Emily & Rafael
Emily & Rafael
Travel
Travel and Accomodation Options
Hello out-of-towners! Thank you so much for making the trip in to celebrate with us :D
If you are flying in, there is really only one option as far as airports go, and that is Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL).
As far as transportation goes, although Atlanta does have a public transit system (MARTA), it does not connect to the church and the reception venue, so a rental car will be required.
Here are a couple recommended options for hotels. Some are closer in to the city of Atlanta and positioned between the church and the reception venue, others are closer to the airport.
Hampton Inn & Suites Atlanta Midtown
Centrally located, great if you want to walk and see some sights in Atlanta (e.g. Piedmont Park, Georgia Tech, etc.). About equipdistant to ceremony venue and reception venue.
Courtyard Atlanta Executive Park/Emory
Close to church, but further from the reception venue.
Holiday Inn Express Atlanta Airport - North, an IHG Hotel
Things to Do
Westminster Presbyterian Church
If you are sticking around till Sunday and are looking for a local church to go to, we highly recommend Westminster Presbyterian Church (the church where the wedding ceremony is taking place). This has been Emily's church since she was very young, and Rafael's since January 2021. It is also where they met, during a Wednesday fellowship night!
They have a early service at 8:45am, Sunday school from 10:00-10:50, and a late service at 11:00am.
Ponce City Market
Located in the thriving East Side near Midtown right on the Beltline, Ponce City Market is a shopping mall in an old Sears building with plenty of interesting shops and restaurants to check out. You can also walk or take an electric scooter down the Beltline and experience the diversity and eclectic nature of the Atlanta locals. Fun fact: Emily and Rafael did this as a date on the day they got engaged!
Georgia Institute of Technology
The Georgia Tech campus is only a short walk from Midtown. Not only is it Rafael's Alma Mater, but also it is a beautiful campus to explore with many different green spaces and old buildings as well as new. If you want to make it a scavenger hunt, see if you can find the metallic Einstein statue. If you are arriving by car, you can park for free in the neighborhood just north of campus called Home Park. Fun fact: Rafael used to live on Atlantic Drive, above 14th Street.
Decatur Square
Located near Emory (where Emily got her nursing degree), Decature Square has become one of Emily and Rafael's favorite places to go for a night out. The charming square and surrounding area has many unique restaurants, such as Brick Store Pub, Cafe Alsace, and O'Sullivans. If you go, be sure to also check out Butter and Cream, one of Emily and Rafael's favorites. The Square is reachable by MARTA or by car.