What a great day was had by all as Fountainview Mansion hosted its second annual Breakfast with St. Nicholas on Nov. 27th.  Santa arrived right on schedule for both seatings (8:30 & 11:00) first class chauffered by Fountainview’s white stretch Lincoln limousine.  What a treat to see such wide-eyed and excited children enthusiastically greeting the joy of the season with their parents and grandparents.  Many of them were here for the second year in a row making it feel like a true family celebration.  Fountainview staff dressed as Mrs. Claus, elves and other helpers served a delectable full breakfast followed by photos w/St. Nicholas, enjoying decorating cookies, and holidaycrafts to start the Yuletide season in a memorable family-oriented way.  Following are many images of the day’s festivities.  I hope you’ll join us next year for this wonderful annual tradition.

Thanks Santa for bringing such joy to Fountainview.

St. Nick making his first official visit of the Season at Fountainview chauffered in Fountainview's official white stretch limousine.

Making greetings for Santa and loved ones.

Fun arts and crafts provided memories to take home to remember the celebration.

Making cookies… What a treat for moms. (No mess at home….)

Santa and his helpers share the holiday spirit. See you next year!

St. Nick with Julie (Mrs. Claus) and Gary pose at the end of the successful 2010 annual Breakfast with St. Nicholas. God bless us everyone….

It was another picture perfect fall day on October 30th when Erica Ledbetter and Forrest Black wed on October 30th.  The lovely ceremony was held in the historic Auburn UMC Founder’s Chapel with nearly 200 guests in attendance.  The bride was absolutley stunning in her unique gown.  It complemented her features so beautifully. 

The bride's formal bridal portrait. Such a great look for a beautiful bride!

Erica and Forrest pose outside the AUMC chapel immediately following the wedding. What a delightful couple.

The wedding party poses for pictures outside the AUMC Founder's Chapel. The maid's gowns in a regal shade of royal blue created a beautiful and elegant look for every maid.

The reception was immediately following at Fountainview.  One of the most distinctive features of the reception was the dramatic floral design on the dining room buffet which featured a plethora of flowers and many hanging crystals.

The groom’s cake was another work of art by perennial favorite, Robbyn Fowler with Sonshine Cakes.  The best part is, her cakes taste as fabulous as they look.  The groom’s cake featured a beautiful eagle’s head in honor of  Auburn University.

Note the exquisite detail of the groom's cake by Robbyn Fowler of Sonshine Cakes. Another work of art!

Anyone who knows Auburn knows that AU football is a big deal – especially in this amazing season.  Although the game with Ole Miss. was an away game, that didn’t deter the excitement for the guests who did anything they could to catch a glimpse of their favorite team during the reception.  This photo really captures the dedication of AU’s fans – even during a wedding reception.

Guests squeeze their heads through an open window to watch their favorite team take another victory. Even the groom enjoyed a bit of the game.

When in Auburn, the game must go on…..

Erica and Forrest, we wish you all the best in your new life together.  Thanks for the honor and privilege of working with you.

It was another glorious weekend at Fountainview as Ansley Murphey of Newnan, GA and Zack Folds of Mobile were united in marriage at Fountainview on Saturday, Oct. 16th.  No one could ask for a more glorious weekend for weather witha flawless pristine blue sky bothFriday and Saturday with afternoon temperatures in the upper 70′s and absolutely no wind.   It was definitely a dream come true.

The festivities began on Friday when many of the bride’s bridesmaids and family members checked into their beautiful rooms here at Fountainviewfollowed by the rehearsal and then the rehearsal dinner.  Being able to have the rehearsal with the dinner immediately following makes for such a relaxing and convenient evening for the guests.  We always recommend a completely different look from the wedding to personalize and customize each event.  Since the groom was from Mobile and loves the water, the color of the ocean was our inspiration for the event.  The tablescapesfeatures slate blue crinkle sheer linens with red napkins to create a unique nautical inspired theme.  The table arrangements by Fountainviewfeatured a lighthouse as a major design element built up on a moss covered block of floral foam with accenting florals of red mini carnations, mini peppers, iris, blue thistles, sea grass and other unique foliages.





The wedding day began with the bride and her house party enjoying a gourmet breakfast in the elegant dining room of FountainviewMansion.  The morning menu featured homemade cheese biscuits with freshly prepared strawberry butter, orange danish rolls, praline french toast in a caramel sauce, Fountainview’s fabulous cheesy scrambled eggs, bacon, triple berry strawberry yogurt parfaits, and blueberry pancakes.  Following a leisurely breakfast, the bride and her maids made their way to the palatial Buckingham suite where their hair and make-up artists awaited their arrival.  As always, at Fountainview, the bride and her family have no responsibilities the day of the wedding.  Our goal is to create an atmosphere of relaxation and tranquility so they can enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime day with their family and friends.  A bride should not be setting up tables, placing linens, or doing other menial set-up chores.  She should be able to relax and be pampered on her special day.





Ansley’s gown was a fabulous all-lace gown with a chapel length train and a very dramatic open back.  It was a perfect gown for her and also beautifully suited the elegant setting of the mansion.  Her overall color palette was inspired by the gown’s creamy candlelight white color which was complemented by a muted sage green sash which perfectly matched her bridesmaid’s gowns.  This provided a very soft and muted palette which was very pleasing to the eye and beautifully complemented the garden setting.





The altar area was in my opinion one of the loveliest we have ever had at Fountainview.  The bride desired a floral cross to create an sacred atmosphere for the ceremony.  A 4 foot high wooden cross was covered in chicken wire and completely covered in 3 types of foliage first and then completely filled with white Fuji mums, monte casino aster, larkspur, hydrangeas, and a plethora of roses.





Following the ceremony, guests were treated to a wonderful menu provided by Chef Billy Lee of TerraCotta in Auburn.  His food is always a wonderful hit with the guests.  Featured food items included a fry station with freshly prepared fried green tomatoes and chicken fingers.  The guests loved them!  The delectable cake was provided by the incomparable Robyn Fowler of Sonshine cakes with the groom’s cake being carrot and the brides in three flavors; chocolate, butter, and strawberry.  It’s the moistest cake you’ll ever experience.  It is awesome!





All in all, it was yet another reminder to me of just how special each and every wedding is.  It’s not just another wedding.  It’s the beginning of a new life for a very unique and special couple.  We were so blessed to be a part of so many wonderful family’s lives.  Zack and Ansley, thanks so much for sharing this day with us and allowing us the privilege of helping to create a wonderful celebration for you.  We wish you all the best in your new life together.  God bless you both!

I just received the most amazing letter from the father of the bride for this past weekends wedding.  The bride was Ansley Murphey who you can read about in the previous blog posted yesterday.  For those of you who are in the process of selecting a venue, we hope this referral will be meaningful to you in your planning. 

Dear Gary

One of a fathers dream is to be able to provide a perfect wedding for his daughter.  I want to congratulate you and the entire staff at Fountainview for your hard work in fulfilling that dream for me this weekend. The newlyweds, family and friends were treated to a weekend at Fountainview that we will never forget.

From the first time we me with you until we left last night, you instilled confidence in everyone that you would make sure Ansley and Zack would have the perfect wedding they have earned and none of us need to worry about a thing.  You met all expectations.  Thanks!

Fountainview, itself is a gorgeous facility that lays out perfect for a wedding and the ancillary events.  Many family and friends commented throughout the festivities that the exquisite Mansion was a perfect place for a wedding. 

Your guidance is assisting us with the selection of the caterer and providing the flower decorations was extremely helpful. As you know my family has been in the florist business since 1946 and while I am not an expert, my brother who currently runs the business and many attendees commented how beautiful the flowers were.

Everyone and I mean everyone that attended the rehearsal dinner or the reception commented how delicious the food was.  I have been to many weddings but I have never had the quality food and large selection that we had at the reception.   Ansley told me the brunch provided the day of her wedding was one of the best, if not the best brunch she ever had.

After everything was over you once again provided excellent service by not allowing me to “lift a finger” by having your staff pack up the leftover food and beverages and loading into my vehicle.  Gary, please feel free to use me as a reference to anyone that may be considering Foutainview as a place for a wedding.  I would highly recommend Fountainview if you want quality service from a first class group.

Please compliment your staff for the fantastic job they did in providing a great event.  I tell my staff, it all starts with attitude and your entire staff demonstrated a positive attitude the whole weekend.   Thanks again for a special weekend that we will never forget.  If I can ever be of any assistance to you or your family please feel free to give me a call.

Sincerely,

Bradley H. Murphey

What a glorious day it was on Saturday, October 10th when Madyson Crutchfield and Doug Greenwood were united in marriage at Fountainview Mansion with Dr. George Mathison officiating.   Once certainly couldn’t ask for a more beautiful day; 82 degrees during the heat of the afternoon, a flawless blue sky, no wind and a delightful evening temperature in the low 60′s.  It just doesn’t get any better than that.





The colors selected by Madyson and her mother were some of my favorites of the season featuring a glorious shade of aubergine which is a rich shade of purple with a burgundy overtone.  Coupled with that for accent was the vibrant contrast of a plethora of orange.





The flowers were an absolute joy to work with.  Madyson’s hand-tied bouquet featured a lush collection of vendella roses, white mini calla lilies, and white dendrobium orchids with contrasting pops of orange and purple for color provided by freesia, orange mango, and purple mini callas, and gorgeous bright orange spray roses.  The pops of color really provided a beautiful addition photographically and also provided a wonderful subtle blending of colors with the bridesmaids.  The bridesmaids wore delightful knee-length gowns with cream tops and aubergine bottoms.  The bridesmaids all looked fabulous in their gowns and they looked so comfortable all night long.  All gowns were provided by Formal Elegance in Columbus, Georgia.  The owner attended the wedding and is a delight!





The bridesmaid’s florals included orange pincushion protea, purple roses, purple calla lilies, Mango calla lilies (orange), orange spray roses, purple stock, orange Asiatic lilies, and fabulous purple dendrobium orchids which provided an opulent and extravagant look.





The bride’s mother’s gown was a sensation and featured an dramatic one shoulder gown in a deep lucious purple.  She looked spectacular!





Catering was provided by Chef Billy Lee with Terra Cotta and included grilled marinated vegetables, a wonderful cheese assortment, the best black bean dip you’ll have, grilled chicken and pork tenderloin with a sesame glaze, shrimp and grits, a mashed potato martini station, and a fabulous garden salad.

Cakes were done by our absolute favorite Robbyn Fowler of Sonshine Cakes.  Since we hadn’t had a wedding during September due to the heavy Auburn home football schedule, we were all longing for a taste of one of her delectable creations.  It was worth the wait!!!

Once again I was reminded of just how much impact color and florals can add to a wedding celebration.  So often, brides will look at the grandeur of the mansion and consider going without anything on the guest tables or in the foyer.  This week reinforced just how much difference florals can make when combined with colors that really pop.  Once the linens were all in place we took a photo before placing the florals.  The difference was truly dramatic and can pull together all the other design elements and colors to create a fabulous and cohesive look.  Try not to be afraid of color.  It can make such a dramatic difference.  This color palette was especially striking and the guests loved it!!!





Just this morning I received the following e-mail from the brides’ mother.  It meant the world to me:


Mr. Gary,

You are my new best friend!!!

Thank you so much for helping to make Madyson and Doug’s wedding spectacular!! You made the whole day effortless for us and words can not tell you how much we appreciate it.

And can I just tell you the flowers were gorgeous!! When I walked out and saw them, it just took my breath away. The colors were perfect and gave the exact touch I was hoping for. You took my ideas and made them real. I would go through it all again right now if I knew I had you and Fountainview Mansion by my side. You are a wonderful man with a good heart.  You gave me the opportunity to enjoy my daughters wedding to the man of her dreams. And for that I will be forever grateful to you and Fountainview.

Also thanks go out to your wife as well as the whole staff, what an outstanding job they did.

I hope to see you again.

Much love,

Tanya Fuller

Madyson and Doug, we wish you all the best!  Thanks for allowing us the joy of working with you on yor special day.

It was another flawless day as Sara Woodby and Eric Thornburg were united in marriage on August 7th.  Once again we were blessed with great weather with no rain.  Eric serves our country in the US army as a helicopter pilot.  Sara will be starting her PhD in Physical Therapy in Arizona.   The groups service to his country was saluted with a magnificent cake by Robbin Fowler of Sonshine Cakes (www.sonshinecakes.com)

The base of the cake depicted an authentic helicopter landing pad.  The real work of art however, was the magnificent helicopter done exactly to scale using all edible ingredients including rice krispies, white chocolate and fondant.  Although edible, there was no way we would let anyone eat that incredible work of art.  Even the propellers turned.  Robbin is amazing!!!  I’m convinced there is no finer cake in the Southeast!

Sara’s gown was glassic Southern elegance – a perfect look for this classic beauty.

Here the bride and the three beautiful maids await the start of the ceremony.  Flowers were provided by Fountainview Mansion.  The bridal bouquet featured dendrobium orchids, green mini hydrangeas, creamy vendela roses, white casablanca lilies, and pink spray roses for contrast in a lovely freeform cascading shape.  The maids wore espresso brown gowns accented with a soft pink sash.  The maids also carried freeform cascades featuring stargazer lilies, fuschia stock and hot pink freesia for fragrance, pink astilbe, pink peonies, shocking versilia roses, hot pink spray roses, green mini hydrangeas and green mini cymbidium orchids.  The vibrant colors looked fabulous against the chocolate colored backdrop of the gowns.

Sara awaits her grand entrance with her father just outside the garden gate.

Here goes another beautiful Fountainview bride on her magical entrance down the aisle.

I never tire of this wedding set-up.  It flows so perfectly.  In this configuration, the men enter the ceremony site from the double doors of the mansion while the wedding party, mothers and grandmothers enter from beneath the European gazebo into the formal gardens.  The raised pool deck area provides a perfect raised elevation to help every guest have  a perfect birds’ eye view of the couple with the magnificent mansion in the distance.  It’s truly a picturesque setting.

Following the ceremony, guests were feted with a marvelous buffet by Arricia’s.  The menu was called The French Quarterand featured Seafood Gumbo with Andouille Sausage, Mixed Green Salad with House Ranch and Italian Vinaigrette, Creole Mustard Potato Salad, Penne Pasta with Roasted Mushrooms, Basil and Balsamic Dressing, Coleslaw, Pepper Crusted Striploin of Beef with Au Poivre Sauce, Herb-Roasted Chicken, Cajun Redfish Coulibiac with White Mushrooms and Dirty Rice Pilaf, Cajun Shrimp Tossed with Penne Pasta, Tasso Ham, Andouille Sausage and Chipotle Cream Sauce, Pecan Crusted Chicken Breast with Peach Salsa, Southern Green Beans with Bacon and Onions, Freshly-Baked Soft Rolls and Sweet Cream Butter, and for the sweet tooth in all of us, Beignets!  What a great spread.  The presentation was extroardinary as well.

The food options available at Fountainview are so wonderful for our clients.  Just as each client is unique, each of our 6 preferred caterers has a unique personality and menu options.  All offer great value, superior service, and wonderful presentation.  This extensive menu was sensational!

Another special touch for the wedding was the memory trees created by upright manzanita branches to which were attached special cards hand-written by all the guests.  These were attached by narrow ribbons in the bride’s color choice of espresso brown.  The guests really enjoyed providing their special messages to the bride and groom and I’m certain the couple will revel in these well wishes their entire married life.

God bless you both Eric and Sara and best wishes in your future pursuits.  In a special way Eric, we thank you for your faithful service to our country.  God speed!

It is very rare for us Fountainview to host an event on Sundays due to our church commitments.  I’m certainly glad we made an exception for this delightful couple and their families.  They were referred to us by another precious family that we had the pleasure of serving for their daughter’s wedding in November of 2007.  The Rouse family was so dear to us.  We felt we couldn’t say no to their special friends the Liu’s.

Elise is attending Medical School at Yale University and the groom is a professional consultant for corporate computer systems in the Boston area.  What a talented young couple!  For this event, since it was held at 2:00 in the afternoon on a very hot day, we planned from the beginning to hold the entire event indoors since we were dealing with a group under 100 guests.  It worked out great.

Family friends and relatives made the magnificent custom banner which graced the Grand Salon for the ceremony set-up providing a touch of cultural panache and paid tribute to the couples heritage.

The bride was escorted by both her parents and created a very poignant moment.

Following the ceremony, guests were invited into the Living Room and Dining Room where guests dined on a menu by Christine’s Gourmet supplemented by Chinese favorites including dumplings, egg roll, and other special treats.  The room turnaround took only 5 minutes to complete much to the guest’s amazement.

Thanks to our efficient event staff, room turnarounds such as this can take place in just a matter of minutes.

Pictured above, the bride and groom share their very special first dance.  What a lovely and talented couple!

The ceremony flower colors stayed within an authentic Eastern/Western color motif of red and white.  Florals for the Liu reception took on much more color and incorporated vibrant shades of orange, yellow and red and featured sunflowers, roses, alstromeria, button mums, orange Asiatic lilies, snapdragons, and red spray roses.

One of the most special things about this wedding were the bride’s and groom’s cake which were done by the bride herself.  They were outstanding!  I must confess that when I first heard the bride was providing the cakes and baking them herself, I was a little concerned because the detail work can be so intricate and so labor intensive.  I was completely blown away by the bride’s skill and artistry.  The cakes were shear perfection.  The groom’s cake featured a very Chinese look while the brides cake was soft and feminine elegance covered in soft pink fondant and decorated with painstakingly perfect icing roses created by the bride.  Here level of skill was amazing.  If she ever tires of being a doctor, perhaps she could go into cake baking.

Victor and Elise, we wish you a lifetime of joy and happiness.  Thanks so much for the honor and privilege of working with you and your families.  Blessings to you all!

It was a balmy day as beautiful Chelsea Harper exchanged vows with Lamar Landreth on Saturday, August 21st, 2010.  But as is always the case, no matter what the temperature, we all rejoice together when rain stays away.  We’ve been very blessed with dry Saturdays this year!  Hallelujah!

Chelsea’s gown was perfect for her.  It was an Allure gown and was obtained through the groom’s aunt’s salon, Formal Elegance in Columbus.  Chelsea shared with me that she doesn’t normally gravitate toward such an elegant look, but as you’ll see from the photo, it is perfect for her.  One of the most beautiful design elements was the full pick-up skirt accented with lovely appliques at each pick-up.  She indeed looked every bit the part of a fairytale princess.  Her mom and dad literally glowed when they saw her step out in her gown.

I’m sure you’ll love the photo as much as I did.  Seeing Chelsea and her dad just before stepping out the double doors truly captured the shear joy and excitement our brides experience at that big moment in their lives.  What a joy it is to share with so many wonderful families.

At the end of the evening, the bride and groom were whisked away in the Fountainview limo.  At present, they are basking in honeymoon splendor in Cozumel, Mexico.  We wish you both a lifetime of happiness and cherished wedding day memories.  God bless you both!”

Blue skies were shining on Jennifer Novitski and Ed Wetherbee as they exchanged vows at Fountainview Mansion on July 24th.

What a delightful couple.  It’s no wonder.  Both their families are fabulous as well.  We had opportunity to have both families stay with us starting on Thursday – Sunday.  What a joy it is to share the weekend with both families as they get to know one another better and prepare for one of the biggest days in their lives.  One of the best parts about Fountainview is having the beautiful guest rooms available providing an affordable and homey ”destination wedding” feeling for the wedding party and immediate family.  It was so great having them share time together as they joined in the dining room each morning for an elegant candlelit breakfast.  What great memories they created together.

The intimate bridesmaid’s luncheon was held in the Fountainviewdining room on Friday with an elegant table setting featuring buttercup yellow lamour linens, gold charge plates, and Fountainview’s fabulous Royal Albert Country Roses china.  The table was adorned with a simple but classic floral arrangement in one of Fountainview’s beautiful silver epergnes.

Following the delightful lunch by TerraCotta, the girls shared a charm cake for dessert – always a hit with all the girls!

The four bridesmaids wore stunning gowns in a lovely shade of Glacier Blue.  Glacier blue is a close cousin to Tiffany blue but with perhaps a bit more aqua overtone.  The bride loved lots of color so the florals brought in a vibrant mix of pinks from soft pink to vibrant raspberry with pops of violet and yellow for contrast.  The color palette worked beautifully for their hand-tied bouquets designed by Fountainview Mansion which featured stargazer lilies, dahlias, Bright Eyes phlox, Shocking Versilia roses, clear pink roses, pink Majolica spray roses, hot raspberry spray roses, hot pink freesia, fuchia stock for fragrance and bright yellow solidago for a subtle pop of yellow.   The colors worked beautifully against the fabulous gowns.

The bride was a vision of elegance in a Justin Alexander gown in diamond white silk shantung.  It was enhanced by alencon lace, seed pearls, and sequins with a dramatically simple sequined treatment at the waist.  She was a vision of sophisticated elegance.  What a lovely girl – inside and out.  The word “precious” is an understatement for her and her handsome groom.  The two positively glowed whenever they looked into eachother’s eyes.   What a privilege it is to work with lovely couples like this.  Jennifer’s bouquet was a custom hand-tied creation by Fountainview’s head designer and featured gardenias, stephanotis with pearls, creamy  vendela roses and a few soft pink roses for contrast.  In keeping with the bride’s wishes, the bouquet also featured a few pops of her mother’s favorite color, yellow.  The fragrance was intoxicating!  One of the very special touches of the bride’s bouquet was the use of two of her grandmother’s special charms which were tied to the handle of her bouquet making a very sentimental memory.

Another very touching tribute happened during the early stages of the couples photo time together when the groom’s mother presented him with a monogrammed handkerchief which had belonged to his grandfather.  The first and last initials were the same for the groom and his grandfather.  It was a very poignant moment for the groom and his family.  Memories like that are priceless and remind me how very special these days are.

The reception food by chef, Billy Lee, of TerraCotta was absolutely stellar and feature a wide assortment including grilled vegetables, Billy’s absolutely fabulous crab cakes, beef tenderloin, sesame seed marinated chicken, a mashed potato martini bar and many other delectable treat.  Also included was a chocolate fountain.  The chocolate fountain took the place of the traditional groom’s cake in the Fountainview study.

As a tribute to the couple’s Auburn University heritage, a magnificent eagle ice sculpture by Chef David Brommley of Birmingham grace the study for that extra touch of drama and panache.

Table linens were ivory damask.  Additional color was provided by the Glacier Blue lamour chair ties on the gold Chiavari chairs providing additional color and style to the elegant decor.  Table arrangements in the Grand Salon were place atop the 42″ crystal urns providing drama, color, and elegance to the room.  These containers are so wonderful as they provide the height everyone loves without obstructing visibility.   Inside the urn were miniature arrangements utilizing stargazer lilies and majolica spray roses to provide visual interest and color down low for the guest to also enjoy while they were seated at the tables.

The couple did a lemon drop tree as a special treat for the guests featuring Toomer’s lemon drops.

Even the wine the family served had a special touch.  Each bottle had a special label designed with a beautiful photo of the bride and groom.  For those of you planning a wedding or other type of event, think about the details.  Details don’t usually cost a lot of money, but they certainly make a huge difference in making your special day memorable and unique for your guests.  Always strive to make your event memorable and personal.

Following the reception, the couple was whisked away in the Fountainview limousine to Atlanta where the couple was scheduled to leave for their magnificent 10 day trip to Hawaii the next day.  What a perfect ending of the day and a fabulous beginning to a joyful new life together.  God bless you Jennifer and Ed!  Thanks also to Mr. and Mrs. Novitski for the honor and privilege of helping you orchestrate this special day for your beautiful daughter.  It was a delight working with you and getting to know you and your fabulous family.

Thanks also to Mr. and Mrs. Wetherbee of Dalton, Georgia.  It has been a delight getting to know you and your family as well.  Blessings to all of you as you celebrate this special time in your family’s union.

Often people who visit Fountainview say that the property evokes the feel of Southern elegance.  One person eloquently stated, “Fountainview is the very definition of Southern elegance.”  These are lovely compliments indeed.  These same sentiments were at the helm of accolades for the stunning reception planned by the Edwards family.  Classic Southern elegance and romance were everywhere from the fabrics selected to the florals chosen.  Once again I saw evidence of just how much the bride’s choice of gown sets the tone for the whole wedding.

Holly was a vision of elegance in her ivory gown of beautiful lace and beading.  Holly looked like she stepped out of a magazine.  She found just the perfect gown for her.  It complimented everything about her and exuded her loving and gentle personality.  Holly personifies many things in my mind; gentleness, kindness, and definitely, joy!  She is one of the sweetest brides I’ve ever worked with.  She and her sister Jennifer also knew my daughter, Ashlee, since they are all Phi Mu sisters at Auburn University.  Ladies, never underestimate the importance of your gown.  Yes, it’s only worn on one day, but it’s the most important day of your life.  Holly’s gown was shear perfection.  I hope to have more photos for you from her photographer soon.  Following the ceremony at Auburn UMC Holly replaced her veil with a gorgeous Swarovski barrette.  The gown was then enhanced with a dusty pink sash and further embellished by a stunning crystal broach.  It was truly stunning.  Holly was a vision of Southern elegance and beauty.

The bridesmaids wore classic satin gowns in a warm latte color with a coordinating satin sash in dusty pink.  Every maid looked fabulous in the color.

Once again, Fountainview had the joy of providing the florals for the entire wedding.  Again, classic Southern elegance was in abundance everywhere featuring a plethora of roses, spray roses, hydrangeas, larkspur, bells of Ireland, orchids, and astilbe.  We used many varieties of roses to ensure just the right shading to provide soft and rich romantic color.  We achieved this by utilizing vendela (cream), Sahara (champagne), Gertrude (soft pink) and esperance (a full bodied soft pink with subtle green and cream overtones.)  Together when combined with the other classic florals including an abundance of Majolica spray roses in pink and cream, the look was full, soft and elegant.

The 40 x 80 foot tent featured a parquet dance floor, sparkling chandeliers, and ample seating with elegant floral arrangements in antique looking containers to complement the overall theme of the wedding.  The outside of the tent was adorned with a custom lit monogram created for the couple.  Table linens were an opulent ivory damask.  The florals in the Grand Salon were place atop elegant crystal urns again carrying out the full classic look of an abundance of roses and other seasonal flowers.  (You don’t have to be afraid of tall centerpieces when the base container is something you can see through.  You can have the best of both worlds – drama and visibility for great conversation)

The door wreaths were also spectacular completely covered in antique pink hydrangeas and esperance roses.  To complete the wreaths, the bride’s mother had exquisite ivory satin ribbon embroidered with the couple’s initials.  Another classic touch that makes such a difference.

A fabulous menu was provided by Billy Lee with TerraCotta featuring a chocolate fountain, a fabulous cheese and fruit display, a mashed potato martini station, fabulous grilled meats and vegetables, and even a fried green tomato station.

The sensational cakes were done by Robbin Fowler of Sonshine Cakes – always a perennial favorite of all our guests.  To bring in a touch of the groom’s heritage as a Chilton County, Georgia resident, the family also provided a delectable peach ice cream.  It was incredible and the guests loved it – refreshing and an unexpected treat.

Another treat for the guests was a wonderful candy station featuring many of the couple’s favorite candies – all in pink – including cotton candy, jelly beans, mints, and chocolates to name a few.

Another fun element never done at a Fountainview reception before was a photo booth.  It was a great hit.  The guests loved it and got to take something home with them to remember the magical evening.  What a great idea!

It was such a delight working with this wonderful family.  I wish it wasn’t over.   God bless you all!

It was a fabulous celebration on July 10 as local radio personality, Elena Bahar, wed Ty Thaxton.

Since the bride’s father, Adnan, was born and raised in Baghdad, Iraq, the family placed a strong emphasis on their Mediterranean heritage as well as celebrated their life in America.  Mr. Bahar moved to Arlington, Texas about 31 years ago so the states – and Texas in particular, are home.  But one’s homeland is always a special part of one’s family heritage.  This particular wedding had more international visitors than any we’ve ever had the pleasure of hosting with guests from Egypt, Switzerland, Palestine, and also guest formerly from Iraq.  What a joyful and celebrative group!  There was no mistaking the importance of family relationships and the deep bonds of love for these fine families!

The catering by John Hamme of Maestro 2300 (www.maestro2300.com) in Auburn provided one of the most unique menus ever served at Fountainview for any function which provided another fabulous tribute to the family’s heritage.

The menu featured a wide assortment of fabulous passed hors d’oeuvres including Cabrales blue cheese in phyllo, roast tenderloins of beef with horseradish cream, manchego cheese croquettes with quince dipping sauce, tomato and mozzarella skewers, garlic shrimp, and tuna tartar on lavosh crisp.

The reception stations were as follows:

Gyro and Kebab Action Station including lamb, beef and chicken brochettes, carved to order Gyro with warm pita bread, lettuce, tomato and tazatki sauce, and roasted Eastern Mediterranean potatoes.

A fajita station featured been and chicken cooked ala minute with peppers and onions with toppings of guacamole, tomato, fresh salsa and sour cream.

A Mediterranean Market Display included a wide range of Mediterranean cheeses including house-made mozzarella, imported Feta, Prim Donna, French Brie, 5 year aged Manchego, Tetillia and Parmesan.  A fabulous grilled vegetable display included portobello mushrooms, local zucchini and yellow squash, green asparagus, grilled mini peppers (sweet and hot,) tomatoes, and eggplant.

Many international deli meats were also present including cappicola, truffle salome, 24 month aged Serrano and Speck.

Salad selections included Tabbouleh Salad, hummus, Baba Ganouj, Dolmades, Fattoush and Maestro style Greek Salad.

At the end of the evening upon departure, the guests were treated to some late night snacks including mini burgers, macaroni and cheese croquettes and Italian deli sandwiches.

What a fabulous spread!

In keeping with the Mediterranean theme the bride chose rich and vibrant colors for linens in an orange/gold crush shimmer fabric with an accent of burnt red as ties on the bistro tables.

This coordinated beautifully with the custom made tent chandeliers made by the family as well as the dramatic tent lighting provided by Auburn Audio.  Reception entertainment was provided by a live band as well as a DJ to make sure there was never a lull in this high-action reception.

One of the most dramatic features of the reception was the performance of a professional belly dancer in tribute to the family’s rich heritage.  It truly was beautiful.  I had never seen belly dancing live before.  It was truly a work of art and was enjoyed immensely by all the guests.

Another surprise was provided for the bride by the bride’s parents – a dramatic professional fireworks display.  For drama, there is nothing like fireworks!  (If you’re thinking about this for your wedding, make sure to check local ordinances and file the appropriate paperwork for the permits.)

The couple is now en route to Paris for their honeymoon and will soon be en route to Cabo San Lucas where the groom is employed in management with a large resort property.  What an adventure for both of you!  Thanks for being such a delight to work with.

To Elena’s mom and dad, Wanda and Adnan, words don’t express my gratitude.  Thanks for the joy of serving you in this special way.  I hope you’ll stay in touch.  Adnan, your zest and passion for life are contagious.  Never, ever change!

Another dream come true at Fountainview!  Blessings to all!

Following are some wonderful pre-bridal shots of Elena.  This is another wonderful feature of Fountainview.  Each of our bride’s gets the exclusive opportunity to have their pre-bridal portraits done at Fountainview at no charge.

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