Behind the Lens of Photographer Liz Yeakle!

Josh and Mandie Dunn, married June 23, 2012 at Carl House.  The entire Carl House team wishes Mandie and Josh the best in life and love.  They made the wise choice of Liz Yeakle Photography to capture their wedding memories at Carl House. 

 

Liz Yeakle is a fifth generation Atlanta photographer.  Her great, great grandmother was Atlanta’s first professional female photographer!  Liz works with her husband, Scott Dinerman, and together they photograph weddings, their passion.

 “Scott and I truly enjoy working together and we believe our understanding of each other makes us a perfect team” shares Liz. In January, Liz Yeakle Photography was selected as a 2012 Pick for The Knot Best of Weddings.  They are in their 6th year of business and truly love what they do and it shows in their photographs.

Yeakle exudes, “Photographing weddings at Carl House is always a joy.  There are endless beautiful locations at Carl House for photos.  In fact, every time I’m there I find a new place to shoot that I hadn’t noticed before.  

The Carl House staff is very prompt and keeps the weddings on schedule which helps us to do our job most efficiently.”

If you are looking for a great place to host your wedding or other event, come by and visit Carl House. Drive through the iron gates of Carl House and let the view of the white crepe myrtles, large magnolia tree and blue atlas cedar draw you into the lush and manicured grounds of the Carl House estate.  Walking up the bricked path to the home, beautifully decorated with deep mahogany wood trim, travertine tile and hardwood floors, will inspire you to create your own unique and customized event!

 

 

Picture yourself here and we suggest considering Liz Yeakle and her team for your photographic memories!!


Carl House Bridal Event Video

New video of the February 2012 Bridal Event


Another terrific bridal event…..thanks to EVERYONE!

With over 100 guests in attendance the Carl House Bridal Event was a spectacular success thanks to our fabulous vendor partners, great turn out and weather beyond compare.   Our guests had the opportunity to visit with some of the best vendors in the industry, tour Carl House, meet the Carl House team and enjoy our chef’s culinary treats.

Carl House Ladies> Lindy, Monika, Kelsey and Christy!

Purple and silver....all the rage!

We would like to extend a special thanks to the vendors who participated, all listed below.  If you missed our February Bridal Event, please join us at the next one July 29th, a Sunday from 1-3pm.

Shutterkiss Photography

Forever Endeavors Photography

Angelica Londono Photography

Sarah Eubanks Photography

Sugar Kneads

DJ Tod

Spectrum Entertainment Events

Courtyard by Marriott – Buford

DJ Louie

Hampton Inn and Homewood – Sugarloaf

All Faith Weddings

Complete Music

Candies By Candace

Springhill Suites by Marriott

Black Tie Events

Dania Lane, Harpist

Diana Pand, Pianist

Leslie Smith, Mary Kay Cosmetics

Twilight Limousine


 


Sending Wedding Invitations in a Post-Thanksgiving Food Coma

Hello all!

I hope everyone else’s planning is going well and that you all enjoyed a week filled with family and food!

I FINALLY ordered my invitations and couldn’t be happier with the result! I held off on ordering them for so long because it was the one thing I really didn’t have a clue about. Being a wedding director has its perks for the day-of tasks, but everything that has to be done leading up to the “big day” is a huge mystery to me like everyone else!

Luckily, the company I ordered the invitations through has a wonderful customer service line. I was able to call and speak with a representative who filled out my complicated order form with just the right wording. He even corrected me on having a ceremony at five o’clock in the “afternoon” instead of “evening!” Just to have peace of mind, I ordered proofs to be sent to my email for review.

Once I finalized my order, I received the invitations about four business days later. A couple of chick flicks, and tons of junk food later, my sister and I had all of the invitations set to be addressed and mailed!

Be sure when preparing to send your invitations to take one by your local post office to have it weighed. Most invitations will require extra postage, and the last thing you want to do is send out invitations only to receive them back a day later! While you’re at the post office, remember to buy postage for your response card envelopes (remember to make it easy for your guests to send a response to you!).

I’m cutting it a little close, but I am glad to have the weight of invitations almost off my shoulders!

I hope everyone had a fabulous (and filling!) Thanksgiving week! We’ll see if I still fit in my dress at my first fitting after a few slices of my mom’s scrumptious pumpkin pie!


She Said Yes!

Proposal

Photo by Hlee Moua

Blake is an attorney and he definitely had his case in order when it came to proposing to his fiancé.  He put a lot of thought and effort into making this experience memorable for his fiancée, Kristen.  On this fall afternoon the scene was set, including a picnic basket, a quilt embroidered with the proposal date, roses, and a photographer hiding in the bushes at the glorious Carl House gardens. 

She Said Yes!

Photo by Hlee Moua

Upon arrival the couple enjoyed the picnic lunch and Blake had three gifts for Kristen, each representing a year they had been together.  On the third gift Kristen discovered a beautiful ring, Blake got up on one knee and just like the prince charming we dream about and he proposed to Kristen.  We are happy to announce she said yes! 

 Lynn Brown was the photographer there taking some spectacular photos so the couple now has a diary of photos to remember this special day! 

 Everyone here at Carl House was honored to be a part of this very special day and wishes Blake and Kristen many years of joy and happiness!

Additional photos and story about Blake and Kristen’s special day can be enjoyed at: Lynn Brown Photography (the photographer hiding in the bushes!)


Gwinnett Business Journal Spotlights Carl House Off-Site Culinary!


 

Grand and Glorious the Carl House Way!

photo by Bowman Photography.

Like a multi-faceted gemstone, Carl House delivers brilliantly from every angle. Owner BB Webb’s creative inspiration continues to place this award-winning special events and wedding venue in a category all its own.

A genuine piece of Georgia history, Carl House features lavish interiors and a luxury ballroom to accompany its many other amenities on four acres of pristine grounds surrounded by original pastures. Wildly popular for weddings, Carl House also attracts corporate attention for board meetings, training sessions, retreats, annual dinners and more.

New for 2011, Carl House has launched an offsite catering service to complement onsite event packages. Its fresh regional, seasonal cuisine with a southern flair is making quite a statement. Offerings include holiday menu options and packages, buffet trays and box lunches for corporate meetings, full buffets for weddings and other social events throughout the Barrow, Athens and Gwinnett areas.

In July, Webb was chosen into the coveted ranks of Les Dames d’Escoffier International (LDEI), a worldwide society of women dedicated to creating a culture in the community that fosters excellence and promotes the achievement of women in culinary professions through educational and charitable activities. She has worked closely with Executive Chef Michael Deihl from East Lake Golf Club and the team at the benchmark catering firm, Affairs To Remember to develop the new Carl House off-site catering brand.

Personalized attention from the Carl House experts make every customer shine. The ‘wow’ factor comes into play with newly developed trend-setting in-house wedding services such as a photo booth, candy station and gourmet coffee selection at receptions, added to Carl House floral creations, culinary expertise and overall ambiance.

Webb is pleased to report that, “This has been the best business year we’ve experienced since opening in 2003.”

Carl House has holiday festivities planned and hosts wine dinners throughout the year. Looking to the future, Webb is in discussion with investors for ways to expand the Carl House experience with a hotel and shops on its sweeping 30 acres. With a bold, clear vision, Webb and Carl House promise to deliver: Extraordinary. Memorable. Events.

Find Carl House at 1176 Atlanta Highway in Auburn, Ga. For more information visit www.CarlHouse.com, email info@carlhouse.com, or call 770-586-0095.

 

 

 

 


And the winners of the Facebook engagement story contest are…

Meredith Cash and Nick Palmer!

With almost 350 “likes” on our Facebook Fans page, Meredith and Nick won with a hefty lead! The lucky couple now has the opportunity to select one of the following prizes below:

Complimentary Punch Fountain for up to 100 guests
Complimentary champagne toast for up to 100 guests
2 complimentary tickets to a future wine dinner

Congratulations Meredith and Nick! Want to hear how the winning couple got engaged? The story, written by Meredith, is posted below!

“A diamond is truly a girl’s best friend whether it is the ring on my left hand or my man coaching first base! Nick and I attended North Georgia College & State University where we both were athletes. Nick was a catcher for the Saint’s baseball team, and I played for the Ladies Saint’s tennis team. Nick and I had a few classes together, but he never noticed me even though I sat behind him in one of our mutual classes. Fast forward to a year later! Nick had already graduated, but became a grad-assistant for the baseball team while working on his masters. Every morning, I would have to walk by the baseball office to attend my morning classes. The best part about that would be the fact I got to see Nick, and little did I know he thought the same. Every once in a while Nick and I would speak as I passed the office. So the fall semester ended and Christmas break began. Nick sent me a message on Facebook asking me about my finals and to see if I was excited about my internship starting in the spring. Nick and I began chatting on the Facebook application. And that’s where the real story begins…

Nick and I began talking on the phone and through text for the next couple of weeks after exchanging numbers. On December 14, 2009, we went on our first date. Nick showed up to the door with flowers. He stole my heart right then because he was the first guy to ever bring flowers on the first date. I knew he was the one on our first date because at dinner he asked if it was ok to say the blessing. He just warmed my heart with those words. Nick told his mom after our first date that he would marry me! Fast-forward 10 months…

Nick asked my parents one night at dinner if he could marry their daughter. Once he got their blessing, the planning began. Nick had it all planned that he would propose on Tuesday, October 19th at the North Georgia baseball field, but those plans changed when coach told them they would be having an inter-squad game on that day. So he had to change his plans really quick. On Saturday, October 16, 2010, my life changed for the best! That morning we were at my apartment packing for the day because Nick said we were having date night. Nick asked me to pack my hair rollers which I thought was really odd, but I did it anyway because he likes my hair curled. That afternoon, we were at his house throwing around the baseball and that’s when the idea occurred to him. While getting ready for dinner, I heard Nick yelling because the shirt he wanted to wear wasn’t working right so I told him to just wear a different one. Of course he said, “No, I want to wear this one”. So he finally got it to work and we were off to dinner. On our way out the door, Nick said coach called and we had to go by the baseball field because the sprinklers were on and they weren’t supposed to be. On our way to the field, Nick pulled out a white box (which I thought was an engagement ring, and I was about to be mad if he was about to propose in the car) which held two charms for my Pandora bracelet. Finally, we got to the field, and Nick got out of the truck (I thought he was just looking at sprinklers) to get everything set up for the engagement. I decided I would call my mom to chat while he was checking every thing out. Nick came up to the truck and asked me to get out and walk on the field with him to see if the field was wet (mind you I’m still on the phone with my mom), but I said no thanks I don’t want to get my shoes wet! Nick said please come walk on it with me, and my mother on the phone said just go but don’t let anything bite you! Little did I know she knew what was happening. We walked around the outside of the infield, but I noticed that the field wasn’t wet at all. I didn’t say anything about it just thought it in my head then, Nick made the comment “I guess the sprinklers weren’t on that long because the field isn’t that wet.” Of course, I bought that story!! Rounding third base, Nick asked me to pick the ball up at home plate while he went to check the sprinklers behind the pitchers mound. Approaching the ball, I noticed it had something written on it. All I could see was the word Will so I thought it was Will’s baseball. As I got closer, I rolled the ball over with my foot and saw it said, “Will you marry me?” As I turned around, I saw that Nick was down on one knee at the pitchers mound. I was screaming “Are you serious?!” and “Is this for real?!” I couldn’t believe that this was really happening. It was the happiest moment of my life!

So we have set our date for September 22, 2012 at the Carl House. I am looking forward to walking across the bridge and seeing my groom standing on the other side. I am excited about having my special day at the Carl House! Like I said before, a diamond is truly a girl’s best friend! See y’all soon!!”


Holiday Parties at Carl House!

 

Photo Credit: John Campbell Photography

Don’t you just love the holiday season? Intricate decorations and family gatherings with lots of eating! Let us handle all of the planning for the perfect holiday party this season! The house will soon be decorated for the holidays, and our floral department can take care of your every need! We have some wonderful specials for clients who book a holiday event before the end of September (THIS Friday!)!
Choose one of the following specials for your party:
Special pricing for our Photobooth, normally $1,000, just $600!
Complimentary Hot Apple Cider
Complimentary Gourmet Coffee and Hot Chocolate Station
Complimentary Champagne Cocktail
Complimentary Chocolate Fountain for up to 100 guests
Contact Monika today for more information and menu pricing!
Or call us at 770-586-0095!


A Tour of the Carl House Gardens with BB Webb

Hello all!

I hope your planning is coming along splendidly! I absolutely LOVE the gardens at Carl House! There are so many different areas that guests can utilize for their wedding and reception, or any other event for that matter. The gazebo and benches placed throughout the property give a sense of home that I have not experienced at any other venue I’ve seen. I love that I am getting married in the grand ballroom, but wish I could have another ceremony in the spring outside too! Take a tour of the gardens at Carl House with BB below!

Video Credit: Casey Peacock (student project)


Our Service Staff is the BEST!

We absolutely ADORE the service staff that work meticulously to make every event special at Carl House! Last weekend, all of the Carl House team participated in a group training to ensure that every event is top notch! Take a look at the picture below! Some activities the employees completed were:

The lovely Carl House Staff!

  • Server Relays- The servers teamed off against each other to compete in a game of speed and coordination relaying a tray packed with cups filled with tomatoes from one side of the ballroom to the other!
  • Serving Role Play- To practice proper service to guests for a plated meal (Emily Post doesn’t have anything on us!)
  • What’s Missing?- The service staff walked through the house to correct out of place and mixed up house decorations and station set ups.
  • Game Show- A review game of all Carl House practices and policies for events
  • And much, much more!

Experience the excellence of the Carl House staff this holiday season! Book a family get together, holiday party or wedding! And don’t forget about our Holiday by the Table Party on December 8th!


Carl House - 1176 Atlanta Highway - Auburn, GA 30011 - (770) - 586-0095 - info@carlhouse.com