WEDDINGS LIKE YOURS


A Black-Tie Ballroom Affair

Jennifer + Jeff | May 26, 2019

Traditional and classic ballroom wedding with gold and silver palette at the Biltmore Hotel in Atlanta, Georgia 

After graduating from University of Georgia, Jennifer moved into her first apartment post college and decided to throw a housewarming party with a few college friends. One of Jennifer’s friends invited Jeff to tag along (they were roommates after all!) and the two immediately hit it off. Shortly after, the couple started dating and the rest is history! 

Two and a half years later, Atlanta was struck with its first big snow storm of the year. Although Jeff’s original proposal plan to visit the Georgia Botanical Gardens to see the Christmas lights was cancelled due to weather, he quickly made a decision to go ice skating at Park Tavern instead. Little did he know that the park would be closed for a wedding!

Hoping the third time would be the charm, Jeff took Jennifer for a brisk walk in Piedmont Park. With city lights in the background and snow on the ground, Jeff bent down on one knee and popped the question (of course Jennifer said yes!). To celebrate, the couple headed to a local bar but were oddly surprised when it was also closed for a holiday party.  Although their original plans didn’t play out as they had hoped, Jennifer and Jeff still enjoyed their time spent together on the night of their engagement.

Soon after, they began planning a black tie optional affair for the following spring. The couple chose a simple black and white palette with hints of gold and silver. 

“We wanted a traditional, classy style wedding,” Jennifer said. “Our big day was simply magical!”

Jennifer and her bridesmaids started off the celebration early, enjoying mimosas in the bridal suite while getting primped and ready for the day. Jennifer’s girls wore matching lavender silk pajama sets and floral robes, while the bride kept it simple in a white robe with lace detailing. 

Once the final touches were put on Jennifer’s bridal look, her bridesmaids helped her slip into her fitted cap sleeve gown. The back of the dress was open and had a square shape to it, with just the right amount of crystals lining the edges of the gown. 

“When I started looking for dresses, I knew I wanted something that was simple and timeless,” Jennifer explained. “It fit like a glove, and I’ve never felt more beautiful getting to wear such a stunning dress.”

As Jennifer’s cathedral-length veil was pinned into her half-up curled hairstyle, she headed down to the hotel lobby to meet her father for the sweetest first look. Jennifer’s dad gave her the tightest hug and it couldn’t have been more special for the two of them! 

Before heading to the venue, Jennifer stepped outside of the hotel where Jeff was waiting for his turn to see his bride. He wore a tailored tuxedo with a black vest underneath, along with a white tie and dress shoes. The groom could hardly contain his excitement as he faced his soon-to-be-wife. 

The bridal party joined the couple outside of the hotel for a few portraits before making their way to the ceremony. Jennifer’s bridesmaids wore slate colored, floor-length dresses. Each neckline had a deep V-cut with cap sleeves to complement Jennifer’s look. Their small hydrangea bouquets were tied with white satin ribbon, adding just the right amount of contrast to their dark colored dresses. Jeff’s groomsmen wore tuxedos similar to the groom’s, complete with black ties and slate pocket squares to match the bridesmaid’s dresses. 

The ceremony took place inside one of the venue’s eclectic ballrooms. The space itself did not need much decorating with its stone pillars, antique gold molding and light grey walls. As guests entered, they were wowed by the crystal chandelier hanging from the center of the ceiling that added the perfect touch of elegance to the room. Opposite the entrance near the end of the aisle, there was a simple white chiffon canopy tied with silk bows. 

As the remaining guests headed down the few sets of stone stairs and took their seats in gold Chiavari chairs, the bridal party and the groom made their way down the aisle lined with white rose petals. 

Jennifer grabbed her bouquet and was set to make her entrance. Her small arrangement was full of eucalyptus and a variety of white florals, complementing her look perfectly. As the bride walked side by side with her father, she couldn’t help but be thankful for all of the family and friends who were a part of her special day. 

“We had Jeff’s friend from college officiate the ceremony, which was very special to us,” Jennifer explained. “We also incorporated a poem and had my uncle read it, which meant a lot because we’re both very close with my uncle.” 

The bride and groom exchanged heartfelt vows and before they knew it, they shared their first kiss as husband and wife!

As the ceremony space was transformed for the reception, the bridal party roamed the gardens for more portraits. Guests took to the open bar to try one of the couple’s signature drinks,The Blushing Bride or Southern Gentleman.

Inside the ballroom, the final touches were put on the round reception tables. Each table was draped in a silver linen, tying in the color palette perfectly. There were two different types of centerpieces. One featured a floral arrangement in a gold vase and the other was an assortment of glass vases full of floating candles, varying in height and surrounded by gold candle votives. In the center of each table was a table number that had either a white or soft gold background and white or silver script, placed in a silver frame.

At each place setting, there was a white napkin folded on top of a gold beaded acrylic charger. As guests took their seats, the couple kicked off the celebration with a personal touch. 

“We spent many nights at dance lessons learning how to swing for our first dance,” Jennifer said. “It was by far our favorite part of the wedding and hearing the reactions from our guests was priceless!”

After the couple showed off their moves and guests enjoyed a plated dinner, it was time for dessert. The couple traded a traditional cake for handheld desserts, including blueberry tartlets and mini cups of tiramisu. 

The rest of the night carried on with more fun and even a traditional Jewish folk dance, the Hora, to honor Jennifer’s Jewish background. Once the party died down, the couple made their grand exit through a sea of bubbles! 

Congrats to the new Mr. and Mrs.!

Still looking for a dreamy venue to use for your big day? Check out our list of vetted options HERE!


Creative Team

Entertainment
Emerald Empire Band

Florists
House of BASH

Planners
House of BASH

Rentals & Decor
House of BASH

Bakeries
Cakes by Niecy

Venues
The Biltmore Ballrooms

Photographers
Michelle Harris Studios

Caterers
Palate Catering

Beauty
Linda Carl

Paper Goods + Calligraphy
Minted

Videographers
Petit Four Films


Back to Weddings