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!