Lesson 2: Pick Priorities and HOLD STRONG!
I had three things pictured when I envisioned my wedding
ceremony.
1)
I wanted a view of the Blue Ridge Mountains;
that skyline is just breathtaking, natural, and a great backdrop for any event.
2)
I wanted an outdoor event. I am Christian, and
most of my family grew up as Southern Baptists. Needless to say, I received
many disapproving looks from family members when I pooh-poohed the idea of
church. In my defense, if churches here in the surrounding area had the
aesthetics of churches over in Europe, I might think twice, but I see no reason
as to why I can’t be as close to the Lord in his creation: outdoors.
3)
I wanted an arbor. Nothing too fancy, I just
wanted a pretty frame to enhance a natural environment.
These were the things on which I
was most unwilling to budge. We looked at several venues before the
exasperation commenced, and I developed an unhealthy fear that the date I had
in mind was going to be snatched up by a more time-conscious bride. The place
my fiancé and I fell in love with was just out of our financial grasp, not to
mention the fact that it had an almost militant regimen for the ceremony and
rehearsal. Wolf Mountain is a gorgeous venue, and I would encourage anyone who
is not planning a budget wedding to consider the gorgeous grounds, friendly
staff, and amazing vineyard atmosphere. It just didn’t work out for what I’m
sure is a very good reason. I just had to take a step back and be more
realistic. Venue after venue was consulted and considered. I was so flustered
at one point that I almost decided on one mountain-top, secluded site that had
the view upon entrance but lacked the mountain vista from the ceremony grounds.
Fees stacked up when looking into my other priorities, but I was just ready to
have my venue. Thankfully, my mom reasoned with me, and we took a last-minute
trip to White Oaks Barn, about 10 minutes North of Dahlonega.
Here we are checking out one venue (a no-go) that had a gorgeous view but not-so great accommodations.
The
venue is absolutely breathtaking. My arbor sits in the perfect spot. The sun
never impedes on your view but instead illuminates the mountainous landscape in
the background. The barn is brand new and made from the timber that the owner
cleared for his daughters own wedding. Apparently, she was running into some of
the same obstacles that I was. The bridal suite is like nothing any of the
other venues had to offer and was also constructed from the Georgia pines that
were cleared to reveal the view of the The Three Sisters Mountain Range. I couldn’t ask for a
friendlier couple to hash out the details of my big day either. Working with
down to earth, welcoming people will only relieve my easily stricken nerves.
The price? For what is included in the wedding package, the place is a steal.
Just working out this list makes me giddy. I am so excited and relieved to have
the venue picked out, and my only hope is that everything else falls into place
a little more effortlessly. (I’m sure I’ll look back at this post in a few
weeks and laugh at my naiveté!)
