Welcome to the Fall Edition of Mountain & Lake Weddings. This special magazine invites you to plan your special day in the beautiful communities of North Georgia, Western North Carolina, and surrounding areas. We feature many articles to inspire and help you plan a spectacular and unique event.
You’re invited to explore our community of professionals in the pages of Mountain & Lake Weddings of planners, venues, photographers, florists, jewelers, formal wear, & transportation to help you plan your special day. Be sure to look throughout the magazine for articles and in the back of the book for checklists in preparing for your event. Visit our website www.MtnLakeWeddings.com or follow us on social media, for inspiring ideas, tips, and more about our wonderful area.
Many thanks to the most talented group of advertisers, as this would not have been possible without all of your gracious help and enthusiasm. You are all brilliant inspiration in helping couples fulfill their dreams of the perfect day!!
Please be sure to inform each wedding professional you contact that you found them in the Mountain & Lake Weddings.
Blessings & Best Wishes for a Happy Life!!
Kathleen Painter Publisher
FallColorWeddingTrends
ROMANTIC, BOLD, & TIMELESSLY
ELEGANT
Fall 2025 wedding color trends are rich with personality and grounded in both bold expression and classic elegance. This season blends earthy, saturated tones with romantic nods to vintage grandeur—allowing couples to design deeply personal and visually stunning celebrations.
Earthy & Bold: Color with Personality
This fall, bold doesn’t mean flashy. Instead, it means intentional color with depth. Earth-inspired tones like emerald green, forest green, terracotta, and burgundy are dominating palettes.
Emerald Green is luxe and versatile, pairing well with gold, navy, and burgundy.
Forest Green brings natural sophistication—perfect for outdoor and woodland weddings.
Terracotta, reminiscent of fall leaves and rustic charm, adds warmth when paired with blush or peach.
Burgundy remains a timeless fall favorite, rich and dramatic without overpowering.
Vibrant reds, oranges, and pinks offer bold, emotional accents that add energy and personality.
These shades aren’t opulent for the sake of show—they bring mood, meaning, and a strong sense of place to fall weddings.
Timeless Neutrals: Subtle & Refined
Fall neutrals are anything but plain. Think black and white for bold contrast, or cream, ivory, and champagne for understated romance. Olive green, beige, and chocolate brown also return, giving
palettes an earthy, textural base that balances deeper tones.
Dusty Romance & Vintage Vibes
On the softer side of the spectrum, romantic, vintageinspired shades are bringing a sense of old-world charm:
Dusty Blue adds a dreamy, antique touch that works beautifully with gold and ivory.
Dusty Rose, Mauve, and Plum create vintage romance with soft, muted depth.
Blush continues to soften fall palettes, adding a fresh, romantic layer.
Metallics—especially gold, copper, and bronze are adding elegant baroque flair.
These colors speak to a return to classic beauty with modern restraint—a balance of glamour and grace.
Fall 2025 weddings are about intentional contrast: bold but grounded, romantic but refined. Whether couples gravitate toward earthy richness or vintage romance, this season’s colors offer the perfect palette to tell a timeless, beautiful love story.
Intimate, Themed, & Niche Weddings
- Private use of the castle, carriage barn, & 11 acre grounds for a day or weekend
- Lodging
- Multiple Ceremony Site Options
- Fully Equipped Kitchen
- Guest & Vendor Greeter
- All tables, linens, chairs, & centerpieces are included
WARM, RUSTIC, & UNFORGETTABLE IN THE HEART OF THE APPALACHIANS
Autumn offers a stunning backdrop for weddings, with crisp air, rich colors, and cozy vibes that set the stage for unforgettable celebrations. And there’s no better place to celebrate the season than in the Appalachian Mountains of North Georgia and Western North Carolina, where rolling hills, vibrant foliage, and rustic charm come together in perfect harmony.
MAKE A MEMORABLE EXIT
Swap the classic getaway car for a hayride send-off. Climb aboard
a festively decorated wagon and wave goodbye as guests cheer— surrounded by mountain views and the sounds of fall in the forest.
SWEET SEASONAL TREATS:
Replace the traditional cake with a cozy pie bar featuring regional favorites like apple, pumpkin, and pecan. It’s a nostalgic, crowd-pleasing alternative that nods to the flavors of Appalachia.
DIY WEDDING FAVORS WITH FALL FLAIR:
Show your gratitude with thoughtful,
homemade favors like spiced cider mixes, candied nuts, or scented sachets filled with mountain herbs. Add rustic packaging or Appalachianinspired labels for a personal touch.
CREATIVE CEREMONY SEATING:
Break from tradition with a circular seating arrangement or hay bales covered in cozy blankets, perfect for a barn, vineyard, or scenic overlook in the mountains.
DECOR THAT EMBRACES
THE SEASON:
Use monogrammed pumpkins as place cards, and incorporate
gem tones—emerald, ruby, and sapphire—into your florals and table settings. For centerpieces, try wooden vessels filled with apples, gourds, or fall vegetables—simple yet stunning in a mountain setting.
LET THE LANDSCAPE SHINE:
Venues in North Georgia and Western North Carolina often need little decoration—the natural beauty of the Appalachians does most of the work. A fall wedding in the mountains is more than a celebration; it’s an experience rooted in nature, tradition, and timeless romance.
Us...
Winter Wedding Color Trends
Winter weddings in 2025 are stepping away from cold, expected palettes and embracing warmth, vibrancy, and individuality. From bold brights to smoky neutrals, this year’s trending colors are anything but ordinary— offering couples a wide range of creative possibilities.
BOLD & BRIGHT
This season, vivid shades like green, purple, red, and pink are stealing the spotlight. These colors inject energy into winter celebrations, symbolizing joy and a fresh start. Cherry red is making a bold comeback, offering a festive and timeless pop, while neon accents provide a daring, modern edge.
Unexpected brights like teal and butter yellow are also gaining popularity—adding an element of surprise and personality to the winter palette. These hues pair beautifully with richer tones like gold or burnt orange, and help lighten traditional winter color stories.
8 minutes outside Helen, GA. Sleeping Accommodations for up to 22 guests & Venue hosts 150 with a dance floor
A SEASON OF BOLD BRIGHTS & ROMANTIC MOODINESS
CLASSIC & COZY
Time-honored favorites like burgundy, forest green, navy, and gold remain beloved for their richness and elegance. Combinations such as emerald and champagne, navy and sky blue, or garnet and camel offer a cozy, luxurious feel. Gray, silver, and black-andwhite palettes add sophistication with a sleek, modern twist.
DEEP GREENS: RICH, REGAL, AND EVERLASTING
One standout trend this winter is the renewed love for deep green tones. Forest green, emerald, and olive are versatile, grounding, and effortlessly elegant. These shades evoke the richness of evergreen foliage and pair beautifully with neutrals like champagne, mocha, or winter white—or with bolder accents like gold, garnet, or plum. Whether used in bridesmaid dresses, velvet accents, or foliage-forward floral designs, deep greens bring a sense of calm, sophistication, and connection to nature that feels especially fitting for the winter season.
MOODY & ROMANTIC
For those craving depth and drama, smoky and moody tones are trending. Palettes like Winterberry, Smoked
Pewter, Rosewood, Warm Stone, and Soft Dove create a romantic and elegant ambiance. Deeper pairings like garnet, merlot, and smoky quartz add a sense of oldworld richness.
NATURAL & ELEGANT
Earthy tones such as olive green, mocha mousse, and Pantone’s mellow brown hue for 2025 provide warmth and grounding. When paired with champagne, brushed bronze, or winter white, they create a sophisticated, inviting atmosphere.
Whether you’re drawn to vibrant surprises or moody romance, Winter 2025 offers a color palette for every couple’s style—with rich green tones leading the way in timeless, nature-inspired elegance.
Winter 2025 wedding color trends are all about balance—between bold self-expression and timeless elegance, between deep romance and fresh energy. Whether you’re planning a dramatic, modern celebration or a cozy, romantic gathering, this year’s color palettes offer something for every couple looking to make a lasting impression.
Winter weddings lend themselves to a variety of theme, color, and texture options. With the crisp background of the mountains and the deep hues of Appalachia, there is no shortage of cozy, elegant, bold, and personalized themes for your winter wonderland wedding.
VINTAGE VARIETY
Incorporating antique picture frames, gold or silver candelabras, and muted colors can evoke a sense of nostalgia and days past. Personalize the look with gray scale or sepia toned wedding photos of family and friends in attendance for an added easter-egg of vintage value.
LUXE VELVET
Long sleeved, textured gowns with sparkle and bold colors will surely keep you and your heart warm on your special day. Velvet accents like jewelry, chair covers, and table runners, throughout will carry that cozy feeling forward from vows to reception.
BOLD COLORS
The backdrop of cool whites and blue hues during the winter months means bold colors are a go-to for winter wedded couples. Teals, burnt oranges, olive greens, and mochas lend an artistic look to any ceremony.
While rich colors like burgandy, gold, and dark green create a romantic and regal ambiance.
CHRISTMAS / HOLIDAY
Christmas themed weddings can be a fun and unique way to spend time with family and visitors from out-oftown who wouldn’t typically make it “home” for the holiday.
Opt for deep reds, golds, bells, stars, and evergreen trees as decor to round out the holiday and celebratory spirit of your big day.
Festive wrapping paper for gifts and cozy cocktails will make your wedding a holiday all its own.
Awedding dinner in North Georgia or Western North Carolina is the perfect opportunity to celebrate with rich local flavors and Southern hospitality. Whether you prefer a relaxed vibe or formal setting, these mountain regions offer an array of delicious full-meal options to satisfy every guest.
For a laid-back, satisfying meal, consider a BBQ feast with smoked meats like pulled pork, brisket, or ribs, paired with classic sides such as baked beans, coleslaw, and cornbread. Another popular option is Southern comfort food, featuring fried chicken, mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, collard greens, and green beans—served buffet-style or family-style for a warm, communal feel.
A taco bar brings an interactive and festive twist to your reception. Offer a variety of proteins and vegetarian fillings, toppings, salsas, chips, guacamole, and even a side of rice and beans. If you prefer something more traditional, ItalianAmerican cuisine like baked pastas, chicken parmesan, or lasagna offers a hearty and familiar menu.
To highlight the local flavor, consider mountain trout—blackened, grilled, or fried—served with sides like roasted corn, black bean relish, or herb-roasted potatoes.
For formal receptions, plated dinner options such as lemon-herb baked chicken, braised short ribs, or pork loin with apple chutney add a refined touch.
When planning, explore your venue’s catering offerings or source from local farms and regional vendors. Be sure to include options for different dietary needs, along with appetizers, desserts, and a beautifully designed cake. With thoughtful planning, your wedding meal can be a true reflection of the region and your unique love story.
MOUNTAIN & LAKE
FALL FOR YOUR DESTINATION
MOUNTAIN & LAKE WEDDING
There is no better place to celebrate a love that will last a lifetime than amidst the timeless mountains and lakes of Appalachia.
Nestled within expansive views and pastoral landscapes are rustic farms, intimate chapels, lodges, and resorts ideal for any gathering. No matter your taste or style, many of our destination venues offer all the conveniences of an indoor or outdoor affair with settings that promise an endless stream of filter-free photos to be shared and cherished for years to come.
Our community of warm and welcoming wedding planners works to ensure no detail, big or small, goes unnoticed. In their hands, you and your loved ones are free to enjoy the mountains’ magic as you make unforgettable memories.
We at Mountain and Lake Weddings share your excitement for all that lies ahead and are proud you have chosen our community to be a part of your planning process. n
Scrapbooking Your Wedding Album
Your wedding day is a whirlwind of love, laughter, and once-in-a-lifetime moments— why not preserve it in a way that’s as personal and creative as the celebration itself? Scrapbooking your wedding album turns your memories into a tactile storybook you’ll treasure for years.
Start with the basics: include your invitation suite, ceremony program, and a copy of your vows. Add favorite photos from the day—candids, posed portraits, behindthe-scenes shots—and don’t forget to highlight details like your bouquet, cake, or table settings.
Then, layer in the personal touches. Save a swatch of lace from your dress fitting, a pressed flower from your bouquet, or the cork from your first shared champagne toast. Include handwritten notes or cards from guests, your first dance song lyrics, or even the menu from your reception. Was there a funny moment or heartfelt speech? Jot it down while it’s fresh.
Use themed paper, stickers, or stamps that match your wedding colors or style. You can dedicate pages to the rehearsal dinner, getting ready with your bridal party, or your honeymoon adventures. Consider asking your guests to write marriage advice or memories in a guestbook that you can incorporate later.
Ultimately, your wedding scrapbook should feel like you: full of personality, joy, and those little details that made your day unforgettable.
unique editorials, checklists, and tips to plan your special day. www.MtnLakeWeddings.com
PerfectHoneymoon Destination
For couples seeking a romantic and rejuvenating honeymoon, the mountains of North Georgia and Western North Carolina offer the perfect blend of scenic beauty, serenity, and charm. Tucked away from the bustle of city life, these regions are rich in natural wonder—rolling hills, cascading waterfalls, and breathtaking overlooks provide the ultimate backdrop for your first days as newlyweds.
Whether you’re sipping morning coffee on a cabin porch or soaking in a hot tub under the stars, the accommodations here are as varied as the views. Cozy log cabins with fireplaces, luxurious mountain resorts with spa services, and romantic bed-and-breakfasts nestled in the woods offer something for every couple’s taste
and budget. For those who want a little adventure without giving up comfort, glamping options are also popular—think safari-style tents or yurts with plush beds and modern amenities.
The mountain towns of places like Helen, Blue Ridge, Ellijay, and Blairsville in Georgia or Highlands, Bryson City, and Murphy in North Carolina offer charming downtowns with restaurants, boutiques, wineries, and outdoor activities just a short drive away. Whether you’re hiking hand-in-hand through scenic trails, sampling local wines, or simply enjoying the peace and quiet, these destinations make it easy to slow down and soak up the moment.
For a honeymoon that’s both peaceful and unforgettable, the mountains truly deliver.
ROMANTIC EXTRAS
o Tealight candles (if the hotel/resort permits them)
o Massage oils/essential oils
o Lingerie
o A honeymoon playlist with special songs
o Small gifts for each other
o A journal to write down your memories
CARRY-ON
o Passport/driver’s license
o Credit cards: Did you call your bank to say you’ll be traveling overseas?
o Cash
o Copies of all crucial travel documents
o Travel insurance documents
o Emergency contact information
o Prescription medications and a copy of the prescription
o At least one change of clothes
o Basic toiletries (face wash, toothbrush/ toothpaste, deodorant)
o Cell phone and charger
o E-reader and charger, or books and magazines
o A quality camera
o Wedding thank-you notes
CLOTHING
For him:
o Button-down shirts
o Tie
o Blazer or sport coat
o One pair of dressy pants
o Dressy (but still comfortable) shoes
For her:
o At least one dressy outfit for dining with matching sweater/shawl
o At least one nice top
o Nice pants or capris
o One pair of heels or dressy flats
For you both:
o T-shirts
o Shorts
o 1-2 bathing suits
o Pajamas/sleepwear
Honeymoon CHECKLIST
o Socks
o Underwear
o At least one sweatshirt or light jacket
o Rain jacket
o Cold-weather outerwear, if needed
o One pair flip-flops or sandals
o One pair walking shoes
o Sunglasses
o Prescription or reading glasses
o Hat
GEAR, SAFETY, TOILETRIES
o Backpack or beach bag for excursions
o Power outlet adapter, if you’re traveling abroad
o Sunblock and sunburn treatment
o SPF 15 lip balm
o Insect repellent
o Face and body lotion
o Deodorant
o Perfume
o Ear plugs
o Comb and brush
o Hair products
o Shower cap
o Toothbrush & toothpaste
o Mouthwash
o Contact lenses & solution
o Makeup
o Sanitary pads or tampons
o Floss
o Razor
o Nail file and clippers
o Tweezers
o Small first aid kit with Band-Aids and antibiotic ointment
o Baby wipes for quick cleanup
o Travel packs of tissues
o Pain reliever
o Cold medication
o Anti-diarrhea/nausea medication
o Sleep aid
o Hand sanitizer
o Travel clothesline
o Small flashlight
o Pocketknife or multi-tool (stash this in your checked luggage)
Authentic, Rustic Weekend Wedding Getaway
Modern weddings are all about personalization and the marriage of individual personalities. That alone makes for unique wedding themes and concepts that are sure to engage family, friends, and guests.
But, there’s nothing to say you can’t go a little over-the-top to really bring the WOW factor to your wedding day.
TOP IT OFF FOR FALL WEDDINGS WITH:
- A harvest reception packed with pumpkins and a carving station.
- Warm lighting in a garden to create soft spaces for photos and fun.
Top it of for winter weddings with:
- Carriage or sleigh rides to bring out the childlike joy in every guest.
- Creature comforts like throw blankets and warm cider for to keep your guests cozy and comfy.
CHECK
Each wedding anniversary year has a traditional gift, flowers, colors, and gemstone that historically go hand-in-hand with the celebration of your love.
These traditional items date back to the medieval period and were gifted for good fortune and prosperity of your continued marriage.
However, opinions regarding traditional anniversary gifts have changed with our modern and contemporary times.
Whether you’re a traditionalist or a modernist, here are some anniversary gifts that are sure to endure one year and beyond.
TRADITIONAL: PAPER
Paper is the traditional one-year anniversary gift. Symbolizing your new lift together as a blank slate consider:
• Cookbooks
• Custom art of your favorite couple photo
• A completed scrapbook of your life together until now with blank pages to fill in as you grow together.
MODERN: TIME PIECES
A more modern option to paper is to gift a time piece. Representing your time together and your eternal love consider:
• Clock for your shared space
• Custom, engraved watches
• Time stamped photo of your vows
Bride’s Checklist
6-12 MONTHS AHEAD
o Announce your engagement
o Set the wedding date and send “Save the Date” cards
o Create a wedding budget
o Determine your wedding style - formal or informal, big or small
o Decide on the number of guests you will invite
o Have your family and the groom’s family prepare their invitation lists
o Hire a wedding consultant, if desired
o Decide who will perform the ceremony
o Choose a location for the ceremony and reception
o Choose your attendants
o Start shopping for your dress and accessories
o Start looking for a caterer, florist, DJ or band, photographer and videographer
o If you are getting married in a church or synagogue, meet with the officiant to discuss the ceremony and to arrange pre-marital counseling, if required.
4-6 MONTHS AHEAD
o Order the invitations, announcements, programs, and thank-you cards
o Book calligrapher for the invitations, if using one
o Select and order Bridesmaids’ dresses and shoes
o Urge your mother and future mother-in-law to shop for their dresses
o Decide what the groom and his attendants will wear
o Register for gifts
o Plan your honeymoon and make reservations
o Purchase wedding rings
o Buy stockings and special lingerie that your dress requires
o Choose reception favors
o Choose gifts for attendants and your groom
o Make a hotel reservation for your wedding night
o Make hotel reservations for your out of town guests
o Book hairstylist and makeup artist for your wedding
o Take dance lessons
2-4 MONTHS AHEAD
o Meet with caterer and decide menu
o Attend cake tasting and decide on wedding cake and groom’s cake
o Discuss service with the officiant
o Choose readings and music for ceremony
o Write your wedding vows, if you choose
o Schedule your rehearsal time and dinner
o Make arrangements for rehearsal dinner
o Have your first dress fitting
o Mail invitations
1-2 MONTHS AHEAD
o Write thank you notes as gifts arrive
o Make arrangements for transportation for the two of you from the wedding site to the reception
o Buy a guest book and select someone to preside over it at the reception
o Have programs printed
o Obtain marriage license and request certified copies
o If you intend to change your name, prepare the necessary documents
o Have trial run with hairstylist and makeup artist, with veil and accessories
o Set wedding day appointments with your stylist and manicurist
o Send change of address information to the post office, if necessary
o Have your final dress fitting with your alterations
o Send wedding announcement to the local newspaper
2-3 WEEKS AHEAD
o Have final dress fitting with accessories and lingerie
o Draw up seating plan for the reception and make card for the head table if necessary
o Notify caterer of guest count
o Write toasts for rehearsal dinner and wedding reception
o Address announcements
o Break in wedding shoes at home
o Confirm your honeymoon travel arrangements
o Designate someone to look after your home and pets while on your honeymoon
o Confirm accommodations for out of town guests.
1 WEEK AHEAD
o Confirm transportation arrangements for ceremony and reception
o Go over final details with the reception site coordinator, florist, cake baker, DJ or band, photographer and videographer
o Be sure that the attendants have everything they need for the wedding such as jewelry, shoes, and stockings
o Finalize reception seating plan, if necessary
o Pick up wedding dress
o Confirm details with caterer
o Assign specific responsibilities, such as handing out corsages and boutonnieres, to members of your wedding party
o Pack for honeymoon
o Make sure that attendants know what time to be at the rehearsal and ceremony
1 DAY AHEAD
o Write checks to all vendors, put in envelope, and give to your Maid of Honor or Best Man to pass out
o Pack everything that you will need for the ceremony
o Give announcements to an attendant for mailing after the wedding
o Make arrangements with the Best Man to return all tuxedo rentals
o Have manicure and pedicure
o Rehearse ceremony
o Hold rehearsal dinner and give gifts to attendants and parents to show your appreciation for their support, if you desire
THE WEDDING DAY
o Eat something for breakfast - this will be a long day ahead
o Give your Maid of Honor and Best Man the wedding bands
o See your hair stylist and makeup artist for final preparations
o Gather your dress and accessories and head to the ceremony
o GET MARRIED!
NOTES
Grooms Checklist
6 MONTHS
o Decide division of financial obligations
o Set budget
o Set appointment with clergyman
o Prepare your guest list
o Choose your Best Man and ushers (one per every 50 guests)
o Plan your honeymoon
o Check passports and visas, if necessary
o Make reservations for rehearsal dinner
o Take dance lessons
4 MONTHS
o Select formal wear
o Find a new place to live, if necessary
o Make reservations for honeymoon
o Shop for honeymoon clothing
2 MONTHS
o Buy wedding bands and order engraving
o Set date with your fiancé to obtain marriage license (state laws vary as to the length a license is valid)
1 MONTH
o Select your bride’s gift and gifts for your groomsmen
o Review legal, medical, and church or synagogue documents
o Reserve limousine and/or arrange special transportation for bridal couple and wedding party
o Confirm honeymoon details and reservations
2 WEEKS
o Arrange to move your belongings into your new home, if necessary
o Have bachelor party or dinner
o Schedule hair appointment
1 WEEK
o Confirm time and place of wedding rehearsal and rehearsal dinner with all attendants
o Provide final guest count for rehearsal dinner to caterer or restaurant
o Pick up wedding bands
o Pick up formal wear
o Give best man the clergyman’s fee in sealed envelope for delivery
o Pack for honeymoon
o Relax and get ready to enjoy the most amazing day of your life!
NOTES
Budget Planner
These are simply estimations of the cost distribution of a wedding. Decide what elements of the wedding are most important to you and start planning, beginning with the biggest expense and what is of the most importance.
NOTES
Reception Planner
Check all that apply
LOCATION:
o Indoor
o Outdoor
o Same site as ceremony
o Walking distance from ceremony
SIZE:
o Small (under 100)
o Medium (100-250)
o Large (250 or more)
USED FOR:
o Ceremony
o Reception
o Dressing
o Overnight rooms
SERVICES PROVIDED:
o Rooms
o Food
o Beverage/Alcohol
o Disabled Parking
o Adequate Parking
o Valet
o Coat Check
o On-Site Wedding Coordinator
o Staff to cut the cake
o More than one event at a time
RENTALS AVAILABLE:
o Tables
o Chairs and chair covers
o China, glassware, silverware, and serving dishes
