The Atlantan Bride

· venues ·
Vow To Be Different
Make your nuptials a signature affair by opting for one of these
unexpected ATL settings | By Katie Kelly Bell |
Mind your Manor: Pemberly
The Scene: This refined English countryside manor in the heart of
Buckhead is the personal residence of tastemakers Owen Halpern
and Lawrence Pritchard (of Westside boutique Owen Lawrence).
The Skinny: Sophistication and genteel charm set the tone for
an intimate wedding. Every room features an impeccable
selection of custom furnishings, fine sculpture, works by Andy
Warhol and Chagall, and a whiff of history (Clark Gable once
visited the home during a Gone With the Wind cast party).
Urban Oasis: City Club of Buckhead
Classic clubby digs on the 18th floor of the Atlanta
Financial Center with views of Buckhead and downtown.
The Sexy: Seal your vows in front of the club’s three-story wall of
windows framed as an archway and offering views of the city
and Stone Mountain. Or rent the entire ground-floor atrium
overlooking a verdant courtyard.
The Singular: Several intimate private rooms offer a layered
experience. Host the rehearsal in the Mark Twain room and enjoy
a spray of twinkling city lights. Entertain bridesmaids in the
Alice Waters room with a catered brunch overlooking the bustle
of Buckhead. Use the masculine, wood-paneled Grille Room
for post-nuptial cocktails. For the grand finale, the main dining
room is complete with plush fabrics, wood and brass fixtures.
3343 Peachtree Rd., 404.442.2679, cityclubofbuckhead.com
The Scene:
The Singular: The expansive great room with its wall of windows
opens directly into a cloistered courtyard garden. Hand-painted
silk wallpaper and the spiral staircase in the foyer make for an
ideal photo opp. A private elevator keeps catering staff discreet.
The Sexy: Professional accent lighting in the courtyard and from
the rooftop add ambiance to evening events. Halpern and
Pritchard can cater your event and design the floral elements with
fresh delights from their garden. Or, utilize their entertaining
expertise for direction on outside floral, catering and event design.
2878 Habersham Rd., 404.869.7360
HOME RUN Guests
make themselves
right at home at
Pemberly, the
sprawling Buckhead
estate now available
for weddings and
private events.
NEW KID ON THE
BLOCK With killer
penthouse views,
the City Club of
Buckhead delivers
wows for vows.
continued...
58
fall / winter 20 09
pemberly exterior photo by ric mershon photographers
Wed
Dossier
A wedding at the W Buckhead.
hip new Hotels:
...continued
Southern Belle: Pink Palace
Perched on four tony acres of prime
Buckhead terrain, and just a stone’s throw from
the Governor’s Mansion, this Italian Baroque-style
mansion (though no longer pink) boasts historic
and architectural provenance. Built in 1926 for the
Rhodes Furniture family, it was designed by famed
Atlanta architects Neel Reid and Philip Schutze.
The Skinny: Designed for grandious entertaining (it’s
the hotspot for black-tie charity galas for Atlanta’s
A-list), the interior spaces are framed with opulent
touches such as the circa-1760 wall mural, 16-foot
ceilings, elaborate wood trim, stunning Murano
glass chandeliers, marble fireplaces, and impeccable
archways and interior columns. The mansion recently
The Scene:
served as the setting for Badgley Mischka’s 2008
bridal campaign as well as Atlanta singer/songwriter
Ne-Yo’s album cover. We love the private rooftop
balcony and infinity bathtub with fireplace.
The Sexy: The bridal party can sip Champagne in the
new attic loft complete with skylights and treetop
views, while the groom and company enjoy cognac
and cigars in the lower-level lounge decked out with
modern lines, catering kitchen and exposed brick
walls. Bride and groom can stay the night in the
plush master suite.
The Singular: Use the pool courtyard for an intimate
ceremony under the oaks and magnolias. It’s a
rare opportunity to own a piece of Atlanta history
for a day. 541 West Paces Ferry, 404.358.2703,
541westpaces.com
Queen for a Day: St. Regis Atlanta
The Scene: Atlanta’s poshest new hotel is the picture
of exquisite taste and refinement. Grand spaces are
bathed in airy ivorys and mineral greens; walls boast
an art collection worthy of the High Museum; and
pampered perks abound, whether at Remède Spa or
from the hotel’s legendary bespoke service.
The Sexy: Sumptuous outdoor spaces, such as the
40,000-square-foot Pool Piazza with outdoor fireplace,
poolside bar and upper terrace flanked by a grand
stone balustrade (brides will desire this setting for
photos), are regally suited for entertaining.
The Skinny: A private outdoor terrace with a central
fountain flows directly into the Astor Ballroom,
which offers 19-foot ceilings painted with silver leaf,
bohemian crystal chandeliers and custom millwork.
Savor exquisitely prepared cuisine by executive
chef Mark Alba at restaurant Paces 88. Consider a
decadent high tea in the Long Gallery or arrange a
60
fall / winter 20 09
PICTURE THIS The lobby of the
brand-new St. Regis Atlanta.
private tasting in the sunlit Wine Room.
The Singular: The Empire Suite is an astounding 2,000
square feet; the plush environs come equipped with
a full kitchen, piano, exercise room, fireplace and
dining for eight. Staffed by a personal butler, the
suite is large enough to host an intimate event or
serve as ground zero for wedding day prep. 88 West
Paces Ferry Rd., 404.563.7900, starwoodhotels.com
Hotel Palomar
Atlanta Midtown
The outdoor terrace makes
an ideal private setting for
reception or party with water
features, romantic fabric
tents around the perimeter
and an elegant bar.
Rent a suite with the girls
for pre-wedding pampering
and order in-room facials and
massages.
866 West Peachtree St. NW,
678.412.2400, hotelpalomaratlanta.com
W Buckhead
Host a welcome party
for guests on the rooftop
Buckhead Terrace. This sleek
outdoor space with groovy
U-shaped seating groups,
retro wing chairs and lasercut vinyl area rugs boasts
penthouse views of Atlanta.
3377 Peachtree Rd. NE,
678.500.3100, whotels.com
W Downtown
The 16th-floor, infinity-edge
pool, with killer penthouse
city views, is perfect for
a casual soirée. Make an
impression with playful
cocktail creations from
the Wetbar and global
cuisine from chef Laurent
Tourondel’s BLT kitchen.
45 Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd.,
404.582.5800, whotels.com
W Hotel photo by our labor of love
PRETTY IN PINK The Pink
Palace, one of Buckhead’s most
famous private homes.