Planning their wedding from afar!
Lauren was busy playing professional volleyball abroad while Jon worked for an NBA team in Texas.

The Ritz carlton Wedding

 A Summer of Love: A Black-Tie Affair at The Ritz-Carlton, Atlanta
As a wedding planner, it is rewarding to assist a couple in bringing their wedding vision to life, especially when they're planning from afar. Lauren and her fiancé, living in parts of the world with busy, demanding careers—she as a professional volleyball player abroad and he in Texas with an NBA team—needed a dedicated, experienced team on the ground in Atlanta to be their eyes and ears.

Lauren's mother, Cynthia, handed Lauren a copy of Atlanta Style Weddings Magazine to gather ideas and information about wedding planning. In its pages, Lauren discovered a wedding Gloria Schulz Events had planned and felt an instant connection to our work. A single Zoom meeting later, the match was made, and we were thrilled to embark on the journey of planning their black-tie summer wedding in under a year because of Jonathan's basketball work schedule!

The Ceremony: A Sanctuary of Love
The setting for their wedding vows was the elegant ballroom at The Ritz-Carlton, Atlanta. For the wedding ceremony, we created a beautiful and deeply personal space. The focal point of the ceremony altar was a breathtaking, large wooden cross, adorned with florals, which served as a powerful and meaningful backdrop. We softened its lines with delicate, sheer ivory draping and adorned it with a magnificent greenery flowing across the top. An abundance of lush, pastel flowers, in shades of blush, soft peach, and creamy ivory, created by Bloomin' Bouquets, flanked the pristine white aisle runner, creating a fragrant, romantic, and enchanting path. It was along this path that Lauren, escorted by her father, and a picture of classic beauty, processed to meet her future husband, Jon, in a moment of pure magic that every guest witnessed in awe. Lauren's wedding gown from J. Andrews, Wisdon and Willow Collection, included a long sleeve lace short jacket bolero with buttons detailing the back with a satin strapless gown underneath. Since Lauren and Jon decided to see each other the traditional way on their wedding day, Jon's reaction to watching his bride approach him was emotional and heartfelt.
                                                                         
                                                                      The Cocktail Hour: The Prefunction Fun
The guests were escorted to the cocktail hour, where they enjoyed hors d'oeuvres and libations. The entertainment was the photobooth. Striking fun poses with props, the guest passed the time laughing and enjoying making fun photos at the photobooth provided by Fotobo Co. During the cocktail hour, Lauren and Jon ventured over to building 191 next door to the Ritz to take their newlywed photos. Glorianna Chan Photography captured the couple as their expressions glowed with happiness and love! 

The Reception: A Night to Remember
During cocktail hour, our team and the team from the Ritz worked diligently to flip the space for the reception. It was all hands on deck so that this transition could be completed as seamless as possible!.
 
The guests were invited into the ballroom for the reception to enjoy a night of sophisticated celebration. The Estate Table was designed to be the focal point of the room with the tall floral arrangements from the ceremony and an abundance of candles. The guest table designs also incorporated lush florals and candlelight to create a warm, romantic feel. The black-tie dress code set the tone of timeless elegance that perfectly matched the venue's luxurious ambiance. Guests were wearing beautiful gowns and black tuxedos. Everyone looked spectacular and ready to celebrate. They were treated to a delicious plated dinner, ensuring a refined dining experience.

As the evening progressed, the energy in the ballroom soared. A vibrant live band, Celebrity All-Star Band, took the stage, filling the room with music that had everyone up on their feet dancing. The dance floor was a blur of joyful movement and laughter. Later in the evening, the celebration kicked into high gear. Lauren changed her dress and put on her white cowboy boots, personalized with her new initials and wedding date. A DJ kept the party going as the guests danced the night away. It was a perfect blend of classic entertainment and high-energy fun for the couple and their guests.

Working with Lauren, Jon, and the mother of the bride, Cynthia, was a true pleasure. Despite the miles, we collaborated via Zoom meetings to bring their beautiful wedding vision to fruition. Their wedding was a true reflection of their exquisite taste and their deep love for each other. It was an honor and a privilege to be a part of their incredible wedding day. They are a beautiful couple inside and out! We wish them a lifetime of happiness as they begin their married life together!