2019 Wedding Guide

wedding GUIDE 2019

Jason & Christi WEDDING SPOTLIGHT

NOW TRENDING

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you

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2019 WEDDING GUIDE

Diverse Ceremony Sites

Elegant Rustic • Vintage Traditional

Elegant Bridal Lounge

The Venue at Murphy Lane is located on 88 beautiful acres of farmland in Newnan, GA.

This gorgeous estate boasts rolling hills, wide-open fields and pastures, tranquil ponds, well-maintained lawns and landscaping, a cozy log cabin with a wrap-around porch, a charming white wooden gazebo, a stunning Southern home, and a newly-remodeled elegant barn with air conditioning and heating. In addition, there is ample parking and golf cart shuttle service around the property. We invite all of our brides to come take their engagement photos on our expansive property as well.

525 MURPHY RD. • NEWNAN • 770-262-8241 • thevenueatmurphylane.com 2

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WEDDING GUIDE 2019

GUIDE 2019

PUBLISHERS

Beth and Clay Neely EDITOR

Jackie Kennedy DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING & MARKETING Wendy Barnes ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS Misha Benson, Mandy Inman PRODUCTION, LAYOUT AND DESIGN

Debby Dye, Sandy Hiser, Sonya Studt © Wedding Guide is published by The Newnan Times-Herald, Inc., 16 Jefferson Street, Newnan, GA 30263

Index of Advertisers ACCESSORIES, GIFTS & DECOR Carriage House Antiques...............19 Treasures Old & New.......................18 CATERING/FOOD Kimble's Events by Design.............10 PRESERVING MEMORIES Finelines Framing...............................10 VENUES Lillian Gardens.................................... 20 The Newnan Centre.........................18 The Loft at Due South......................19 The Venue at Murphy Lane..............2 Town of Sharpsburg..........................10 WEDDING ATTIRE An Affair to Remember.....................3

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FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION call 770.253.1576 or email advertising@newnan.com

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SELECTION TOP DESIGNERS

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9 East Lafayette Square Downtown LaGrange

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2019 WEDDING GUIDE

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WEDDING TRENDS ON TAP FOR 2019

Written by JACKIE KENNEDY

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ach new year introduces new engagements, new brides and new wedding trends. Last year’s trends were lots of fun, and we’re ready to discover what’s new for weddings in Coweta County in 2019.

To find out, we reached out to several local businesses that work in or rub elbows with the wedding industry and one idea kept rising to the top: It’s your day. Be your own bride.

You do you—the two of you—like only you two can.

After all, the experts agree, it’s your day. Do what suits you and your style and trust that the friends and family who love you will enjoy your party, too.

We further asked local business to share what they predict will be big winners in this year’s wedding scene, and we asked our pros what trends they’d rather avoid. They also share expert advice for couples planning their nuptials.

Best of all, there are plenty of local providers—from jewelers for rings, florists for flowers and decorations, and event centers 4

A TOUCH OF CLASS is evident throughout the grounds at Lillian Gardens.

WEDDING GUIDE 2019

Desi Williams Photography

for the perfect wedding venue—to assure your big day is one that helps you be the best you, both of you.

Lillian Gardens

83 Greenville Street, Newnan www.lilliangardens.com, 770.251.1206 Owners Ashley Keeley-Bercich and Philip R. Kirby operate Lillian Gardens as a full-service event venue providing professional planning and catering for weddings and other special occasions.

“We ensure unique and personalized experiences in a beautiful, fully-restored Southern antebellum mansion and garden,” says Keeley-Bercich, who shares her predictions on what 2019 will bring in terms of wedding dos and don’ts.

The year’s biggest trend: Greater personalization in weddings. Couples are breaking away from the traditional formalities in favor of more personal and unique experiences.

From bold colors to individual touches inspired by the couples’ personalities, we are able to

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2019 WEDDING GUIDE

You do you—the two of you—like only you two can. create a unique ambiance that maximizes the guest experience.

A trend to do away with: Favors for the sake of having favors. Instead, do something more personal like donating in your guests’ honor to your favorite charity or gifting guests with a special keepsake they will actually use, like an ornament to always remember your special day shared with them. We see so many favors left over after weddings because guests didn’t want to take home something that will end up being discarded.

Can’t wait to see: Quaint and comfortable seating arrangements. While traditional banquet-style seating has its place, I am excited for requests for less traditional furniture such as vintage couches and settees, unique coffee tables and decorative chairs. These are the designs I cannot wait to assist with in the upcoming season.

Best planning advice: Hire wedding professionals. We see so many couples

Macy O’Connell Photography 6

experience stressful and uncomfortable situations because they let a friend or family member be the photographer, florist or deejay or provide the wedding cake.

Weddings are expensive, so protect your investment and spend a little more for professional vendors. Trust me on this one.

Contemporary Catering, Inc. 25 Herring Road, Newnan www.ccgeorgia.com, 770.254.0117

Jennifer and John Hanna own and operate Contemporary Catering, Inc., which has provided full-service catering for Coweta and the metro-Atlanta area since 1992.

“Our menus, created by our exceptional culinary staff, are freshly prepared, delicious, diverse, visually pleasing and innovative,” says Jennifer. “They will have your guests smiling and leaving your event talking about how great the food was.”

She shares her take on weddings to come in 2019.

The year’s biggest trend: Regal fashion!

That will be a great result of the magnificent Royal wedding.

Trend to do away with: Family-style dinners. While we do them often and successfully, there can be a lot of food wasted and the cost attached is much more expensive. Guests seem to prefer other options, like a plated meal, buffet line or food stations.

Can’t wait to see: More of what represents the bride and groom as a couple!

We’d like to see couples choose even little things that truly represent the two of them and cause their guests to say, “This looks just like them.” That makes everything more sweet and personal.

JORDAN AND WILL Prater said their wedding vows at the gazebo at Lillian Gardens last year.

Photo Courtesy Contemporary Catering

WEDDING GUIDE 2019

Make your wedding day a reflection of your tastes and talents.

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2019 WEDDING GUIDE

Best planning advice: Request a tasting of your chosen wedding menu from any caterer you are considering even if there is a fee attached.

It will be time and money well spent. You don’t want any surprises when it comes to the food served on your wedding day. Your guests may not remember every little detail about your reception, but they will remember if the food was good.

The Newnan Centre

1515 Lower Fayetteville Road, Newnan www.newnancentre.com, 678.673.5486

The City of Newnan owns The Newnan Centre, which is managed by the Newnan Convention Center Authority. The venue offers space for rehearsal dinners, wedding ceremonies and wedding receptions.

“Beautifully appointed with a professional staff, The Newnan Centre is the perfect venue for the perfect wedding day,” says Executive Director Carol Moore. “Our professional staff will assist you with every detail to ensure your special day is exactly as you’ve dreamed.”

Moore shares her predictions for weddings in 2019.

The year’s biggest trend: This year will bring weddings that are personalized to reflect the bride and groom’s personalities and relationship. Themed weddings that reflect the couple’s hobbies or interests will be prevalent with the food served tying into that theme.

Trend to do away with: The bride’s family paying for the entire wedding. With the cost of weddings, it is becoming more common to have both the bride’s and groom’s parents contribute.

Can’t wait to see: We’re looking forward to a themed wedding reception with food that reflects the theme.

Best planning advice: Contract a year out with your venue, caterer and photographer to ensure you get the date and vendors you want.

Then rely on the professional advice of those vendors in fulfilling your dream wedding.

The Venue at Murphy Lane Photo by Leigh Wolfe and Becca Cerasani

THE HEAD TABLE awaits the bridal party at the October wedding of Andrew and Hilary Duke at The Newnan Centre.

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525 Murphy Road, Newnan www.thevenueatmurphylane.com, 770.262.8241

Kara and Hank Lane own and operate The Venue at Murphy Lane, a wedding venue situated on an 88-acre countryside estate with rolling hills, ponds, open fields and manicured lawns and landscaping. Its newly remodeled barn is not the

WEDDING GUIDE 2019

visually appealing room through your table décor.

Mix and match different florals, greens, vases, vessels, lanterns, candles and chargers.

Can’t wait to see: We’d like to see a helicopter sendoff in our wide-open field.

Best planning advice: Choose a dream team of vendors who will help you create your best day ever.

Photo Courtesy The Venue at Murphy Lane

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Thoughtful planning ensures a memorable wedding.

typical barn venue, according to Kara.

“You must see our modern yet classic white-washed shiplap walls, custom ceramic tile flooring, grand crystal chandelier, gorgeous bridal lounge, pavestone patio, bistro lighting and patio furniture,” she says of the elegant location.

Kara shares her thoughts on what’s likely to land on the wedding scene this year.

The year’s biggest trend: Live event painting. This is one of the most unique ideas we have seen at a wedding.

The artist sets up his or her easel and paints from a focal point at the wedding or reception. Guests love to watch the creation come alive throughout the wedding, and the painting becomes an incredible keepsake for the bride and groom.

Trend to do away with: Making every guest table at the reception match. Be creative. Treat your guests to a

put a ring on it

Current wedding ring trends bring together the old and the new. Classic engagement styles in yellow gold are coming back in and round centers remain the most popular choice. We are also seeing growth in new ring styles.

Diamond cuts such as ovals are in demand and setting styles are adding beautiful new details. Rose gold accents and delicate diamond shanks/sides are everywhere along with stylish stackable bands to match.

— Bridget Kee, Morgan Jewelers, Newnan 9

2019 WEDDING GUIDE

Explore our amenities for

a perfect day!

Complete Event Facility WEDDINGS • RECEPTIONS BIRTHDAY PARTIES • FAMILY REUNIONS ANNIVERSARIES • CORPORATE MEETINGS

GAZEBO photo by Chris Dill

Approximately 1,152 sq. ft. photo by Melissa Braswell Photography

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Creating Beauty.

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FineLinesArtandFraming.com 10 E Broad St, Newnan, GA 30263 FineLinesArtandFraming.com

photo by Chris Dill

Approximately 1,800 sq. ft. with picnic tables. photo by Melissa Braswell Photography

Large indoor area approximately 2,000 sq. ft. includes full commercial kitchen. Tables and chairs provided.

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RECREATION CENTER PLAYGROUND Town of

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Full Service Catering and Event Planning Small Intimate Events to Large Corporate Events 100 Webster Street | LaGrange, GA 30241 706-837-9009 | www.kimblesevents.com

WEDDING GUIDE 2019

Jason &Christi F E AT U R E

wedding

C

Written by JACKIE KENNEDY

hristi Froehlich was a customer at Ace Beer Growlers in Newnan before she became the bride of its owner, Jason Kanner. She had known Jason for several years, but both were in other relationships.

“One day I asked her to lunch,” Jason recalls.

Christi replied, “Okay, I’ll bring my boyfriend and you bring your girlfriend.”

Then Jason told her he didn’t have a girlfriend. “That planted a seed,” he says with a grin.

Later, Jason asked Christi to go hiking with him as a first date.

“I thought that was too much,” says Christi,

a special agent with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. “We went to a Mexican restaurant instead.”

From there, love bloomed. The couple tied the knot last spring in a May 19 wedding at Cherry Hollow Farm in Chattahoochee Hills.

“It was the first venue we visited,” says Jason.

“We were there maybe all of 10 minutes and fell in love with it,” says Christi. “I saw the

VENUE Cherry Hollow Farm | PHOTOGRAPHY Alexus Beatty of Southern Charm Photography FLORAL DESIGNER Murphey Florist | CATERING Waddell’s Catering BAND Leonard Washington Band

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2019 WEDDING GUIDE

archway and thought, that’s what I want to get married under.”

The venue’s owner, Carter Williamson, suggested the couple check out other locations, but Christi was hooked.

“The price was right and the date was available,” she says, gushing over the venue’s incorporation of old structures from all across Georgia to form a charming event destination featuring a farmhouse, chapel and fields with roaming cattle.

The love at first sight continued with other aspects of their wedding planning. After Waddell’s Catering in Woodland was recommended, “we never looked anywhere else,” says Christi.

“We did a tasting and everything there was delicious, so we booked with them,” she says, noting that the wedding meal included ribeye steak, chicken breast, squash casserole, stuffed mushrooms and twice-baked potato. “We did a sit-down dinner, which helped with the flow of guests.”

There were about 100 guests in all, according to the couple who chose Murphey Florist in Newnan for the flowers and bouquets.

“The owners came to the venue a couple of times, walked through, and asked questions we didn’t know to ask,” says Christi. “All I knew was I wanted tropical colors in a big bouquet. It was beautiful, and the centerpiece had similar flowers.”

The photographer and band also were from Newnan: Alexus Beatty of Southern Charm Photography and the Leonard Washington Band.

“We went with local people we knew, so there weren’t a bunch of strangers at our wedding but people we knew and were comfortable with,” says Jason. “The best thing about picking the right people is that you just tell them what you want and they put it together.”

To cut down on costs and to make the ceremony uniquely theirs, Christi, with help from her mom, made centerpieces for the dining hall and crafted most of the decorations. She designed decals commemorating the wedding day and attached them to pint glasses given to guests. It was a significant choice considering her husband’s occupation as a beer Meister.

“I like handiwork and doing crafts and wanted handmade things in my wedding,” says Christi. “It was a personal thing but also, from a financial aspect, it helped with maintaining a budget.”

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WEDDING GUIDE 2019

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On the big day, family members from Iowa, Illinois, Missouri and North Carolina were in attendance.

“It was almost like a family reunion,” says Jason. “It was cool because both sides of the family got to meet our extended families.”

The couple had considered having a destination wedding, but having the nuptials closer to home proved convenient and enabled family members to gather more easily.

Breaking with the tradition of having a best man and maid/matron of honor, the bride and groom each chose three of their best friends as bridesmaids and groomsmen with equal roles.

“Having good friends to keep you level-headed while you’re planning things is so important,” says Jason.

While he and Christi agree their wedding was uniquely theirs and a beautifully orchestrated, memorable occasion, it didn’t go off without a hitch. Few weddings do. For the Kanners, there were issues with the cake, chairs and fireworks.

A bridesmaid had planned to make the cake, but as the wedding day neared, there was simply too much else to do, so all agreed to purchase the cake at a local grocery store. However, when it arrived on their warm spring wedding day, the cake was half-collapsed and melting.

“My bridesmaid was able to put it back together and move it around so that it didn’t look so disastrous, and the grocery was great about making it right,” says Christi.

Another potential disaster was diverted two days before the wedding after the couple realized the table and chair vendor they had hired, Peachtree Tents and Events, was out of Atlanta, not Peachtree City.

“We realized we had to go all the way into Atlanta for the chairs,” says Jason. “Thankfully, one of the groomsmen volunteered to go get them.”

Finally, as their wedding day was winding down, a groomsman lit a sparkler in preparation for the couple’s planned departure amidst a glow of sparkling fireworks. But an ember flew astray and landed on a vase containing about 100 sparklers.

“The vase lit up in a 15-foot fireball and burned the bench it was set on,” says Jason.

“I don’t think Cherry Hollow allows sparklers anymore.”

“I was a few feet away from it and glad my dress didn’t catch on fire,” says Christi.

While the fireball fiasco was quite obvious— and ended up being an exciting memory—no one but the wedding party was aware of issues with the cake or chairs.

“There are so many little things to tend to,” says Christi. “You should settle down and figure that even if something doesn’t go the right way, no one else knows how it was supposed to go, so it’s perfectly fine.”

Jason’s has sound advice for couples planning weddings in 2019 or further into the future: “Make sure you have good bridesmaids and groomsmen. Ours really helped pull this all together because they were willing to do anything last minute.”

Christi’s advice is to have a timeline and stick to it.

“When we first got engaged, Jason bought me ‘The Knot Book,’ which helped with planning, setting goals and not getting ahead of myself,” says Christi.

From flowers to fireworks, the Coweta County couple relishes memories of a wedding uniquely their own. They encourage other brides- and grooms-to-be to make their nuptials a true reflection of themselves. WG 14

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gown Styles

2019 WEDDING GUIDE

Wendy Rivera, who runs a company called Do You Speak Bride for wedding industry professionals, says something about the wedding gown that we repeat:

‘This is the most self-expressive garment you will ever wear.’ So you need

to be who you are. Be careful when you bring a crowd to shop for a dress; be sure you have your best supporters there to ensure you get the gown that you love. The biggest event

besides the wedding itself is getting the dress. You want that to be a

special time, so bring the friends who will take care of you best.”

—Amy Warren, An Affair to Remember, LaGrange

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wedding gown will waltz a bride through one of the most important days of her life, so choosing a style that complements her physique and personality is an important decision.

Choosing the right style can be nerve-wracking, but by having some insight ahead of time, stressors can be minimized.

There are basic styles of wedding gowns and all have their own unique beauty, advantages and drawbacks. Each style is designed to complement certain body types, and choosing the right style can take some time. Start looking early and find a style that accentuates your assets, covers anything you might feel uncomfortable about and, more than anything, allows you to look and feel like the star of your show.

Here are a few styles that have become classics:

The Princess Gown: The Princess

Gown is also known as the A-Line.

It is very flattering and offers a fitted bodice; it flairs from the sides and forms a flowing skirt. Due to its A-shaped design, this style works beautifully for ladies with fuller figures. If you’re the type who loves the beauty of simplicity without compromising elegance, the Princess Gown might be for you.

The Empire Gown: The Empire

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Gown has a distinctly raised waistline, which is a perfect way to enhance a modest bustline. This

CHOOSE WHAT WORKS FOR YOU! dress, more often than not, has a square neckline and the overall style lends itself very nicely for shorter brides who want to give the impression of looking a bit taller.

The fabric of the Empire is usually lighter weight and any sleeve-length with this selection is appropriate.

The Column Gown: For brides who are lean and desire an appearance that accentuates their curves, the Column Gown is a perfect choice.

This style incorporates a narrow design that flows straight down from the neckline to the hem. The bride’s body will be gently hugged so curves become discreetly yet eye-catchingly noticeable.

The Ball Gown: Some young ladies still love the fantasy associated with the likes of Cinderella, and if this is you, you’ll love the Ball Gown. A touch of fairytale imagery is what this style is all about. The Ball Gown incorporates a fitted bodice and a very full skirt and is ideal for larger, more traditional weddings. Slender brides look especially stunning in the Ball Gown since the waistline is accentuated. Women with fuller hips, however, can get away with this style also since the fuller skirt beautifully drapes without contouring.

WEDDING DRESS FITTING GUIDE Because fashion preferences were once ornate and dependent on precise fits, ready-to-wear clothing did not become widely available until the early 20th century. Such attire is

EXUDING ELEGANCE, Rachel takes one last look in the mirror before walking down the aisle to become Mrs. Cody Williford.

Photo Courtesy The Venue at Murphy Lane

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2019 WEDDING GUIDE now available in most retail stores.

Because ready-to-wear clothing is so readily available, the average person may be unfamiliar with custom-made or tailored items. In fact, a couples’ wedding may be the only instance in their lives when they require the services of a seamstress or tailor.

Fittings are a part of wedding planning, and here’s how brides-to-be can navigate the process of finding and being fitted for a dress.

Try on sample gowns. The first step is to make your rounds to various gown shops and try on the samples they have available. Most sample sizes will not be the size you wear every day, so expect them to be ill-fitting.

Do not be discouraged. Once a gown is chosen, the dress shop will take your measurements and order the gown according to the manufacturer’s sizing guide.

Again, this can be shocking since the size will likely be larger than what you wear in street clothes. Some shops will order a little larger to allow for adequate tailoring.

IN A GOWN UNIQUE TO HER, Maddey was a vision of beauty when she married Blake Lewis in October.

1690 Hwy 34 E • Newnan

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The Perfect Venue for a Perfect Wedding Day!

70 dealers

Beautifully Appointed Décor Accommodates 10 to 350 Antiques • Vintage • Retro & Today!

Aromatherapy • Heirloom Tradition Paint & Howard Products

Mon.-Sat. 10-6; Sun. 1-6

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Offering top quality items and incredible variety.

678-423-1551

For information, call Carol Moore at 678-673-5494 or carol@newnancentre.com 1515 Lower Fayetteville Road Newnan, GA 30265 www.newnancentre.com

PREMIERE EVENTS VENUE

WEDDING GUIDE 2019

For that...

Schedule the first fitting. The first fitting should be anywhere from eight to 12 weeks before the wedding date, according to experts at WeddingWire, an online wedding information provider. This is the time it takes to complete most standard alterations. Complex customizations can take longer.

Photo Courtesy The Venue at Murphy Lane

Bring shoes and undergarments. Remember to

bring along the exact shoes and undergarments you will wear with your gown. A change in shoes or bra/ corset can result in the alterations fitting poorly the next time. Bring these items along to all subsequent fittings.

Something Old...

Something New...

Carriage House COUNTRY ANTIQUES, GIFTS, COLLECTIBLES NEW! !

ED RECYCLGE! VINTA & Y R JEWEL NS LINE

Speak up. Martha Stewart Weddings suggests speaking up at fittings if anything is uncomfortable or needs tweaking. Seamstresses are masters at their crafts—but only if they understand the desires of the bride.

Check the details. The second fitting is designed to

check that all issues from the first fitting have been addressed, the gown is comfortable, and you can move freely. At the last fitting, ask the maid of honor to come along so that she understands how to bustle or help you handle complicated straps or closures. WG

e our vast co llecti Se Wed on of gifs for din g Cou ple & Bridal Party Nancy Roy

770-599-6321

carriagehousesenoia.com

7412 E. Hwy 16 • Senoia (1 mile west of GA 85)

The Loft at Due South A Special Event Center in Peachtree City, Georgia

THE LOFT at Due South combines the celebrated cuisine of Due South Southern Cuisine with a polished elegance that fuses perfectly for your special event. Our venue supports Rehearsal Dinners, Corporate Events, Wedding Receptions, All Day Meetings, and Family Events. THE LOFT at Due South is comprised of 3 separate rooms, The Main Ballroom, The Augusta Room (a/v equipped), and The Savannah Room (a/v equipped). Two seated balconies offer a very unique perspective on the surrounding area.

www.theloftatduesouth.com

THE LOFT at Due South 678-251-2225 Due South 770-629-5847 302 Clover Reach

Peachtree City, Georgia 30269 Email: theloftatduesouth@gmail.com

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Something Special at

Lillian Gardens

a full-service event venue

WEDDINGS RECEPTIONS | RECEPTIONS |REHEARSAL REHEARSAL DINNERS DINNERS | SHOWERS | LUNCHEONS WEDDINGS SHOWERS| TEA TEAPARTIES PARTIES LUNCHEONS

Lillian Gardens is a full-service event venue dedicated to providing professional planning services for weddings and special occasions, while ensuring unique and personalized experiences in a beautiful, fully restored, southern antebellum mansion and garden.

770.251.1206 | 83 GREENVILLE STREET, NEWNAN, 30263 www.lilliangardens.com