macy & connor

What a way to finish our 2020 weddings! Sweet Meadow Farm is such a charming barn venue unlike any that I’ve experienced and Macy and Connor were such a delight to work with.

Sweet Meadow Farm and Homeplace is located in Tallapoosa, Georgia about an hour West of Atlanta. It’s 160 acres boasts fields, forest, creeks and ponds and at the heart of it all- a beautiful farmhouse for overnight guests and a historic barn furnished with some truly charming furniture and decor.

As a wedding photographer, Macy had a clear vision for her wedding day and made the planning process so straight forward. She had shot a wedding previously at Sweet Meadow and had no doubt that Sweet Meadow was where she wanted to host her own wedding. She incorporated so many fun elements into the day including a Live Painter , darling VW photo bus and Marquee letters for the dance floor!

Below are some of our favorite photos from the wedding day courtesy of Joy + Everette

Venue: Sweet Meadow Farm

Photography/Videography: Joy + Everette

Coordination: Like the Dazzling

Floral: Amanda Clayton Design

Catering: Williamson Brothers BBQ

Cake: Cake Envy

DJ: MixPro

Live Painter: Designs of a Daughter

Bartending: LyghtHouse Cocktails

Hair + Makeup: Intensify by Patience

Marquee Letters: Bride Lights

Photo Booth: Roll with Juniper

Wedding Boutique: Wedding Angels

Wedding Dress Designer: Essence of Australia

Bridesmaids Dresses: Azazie

Mens Attire: Mens Warehouse

Invitations: Minted

Vow Books: Our Vows

Rehearsal Dinner Catering: The Olive Tree

cost free wedding preparations

What a crazy, weird time we are all living in right now. These are unpredictable, unprecedented times and if you’re like us you’ve ran through every emotion in the past few weeks or hey, maybe even just today and we are here to tell you….. that’s okay! It’s completely normal and we understand. This is all effecting us in different ways. If you are a bride or groom looking for ways to continue planning at no cost while you’re at home, this blog post is for you! Below are a few ideas of things you can do to keep your planning moving that won’t cost you a dime. We all like the sound of that!

Music Planning

What better time to begin thinking about song selections for your wedding day. This could be a fun weekend activity to do with your partner or throw on a playlist while working from home. Songs that you will want to start thinking about are as follows:

Ceremony Music (we suggest two + bridal Processional)

Recessional

Introduction into Reception

First Dance

Mother/Son

Father/Daughter

Bouquet/Garter Toss

Cake Cutting

Last Song of the Evening

Photography Shot List

Many photographers will provide you with a sample if you reach out and ask! It’s important to have a list of photographs you’d like to capture on your wedding day so that nothing gets left out and to also ensure that ample time is set aside to accomplish your photography selections.

Aside from Couples Portraits generally photos are taken with:

Entire Bridal Party Together

Bride with Bridesmaids

Groom with Groomsmen

Bride with her immediate family (mom, dad, siblings)

Groom with his immediate family (mom, dad, siblings)

Bride and Groom with her immediate Family

Bride and Groom with his Immediate Family

if you want formal photos with family beyond this it’s important to let your coordinator and photographer know so that they can add in the necessary time. Along with this, start thinking about whether you’d like to participate in a first look with your betrothed as well - this decision is key in determining the best photography timeline specific to your wedding day. *also as a note, when making this list, include names not just mom and dad so that the photographer or your coordinator can call people by name ;)

Research and Design

No matter where you are in planning there is always research and design that can be done from home without spending a dime. Sure, it may cost you down the road but this part is costless in the planning stage and can be a fun way to spend your free time at home.

You may already have a Pinterest Board started which is a great starting point for your design. In addition to a Pinterest board, we like to pull inspiration from our surroundings, as well as art, patterns and places so don’t be afraid to look beyond Pinterest when coming up with your own wedding ideas.

Research: Vendors , Budget Planning

Design: Ceremony and Reception Decor, Centerpieces, Cake Design, Personal Elements, Table Numbers, Signage, Signature Cocktails

Ceremony Planning

If you have a religious affiliated officiant or someone that you’ve hired to perform your wedding ceremony, chances are they have you covered in this department already. For those that utilize a family member or friend that has not had the privilege of performing a wedding ceremony in the past, there is a bit more work involved and you can do this from home with your favorite beverage in hand. Google is a great place to research different ceremony types, wording, readings, unity ideas, etc. but to get you started below is a general order of events for a traditional ceremony ….

PRELUDE

SEATING OF GRANDPARENTS

SEATING OF MOTHERS

PROCESSIONAL OF WEDDING PARTY

minister, groom, best man

groomsmen

bridesmaids

maid of honor

ring bearer

flower girl

BRIDES PROCESSIONAL

CEREMONY

Greeting

Presentation of Bride

Opening Remarks by Minister

Prayer if desired

Reading if desired

Vows

Exchange of Rings

Words of Pronouncement

Unity if desired

Closing Remarks

Presentation of Couple/ Kiss

RECESSIONAL

an interview with kimberly

Like the Dazzling Atlanta Team Member

Tell us a bit about yourself….

Hi! My name is Kimberly and -- SPOILER ALERT -- I am a hopeless romantic. 

I am from Atlanta, but raised by a New Orleans family, so I am a self-proclaimed “cajun peach” who doubles as a private chef...for myself. 

When I am not finalizing wedding details, I’m developing marketing and communication plans. Communications pays my bills, but planning fills my heart. 

I joined the Like the Dazzling team in 2016, and since then have become obsessed with Hannah and addicted to all the behind the scenes wedding magic. 

When did you first know you wanted to be a wedding planner?

Planning is my mother in me -- who was the ultimate “hostess with the mostest” and was truly passionate about creating experiences that would turn into great memories. She even later in life pursued an event planning certification. Growing up my house was the gathering spot, so celebrations and other special occasions always came naturally to me. However, I did not discover planning to be my own passion until 2015. While struggling for a year to find a job in communications after grad school, I prayed for another avenue that would fulfill me while I wait. God revealed planning to me and I’ve been full of joy ever since.

Why do brides/grooms enjoy working with you? 

I’m attentive, personable, protective, and fricking hilarious. 

What are some questions brides should ask when looking for a planner?

1. Communication style (with couples, wedding party, vendors, etc.)

2. Recommendations for streamlining tasks

3. Recommendations on finding affordable, reliable vendors

4. How to prioritize what to accomplish on the check list

What is your favorite aspect of working weddings? 

My favorite aspects of weddings include the organized chaos of event days, bonding with clients, and the feeling of gratification from pleased clients. 

What would you tell someone who didn’t think they needed a planner?

Planners are worth the investment. Planners take care of all the details, while you enjoy the best day of your life. Without a planner, it’s easy to get lost in the details and before you know it, the day has passed you by, but you can’t remember basking in its goodness.

What has been your favorite trend you’ve come across in the wedding world?

Alternatives to wedding cake (e.g. dessert bars, ice cream bars, etc.)

No wedding party or small wedding parties (i.e. only one bridesmaid and one groomsman)  

What is the most interesting wedding moment you’ve witnessed/encountered? 

LOVED the weddings I’ve done for different African cultures and the Pakistini wedding I did in 2018. The cultural elements are always beautiful.

Chocolate of Vanilla Cake?

Chocolate

Live Band or DJ?

DJ

Favorite flower? 

Ranunculus

Everyone has THAT song. You know, the one you can’t help but dance to when you hear it come on. What’s yours? 

“I Like” by Guy or “Before I Let Go” by Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly

Do you have any hobbies? 

Honestly, planning is my hobby. Does Pinterest count?

What is your favorite restaurant in Atlanta? 

FūDO