beaded details, the scalloped lace at the bottom, and the sweetheart neckline. It was the third dress I tried on and I knew it was the one.

What made you choose your ceremony and reception venues? Did they have any special significance to you? Peter’s family is from Philadelphia, and many hadn’t been to Georgia before, so I wanted a wedding that would be the definition of a Southern belle’s wedding. Most people think barns and mason jars when they hear “Southern,” but I wanted to show the classic, historical, elegant side of the South, and The Georgian Terrace was just that. It’s a stunning building with amazing history–all of the stars and the director of Gone With the Wind stayed at the Georgian Terrace, and the final manuscript was finished in the hotel. I also have family history at the Georgia Terrace Ballroom. When my grandmother was in her twenties, she competed in twist dancing competitions in the ballroom where our reception was held. Once I decided that the Georgian Terrace was our venue, my mom was over the moon. For months, all she had been talking about was how I had to see Peachtree Christian Church. She went there as a little girl and it is only one mile from the Georgian. The church took my breath away–it is on the National Registry of Historic Places and houses the United States’ largest collection of British stained glass.

Did you decide to do a first look? Why or why not? We did not do a first look. Out of all the wedding festivities, we were most looking forward to the first time we would see each other. I wanted him to see me for the first time walking down the aisle as his bride. It’s a magical moment and we wanted to experience all of those emotions in front of our loved ones.
Did you write your own vows? If so, what was your favorite phrase, verse or line? Peter and I wrote our own vows, but did not read them at the ceremony. We exchanged them in private.
Tell us about some of the songs you used throughout your wedding and why you chose them. For the ceremony, we chose traditional and classic music. “The Lord’s Prayer” was played while our family was being seated. Peter’s family is Catholic, so we had “Ave Maria” sung while they were seated. “Canon in D” played as the bridesmaids entered. “Bridal Chorus” was played during the bridal processional and “Wedding March” was played as Pete and I left.

I think everything about our wedding was Southern! Some of the Southern details and traditions of our wedding weekend were our historical venues and the trolley transportation for our guests and wedding party. My grandfather said the blessing before dinner, which was so special to Peter and I. I gave my bridesmaids pearl jewelry and monogrammed pjs! Our cuisine was also quite Southern, as we incorporated fried green tomatoes and other Southern hors d’oeuvres at cocktail hour.

Describe your wedding flowers. I really wanted peonies, but they were out of season. My florist did a wonderful job of finding similar flowers with the same feel. My all-white bouquet consisted of a variety of roses, ranunculus, lisianthus, astilbe, astrantia, and more. The table arrangements and bridesmaids’ bouquets were elegant and romantic, filled with soft pinks and whites with touches of flowering greenery and magnolia leaves. I loved using greenery in the arrangements to add an almost garden-like feel. We used a combination of the mercury glass vases and tall silver candlesticks for decoration.

Our first dance was to John Legend’s “All of Me.” Peter picked this song out, and we felt it described our relationship perfectly. My father and I danced to Celine Dion’s “Because you Loved Me.” The man who raised me, my dad, is technically my stepdad. He has loved me, guided me, and raised me since the age of four and has done a better job than any dad I could have ever asked for. I chose this song because he has impacted my life in countless ways by loving me and my mom unconditionally.

How did y’all meet? Tell us your love story. We met at a college football game in September 2010 when my alma mater, the University of Alabama, hosted a game against Pete’s alma mater, Pennsylvania State University. We were both visiting Tuscaloosa for annual trips with friends. The two schools only play each other every twenty years, so it was fate that we met! We crossed paths on the Friday night before the game when Pete’s brave friend (and future best man) dared him to strike up a conversation with the six Southern blondes at Gallettes, the hangout where I spent many of my college days. Pete and I were inseparable for the rest of the weekend, before we said our goodbyes and traveled to opposite sides of the East Coast. A month later, we took a secret getaway to New York City and realized that we were meant to be! After a year of long-distance dating, we moved to Santa Monica, California together and lived there for four years. After our September 2013 engagement, Pete was offered a new job in Philadelphia. We moved to the Society Hill neighborhood of Philly in summer 2014, and frequently flew back to the Peach State to plan our Atlanta wedding.
Tell us all about the proposal! Pete surprised me with a weekend trip to the quaint Catalina Island off of the California coast. The island is tiny–only 22 miles long and eight miles across! We spent the day exploring the island, and while we were getting ready for dinner, I noticed a small box in Pete’s suitcase. “What’s this?” I asked. The proposal was supposed to be on the rooftop overlooking the ocean at sunset, but my finding the ring box sent Pete into a panicked frenzy. After attempting to “hide” the box under the bed, Pete realized there was no turning back. He grabbed my hand and nearly dragged me up to the roof deck. Pete was so shaken up that he forgot to get on one knee. We both cried, hugged, and I asked, “You did ask my dad for permission, right?” Once I heard that the answer was yes, I said “Of course!” The proposal happened about an hour earlier than planned, but it was a perfect and very “us” proposal! We had to push back our dinner reservation three times because we spent the next two hours calling loved ones, drinking champagne, and celebrating. It was an evening I will never forget!
When did y’all get married? July 26, 2014
How many friends, family members, and loved ones attended your wedding? 175
How did you plan for your marriage while planning your wedding? Peter and I did pre-martial counseling through Peachtree Christian Church. Part of this process was to take a very detailed and extensive questionnaires about ourselves and our relationship. It was very interesting, and we learned a lot about each other and ourselves together. The church counselor helped us point out the strongest qualities in our relationship and noted areas where Peter and I are opposite. He gave us tips and encouragement on how to strengthen those areas.
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? Everything was wonderful, but I will say that I was most happy with our videographer. Hiring a videographer was a last-minute decision, but the best decision we made. You are so filled with emotion on your wedding day that you miss so many of the details. I still cry when I watch it, and it is something I will cherish forever!
What’s next for you as a couple? What memories are you looking forward to making together? We are just enjoying married life. We just added a mini golden doodle, Bella, to our family. We are looking forward to traveling together to Costa Rica in a couple weeks and to Africa next summer. We look forward to many more happy years together as Mr. and Mrs. Roman!

Photographer: Amy Arrington Photography / Planner: Event Perfect / Ceremony Venue: Peachtree Christian Church / Reception Venue and Caterer: The Georgian Terrace Hotel / Florist: Mollie Cushing / Wedding Cake Baker: Frosted Pumpkin / DJ: Cashmere of East Coast Entertainment / Paper Products: Wedding Paper Divas / Bridal Salon and Veil: Carrie’s Bridal Collection / Bride’s Clutch: Clara Kasavina / Bride’s Hair Accessory: Nina ‘Caleigh’ Swarovski Crystal Comb / Hair Stylist: Mandi Yaptengco of Crush by 124 / Makeup Artist: Paula Xiong / Bride’s Shoes: Christian Louboutin / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: “227” in Petal by Bari Jay / Menswear: Vera Wang / Videographer: Ryan Lindsay of Imagine Video Productions / Calligrapher: Faith Miller of Calligraphy Atlanta / Transportation: The Peachtree Trolley Co. / Table Numbers and Place Cards: Place Cards / Bridal Gown Alterations: Dora Baker

marissa Written with love by Marissa
9 Comments
  1. avatar Wedding Venues reply

    Awesome ! just great !

  2. avatar Georgian Terrace Wedding & Peachtree Christian Church : Kristi + Pete reply

    […] you SOUTHERN WEDDINGS for featuring their […]

  3. avatar Ryan reply

    To view their video – https://vimeo.com/102141243

  4. avatar Alexandra reply

    What a great way of building a wedding around special things (family history and a great dress)!

  5. avatar Michelle reply

    Wow, amazing pics,so much happiness in these pics !
    http://www.kara-diamonds.com

  6. avatar Happy Weekend: 5 Links I Love reply

    […] Georgian Terrace Wedding by Amy Arrington (Southern Weddings) […]

  7. avatar Friday 5 Hotel Weddings – My Hotel Wedding reply

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  8. avatar Alexandra Bee Blog reply

    Such a fabulous wedding…their happiness really radiates through the screen! Love the bridal gown and bridesmaid dresses, too!

  9. avatar 8 Things to Consider When Planning Your Big Day Transportation – Loverly | Your Virtual Wedding Planner™ reply

    […] Photo by Amy Arrington via Southern Weddings […]

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