MELINDA + BEN
real wedding
F
or bride Melinda, life had always been well choreographed. Growing up a gymnast and eventually cheering for The University of Georgia, she was definitely one to appreciate a well executed plan. That’s why in April of 2009, when then-boyfriend Ben surprised her by proposing on the football field of UGA’s Sanford Stadium -- their entire families present -- she knew he’d be a keeper. Interested in a wedding that celebrated their shared Chinese heritage as well as western wedding traditions, the pair married at the Peachtree Christian Church with an elegant reception at THE GEORGIAN TERRACE HOTEL. Sushi boats and other traditional Chinese food from HSU’S GOURMET AND PACIFIC RIM BISTRO welcomed guests into the reception ballroom where the bride and groom had one more performance up their sleeve. Minutes into their first dance, the two broke out into an elaborately choreographed foxtrot to the Mary J. Blige hit “Just Fine,” thrilling guests and kicking the evening off with an undeniable bang! When asked if she could change one thing about her wedding, Melinda’s reply is simple: “My only wish is that the wedding could have lasted longer than one day!” But with no rewind button available to make her request a reality, Ben and Melinda settled for spending eight dreamlike days honeymooning on the beautiful islands of Maui and Kaui.
154 | THE MAGAZINE FOR CELEBRATING IN STYLE
Style Source PHOTOGRAPHY: Esther JuLee Photography EVENT PLANNER: Peachtree Weddings & Events VENUE: The Georgian Terrace CATERING: Hsu’s Gourmet & Pacific Rim Bistro DECOR: Blossoms Atlanta VIDOEGRAPHER: Everything Wedding MUSIC: Ches Eaton FAVORS: Krispy Kreme STATIONERY: Paper Affair CAKE: Sweet N’ Sinful