Every wedding at Fountainview is a tremendous honor and privilege for the Fountainview team and me.  We take our commitments to our clients very seriously knowing that a bride’s and groom’s wedding day is one of the most important days of their lives.  When you’re selected as the venue by a high profile professional golfer like Jason Dufner and his beautiful bride, Amanda Boyd, that honor and privilege is humbling indeed.  Jason just won the Zurich Classic on the PGA Tour in New Orleans just a week ago.  What an amazing and exciting time this couple have had over the past few weeks. 

Jason and Amanda pose with their wedding party.

As you will see from the photos mostly provided by Studio B Photography in Atlanta and a few from with my Nikon 80 camera, this was undoubtedly one of the most elaborate and beautiful weddings ever hosted at Fountainview.  No detail was overlooked and every part of the wedding from the ceremony site, florals, tent set-up, menu, and lighting were par excellence.  Truly, this was a platinum wedding the likes of which is seldom seen.  Guests attending this wedding were truly treated to a once-in-a-lifetime event.

As guests arrived at the mansion, guests were greeted by the first hint of the color palette of the wedding.  All flowers were completely white; peonies, hydrangeas, peonies, hyacinth, and stock were in abundance everywhere the guests could look.  The heavy usage of fragrant flowers like peonies, hyacinth and stock created a feast fragrance everywhere guests would go, indoors and outdoors, literally doubling the effect of the dazzling floral displays.  All the planters on the front and rear terraces were specially replanted with white hydrangea plants and long trailing ivy creating an opulent and elegant look even as the guests first arrived at the mansion while the valets whisked the guest’s cars away.  Once inside the mansion, the guests were massed arrangements gracing the reception foyer of hydrangeas and peonies setting the stage for class and elegance.

The rear Fountainview terrace dressed in all it's finery for the Boyd/Dufner wedding on May 5, 2012.

After arrival, the guests were led to the rear terraces and to the garden where they were escorted to the ceremony site.  During this time the sides of the reception tent were kept closed to ensure no one got a sneak peak.  Yet, they knew it was going to be very special because the entire courtyard had been turned into an elegant entertainment space complete with custom white leather lounge furniture, mirrored end tables graced by fresh flowers, and customer white padded bars and elegant back bars.  In addition, there were special putting greens and even a custom made corn hole game.  All this was just a prelude to what was to come when the reception began.

As the guests were led to their seats in the perfect outdoor sanctuary setting, they knew they were in for something very special indeed.   During the planning meetings, the bride expressed her desire for a totally new site for the ceremony itself and we originally considered selecting a site in the lower meadow and bringing the guests to the site by golf carts.  After all, the golf cart might be a fitting tie-in to Jason’s career.    Logistically, as we through through this, we knew that this could cause a problem due to the quality of the turf, ant hills, etc. as that site was and is basically an open field.  Then my precious wife, Julie,  came up with a brilliant idea to hold the wedding in the lovely glen on the back side of the mansion facing the beautiful woods.  As Amanda, her wedding planning Meghan Cease of M. Elizabeth Events in Birmingham and I walked the property together, we all caught a vision that this was the perfect spot.  We all agreed that this would keep the reception “big reveal” even more exciting for the guests and provide that “wow” moment that guests have when they enter an exceptionally beautiful reception site.  In the weeks leading up to the ceremony, our staff worked tirelessly to clean up the entire woods line creating a park-like setting that will undoubtedly become another beautiful ceremony site in the future.

For the ceremony site, Amanda’s father constructed the beautiful white arbor where the couple married.  It was completely covered in a myriad of white hydrangeas, roses, and peonies.  Truly, it looked like something out of a magazine, but this was real, and it was right in Fountainview’s back yard.  Petals were laid in a unique geometric pattern at the bride’s request.  The overall look was a stunning elegance within the greater setting of God’s creation.  It worked out beautifully.

The spectacular wedding arbor completely covered in white hydrangeas, peonies, and roses. What a stunning ceremony focal point.The Fountainview grounds provided the perfect outdoor sanctuary for the Boyd/Dufner wedding ceremony.

The bridal gown for the ceremony was a masterpiece of ivory silk and tulle.  Amanda looked like something out of a dream as she walked down the long aisle with her father.  Her cathedral length veil was the perfect touch of classic elegance.  At her waist was a smoky amethyst sash bringing in just a dash of the other focal color for the wedding which also appeared in the bride’s gorgeous gowns in a very flowy chiffon fabric. 

Amanda and Jason exchange rings.

Each of the girls looked stunning in the color.  The girls carried exquisite bouqets of peonies and hydrangeas which completed the look of sheer style and elegance.  It’s hard to compete with perfection. 

The radiant bride, Mrs. Jason (Amanda) Dufner

Ceremony music was provided by the Camerata String Quartet from Atlanta and Mark DeGotti playing trumpet.  The music was the perfect complement to the elegance of the ceremony.  Auburn University’s football team chaplain, Chette Williams, officiated at the ceremony.

As the ceremony continued, the Fountainview and catering staff (STK from Atlanta) were busy preparing for the big reveal and the start of the cocktail hour.  during this time, the tent sides were removed allowing all to see for the first time the incredible elegance within.  Following the ceremony, the guests returned to the Fountainview gardens for one of the most beautiful cocktail hours we’ve ever seen here.  Guests were treated to a fabulous assortment of beverages including the following signature drinks selected by the couple; Margaritas, John Dalys, Sea Breezes, and Champagne Cocktails.  The passed hors d’oeuvres by the white-gloved waitstaff attired in their new black Eton jackets were a feast for the eyes and the palette.  

Be our guest. A portion of the extensive wait staff team await the arrival of the guests for the start of cocktail hour.

Passed hors d’oeuvres included miniature lobster tacos (with mini margaritas) in honor of the wedding date which happened to be Cinco de Mayo, miniature crab cakes, oysters on the half shell, beat, goat cheese and walnut endive, and tuna tar tar.  It’s not often you see this type of fare in Auburn, Alabama.  The STK staff from Atlanta was assisted by the expertise of chef Humberto Leon who flew in from New York especially for the event.

The festive and beautiful lobster tacos were a perfect and whimsical tribute to the date of the wedding, May 5th which was also Cinco de Mayo.Another elegant passed hors d'oeuvre, oysters on the half shell.

During the cocktail hour, Jason and Amanda continued with a photo shoot followed by Amanda’s complete transformation into her next designer gown; this one by Heidi Elnora of Birmingham.  It was a stunning gown with a silk fitted bodice, plunging back line, and full skirt.  The tiny waistline was enhanced by a dramatic jeweled sash.  Amanda’s hair was completely restyled by her stylist from an updo to a unique design pulled to the side and flowing gracefully in soft curls.  She looked like a fashion model.   After the couple’s introduction they proceeded to the custom white dance floor to dance their first dance with the A List band providing the music.  They are by far one of the best bands we’ve ever heard out at Fountainview.  They were GREAT! 

Following the special dances, the four course sit-down dinner began with a marvelous crab salad with honey dew, grapefruit, avocado, ginger, and mache, followed by a Kobe beef slider and truffle fries, a third course of roasted chicken breast au jus served on a bed of Yukon gold mashed potatoes and sauteed spinach.  But that still wasn’t all.  Course four featured a marvelous grilled skirt steak with asparagus and some of the best macaroni and cheese you’ve ever tasted just in case guests were still hungry.  What an amazing feast. 

Following the four sumptuous course, guests were escorted to the front terrace for a magnificent fireworks display.  It was outstanding.  (For those of you considering a fireworks display of any kind, please know that this requires special licensing, city and state approvals, and also, a well licensed professional fireworks display company. ) 

Sheer romance. The magic of Fountainview Mansion Estate!

Following the fireworks display, desserts were served including lavender cotton candy and several types of ice creams served in wonderful ceramic individual serving containers.  They worked out perfectly.  Yet there was more to come with the bride and groom’s cakes from Sweet Sensations in Newnan, Georgia.  The brides elegant creation was covered in fondant for a sleek polished look and enhanced with magnificent fondant peonies tying in with the overall floral motif. 

The groom’s cake was much more whimsical including an Auburn golf cart paying tribute to Jason’s Alma Mater.

The party continued to the sounds of the A-list until the couple was whisked into the moonlight in Jason’s magnificent Dodge Charger.  It was a picture perfect ending to a picture perfect day. 

More mention really needs to be made about the decor of the 40′ x 100′ pole tent used for the reception as it was one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen. 

While pole tents are always quite lovely in that no interior framework is visib le in the ceiling, this tent was further enhanced by a custom draping done by of Birmingham creating the look of a custom liner.  Further enhancing the decor was the elegant lighting system designed by Auburn Audio which provided a soft and ethereal lavender glow to the ceiling of the tent and the hundreds of yards of sheer fabric.  As the sun went down, the entire space became a wonderland of beauty.  The dance floor was also custom lit with a major truss work to support all the lighting which changed throughout the evening to coincide with the energy of the music.  The truss work was completely covered by white fabric allowing the lighting to do it’s job without the truss work becoming a visual distraction to the elegant surroundings.

Even the table numbers were custom made for the couple in elegant lucite holder which coordinated with the mirage chairs (ghost chairs) which had been selected for the guests table seating.Another view of the opulent and elegant table scapes for the Dufner/Boyd reception.The magnificent head table treatment featuring front and center the "winner's circle" with a magnum of fine champagne in celebration of Jason's big win and the couple's big day! Cheers! Jason was glowing when he won the tournament in New Orleans last week but nothing could compare with this look of joy as he awaited the arrival of his beautiful bride at the altar. What a great photo!

At the conclusion of the reception, each guest received a box wrapped in amethyst ribbon filled with a very special surprise.  Inside was a dark and white chocolate golf ball, golf teas made of chocolate, and a milk chocolate golf bag.  What a perfect ending to a perfect wedding. 

Jason & Amanda, thanks for the honor of working with you on your special day.  We wish you all the best in your exciting new life together.  We’ll all be cheering you on as you compete on the PGA tour.  Blessings to you both.

Romance yet again. Mr. and Mrs. Jason Dufner at Fountainview Mansion.

Every wedding holds special memories and often funny stories.  For Meghan and Nick’s wedding, they truly get the prize for having the most unusual guest we’ve ever had attend a wedding at Fountainview.  We’ve had celebrities and colorful guests before, but this guest was extra special.  You’ll meet her in just a moment. 

A picture perfect day for a wedding. The ceremony site was graced with four magnificent floral arrangements creating an elegant English garden look poolside. The stunning arrangements by Fountainview Mansion featured a plethora of Bells of Ireland, snapdragons, stock, roses,, hydrangeas, and larkspur as the focal flowers.

The day couldn’t have been more perfect.  It was one of those picture perfect days that brides pray for their whole life; sunny, just the right temperature, and just a light breeze.  It was glorious.

The bride and her bridesmaids strike a whimsical pose just before heading down the aisle for the processional music provided by the Auburn String Quartet and trumpeter, Mark DeGotti.

Meghan looked like a movie star in her classically elegant gown.  It suited her to a T.  The bridesmaids wore vibrant floor length gown in a brilliant shade of watermelon pink which looked gorgeous on each of the girls.  Florals for the wedding party featured hydrangeas in green and white as the predominant flowers.  It was pure Southern elegance with hand-tied bouquets for all the bridesmaids.  The bride’s bouquet was a very unique creation inspired by Princess Kate’s bouquet which was one of the most photographed floral arrangements ever created.  It featured a very slight teardrop shop and a plethora of freesia and muscari set amidst a bed of white hydrangeas and creamy vendela roses.  Extra special were the lovely spray roses grown by the groom’s mother which were the perfect final touch to Meghan’s bouquet.  It was a joy to create this very unique bouquet.

Meghan poses with her beautiful mother and sister (maid of honor) just prior to their walk down the Fountainview aisle. What a beautiful family.Meghan and her mother just before processing down the aisle. Meghan's mom was a vision of loveliness with her ice blue gown perfectly complementing her elegant look and coloring.That magical walk down the aisle through the antique European gazebo. The moment a girl dreams of has come true for another special Fountainview bride, Meghan Morgan.

A fabulous meal was created by Chef Billy Lee with TerraCotta with a marvelous Southern fry station (fried green tomatoes, chicken fingers, and dill pickles) served outdoors, and a host of other items beautifully presented in the formal living room and dining room.

Okay, I know you’ve been dying to know more about the mystery guest.  It was a close family friend, Esmerelda the mannequin.  One of the things I loved most about this family was their marvelous sense of humour.  There was just always a sense of joy and laughter surrounding them all.  What fun they were to be around.  Years ago, the bride’s mother purchased “Esmerelda” from a store closing sale in Tallasee.  She has attended many family functions (in many different clothing styles), frequented airports (before the days of high security) and also been used for many practical jokes as she appears in a guest’s or family member’s shower or bedroom when they least expect it.  Esmerelda even appeared in the guest room when the future groom visited the family home.  Needless to say, Esmerelda has a long and colorful family history.   So many guests posed to have their photos taken with Esmerelda.  In fact, later, someone even put a dinner roll and a champagne flute in her hands adding to the hilarity of her visit.  Pictured below the girls and their special guest, Esmerelda.

Esmerelda with the bridesmaids in her full formal regalia including mink. Priceless....

A radiant Mr. and Mrs. Nick Norris recess following their wedding ceremony.

It was the culmination of nearly eighteen months of planning, but good things come to those who wait.  There were so many lovely touches it’s hard to know where to start.  Every detail was planned so well by the bride’s sweet mother and her future mother-in-law.  The rehearsal dinner was also held at Fountainview which allowed me the opportunity to know  both sides of the family.  After nearly eighteen months of planning, they felt like family to me as well.

Abby and her father await her procession down the aisle for her long-awaited special day.

One of the most spectacular features of the wedding was Abby’s gown.  The name of the dress was Adelaide by the designer Watters.  The sculpted strapless gown with layered bodice and full skirt was constructed of ivory silk taffeta and silk washed organza . The magnificent full skirt was adorned with ivory handmade silk taffeta and silk flowers with a 60″ sweep train.  These large flowers reminiscent of peonies inspired the the theme for Abby’s fabulous bouquet of all creamy white and soft pink Sarah Bernhardt peonies.  The look together was stunning and picture perfect.  Abby’s gown was purchased in Atlanta and given to her by Abby’s grandmother.  With this gown, it truly was love at first sight and she immediately knew it  was the only dress for her.  What a lovely thing for her grandmother to do.

Abby and her father process down the aisle capturing the beauty of the spectacular gown and its train.Abby's bouquet was an absolute illusion of romance and fragrance created from a plethora of fragrant blue pink and cream peonies which coordinated with the fabric flowers on the skirt of her magnicent gown.

The love for peonies and the inspiration of the large fabric flowers on the gown inspired the creation of a plethora of soft pink tissue paper peonies which were suspended in various heights from the 40×80 pole tent.  The neat thing about this type of tent is that no interior structure or poles is visible which makes the interior so elegant and polished looking.  The tent was very important to Abby and became the perfect setting for the intimate sit-down dinner for nearly two hundred guests.  Softly illuminated by white twinkle lights and tuscan chandeliers, the tent also contained the parquet dance floor.   Stunning florals by Fountainview graced half of the tables which had been placed on tall crystal urns.  This tall look worked so well in the high peaked tent.  Florals included larkspur, snapdragons, roses, spray roses, stock, nerine lilies, peonies, and hydrangeas as the focal flowers.  The remaining tables were adorned with arrangements of tissue paper flowers created by the bride and her family and placed in antique silver tea pots reminiscent of the bride’s love for tea.  The tables were covered in soft ivory lamour linens and accented with Baroque gold chargers and elegant soft pink lamour napkins.  With the lovely gardens as the backdrop, the entire feel of the tent was so elegant as if being transported to a far away place.  Another lovely design element was the bride’s love for mahogany chiavari chairs which also contributed to a magnificently elegant appearance.

Another lovely feature of the wedding was the unique display of the bride’s cake in the Grand Salon.  Suspended above the lovely cake designed by the incredible Robbyn Fowler of Sonshine Cakes were five topiary balls covered in roses and hydrangeas and adorned with yards of ivory and dusty pink ribbon.  It was such a lovely and ethereal look. 

One of the most unique elements of the reception was indeed the groom’s cake also designed by Sonshine Cakes.  As a Georgia fan, what could be more perfect than this?  It was so realistic looking, you could almost see the sparkle in the pooch’s eyes and imagine him snorting.  The guests were absolutely enchanted by this culinary masterpiece.  Robbyn, you are without a doubt THE BEST!!!

It's hard to believe, but this precious pooch really is cake! What a fabulous cake by Robbyn Fowler of Sonshine Cakes.

The bride’s mother also helped to arrange a magnificent candy station in the formal dining room for the guests to enjoy.  What a marvelous spread.  Candy stations are always a huge hit with guests of all ages. 

We received the following special note from the bride’s Mother the next week:

Well, we made it!  Just a quick note of thanks to you and the entire staff at Fountainview.  After planning for a year and a half, I thought I had thought of everything only to find out I had forgotten a few details!  Not to worry, Gary and his staff to the rescue!  From the rose petals for the flower girl to your staff escorting each guest to safety from the down pour during the reception, every detail was met.  The flowers, music, the duet, everything was just wonderful.  You eased my mind many times and always knew what to do even with my seating chart!  Gary, it was a lot of work but I enjoyed every bit of planning and would do it all over again as long as you and your staff were by my side.  Abby and Andrew had a beautiful day, the Lord held the rain off and even at the reception they did not want to leave.  Thanks for creating memories that our families will never forget!  Much Thanks.

Lynn Reed

The happy couple - Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Becraft! Blessings to you both!

Another match was made in heaven as Page Parker married Charles Cresawn on Saturday, March 31st.  The day was perfect.  With great weather, catering by Christine’s Gourmet, cakes by Venebles Sweet Shop, and photography by Jack & Lisa Bentley of Infinity, it was a perfect day with the best of the best on hand to provide the ultimate for this sweet couple.

From the first meeting, I knew Page was one of those absolutely precious brides that you always hope to work with.  Not only was her personality precious, as shown in the photos provided to us by Infinity Photography.  What a great job they did in capturing the very essence of this special couple and their magical day at Fountainview. 

A stunning close up of the bride and groom by Infinity Photography.

The color palette for the wedding came from Page’s favorite color, pink and her favorite flower, peonies.  It was a stunning look.  The bride’s gown was one of the most beautiful I’ve ever seen and it suited her so well.  Designed by Allure Couture the gown featured illusions of large peonies on the full skirt which led to the inspiration for her bouquet of creamy white and soft pink Sarah Bernhart peonies accented with pink nerine lilies for a pop of deeper pink.  The bouquet and the dress were perfect together and show how a design element on a gown can become the inspiration for other details in the wedding planning process.

The radiant bride!Page looks simply radiant in her magnificent gown as she poses in the palatial Buckingham Suite of Fountainview Mansion preceeding the ceremony.

The bridesmaid’s dresses were in a stunning shade of fuschia and the maids carried bouquets in stunning shades of pink and hints of chartreuse green for contrast.

A whimsical shot of the joyful bride and her beautiful maids.

  The colors were absolutely electric.  That’s one marvelous thing about color.  It can make dramatic statements and it doesn’t cost any more than white!

A close-up of the bridesmaid's bouquet featuring hot pink tulips, shocking versilia roses, fuchsia stock, green hydrangeas, nerine lilies, and freesia created a fabulous statement against the vibrant fabric of the girl's gowns.

A gorgeous formal photo of the bride and groom and their wedding party. Notice the spectacular color and how well the mansion becomes a perfect backdrop for photography.

A glowing newly married couple, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Creshawn cut the bride’s cake iced in Page’s favorite color, pink.

What an incredible shot of Page and Charles in the Fountainview gardens. Infinity Photography captured an amazing vintage look in this sepia toned photograph which creates a magical and etherial look with the garden statuary in the background. What a stunning photograph! Jack and Lisa Bentley, you just keep getting better all the time!

 

 

Fountainview Mansion. Make your wedding day dreams come true with us!

It turned out to be a lovely early Spring day as Alison Sutton and Lindsay Crosby exchanged their vows on Saturday, March 10th making this the first official wedding of the Spring Season at Fountainview Mansion Estate.  The ceremony was held at First Baptist Church in Auburn where the bride’s family have been very active members.  Following the 4:00 PM ceremony, the guests gathered in Fellowship Hall for cake, punch and refreshments. 

At 6:00 PM, guests gathered at Fountainview for a marvelous buffet dinner and dancing with music provided by Auburn Audio’s DJ service.  The bride’s colors were like a breath of spring with the bridesmaid’s wearing apple green.  The accent color chosen was butter yellow which provided a beautiful touch of springtime to all the floral arrangements created by Fountainview.

The bridal bouqet featured white hydrangeas and the classicly elegant stephonotis with pearl accents in an elegant hand-tied design. 

The elegant bridal bouquet.

The bridesmaids carried elegant hand-tied bouquet utilizing white and green hydrangeas, hypericum, and hints of yellow for contrast.

The table set-ups were lovely and featured white satin linens with a coordinating apple green lamour table runner.  Gracing the tables were groupings of three clear glass cylinders, all in differing heights, filled with a variety of materials including lemons, limes, hydrangeas, roses, and forsythia.  The floral containers rested on a large round mirror tile with votive candles surrounding the class containers.  This provided romantic candlelight and reflection of light from the mirrored surface to the florals in the glass containers.  The placesettings utilized elegant gold colored Baroque styled chargers on which rested a beautifully folded butter yellow lamour napkin.  What a marvelous fabric.  The color palette was so fresh and elegant.  It was  a fabulous look for Spring. 

Alison and Linday, thanks so much for letting us be a part of your special day.  We wish you both a lifetime of health and happiness filled with joyful memories together.  God bless.

Saturday, September 24, 2011.  Weather doesn’t get any better than this.  It was picture perfect from early morning until evening.  It was such a pleasure working with this family who I have been privileged to know through my work at Auburn UMC where the Wesley family have been a vital part.  In fact, I had the pleasure of working with the three daughters through their days in Youth Choir and two of them work as servers at Fountainview.  It truly felt like working with family.

The bride’s choice of colors were spectacular, indigo blue and cornflower blue.  It was a lovely look.  Lauren’s exquisite gown was in ivory satin and featured elegant lace and beadwork and a cathedral train.  It was absolutely perfect on her

Lauren prepares for her grand entrance before leaving the Buckingham Suite inside the mansion.

Above are pictured the grandparents awaiting their processional. This couple was so blessed to have four sets of grandparents in excellent health be able to celebrate the day with them. They were all a delight!

Above, the wedding party begins their processional line-up. The girls dressed in their knee-length cornflower blue strapless gowns with indigo blue ties looked stunning. What a great color palette! Shades of blue continue to be very popular.

Above, the bride's mom and dad, Keith and Lisa Wesley, share a special moment together before being escorted down the aise. What a delightful mom and dad!

Florals for the wedding including beautiful shades of blue and ivory accented with pops of yellow for a touch of fall and a hint of chartreuse green for impact.  The bridal bouquet by Fountainview Mansion feature freesia, white and soft blue hydrangeas, and creamy vendella roses.

A close-up of the elegant bridal bouquet in a classic hand-tied Southern nosegay style. it was a perfect look with her beautiful traditional gown.

The bridesmaids bouquets featured more color impact and incorporated indigo iris, soft blue and green mini hydrangeas, a hint of yellow, creamy vendalla roses to blend the colors and also green hypericum berries and cymbidium orchids for color impact.

A side view of the ceremony in process with Dr. George Mathison officiating.

Immediately following the ceremony, the reception got into full swing with magnificent food by TerraCotta and delectable cakes by SonShine Cakes. 

A lovely arrangement in a vintage silver bowl grace the dining room table in the elegant Fountainview Dining Room.

The bride desired a very simple but classic three-tiered design. Lauren custom made the cake topper, an "L" initial.

The bride's cake again showed Robyn Fowler's attention to detail. Working from a photo of the bridal gown's lace appliques, the design was recreated in icing on the cake. The detail work was exquisite. It was shear elegance with each tier also surrounded with pearls to pick up that design element of Lauren's gown.

The groom's cake definitely featured a touch of whimsy and his passion for the Nintendo game. Robyn Fowler created a perfect replica of an early model controller of the popular game complete with even a plug coming from the left side of the cake. Again, Robyn hit the ball out of the park with considerable raves of delight from the guests.

After a honeymoon to the beach on the Emeral Coast, the bride and groom will beging their new life together living in the Auburn area.  Thanks so much to the Wesley and Lollis families for the joy of working with you.  It was indeed an honor and a privilege.  We with the newlyweds God’s richest blessings.

Ah, September.  What a glorious month for a wedding.  The days are warm and the evenings cooler creating a perfectly comfortable setting for a wedding.  The 5:30 ceremony took place poolside surrounded by one hundred fifty guests.  The bride chose gorgeous purple for her dominant wedding color with highlights of hot pink and chartreuse green as accent colors.

Taylor and Joe, the new Mr. and Mrs. Joe Mills

The formal bridal portrait on display in the reception foyer of Fountainview Mansion.

Several months prior to the wedding, Taylor came to Fountainview for her formal bridal portrait sitting.  This is a special thing we provide especially for our brides.  The portrait is kept covered until the bride makes her entrance down the aisle and then unveiled for the guests to admire.  Taylor looked so stunning!

The bride's cake featured bold colored flowers perfectly tying in the color plette of the wedding.

Pictured aboyve, the radiant bride tosses her bouqet from the back terrace of Fountainview Mansion.

Taylor and Jim, we wish you both all the best in your newly married life together.   Thanks for the honor of sharing in your special day.  God bless.

It was another perfect day for a wedding as Sno Todd and JaCarl exchanged vows on Saturday, September 3rd.  The 5:00 ceremony was held poolside in the garden of Fountainview Mansion’s garden.  This sweet couple had one of the largest wedding parties ever at Fountainview.  There were two maids of honors, eight bridesmaids, one matron of honor, and two junior bridesmaids plus flower girls, ringbearers and the eight groomsmen and two best men.  Everyone worked so well together to ensure the ceremony and the processionals all came off without a hitch. 

Pictured above, Sno awaits her processional accompanied by her father.

Above, the ceremony for Sno's and JaCarl's wedding shows the large wedding party which still fit perfectly on the raised platform poolside. Fountainview has such a perfect layout for weddings of all sizes.

The bride’s colors of navy blue with accents of fuchsia were stunning on all the maids and made great colors for table linens and the centerpieces crafted by the bride’s mother.  The bride selected a marvelous navy pintuck linen for the guest tables.  Pintuck is a fabulous fabric that offers great color and texture for clients desiring just a bit of a contemporary look while staying very elegant and sophisticated.

The bride's cake featured intense color and a fresh creative design. It was the perfect look Sno had dreamed of.

The groom's cake showed the groom's love for Auburn football War Eagle!

Sno, you were one of the sweetest and most delightful brides we’ve ever worked with.  It was such a delight working with you.  We wish you and JaCarl a lifetime of happiness and health and God’s richest blessings.

Judy and Jarrod were united in marriage on Saturday, August 13 surrounded by their family and friends for the 5:00 PM ceremony.  

The bride’s gown was absolutely exquisite and fit her like a glove. 

The stunning bride awaits her walk down the Fountainview aisle.

The bridal party awaits their walk down the aisle.

It was a perfect reflection of her style and personality.  One of the highlights of the ceremony with the surprise the groom provided to his bride by singing to her.  It was one of the most romantic things ever to happen during a ceremony here at Fountainview. 

The groom sings his heart out to his bride during the ceremony. What a romantic surprise. There wasn't a dry eye anywhere. Well done Jarrod!

The bride is overcome with tender emotion as the groom sings to her.

Every wedding has an inspiration.  For some it’s a color.  For others it’s a hobby or somethings the couple enjoy doing together.  For this couple, the dominant color, a rich peachy coral was inspired by Georgia peaches.  The theme of peaches and the representative color occurred in numerous places from the centerpieces complete with fresh Georgia peaches, to a peach signature drink, and also, hot peach cobbler which was one of the highlights of the evening for the guests.

The wonderful menu by chef, Billy Lee of TerraCotta included Southwestern eggrolls, cheese sliders, chicken quesadillas, black-eyed pea dip, spinach and artichoke dip, flatbread pizzas, grilled spicy sausage, mashed potato martini station, macaroni and cheese bar, and also, a huge hit, the fry station including fried green tomatoes, fried okra, fried catfish fingers, and fried dill pickles.  The guests absolutely love the menu.

The bride’s cake was displayed in the dining room where the color was a perfect backdrop for the cake.

The elegant bride's cake featured antique family broaches provided the perfect vintage feel of the bride's gown and the Southern elegance theme of the wedding.

The groom’s cake was outstanding.  As an employee of UPS, Robyn Fowler of Sonshine Cakes created a custom design of UPS packages on a handmade handcart.  It was amazing.  The attention to detail was amazing even including addresses on the packages.  What an amazing job.

The amazing groom's cake - a tribute to the groom's profession working for UPS.

A close-up view of the detail on the UPS cake. Even the labels were perfect! created on rice paper.

The florals created by Fountainview Mansion included a multitude of coral gerbera daises, the bride’s personal favorite, white hydrangeas, vendella roses, green miniature hydrangeas, and green hypericum complemented by corally peach lilies and other seasonal flowers.  Large ferns were used for the base of the arrangements for the ceremony and the reception foyer billowing with an assortment of the bridal flowers creating a full and elegant look perfect for a garden wedding.

One of the unique table arrangements inspired by the use of real peaches and other gorgeous season flowers provided a creative and colorful alternative to a traditional floral centerpiece.

The billowing arrangements using a large Boston fern for the base set the tone for the entire wedding as guests entered into the reception foyer of the mansion.

A close-up of the bridal bouquet showing the deep creamy tones of majolica spray roses, vendella roses, wax flowers, white and miniatrue green hydrangeas, green hypericum berries, and accented with coral gerbera daisies for color impact.

All in all it was a fabulous wedding with marvelous color, great weather, marvelous guests, and exquisite creative touches that so uniquely reflected the bride and groom’s love for one another.  For the honeymoon, Judy and Jarrod got the pleasure of a marvelous trip to Rome, Italy.  What an exciting way to start your new life together.  Blessings to you both.

A note from the bride:

Gary,

Thank you so much for all your help for our wedding.  It turned out
absolutely perfect!  I could not have imagined anything better.  The
flowers, tables, linens; everything was just gorgeous.  The service was
wonderful.  Thank you and your family so much for making it so easy and
memorable.  God Bless.

Judy and Jarrod Walker

How I looked forward to this wedding!  I’m so blessed to work with so many wonderful brides, each with a unique personality and joie de vivre.  Leslie was so much fun to work with from start to finish.  Plus, she chose my favorite color to work with; purple! 

The bride and her maids await their procession.

The six o’clock ceremony was held poolside graced by massive urns of brightly colored florals designed by the Fountainview staff.  They featured a plethora of birds of paradise, pink torch ginger, dendrobium orchids and pink anthrium which had been flown in from Hawaii especially for the wedding combined with a multitude of shocking versilia roses, stargazer lilies, and other lovely seasonal flowers.  The aisle was decorated with custom bows and sprays of orchids and ti leaves, elegant rose covered pomanders at the mother’s seats, and a petal-lined aisle. 

The bride escorted down the aisle by her proud brother wore a stunning couture gown in an elegant ball gown style with a magnificent beaded bodice.  What a perfect gown for her.  Her tiara was the crowning touch for this beautiful bride.  Leslie carried an artistic freeform cascade featureing dendrobium orchids, stargazer lilies, vendella and esperanza roses for the focal flowers.  The classicly elegant shape worked so well with the full and flowy skirt of her gown.  Ceremony music was provided by the always elegant Melaney Jones.

The bridesmaids wore stunning purple gowns off-the-shoulder gowns.  The gowns were knee length which made them perfectly cool and yet dramatically elegant for an August evening wedding.  Their flowers showed the creativity and flexibility of the Fountainview floral design team.  While the original plan had been a free-form hand-tied look, I made up one in the hand-tied style and another in the cascading shape.  The freeform cascade won hands down with squeals of delight by the bride and her maids.  

Focal flowers included nerine lilies (one of my personal favorites that so few people know about), dendrobium orchids, birds of paradise, spray roses, shocking versilia roses, celosia, and loops of bear grass in evoking the shape of a heart.  They were so dramatic and the girls loved them.  The bridesmaids were perfectly coiffed from head to toe complete to the elegant purple shoes and hot pink nail color.  No detail was overlooked.

No detail was overlooked.

The men wore classic black tuxes enhanced by custom boutonnieres specially created for the day incorporating a piece of the bird of paradise and purple dendrobium orchid blossom with the stems wrapped in black ribbon and silver cording.  It was a high style yet very masculine look.

The bride selected dramatic table linens in a purple crinkle taffeta which made each table look like an elegant ball gown.  The gold chiavari chairs were graced with hot pink crinkle taffeta ties which provided dramatic color contrast.  The magnificent table arrangements featured soaring tropical inspired arrangements with birds of paradise, torch ginger, curly willow, and scores of roses, stargazer lilies and other seasonal flowers.  It’s always so much fun when a client is able to do major table arrangements as the end result is so impressive and such a conversation piece for the guests. 

Catering was by Christine’s gourmet and featured a large selection of gourmet fare including carved inside round, a mashed potato martini station, chicken quesadillas, plat bread pizza, and other seasonal favorites.  

Another faboulous cake by Robyn Fowler of Sonshine Cakes completed the picture perfect reception. 

Guests were also treated to an extensive candy station which is always a hit for guests of all ages.

Following the wedding, I was blessed to received the following note from the bride’s mother which meant so much:

Gary,

Wow where do I even begin, the day we met with you and talk about all the plans for the wedding and you told us that you would take care of everything and not to worry about anything just enjoy this special day. Little did I know you meant those words from the heart. You did an amazing job on making this day very special for Leslie and James and of course me as well.  Your entire staff was so nice to everyone in the wedding party and of course all of the guests.  We have had so many compliment on the wedding how everything was so beautiful and went so smoothly.  Your smiles and hugs and telling me you have everything under control meant more to me than anything.
The day Leslie and I came over to bring some things when she was having a moment and the minute you talk to her and gave her sneak peeks of her flowers meant so much to me  that you put the biggest smile on her face and when we left she was in such a better mood.   Gary we enjoyed working with you and thank you so much for making this beautiful day so special.  I keep seeing your smiling face asking me are you okay mom and giving me those everything is fine hugs, when I thought I should be stressing out you were taking care of me and for that I thank you.  Here is a pic of you and Leslie.

Teresa Tittle

Leslie and I (Gary, owner of Fountainview) catch our breath right before heading to the ceremony. What a delightful bride!