1176 Atlanta Highway - Auburn, GA 30011 - 770.586.0095
A full-service facility with elegant surroundings, exquisite flowers and food; we invite you to experience 21st Century Southern Hospitality! Our 4-acre county estate, antebellum-style home, lush gardens and elegant ballroom provide a perfect location for your indoor or outdoor wedding! Join us for your rehearsal dinner, luncheon, ceremony or reception.
As the sun rose blissfully Saturday morning, leaving a glistening halo of sparkle and light as the dew melted slowly in its gradual warmth, Carl House radiated with softness and beauty; a feeling only fitting for the second day of spring. The Carl House team was delighted, not only for the wonderful weather, but also, to play host to the first outdoor wedding of the season; even the scattered patches of purple and yellow pansies perked in anticipation. Despite a slight chill in the air, the ceremony went smoothly and Kimberly and Andy, who had entered as two, walked arm-in-arm down the aisle past family and friends as one.
The ballroom was a dizzy of dancing and dining, and the delightful mood was echoed by the assortment of hot and light pink gerber daises that made-up the bride’s bouquet and the groom’s boutonnière. One glimpse at Kimberly and Andy and it was clear that the affection and admiration they shared would make possible for the foundation of a beautiful marriage, just as the foundation of Carl House made possible for a beautiful celebration. Even the groom’s cake stood as a token of their love. In honor of her husband’s service as an Athens Clarke County firemen, the cake was modeled after a red fire truck and the cake cutter, an axe, read “Today I Marry the Bravest Fireman.”
Being a part of special occasions, like this one, is what makes being a part of Carl House worthwhile. We hope to play host to these engagements for many springs to come!
If rain on your wedding day is good luck, then Davita and Aaron are one fortunate couple. While the Saturday shower may have kept the two indoors, it did little to dampen their spirits. Complete with a bouquet of bright pink roses and blooming stargazer lilies, the bride descended Carl House’s winding staircase to the ballroom full of awestruck guests. Davita was elegant and full of grace and the weather a dramatic backdrop to her glowing presence! Table arrangements mirrored the bright colors that rested in the bride’s hands and additional flowers hung delicately over the magnificent Carl House fireplace; adding their own intensity and light to the beautiful gathering. As bride and groom exchanged vows to a room of stargazed onlookers, all watched with delight, a delight that continued as ceremony lead to reception and day lead to night.
After dinner, family and friends hit the dance floor with enthusiasm and vigor; even the rain drops outside Carl House danced to the ground in honor of the special occasion. To add to the fun, two specialty drinks, a pomegranate martini for the ladies and ‘Jack’ and coke for the guys, were served throughout the evening. For dessert, a tiered cake with the bride and groom’s initials adorning the top was served. The fact that Davita and Aaron didn’t let the weather hamper their perfect day is a true testament that when life hands you lemons make lemonade, or in this case, when life hands you rain, make martinis.
While our blog may only be a few weeks old, Carl House has years of experience in hosting great weddings under its belt. From classic and traditional to themed and modern, we have been fortunate enough to be a part of some fabulous and memorable nuptials. This past weekend stood as no exception as Naomi Yasuho and Brandon Fogerty brought personality and style to their big day.
From their first dance to the bouquet throw, no part of the ceremony was without the couple’s personal touch. While most weddings use Carl House’s spacious ballroom as a place to mingle, eat and be merry, Naomi and Brandon turned the antique wooden floors into an illustrious stage. Performing the infamous dance from Dirty Dancing, the two twirled around the room to “I Had the Time of My Life,” leaving many with the looming question: “Patrick Swayze who?” Even the groomsmen joined in on the fun becoming the backup dancers for the happy couple. Later in the night, the two showed off their skills again as they danced to a mix of songs that included the word “crazy.” This was definitely a first for Carl House!
But the action didn’t stop there. Not only did Naomi perform two dances, she also managed to change the flowers in her hair and bouquet several times throughout the evening. Thank goodness Carl House has a lovely Bridal Suite that gave the bride some rest as she went through her various transformations. The beautiful flowers were not that the only thing to behold at this unique wedding. Originally from Japan, the bride’s mom wore a customary Japanese kimono that added elegance and tradition to the unforgettable event.
Weddings like these are what make working at Carl House so interesting. We love to see how each couple adds their own elements and surprises to the ceremony and more importantly, the creative ways they utilize all the services Carl House has to offer.
Notes From the Gallery:
“I couldn’t keep from smiling the entire night. From the dances to the cute wedding favors, it was impossible not to enjoy the evening. As a wedding director, I’ve seen my share of ceremonies, but this was definitely the most unique and charismatic.”
It’s said that ‘love is in the details.’ No where was the statement more true than at Brittany Holland and Tim Wood’s Valentine wedding this past Saturday. Glass boxes of red roses delicately adorned the table tops, white trees draped with hanging tea lights and orchids stood as elegant centerpieces, a bouquet of pink hydrangeas and roses accented by tiny crystals rested in the hands of the beautiful bride, even the four-tiered white cake by Rhodes Bakery mirrored the intricate beading and embroidery of Brittany’s flowing dress. Having chosen Carl House's new Roses and Romance wedding package, which includes flower arrangements, photography, entertainment, cake, transportation and more, it comes as no surprise that even the smallest details were considered.
Carl House's team transformed from ceremony to reception in record time; the ballroom glistened with white candles as guests danced to music by A Sound Occasion celebrating the joining of two amazing people. Whether due to the joy of the ‘I Do’s,’ the popularity of the chocolate fountain or the ambiance of Carl House resplendent with grace and warmth, the excitement of the night never diminished. As the couple left the evening in a sleek limo, they waved goodbye to family and friends who disappeared into the night much like the faint light of the candles which one-by-one flickered out in the once lit ballroom. The dedication and detail that went into creating this unique and special celebration can only be attributed to love, which made it only fitting that this all happened on Valentine’s Day.
The splendor of warm weather is reason enough to cause celebration at Carl House. As the gleaming rays of sun fill the house, they act as a radiant sign that spring is fast approaching, reminding us all of the possibility of new beginnings. A reminder that is furthered as Carl House plays host to the most beautiful new beginning of all, marriage.
This past Saturday, Feb. 7, stood as no exception. As the warmth of the day faded into a serene, cool night, Carl House became a picturesque scene as family and friends came together to celebrate the joining of newlyweds Katie French and Walker Hill. Guests watched in delight as the wedding party arrived to the house in an antique trolley. Inside, twinkling tea lights draped the trees and tables were adorned with lantern centerpieces adding to the Winter Wonderland theme. A feast of stuffed chicken breast, dried fruit, walnut stuffed pork tenderloin and wilted cabbage with caramelized onions was the perfect meal to enjoy prior to an evening of singing and dancing with friends. The happy couple left the celebration in a golf cart, driving through a sea of sparklers and silly string. With the night drifting into early morning, the two drove away into the first few private moments of their new lives, reminding all that while the warmth and the sun may fade away, true love never will.
A long time commitment to a job well done can have its benefits. Wedding expert and Director of Sales at Carl House,Faye Pressley, knows her business and her employer, owner BB Webb, knows and values that fact! Having worked at the venue almost since the time Webb opened, in July of 2003, Ms. Pressley has made the kind of difference in Webb's establishment that warrants attention. So much so, that Webb decided to dedicate the upper ballroom in her gorgeous, renovated, turn of the century mansion to Ms. Pressley. Above the historic Durham Ballroom you will now find the 'Faye Pressley Mezzanine.'
"She's an extraordinary woman who the brides and the mother of the brides adore. She has a unique and delightful southern charm, she listens carefully to what they want and has a grace, elegance and charm about her that is infectious! I may be the owner of Carl House, but Faye is truly the matriarch and she deserves the honor of this dedication more than I can express! She has stood beside me through all kinds of weather building Carl House since the beginning! I am filled with gratitude!" --BB Webb
A dedication was held in Ms. Pressley's honor at 9:30am on Thursday January 29th at Carl House. For more information about Carl House, visit www.carlhouse.com or www.CarlCorporateRetreat.com or call 770-586-0095.
Carl House has been selected as ‘Best Reception Site’ by Atlantabridal.com and voted as one of the ‘best of’ by The Knot Magazine! Carl House was also awarded by Gwinnett Magazine’s “Best of Gwinnett,” as “best place to have a wedding” and “best place for a business meeting or retreat!”
