A Fantastical Floral Open Arch Is Just The Start Of This Fairytale Day at this Historical Venue in Atlanta, Georgia

If old world venues and botanical style is your thing, prepare to be in awe. A grand foraged open arbor to highlight the best kept secret in downtown Atlanta is just the start of a lot of pretty centered around the often overlooked courtyard at the Swan House.  Marrying European old-world details with modern-refined elements makes way for stunning golden toned floral inspiration captured by Ash Simmons Photography, stylist Real Gore and a stunning wedding dress by Reem Acra.

Just when I thought venues couldn't get any prettier, a few years ago my dear flower-friend Debbie Moore Herzig invited me to lunch at the Swan Coach House (photo above).  I was in town for a few weeks when my son attended Summer Adventures Camp at The Schenck School. Without knowing I would one day live in Atlanta, I remember talking to Debbie about flowers, dyslexia, succulents, Pottery Barn, Statesboro, Woodward Academy, the Allman Brothers, Tedeschi Trucks and her daughter, Allison. And being captivated by the architecture and gardens around me --thinking this would be the most magical place to work florals. 

Those few weeks went so well for my children. I moved to Atlanta a few years later. Literally within the first days I was approached with work that I intended to decline for I hadn't moved for my career in floristry. But friends, as soon as I came across the vision board for this hidden nook at the Atlanta History Center, I was immediately taken by the soft elegance and tender warmth that I knew the season naturally brings this time of year to this place I now call home, the same place I dreamt of creating florals upon those many days before at lunch with Debbie. So, I accepted the project with a very happy, yes! 

Check it out below to get lost in the enchantment. It's complete with a jaw droopingly beautiful cake brought in all the way from Vanilla and the Bean and honestly, the most unique ceremony floral gate I have ever been able to make (thanks to my husband, Brian) and at my favorite hidden spot in the South  It just doesn't get better than this, people!! 

I'm in love!  

Yours Truly, 

CGH

The color palette—white, ivory, pink, blush with hints of seasonally sourced foraged greens and yellows allows the designs to be intimately uncontrived, not fussy or overdone. Like, I like! 

 

 

Nice Paper

Just one look at the paper from this Atlanta wedding and you know it.  Dreams really do come true. The Vintage Inkwell created a fairytale, fine art collection of paper goods that compliment everything from the ethereal floral bouquet to the foraged garden entry way to the rose filled table centerpieces. 

  

Luxury Car 

There is a wonderfully restored obsolete car that's always parked outside of the Swan House. My grandfather, a Georgia Tech graduate, moved from Atlanta to South Georgia soon after graduation and opened an obsolete car business to support his family. I have fond memories of that place down in Nashville, Georgia. I have always loved the timeless, whimsical touch of a vintage vehicle. It brings back great memories and adds a hint of joy. 

Garden Variety Floral Installation

When the planner described the vintage, garden-style look she was striving for, we dreamt of a very romantic open-top arch to compliment the surrounding landscape and architecture of the house, gardens, and courtyard. 

It was important for me to respect the honesty of the season and give the affair a true sense of time and place. The once neutral tone and almost solid palette was infused with bright yellow and oranges and greens in ways that though unexpected and unplanned, I believe turned out very pretty. 

The romance captured in Ash Simmon's imagery has me falling in love with love. Her talent with film gives a closer look at the magic.