Ali + Chris

Oh, my heavens! We're back with more of Ali + Chris' wedding celebration, and we are aiming to please. We filled you in on the basics of this extraordinary celebration at Lullwater Estate last week, but this is the real-deal, no-holding-back, gush-fest, about all the gloriousness that filled Ali + Chris' special day. The gorgeous images, courtesy of Heidi at Our Labor of Love, are so lovely and take us right back to this intimate and tender day. So special for us!

Dreamy, huh? Heidi's shots are nothing short of spectacular. Really, such a talented lady, and always a treat to work with, it's no wonder Heidi's images of Ali + Chris' wedding were recently featured on Weddings Unveiled.  Take an already ridiculously beautiful property, and fill it to the brim with the most amazing details from vendors that are beyond our wildest dreams, and what do you get? Ali + Chris' wedding! Amy Osaba created the most amazing lush bouquet for our statuesque bride, and adorned the farm tables with fresh produce, bright buds, and fun textures to create whimsical and elegant centerpieces. Blue Eyed Yonder's vintage lounge pieces and farm tables where the perfect fit for Lullwater's historic setting, and Event Rentals Unlimited's vineyard chairs and Goodwin Event's bistro lights created the perfect ambiance for an intimate dinner.

When your life revolves around good company and great food, you definitely know how to host a party. As SIMB's founder, head chef, and co-owner, Alison Lueker-Ritter surely didn't disappoint, filling every nook and cranny of her and Chris' wedding day with delicious food. As guests arrived, they noshed off a beautiful charcuterie display, deviled eggs, and nippy dip, a family recipe that is a staple at Ali's family gatherings. After the sun-kissed ceremony, butternut squash soup shots with miniature grilled cheese and smoked trout served atop beet chips with creme fraiche were passed to mingling guests. Ali designed a four-course meal that featured some of her favorite flavors for dinner, and encouraged guests to swap stories and sip wine for hours under the twinkling lights.

The happy couple skipped the traditional wedding cake and filled their guests bellies with an assortment of pies from Southern Sweets and Sun in my Belly. After guests couldn't bare to eat another bite, they made their way to the patio dance floor and boogied down to Yvonne Monet's mixes. Between piling into the Smilebooth and cutting a rug, Ali + Chris' evening was jammed full of fun, family, friends, and the fondest of memories.

To this fabulous couple and our fearless leader, a million congratulations to you and a wishing you an amazing life full of love and adventures, of the everyday and the epic.

Check out more from this unforgettable day on Weddings Unveiled's blog.

Cheers,

SIMB

Sneak Peek-- Ali + Chris

Very few weddings are as precious as this one is to the SIMB family: our very own executive chef, and co-owner Alison's wedding to her love, Chris and oh boy, it is a doozy! The intimate ceremony, dinner, and dance party were held at Lullwater, a gorgeous estate and private venue managed by Sun in my Belly, and Ali + Chris's home. Beyond being incredibly sentimental for the location, Ali had a hand in every element of the wedding's design, filling every detail with thoughtfulness and love. We are so thrilled to share some of those details with you today and can't wait to bring you more of Ali + Chris' wedding celebration in the coming weeks.

Ali grew up in New Mexico, so the subtle turquoise accents, brought in with family heirlooms like this necklace, were full of nostalgia.

We are just bursting at the seams with joy and pride. What an amazing day! And this is only the beginning. Sit tight and get ready for round two of Ali + Chris at Lullwater, coming soon!

Cheers,

SIMB

Vendors | Creative Direction + Styling: Alison Lueker-Ritter at Sun in my Belly | Photography: Heidi Gelhauser at Our Labor of Love | Venue: Lullwater Acres | Wedding Cordination: Emily Gomez at Sun in my Belly | Floral Design:  Amy Osaba floral.event.design | Catering + Honey Pies: Sun in my Belly | Rentals: Event Rentals Unlimited | Bistro Lighting: Goodwin Events  | Lounge Furniture + Farm Tables: Blue Eyed Yonder | Linens: Party Tables | DJ: Yvonne Monet | Paper Goods: Yes Ma'am 

Harbor Club Open House

Summer may be just around the corner, but today we've got a first-rate fall inspired shoot that will have you craving pumpkin spice lattes in no time! Coordinated by the wonderful women of Simply Charming Socials, Harbor Club's Open House was a great way for future brides and grooms to see this venue oozing with pretty potential. Decked out with glorious garland, lush centerpieces, and details that make us weak in the knees, Harbor Club's carriage house was simply charming! Shot by the always amazing Ashley, of Scobey Photography, this styled shoot is a great inspiration for all celebrations in life. See for yourself.

When it comes to venues, Harbor Club on Lake Oconee reminds us of the story of Goldilocks;  it's not too big, not too small, not too rustic, not too stuffy...it's just right! A polished, southern style wedding would be ideal in this space, and at just over an hour from Atlanta, this venue is accessible, but feels so secluded. Really, it is just darling; we already can't wait to go back! 

If the killer venue wasn't enough, sprinkle in some of the most spectacular vendors we know, and you have yourself a recipe for a dynamic display. Striking centerpieces by Sherrie at Gertie Mae's adorned the tables, while the stunning a-symmetrical alter piece of greenery by Amy Osaba was a real show stopper. Drop-dead gorgeousness. 

Staying true to the autumnal theme, Chef Alison Lueker created a lite-bite menu featuring a duo of soups; wild mushroom soup sips with white truffle oil and pumpernickel garnish and butternut squash soup shots with mini gouda grilled cheese. A beautiful display of artisan cheeses, fruits, and nuts kept the menu casual, perfect for mingling open house guests, or a cocktail hour crowd. 

What an incredible afternoon at Lake Oconee, with some of our favorite "friendors" in the industry. Truly a treat! 

Cheers,

SIMB

Credits | Creative Direction + Styling: Simply Charming Socials | Photography: Scobey Photography | Venue: Harbor Club on Lake Oconee | Floral Design: Gertie Mae's Floral Studio + Amy Osaba floral.event.design | Catering + Dessert: Sun in my Belly | Rentals: Goodwin Events  | Lounge Furniture: Blue Eyed Yonder | Linens: Nuage Designs | DJ: Lethal Rhythms | Place Cards: Charlotte Lane

Erica + Kevin

The possibilities are endless when it comes to picking a venue in Atlanta, and each location has it's own vibe and appeal. But there is no doubt that the Atlanta Contemporary Arts Center is one of the most unique and one of our favorite venues in the heart of downtown. Erica + Kevin certainly saw all of the charm and whimsy, and hosted their ceremony and reception in the outdoor spaces of ACAC, mixing soft, romantic elements with the urban space. 

Along with their venue choice, Erica + Kevin selected some great vendors too! Krystle, at Lux Events & Decor, was at the helm, leading the show spectacularly. Maggie at Estoria Social provided the centerpieces and personal flowers, and oh man, do we love Erica's stunning bouquet and headpiece!?!  Plus, Courtney Ward's photos are ah-may-zing! Be sure to check out more of Courtney's images from Erica + Kevin's  wedding on her blog later.

Erica + Kevin opted for a heavy hors d'oeuvre menu, mixing passed items and buffet items throughout the evening. Some of the favorites were our meatball sliders with fresh mozzarella on pumpernickel, tomato basil soup sips with grilled cheese garnish, coca-cola glazed ham with mini biscuits and grainy mustard, and a shrimp + grit display with sun-dried tomatoes + honey glazed bacon bits + andouille sausage + green onions and fresh parmesan. Various cakes, made by Erica's grandmother, made for the sweetest treat at the end of dinner.Guests danced to Amp'd Atlanta's DJ Ben all evening, and sent the happy couple off with sparklers and smiles! Love, happiness, and a big thank you to Erica + Kevin, and everyone else who came together for this wonderful wedding.

Cheers, 

SIMB

The Buzz on Ashley Buzzy

We first met Ashley Buzzy while working on one of our many The Not Weddings together about 3 years ago. We were immediately drawn to this peachy invitation suite she had on display in the tunnel of love, but our hearts pretty much stopped when we saw the gold glitter envelope that matched. Since then, we've kept our eye on Ashley and have watched her grow her business and skills along the way. She recently launched her new website and online store, making it easy, maybe too easy (sorry wallet), for you to own a piece of her handmade designs. 

From whimsical notecards, to super sweet wedding invitations, and hand written calligraphy to letterpress, Ashley and her crew are cranking out some beautiful work. Remember the chicken inspired shoot that was featured in Southern Weddings? Or the emerald green Kentucky Derby shoot? Ashley Buzzy Lettering + Press produced the invitation suites and delicate details for both, and knocked it out of the park. 

 When we were on the hunt for a paper goods vendor for Studio1658, we didn't have to look too far. Ashley Buzzy was a natural fit, and we were excited to have her join the team. Passionate about her work, and eager to contribute, Ashley is a great addition to Studio1658, and her recent window display schooled us all in chalkboard art and wise words. 

Tip of the hat Ashley! Check out more of Ashley Buzzy Lettering + Press, and have fun filling your cart with all of the goodness on their site.

Cheers,

SIMB

Photo Credits: Vue Photography + Haley Sheffield. Thanks ladies! 

Alex + Mark

This wedding could not be more perfect; a venue that most brides dream of, an incredible ensemble of vendors, amazing family and friends, and this couple!?! Alex + Mark just radiate love, and The Reason's photos captured their tenderness so well. We have to be honest though, this day was far from "ideal." It rained consistently, from start to finish, and just about every moment in between, on the day of Alex + Mark's wedding. But you would have never known! Spirits were high, love was in the air, and everything came together perfectly for one of the most epic and awe inspiring weddings in SIMB's history.

The views from Walnut Hill Farm, a renovated llama farm in Dalton... we're not sure it gets better!  Despite being saturated, there is no denying this venue is ridiculously beautiful, and from the ceremony to cocktail hour, to dinner and the reception, Walnut Hill Farm was an idyllic spot for this large celebration. If the views weren't enough to take a guest's breath away, the floral designs by Amy Osaba were sure to do the job. Romantic garden roses, ranunculuses, peonies and tons of garland for centerpieces and bouquets had us swooning, and the gorgeous alter piece made us weak in the knees. It's never a surprise that the ladies of AO bring the heat, but really, sometimes we are still in awe of the beauty they create.

Goodwin Events provided farm tables and, our new favorites, the cross-back vineyard chairs, for the reception space under bistro lit tents outside and in the converted barn. Lounge furniture and the wedding party's upholstered chairs were brought in by Settee to make the space extra luxurious. And Yes Ma'am created the menu cards at each place setting. Seriously, the line up of vendors just keeps getting better and better!

Alex + Mark opted for a seated and served dinner for their 350 guests, after providing a delicious array of butler passed hors d'ouevres, including some of our classics like fried green tomatoes with pimento cheese and Moroccan lamb meatballs with a mint + mango chutney. Dinner featured a tri-protein plate: our zinfandel and rosemary marinated filet with a gorgonzola sauce, blood orange and honey glazed red snapper and grilled free range chicken breast served with parmesan spiked mashed potatoes and a seasonal succotash drizzled with a maple glaze and sea salt. After dinner, it was time for Alex + Mark to cut their stunning and scrumptious cake from Gabriel's, and get on the dance floor.

Such an unforgettable night! And really we owe it all to Nancy of No Regrets Events. When Nancy introduced us to Alex + Mark and their families, we knew we had to be a part of this celebration, were over the moon when they selected SIMB as their caterer. She made sure every step of the planning process was smooth and seamless, and the day of the wedding, despite the downpours, everyone was calm and collected with Nancy at the wheel. We know this is only the start of a great partnership which is sure to bring you many more knockout weddings. Stay tuned! 

 

 

We are speechless, well okay not speechless, but pretty darn floored,with every image The Reason produced, and could spend days staring at our computer screens reliving Alex + Mark's day. For more images of Alex + Mark's wedding, or to check out more of Chris + Allie's stunning shots, go here.

Congratulations to this delightful couple, and their fantastic families. Wishing you all continued happiness and the very best! 

 Cheers,

SIMB