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A PUBLICATION OF ADVERTISING SPECIAL SECTIONS FALL 2007

The spa treatment

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Get pampered beforeyou walk down the aisle

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Bridal spa parties mix fun and relaxationBy Connie Green FreightmanFor AJC Wedding Guide

Bridal showers with cake and paper-plate ribbon bou-quets or bachelorette bashes at bars are losing their appeal among many brides-to-be and their girlfriends. Instead, women are opting for Zenlike gatherings with soothing sounds, calming scents and plenty of pampering.

Interest in bridal spa parties has been steadily rising over the past four to five years, as women look for an alternative to traditional-

R. TODD FLEEMAN/SpecialMother-of-the-bride Pam Culver (from left), family friend Anne Smith and bride Claire Culver enjoy refreshments in between treatments at Bella Dia European Day Spa in Acworth.

themed bridal celebrations. “It’s definitely been a large

part of our business,” said Katie Ferrari, spa event director at Spa Sydell, which has several locations in metro Atlanta. “I hear a lot with our bachelor-ette parties that many women are waiting later to marry, so they’re over the party thing and want some time to relax and be pampered with girlfriends. It’s a better and a classier thing to do than going to a bar. It’s like an oasis. We can provide a private atmosphere on the weekend so they are treated like a VIP and pampered. It leaves a good feeling when you go to get married.”

No longer an exclusive luxu-ry for the wealthy, the booming spa industry has gone main-stream, its popularity fueled by a more health-conscious society seeking ways to relieve stress and take better care of mind, body and spirit.

Spa parties are an outgrowth of that trend. To meet the de-mand, more spas are incorpo-rating larger treatment rooms to accommodate groups.

“There’s a more sophisticat-ed population,” said Kym An-derson, spa manager at D’Lor Salon and Spa on Cascade Road in southwest Atlanta. “As different areas grow, people’s priorities change. People are seeking more upscale services. People want to attain a healthy lifestyle, and spas go hand-in-hand with that.”

For brides, spa parties can help calm pre-wedding jitters in a setting that makes them feel special, while addressing health and beauty concerns.

Connie Hilderbrand, owner of Bella Dia European Day Spas in Acworth and Austell saw the bridal spa party trend coming not long after opening her first location (Austell) in 1999.

Customers for whom she was doing wedding makeup started asking what she offered for groups.

“For one, people are look-ing for something unique for gifts,” Hilderbrand said. “Some [women] have skin-care concerns they want to address

➤See SPA, page 15

This publication is produced by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s MarketingSpecial Sections Department,72 Marietta St. N.W.,Atlanta, GA 30303.

Editor: Rebecca Little, 404-526-5951 or rlittle@ajc.com

Special Sections staff:Martha Foster, manager; John Brieske, managing editor; Fran Casselman, Bill Boykins and Amy Schneider,

Tierra Benton is wearing a silk satin gown by Platinum for Priscilla of Boston.

Location: The Fox Theatre

Photography: Barry Williams

Hair and makeup: Latellia Genell Haynes

Flowers: Fuji Floral Design

Fashion styling: Juliette Johnson

Jewelry: Macy’s

For more details and wedding fashion, see page 12.

FALL WEDDING GUIDE

ON THE COVER

editors; Jenny Zhang, intern

Advertising contact: Kelly McClain, kmcclain@ajc.comor 770-509-4028

By Mary Booth ThomasFor AJC Wedding Guide

You never get a second chance to make a first im-pression. And many engaged couples take that to heart.

A wedding invitation should reflect how you want your wedding to be perceived, said Amber Renee of Bluorchid by Naked Eye Image.

Couples can create unique invitations, whether they choose a custom set for $10,000 or print-it-yourself invitations that can cost as little as $40 for 50 invitations and reply cards.

Design options are unlim-ited. Once upon a time, cream vellum paper with black en-graving was the standard. Now anything goes.

For instance, Renée de-signed 6-by-12-inch invitations on flocked paper with a velvet finish in eggplant, fuchsia and pink ink for a professional ath-lete’s wedding. The invitation was adorned with a satin rib-bon and a rhinestone buckle. The fiancée of another profes-sional athlete chose a save-the-date announcement made of beveled glass and mailed it in a specially designed padded envelope.

Renée has just introduced a retail line with customizable designs.

“Purple tones, ranging from lavender and lilac to deep plum and eggplant, mixed with metallics in the same family of colors, are popular today,” she said.

Many brides choose light-colored paper with an ink that complements their color schemes. Others may person-alize invitations by choosing square styles, embossed and embellished papers, or tradi-tional invitations that are lay-ered or adorned with ribbons.

At Paces Papers, an Atlanta stationer specializing in custom invitations, brides are choos-ing heavy, handmade papers in ivory, white or warm white, with brown, navy or charcoal inks.

“Some invitations have rounded corners. Some are square. Brown has been a re-ally popular ink color for a few

Anna Griffin

Bluorchid by Naked Eye Image

INVITATION TIPS

How do you choose the perfect invitation from the huge array that’s available? Here are some tips from the experts:

➤ Start with a budget and figure out what components you need, such as save-the-date cards, reply cards, place cards or programs, and decide on the mood you want to create, Renèe said.

➤ Have a general idea of the kind of invitation you want before you start shopping, Griffin advises. Browse through magazines and Internet sites and collect photos of the styles you like.

➤ Spend three or four hours, two different times, looking through every book in the store to learn about your own taste. Look at multiple lines to see what stands out, Howard said.

➤ If you fall in love with a design you can’t afford, work with your vendor to create a similar design using a less expensive paper or a cheaper printing method.

Just the right invitationsets tone for wedding day

years. Gray is coming in very big,” said store owner Jackie Howard.

At Atlanta-based Anna Grif-fin Inc., traditional invitation designs are most requested.

“Overall, our customers

tend to stick to the classics, such as using accents of soft pastel colors like sage greens, pale pinks and robin’s-egg blues [with] shades of ivory,” said company founder Anna Griffin. The company is one of the country’s largest wholesale producers of invitations.

She said opulent colors like red and gold are popular for winter weddings.

In addition to ink color and paper stock, printing methods can have a significant impact on the cost and look of invita-tions.

Traditional engraving pro-duces raised lettering. Trendy letterpress printing creates an impression on the paper and often costs more than engrav-ing. Less expensive thermog-raphy looks like engraving, but doesn’t work well on heavy paper or with light-colored ink.

It’s not just the invitation that is im-portant. There’s a whole array of printed materi-als that need to be taken into ac-count.

“It’s the

small details that will make an event extraordinary,” Griffin said.

“All of the paper items, such as save-the-date announce-ments, thank-you notes, place cards and programs should be coordinated. A coordinated suite of papers with the same color scheme or motif gets the event off to the right start,” she added.

Buying an entire set of wedding paper creates a consistent look and often is cheaper than buying them piecemeal, said Bluorchid’s Renée.

If you’re on a tight budget and can’t buy the

whole set, always include a save-the-date announcement in your suite of bridal papers, Howard said.

“Save-the-date cards are an absolute must and should go out six to eight months before the event, and say that a for-mal invitation will follow. It should include sugges-tions for hotels and in-formation about other events, such as the rehearsal dinner or Sunday brunch. Otherwise, the guests won’t make their plane reser-vations cor-rectly,” Howard said.

Trunk shows, sample salesoffer couture at a discountBy Mary Booth ThomasFor AJC Wedding Guide

When Julie Song began planning her Nov. 24 wedding to Robert Schlotman, she did extensive research online and talked to other brides in her quest to find the perfect couture dress at a reasonable price.

She found the dress of her dreams, an Amy Kuschel gown in silk organza, at a sample sale at Bel Fiore Bridal salon in Marietta after trying on 15 to 20 gowns.

“When I put the dress on, I knew that it was absolutely the one I would wear on the day of my wedding,” said Song, of Vinings. “It was just slightly over my budget, but I did not budget a crazy amount for a dress, so I definitely would say I got a great deal.”

Savvy brides like Song are shopping at sample sales and trunk shows to find the per-fect dress, including couture

designs, at a discount of up to 75 percent.

Designers bring their latest lines to trunk shows, displaying 30 to 60 dresses. Trunk shows give brides an opportunity to see a designer’s entire collec-tion and order a dress they might have seen online or in a magazine, said Jennifer Huff, owner of Crystal Crane Bridal, on the square in downtown Lawrenceville. But dresses pur-chased at trunk shows still must be made to order, and could take nine months to arrive.

Designers typically offer promotions at trunk shows, such as a discounted price or a free matching veil. At a recent Win-nie Couture trunk show at Crys-tal Crane, brides who ordered a dress received 10 percent off, and the manufacturer offered free veils with selected dresses. The shop’s inventory also includes designer collections by Justin Alexander, St. Pucchi and Jasmine Couture.

R. TODD FLEEMAN/SpecialBel Fiore Bridal salon manager Rachel Esposito helps customer Julie Song with a dress, one of several she tried on during the Marietta shop’s recent sample sale.

Sample sales, which feature gowns that have been on display in the store, often offer larger discounts, as much as 50 percent to 75 percent. The gowns may be discontinued styles or lines that the store is not reordering; sizes may be limited (sizes 8, 10 and 12 are common); and they may need to be cleaned and altered. The gowns have been tried on by other brides but never taken out of the store.

Since samples are sold on a first-come, first-served basis, Brie Woodham of Bridals by Lori suggests that when brides find a sample dress they like, they should buy it that day. While many salons have one or two sample sales a year, the full-service salon in Sandy Springs sells samples year-round at a 25 percent to 50 percent discount. Their couture designers include Lazaro, Reem Acra and Deme-trios.

Brides can check bridal Web sites for information on upcom-

ing sales or trunk shows. Some bridal shops allow participants to register online to attend.

Rachel Esposito, manager of Bel Fiore Bridal in Marietta, said it’s important to make an ap-pointment to shop at a sample sale or a trunk show.

“The store is busier than usual on those days,” she said, “and making an appointment

with a consultant gives the bride an opportunity to try on dresses without having to wait.” Bel Fiore’s collection includes Carmela Sutera, Sonia Cholette and L’ezu.

Woodham stressed that brides should find out the price range of the sale dresses so they won’t spend time looking at gowns they can’t afford.

Informal proposal catches bride off guardBy Pamela A. KeeneFor AJC Wedding Guide

After they attended a friend’s wedding, Stephanie Hall first thought her boy-friend, Chris Jett, was ask-ing hypothetically when he brought up the subject of marriage.

“It took me a week to real-ize that he was serious, because he didn’t have a ring and we were just talking,” said the new bride. “When he asked me about a week later if he could start referring to me as his fiancée, I knew he was serious. I guess it’s not a very romantic engagement story, but more of a comedy.”

She got the ring soon after that, and romance quickly took center stage as the couple began to plan their wedding.

Their June 23 ceremony at Callanwolde Fine Arts Cen-ter included 24 attendants, a lavish, sit-down dinner for 150 guests, and a getaway in a vintage 1968 silver-and-gray, two-toned Daimler Princess.

The 11 months of plan-ning the nuptials went fairly smoothly, Hall Jett said. She booked Callanwolde Fine Arts Center last November, after her parents came to visit from Baltimore. By then she had already found her dream gown at David’s Bridal: a strapless A-line dress in ivory and cham-pagne. Her attendants’ gowns were ivory or champagne, ac-cented with hot pink, red and ivory bouquets.

The couple hired wedding and event planner Georgette Lake to assist them with de-tails.

“It was a huge help to have Georgette working with us,” she said. “There were so many details to handle and she knew just what to do.”

The initial budget was $15,000. But after meeting with Lake and the staff at Cal-lanwolde, the couple realized there were many items they hadn’t considered.

“As time went on we found that there were things we didn’t think about at first, such as chair rental for the recep-tion and wedding favors.”

INSIDE ATLANTA WEDDINGS / STEPHANIE HALL AND CHRIS JETT

THE DETAILS

Photos courtesy of McGovern PhotographyThe happy couple pose on the main staircase at Callanwolde Fine Arts Center in Atlanta.

Date: June 23, 2007

Flowers: On Bended Knee

Photography: McGovern Photography

Wedding and groom’s cakes: Unforgettable Wedding Cakes by Ramona

Venue: Callanwolde Fine Arts Center

Catering: For You Catering

Dress: David’s Bridal

Entertainment: Suite 103 Jazz Combo

Wedding planner: Georgette Lake, My Special Events

Hall and Jett left the reception in a 1968 vintage Daimler Princess.

The couple had help from their families and ended up spending $23,000.

Chris and Stephanie wanted to include their chil-

dren in the ceremony. Their daughters (he has two, she has one) served as attendants. The couple has a 1-year-old son.

“We both had children

from previous relationships, so it was important to us that we recognize that it would be more than the two of us creat-ing a family together,” Chris said. “We’re one big family now.”

The wedding didn’t start on time, but Chris said he wasn’t concerned.

“I knew that she would be here.”

It turned out that Stephanie had planned a day at a hair and nail salon for all her atten-dants, but the appointments ran longer than expected.

“We were supposed to start the wedding at 5:30 but it was about 7 before the ceremony started,” she said. “Georgette suggested that we start with the cocktail reception, to be flex-ible, and the 150 or so guests didn’t mind at all.”

At the reception, the couple gave each adult guest a lottery ticket with a card that said, “Good luck and riches to the new Mr. and Mrs.”

Although no one won big cash, she said that lots of people won $5 or $10 with the scratch-off tickets.

Chris’ favorite memory of the wedding was his first dance with his new wife.

“We danced to “Misty”[by Johnny Mathis], and it was absolutely perfect,” he said.

They left the reception in the vintage Daimler Prin-cess, rented for the day by his grandfather as a wedding gift.

They honeymooned in Aruba and recently returned to Atlanta, where he works for Colgate-Palmolive and she’s a medical office manager.

Wedding registry options limitlessBy Karon WarrenFor AJC Wedding Guide

Wedding registries offer couples a welcome respite from the tedious details of planning the big day. After all, there’s nothing more fun than creating a wish list of gifts. So, what are they choosing?

From the kitchen to the garage, there are options for every room of the house. Cookware tops many registry lists, includ-ing Macy’s, according to Sylvia Booker of Macy’s Bridal Registry.

But since grooms often participate in the selections, those lists have expanded to include nontraditional choices.

At J.C. Penney, grooms have picked

MACY’S J.C. PENNEY HOME DEPOT B.D. JEFFRIES TARGET

Cookware

Coffeemakers by cooks

Toro super blower vac

Stanley three-piece pliers sets

William Yeoward crystal

Arte Italica dinnerware

13-piece hard anodized cookware set by cooks

KitchenAid Artisan stand mixers

Cutlery

Bath towels

China Napa Home & Garden’s rattan line

Kitchen hardware

RIDGID 12-gallon, 5 peak HP wet/dry vacs

Deborah Rhodes linens and place mats

Husky three-piece adjustable wrench sets

Digital picture frames

Fiskars PowerGear hedge shears

High Country Arts’ antler-handled flatware and steak knives

Furio five-piece TV tray table sets

Chefmate nonstick five-piece bakeware sets

Furio Blue Flare glassware 12-piece sets

Eddie Bauer Alpental sport dome four-person tents

Rival oval programmable stainless steelCrock-Pots (5.5 qt.)

Bath towels

items to help entertain guests, such as wine refrigerators or the Margarator (for making margaritas), said spokes-woman Kate Parkhouse.

In addition, couples are expand-ing registries to include items that can be used throughout the home, such as crystal at B.D. Jeffries.

“The beauty, elegance and appeal of William Yeoward crystal is what makes it one of the most popular gift selections,” said Emily Holland, the store’s bridal consultant.

With 79 percent of grooms helping to select items at Target’s Club Wedd, registry lists are evolving, said spokes-man Joshua Thomas. “Because of this,

Target is seeing an increase in couples registering for electronics and adven-ture gear.”

Similarly, Home Depot’s wedding registries reflect the groom’s influence.

“A newly married couple is setting up their home and needs the basics for their tool box for everyday projects around the house,” said Jean Niemi, senior manager of corporate communi-cations.

Whether couples ask for cookware or the latest power tools, they’re finding that their wedding registry choices are virtually unlimited. Here is a sampling of what many are choosing at some local wedding registries.

Place your bets on magical reception entertainmentBy Shar PetersFor AJC Wedding Guide

Pick a card, place your bets — yours can be the magical wedding reception of your dreams and an unforgettable event for all of your lucky guests.

Receptions are limited only by the imagination. And many couples are putting their heads together to come up ways to combine the tradition-al and the unconventional.

Imagine a wedding recep-tion where your guests can enjoy the excitement of sophis-ticated Las Vegas-style gaming. Or envision your guests enter-ing a surreal world as they witness tableside magic acts. A comedian can lighten up the crowd before they begin danc-ing to a traditional band or DJ. And anything goes.

“Many times, [after] a wed-ding, guests must wait for the bridal party to arrive before the reception can begin,” said magician and entertainer Rick

Courtesy of Rick HinzeMagician Rick Hinze goes table-to-table performing tricks at wedding receptions. “Most people love it . . . They begin talking to each other and questioning how I can do the things I do,” he said.

Hinze of Jonesboro. “This is where I step in. I fill the time void and bring people to-gether with some magic tricks. Most people love it. I enter-tain and captivate them while they’re waiting. They begin

talking to each other and questioning how I can do the things I do.”

Hinze said that entertain-ing at a wedding reception requires a special approach.

“The bride must always

remain the focus of the recep-tion, so when she appears, I may do a short cabaret show that involves the bride and groom and then fade into the background. Or I may turn the entertainment entirely over to the band or DJ.

“In some instances, the bridal couple will want me to stay and entertain the children in another room. For a brief time, I bring magic to their magical day.”

Jim Chase of All-Star Enter-tainment in Atlanta bets that guests want to see a little more action at the reception. That’s where his Atlanta Casino Events comes into play, so to speak.

“I think people are getting tired of the same thing at every wedding reception they go to, and if you just have a DJ, how much can you change? It’s basically the same music and program.”

Chase, who also is a DJ, merges the reception and gaming environments by plac-ing a casino setup around the

perimeter of the dance floor. After the customary wedding dances, bouquet tosses and cake cutting, the music and dancing continue, but guests can also try their luck at the gaming tables, he said.

“Guests are given play mon-ey when they arrive for the reception. We can personalize the money with pictures of the bride and groom on the bills.” Chase adds that, in some cases, the bridal party provides prizes at the end of the evening for the best money winners.

It keeps people around for the entire reception and encourages them to interact, Chase said.

“They have a great time. I had one groom tell me that his was the only reception he had been to where no one sat down.”

Chase noted that the casino theme at wedding receptions is more popular in the Northeast than here in the Bible Belt. “I’m confident it will become more accepted here, in time. It’s an up-and-coming thing.”

Glisten up!Photos by BARRY WILLIAMS/Special

Dance the night away in Oscar de la Renta’s white sequined embroidered gown with tulle skirt (above), $7,950, www.oscardelarenta.com. Toby Rhinehart uses yellow and white diamonds to punctuate the 18-karat white gold jewelry. Jeweled wedding bouquet by Fuji Floral Design. Shoes by Stuart Weitzman. Details at right.

Photographed at the Fox Theatre

Beaded, embroidered tulle over satin defines the mermaid gown, $3,200, by Enzoani, www.enzoani.com. Handmade, sterling silver beaded necklace and earrings by JazminTea, www.jazmintea.com.

By Rebecca Little/rlittle@ajc.com

Pass the binoculars, roll out the red carpet and call the paparrazi. It’s time for the Main Event — your wedding, that is.

Hollywood celeb you may not be, but A-list Atlanta starlet is certainly within your reach. Get there with a showstopping gown adorned with just the right embellishments to keep the limelight, and all eyes, on you. Intricate beading, sequins, crystals, pearls or glittery threads will lend extra sparkle to your walk down the

aisle — and enhance your star power. Fabulous.

➤ Platinum for Priscilla of Boston fit-to-flare gown in silk satin with hand-pleated neckline, embroidered trim straps and back train detail, $5,200, at Priscilla of Boston, 404-760-9800.➤ Macy’s 14-karat white gold jewelry:1.9-carat bridal ring set, $4,999; .5-carat diamond star necklace, $940; 2-carat diamond bracelet, $4,150.➤ Fuji Floral Design bouquet: Chocolate cymbidium orchids, orange roses, berzelia, gold leucadendron, accented with robellini and lemon leaf foliage.

➤ Toby Rhinehart jewelry, at Jewelry Artisans, 770-393-0321. Ring: 2.66-carat yellow cushion-cut diamond in Toby Rhinehart 18-karat white gold-and-diamond setting. Necklace: 1-carat diamond bezel-set solitaire surrounded by diamond pavé, with diamond-bezel chain. Bracelet: 1.61-carat paisley link in 18-karat white gold. Earrings: 4.11-carat yellow and white diamonds in 18-karat white gold.➤Bouquet by Fuji Floral Design, 404-881-0363: Red roses, cockscomb and gems accented with ranunculus and lemon leaf foliage.➤ Silver strappy stilettos with crystals, $450, at Stuart Weitzman Lenox Square, 404-846-0101.

Gallery

Kenneth Pool

Casablanca Bridal

David’s Bridal

David’s Bridal lace illusion halter trumpet with Swiss dot tulle overlay, crystal embellishment and Watteau train. Available in white or ivory. $599 to $649, www.davidsbridal.com.

Kenneth Pool silk-faced satin ball gown with low dropped waist and scalloped neckline. Beading adorns bodice and scalloped train. Glove button detail at back. Available in lilac mist, ivory and white. $6,700, www.kennethpool.com.

Heavy beadwork forms a swirl motif on the bodice and hemline of this satin gown by Casablanca Bridal. The sweetheart neckline also is accented with beads, and half-box pleats on the front and back of the skirt give fullness to the cathedral train. Available in white, diamond white, ivory and champagne. $800, www.casablancabridal.com.

JOIN THE PARTY➤ What’s popular for attendants, the groomand the mother of the bride?See story, Page 19

Details

On the cover (left)

R. TODD FLEEMAN/SpecialBella Dia esthetician Stephanie Davis gives a signature facial to bride Claire Culver.

➤Continued from page 2

Spa

before the wedding. They find that it’s a great thing to do together before the stress of the big day. It’s the ultimate in relaxation and helps them have fun and takes the focus off being so nervous.”

That is what led Pam Culver to book a spa party for five at Bella Dia for her daughter, Claire, the week before Claire’s Aug. 4 wedding. Her daughter basked in the calming atmosphere and attentiveness while the group enjoyed facials, massages and lunch.

“I wanted to do something small and intimate for close family and friends,” Culver said. “I knew we would be busy the week coming up to the wedding, and we needed that time together to relax and pamper ourselves, and that’s what we got. Her grandmother was there, so we had three generations. We laughed, told stories about Claire and had a great time. You walk away feeling fabulous.”

Bridal spa parties average about eight to 10 people, with some larger gather-ings bringing in more than 20 people, from the mother of the bride to the flower girls. Some spas require a mini-mum number of attendees for parties.

Bridal packages vary in price based on treatments. Services can be custom-

ized to fit individual budgets. Spa Sydell’s Spa Diva Bachelorette

Party, at $203 per person for a mini-

mum of five people, includes a 60-min-ute massage or a Sydell facial, followed by lunch and a manicure and pedicure. Facials, mani-pedis, and massages are among the most-requested services, Fer-rari said. Body polishing and airbrush tans are popular for summer weddings.

In addition to lunch or refreshments, spas also can provide decorations, pho-tography, invitations and goodie bags for patrons.

There also are couples packages for the bride and groom.

Château Élan Winery and Resort’s groom spa package includes a Chateau Swedish massage, hydrotherapy bath, gentlemen’s pedicure and gourmet spa lunch for $225.

“Anyone planning a wedding knows that it’s good any time you can plan an event that promotes relaxation, rejuve-nation and a way to get away from it all,” said Jacqueline Samples, spa group co-ordinator at Château Élan, which hosts at least one spa bridal party a month — many for brides getting married at the Braselton resort.

Before signing a contract for a spa party, be sure you understand the terms for cancellation, Samples suggested. The costs can be steep.

When reserving space to accom-modate a group, some spas require a 10-day notice of cancellation; no-shows or last-minute cancellations are charged at the full rate of service.

“Maybe there’s a storm in the North-east, flights are canceled and some of your bridesmaids can’t make it in time,” Samples said. “Read the fine print. Sometimes things happen. You have to have a Plan B.”

D’Lor, which opened about six months ago, already has hosted four bridal spa parties. The spa’s wedding package, $400 per person, offers hair, nail and makeup services as well as spa treatments for the bridal party on the day of the wedding. With locker rooms and showers available, the entire party can get dressed at the spa and take a limo to the wedding site.

“It’s great for the bride because she knows everyone is getting ready in the same place and leaving together,” said D’Lor’s Anderson. “So there’s less stress for the bride.”

If you’d rather celebrate at home, mobile spa services can bring the bridal spa party to you, with all the equipment needed for the treatments you want and the accessories — from candles to music — to transform your home into a sooth-ing, spalike retreat.

Wherever the party, spa gatherings are giving brides, their families and friends a unique way to celebrate one of life’s major milestones.

“Everyone goes out to eat, so I want-ed something different,” Culver said. “It was a nice day for Claire. It made for wonderful memories for my daughter.”

Perfect matchForget the monogrammed

towels. Traditional his and hers sets have been given a charming twist in

these bride and groom soaps from Papyrus. Soaps come in a lavender scent

for her and a eucalyptus scent for him. $14.95, at Papyrus stores.

Bug offYou don’t have to say “I do” to slippage and unwanted exposure on this joyous occasion. Take the sting out of all your wedding-fashion faux pas with Lacebugz, developed by the Atlanta-based company Bugcatcherz. Lacebugz adhesive units hold veils and corsages in place, keep bra and spaghetti straps where they belong, and provide instant tailoring for torn or temporary hems. They keep you covered and make ideal gifts for bridesmaids as well. $12-$14. Find Atlanta store locations at www.bugcatcherz.com.

Embroidered enchantment

Slip into something pretty and sweet for the special day, like

these exquisite pieces from Freya. The Lola

set comes in a rich, truffl e brown color that

is offset by delicate, light blue embroidery.

$62, Freya Lola plunge bra; $40, Lola

thong, at Intimacy and Nordstrom.

Toast of romanceUncork a little love on

your wedding day with a celebratory bottle of wine. Seduction is a Napa Valley, Bordeaux-style vintage with rich, warm fl avors and a velvet kiss. Beautifully packaged with poetic messages, it’s meant to be shared with your beloved. $36, at Windward Beverage Mart in Alpharetta and www.seductionwine.com.

Photo showCapture and share your wedding day with the Philips 7-inch digital photo frame. It shows your favorite images singly or as a slide show in vibrant, printlike quality. Adjustable brightness and a clear display keep memories picture-perfect for years to come. Stores 50 photos. Display can be set to turn on and off at preset times. $199.95, at Sharper Image stores.

fi leStyle

Don’t get married without

some of our favorite things

the

Dog down the aisleHe’s been your best friend forever; so what if he can’t be the best man? Treat your pooch to a place as “best dog” in your wedding with a St. Croix collar from Hamptons Hound Bridal. The collar is hand-beaded with gold thread on soft leather with velvet backing. $180, at Pieces and www.hamptonshound.com.

Something blue

She’s got something old,

something new and something borrowed.

Surprise the bride-to-be with a beautiful something

blue. This silver Batu Kali blue topaz bracelet is a unique

design by John Hardy. It’s sure to add the perfect bit of sparkle to her

day. $795, at Bloomingdale’s, Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue.

By Jenny Zhang/For AJC Wedding Guide

Wedding-party fashion reflectsindividual styleBy Karon WarrenFor AJC Wedding Guide

In the past, apparel for the fall wedding party usually consisted of plain, floor-length dresses and black tuxedos. But these days, the fashions can be as unique as the couples walk-ing down the aisle.

For bridesmaids, look for tea-length gowns for various times of day, regardless of tra-dition, said Lauren Williams, owner of Treasures Formals & Bridal in Roswell.

“Designers are taking the traditional and adding contemporary touches,” she said. “[The customers are] very excited about the styles coming out in rich colors and fabrics.”

Expect to see chocolate brown, orange and gold, as well as earthy green, egg-plant, champagne and deep pink. While taffeta remains a popular fabric, silk shantung is gaining favor with many designers.

“It’s a great silk fabric at a great price point that wears well,” said Mandi Jackson, owner of Bella Bridesmaid in Atlanta.

Brides have several options in dresses for their atten-dants. They might choose a color and fabric, and let their bridesmaids choose the dress style. For example, one maid might wear strapless, while another wears a tank neckline. A third might select spaghetti straps.

“They can choose a dif-ferent style to reflect their personality,” said Nicole Blair, buyer for Etain Bridal Bou-tique in Tyrone.

Shoes also are becoming more fun, Williams said. Gone are shoes dyed to match the dresses. Instead, bridesmaids are sporting strappy heels in metallic colors such as gold, silver and bronze.

“They really are ‘wear-again’ shoes,” Jackson said.

David’s BridalChocolate brown is a popular fall color for bridesmaids’ and brides’ mothers’ dresses. This two-piece, taffeta gown, for the mother of the bride, is at David’s Bridal.

Flower girls often mirror the bridesmaids’ styles. Instead of being bridal “mini-mes,” flower girls are wearing white or ivory dresses accented with sashes to match the brides-maids’ dresses.

Although the wedding day is the bride’s special day, the bride’s mother is commanding a little attention by trading in the matronly look and going for a more youthful style, in-cluding adding some color.

“They’re not wearing black anymore,” said La Raine Deve-nie, owner of La Raine’s Bou-tique in Atlanta. Some colors to look for this fall are bronze, champagne, chocolate, dark green and blue, she said.

“[The bride’s mother] is re-ally the third-most-important person on the wedding day,” said Liz Cascio, special occa-sion buyer for David’s Bridal. “She really wants to shine, too.”

The national retailer fea-tures one- and two-piece styles in taffeta or shimmery organza fabrics. Embellishments such as crystals and beading are important.

“Anything that has a little bit of glitter but is not over-the- top, adds a little extra value to the dress,” Cascio said.

Popular silhouettes include strapless styles with wraps or boleros, as well as mock two-piece dresses with 3/4-length sleeves, she said. Other interesting details on moth-ers’ dresses include feminine cutaway collars, handkerchief hemlines, high-front/low-back cuts and tea-length skirts.

Grooms also are paying at-tention to their look.

“Groom attire is a total reflection of the wedding business in general,” said Rik Ducar, owner of GroomStudio in Atlanta. Men’s apparel is more unique and personal, he said.

For example, although black continues to reign at

many weddings, color is now popping up more on the men’s side of the aisle.

“A chocolate-brown tone-on-tone stripe is very popular this fall,” said Arlene Walrath, president of Savvi Formalwear Atlanta. “It’s been awhile since we’ve seen color like this in the full suit.”

Ducar said he’s also see-ing a lot of blue/black suits in lighter fabrics. “Midnight blue is very popular,” he said. “It can be reused for work or other events.”

If the wedding is outside or at the beach, expect to see lighter colors such as tan and white in fabrics such as cotton, linen and seersucker. “A number of brands are addressing this trend and offering them year-round,” Ducar said.

Men also appreciate new styles that are easy to wear, Walrath said. “Comfort is the issue, for the most part,” so men should look for soft, fine fabrics.

Before setting the date, first check the weatherBy Jenny ZhangFor AJC Wedding Guide

The sky is a lovely shade of blue, the temperature is a balmy 82 degrees, and the late after-noon light is beautiful as the first chords of Mendelssohn’s “Wedding March” are struck and the bride steps down the grassy aisle.

By the time the sun sets, “I dos” have been exchanged and champagne is bubbling merrily in frosted glasses. It’s a perfect outdoor wedding in perfect weather.

At least, that’s what newly en-gaged Haley Mullins hopes her wedding will be. The 24-year-old Atlanta resident plans to get married outdoors at a country farm in Tallahassee next May. Thanks to the Weather Chan-nel’s Wedding Planner, her dream wedding is one weather estimate closer to becoming a reality.

“My main concern is the weather. Neither [my fiancé nor I] live in Tallahassee, so the planner is a convenient way to monitor the weather there,” she said.

Like Mullins, more people are discovering the free wed-ding-weather planner at www.weather.com/weddings, which debuted last January.

“There are many great wedding planning sites, but no other sites have the depth we have in weather,” said Randi Stipes, senior product manager for weather.com. “We combine historical weather data and climatology to make the most accurate predictions possible.”

The site gives guidelines for long-term weather-planning de-cisions and true forecasts 10 days before the wedding. But it is more than just a simple weather predictor.

Some of the planner’s features include “Set the Date,” a tool that helps couples determine when and where to get married based on typical

weather conditions; “My Wed-ding Weather,” which allows people to create a customized page; “Planning Tools and Tips,” which includes a sunset calcula-tor, flower finder and beauty advice; and “Honeymoon and Destination Wedding Planner,” which offers packing tips as well as weather outlooks.

The non-weather extras are a result of a partnership with the Knot, a leading wedding-plan-ning site, so brides can be sure they’re getting expert advice.

“We felt this content is essen-tial to have … so we could give brides a well-rounded wedding planning experience,” Stipes said.

Brides have responded well to the site’s attention to detail.

“I thought the planner was just going to be about the weather on the wedding day, but [it has] tons of stuff beyond weather. I was very impressed,” Mullins said.

She also used the site to pick her Italian honeymoon destination, but her favorite feature right now is the planner’s

outdoor wedding tips.“It listed things I didn’t

even think about, like covering candles so the wind doesn’t blow them out, or using icing on the cake that won’t melt in the sun,” Mullins said.

“I wish this was around when I got married. I would have loved to have this tool available to me,” Stipes said wistfully.

Since the site’s launch, she has helped many friends, family members and co-workers use the planner, and has seen several of them make critical decisions about their weddings based on the planner’s predictions.

However, she cautions brides against becoming too wedded to forecasts.

“Weather is one of those things you can’t control. But you can certainly plan for it and give brides some reassurance and peace of mind so they know what to expect. That’s our tag-line — providing your wedding

“Weather is one of those things you

can’t control. But you can certainly plan for it and give brides some

reassurance . . . so they know what to

expect.”RANDI STIPESWeather.com

Winners marry in styleIn early June, Hattie Farmer and Cedric Merritte were married in a joyous ceremony in her hometown of Cleveland, Ohio. As the winners of the AJC’s Great Bridal Giveaway last fall, the new Mr. and Mrs. Merritte celebrated their wedding in style. The honeymoon was already planned when they won the contest, so the Lithonia couple are taking their prize trip to Charleston’s historic Mills House this weekend.

— Pamela A. Keene

Photos courtesy of Richard A. MaxeySharing secrets: It’s offi cial, and the marriage license proves it for Hattie and Cedric Merritte. They live in Lithonia.

Lilac, lavender and lace: The new couple proudly show off their rings against Hattie’s

lilac, lavender and lace bouquet.

Three tiers for a happy future: The traditional three-tiered round wedding cake was decorated in shades of the wedding colors — lilac and lavender — and topped with silk morning glories.

Congratulations to Lauren Taylor of Decatur, winner of the Spring 2007 AJC Great Bridal Giveaway. Taylor’s prizes include:

➤ A Lila Couture wedding dress valued up to $2,000➤ A $500 discount on a re-hearsal dinner at Carl House➤ $500 to $2,600 off the cost of the wedding ceremony and reception venue from Merle

YOU COULD BE A WINNER

Manders Conference Center➤ A bridal luncheon from Mc-Cormick & Schmick’s, valued at $250➤ A $500 gift certifi cate from Hill Street Warehouse

For information on entering the next AJC Great Bridal Giveaway, see the ad in this section or go to www.ajc.com/celebrations.Deadline is Sept. 16.

AJC GREAT BRIDAL GIVEAWAY

Chocolate: the sweet treat guests will savorBy Pamela A. KeeneFor AJC Wedding Guide

Chocolate calms the nerves, soothes the spirit and can be good for your health. Some say it’s also an aphrodisiac. But for most, it’s the most romantic candy gift in the world. That may explain why chocolate — whether slathered over strawberries or cascading out of a fountain — makes such a big splash at weddings.

“It’s all about making the reception fun and super sweet,” said Sheri John-son, owner of Atlanta Chocolate Co. in Cumming. “Having a chocolate fountain or two is also a great way to get guests to interact. It creates a conversation area.”

The most popular fountains virtually ooze with milk chocolate, suitable for dipping marshmallows, bits of sliced fruit or cookies.

“Dark chocolate is the next most popular choice, and we’re really getting a lot of requests for caramel for dipping fruit, especially apples,” Johnson said. “People just love chocolate, and the foun-tains make it really fun.”

Atlanta Chocolate Co., which also makes corporate gifts, can stamp the couple’s names, wedding date or a mean-ingful phrase onto the candy.

Photos by R. TODD FLEEMAN/SpecialSusie Hubbell, owner of Miss Scarlet’s Chocolat Emporium, takes chocolate out of molds in her kitchen.

Chocolate molded into shapes such as the bride and groom are popular wedding favors at Miss Scarlet’s Chocolat Emporium in Acworth.

For an even more personalized touch, Schott Chocolate Images of Alpharetta can imprint color photographs onto planks of chocolate.

“We’ve got a very specialized laser printer that uses food coloring to imprint a four-color, [high-resolution] image onto a piece of chocolate,” said Holly Schott, owner of the company. “I can [use] Photoshop to add words or a mes-sage.”

The candy can be used as wedding

favors featuring the couple’s engagement photo, or as part of centerpieces on re-ception tables. Schott also sells three sizes of heart-shaped chocolate lollipops that can be used in floral arrangements.

“Edible heart-shaped boxes con-taining truffles are wonderful gifts for out-of-town guests in their hotel rooms,” Schott said. “They’re also a great gift for members of the wedding party. We can even personalize each truffle.”

Susie Hubbell, owner of Miss Scar-let’s Chocolat Emporium in Acworth, creates handmade sweets, including hand-dipped chocolate strawberries and individually crafted truffles.

“Chocolate molded into the shapes of brides and grooms or wedding cakes make great wedding favors,” Hubbell said. “I also do a business-card plaque of chocolate that says, ‘And two shall become one.’ That’s very popular.”

Hubbell recently worked with a bride who wanted to give her out-of-town guests chocolates in the shape of Georgia and peaches. “We used white chocolate, and I hand-painted every one of them. Everything in my shop is handmade.”

Miss Scarlet’s also hosts bridesmaids’ luncheons and parties before the wed-ding. “Chocolate is great for your health, especially dark chocolate, because it has antioxidants. But it also raises serotonin levels, which makes you happy,” Hub-bell said. “Having something chocolate at a wedding is essential. And just about everyone loves chocolate.”

Wedding favors reflectcouples’ interests, styleBy Shar PetersFor AJC Wedding Guide

The age-old European tradition of presenting wed-ding guests with a small gift has become increasingly popular in the United States. Early wed-ding favors ranged from lavish traditional porcelain or crystal trinket boxes to elegantly wrapped Jordan almonds signi-fying fertility, longevity, wealth and happiness.

Today, wedding favors have reached new heights of person-al creativity and style, limited only by imagination, personal taste and budget. They can be expensive or cheap, with endless options for themes and packaging.

“We can recommend gifts that reflect any aspect of the wedding couple and their interests,” said Tanya Sola of LaBelle Weddings in Duluth. “We can package most gifts to coordinate with the theme, the colors and the flowers used in

Photos courtesy of LaBelle WeddingsCouples planning a destination wedding on a beach may choose beach-chair place cards as favors for guests.

the wedding.”How do you choose an

appropriate wedding favor? Leigh Zarelli, vice president of merchandising for gifts.com, said couples should select fa-

Edible treats, such as these at LaBelle Weddings, can be creatively packaged.

theme. It was evident to her guests that she made an extra effort to give them something special.”

Edible gifts are always welcome and can be creatively packaged. You can choose gourmet candy in engraved pewter boxes, personalized tins of mints, mini-boxes of truffles, or festively tied bags of color-customized M&M’s.

If the bride and groom are coffee or tea lovers, person-alized packages of gourmet coffee and tea or engraved cof-fee scoops are nice gifts, Sola said. Heart-shaped measuring spoons, ice cream scoops and bottle openers are also unique favors.

Some couples give differ-ent favors to male and female guests, Zarelli said. The men may get engraved cigar cut-ters, golf balls or key chains, while the women may receive a packaged jar of lotion, lip balm or shower gel. Wine stoppers, pouring spouts and candles are all practical gifts that can be engraved or personalized.

A small picture frame is also a nice gift.

“When you send your thank-you notes, you can include a wedding photo [guests] can place in the frame,” Zarelli said. “This is something that they can display that will be a nice reminder of you and your wedding day.”

vors that are practical and that will be used or enjoyed.

Household items such as ice cream scoops, spreaders, and coasters are popular, as are gourmet treats like cookies or candies.

Zarelli cautions brides to stay within their budgets. Since giving favors is optional, it’s better to forgo the gift than to give something guests will throw away after the event.

“It’s best to give them some-thing they will keep or enjoy.”

Select favors that say some-thing about the couple, Zarelli suggested. Golfers could give personalized golf balls and tees. Sailors can give sailboat-shaped soaps, while gardeners may pick themed seed pack-ages or flower bulbs.

“One bride was known for making delicious jam so she filled small jars with her signature homemade jam,” Sola said. “We then helped her label and package the jars to coordinate with her wedding

NORTH Atlanta’s Town & Country

Chapel, 2871 Cherokee St., Kennesaw. Weddings and

receptions. This Victorian church is accented with a steeple, stained-glass windows, garden with fountain and trellis and an

outdoor patio. Holds 200 for wedding and reception, 75 for sit-down dinner. Package prices vary. Must use on-site caterer. Packages

654-5405, www.braselton-stoverhouse.com.

Brookstone Golf & Country Club, 5705 Brookstone Drive, Acworth. Weddings, receptions, rehearsal dinners, showers and golf outings. On an 18-hole golf course in the woodlands of west Cobb County, this facility features a grand ballroom, covered veranda and wooden dance floor. Holds 300 for reception, 150 for sit-down dinner. Fees: $700 to $1,000. Must use on-site caterer. Catering prices range from $30 to $125 per person. 770-425-8500.

Brumby Hall, 500 Powder Springs St., Marietta. Weddings (indoor and garden) and receptions. Built in the 1850s, this Greek Revival home is fully furnished with period antiques and surrounded by formal gardens. Holds 120 for reception, 70 for sit-down dinner. Fee: $700. Must use on-site caterer. $75 to $130 per person includes food, bar service, cake, champagne toast, suite for bride and groom and white-glove service. Sales office, 678-819-3216, www.brumbyhall.com.

Cedar Plantation, 4610 Northside Drive, Acworth. Weddings (indoor and garden) and receptions. Built in 1850, this mansion sits on four acres with gardens and a huge magnolia tree and has 28-foot ceilings, a large chandelier and a grand staircase. Holds 300 for reception, 125 for sit-down dinner. Fees: $7,000 to $16,000. Includes catering, cake, flowers, music, servers and facility fee. Must use on-site caterer. 770-917-0067, www.weddingsatlanta.org.

Château Élan Winery & Resort, 100 Rue Charlemagne,

WEDDING AND RECEPTION SITES

may include catering, cake, minister, musicians, decorative accents, photography and more. 770-429-1177, www.atlantaweddingchapel.com.

The Atrium, 139 Norcross Tucker Road, Norcross. Weddings (indoor and garden), receptions and rehearsal dinners. Two-story glass ballroom in neo-classic design holds 185 for reception, 120 for sit-down dinner. Prices vary. Hors d’oeuvres start at $23.95 per person, dinners at $28.95. 770-263-7669, www.the-atrium.com.

Braselton-Stover House, 5257 Ga. 53, Braselton. Weddings, receptions and rehearsal dinners. This historic Southern home, circa 1916, has a wraparound porch and sits on two acres. Accommodates 75 inside, 150 outside. Outside space accommodates a tent for up to 200 guests. Fees: $1,000 to $1,675 on weekends. Any caterer welcome; preferred caterer list available. Plenty of parking. 706-

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range from $29.95 to $50 per person. Guest accommodations and honeymoon cabins on property. 770-534-3244, www.forresthillsresort.com.

Founder’s Hall, 1076 Canton St., Roswell. Weddings, receptions and dinners. This historic property in the heart of Roswell features several parlors, as well as a main ballroom. Holds 300 for reception, 200 for sit-down dinner. Must use on-site caterer. Fees: $200 to $1,500. 770-992-4120, www.roswellfoundershall.com.

The Gardens at Great Oaks, 786 Mimosa Blvd., Roswell. Weddings (tented and garden), receptions and rehearsal dinners. This 1842 historic brick home has three acres of picturesque gardens and a ballroom with hardwood floors and sparkling antique chandelier. Holds up to 300 for ceremonies and receptions, 100 for sit-down dinner. Facility fees $1,500-

$3,000. Preferred caterer list available. 770-693-6010, www.historicgreatoaks.com.

Gwinnett Historic Courthouse, 185 W. Crogan St., Lawrenceville. Weddings and receptions. On the downtown square in Lawrenceville, this renovated 1885 building includes a large lawn,

gazebo and original exterior balcony. Holds 50 to 150 for reception, 150 for buffet, 200 for seated event. Prices vary with event and space used. Includes caterer’s kitchen, tables, chairs and setup. Must provide

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Brenda Winn/SpecialVecoma at the Yellow River in Gwinnett County was voted one of the top five wedding venues in Georgia by The Knot.

Braselton. Weddings (indoor or outdoor), receptions and rehearsal dinners. Reminiscent of a French country inn, this full-service resort and winery features two grand ballrooms, 19 conference rooms and an auditorium for 60. Holds 360 for reception and sit-down dinner. Package prices vary. Must use on-site caterer. Wedding packages include choice of menu, overnight accommodations for bride and groom (100 or more guests), open bar service, dance floor and linen selection. Can assist in arranging floral and room decorations, customized carvings and photography. Catering office, 678-425-0900, www.chateauelan.com.

Church Street Tea Garden, 119 W. Church St., Cartersville. Perfect for bridal luncheons, rehearsal dinners, weddings and receptions. Holds 85 standing, 65 sit-down. Fees vary with event. Must use on-site caterer. May bring alcohol. 678-721-5025.

Featherstones at BridgeMill, 1190 BridgeMill Ave., Canton. Weddings and receptions. This tavern restaurant features a large bar, stone fireplace and expansive event lawn. Holds 200 for reception, 150 for sit-down dinner. Fees range from $14 to $35 per person for seated dinners. Will provide food, beverages, china, linens, tables, chairs, servers, setup and cleanup. Must use on-site caterer. 770-345-5500, ext. 2, www.bridgemillathleticclub.com.

Flint Hill, 539 S. Peachtree St., Norcross. Weddings (indoor and garden), receptions and rehearsal dinners. This 1835 home has eight rooms with fireplaces. Ballroom holds 400 for reception, 185 for sit-down dinner. Prices vary. Hors d’oeuvres start at $25.95 per person, dinners at $28.95. 770-263-7669, www.flinthill.com.

Forrest Hills Resort, 135 Forrest Hills Road, Dahlonega. Two beautiful wedding gazebos, plus chapel for indoor ceremonies or weather-related backup, in

the North Georgia mountains. One hour from Ga. 400/Hwy 285. Four unique reception halls. Complete, affordable wedding and reception

packages include full-time wedding coordinator, ceremony with horse-drawn carriage, reception with choice of menu, wedding

cake, linens, table settings and more. Available for 25 to 200 guests. Packages

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caterer, beverage service and linens. 770-822-5450, www.gwinnettparks.com.

Historic Naylor Hall, 1121 Canton St., Roswell. Weddings, receptions and rehearsal dinners. Built in the late 1840s, this home features six large white columns in front and a large ballroom with chandeliers in back. Holds 300 for reception, 120 for sit-down dinner. Fees: $500 to $2,400. Choose from list of preferred caterers. Available wedding packages include catering, cake, music, flowers, photography and minister. 770-642-9409, www.naylorhall.com.

Jacqueline Casey Hudgens Center for the Arts, 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Building 300, Duluth. Weddings, receptions and rehearsal dinners. On the grounds with the Gwinnett Center, the new Grand Hall features a tiled promenade. Sculpture garden with reflecting pool and fountain available for garden ceremonies. Holds 400 for standing reception, 250 for sit-down dinner. Fee: $3,500 (Grand Hall). May bring in caterer. Tables and chairs are available. Fully equipped kitchen available. 770-623-6002, www.artsgwinnett.org.

Little Gardens, 3571 Lawrenceville Highway N.W., Lawrenceville. Weddings (indoor and garden) and receptions. Colonial-style mansion features six columns, front porch, waterfall garden, marble

fireplaces, hardwood floors and chandeliers. Holds 300 for reception, 160 for sit-down dinner. Package prices vary. Must use on-site catering. Available packages include catering, beverages, linens, china, arrangements, wait staff, setup and cleanup. Catering office, 770-923-3434, www.littlegardens.com.

Marietta Conference Center & Resort, 500 Powder Springs St., Marietta. Weddings (indoor and garden) and receptions. Choose from a formal ballroom, gardens or Brumby Hall. Ballroom holds 400 for reception, 350 for sit-down dinner. Fees: $75 to $130 per person includes food, bar service, cake, champagne toast, suite for bride and groom, and white-glove service. Must use on-site caterer. Sales office, 678-819-3216, www.mariettaresort.com.

Marietta Educational Garden Center, 505 Kennesaw Ave., Marietta. Weddings (indoor and garden) and receptions. This restored home, dating from 1852 and furnished with antiques, features gardens and a gazebo. Holds 250 for reception, 100 for sit-down dinner. Fees: $800 to $2,000. Includes some tables and chairs and use of the center from 7:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Must use licensed caterer of your choosing. Kitchen available. 770-427-3494, www.mariettagardencenter.com.

Marlow House, 192 Church St., Marietta. Weddings (indoor or courtyard) and receptions.

WEDDING AND RECEPTION SITES

This 1887 Victorian home features a grand entrance with a winding staircase. Holds 250 for reception, 125 for sit-down dinner. Fees:

Packages from $1,000 to $15,200 may include caterer, photographer, minister, flowers, tables, wedding cake, videographer and live

music. Space only: $2,200 to $4,500. 770-426-1887,

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www.marlowhouse.com.

Olde Towne Athletic Club 4950 Olde Towne Parkway, Marietta. Full clubhouse and tented ballroom. Holds 550 guests. Receptions and rehearsal dinners. Prices vary depending on the date and time. Daytime buffet begins at $28 per person, evening buffets start at $33.50 per person. For more information please visit www.otac.net or call 770-578-9901, ext. 303.

Primrose Cottage, 674 Mimosa Blvd., Roswell. Weddings (indoor and garden), receptions and rehearsal dinners. Dating to 1839, this home was built by Roswell

King, founder of Roswell. The glass-enclosed ballroom overlooks a garden and holds 300 for ceremony and reception, seats up to 250 for sit-down dinner. Prices vary. Daytime reception buffets begin at $26.95 per person, dinners start at $29.95. 770-594-2299, www.primrosecottage.com.

Stanley House Inn, 236 Church St., Marietta. Weddings and receptions (courtyard or indoor ceremonies). This 1895 Victorian house has four available guest rooms. Holds 150 for reception, 85 for sit-down dinner. Fees: $4,000 to $11,000 for complete packages. Must use on-site caterer. Includes catering, cake, flowers,

music and photography. 770-426-1881, www.thestanleyhouse.com.

Tea Leaves & Thyme, 8990 Main St., Woodstock. Receptions, rehearsal dinners, bridesmaids luncheons and bridal teas in the historic Dawson home, built in 1908. Holds 100 for standing receptions, 70 for sit-down dinners. Full dinner menu available. Dinner service, $22 to $25 per person; tea receptions average $18 per person. Must use on-site caterer; may bring in bar service. 770-516-2609, www.tealeavesandthyme. com.

Towne Lake Hills Golf Club, 1003 Towne Lake Hills East,

Woodstock. Weddings, receptions, rehearsal dinners and bridal showers. This bright and airy clubhouse overlooks the 18th green. Holds 175 for reception, 120 for sit-down dinner. Fees vary based on event. Will provide food, beverages, china, linens, tables, chairs, servers, setup and cleanup. Must use on-site caterer. 770-926-6097, ext. 2, rob.vanleer@hmsgolf.com, www.townelakehillsgc.com.

Vecoma at the Yellow River, 4400 Vecoma Lane, Snellville. Weddings and receptions (indoor or outdoor). The riverside lodge features a great hall with a stone fireplace, cathedral ceilings and French doors that

open to an expansive deck overlooking the river. Great hall holds 320 guests. Prices vary. Discounts for Friday night and Sunday events. Must use on-site catering and beverages. 770-972-6540, www.vecoma1.com.

The Whitlock Inn, 57 Whitlock Ave., Marietta. Weddings (indoor and garden), receptions and rehearsal dinners. Built in 1900, this Victorian mansion is in the heart of historic Marietta. Grand ballroom holds 50 to 400 people for receptions, 150 for sit-down dinner. Fees: $5,000 to $15,000. 770-428-1495, www.whitlockinn.com.

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