say yes! 2012
DESCRIPTION
Lake Oconee Living's guide to weddingsTRANSCRIPT
Say Yes!
A speciAl publicAtion of
A Guide to Weddings& Celebrations
in georgia's lake country
2Say Yes! 2012
Say “I do...” and we will do the rest
126 Cuscowilla Drive | Eatonton, GA 31024 | USA Toll Free - 1.800.458.5351 | Local/Intl. - 1.706.484.0050 www.cuscowilla.com
Imagine exchanging your vows overlooking Lake Oconee with a beautiful sunset. Every step of the way, Cuscowilla on Lake Oconee is dedicated to making your big day magical and memorable. From bridal luncheons to rehearsal dinners to the reception, Cuscowilla makes each and every experience especially customized for you.
Ideally located just 70 miles east of Atlanta in the middle of Georgia’s Lake Country. Amenities include 146 rooms, award winning golf couse, restaurants, biking and boating.
Complimentary Wedding Night accommodations for Bride and Groom and one round of golf for four peopleComplimentary nights stay on your one year anniversary
Phot
o cr
edit
W. S
cott
Che
ster
Photo credit Eric LittlePhoto credit Jason Spruill
Let Prestige Travel handle it all! 6167 Lake Oconee Parkway, Greensboro
706-453-2939www.travelprestige.com
SECRETS RESORTS & SPAS SECRETS RESORTS & SPAS
Resort locations throughout Mexico and the Dominican Republic• Wedding and honeymoon packages• Countless daytime activities• Sumptuous suites with stunning views • Gourmet dining and nighttime entertainment• Private beaches•
Destinations ranging from Alaska to New Zealand• On-board or private beach wedding locations and services• Cruisetours, a combination cruise and land tour, allow you to •
experience all your destination has to offerAmazing amenities, dining, Broadway entertainment and activities• Long-term or weekend getaway options available•
give you everything you need for a romantic, picture-perfect wedding and honeymoon.
Whether you seek an adrenaline rush or total tranquility, our ships have it all.
ROyAl CARibbEAnROyAl CARibbEAn
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118 North Main Street, Greensboro • {706} 453-9222
It’s your day tosparkle
GREENSBORO Jewelers
I Do, I Do bridal boutique
Bridal Gowns • Bridesmaids • Mothers • Flower Girls • DebutanteProm & Formal Wear • Tuxedo Rentals • Invitations/Napkins
I Do, I Do bridal boutique
phot
ogra
phy
cour
tesy
of
Lisa
han
kins
ww
w.o
nceu
pona
pict
ure.
com
www.idobridalathens.com
2045 West Broad st. • athens, Ga 30606 • {706} 546-8586
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Weddings at
THE M. SMITH GRIFFITH GRAND HALL and STAIRCASE
GALLERY TOURS
THE JANE AND HARRY WILLSON SCULPTURE GARDEN
F E A T U R I N G
F O R M O R E I N F O R M A T I O N
Contact the events coordinator at 706.542.0442 or visit www.georgiamuseum.org
East Campus, University of Georgia 90 Carlton StreetAthens
Jeff Roffman Photography
Jeff Roffman Photography
McGinnis Leathers
Say Yes!weddings & celebrations guide
departments
features
information
say yes! 2012is produced by
Publisher: Patrick YostEditor: Andrea Gable
Art Director: Katie Davis WalkerMarketing: Dianne Yost
Advertising Representatives: Ryan Roberts, Rhonda Smith
Graphic Designer: Betsy Jenniges, Teresa Franklin-Kern
Office Manager: Sherry StevensCirculation: Artrose Cooper
AdvertisingInformation regarding advertising
and rates are available by contacting: Ryan Roberts by phone 706.342.7440 or email
contActLake Oconee Living,
P.O. Box 708, Madison Ga. 30650, or call 706.342.7440 or fax
706.342.2140.
©2012 Main Street Communications, Inc.
Lake Oconee Living is a proud member of
About the Cover ryan phelps Marbutt is pretty in pink on her wedding day.
for her story, turn to page 21. photo by AlyssA Alig
From the Editors 4Lake Oconee Living Editor Andrea Gable and Event Planner Nancy Nolan-Kuperberg invite you to Say Yes!
The Do’s and Don’ts 6There’s a lot to bear in mind when planning a wedding. Here, Andrea Gable and Nancy Nolan-Kuperberg offer helpful advice to couples planning to marry.
First Dance 8The Lake Oconee Living staff scoured our iPods for excellent songs to dance with your love
Color Watch 12Juicy tangerine is a sweet pick for Spring weddings, while luxe lavender paired couquettish coral look lovely for Fall
Built on Love 20Newlyweds Casey Marbutt and Ryan Phelps said their vows and made their home in a barn that was built on love.
Picture Perfect 30What makes a great wedding photo? Here’s what Lake Oconee Living loves about the work of three local talented photographers
Bridal Venue Tour 40The Madison Morgan Wedding Association takes you on a tour of some of the area’s most beautiful spots to get married.
Local Services 48
Weddings at
THE M. SMITH GRIFFITH GRAND HALL and STAIRCASE
GALLERY TOURS
THE JANE AND HARRY WILLSON SCULPTURE GARDEN
F E A T U R I N G
F O R M O R E I N F O R M A T I O N
Contact the events coordinator at 706.542.0442 or visit www.georgiamuseum.org
East Campus, University of Georgia 90 Carlton StreetAthens
Jeff Roffman Photography
Jeff Roffman Photography
McGinnis Leathers
6
From the EditorsLake Oconee Living introduces Say Yes!
Many girls begin dreaming of their wedding day when they are still young enough to live in the world
of fairytales. They dream of princess-like dresses and beautiful flowers, not necessarily managing a budget or making seating charts. This is why I'm so excited to partner with Lake Oconee Living magazine for the publication of the 2012 Wedding & Celebration Guide. This guide provides brides and grooms with useful information and resources throughout the Lake Country for planning the perfect wedding day. We look forward to turning wedding day dreams into wedding day realities!
nAncy nolAn-Kuperberg, guest editor,
No Regrets Events
Welcome to SAY YES!, our inaugural Wedding & Celebration Guide!
Set in the style of the award-winning Lake Oconee Living magazine, this guide is designed to inspire brides with modern, traditional, or whimsical ideas to make their wedding day memorable. It showcases the grace, sophistication, and creativity of a Southern wedding, waiting to be discovered in Georgia's Lake Country.
As a wedding destination, the area is a confluence of the peacefulness of the countryside, elegance of the lake, and nostalgia of the Antebellum South.
From the natural simplicity of a wedding on the family farm to an extravaganza at an upscale event facility or lakeside resort, Lake Oconee offers places to fit the vision and budget of every bride, along with countless resources throughout the area to accompany it.
From all of us here at Lake Oconee Living, we are happy you said YES!, and we hope you enjoy!
AndreA gAble, editor,
Lake Oconee Living magazine
1 What wedding at the lake club at reynolds plantation would be complete without a boat load of lovely ladies? 2 candelight lakeside creates a romantic setting for Karen and Mickey Markoff's wedding cake. 3 the rich greens and purples of hydrangeas and echeveria offset pops of peacock blue in Jeni standard's bouquet. 4 Jeni wed sandy at beautiful lake oconee. 5 Jenn rand's wedding at the ugA chapel is pure romance. photo 1 by
courtney goldMAn, photos 2
And 5 by robin bish, photos 3 And
4 by sArA J. WilliAMs.
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7Say Yes! 2012
Memoriesto cherish foreverSavor the romance of the Old South with the
charm of historic Madison, Georgia. The spacious
gardens, intimate settings, and beautifully appointed
guest rooms of the Brady Inn await you.
Weddings, special events, & celebrations
250 n. SecOnd ST. MadISOn, Ga • 706 342-4400 • 866 770-0773 • www.BradyInn.cOM
A Victorian Bed & BreakfastAcclaimed in Southern Living, GPTV’s Georgia Traveler, and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Do'sthe
the Don'ts
Anna and James married at a baptist church in rutledge. congratulations on your "i do's!" photo by eMAges photogrAphy.
Don’t place fashion over
friendship. selecting a
bridesmaid’s dress can be a big job,
heck – there is even a television show
about it! you want your bridesmaids
to complement your big day, but
keep expectations reasonable when it comes to style and
cost.
Do select in style. think about what your attendants will be comfortable in, what fits the style of the wedding and be sensitive to the financial commitment you are asking them to make.
Don’t be inconsiderate.
yes, it is your big day, but you
must remember to take other
people’s needs into consideration.
Do be the consummate host. each attendee will be your personal guest. remember, a good host puts the needs of others front and center.
Don’t forget what your budget
is. creating and managing a budget will help you afford your wedding but it is an important skill
to carry into your married life.
Do stick with it. you’ve made a budget, so stick with it. don’t stress over any last-minute must-haves.
Don’t get trashed the night before
your wedding. the last thing you
want to do on your wedding day is wake up with a
headache, puffy eyes, or an upset
stomach.
Do save room for celebrating. enjoy the night before your wedding by spending time with family and friends, especially for a destination wedding where everyone is gathered together for the weekend. remind everyone that the real celebrating will come after the wedding!
Don’t forget what a wedding really
is. the wedding ceremony is the main event and the reception a
celebration of it.
Do make it personal. With your better half, put some thought and planning into your vows, the readings and the music that will take place during your ceremony.
Bridesmaids' Dresses
Planning your Ceremony
Partying like it's 1999
The Wedding Budget
Your inner Bridezilla
editor andrea gable and nancy nolan-kuperberg put together a list of things you should say "i do" to… and a few that you shouldn't.
9Say Yes! 2012
LIVE WELL, SPEND LESS
The World’s Most Affordable Prices for
Fine Linens!
Luxurious 1,200 Count Linen sets (with four pillow cases
$40 Twin, $45 Full,
$50 Queen, $55 King,
$60 California King.
183 West Jefferson St.
Madison
706-343-9919
1,200 count duvet covers, plush towels, candles,
down comforters, pillows, bath accessories & more!
Bridal Registry
Bliss Begins With The Perfect Wedding Gift!
•
•
•
203 W. Jefferson Street, Madison, Georgia 706.342.0702 | [email protected]
Look beautiful from head to toe
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“Falling Slowly”• by Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova "I’m So In Love With You”• by Al Green “Stick Shifts and Safety Belts”• by Cake “The Luckiest”• by Ben Folds Five “This Way”• by Jewel “Love & Some Verses”• by Iron & Wine “A New World”• by Love You Moon “Rave On”• by Buddy Holly (M. Ward version) “Never My Love”• by The Association “Come Rain or Come Shine”• by Ray Charles
“I Will”• by The Beatles“Make You Feel My Love”• by Adele “All The Love in The World”• by The Corrs “You And Me”• by Dave Matthews Band “Out of the Blue”• by Delta Goodrem “Collide”• by Howie Day “Love is All Around”• by Ricki Lee “Everlong”• by The Foo Fighters “Angels Brought Me Here”• by Guy Sebastian “Dancing in the Moonlight”• by Toploader 706.546.6120
1551 Jennings Mill Rd.Suite 1500Bogart, GA 30622
NuCraft Dental Arts, Inc.
AVOID DENTAL SURPRISES ON YOUR BIG DAY!
Along with choosing the perfect gown, location, caterer, and flowers, more and more couples are thinking of dental health when preparing for their wedding day. Rightfully so, as you will probably never smile and have your picture taken as often as on your wedding day. That is why you need to have a smile that you are confident with.
Teeth cleaning has always been a traditional part of wedding day preparations. Other procedures, such as bleaching, replacing old amalgam fillings, tooth shaping and porcelain veneers can help create a beautiful smile for the wedding and for the future. After all, there is no better accessory than a great smile!
However, let us offer a little advice. Consider getting an initial consultation with your dental professional soon after you become engaged. This is very important because the last thing you want before your wedding day are surprises! This will allow you to research and assemble your dental team to ensure the best possible outcome. It will also give you time to get used to your improved smile!
To help make the best decision, do your research. Ask to see before and after photos of actual patients. In addition ask to speak with existing patients of the dentist and get a sense for the quality of care the dentist provides. Lastly, for your safety, ask if your dental restoration will be made in America. After all, you want a long and healthy, happily ever after.
looking for a first dance song that is both unique
and memorable? perfect your playlist with these
picks by the staff at Lake Oconee Living.
First Dance
1 in boston, ga., Keri and Austin lodge savored their first dance. 2 tip: don't pick a song that's too long! your bridesmaids are ready to boogie. Mallory biringer cuts a rug with her friends. 3 shane bridges is suave enough to go for the old classic: dip and kiss his wife casie. 4 the grapevine performs at the wedding of Mallory and barrett biringer, 5. photo 1 by courtney goldMAn photogrAphy. photos 2, 4 And 5 by AshAhphotogrAphy.coM. photo 3 by brAndy Angel photogrAphy
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2
3
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11Say Yes! 2012
706.546.61201551 Jennings Mill Rd.Suite 1500Bogart, GA 30622
NuCraft Dental Arts, Inc.
AVOID DENTAL SURPRISES ON YOUR BIG DAY!
Along with choosing the perfect gown, location, caterer, and flowers, more and more couples are thinking of dental health when preparing for their wedding day. Rightfully so, as you will probably never smile and have your picture taken as often as on your wedding day. That is why you need to have a smile that you are confident with.
Teeth cleaning has always been a traditional part of wedding day preparations. Other procedures, such as bleaching, replacing old amalgam fillings, tooth shaping and porcelain veneers can help create a beautiful smile for the wedding and for the future. After all, there is no better accessory than a great smile!
However, let us offer a little advice. Consider getting an initial consultation with your dental professional soon after you become engaged. This is very important because the last thing you want before your wedding day are surprises! This will allow you to research and assemble your dental team to ensure the best possible outcome. It will also give you time to get used to your improved smile!
To help make the best decision, do your research. Ask to see before and after photos of actual patients. In addition ask to speak with existing patients of the dentist and get a sense for the quality of care the dentist provides. Lastly, for your safety, ask if your dental restoration will be made in America. After all, you want a long and healthy, happily ever after.
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[email protected] l 706.549.1164
www.globalescapes.com
Destination Weddings & Honeymoonsby Global Escapes Travel
C O M E S E E U S !
aaa290 Hancock Street • Madison, Georgia • 706.688.9832
www.madisontearoomandgarden.com
• Wedding Ceremonies and Receptions
• Rehearsal Dinners
• Bridal Teas
• Formal Gardens Perfect for Wedding Events
• Showers
• Afternoon Teas
• Anniversaries
• Birthdays
• Club Meetings
Madison Tea Roomand Garden
The Day Chapelat the State BotanicalGarden of Georgia
The Terrace Roomat the Garden Club
of Georgia
The State Botanical Garden of Georgia
The Day Chapel and Conservatory
www.uga.edu/botgarden706.542.6467
The Terrace Room at the Garden Club
www.uga.edu/gardenclub706.227.5369
2450 SouTh MilledGe Avenue, AThenS
13Say Yes! 2012
The Day Chapelat the State BotanicalGarden of Georgia
The Terrace Roomat the Garden Club
of Georgia
The State Botanical Garden of Georgia
The Day Chapel and Conservatory
www.uga.edu/botgarden706.542.6467
The Terrace Room at the Garden Club
www.uga.edu/gardenclub706.227.5369
2450 SouTh MilledGe Avenue, AThenS
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1 Kumquats and kiwi vine make this bouquet strikingly pretty. 2 "Mum Madness" invitations from etsy seller decadent designs. 3 hibiscus blooms wink atop a simple cake. 4 While tradition might be that the bride wear white, there is no rule against strappy tangerine heels.
Color Watch
juicy tangerine, lush lavender and blushing coral are chic shades in 2012
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Springdown the aisle with jubilant pops of tangerine
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\5 these wedding-goers are festive with orange favors and sashes. 6 100% cotton bridesmaid dress (with pockets!) an original design by etsy seller Amanda Archer. photo 1 by pollen florAl Art.
photo 3 courtesy of orAnge blossoM events. photo 5
by eMAges photogrAphy.
15Say Yes! 2012
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for lush lavenders and natural textures with coquettish pops of coral
Fall1
17Say Yes! 2012
1 perk up autumnal plums with orangey-pink accents. 2 lavender and olive branches make a beautiful and aromatic adornment for a wedding cake. 3 purple baby's breath looks dreamy field-to-table in a galvanized pail. 4 J crew's arabelle dress in bright coral floats in silk chiffon. 5 A bouquet, designed by le petit Jardin, features sprays of wheat and a burlap wrap.
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6 the burlap was also used to accent the couple's invitations, made by blue envelope, to their lake oconee wedding. 7 this trio of bobby pins is handmade by etsy.com seller nestingpretty. photos 1, 3, 5 And 6 by erin brAuer
of soMething pretty photogrAphy. photo 2 by AMy & stuArt photogrAphy.
19Say Yes! 2012
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Bed & BreakfastWeddings & Gatherings1051 Meadow Lane, Madisonwww.TheFarmhouseInn.com
866-253-0023
The Village at Harmony Crossing1113 Harmony Crossing, Suite 8, Eatonton, Ga | 706-484-0999Proudly serving Eatonton and Greensboro for nearly 14 years
Floral Designs from Whimsical to Elegant
Unique Designs for Weddings, Receptions, Parties, & Corporate Events
chrishudsoncouturecustom apparel
Bridal Wear
Evening Wear
Day Wear
Fine Imported Fabrics
By appointment only | Historic Madison | 706.343.0072
Angie PhelPs insurAnce Agency
116 N. MaiN Street • GreeNSboro, Ga. 30642706.453.4309 fax: 706.453.1346web: angiephelpsinsuranceagency.com
eMail: [email protected]
Peace of mindfor your special day
Find us Onlinewww.dove-chocolate-discoveries.com/jenniferelliott
PO BOx 196 • BOstwick, GA 30623 • PhOne: (706) [email protected]
Dove Chocolate Discoveries
22
“well, there goes the barn.”
Those words slipped in jest
from Garry Phelps’ mouth upon learning of his daughter Ryan’s engagement to boyfriend, Casey Marbutt.
Phelps, long-time owner of Madison-based Phelps’ Welding, had dreamed of constructing a large barn to house several old tractors and automobiles, including a recently-acquired 1941 Lincoln Zephyr he was excited to restore.
The announcement thrilled both sets of future in-laws, Lissa and Garry Phelps of Madison and Shela and Trumer Marbutt of Eatonton. Friends since middle school, the young couple started dating as seniors at Morgan County High School and were already considered family. Although no one could be happier with the prospect of Marbutt as a future son-in-law, the cost of an upcoming wedding would put Phelps’ new barn aspirations on hold.
Or would it?
Written by Jamie MilesWedding photos by Alyssa Aligloft photos by dennis Mcdaniel
Built on Love
23Say Yes! 2012
Built on Love
Newlyweds casey marbutt and
ryann phelps said
their vows and
make their home in a
barn that was…
24
“ The Wedding
reflected who they
are as people… it was
wonderful being a part
of something that had
so much family.”
– nancy nolan-kuperberg
25Say Yes! 2012
as the newly-engaged couple searched for wedding and reception venues, they had serious concerns that the Phelps’ house of worship, the wonderfully historic yet quaint Madison Presbyterian sanctuary, could accommodate their guest list. Both families have a long multi-generational history in the area and were looking at having to rent a large venue for the reception as well.
That’s when their thoughts turned back to the barn. Ryan admits she already considered that an apartment on the upper floor of a new barn would be the perfect place to start married life. “Whatever money my parents would put into outfitting the space, we could repay them in rent.”
As the pool of possible locations to hold the wedding started to dry up like a small pond in the heat of summer, Ryan and Casey suggested to her parents that they hold the wedding in the Phelps’ backyard and use the barn (still on the drawing board) for the reception. As father of the bride, Garry agreed what money he would spend for a wedding certainly could be put into building a barn. To which Ryan replied, “I can’t think of anywhere else I’d rather be married.”
For inspiration, Lissa and Gary rode around looking at barns in town and in the country. A schoolteacher for 23 years, Lissa had started college at Georgia Tech majoring in architecture, so it was natural for her to draw up plans. So with a wedding on and a barn needed, she turned over the sketches on grid paper to her favorite builder — brother and uncle to the bride — Wade Blackwell. With construction starting in August 2010, Blackwell reflected on the nine-month process, “It certainly wasn’t
monotonous. Every day we were trying to figure something out.”
With the men-folk raising the barn, Ryan and her mother began planning the June wedding. White peonies, the bride’s favorite, served as her theme. First incorporated in drawings on the invitations, the beautiful, large fragrant blossoms were in both the bridal and bridesmaids’ bouquets. Tragedy was averted when in spite of a weather-induced national peony shortage, Garry located some flowers and had them flown in from California just in time for the wedding day as a surprise for Ryan.
June eleventh dawned clear and cooler, “or at least not 99 degrees like it had been,” laughed the groom. The Phelps’ wooded backyard provided a lovely setting for the ceremony. The Rev. Chris Carson, former associate
pastor at Madison Presbyterian and close friend of the Phelps, came from Texas to perform the nuptials. The altar was surrounded in lovely white hydrangeas matching the bride’s ivory tulle dress with Venetian lace. The groom and minister hitched a ride up to the altar sitting on the downed tailgate of Ryan’s grandfather’s pristine 1954 F1 Ford pickup truck just as the bride’s brother, Craig Phelps, rang the family iron bell 11 times to signal the hour for the ceremony had arrived.
“Walking down the aisle and seeing Casey for the fist time,” Ryan remembered. “That was probably the most memorable moment of the day.” While posing for photographs outside before the ceremony, great pains were taken to make sure the groom was blindfolded if there was a chance he might glimpse the bride.
the wedding of casey Marbutt and ryann phelps was full of homegrown, elegant details. the couple’s family and friends built the wedding barn (now the couple’s home), created the floral arrangments, and even baked miniature pies for the groom.
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after the “i-do’s” had become “till-death-do-us-parts,” it was time for a party. The doors of the new barn were thrown open and the reception began. “The bride wanted it simple but elegant and that’s exactly how it was,” remembered Denny Ewing, floral designer for the event. The bride gave pictures to Ewing to provide a little direction. “Her creative juices took over my bare bones suggestions,” said Ryan. “It was perfect.”
Guests entered the 50x60 foot barn and found a setting deeply imprinted with months of loving hard work by the Phelps and Marbutts along with many devoted friends. Three chandeliers hung
from the barn ceiling that had been covered in reclaimed rusted tin roofing from Ryan’s grandfather’s aging tractor barn and a friend’s neighboring chicken houses.
The centerpiece of the party was a large table that had stood in the family welding shop for over 50 years. In its former life, the grand 18-foot tabletop served as a spot to mix paint. Lissa, Garry and Lissa’s mother spent more than a day and half laboring to remove layer upon layer of spattered paint restoring the deep rich wood that held platters of food and the main flower arrangement.
Floral displays placed in tin buckets decorated the tables. Grapevine wreaths surrounded
each container that was filled with butterfly bush, Queen Anne’s lace, Vince Dooley hydrangea, rosemary and mint.
The highlight of the bucket arrangements was the zinnias. Every year Ryan and her father grew sunflowers and zinnias. Flowers from their lovingly-tended zinnia patch had to make an appearance at the wedding. The only problem was that nature’s watering system was not cooperating with last spring’s drought. Lissa remembers pulling up well after sundown to see Garry out in the garden wearing a red light headlamp beaming into the dark. “Everyone would water,” she laughed. “Garry watered, Casey watered and Ryan watered. We would keep a list who was to water and when.”
In lieu of the traditional groom’s cake, Casey, a lover of pies, wanted a groom’s pie, or pies actually. Friend, Mary Loyd Moss, made more than 150 delectable miniature buttermilk, berry and chocolate pecan pies nestled in small jelly jars. A restored factory cart held the scrumptious desserts at the reception. The cart now serves as the kitchen island in the newlywed’s apartment.
Each fall for a number of years, Ryan and Casey made crabapple jelly from apples off a tree on Casey’s grandfather’s farm. When selecting wedding favors for guests, they chose to give them homemade jelly.
casey crafted the couple’s dining room table as a wedding present to his wife. the reclaimed white pine is from an old house in White plains. ryan and casey worked for months preparing homemade jellies, preserves and relish to give to wedding guests. the day of the wedding, the favors were arranged on casey’s table. A few leftover jars remain in their vintage pie safe.
As a Surprise wedding present for
his bride, casey had
toiled away in secret
handcrafting a dining
room table at his
father’s shop.
27Say Yes! 2012
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Starting in October before the June wedding, the couple worked nights and weekends and put up 240 jars of crabapple jelly, pear preserves (from Lissa’s father’s trees), corn salsa, onion relish and pepper jelly. Lissa said with a laugh, “Right at the end there, they were inside making jelly and Garry and I would be working in the dark outside on the yard.”
As a surprise wedding present for his bride, Casey had toiled away in secret handcrafting a dining room table at his father’s shop. “Hunting
and fishing trips” on weekends that spring explained his absence the many hours he spent creating the gift. The wood for the table came from reclaimed heart pine found in an old house in White Plains. His surprise was used to display the wedding
favors – Ryan and Casey’s jars of homemade relishes, salsa and jellies – at the reception.
“Amazing” is how Lissa described the food prepared by caterer, Rae Merritt. “The food took up so much of the barn, we had to rent a tent to
the Marbutt’s barn loft home is furnished with nostalgic pieces
passed along from family and cleverly repurposed materials, such as the chicken feeder lamp (above) and the factory cart kitchen island (right.) casey crafted the drafting
table in the living room, and ryan’s uncle made the barn-style closet
doors in the bedroom.
29Say Yes! 2012
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A storybook setting like no other.Historic Burge Plantation is set in rustic Georgia
among rolling fields and woodlands. From the elegant Burge Conservatory with its gracious terrace, the
Main House and rustic cottages to spacious lawns, gardens, pavilions and our four-star onsite chef, we offer unforgettable, personalized wedding
ceremonies, receptions and gatherings.
Burge Plantation
44 Jeff Cook RoadMansfield, Ga.
www.burgeplantation.com
770.787.5152
Photos by Gary Ezell with Ezell’s Studios
provide space for more tables outside.” Merritt was in awe of the venue. “The barn itself was the drawing card – we just went from there. It was like having a blank canvas,” she remembered. Witnessing the effort of the family and friends she said, “Everything they had done had so much love back behind it.” Being asked to cater the event held special meaning for Merritt. When the bride’s parents where married, she had made their wedding cake. “And now here I was preparing the food for their daughter’s wedding.”
Departing the reception in Ryan’s grandfather’s 1955 Crown Victoria, the couple spent the afternoon at the Marbutt home on the lake with the wedding party. Then after a weeklong honeymoon in the Turks and Caicos, the newly-married Marbutts came home to the 1,500-square-foot apartment atop the barn. The two-bedroom, one-bath accommodations created a cozy cottage in the sky overlooking a five-acre pond.
The apartment’s design was a family collaboration as well. Lissa sketched away on her trusty grid paper while Casey added his input with the help of AutoCAD (Computer-Aided Design). Like the wedding, the living space is filled with touches of family — from the galvanized plumbing that serves as a handrail made by Blackwell, to chicken coop basket lighting fixtures and stainless steel kitchen countertops crafted at Phelps’ Welding.
Garry decided all the doors in the apartment should look like barn doors. “He touched everyone of the doors, along with Casey and Casey’s father, Trumer,” remembered Lissa. “They worked on weeknights and weekends for several months to get them finished.” For the kitchen cabinets, she showed her brother photographs of ones looking like barn doors as well. Blackwell knew it would be hard to get those custom made from a cabinet shop so he built all the kitchen cabinets with barn door fronts. In the bathroom, he also created the cabinetry holding the double sinks made out of leftover flooring.
With the wedding finished after over a year of hard work, Lissa admitted with a big smile that she would do it all over again. “There were moments, of course. But we had fun,” said Nancy Nolan-Kuperberg of No Regrets Events, who helped coordinate events on the wedding day. Having known the bride and her family for many years, Nolan-Kuperberg said, “The wedding reflected who they are as people. They are all thoughtful and considerate. It was wonderful being a part of something that had so much family.”
“There goes the barn,” Garry Phelps had said with a laugh upon hearing of his daughter’s engagement. And in nine months time, a barn was raised.
A barn built – and welded – with love. ✦
Jamie Miles is a freelance writer living in Madison.
31Say Yes! 2012
TROY BRYANTO F F I C I A N T
I love weddings and for many years have had the pleasure of helping couples create personalized wedding ceremonies. My goal is to help make
your special day go smoothly and the ceremony everything you want it to be.
706-474-8769www.troybryant.com
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SharpshooterJustin evans' artistic documentary style frames a single moment from a whirlwind day at the brick house gallery in crawford. the focus is on the couple's faces, the fluttering rose petals are a blur, like the day itself. A good photographer plans for the big photo moments and applies his technical knowledge creatively.
33Say Yes! 2012
PicturePerfect
what makes a great
wedding photo?
here's what
Lake Oconee Living
loves about the work
of three talented
photographers
justin evans, Justinevansphotography.com
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dennis mcdaniel, dennisMcdaniel.com
Don't Trash the Dress
"if you're going to trash the dress, do something pretty with it." in lieu of paintball-splattered gowns or mud-
bogging brides, Mcdaniel encourages them to take the plunge. he sets up an underwater studio in a swimming
pool and he and his subjects create ethereal, dreamy images.
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Light Heartedthe soft, naturally diffused light and warm highlights give this photo a gentle glow. the first and last hour of sunlight each day is often called the photographer's "golden hour" – when the sun's rays cast long shadows and the sunlight is more indirect.
emily boyce, emagesphotographystudio.com
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Heritage Hall
Traditions begin here
Call today! 706-342-9627277 South Main Street, Madisonwww.friendsofheritagehall.org
Fine P
hoto
gra
Phy
www.
finep
hoto
grap
hy.ne
t
Barry Mobley 770.725.7446
Matt Bowman 678.458.8035
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Château Élan | 100 Tour De France, Braselton, Georgia 30517Located I-85 North, Exit 126 - 30 Minutes North of Downtown Atlanta
O u r C a s t l e y o u r f a i r y t a l e
Indoor & Outdoor Settings - Ballroom Receptions - Complete CateringOn-Staff Wedding Planner - 277 Room Luxury Inn - European Spa MansionChampionship Golf - Winery & Vineyards - Tennis Center - 7 Restaurants
Transportation Services - Recommended Vendors - Custom Wine Labels“Best Romantic Hotel Nationally” by CitySearch.com
Atlanta’s Premier Wedding Destination
Join us at www.facebook.com/chateauelan for exclusive offers.
For more information or to download our Wedding Packet visit
www.chateauelan.comOr, call 678-425-6017
Château Élan | 100 Tour De France, Braselton, Georgia 30517Located I-85 North, Exit 126 - 30 Minutes North of Downtown Atlanta
O u r C a s t l e y o u r f a i r y t a l e
Indoor & Outdoor Settings - Ballroom Receptions - Complete CateringOn-Staff Wedding Planner - 277 Room Luxury Inn - European Spa MansionChampionship Golf - Winery & Vineyards - Tennis Center - 7 Restaurants
Transportation Services - Recommended Vendors - Custom Wine Labels“Best Romantic Hotel Nationally” by CitySearch.com
Atlanta’s Premier Wedding Destination
Join us at www.facebook.com/chateauelan for exclusive offers.
For more information or to download our Wedding Packet visit
www.chateauelan.comOr, call 678-425-6017
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296 West Broad Street Suite 2 • Athens, GA 30601
Tel: 706.208.7879www.GigisCupcakesUSA.com
One-of-a-kind designs for a
one-of-a-kind Love.
Custom Ring Designs in Gold,
Platinum, & Silver
Parkside Commons at Lake Oconee Village
(Behind Publix) 706-454-0444
Downtown Athens125 E. Clayton St.
706-546-8826
www.aurumstudios.com
Your perfect weddingbegins with
Ceremonial archways• Round, rectangular and high top tables• A variety of linen colors• White wedding chairs, natural • and fruitwood wedding chairs
Tents for any size gathering• Tent lighting & chandeliers• Staging and parquet dance flooring• Pole covers • Pedestal fans•
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Cheritage hall
277 south main st., madison 706-342-9627
www.friendsofheritagehall.com
Heritage Hall, located in the heart of the Madison and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is a beautifully restored and elegantly furnished 1811 Greek Revival Home. Period furnishings provide an elegant setting for weddings, receptions, rehearsal dinners, showers, luncheons and brunches while a lovely lawn and garden provide a pleasant outdoor setting.
Gsunflower farm1430 durden road, rutledge
404-433-5646www.sunflowerfarmfestival.com
The Sunflower Farm in western Morgan County Georgia offers a truly beautiful setting for your outdoor wedding event. The farm’s 15 acre sunflower field is in full bloom from mid-June until mid-July and many sunflowers bloom throughout the gardens through summer. Two historic houses surrounded by unique heritage gardens and a stage and picnic area offer the perfect rustic backdrop to any celebration.
Dthe hall at the madison-
morgan cultural centerfoster street, madison (behind the cultural center)
706-342-4743www.mmcc-arts.org
The Hall on Foster Street at the Madison-Morgan Cultural Center offers a unique rental space for weddings. The Hall includes a large event space with a stage, catering kitchen, coat room, and dressing room/bride’s room. A large lighted parking lot and covered walkway offer an inviting approach for guests.
Hmadison's town park
located between west washington & west jefferson streets
706-342-1251 x 206 (ann huff)www.madisonga.com
Madison’s Town Park is a lovely location for a simple, elegant, outdoor event. You may want to consider one of our picturesque park locations to host your perfect wedding, celebration, or photographic shoot. A setting such as the Upper Terrace, the Fountain Plaza, or the Great Lawn and Pavilion, each offer an intimate and unique venue for your upcoming event.
Bridal Venue Toura s s o c i a t i o n
MadisonMorganWedding
Madison-Morgan Weddinga s s o c i a t i o n
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jburnt pine
706-557-0407www.burntpineweddings.com
Burnt Pine is the ideal location for your outdoor wedding, from the rehearsal dinner through the wedding reception. Fulfill your dreams in a natural, yet elegant and affordable setting. Overnight accommodations are available for 30 guests and a party pavilion with dinner seating for 200. We are accesible from Atlanta and
Morgan, Newton, Jasper, Putnam and Oconee Counties. photo
by eMAges photogrAphy
Ithe brady inn b&b
250 north second st., madison , 706-342-4400www.bradyinn.com
The historic Brady Inn, an 1885 Victorian B&B in the heart of Antebellum Madison, provides personal service, distinctive venues, unique events, and affordable pricing. The Brady Inn’s landscaped wedding gardens offer several options from spacious, formal venues to private, intimate settings. Seven beautifully appointed guest rooms with private baths are available for bridal party and wedding guests. Wedding packages are available.
Emadison tea room and garden
290 hancock st., madison706-688-9832
www.madisontearoom.com
Located on the Courthouse Square, the Madison Tea Room and Garden is the perfect setting for all who enjoy the art of taking formal afternoon tea as well as for anyone hosting a beautiful event. The Madison Tea Room offers a formal Garden Room and Terrace Room and an outdoor deck. With 3,000 square feet of interior space and 2,900 square feet of exterior space, this beautiful setting is ideal for any occasion from bridal showers and rehearsal dinners to weddings.
Fthe steffen thomas
museum of art4200 bethany road, buckhead
706-342-7557www.steffenthomas.org
Located in the beautiful pastoral setting of Morgan County, the Steffen Thomas Museum is a spacious art gallery that can be the perfect setting for your bridal showers, luncheons, brunches, rehearsal dinner, wedding ceremony and reception. If you dream of an outdoor wedding, look no further for your dream location.
Bridal Venue Tour Ticket Sales/PickupBelles, Beaux & Gifts, 115 South Main St., Madison • 706-342-3311 Le Petit Jardin 231 Hancock St., Madison • 706-342-0776www.madisonmorganweddingresources.com
The Tour tickets only $8 or $5 pre-orderedsaturday, feb. 25, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.sunday, feb. 26, 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
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Nmadison oaks inn & garden
766 east avenue, madison706-343-9990
www.madisonoaksinn.com
Madison Oaks Inn & Gardens provides an incomparable setting for weddings and receptions. This Inn is a historic private estate converted to a Bed & Breakfast and special events facility where you can host your wedding, reception and rehearsal dinner in one location. You have the advantage of staying in one place, cozy and comfortable, as well as the benefit of a single staff to coordinate everything
Lhard labor creek state park
rutledge, ga.www.gastateparks.org/hardlaborcreek
Hard Labor Creek is a 6,000-acre park located within minutes of Madison in Rutledge, Ga. The park has many facilities perfect for weddings and receptions, including two group shelters and two large dining halls located within walking distance of spectacular lake views. If lodging is needed, there are 20 affordable and spacious two-
bedroom cottages that sleep eight. photo by Kelley chAnnell
mjames madison inn
260 west washington st., madison706-342-7040
www.jamesmadisoninn.com
Whether intimate or grand, The James Madison Inn will create the wedding and reception of your dreams with a variety of settings for indoor or outdoor celebrations. The Round Bowl Springs Gazebo and Event Lawn surrounded by woods, a pond and walking trails will host up to 300 guests, while the James Madison Hall and Daniel Morgan Room will host up to 285 people indoors. For a unique setting, The Variety Works offers a historic setting for up to 250 guests. The James Madison Inn itself has 17 individually themed luxury guest rooms and two grand suites.
kthe farmhouse inn
at hundred acre farm1051 meadow lane, madison , 706-342-7966
www.thefarmhouseinn.com
The Farmhouse Inn offers events and accommodations in rural Georgia for those wanting to experience a family farm setting. The charming Farmhouse Inn Bed and Breakfast includes five private guestrooms and a five-bedroom-farmhouse for a getaway for two or a family celebration for up to 28 guests. The Red Barn Meeting Room, outdoor terrace and adjacent lawns can be used for rehearsal dinners, farm weddings, business retreats, reunions and events for up to 300 guests.
The letter above each listing corresponds to the map on page 44.
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Historic Madison’s Town Park offers threeromantic settings for your big day. The Fountain
Plaza, the Gazebo Terrace, and the GreatLawn & Pavilion, each offer an intimate andunique venue for your upcoming ceremony.To explore these options, or to reserve your
wedding date, contact Ann Huff at(706)342-1251 x206, or [email protected]
Learn more about MadisonGA.com
A Perfect Backdrop
www.goodwinevents.com
Tents • Chairs • Tables Dance Floors • Lighting • Staging
Event Design and Production
Spectacular weddings, corporate events, and parties.
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Headquarters for Tickets/Info belles beaux & gifts le petit Jardin
Venues Only heritage hall Madison-Morgan cultural center Madison tea room steffen thomas Museum of Art sunflower farm town park
Venues + Lodging brady inn burnt pine plantation farmhouse inn hard labor creek state park James Madison inn Madison oaks inn & gardens
Lodging Only hampton inn
Restaurants / Caterers caboose eenoco sushi, steak & seafood bake rattle & roll Madison chophouse grille town 220 restaurant yesterday's café
Wedding Services / Businesses JK linens lilybeth's Madison Artists guild petals salon pure bliss spa & shop red doors studio the spa at James Madison inn
Restrooms cottage at town park Welcome center
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Venues Only Heritage Hall Madison-Morgan Cultural Center Madison Tea Room Steffan Thomas Museum of Art Sunflower Farm Town Park
Venues + Lodging Brady Inn Burnt Pine Plantation Farmhouse Inn Hard Labor Creek State Park James Madison Inn Madison Oaks Inn & Gardens
Lodging Only Hampton Inn
Restaurants / Caterers Caboose Eenoco Sushi, Steak & Seafood Bake Rattle & Roll Madison Chophouse Grille Town 220 Restaurant Yesterday's Café
Wedding Services / Businesses JK Linens LilyBeth's Madison Artists Guild Petals Salon Pure Bliss Spa & Shop Red Doors Studio The Spa at James Madison Inn
Restrooms Cottage at Town Park Welcome Center
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Headquarters for Tickets/Info Belles Beaux & Gifts Le Petit Jardin
Venues Only Heritage Hall Madison-Morgan Cultural Center Madison Tea Room Steffan Thomas Museum of Art Sunflower Farm Town Park
Venues + Lodging Brady Inn Burnt Pine Plantation Farmhouse Inn Hard Labor Creek State Park James Madison Inn Madison Oaks Inn & Gardens
Lodging Only Hampton Inn
Restaurants / Caterers Caboose Eenoco Sushi, Steak & Seafood Bake Rattle & Roll Madison Chophouse Grille Town 220 Restaurant Yesterday's Café
Wedding Services / Businesses JK Linens LilyBeth's Madison Artists Guild Petals Salon Pure Bliss Spa & Shop Red Doors Studio The Spa at James Madison Inn
Restrooms Cottage at Town Park Welcome Center
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Bridal Venue & Showcase Tour map
a s s o c i a t i o n
MadisonMorganWedding
Madison-Morgan Weddinga s s o c i a t i o n
Belles, Beaux & Gifts115 south Main st.706-342-3311
Le Petit Jardin 231 hancock st. 706-342-0776
tickets only $8 or $5 pre-orderedsaturday, feb. 25, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.sunday, feb. 26, 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Ticket Sales/PickupThe Tour
www.madisonmorganweddingresources.com
YOU’VE PICKED THE PERFECT GOWN...
NOW PICK THE PERFECT TOWN
Grand Antebellum Weddings•
Country Farm Weddings•
Intimate Church & Inn Weddings•
Visitor Attractions•
Complete Wedding Services•
Multiple Lodging Options•
Historical Rehersal
& Receptions VenuesWWW.MADISONGA.ORG • 800.709.7406JuSt ONe hOuR eASt Of AtlANtA ON I-20
257 N. Main St., Madison Ga.706-342-7019
Fax: [email protected]
Carolyn’s Copy CornerCustom print your
invitations, napkins to fit your budget.GGussie’sussie’s
House of Flowers
136 W. Jefferson St. .••• madison, georgiaPhone: 706.342.0476 nights: 706.342.2199
We’ve been walking brides down the isle for 40 years!
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An incomparable setting for weddings, receptions and corporate events.
706.343.9990 • 766 east avenue madison, ga 30650 • www.madisonoaksinn.com
Complete your storybook romance with
CDOUBLE C CARRIAGES
Weddings | Tours of Madison | CoMpany piCniCs | BirThday parTies
For more information or to reserve, call
706.224.4539 or visitDoubleCCarriages.com
No Regrets Events is a wedding planning firm that offers you personalized services to meet your unique needs. We may be
schooled in Southern tradition, but we love the unconventional, so whatever your wedding vision, we will help turn it into the
perfect wedding day… a day with No Regrets!
Nancy [email protected](706) 342-0042c
ont
ac
t
Engagement Parties
Wedding Day Services
Rehearsal Dinners
Out of Town Guest Brunch
Bridal Showers
Full Wedding Weekend
noregretsevents.blogspot.com Find us on Facebook!
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WeddingsSunflower FarmWeddingsSunflower Farm
The Sunflower Farm in western Morgan County
Georgia offers a truly beautiful and unique
setting for your outdoor wedding event.
Heritage Gardens
Two Historic Homes
15 Acres of Sunflower Fields
Stage andPicnic Area
1430 Durden Road Rutledge, [email protected]
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After your special day…Call on Martha Henderson to help
you build your memories…
c: 706.540.6764 | o: 706.543.38001690 S. Lumpkin St., Athens, Gawww.MarthaHenderson.com
accommodationsThe Brady Inn
Farmhouse Inn
James Madison Inn
Madison Oaks
wedding, banquet & reception facilities/rehearsal dinnersBurge Plantation
The Brady Inn
City of Madison
Cuscowilla on Lake Oconee
Farmhouse Inn
Georgia Museum of Art
Garden Club of Georgia
Heritage Hall
The Hall at the Madison-Morgan Cultural Center
James Madison Inn
Madison Oaks
Madison Tea Room
State Botanical Gardens
Sunflower Farm
Town Park, City of Madison
beauty, spa, hair, dentistry Bella Donna Salon
NuCraft Dental Arts
Petals Salon
Spa at the James Madison
Woodruff Dentistry
bridal registry & giftsAurum Jewelry & Art
Belles, Beaux & Gifts
Greensboro Jewelers
JK Linens
Whidby Jewelers
bridal wearChris Hudson Couture
I Do. I Do.
caterersDove Chocolate Discoveries
Gigi’s Cupcakes
Hallie Jane's Catering
Town 220 Restaurant
Trump Catering
organizationMadison-Morgan Wedding
Association
Madison Studios
Madison-Morgan Chamber of Commerce
Town of Braselton
flowersDeer Run Farm
European Floral Design
Gussie's Flowers
Le Petit Jardin
insuranceAngie Phelps Insurance
invitations, etc.Godfrey Cox Co.
NuArt Printers
horse & carriageDouble C Carriages
photographersAlyssa Alig Photography
Fine Photography
Dennis McDaniel Photography
rentalGoodwin Rentals
Madison Rentals
travelGlobal Escapes
Prestige Travel
wedding planningLe Petit Jardin
No Regrets Events
officiantTroy Bryant
Local Services
make vivid memories
www.dennismcdaniel.com | [email protected] | 706.372.8004
dennis mcdaniel photography
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make an Exit
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6
5
1 leaving on a scooter means you'll have to hold your sweetie close. 2,3 & 4 sparklers always make beautiful nighttime photos. 5 & 6 don't forget to buckle up! photos 1, 2, 4 And 5 by MAtt
boWMAn of fine photogrAphy. photo 3 by Justin evAns
photogrAphy. photo 6 by eMAges photogrAphy.
53Say Yes! 2012
EEssttaabblliisshheedd 11990011
Established 1901
Sophistication ... Grace ... Charm
Cultured Pearls...a statement of elegance for all occasions.
A must have for every woman. The perfect accessory for the bride and a wonderful bridesmaid gift too. The timeless tradition of pearls remains classic and elegant whether dressing up or down.
Come in and see the wide variety of pearls to compliment your style. Traditional white or fashionable multi-colored,
Whidby Jewelers has the pearls for you.
Let us help you create an extraordinary wedding that is uniquely yours. Our boutique-style approach and our highly experienced staff transforms everyday details into works of art—all tailored to your desires…The result… A special day that is anything but ordinary.
Anything but Ordinary
www.madisonflowergarden.com706-342-0776 | [email protected]
Madison, Georgia