Ryan and I chose our venue eight months ago. We found it by accident – literally! – and was the only spot we visited before saying “THIS IS IT.” In reality, it sparked off a chain of events that seemed almost like fate: finding our planner who is friends with the owner of the farm who in turn is good friends with our photographer we hired prior to getting the planner, and in the end we may wind up with both of those ladies’s favorite florist and event designer. The farm has a lot of character, but there’s a hint of magic afoot there. Swear. We went through nine photographer interviews before choosing one and somehow she’s connected to someone connected to the farm? Yeah, definitely magic.
We were excited about an open house at the farm over the weekend so we took the chance to go back and explore it on our own. We discovered all sorts of adorable nooks and crannies that were once hidden behind big, bushy trees. With the leaves gone, we discovered a driftwood bench, a lovely picnic area, and a beautiful spot down by the lake. Of course I prefer lush foliage so it was a little hard to imagine my set up, but finding those special spots was a real treat that we’ve earmarked for photos. So cute. :)
We took a lot of pictures so here’s some of the place! It’s called Fair Weather Farms and it’s out in Monroe, Georgia. Super cute, the family is crazy friendly and honest, and the farm next door has the sweetest donkeys ever who could have their head rubbed all day.
See? I told you they were too cute for words. :)
Inside the reception area - adorable screened in "porch" area!
The back of the main lodge as viewed from the reception space
LOOK AT ALL THE LIGHT IT ALLOWS IN. Also, we're cute. ;)
The 200+ year old oak tree where the ceremony is held. It's gorgeous when the leaves come in!
I feel so fortunate to have found this space and the great people we’re working with. It’s going to be amazing. I can’t wait to eat our delicious, farm-fresh dinner in a private alcove in the lodge with this view of a setting sun. :)
One photo of two of the boys – Ryan with his best man, Chad! You can tell they’re thrilled to go shopping with me and Chad’s wife, Karen… lol! We can’t seem to find a wool vest that suits Ryan’s build (long and broad with a smaller waist, eek) but the suit vests seem to fit him well as seen here. We may have to make him fancy. I guess I’m fancy in a wedding gown, so it won’t seem too out of place. ;) Blue ties are also being nixed – WAY TOO BRIGHT – even though my girls are in blue. It’s just too much. We’re now aiming for a pretty mauve/dusty rose color or perhaps a peach and not this super shiny material. We may have to up the formality a little, but I at least want the girls AND the guys to get an outfit they can wear post-wedding. Guys already have pants at least!
So that’s the wedding so far. We’re getting there… tomorrow we meet with THE Amy Osaba. Can you tell I’m excited? Her work is freaking magic. No lie. If you want something that looks random yet thought out and gorgeous and delicate and wow, that’s your gal. I kept staring at her work while trying to force myself into a cheaper route and settling for something that may not be what I wanted but hey, it would save my mom money! Then she redid her website, I looked at all the photos, and had my planner get on that. I’m not a “get me flowers” kind of girl and don’t need a million all over, but she can take so little and make it look like a garden sprouted right there. It’s truly magic. And since my venue is packed with magic… you get the idea. Magic breeds magic. Fact. :)
