Kathleen & Josh 9.7.19

Kathleen & Josh

Saturday, September 7, 2019
The Ruins at Kellum Valley
Cleveland, GA

Our Planning Time Together

Kat and I started planning together just a few weeks before the wedding. Kat actually went to high school with my husband, Alex, so we were both super excited when she called and asked if I could help tie up the loose ends of wedding planning. We jumped in immediately and took the “last minute details” stress off her shoulders!

Wedding Day

On wedding day Kat wore a gorgeous, fitted, lace gown with dainty beaded straps. The back also had some amazing beaded illusion work. She wore her hair pulled back into a loose up-do with some pieces framing her face. Her veil swept the floor and added the perfect bridal aspect to her look. The bridesmaids wore long, burgundy gowns with various necklines. The bouquets featured deep burgundy blooms, ivory roses, and lots of eucalyptus. Kat’s bouquet was the star of the show with Burgundy Scabiosa, a Queen Protea bloom, ivory roses, and various greenery

The groomsmen wore stunning navy blue suites and sported ivory rose bloom boutonnieres. Josh put a little bit of a different spin on his look by adding a navy vest under his jacket.

The guys got ready for the day at a nearby Airbnb, while the girls got to spend all morning getting ready together in the bridal suite onsite. They had food brought in and shared a few champagne toasts together while they were pampered.

Getting Ready & First Looks

Once hair and makeup was complete, it was time for Kat to put on her dress. After her mom and sister helped her button up the back, it was time to show the rest of the girls her bridal attire. The bridesmaids gathered together in the common area outside of the bridal suite and when the doors finally opened, their expressions were priceless.

After the girls snapped a few pictures together, it was time for Kat’s first look with her dad. Mr. Johnson stood with his back toward Kat and when she tapped him on the shoulder and he turned around, his reaction could’ve melted anyone’s heart.

Finally, it was time for Kat & Josh’s blind letter reading. With their backs against adjacent walls on the front porch, the held hands and read the letters they had written one another. There were laughs and also a few sweet tears. It was a moment I’m sure neither one of them will ever forget.

The Ceremony

The ceremony took place on the steps of the old ruins in the backyard of their venue, The Ruins at Kellum Valley. The scene honestly looked like we were on the steps of a fallen castle in Ireland, fully loaded with lush greenery all around. Very little decor was needed with this backdrop – simply set a serious of ivory column candles on the last few steps of the ruins on either side of Kat & Josh.

After the parents and grandparents were seated, Josh and the officiant took their place up front. The groomsmen and bridesmaids then entered, and finally, as the guests rose to their feet while Kat and her dad walked up the path to the aisle. Josh’s expression when he saw Kat was so precious.

After the ceremony, guests enjoyed cocktail hour around the pool area while enjoying the mountains in the background.

During cocktail hour, our team, alongside the venue and catering team, put the finishing touches on the reception area within the ruins. Dinner tables were topped with white linens and the centerpieces were a collection of hand-stamped books, antique, gold candle vases, small floral arrangements and calligraphy table numbers. The wedding party had their own head table that was placed perfectly under the ruins of the fireplace.

Dinner

After cocktail hour and formal pictures came to an end, the guests made their way to the guest tables to find their seats. The wedding party was introduced and Kat & Josh enjoyed their first dance to “Keeping Score” by Dan & Shay. The father-daughter and mother-son dances flowed nicely after and were both serious tear-jerkers. The pastor blessed the food, and dinner was served.

The Reception & Party

While guests were finishing dinner, toasts were made by both of Josh’s Best Men, Kat’s sister and Maid of Honor, and Kat’s dad, Mr. Johnson. Post-toasts was the perfect time to cut into their absolutely show-stopping cake.

After the wedding cake, the dance floor was officially opened and the crowd danced and sang their hearts out. The party was definitely elevated by the glow sticks and saxophone player that accompanied the DJ!

When it was time for sendoff, everyone made two lines directly off of the front steps of the house and lit their sparklers. Once Kat & Josh opened the front door to run through the sparklers, Josh saw the surprise Kat had been planning for him for months : a vintage get away car. He was SO excited.

It was SUCH a fun day and one that will stick with us for many years to come!

Congratulations to Kat & Josh!