We may be biased, but we think Atlanta is home to come of the best wedding locations. There’s the elegance of downtown, there’s the classic feel Buckhead, and then there are the many beautiful neighborhoods that feel like they were designed for wedding photos. While they were planning their wedding, Mary and James recognized all of this and happily decided to spend their day at some of the best spots in our home city.

Mary and James each spent their wedding mornings getting ready. For James, that meant a morning at the gorgeous St. Regis Atlanta. For Mary, that meant hair and makeup and plenty of time with her bridesmaids at her childhood home. During this time, we also got one of our first peeks at Mary and James’s “something old”. Both the watch and brooch are from the groom’s ancestors!

Once they were ready, our favorite time of Mary and James’s wedding day began to unfold. Both Mary and James traveled to a neighborhood duck pond for their couple’s portraits with Matt Yung Photography. It’s a little-known fact that some HOAs allow you to rent areas of their community, and the duck pond is one such spot. Even in October, the pond was still overflowing with beautiful flowers, the greenest grass, and sparkling water. And the stone bridge acted as the perfect spot for the couple. We simply adore these photos.

After, it was time for Mary and James to meet at the top of the aisle at the Cathedral of Christ the King Church in Buckhead. The church has soaring ceilings, beautiful stone walls, and gorgeous stained glass windows. It’s elegant and ideal for wedding ceremonies, and it was a wonderful spot for Mary and James to recite their vows.

Once they were officially married, it was time for Mary, James, their families, their wedding party, and their guests to join together for a night of fun at The Foundry at Puritan Mill. The space is located in Atlanta, not too far from the couple’s church, and it has a cool classic-meets-rustic vibe with exposed brick walls, ceilings complete with wooden beams, and a completely open ballroom space. Inside the space, string lights were strung over the dance floor, draping was added to side beams for warmth, and tables were lined with candles and greenery to offer a romantic feel.

Rather than asking guests to formally sit for any part of the wedding, tables simply acted as a spot to relax as needed. There were no assigned seats because Mary and James wanted their reception to have a fun and relaxed cocktail feel. While everyone mingled together, they dined on a menu created by Endive—and they could also see the main classic white wedding cake and James’s musical groom’s cake (both by Confection Perfection) on display.

The couple shared a first dance together, and they also danced with their parents. James’s dance with his mom was particularly fun! Then it was time for everyone to spend the night together dancing to the songs performed by the incredible band Big Bling and the Funk Machine.

“Lauren was so great to work with! She is kind, organized, thoughtful and very calm. This worked so well for my daughter and me. She has many years of experience with wedding planning which helped because we had never planned a wedding in Atlanta. She has worked with many vendors and was able to recommend terrific people for us to use. She is so knowledgeable about how the wedding ceremony and reception flow best. She made the whole wedding day run smoothly and there is no way that would have happened without her and her assistant, Amanda! I highly recommend them! Thanks again, Lauren!”

— Jeanne, Mother of the Bride

Mary and James, it was so special for us to be by your side as your coordinators on your wedding day. Your ceremony was beautiful, your reception was fun, and we absolutely loved your families and friends. Congratulations on an incredible day!

Wedding Professionals:

Planning: Just About Love Weddings

Photographer: Matt Yung Photography

Hair + Makeup: Bombshell Creations

Flowers + Rentals: Bold

Ceremony: Cathedral of Christ the King Church

Reception: The Foundry at Puritan Mill

Catering: Endive

Cake: Confection Perfection

Band: Big Bling and the Funk Machine

Transportation: Atlantic Limo; Charter Up

Accommodations: St. Regis Atlanta