Southern Elegance or Modern Sophistication?

We got lucky. Both of our first choice reception venues were available the evening of October 24. I booked them. We considered having 1/2 of our guests at one venue and the other 1/2 at the opposite. I figured the only ones inconvenienced by this would be us. It would require 2 dinners and after being poured into a white gown and a new tuxedo, I thought that might push the limit. The odds of spilling on ourselves increases dramatically.

The Commerce Club, located in downtwon Atlanta was one of our choices. Below is the grand staircase, which would provide incredible photo opportunities and would lead our guests from the bar and cocktail hour upstairs to the dining room where dinner would be served and dancing would follow.

Beneath is the view looking down from the lounge in the 191 Club. It offers a beautiful reception area, fantastic food and amazing service.

It was a difficult decision. One that we came to finally this weekend. 191 Club wins. I hope that everyone takes a moment to look down at the atrium during our celebration. It is a beautiful space and we are so looking forward to having our reception there.

Happy Birthday, Tad!!

Friday was Tad's birthday! And just in case anyone forgot, he had it programmed in his Blackberry. We made sure to make it a memorable day with celebrations all day long. After lunch, we snuck into his office and had a celebration with his department.

My dad was in town for the weekend and his mom was too! That night the four of us had a gluttonous feast at Kevin Rathbun Steak.....

We headed back to Tad's house where a fully decorated surprise was waiting for him. We had presents, streamers and mini cakes from a nice bakery. Everyone in the Petrick family has their own fishing pole, so Dad's gift to Tad was a nice set-up that he brought from California....

He must be liked even more than most of us, because he now owns his own tackle box, courtesy of Petrick Bait Shop.

Happy Birthday, TAD! I look forward to celebrating many, many more!

It Costs HOW Much?!

Tad and I are determined to stay on budget for our "big gig" (as my Aunt Judy calls it). We have been pouring over magazines, websites and books. At the end of the day, it is a LOT of money to spend on one day. So, we decided that we would try to finance it through use of the Georgia Lottery. The Georgia Lottery funds education through the "Hope Scholarship", giving tuition to people maintaining a "B" average. I figure that both Tad and I could maintain a "B" average if we were pursuing an education, so I am hopeful that the Georgia Lottery will implement a program for a "Hope Wedding Fund". So far, we are $50 ahead on a $5 investment. With a return like that, each single person on our guest list may be able to bring a date.