Below you’ll find photos from a Whitehall Ballroom wedding, along with what we’ve learned about light, portrait spots, nearby hotels and planning a smooth day in this beautiful space.
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About Southern Exchange Ballrooms at 200 Peachtree
The building opened in 1927 as the flagship Davison’s department store, later became Macy’s, and today hosts events as Southern Exchange Ballrooms. You’ll also see the venue listed by its address, 200 Peachtree, on older photos and wedding websites.
The venue lists six event spaces: the Whitehall Ballroom, Davison Ballroom, Grant Loft, Augusta Conference Center, The Cellar and Skol Brewing Company. The Whitehall Ballroom was once the store’s marble-floored cosmetics and jewelry floor, and it’s the room featured in the Southern Exchange Ballrooms photos on this page.
According to the venue, the Whitehall Ballroom covers 18,000 square feet with 30-foot ceilings, 14-foot crystal chandeliers original to the building and a wraparound mezzanine balcony. It seats up to 450 guests on the ballroom floor.
What Couples Should Know
Ceremony and reception in one room: The Whitehall Ballroom can host both. The photos on this page show the ceremony and reception in the same room, with the space flipped from ceremony rows to dinner tables. Since the venue has several event spaces, ask the venue team whether a separate room for your ceremony or cocktail hour fits your guest count and timeline.
Planning around a room flip: When the room is reset during cocktail hour, we’ll build the timeline together so portraits and the flip fit comfortably around each other.
Catering: The venue lists catering as in-house.
Drapes and setup: The venue lists optional interior track draping for the Whitehall Ballroom, so ask how drapes can be arranged for your ceremony and reception.
Details can change: Confirm current room options, policies and pricing directly with Southern Exchange Ballrooms.
Hotels Near Southern Exchange Ballrooms for Getting Ready
Several hotels sit within a few blocks of 200 Peachtree, which makes it easy to get ready nearby and arrive at the venue calm and on time. A few close options:
The Westin Peachtree Plaza, 210 Peachtree St. NW
The Ritz-Carlton, Atlanta, 181 Peachtree St. NE
The Candler Hotel Atlanta, 127 Peachtree St. NE
When you book, ask for a room with a large window and enough open space for your wedding party. High-floor rooms with big windows give soft, even light for dress, detail and portrait photos, with the downtown skyline in the background. The venue also lists a private hospitality suite with the Whitehall Ballroom; ask the venue team how it can be used on your wedding day.
Ceremony Photos in the Whitehall Ballroom
The front of the Whitehall Ballroom is a natural focal point for a ceremony: tall arched windows above a wall of sheer white drapes, framed by columns and crystal chandeliers. The white columns and pale marble bounce light around the room, which keeps the front of the space bright and skin tones clean.
The hall is long, and light fades the farther back you go. For ceremonies, that makes cameras and lenses built for low light important, so we bring professional gear that holds detail and color from the altar to the back rows. The wraparound mezzanine can offer an elevated view of the full aisle; ask the venue whether it’s open during your ceremony.
If you’d like portraits before the ceremony, our first look guide walks through how to plan the timing.
Portrait Spots in the Whitehall Ballroom
Some of the most striking Southern Exchange Ballrooms photos come from the front of the room, in front of the big arched windows where the ceremony takes place. A silhouette against the glowing windows, reflected in the polished marble floor, makes a dramatic and timeless portrait. Anywhere in this room is beautiful, though: between the columns, under a chandelier or down the long center aisle.
Natural light is strongest near the windows. Because the Whitehall Ballroom is so long, the far end of the room is much darker, so we add supplemental lighting for portraits there to keep faces bright and the room’s details visible.
The entrance on Peachtree Street, with the 200 address above the doors, is another favorite backdrop once the sun goes down, and a great setting for twilight and nighttime portraits.
Reception Photos and Evening Lighting
By evening, the Whitehall Ballroom takes on a warm glow from its chandeliers and any uplighting your dรฉcor team adds. Uplighting sets the mood on the columns and walls. Once the sun goes down the room gets dark, so we add our own lighting for toasts, first dances and the dance floor, keeping skin tones natural and the chandeliers glowing in the background.
Parking and Logistics
Address: 200 Peachtree St. NW, Atlanta, GA 30303
Parking: The venue lists an attached parking deck at 150 Carnegie Way.
Travel time: Allow extra time between your hotel, the venue and any portrait stops, since downtown traffic and events can slow things down.
Confirm load-in, parking and timing details with the venue team as you finalize your plans.
Southern Exchange Ballrooms is at 200 Peachtree St. NW in downtown Atlanta, with parking listed at 150 Carnegie Way.
Is Southern Exchange Ballrooms the Same as 200 Peachtree?
Yes. The venue is inside the 200 Peachtree building, and older listings and wedding photos sometimes use the address as its name.
What Is the History of the Southern Exchange Ballrooms Building?
Architect Philip Shutze designed the building, which opened in 1927 as the flagship Davison’s department store and later became Macy’s. The Whitehall Ballroom was once the store’s marble-floored cosmetics and jewelry floor.
Can We Have Our Ceremony and Reception in the Whitehall Ballroom?
Yes. The photos on this page show both in the same room, with a flip in between. The venue also has other event spaces, so ask which layout the team recommends for your guest count.
How Many Guests Does the Whitehall Ballroom Hold?
The venue lists seating for up to 450 guests on the ballroom floor. Confirm current capacities with the venue for your layout.
What Hotels Are Near Southern Exchange Ballrooms?
The Westin Peachtree Plaza, The Ritz-Carlton, Atlanta and The Candler Hotel Atlanta are all within a few blocks of 200 Peachtree.
How Much Does a Southern Exchange Ballrooms Wedding Cost?
Venue pricing depends on the room, date and guest count, so contact Southern Exchange Ballrooms for current rates. For photography, you can view our wedding collections.
Can We Plan a Bridal or Wedding Portrait Session at Southern Exchange Ballrooms?
A stand-alone portrait session is a relaxed way to enjoy the ballroom away from the wedding-day timeline. Access depends on the venue’s calendar, so we’d confirm availability with Southern Exchange Ballrooms first. Learn more about booking a stand-alone wedding portrait session.
Planning Your Wedding at Southern Exchange Ballrooms
If Southern Exchange Ballrooms is on your list, we’d love to help you plan Southern Exchange Ballrooms photos that make the most of the Whitehall Ballroom, from window-lit portraits at the front of the room to a glowing reception under the chandeliers.
A couple weeks ago, we had the honor of flying out to New Orleans for some awesome French Quarter engagement photos with Susan & Phil! Below is an interview with the bride and groom to be as well as some highlights from the day. How did the two of you meet? What were your first impressions? Was it love at first sight? We met through a mutual friend at work in the cafeteria on a Friday. We sat and had lunch together, and then decided to go out on the town with a bunch of friends. We both thought the other was cute, but love came from getting to know one another better over the next several weeks.
What attracted you most to each other? How long before you started dating? Where was your first date? Were you nervous? We gradually fell in to a relationship as we were getting to know each other after first meeting. We called it official about 1.5 months after the first time we met, after several weeks of spending most of our free times together after work and on weekends when we were both in town. We still can’t tell you where our actual “first date” was though.
What made this person different from anyone else you’d ever encountered? Were you nervous about one another meeting your family? Why? Who said I love you first? How did you feel after these words were said?
Bride: Phil is very different from anyone I have encountered. He’s intelligent, kind, thoughtful, is extremely neat and clean, and most importantly is an amazing chef. He takes such wonderful care of me and is willing to drop everything without a moments hesitation if I really need him. He even does little things to show how much he cares like washing and waxing my car when I’m out of town! I was the one to say I love you first. It was an accident and I was slightly intoxicated, but I meant it and I was more than happy to wait until he was ready to say it back because I was determined to spend the rest of my life with such an amazing man.
Groom: Susan is my kind of unique. She is not like most girls that like to get all dolled up and fancy every time they walk out of their bedroom. She doesn’t do anything that I would have stereotypically expected from a female. She is extremely down to earth, silly, funny, and comfortable wearing what makes her comfortable. Those qualities make her shine in a special light to me. I was never nervous to introduce her to my family, I was excited! I knew they would love her! While I wasn’t the first to blurt out “I love you”, I may well have been the first to FEEL like saying it. I played hard to get with my emotions at first. When I finally let my guard down and told her “I love you” for the first time at the Spanish Plaza fountain in New Orleans, it opened up a new feeling in our relationship and I have never been happier!
When did you know this person was the one? Was it a slow realization that crept up on you, or did it hit you like a bus? How did you feel when you had that “this is it” moment?
Bride: I think I knew a lot sooner than Phil did. Even when we had only known each other for a couple of months, it felt like he was my best friend and I could talk to him about anything.
Groom: I always had a great feeling about Susan since that time I said I love you. It had to be then that I realized this was it. Of course, I took a full year from that day to be completely sure, and then I popped the question!
How/ when did the engagement happen? Did everything go as planned? Who was the first person you told about your engagement? Leading up to and when the question was asked, were there butterflies? Was there any suspicion? Well the first person to know it was coming was Susan’s mother. With Susan’s father having passed away about 2 years ago, her mother was the one I went to for permission. At least that was my plan. She basically headed me off at the pass when I took her out for dinner on her birthday and coaxed it out of me. I was only planning to take her to a nice dinner on her birthday, but she thought I had an ulterior motive. Anyway, the first person I told after that was my best friend and roommate (same person). He helped me devise a plan and gave advice on where to find a ring.
The engagement took place in exactly the same spot we were standing in Spanish Plaza by the fountain, exactly 1 year after I said I love you for the first time. She thought we were going to New Orleans to attend a surprise birthday party for a fraternity brother of mine. We were supposed to meet up and check in to the hotel with another friend of mine prior to the party, Susan thought he had made the reservation. I had changed my mom’s cell number in my phone to his name, and had her text me that he hit traffic and would be running late. So when we got to New Orleans early with nowhere to go, I said we should take a walk down the lakefront. Susan was not happy with me because it was slightly colder than I expected, had forced her to wear a nice dress instead of something casual, and pair that with some not so comfortable heels. The last thing she wanted to do was walk outside, but she did it because I wanted to. I brought her to the fountain, positioned her right where we were standing and reminded her that it was exactly a year ago when we were there before. She swears she had no idea what was coming, because there’s no way I’d go through all the trouble of doing that before my friend’s party. I told her that I couldn’t live without her and got down on one knee, SHAKING, and barely muttered the words “Will you marry me?” as I was fighting off the urge to burst in to tears. She lit up, and made me the happiest man in the world when she said yes.
Of course, the first person she called was her mom too!
Last Questions! What’s the one thing about each other you couldn’t live without? You can’t make us pick one thing! That’s unfair!
Although The Barn at Buffalo Creek has permanently closed, we wanted to take a moment to celebrate the beautiful weddings and memories created at this beloved venue. While it is no longer available for future weddings, we hope you enjoy these photos and find inspiration for your own special day. If you are looking for a similar style venue, we recommend checking out The Wheeler House in Ball Ground, which offer the same rustic charm and picturesque settings. Our team at Jaimie Dee Photography is always here to help you find the perfect backdrop for your wedding day.
After leaving The Tisinger House for the getting ready and first look during the first part of the day, we then progressed to the Barn at Buffalo Creek Carrollton GAย for the ceremony & reception. ย We LOVE it when we have an opportunity to venture outside the city. ย Carrollton ย has some gorgeous wedding venues, and the Barn at Buffalo Creek was no exception!
Atlanta Wedding Photographer: Jaimie Dee Photography with Jaimie Dee & Zach Edmonds Wedding Planner: Weddings For You Officiant: Melissa Greene Band: The Atlanta Wedding Band Dress: Anya Bridal Tux: The Squire Shop Florist:ย A Delicate Petal Catering: Debra Gibbs Cake: David Kyles,ย Personal Chef Makeup & Hair: Indulge Salon Menswear Designer: Alexa Younger
The Tisinger House Wedding Pictures | Atlanta Wedding Photography
Had a blast shooting with Courtney & Grant this spring! The Tisinger House wedding pictures turned out BEAUTIFULLY. If you’re looking for Carrolton wedding venues, check this place out. The first part of the images below were of the guys getting ready at the best man’s house, the second part with the girls getting ready were at the Tisinger House. Such a gorgeous day, we couldn’t have asked for better weather – Atlanta wedding photography at it’s best. Part one of the preview at the first two locations is below, while part two at The Barn at Buffalo Creek wedding pictures can be found here! We have also included a sweet little interview with the bride and groom woven throughout the images below.
Atlanta Wedding Photographer: Jaimie Dee Photography with Jaimie Dee & Zach Edmonds
Wedding Planner: Weddings For You
Officiant: Melissa Greene
Band: The Atlanta Wedding Band
Dress: Anya Bridal
Tux: The Squire Shop
Florist: A Delicate Petal
Catering: Debra Gibbs
Cake: David Kyles, Personal Chef
Makeup & Hair: Indulge Salon
Menswear Designer: Alexa Younger
How did the two of you meet? What were your first impressions? Was it love at first sight?
Grant and I were partnered together in a doubles tennis tournament. First impressions were his hilarious grunt (which is his nicckname) and competitiveness. Love at first sight for sure.
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Our first date was to Taco Mac for pint night. It became our Thursday night tradition for years to come!!
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Grant is one of a kind. He is so lovable, quite sensitive, and a fixer. Whether it be something physical or a life problem, he puts his 100% into helping fix things and make it right. His drive and determination blow me away every time. I told him that I loved him the summer of 2011 while night swimming. One of our fondest memories. His mom was actually my high school teacher and second mother before I even knew him!! There were no nerves! It was meant to be!
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The Goat Farm Atlanta Photographers Phillip Justman
Of all the places Atlanta photographers love to shoot, we had the honor of shooting Phillip Justman at The Goat Farm Atlanta this past week. Here are a couple of highlights from the session.
Hi! We're Jaimie & Kyle (+Associates) with Jaimie Dee Photography. We're Atlanta photographers based in the metro area and service clients all over the globe. Jaimie Dee Photography was established in 2008. We're primarily a wedding and portrait studio. Our images are crisp, clean & colorful and strike a balance between classic and candid styled portraits. Aside from the photography, we help you craft the perfect photo experience - from the beginning planning stages to the finished artwork hanging on your walls. When you're in front of our camera, we'll also offer you gentle guidance through a combo of stationary and movement based poses. We'll help bring out your inner diva too - even if you're shy! If you're looking for a photographer in the metro Atlanta area or beyond, we'd love to meet you!
