Weddings Archives - The Corner District

Your Rehearsal Dinner at The Corner District

July 26, 2017 · Leave a Comment

At our vintage warehouse + parlor venue, we love rehearsal dinners and what they represent! We realize that for a lot of couples, this might be the first time your extended families are meeting. After all, rehearsal dinners are a time of coming together as you + your significant other begin this new journey.

Our oversized venue spaces lend themselves to casual elegance in a comfortable, relaxed setting. Just like at restaurants and banquet facilities, our venue is a place to come in, eat and leave. We offer the venue for a 4-hour event with early arrival to decorate and help make it your own! Reserve just one space, the parlor or warehouse, or you can reserve the entire venue for an all-day soiree!

Make It an All-day Soiree

We’ve had the warehouse set up for a guys day with cornhole, a growler station and other activities that allows them a place to hang out the for the day while the girls are busy with nail appointments and bridal luncheons. In the meantime, we are preparing the parlor for the dinner that evening.

For one rehearsal dinner, large grills were brought in to prepare a steak and baked potato feast, which was this groom’s favorite meal. While the grilling was going on, the guys were hanging out entertaining themselves with cornhole, passing a football and enjoying the growler station.

Get Creative

At our blank canvas venue, we love seeing our couples get creative with how they celebrate! We’ve had low-country boils, caterers that bring large grills for steak dinners, food trucks, traditional buffets and plated dinners. The sky’s the limit. Slide shows, bands, DJ’s, bartenders and other surprises can be arranged to help make your party everything you want it to be! After all, the night is all about celebrating the bride + groom’s love story and unique style as a couple.

Some of Our Favorites

Some of our favorite parties have revolved around the groom and his family. After all, this is his family’s opportunity to contribute to the wedding festivities. Often, rehearsals will have a special meaning that centers around him. We have had a Mardi Gras themed dinner to reflect the groom’s origins, which was complete with a second line parade thru the streets of town. Dinner included a low country boil and traditional Mardi Gras decor.

One of the sweetest rehearsal dinners we’ve hosted involved the mother-of-the-groom’s gift to her new daughter-in-law. She knew the bride wanted an elegant wedding, but she gave in to the groom’s wishes to have a rustic barn wedding. To the bride’s delight, the rehearsal dinner was all about the glam!

We were able to create a beautifully styled Gatsby gala, complete with gold chargers, custom linens + feather plumed centerpieces, custom decor that would rival any party Daisy could throw! The bride was able to have her vision incorporated into the wedding weekend!

At the end of it all, we appreciate to opportunity to help kick off your wedding festivities! We would love to discuss how we can make it a sensational beginning to your happily ever after. Click here for more information and inquiries.

To the Mother of the Bride | Cherishing Each Step

June 28, 2017 · Leave a Comment

Mother of Bride. It isn’t a coincidence that the acronym for these three words is MOB.

I think it is safe to assume that at least one time during your daughter’s wedding planning, a MOB scene will develop. That’s where you, your “bride,” and possibly the bridesmaids will come to tears over certain details. Planning a wedding is time consuming and can be stressful. Here at The Corner District, we understand that there will be differences in opinions on various wedding details. But even moreso, we believe that a wedding should be a time where a mother + daughter are able to cherish a sweet and exciting journey.

To the mother of the bride,

Be there for your daughter in this process. Help her when she needs it and love + support her unconditionally. But remember, this is her and her fiancee’s wedding. Even when you have differing ideas or opinions, make sure to cherish each step, making this sweet time as memorable as possible.

It’s important to remember that even if you are paying for the dress, it is still her dress. Your daughter will fall in love with her dream dress once in a lifetime, and having your support behind her will mean the world to her.

It doesn’t matter if you are paying for the food, it is their food. The couple works hard to make decisions that will fulfill their wedding vision. Little details from signature drinks to unique food stations like popcorn bars, your daughter will be making decisions to help her dream day come alive.

Sure, your saged advice is seasoned with experience and can be helpful, but that doesn’t mean it’s timeless. Mothers, things have changed since we planned our weddings. Let your daughter take the reins and just enjoy getting to be a part of the her day. Be supportive and helpful, but let things happen on her timeline. When she needs your help, you will know it.

Although you might be anxious to run out and buy your MOB dress, let the bride pick her venue and her dress first. Colors, flowers and overall decor will change several times throughout the process. Part of the fun of planning a wedding is taking each of these steps one at a time and cherishing the journey.

It will be over way too fast, so make sure it is a pleasant experience and include only those that will make it so. No need to invite the entire wedding party and groom’s family to join in wedding dress shopping. They aren’t buying or wearing the gown so do we really care what they think? Maybe, but try to include them in something less stressful, like a reveal after the purchase of the gown.

So many “traditional” aspects of the planning process are now passe and for a good reason. Each task, when checked off the list, should be done with a smile and a sense of one step closer to an amazing day that isn’t about the “show” but about the love and commitment that is signified with the wedding. After all, that is what we are here for.

Sincerely,

A 2x mother-of-the-bride + wedding professional

Mothers of the bride, what was your favorite part about helping with your daughter’s wedding? What tips do you have for a new MOB? We’d love to hear!

Understanding Florist Pricing + Unexpected Costs | A Delicate Petal

May 31, 2017 · Leave a Comment

At our vintage wedding venue, we know that the florals you choose for your wedding day will be one of most important details for fulfilling your wedding vision! From the centerpieces to the bouquets, your floral arrangements can tie your wedding together and express your unique style as a couple. To make sure you choose your dream flowers, it is important to ask your florist lots of questions, especially about florist pricing.

One important question for brides and their families to ask for is a pricing lists from their floral vendors. However, they often grow frustrated with the lack of information provided, not realizing that each flower costs a completely different price. Today, our dear friend Melissa at A Delicate Petal is sharing how to better understand florist pricing!

Photo: Carrie Reagan Photography

Understanding Florist Pricing + Unexpected Costs with A Delicate Petal

At A Delicate Petal, we pride ourselves on flexibility with our ‘packages!’ Each couple’s wedding is completely their own! Due to our specialized design for each bride, we do not offer a price list. A Delicate Petal works hard to build our bride’s DREAM wedding- including all of the different flowers she could ever dream of!

When considering a florist, make sure you look into how much they require as a deposit and what extra ‘fees’ they have. Florists can charge fees for everything from cancellation costs to breakdown labor. Make sure to ask about pricing for things like editing quotes, rental fees, and delivery costs. Here at A Delicate Petal, we’re pretty straight forward. It’s $100 to hold your date and time. The only other ‘fees’ that we charge are vase rental and delivery. No catches!

Many brides try to save money by decorating with smaller floral arrangements displayed in water décor, such as floating candles. However, submerged florals can often be labor intensive and require water being transported during the wedding. Florists sometimes charge fees for these services. Another unexpected cost can come from small, bud vases. These arrangements often take extra planning and organizing and can raise costs.

Sometimes brides will also choose many small décor pieces to display on a table, especially a longer farm table. Again, these types of florals can add up due to the extra planning required and vase rentals.

Brides, as you start looking for your which flowers and floral vendors to use, make sure to consider all the costs your florist might charge. Thinking about the possible unexpected costs can help you save money and get your dream flowers without blowing your budget!

Brides, what unexpected costs did you see from florists? We’d love to hear!

A Short Wedding Dress Might Just Be the Perfect Dress For You | Carrie’s Bridal Collection

April 26, 2017 · Leave a Comment

First comes love, then comes the ring, then comes your first thought after… the dress. The venue + setting of your wedding can affect the style of dress you may choose; however, your personal style should shine through above all. One new trend that we love seeing is a short wedding dress.

Whereas in the past, long, traditional wedding dresses were expected, more and more brides are getting creative with their dress choices and showing off their own personality + style! If you’re thinking about going short, our friend Carrie of Carrie’s Bridal Collection is here to share five reasons why you should ABSOLUTELY do that!

Photo: Kelly Anne Photography

Comfort. First and foremost, a short wedding dress is going to be an ease to wear. No heavy all-day gown, no train to carry around, no bustle to fasten. Having a short dress helps relieve the stress of making sure all these characteristics of a long dress don’t make the bride uncomfortable throughout the night. This style is for the bride who wants to enjoy the day and easily dance the night away.

Ease of Travel. Traveling with your short wedding dress after the wedding or trying to find arrangements to have someone hold onto your dress can be such a hassle. This is often an unexpected inconvenience that many brides do not prepare for prior to the honeymoon. Short dresses are easy to travel with as they can fit into normal luggage or garment bags. They are a breeze when transporting to your venue or destination wedding.

Less Expensive. Shorter gowns will be naturally less expensive than longer gowns. So, this will save money and may allow for more detail! Alterations, under garments, and detailing are small fees that can add up quickly. A less expensive dress will help ensure that there’s money in the budget to make sure that all aspects of the dress are perfect for you!

Better Shoes. With a long gown, shoes are rarely seen. Think about the stunning shoes you can pair with your short wedding dress. And with the money you save on the dress itself, your shoes can really pop. This small touch can add so much personality to your wedding + make for some adorable photos!

Versatility + wearability. Short dresses can be worn in a variety of venues. Ranging from Church to City Hall, a beach to a garden. Because short dresses are so versatile, brides can make them as dressy or casual as they want to fit their wedding vision—it’s completely up to them! Accessories from shoes to jewelry to headpieces not only add a personal touch, but also help set the tone for the wedding style. When dressed down, they are the perfect dress to wear again. We love the idea of dressing it down with a blazer for an anniversary photo shoot.

There are many decisions you will make on your wedding planning journey. Stay true to yourself and wear something you love! Your dress may be short on length, but it doesn’t have to be short on style! We traditionally think that wedding dresses should be long, but some of our style icons of today even wore short wedding dresses and they were fabulous!

Brides, did you wear a short dress for your wedding? We’d love to hear why you chose it!

Carley + Brannon: An Intimate Fall Celebration at Our Vintage Venue

March 29, 2017 · Leave a Comment

What a sweet + special celebration of love a wedding is, especially when the couples’ families are involved! Working with Carley + Brannon and their charming families reminds us just how much we love our jobs here at The Corner District. One of our favorite parts has to be that the wedding cake bakers also made Carley’s first birthday cake and her parent’s wedding cake! We’re thankful to have Carley share with us just what made her and Brannon’s day with their family + friends so special! And a big thanks to Barefoot Blonde Photography for capturing the sweet moments from their fall wedding!

Photo: Barefoot Blonde Photography | Florals: Ivy Marie Weddings

The Story

How did you meet your fiancé?

Our families have known each other for a while, but I met Brannon out on Lake Lanier. We were both fishing with our families that night, and I couldn’t quit thinking about him after I saw him!

Tell us the story of how he popped the question:

He took me on my first cruise and popped the question one night on the deck after dinner. We happened to be on the deck completely alone, although we were on a boat with thousands of other people. I’ll always cherish having that moment be just between us!

What is your wedding date and why did you choose it?

We really wanted a fall wedding, and October seemed like the perfect weather! My grandparents and his parents both were married in October, so it seemed like a good fit for a fall wedding.

The Fall Wedding Vision

What was your overall vision for your wedding?

We wanted something simple, yet exciting for all of our friends and family. We were really hoping that everyone would come and mingle and have a great time.

What do you feel was the most important component of your wedding?

Family! Brannon’s dad married us, and it was such a moving moment. We both are really close with our families, so having that in our wedding is something that we will always remember.

How involved is your groom in the wedding planning process?

Brannon and I both were fairly relaxed when it came to wedding planning. I would have been lost without the help of Ivy (our in house wedding planner) in planning everything!

Are you writing your own vows?

We stuck with the traditional “repeat after me” vows. I thought I would have been disappointed with not writing our own, but even the traditional vows were romantic in the moment.

How did you choose your wedding theme or color pallet?

We wanted fall colors, but I didn’t want the typical ones. I absolutely love the color green and the gold just seemed to compliment it. I wanted our wedding to be romantic and quaint. These colors and our flowers seemed to fit that role!

How important were the typical wedding traditions?

We kept our wedding fairly traditional. We wanted to keep the ceremony as Christian as possible, since Brannon’s dad is a preacher. It was important for us to have the ceremony between us and God!

Why did you choose The Corner District for your wedding venue?

This venue was the perfect combination of romantic and vintage. I could just picture all of my family and friends gathering there. I’m also not very creative or artistic, so it was important to me that I have a venue that could stand on its own without having to decorate too much.

Spencer + Cara | A Dreamy, Rustic Fairytale Georgia Wedding

January 11, 2017 · 1 Comment

Cara + Spencer’s dreamy, rustic Georgia wedding had us swooning over such a beautiful celebration for this adorable couple. As a dog-friendly wedding venue, our favorite part had to be that the couple’s dogs were not only involved in the proposal, but the wedding as well. Of course, we also loved that Nerd Dawgs, a delicious + fun food truck, catered a late night bite at the reception! From dogs to dawgs, the wedding was full of personal details that made this wedding so much fun to host!

Heather Lynthlin Photography did an incredible of capturing the sweetest moments from Cara + Spencer’s rustic Georgia wedding at our vintage venue! We’re thankful to have our bride share with us about the magic behind their fairytale wedding + love story.

How did you meet your fiancé?

My fiancé and I met in 6th grade although we were very different in middle school. He won biggest flirt and I won most likely to succeed in the superlative awards. We went to different high schools and then officially connected over social media when we were in our 3rd year of college. Spencer attended the University of Hawaii on a football scholarship and I went to Kennesaw State University and participated on the competitive cheerleading squad. We shared similar interests but the time difference between Hawaii and Georgia was just too much. We ended up going our separate ways. We rekindled our love on January 9, 2014. Ever since that day, we cannot imagine life without each other.

Tell us the story of how he popped the question:

On July 24, 2015 Spencer was persistent about going to downtown Woodstock to get coffee at the Copper Coin Café. I had just woken up from a nap and I really was not in the mood to get ready, load up the dogs in the car, and go to Woodstock. I took my time getting ready. We arrived in downtown Woodstock and Spencer said he would hold the dogs while I went in and ordered. I thought nothing about it. I ordered two coffees and came back outside. As I walked outside I was very confused. Spencer’s mother took the coffees from me. The entire moment felt like a blur. I was trying to piece together what was happening. I looked around and saw my mom, dad, step-mother, sister, brother-in-law, niece, Spencer’s mom and dad, and some friends. I did not know what to think or what was going on.

I looked down and noticed that Simba and Brutus (our German Sheppard and English Bulldog) were wearing signs around their neck. The signs read “If you asked me how many times you crossed my mind I would say once, because you never really left” and “Spencer wants to know will you marry him?” The next thing I know, Spencer is down on one knee and asking me to marry him. I burst out in tears from all the emotions running through me, there is no way I could resist this man. Of course I said yes! I had no idea he was even planning on getting engaged. He had kept it a secret for weeks. I cannot believe he pulled off such an unbelievable and memorable moment.

What was your wedding date and why did you choose it? Does this date have any significance?

Our wedding date was October 1, 2016. I chose to get married in October because I love the fall time. I knew The Corner District would look beautiful surrounded by the fall foliage on the trees. I also knew we would be able to utilize the outside area of the venue (the courtyard) during our reception because of the cooler weather.

What was your overall vision for your wedding?

My overall vision for the wedding was finding a venue that was unique to me. I wanted a venue where I was able to make it my own. I also wanted something with a rustic look and a laid back atmosphere. I did not want a place that told you exactly how the wedding would look and how the set up would be. I wanted something that resembled a big party that I could have with all our friends and family.

What do you feel was the most important component of your wedding?

The most important component of our wedding was being able to have our dogs as part of the ceremony. They are an important part of our lives and we were fortunate enough that The Corner District is dog friendly.

How involved was your groom in the wedding planning process?

For the most part, I planned the wedding since I am the planner in the couple. I love that Spencer is laid back and was supportive during the planning process. I would ask him for his opinion on some of the things and he would say, “As long as you’re happy and having a great time, that is all that matters to me.” I would ask his opinion on a couple of things such as: our first dance song, the suits, and he was allowed to pick the music for cocktail hour. Spencer was supportive and loved all the ideas I had, so that helped a lot.

Did you write your own vows?

In the beginning we were not planning on writing our own vows. As the wedding day approached, I decided that I wanted our wedding ceremony to be more personable and add some of our own ideas to the ceremony, so we added them in last minute. I am glad we decided to do that because his words were so sincere and loving and I will remember them forever.

What was your wedding theme or color pallet?

We did not have a theme for our wedding, but we chose the sky blue color because I thought it would go great with our rustic + vintage look we were going for. The sky blue also reminded me of Cinderella and a fairy tale, which is how I picture our relationship, being a love story. When people would ask what colors I was using for the wedding I would reply, “White, grey, and Cinderella blue.”

How important were the typical wedding traditions?

We wanted to keep the wedding as traditional as we could, yet still make it our own. We refrained from doing a first look because we wanted to save the moment for the aisle. An Italian tradition in our family is to make lots of cookies to serve at the wedding. We had multiple people working on hundreds of cookies for the wedding. I loved having that as a family tradition. I loved that we were able to put up old wedding pictures from our families in the frames provided in the venue. That meant so much to me to be able to add our own touch and decorations to the venue. It really felt like we were able to make it our own. I think we had a traditional wedding for the most part, but we definitely made it our own at the same time. The Corner District was the perfect venue to be able to display our own personality and I am so glad we chose it for our special day.

Leading up to the big day I was beyond stressed out about the whole process. Debbie (The Corner District Owner) was able to meet up with me multiple times to reassure me that everything would be okay. I must admit that I had my doubts. In the end EVERYTHING went according to plan. There is nothing I would have changed about our wedding day and I cannot think of many people that could say that.

Debbie, Elizabeth, Ivy, and all the other wedding coordinators did a phenomenal job making our wedding the exact vision I was going for. All of our guests had an amazing time and loved the venue. I hope to be able to utilize this venue again in the future for another event I may have. Our wedding day was truly the best day of my life and I thank The Corner District for making our dreams come true.

Why did you choose this wedding venue?

When I was looking for a wedding venue, I was looking for something that I can make my own. As I searched around for the perfect venue, a lot of the places I looked at told you exactly how your wedding will look with a couple of choices on colors. I am a unique person so I really wanted something that was perfect for me. I love that the venue is an old historical building with a lot of character. My mom and I drove up that day to check it out. I loved everything about it as soon as I arrived. I love the feeling I got when I peeked in the windows, I knew this place was the one.

I envisioned myself walking down the aisle and Spencer being at the end with a huge smile on his face. I called Debbie when we were looking in the windows and she was so friendly and accommodating. She was able to meet up right then so I could get a better look at the inside of the venue. Spencer and I also love that our dogs will be able to celebrate with us at the ceremony since they are a huge part of our family. The three buildings are amazing. I have nothing but great things to say about The Corner District and our wedding.

Most Memorable Wedding Moments of 2016

December 21, 2016 · Leave a Comment

What a way to start the year! Our biggest blessing of the year was hosting the wedding of Ivy Cadenhead and John Ferguson. They stopped in on a whim looking for a rehearsal dinner spot, sure that they had already found their wedding venue. One look and Ivy was in love! Fast forward a few months later and Ivy had become The Corner District’s best kept secret. As our venue manager and wedding planner, Ivy Marie Weddings, LLC was created. The natural creativity that we saw in her own chic winter wedding is evident in all the events she is a part of. We’re sharing more most memorable wedding moments of 2016 below!

Hillary Leah Photography

Most Memorable The Corner District Wedding Moments of 2016

Around The World Couples Shower

We love to host highly styled events and this travel themed couple’s shower for Brittney and Keaton was one for the books. Their wedding was planned for the fall in Italy and what could be better but to bring a bit of Italy to them as a proper sendoff before their big day. Amazing rentals, custom linen, antique Italian postcard invites and check out the Perseco fountain! Authentic Italian cuisine and pastries topped off this one of a kind bridal shower!

Carrie Reagan Photography

Come What May

We hosted some pretty awesome events this year but our springtime brides had some big ideas and it was fun helping them plan. Jessica had booked a year in advance and had lots of time to plan, while Lauren came to us after already having booked another venue, but they both fell in love with The Corner District and had a vision! Draping, vintage china and the special touches that make each wedding unique were fun additions to their big day!

Brittany Rae Photography

Special Day For A Special Couple

So what do you do if you and all your guests are theatre folks with performances every weekend? You get married on Monday, of course, and that is just what Galen and Jacob did. The creativity from this group was contagious and their quirky personal touches made for an adorable and unforgettable wedding. If FUN was a wedding theme and vision then this couple nailed it.

Krisandra Evans Photography

DIY Bride Gave Us All The Feels

Bethany thought of everything when she planned her late summer wedding. We loved her decor pieces so much that we purchased some of it from her. From her handcrafted wedding ring “box” that was actually a vintage book, to her handmade flowers in the bouquets and centerpieces the details were stunning. Her DIY was a labor of love and it showed.

October… Need We Say More!

October is peak wedding season for us and our weddings that month were over the top! We had some of the most memorable decor, dresses and customs. Iche and JuRiel incorporated their native Nigerian heritage into their wedding by bringing in food, music and clothing to take this wedding over the top.

Horn Photography

Bethany and her parents were on a mission and it included lots of twinkle lights, ladders and dexterity by her dad! Hanging a custom made twinkle light curtain for her reception and intricately placed cascading ceremony votives strung from the warehouse ceiling were just a few of the elements that gave her loving father high anxiety, but it was certainly worth it!

Our brides have great taste and all of them looked stunning in their wedding dresses but Logan’s multi-hued gown was pretty spectacular. There wasn’t a need for accessorizing with a veil or statement jewelry. The dress was certainly a show stopper!

Amryn Soldier Photography

Ending The Year With Our Winter Weddings

Our December weddings were like Christmas! Such over the top decor transformed the venue like never before. Claudette was a dream and so was her wedding. We were able to create some of the most memorable pieces of decor to date. Cue the staple gun, fishing line, glue gun and bushels of scavenged fir and pine branches! I think it’s safe to say we were on lockdown for days before this wedding with so much to do but loving every minute of it.

Crystal Anne Photography

Michele’s wedding the week before Christmas get’s the prize for most incredible decor build out of the year. Yet another DIY wedding that we had the pleasure of watching come together. It took a village to set this one up, but luckily they brought one! Their hand constructed backdrop for the photo booth was as gorgeous as it was big!! As if that wasn’t enough they also built an arbor for the ceremony. Lots of details for another personalized wedding and reception. We love being able to let our couples bring their vision to life at The Corner District.

Kae Marie Photography

Around Town

We love our small town and all the support they give us. Please enjoy a few of these photos of our weddings and events taken around town.

Kae Marie Photography

Brittany Rae Photography

Jessica Wronker Photography

The Corner District’s Pop Up Weddings For 2016

We have had the honor to host several Pop Up Weddings this year. Small, intimate wedding and reception packages that we can customize and facilitate at our venue or take them on the road. Sometimes a large wedding just isn’t a good fit, but you may still want all the components found in a traditional wedding and reception. These couples were able to have all that and more, just on a smaller scale.

Carrie Reagan Photography

Soon To Be Newlyweds | Vanessa + David | North Georgia Wedding

September 2, 2016 · Leave a Comment

Happy Wedding Wednesday to our soon to be newlyweds, Vanessa and David, who will be getting married at our North Georgia wedding venue in September of 2017! We are so excited to host their brunch wedding, complete with a Waffle Bar, Donut Station and Coffee Bar. We recently planned a 1950s brunch styled shoot that was featured on Fab You Bliss, so we can’t wait to recreate this inspiration for this adorable couple! Vanessa is sharing how they met, what they’re most excited for and why they chose The Corner District below. Enjoy!

Photo: Akia + Company

Their Love Story

David and I met in undergrad through mutual friends! In College, our conversation never expanded beyond a casual “hey”. Fast forward to five years later. We became friends on social media (Facebook & Instagram). David was serving in the Peace Corp in Azerbaijan! He was always sure to like or comment on my pictures, which of course got my attention. One day, I decided to read his blog posts. His posts showed his humble and sincere heart and I felt the Lord tell me to pray for him, so I did. I later reached out and told him that what he was doing was amazing and I was praying for him. We shared a few messages back and forth, then he suggested we FaceTime! We became good friends. Our conversation was natural and as he liked to put it “organic”. On his first visit home, he asked me to meet him at the airport! (I was so nervous! I mean. hello! His parents were going to be there!) The day after Christmas, he asked me to be his girlfriend. For the next year, we were in a long distance relationship. When he returned back to the U.S. we were finally able to be together.

We are so excited! We know that if we can make it through a long distance relationship, we can make it through anything! We are getting married on Sunday September 17, 2017! We are having a brunch wedding with our closest friends and family at The beautiful Corner District in Ball Ground, Georgia.

Why They Chose The Corner District as Their Wedding Venue

After looking at virtually every venue from North Georgia to Macon, we stumbled upon The Corner District! As I began to explore the website, my stomach immediately got butterflies. The Venue was perfect. It was light and airy! It also had the romantic vintage flare we were looking for. After meeting Debbie and Ivy, I KNEW it was the place for us. They had so many great ideas and I trusted that they could help make our “Sunday brunch complete with a Waffle Bar, Donut Station and Coffee Bar” wedding dreams come to life. We are so grateful for the wonderful ladies at The Corner District and we are excited to start the planning process!

Ivy + John | Classic North Georgia Winter Wedding

May 6, 2016 · Leave a Comment

For those of you who don’t know, Ivy is a Corner District bride turned venue manager! See their Wedding Gallery for more real wedding photos. Enjoy!

-The Corner District

Bride and groom’s names:

Ivy + John Ferguson

How did you meet your husband?

I was living in Athens, GA at the time with two of my girlfriends. One spring weekend in 2010, my roommates and I were at the apartment complex pool getting some sun and relaxing. We decided to invite some people to come hangout with us. One of my high school friends showed up with two of his friends. One of the guys caught my eye right off the bat, he was so handsome! We were introduced and I immediately knew there was something about him that was different than most.

At the end of the day after my roommate and I made it back to the apartment, I told her, “I am going to marry that guy one day.” Over the next couple of months, we were just friends – even though I had a huge crush on him. At the beginning of the summer he and a friend decided they wanted to move to Destin, Florida. I thought we were going to lose touch and I didn’t want that to happen. A few weeks after he moved, my friend and I decided to go to the beach. My aunt just so happens to own a beach house about 20 min from Destin. John and I spent the entire week together, it was perfect and I didn’t want it to end.

We texted and called constantly over the next few weeks. One day, he called me and told me he was moving back! I was so excited. Once he was back in Georgia, we were inseparable and falling for each other fast. He told me he loved me after only four months of dating, although we both knew it was love way before then.

Tell us the story of how he popped the question:

It was right before Christmas in 2014 and we had been dating for over 4 years. I had asked him a few times about what we should get each other for Christmas and he kept saying, “Oh I am just getting you something small.” I was kind of suspicious that he was going to pop the question, but I didn’t want to get my hopes up. One Saturday while I was at work, John texted and asked if I had any ideas of something fun to do that night. Since it was Christmas, I thought it would be really neat to go to the Atlanta Botanical Gardens and see the Christmas lights. He loved the idea and we headed there as soon as I got off work.

The place was packed when we got there, we had to park a mile away. The walk to the front gate was exhausting because the terrain was mostly uphill. When we finally made it to the front gate, I reached into my purse to get the tickets and realized I had forgotten them in the car. We had to walk all the way back to the car, get the tickets, and then go all the way back to the front gates. Needless to say, we did a lot of walking that night.

We finally made it into the gardens, grabbed a drink, and started the tour. John and I walked the entire exhibit hand in hand, it was more romantic than I had expected it to be. It sounds cliché, but the love was in the air that night. We were getting close to the end when John asked me what my favorite light display was. It was the main garden area, they had giant globes on the lawn that glowed and danced along with the Christmas music that was playing. We walked back to the main lawn area, took a seat on a bench, and listened to the music for awhile. It was getting really late and after all the walking we had done, I was ready to head home. As we got up to leave, John tugged on my arm and said, “Wait just a second.” I turn around to see the man of my dreams down on his knee! I was so excited that I literally picked him up off the ground to give him a kiss. After we kissed, I said “Yes! Yes! Yes!” Later that night, we realized the date was 12/13/14, which we thought was pretty cool. Best day ever!

What was your wedding date and why did you choose it?

We wanted to be engaged for at least a year so we could have plenty of time to plan the wedding. We noticed that one of the Saturdays in January was 1/16/16, which is pretty easy to remember.

What was your overall vision for your wedding?

We wanted a romantic, yet rustic feel. I love all things girly, but John on the other hand isn’t a fan. We needed a wedding that incorporated both styles.

What do you feel was the most special component of your wedding?

The most special thing to the both of us was being able to celebrate with all of our friends and family. We had a lot of wedding guests travel from all over the country to be with the us on our very special day.

How involved was your groom in the wedding planning process?

I ran all of my ideas by John but, like most men, he was pretty much only interested in the cake and food. He also enjoyed picking out his and the groomsmen’s outfits.

Did you have a wedding theme or color pallet, and if so how or why did you choose it?

We had a very neutral color pallet, charcoal grey, cream, and a lot of greenery. We also had antique brass candle sticks along all the tables, they added extra flair.

How important are the typical wedding traditions? Did you plan on doing something outside of the norm to make your wedding more of your own?

We stuck with most of the normal wedding traditions except for one, the first look. I was nervous about walking down the aisle and having all those people stare at me. We decided to do the first look to ease our nerves. It was the best idea ever! Seeing him beforehand made the ceremony that much more enjoyable. I was able to relax and be “in the moment” with all our guests.

Why did you choose your wedding venue?

As soon as we walked into The Corner District, we knew it was the venue for us. It was the perfect mix of romantic and rustic, perfect for both our styles. The original hardwood floors, exposed brick walls, and antique chandeliers give TCD such a unique and warm atmosphere. We love the venue!

hillary leah photography

Abby + Tate | Classic Blush and Navy Georgia Wedding

April 1, 2016 · Leave a Comment

This sweet couple’s Classic Blush and Navy Georgia Wedding is on the blog today! View their Wedding Gallery for more beautiful wedding photographs. And check out their Real Wedding feature on Something Turquoise. Cheers!

-The Corner District

Bride and groom’s names:

Abby (Erickson) & Tate Smith

How did you meet your husband?

Tate and I met at a small gym in Athens, GA. I was a trainer and he was a gym member. Tate introduced himself to me in March of 2014 and we would make small talk whenever he came in. In July of 2014, Tate came in to cancel his membership as he took a job with Chick-Fil-A corporate that requires 51 weeks/year of travel. And as he cancelled his membership, he asked me on a date! I guess he thought, “If she says no, I never have to see her again, what have I got to lose?!” I eagerly agreed and we had the best first date.

Tate says he knew on the first date that he would one day marry me. I knew on the second date that he would one day be my husband. Knowing he only had 3 weeks left in Athens before he hit the road with Chick-Fil-A, we went on 12 dates in those 3 weeks and had the time of our lives. After that, we relied on Skype dates to get us through. We only saw each other 4 other times in person before he popped the question.

Tell us the story of how he popped the question:

Tate flew home for the weekend in February of 2015. He wouldn’t tell me a single detail of his plans other than when to pick him up and drop him off at the airport. I knew what he was up to, but I had no idea when, where, or how he would ask. Friday night, I picked him up and we drove back to Athens and spent the evening reliving our first 3 dates. Saturday morning, we had brunch at our favorite little brunch gem in Athens and then got ready for his big evening plans.

All that he told me was to plan on dressy/causal attire and that we needed to leave Athens to head towards Atlanta by 3 p.m. When we got in the car, he told me that he needed to stop by his dad’s house on the way to pick something up really quick. I didn’t think twice about it! When we pulled into his dad’s neighborhood, his street was lined with cars, and when we parked in his driveway, I knew what was happening… I saw all of my loved ones standing in windows watching and waiting for us. Tate walked me into the front yard and explained the importance of the ring he had custom made for me using his mothers diamond, expressed his love for me and his excitement about our future. Then right there, in front of over 50 of our closet friends and family, he got down on one knee and proposed!

What was your wedding date and why did you choose it?

August 22, 2015. We choose that date because we wanted a short engagement and knew after visiting The Corner District one time that that was where we wanted our wedding to be, so we took the only available August date.

What was your overall vision for your wedding?

Simple elegance. We wanted our guests to cherish it just as much as we did. And we wanted to have a great wedding on an affordable budget!

What do you feel was the most special component of your wedding?

My cousin and bridesmaid, Heidi Hunt, designed and made my dress by hand using the skirt from my sisters wedding dress. It was also very special for us to have Dean Ropp, long time friend of the Smiths and Pastor, perform our ceremony.

How involved was your groom in the wedding planning process?

He did just as much as I did to plan! Tate handled booking everything and coordinating with the vendors while I handled the details. He did so much! I am one lucky girl!

Did you have a wedding theme or color pallet, and if so how or why did you choose it?

We chose navy, blush and gold. These colors work so well together and made for a timeless, elegant look.

How important are the typical wedding traditions? Did you plan on doing something outside of the norm to make your wedding more of your own?

It was very important for us to wait to see each other until I walked down the aisle. We wanted that moment to be a lasting memory for us and we are both so thankful we did that.

Why did you choose your wedding venue?

We chose The Corner District because we wanted a more intimate wedding. We had only 120 guests and we fit comfortably in that space. Plus, I love simple charm and antiques that speak for themselves. The Corner District had everything I wanted. The old, original hardwood floors, the plaster walls, the exposed brick, massive windows and gorgeous chandeliers. The venue speaks for itself, you don’t need excessive decorations to make it beautiful.

We also chose The Corner District because of owner, Debbie Ley. The moment I met with her, I felt at ease. She was the most helpful venue owner I had come by. She wanted to make my vision come to life and respected that we wanted to do much of it ourselves. She gave us recommendations along the way and helped in so many ways, but really let us craft the wedding that we wanted. She gave us the option make it as turn key as we wanted or to let us create it for ourselves. She truly made the whole process seamless.

Is there anything else you would like to share?

Another important thing to note was the significance of my father being well enough to walk me down the aisle and dance with me at the reception. He was diagnosed with metastatic liver cancer the Thanksgiving before and we were not sure if he would still be here to give me away. He fought so hard to make sure that he was and I will forever cherish that memory.

Also, my mom made the bouquets, boutonnieres, and centerpieces. She made our dinner napkins, her dress, the ring bearers pants, and the groom and groomsmen’s ties. The day would not have been what it was without all that she did to help.

Finally, our cake was made by Tate’s cousin, Kayla Cummings, a wedding cake baker from Richmond, VA.

katey penton photography

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