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!!

Autumn is a great time to have a wedding at Carl House.  An autumn theme brings with it the feeling of warmth and the opportunity to bring rich and warm colors to your party. Colors rich in tones of orange, brown, burgundy, forest green and bronze are wonderful colors that help set the feel of the wedding. 

You might consider using flowers such as roses, sunflowers and mums with any type of greenery and vines. Bring elements of the outside inside by using nuts, acorns, pine cones and greenery on reception tables. 

You might consider using sashes on chairs and candlelight to wrap up the room with glowing warmth…..colors of the season.

  Ask our Carl House Team for more tips on how to make your autumn wedding a glowing success.

Below is a testimonial from a wedding event hosted by Carl House this past weekend.

 My son, Justin Kenney and his bride, Jennifer Peterson Kenney were married at the Carl House today.

 I don’t know where to begin to thank you for the personal service we received.  Dawn, our coordinator, was an absolute phenomenon.  She was everywhere and right there when you needed her.  The serving staff was amazing.  We were asked what our beverage choice was for immediately following the ceremony.  As soon as we walked out of the “hall” after the ceremony, our drinks were waiting and we were able to go straight to pictures without stopping or waiting.  

The personal service was above reproach.  Each staff member was attentive, helpful and willing to go out of their way to make sure we had an enjoyable, memorable wedding day!!!

I will be “singing your praises” to everyone I know and recommending your venue to ANYONE who will listen.

During this time of customer “no-service”, your facility and staff are a shining example of how guests should be treated.  You are so lucky to have such a knowledgeable, caring staff.  They truly are an asset to the Carl House.

Once again, thank you so much for such a wonderful, memorable and stress-free wedding day.

Lesa Lancaster,  Mother of the Groom

Thank you, Lesa for your praises about our service.  It was our pleasure to provide Carl House’s excellent service to you, your family and friends.

 Our Carl House team is trained to serve our clients in a unified, detailed and joyful manner. Our brides have grown to expect hands on, personal attention throughout the entire planning process for their special day.  They have the devotion and support of our professional Carl House team every step of the way. We are focused on making every celebration an extraordinary, memorable, event or as put by Lesa a wonderful, memorable and stress-free wedding day.

Hello, I’m Mike Evans and I am excited to be assigned the awesome role of observing and writing about things happening in and around Carl House!!  As a writer, marketer and musician,  I am over-the-top happy to be joining owner BB Webb and the whole Carl House team as their new Marketing Specialist. I hope to share a fresh perspective as I report on all things ‘Carl House’ and other things happening in the wedding industry and beyond! First impressions are crucial when choosing the location of your big event, and the casually elegant ambiance and over the top attention from the Carl House team, enthralled me from the very start.  I was spellbound.  So too when visiting my first event, the wedding reception of Ana Bedoya and Tim Ross Jr. I arrived, like a fly on the way, to witness the wedding party taking pre-ceremony photographs in the pasture behind Carl House.  Tonya Douglas and her crew of photographers joked with the wedding party as they captured a magical evening and a sky speckled with perfect stormy clouds.  The joy of this evening was felt from the very start.  The Carl House team was quick to attend to the wedding party with tantalizing hors d’oeuvres, (including my favorite, bacon wrapped shrimp!) and delicious Coronas. Onward to the Carl House kitchen with Executive Chef Max Teich and his team detailing the farfalle pasta with garnishes, working next to meticulously complete his work-of-art entrees: a Boston bibb salad bar, roasted portobello mushrooms, grilled asparugus and squash, smoked gouda mac and cheese, and a tantalizing herb encrusted pork loin. A potpourri of spices filled the air, as servers shuffled in and out to replenish their hors d’oeuvre trays.  There was energy and excitement in every corner of this bustling kitchen! Into the spacious Carl House ballroom next, with its tall windows, gorgeous fireplace and curved staircase, perfect for any bride and groom’s entrance!  The warm energy and anticipation of food upcoming, dancing later in the evening, was felt as friends and relatives nibbled hors d’oeuvres.  I heard guests talking about the beauty of Carl House and the colorful, fragrant gardens.  What fun to observe couples having fun trying on hats and taking photos of themselves with friends in the Carl House photo booth, memories they can capture forever! One of the things I was most impressed with, was how the Carl House team worked to tend to each and every details of the event, smoothly, efficiently and always with a smile.  I felt that all the servers, Kelsey the Wedding Director and kitchen team were flexible to help one another, and both bride and groom, Ana and Tim, had not one care in the world.  General Manager, Dawn Tibbles seemed to be present in every corner, assuring that things were flowing as needed and that all the team was supported to do their jobs at the highest level.  Guests and the wedding party were all relaxed and free to enjoy the celebration while the able Carl House team tended to all the important details of this clearly, carefully planned event!  Things moved like clockwork and everyone had time to enjoy each aspect of the celebration! Guests quickly found their seats as anticipation grew as the ceremony time drew near. The excitement mounted as the wedding party was soon to appear.  When the clock struck 7pm on the dot, the indoor wedding ceremony began with the bridesmaids and groomsmen walking out of the gorgeously appointed main hallway inside Carl House, which lead to the ballroom where guests, with heads turned, watched as the festivities begin! DJ Louis of Spectrum Entertainment, MC and musical extraordinaire for the evening, encouraged everyone to rise as Ana and Tim, appeared atop the curved ballroom staircase, bedecked with shimmering lights to highlight their entrance!  As if time stopped for a moment, you could hear a pin drop!  And then spontaneously, the entire assemblage of guests rose and broke out in applause, with cameras flashing to celebrate the entrance of soon to be, Mr. and Mrs. Ross!  A breathtaking moment surely to remember forever. This was truly a magical moment and event for everyone involved, including this newcomer to the world of weddings.  I had no idea how beautiful it could be!   I look forward to visiting my next event at Carl House.  I love that each event is uniquely designed according to the bride and groom’s interest, passion, vision and desire!  How great is that!  And thank you to Ana and Tim for providing such a perfect first event for me to witness in person, a the lovely Carl House!  May your lives together be filled with love, joy, passion and delight! Now readers……it’s your turn– Do you have a favorite Carl House memory?  I’d love to hear YOUR comments.  And, any advice for a newcomer to this amazing Carl House team and weddings in general??  I can’t tell you how happy I am to be reporting for such a spectacular company and to be working with such interesting and passionate clients. I’m better understanding what all the ‘buzz’ is about at Carl House! Please, share your comments with me, below!  I’d like to share YOUR memories with our readership!!

Til next time!  Mike Evans, Carl House Marketing Specialist

Just 10 months ago and a second chance our paths crossed, we started as friends seeking that special someone and quickly realized our search was over. With strangely similar interests and strong values we progressed our courtship into a love affair. We enjoy time on the beach, walks in the park and sharing an El Jinete meal after church at 12 Stone.

Family and friends are an important part of our life together. We stumbled upon Carl House one Sunday and after an awesome Valentine engagement dinner agreed that it’s a top choice for the ceremony!

We are looking forward to the wedding and feel very blessed to be building a future as one.

Thanks for sharing it with us so far.

Adam and Chris

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!

There are so many wonderful picture spots around the grounds at Carl House! It can be difficult for brides and their photographers to discern where they want to take family pictures and where the best bride and groom spots are. One of our favorite photographers and former Carl House employee, Sarah Eubanks, recommends her top five locations around the property:

1.  Front of the House. In Carl House’s case, please judge the book by its cover!  The front facade of Carl House is classic and beautiful, which can be expected in every nook and cranny of the gorgeous venue.  This shot is a must!

Photo Credit: Sarah Eubanks Photography

2.  Staircase. What is more elegant than a grand staircase?  This is one of my favorite spots to shoot bridal portraits.  The stairs allow me to photograph from so many different angles, and the nearby window always provides the most beautiful light.

Photo Credit: Sarah Eubanks Photography

3.  Brick. Ok, I know bricks can be cliche, but the brickwork at Carl House is so unique.  The bricks have been repurposed from old structures, so there is an imperfection that adds gorgeous texture to the background of an image.

Photo Credit: Sarah Eubanks Photography

4.  Window. The gentle north light that graces the second floor window at the front of Carl House makes for a gorgeous sillouette of a bride and her gown.  The resulting image is dramatic, glamourous, and timless.  This is a photographer favorite, and a bride favorite!

Photo Credit: Sarah eubanks Photography

5.  The Grounds. The setting sun brings warmth and glowing light to Carl House’s weeping willow in the back garden.  It makes for a dreamy and dramatic background of any subject.  This is often a couple’s favorite image.

Photo Credit: Sarah Eubanks Photography

Photo Credit: Sarah Eubanks Photography

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!!”

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)

It is Labor Day and our offices are closed for the day, but that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on how much Carl House has to offer! Follow me on a tour through the house and the grounds to see how spacious and elegant it is! Remember, this is just a quick peek; for a full tour and pricing options, be sure to email Monika Williams, or give us a call at 770-586-0095!