This is the second in my series, Story of the Newlyweds’ Incredible Wedding Journey {my oldest son & now-daughter-in-law’s journey who were married on 9/30/17}.

A second Engagement Party was given in honor of the engaged couple about a month after our party.  This party was co-hosted by several friends of the bride-to-be’s parents.

Come take a look back at this Enchanted Evening.

SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY

Special note:  The hosts were kind enough to let me arrive early to take photos before their guests arrived.

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This Engagement Party was held at one of the hosts’ lovely home in Atlanta on Saturday, April 30, 2017.  About 100 guests (family & friends) attended the party.

My husband, our younger son, and I attended the party.  Our daughter & son-in-law sadly were not able to make the trip south.  Of course, we had met the bride-to-be’s immediate family prior to the party, but besides them, the three of us had not previously met any of the other guests.  However, each of us experienced the epitome of True Southern Hospitality that evening.  We were warmly welcomed by each guest and treated as very special people.

WELCOME & SIGN-IN

Pretty flowers & a photo of the engaged couple greeted guests upon arrival where they were asked to sign the Wedding Memory Book.

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AN OUTDOOR AFFAIR

The party took place in the home’s backyard.  An elegant tent was rented for the dinner portion of the evening, while cocktails were served outside the tent on the patio.

  The weather was perfect – a warm, clear night.–

Photo credit:
Jack Parada Photography

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DELIGHTFUL GARDENS

The homeowner’s beckoning landscaping.. . I couldn’t help but snap some pics.

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MUSIC SETS THE MOOD

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COCKTAILS & HORS D’OEUVRES ON THE VERANDA

“Raise a Glass to the Engaged Couple”

Antipasto Platter:  European & Domestic Cheeses, Fresh Mozzarella, Provolone, Italian Meats, and Grilled Vegetables

Caviar of Black Eyed Peas, Creamy Pimento Cheese, and Macon Bacon Vidalia Onion Dip

Served with Artisanal Breads & Crackers

Crispy Goat Cheese Bites

I did not have any of these but I heard rave reviews about them!

Strawberry & Brie Crostini

Curried Deviled Eggs

Pecan Chicken Served on Petite Waffles

DINNER BACKDROP

White draping and hanging chandys added ambiance to our sit-down dinner (buffet style) in the tent…

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ART OF THE TABLE

Round and rectangular tables set with blue tablecloths and blue & white plates accented with crystal wine glasses & red water glasses

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My counterpart (bride-to-be’s mother) has some very resourceful friends!

PLACE SETTINGS

Believe it or not, these beautiful table settings were not catered.

One of the hosts (the homeowner) owns and personally supplied all the plates, chargers, crystal, silverware, napkins, and linens for this party of 100 people!!    {A woman after my own heart- loves to entertain}

Of course, all the hosts helped with the set-up and the clean-up.  (I can’t even imagine having to do the dishes that night…)

Spode Blue Italian China with Red Napkins Tied with Red Ribbon

Johnson Brothers Old Britain Castles Blue China with White Napkins Tied with Blue Ribbon

Johnson Brothers Asiatic Pheasant Blue China with Red Napkins Tied with Red Ribbon

Blue China with White Napkins Tied with Blue Ribbon

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FLORAL CENTERPIECES

Another good friend, of the bride-to-be’s mother, supplied & arranged all these gorgeous  flowers for the centerpieces!  (Other hosts supplied the vases.)

The floral arrangements were all peonies (one of my favorite flowers, but then who doesn’t love peonies!)

And these were the biggest peonies I’ve ever seen!!!

Photo credit:
Jack Parada Photography

Photo credit:
Jack Parada Photography

DUSK INTO NIGHT

As dusk transformed into evening, we were surrounded by numerous twinkling white lights

Photo credit:
Jack Parada Photography

Photo credit:
Jack Parada Photography

Photo credit:
Jack Parada Photography

BUFFET STYLE DINNER

Roasted & Grilled Veggies

Photo credit:
Jack Parada Photography

Couscous Salad

Photo credit:
Jack Parada Photography

Other food items in our Flavor-Full Buffet Dinner included BBQ Braised Short Ribs, Glazed Apricot Chicken, Green Salads, Risotto, and Scalloped Potatoes

And a Divine Dessert Bar offering Red Velvet Cake, German Chocolate Cake, Devil’s Food Chocolate Cake, Raspberry-Almond Swirl Cheesecake, Strawberry Lemon Torte, Fruit Tart, & Bourbon Pecan Pie with Shaved Chocolate

A Fabulous Evening…

Photo credit:
Jack Parada Photography

AFTER-PARTY BRUNCH

The southern hospitality continued into Sunday morning.  We were invited over to the bride-to-be’s parents’ house for brunch before catching our flight home.  The bride-to-be’s sister’s boyfriend “played” Executive Chef, and he was quite the chef!

{Note all the beautiful plate garnishes}

Caramelized Bacon

Scrambled Eggs

Prosciutto & Goat Cheese with a Balsamic Glaze on Toast

Avocado Toast with Prosciutto

Fruit Salad

My sincerest thanks to Jack Parada (jackparadaphotography.com) for the use of some of his beautiful photography that evening. 

It was a pleasure meeting Jack and his associate.  They took many more great photographs at the party and I would highly recommend them if you’re looking for a professional photographer in the Atlanta area.

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Next up in the Wedding Journey:  A small peek at one of the bride-to-be’s showers

Photo credit:
PICTURE THIS!
photography