It’s interesting to witness our own lives.  I’m an introspective extrovert. Odd combo, eh?  I’ll get back to that.

On this monumental 10th year since the idea of creating Carl House first popped into my head, I am feeling a deep sense of gratitude, appreciation and awe….in the creative process, how an idea, an intent can change our world and how tenacity and going within (there’s that extrovert-introvert mix), can create things we never imagined in any definite form when we first find ourselves at the beginning of any grand adventure.

In the summer of 2002 I was handling a rental situation in the house that would become Carl House.  The renters were 4 young men who had NO appreciation of this beautiful home (beautiful even before the major renovations), as they painted over old wood, were late on rental payments and were basically making a mess of things, me undone with the wreckage before me!

New to the area, still working to find my groove with a project or business that might satisfy my creative urges, serve the community and create revenue….I was standing in what is now the Frassrand Room, (named after a beloved Grandmother-in-law, Mama Grace, who told the naughtiest jokes), and I literally heard a voice say,

‘This would make a GREAT place for people to gather and have parties!’

‘Huh?’ I remember saying aloud, looking around to hear who was speaking. God reaches us in the most uncanny ways and I was SO thankful, (being that chatty extrovert that I am), that I was actually listening.

Yes, it can happen that quickly, our lives shift and these sparks of inspiration can change thousands of lives and we ALL have the power, the creativity in our souls, to create ANYthing we can imagine.  Read that again, it’s true. The biggest secret, I surround myself with phenomenal people who can execute these visions of mine!

Herbert Kaufman said,

‘Failure is only postponed success as long as courage ‘coaches’ ambition. The habit of persistence is the habit of victory.’

I am infinitely proud of the team I have assembled at Carl House and it’s taken 10 years to gather this particular and stellar group. Lead by the extraordinary savvy of General Manager, Dawn Tibbles and the incomparable talent of my CFO, Robin Ramsey, (a more persistent and meticulous soul I’ve yet to meet), two better women leaders I’ve yet to find.

And me, this week, I’m headed on a cycling trip from Pittsburgh to Washington D.C., testing my physical meddle with 362 plus miles of pedaling and more pedaling. An overdue outlet for getting my business on this particular groove. I’ll all the way be incubating new directions for Carl House, our hotel out back, a bridal boutique on my property next door and well, there is a tv series I’m looking to produce. You’ll never guess, it’s a story about entrepreneurs….

…..how astounding folks I’ve met created something from nothing….just an idea that with perserverance and against TREMENDOUS odds, turned into a business which serves people, offers amazing products and as happened to me, made these particular owners feel alive with their own abilities to create, share and tell the story of, WOW, how they got ‘here’. (if I’ve peaked your interest, visit my other venture, Arriving with BB Webb and my front page video)!

With gratitude for the many people who have come through my doors, graced the halls of my beautiful Carl House, shared who they are and through thick and thin, taught me about the power of grace, love, tenacity and forgiveness.

To quote my mother the adventurer, entrepreneur, pilot, writer, traveler, precious and severe in her tenacity to ‘do right’, as she lay quietly in her hospice bed, knowing her transition was near,

‘Remember the good times,’ she reminded me, ‘onto the next grand adventure.’ Kitty Vogel, 1925-1998.

To me, it’s all about love!  And so it is….onward we go.

From my heart to yours,

BB Webb, Owner

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

Les Dames d’Escoffier is comprised of some rather talented ladies; I am in awe, meeting ladies from the culinary world, food stylists, television hosts of food shows, authors of cookbooks, chefs, event owners such as myself, culinary entrepreneurs, seasoned and talented women.  These women have made huge strides in the culinary field: creating new trends, inventing, collaborating and generally WOW-ing their public through creativity, innovation and clear passion for what they do.

Last evening we visited Oakhurst Community Gardens in Decatur, now the Wylde Center.  Read their inspiring story below… a brief history of this amazing sanctuary:

A Grass Roots Success Story!

In 1996, Sally Wylde and Louise Jackson, both residents of Decatur’s Oakhurst neighborhood, had a life-changing conversation. Neither of them had any idea that one little nuisance would transform their community. What they knew was that every afternoon, children leaving the nearby elementary school cut through Mrs. Jackson’s yard and trampled her beloved garden.

A single decision, however, made all the difference. Instead of involving the police, Sally and Mrs. Jackson partnered with a group of neighbors to invite the children to become caretakers of the garden. Working together, they restored Mrs. Jackson’s garden and added a beautiful, hand-painted fence. The children watched with delight and amazement as their plantings took root and flourished, and something ordinary turned into something special — a process they had never noticed or understood before.

With their newfound enthusiasm and knowledge, the group moved on to create a garden in the median strip of the street in front of Mrs. Jackson’s house. The children took tremendous pride in their work, which was honored at a ceremony with the city’s mayor, who presented each child with a certificate of appreciation. Faster than kudzu, word spread about how much fun it was to dig and plant, and suddenly, more children were lining up to work in Mrs. Jackson’s garden.

The following year, a nearby, undeveloped half-acre lot became available. The property, which had been used as a commercial basil farm, was at risk for development in the rapidly gentrifying Oakhurst community of Decatur. Instead, Sally and her husband, Britt Dean, acquired it, and the Oakhurst Community Garden Project was born. Through her enthusiasm, creative spirit, and a mission to create a space where children could come for hands-on environmental education, Sally encouraged a decade’s worth of youth who are our next generation of environmental stewards.

Long before I became owner and steward of Carl House, I had an itinerate career as an actress and playwright. Before going into theatre, I actually started college studying horticulture. Since I was 12 I LOVED growing plants, creating gardens, (my mother gave me a hand plow on my 13th birthday….it’s true), I loved making things GROW!

I also had a fond interest in herbs and especially their medicinal qualities, considering that good health should come from the food we put in our bodies, natural medicine to perform our best.

When I learned that a horticulture degree demanded a keen knowledge of science and chemistry, I sadly went to my college advisor and told him, with considerable tears, ‘numbers are just NOT my thing….at ALL!’ (ask my CFO)….I didn’t know then that I was a big picture, creative sort, one more adept at being on stage and leading troupes into new terrains of thinking and living. Theatre instead held that needed ground for me.

But last evening, surrounded by gorgeous gardens, incubators for tender plants, bee hives and happy chickens, who looked as contented as I was nibbling fresh honey and goat cheese on crispy flatbread, sipping a tangy fruit drink garnished with fresh thyme, I knew I was in heaven and at home, for sure.

And to be surrounded with women who love creating the ambiance, the fragrance of a memorable experience with not just culinary skills, but the art of setting a table creatively with candles and fresh blooms in simple jars, little seed packets which looked like matchbooks tucked away as a special take away prize in our napkins…..I was reminded at how MUCH I appreciate attention to detail and the care taken to creating such a setting and experience!

And I, as the designated interviewer for our new segment, ‘Dame in the Limelight’, had the distinct pleasure of interviewing amazing Angie Mosier. She began as a Dame at the inception of our chapter in 90′s, then a celebrated, (self taught) cake baker, she has worked with the ‘best of the best’ in the culinary field.

Telling the story of food both visually and with words is important to Angie and she now works as a freelance writer, stylist and photographer.

Her work has been seen in Food & Wine, Town and Country, The New York Times, Southern Living, Atlanta Magazine, Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles, and Garden and Gun magazines. Her essays on Southern cakes, pies and traditional meals can be read in The New Encyclopedia of Southern Culture.

She has collaborated with cookbook and craft authors such as John T. Edge, Matt Lee and Ted Lee, Virginia Willis, Natalie Chanin, and the Southern Foodways Alliance. Angie has completed photography for John T. Edge’s upcoming book, Truck Food Nation and Chef Kevin Gillespie’s book, Fire in My Belly to be published in the fall of 2012. Angie is also honored to have worked as co-author and photographer on Chef Eric Ripert’s most recent book, Avec Eric.

I left last evening inspired to create an herb garden for our Executive Chef Max Teich at Carl House and at home, well, I might buy a few chickens….they looked so darn happy and there is just NOTHING like fresh herbs in an omlette made from farm grown eggs!  And if my friend Janice can grow chickens at her Inman Park home in Atlanta, I certainly can out in the country in Auburn, Georgia!

Stay tuned for more culinary news from Carl House and meetings with the ladies of the Atlanta Chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier!

Here’s to eating better, thinking good thoughts and REALLY enjoying your life.

BB Webb

Enjoy a brief photo montage of our event Les Dames Oakhurst

We love reporting good news and celebrating our couples at Carl House…..and last evening under a sparkling springtime sky was no exception!

Last evening Carl House was lit up like a brilliant lightbulb as the smiles of Morgan and Troy beamed while they shared their ‘I dos’!!  With colorful florals adorning the garden ceremony setting and roses lining the bridal path, a more joyous moment was not to be found!

Lee Jackson, a friend of the bride and groom said everything was wonderful at the event!. As a first time visitor to Carl House he shared that he was ‘blown away with the beauty of the house and landscaping!’  He also shared that, ‘I REALLY enjoyed Carl House’s ginger carrot salad dressing!!’  A big thanks to Chef Max for his lovely contribution.

Another friend of the bride and groom, Mark Payne, said he loved the entire event, ‘I thought the house was gorgeous and the food GREAT,’ but he especially loved the setting where the outdoor garden wedding took place. Thank you Mark!  We love it too.

The Carl House team commented on how much fun everyone had dancing into the night with Black Tie Events and how impressed they were with the lovely cupcakes provided by Amanda Henderson!  A perfect spring evening and a perfect start to a new life together.

Congratulations to Morgan and Troy and their families.  We wish you all good things!

Chef Max served a delicious passed appetizer on a crisp crostini with prosciutto, goat cheese, peach and my favorite, arugula, that nutty and delicious green! My preference in wines goes more toward the reds, but Michael served up a delicious, crisp, fresh Ferrari Carano, Bella Luce Chardonnay. I’m now a white wine convert! Who knew.

Louie Londono of DJ Louie Productions did a marvelous job of keeping the guests moving and shaking on the dance floor between courses. And to that fun group of ladies on the town, (their husbands dropped them off and acted as designated drivers), we hope you’ll bring your energy and fun to our NEXT wine dinner June 29th, at our new time, 7pm. You looked gorgeous and ooooh, those dance moves. And weren’t those glow sticks fun!

I had a lovely note from Kirsten, “I wanted to take a moment to thank everyone for a great time last Friday night. We had the opportunity to attend the wine paring dinner and it was fabulous! The food, the group of people, the staff, the DJ – we were so impressed. We will be back….if you can handle us.” Kirsten, Dawn, and Gini

Oh, we can handle them, for sure!! Did I mention fun….fun, fun!

Tommy Jennings, (yes our Barrow County President) and his vivacious and ALWAYS (here we go again), FUN bride, Danette, attended with family. We had some brides and grooms attending who are considering Carl House as their venue (update, they did book with us) and our Valentine engagement couple, Chris and Adam sat at my table. (Little did I know that Chris is ALSO a mountain bike person as am I)!!

And everso thoughtful Heather Hurlbert attended with her delightful husband Robert, (and she brought me one of her outrageously scrumptious cakes with pecans and oatmeal). We’re delighted to add her to our roster of cake bakers and are pleased that she’ll be at our next bridal event July 29th from 1-3pm.

And speaking of dessert, (which following a tasty Braised Beef Brisket with Onions, Mushroom, and Balsamic Vinegar accompanied by Potatoes Au Gratin), Chef’s Chocolate Lava Cake was a sensation match with my NEW favorite wine, Truffles Merlot with hints of chocolate. What a tasty treat for SURE!

Thank you everyone for your kind comments, we hope to have you back in June!

BB Webb

“We had a wonderful time tonight. Really enjoyed the food and thought that the wine was excellent.” Rodney and Leslie Smith

I’m so happy that Donna and Steve joined us again….Donna ALWAYS with that great smile!

“We had a great time and always look forward to attending events at Carl House.” Donna Everett and Steve Lund

Don’t miss out on the food, wine and dancing at our next June wine dinner. For more information go to http://www.carlhouse.com/events.php. Please call 770-586-0095 for details and reservations.

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

With over 15 years of experience in the floral industry Lindy is a talented floral designer with a passion for creating beauty with the use of flowers.  Her talent and artistry shines through with each of her creations. She loves meeting with clients, especially brides, working to make their wedding dreams come to life through the use of colorful and fragrant floral decor!  “There is nothing I love more than seeing a bride’s vision come to life!”

For Carl House brides making the bouquets may be her favorite, but she is becoming a big fan of the pomander (Kissing Balls).  “My goal is to give the brides what they want, and still stay within their spending plan.”

“There are so many options when it comes to florals at an event.  Beyond the bouquet, I love decorating the ceremony site with floral color and fragrance.  Lining the ceremony aisle has also become a huge trend in the industry.  I love my job as each client and each floral creation is unique and new, making my job such a joy!  When I show a bride her bouquet and she begins to cry because it more than exceeds her expectations and she hugs me tight……. that is my greatest reward.”

Lindy would be delighted to meet with you to learn how she can create the perfect floral accents at your special event! Please contact her at florals@carlhouse.com

Take a few minutes and enjoy the video below.

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

And, a reminder, our wonderful Bridal Event is happening this Sunday February 26th from 1-3pm.  Meet some of our favorite vendor partners, taste our Chef’s culinary delights, meet the Carl House team and win some TERRIFIC giveaway prizes!  Go to our Upcoming Events page for details and call the office please to reserve your spot!!  Our office hours are from 9-4pm.  We hope to see you on Sunday!  With thanks and appreciation! Owner, BB Webb