1. Real Weddings

An Elegant Summer Wedding at Callanwolde Fine Arts Center in Atlanta, Georgia

The Callanwolde Fine Arts Center is this Tudor Revival-style mansion tucked away in acres of beautifully manicured grounds, and

The Callanwolde Fine Arts Center is this Tudor Revival-style mansion tucked away in acres of beautifully manicured grounds, and the on-site professionals are experts on Southern weddings. That’s why Kara Adams (27 and a teacher) and Nick Merck (27 and an engineer) wanted to get married here: The gorgeous gardens were a great place to take pictures, but Callanwolde's elegant interior and location in Atlanta, Georgia, made it the perfect place to celebrate their nuptials with their 170 guests. They laced their classic, sophisticated wedding with a palette of blush and mint, with a modern dash of gold and glittery details. True to Southern style, Kara and Nick had delicious appetizers at their cocktail hour (Kara’s favorite were the fried chicken and waffle skewers), thanks to Zest Atlanta Catering, alongside her favorite wine (19 Crimes) and his favorite beer (Sweet Water 420). They took on their ballroom reception with a twist—instead of a classic wedding cake, they had a miniature cupcake tower from Gigi’s Cupcakes and treats from their Atlanta favorite, Sublime Doughnuts. (Georgia Tech grads know what they’re talking about!) See the details, captured by Holly L. Robbins Photography, below.

Kara's dress was elegant and flowing, allowing her to stay comfortable for her summer wedding. It had a fitted lace bodice with a sweetheart neckline and lace straps, with lace appliques and embellishments down the skirt, which she accented by wearing crystal earrings and a sparkly headband.
The bridesmaids wore long, flowy mint dresses with lace illusion necklines, inspired by the summer season. They carried blush and white silk bouquets of roses and hydrangeas.
Artistry Salon and Spa styled Kara's hairstyle in a loose updo with pieces framing her face and an embellished headband for sparkle to match her dress. Her makeup artist, Make Me Up, created her natural look with extra emphasis around her eyes.
The mansion at Callanwolde Fine Arts Center was a great way to beat the heat at Kara and Nick's summer wedding in Atlanta, Georgia. They said "I do" surrounded by 170 of their loved ones.
The interior of the mansion at Callanwolde Fine Arts Center in Atlanta, Georgia, is filled with ornate details that take a classic ballroom reception to a new level of sophistication. The venue's high ceilings, grand staircases and architectural embellishments are why Kara and Nick celebrated their wedding here.
The reception hall at Callanwolde Fine Arts Center already has brick floors and classic arches, but Kara and Nick amped up the elegance with stunning drapery and dangling crystals highlighting the central crystal chandelier. They had round, white dining tables with white folding chairs, accented with gold fabric chair decor for modern flair.
Floral centerpieces of baby's breath and hydrangeas in vintage metallic vases enhanced the Southern summer vibe at Kara and Nick's reception. Blush chevron table numbers in wooden frames, complete with their wedding hashtag, added a whimsical touch.
Kara and Nick's sweetheart table had a gold metallic tablecloth that matched the gold fabric on their white folding chairs. A single vase centerpiece of garden roses and hydrangeas allowed for easy dinner conversation.
Nick wore a blue Banana Republic suit, which he paired with a blue gingham tie. He and his groomsmen wore suspenders and colorful socks for a whimsical touch.
A tiered dessert display of miniature cupcakes from Gigi's Cupcakes enhanced Kara and Nick's sweet ballroom reception at Callanwolde Fine Arts Center in Atlanta, Georgia. Some of the cupcakes even had mint buttercream frosting to match the summer palette.
At the end of their reception, Kara and Nick made their grand exit from Callanwolde Fine Arts Center through an aisle of their guests blowing bubbles.