Oh, what a beautiful day it was! Our family had such special memories of this wonderful day of Lauren and Philip’s wedding. The weather could not have been more perfect.
A beautiful Spring day in Atlanta.I arrived early, camera in hand and went around looking for pics to capture in memory. I found Lauren, the bride in with her bridesmaids getting dressed for pics. The bride and groom did not see each other before the wedding, so pictures before the ceremony were coordinated with that in mind. Lauren and the girls getting dressed. She was a spectacularly beautiful bride!She had her hair put up in a beautiful twist. Getting her veil on, ready for the photographer. I then left them getting ready and headed upstairs to where the reception will be. The Vinings club is a swanky spot on top of Vinings mountain, with a beautiful view overlooking downtown Atlanta.
Me and a friend of my sister’s, Susan, came over early Saturday morning and got the tables set up. They had lots of framed photos of Lauren and Philip to add on the tables around the room. I love this touch!
Tables are set with fine linens and the band is warming up. The Vinings Club feels like a living room out here and is a great place to socialize.As the guests enter from the elevator, this is what they see.Here’s that gorgeous view of downtown. With a nice clear day like we had, it was just stunning! Outside on the terrace, the tables are ready.Lauren, the bride is ready for photos, so I hurried and took a few before the photographer scurried her off. I had to be careful about getting too close to the photographer and interfering with what she was doing, but I managed to get quite a few good shots. Love this one! Lauren is a gorgeous young woman.A beauty, with simple pearls. The perfect touch.Her Aunt Toni (the florist) made her bridal bouquet, as well as all the bridesmaids. I loved the simple elegance of all the flowers.And here are all the bridesmaids with the two precious flower girls. Are they all just gorgeous? Here’s some interesting news on the bridesmaid dresses. They all came from Target, as well as the shoes. I loved the simplicity of both. Bronze shoes were perfect. Simple champagne satin ribbon ties around the dresses were the perfect wedding touch, along with the pin on the back. Lauren did not want dresses that scream bridesmaid and these were just perfect. They are getting hurried outside for some shots.The fountain outside The Vinings Club was the perfect backdrop for wedding photos. These were just a few shots I got in between the pro photographer doing her thing.Don’t you love that dress?? She found it at David’s Bridal and I love the choice of it too. It fits her to a tee. She is a size Zero and has been since high school. I know, I’m jealous too. Well, actually if I was a size Zero, I would totally blow away. 🙂Beautiful bride, beautiful day.My mom and Aunt Frances, who is married to my mom’s brother, Edward. We had several family members who came into town for the special occasion.Aren’t they stylish ladies? Back to the girls, posing in front of the fountain.
Cute girls, they are!
Philip’s mom, Karen and my mom.The bride is whisked away and the groom arrives, looking as handsome as ever in tails.One of my dearest and oldest friends, Wanda, drove over from SC to attend. We had a great time catching up.The guys turn to pose. They are all looking dapper and handsome.More family members arrive: Aunt Mary, Uncle Eugene (Mom’s bro from Florida) and their daughter, my cousin Brenda, who lives in Atlanta, and my mom.Wanda, another dear friend, Judy, and Tammy, who both live in Atlanta. They were looking so pretty that night too.
Down on the terrace, the guests are arriving. It was a balmy Spring evening, just perfect for a 7 pm wedding.There were around 130 guests attending.
Lauren’s Uncle Dale put together this beautiful fresh floral swag and I brought it out here and attached it to the arbor. It really made a huge statement, crowning the ceremony just perfectly.My sister’s husband, Bruce escorted my mom down.Philip’s mom and dad arrive for the ceremony.Bruce and Renee, mother of the bride.All the groomsmen are in place.As are the bridesmaids and flower girls.Philip’s cute little nephew, Douglas, was the ring bearer. He’s adorable and looks just like Philip’s baby pics.And the moment arrives. The bride arrives on her granddaddy’s arm (my dad). She is closer to my dad than she is her own and she has always wanted him to walk her down the aisle. She enjoyed her regal walk in, down the winding stone path.My dad’s nephew, Billy, helped with the wedding ceremony officiating. Dad, on behalf of our family, gave Lauren away.Philip’s mom read some beautiful scriptures from Genesis on marriage.And the ceremony begins.Douglas sat in his grandmother’s lap.And I caught his eye. He’s so adorable.A song during the ceremony.The vows are exchanged.Lauren looking beautiful and serious.Exchanging the rings.The kiss!And a new Mr. and Mrs. are introduced.And away they go.On to their new life together.Lauren, with mom and dad right after the ceremony.Lauren’s bouquet was beautiful. Simple ivory roses. My dad talking with Philip’s grandparents.Beautiful couple.Renee, sitting down and probably sighing with relief that it’s finally over. A beautiful wedding party. I love the neutral ivory and black wedding. Yay for the happy couple! Cute, cute, they are all so cute (and young!).Not quite in focus, but dreamy.Inside the reception, guests are ready to celebrate. Rose petals for throwing and bubbles for blowing.Philip’s family brought doberge cupcakes for the groom’s cake, which is a thin cream layer cake originating in New Orleans. I had never heard of them before, but they were very sweet and tasty.The wedding cake was beautiful, with sour cream pound cake on the bottom, and chocolate and strawberry on the top layers.These are not great pics, but you can get an idea of the reception. It was just beautiful. Lots of great food.The bride and groom take their first dance together.I finally got a peek at Lauren’s blue wedding shoes, her choice for something blue.They cut the cake and do the honors.And her dear old aunt finally got a pic of the two of us.
A beautiful day indeed.
I hope you have all enjoyed the wedding plans and pics. It certainly was a highlight for our family and we celebrated it to the hilt.
Mary from Highland Lakes says
Rhoda,
Thank you for sharing your family memories with us. The wedding was absolutely beautiful, perfect in every detail. You are so fortunate to have such a beautiful, loving, caring family.
Hope all is well with you after the move. Keep us update on where you are and your adventures.
Take care and have a great summer!!
Mary
Cindy says
Absolutely beautiful!!! Thanks so much for sharing!
Pinky says
What a beautiful couple they are!!! I really enjoyed this as my daughter got married in Sept. and It was such a WONDERFUL, happy day!!! Thanks for sharing this lovely wedding! XO, Pinky
Beth says
Thank you for sharing. I too am blessed with one, beautiful niece. Isn’t it great?
Yesterday's Tomorrow 2011 says
What beautiful pictures! I don’t think I’ve ever seen a more beautiful bride! Your Mom and Aunt Francis are gorgeous women too.
Thanks for sharing such a personal celebration! Congrats to your family!
Kaye
Pat H says
Wow what a beautiful wedding ! congrats to you and your family…thanks for sharing…Pat H
Marie says
Rhoda!
I have had so much fun looking thru all the pics from all the bridal showers, dinners, and so forth. Your niece is absolutely stunning! It was a gorgeous wedding and wow they make a beautiful couple! How lucky for them to have such great support from all their loved ones. thanks for sharing the fun!
Valerie @ Chateau A La Mode says
That was such fun Rhoda. Your neice looked absolutely beautiful. Wishing her a lifetime of happiness.
Jess @ Frugal with a Flourish says
Beautiful wedding! I love her dress!! I wanted something super simple too and they are hard to find! And those Target dresses are perfect – I did a wedding last year where we all wore $40 Target dresses and it looked amazing! Looks like you had so much fun!
Sharon says
Wow, that was a beautiful wedding! Lauren and her bridesmaids all looked just beautiful, their dresses were just perfect. And the cakes…..yum!
Nancy D. says
Lauren is a stunning bride and could be featured in a bridal magazine. I wish the couple best wishes and congratulations.
Auntie and niece are beautiful together.
Bonnie says
What a gorgeous bride! Thank you for sharing the pictures – simply lovely!
Laurie says
Beautiful wedding!! Congrats to Lauren and Philip! Great pics, Rhoda!
Suzie says
just lovely!
Melissa Lewis - Midwest Magnolia says
Beautiful Rhoda. I’m sure everyone had a wonderful time.
Bonita says
What a gorgeous wedding! It looks so elegant and classy!
My favorites: the beautiful tiny bride, her stunning bouquet, the setting, that adorable ring bearer, the framed photos on the tables, the bridesmaid dresses and sashes, the flower swag, and the blue shoe. So many wonderful ideas to tuck in the back of my mind, knowing that I’ll be going through this with my daughter one day.
noreen says
Thank you for sharing such beautiful pictures of a wonderful day. I loved the elegant classy look of everything. Lauren and Phillip looked gorgeous – please send them my congratulations.
All the best to you too!
Thanks Rhoda for always making time to share with others – you are very gifted in this area.
Melesa Garrison says
Beautiful bride and great pics of the happy couple. I really think she does favor you a lot. My youngest daughter is a size zero too and I couldn’t help but think what a beautiful bride she will be. I hope all is going well with you with the new transition that you are going through. I have been where you are at. I hope you make the most of your new life and enjoy your parents and the beach 😉 Life is good and we always have our God that will get us through!
Daisy Cottage says
((((Rhoda)))))
I have so enjoyed EVERY photo of Lauren’s beautiful wedding journey… thank you for sharing your family and love with all of us. Simply beautiful ….. congratulations to all of you.
Love you my friend.
Kim
gayle says
How lovely! This whole sequence of events has been so much fun to see. I actually teared up when I saw Grampa and Lauren, what a blessing all these loved ones are to the new couple. I am anxious to hear of your new beginnings in Atlanta. You are a talented lady who will do well always.