Governors Towne Club in Acworth is a polished, welcoming setting for a wedding, with a full-service clubhouse, an outdoor ceremony option and golf course views that glow at sunset. Everything from getting ready to the last dance happens on one property, which keeps the day relaxed for you and your guests.
If you are planning a wedding at Governors Towne Club, here is what to know about the club, our favorite photo spots and how to plan a timeline that makes the most of the light.
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About Governors Towne Club
Governors Towne Club is a private golf and country club at 4545 Champions Walk Drive in Acworth, northwest of Atlanta, set inside a gated community. Its 18-hole course was designed by two-time U.S. Open champion Curtis Strange, and the clubhouse hosts weddings and private events with an in-house events team and catering.
The club staff is gracious and organized, and they were happy to walk through the property with us ahead of the wedding. A walkthrough before the day helps us plan where each part of your timeline will happen and where the light will be best.
Getting Ready at the Clubhouse
The clubhouse gives both of you a place to get ready on site. The bridal suite has a balcony that is lovely for a private first look with a parent or bridesmaids, and the men’s locker room makes a classic, fun setting for the guys to get dressed.
We like to photograph the details first while hair and makeup finish: the dress, rings, bouquet, shoes, invitations and any personal touches like a letter or a family keepsake. A quiet spot near the suite with good window light makes these photos shine.
Wedding Party Portraits Around the Club
The club’s bar areas are a fun spot for groomsmen portraits and group photos with a bit of personality. Inside, the staircase is a beautiful place for bridal portraits and bridesmaid photos, and the front of the clubhouse gives you a stately backdrop for groups of any size.
If you are planning a first look or a first touch before the ceremony, the front entrance of the clubhouse works well, and it lets us finish most wedding party portraits before guests arrive.
An Outdoor Ceremony
An outdoor ceremony at the club gives your photos open sky, greenery and room for every guest to see. We photograph the processional, vows and ring exchange from positions that stay out of your guests’ view, and we never use flash during a ceremony.
Right after the ceremony, we photograph family and wedding party portraits at the ceremony site while everyone is gathered. A family photo list shared ahead of time keeps this part moving, especially with larger families.
Sunset Portraits and the Reception
Once dinner begins, we love stepping away with you for 15 to 25 minutes of sunset portraits around the front of the clubhouse and the grounds. The course and open sky make golden hour one of the best times for couple portraits at the club, and your guests barely notice you are gone.
Inside, we photograph the reception room before guests enter, then the grand entrance, first dance, toasts, cake cutting, parent dances and the open dance floor. Evening receptions call for thoughtful lighting, and we bring our own so the dance floor photos look as good as the portraits. See more in our guide to wedding photography at night.
Planning a getaway car or a special arrival? A few night portraits with it out front make a fun finale before the send-off.
Timeline Tips for a Governors Towne Club Wedding
Plan your ceremony time around sunset. For a fall wedding, a ceremony about two hours before sunset leaves time for family photos, cocktail hour and sunset portraits during dinner. If you want more portraits before the ceremony, a first look gives you that time without rushing.
Yes. Governors Towne Club is a private golf and country club in a gated community. Contact the club’s events team to ask about hosting your wedding there.
Where Is Governors Towne Club?
Governors Towne Club is at 4545 Champions Walk Drive in Acworth, Georgia, northwest of Atlanta.
Who Designed the Golf Course at Governors Towne Club?
The 18-hole course was designed by two-time U.S. Open champion Curtis Strange.
Where Are the Best Photo Spots at Governors Towne Club?
Our favorites are the bridal suite balcony, the staircase, the bar areas for groomsmen portraits, the front of the clubhouse and the grounds at sunset.
The Wimbish House is one of the most elegant historic venues in Midtown Atlanta. Its chateau-inspired architecture, the staircase inside the house and rooms full of old-world character photograph beautifully from the first getting-ready moments to the send-off at the end of the night. We have photographed weddings here over the years, and it remains one of our favorite historic homes in the city.
If you are planning a wedding at the Wimbish House, here is what to know about the venue, our favorite photo spots and how to plan a timeline that gives you time to enjoy it all.
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About the Wimbish House
The Wimbish House sits at 1150 Peachtree Street NE in Midtown Atlanta. Architect Walter T. Downing designed the home for Susie Wimbish, who was inspired by the chateau-style homes she saw in France, and it was completed in 1906. The Atlanta Woman’s Club purchased the house in 1920 and has cared for it ever since, and the complex is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Today the Wimbish House hosts weddings and events, with the historic home, a banquet hall and an auditorium on the property. Its spot on Peachtree Street puts your guests close to Midtown hotels and restaurants, and it gives your wedding photos a sense of history that newer venues simply cannot recreate.
Getting Ready Upstairs
The house has getting-ready suites upstairs for both of you, plus an upstairs parlor that works beautifully for a private moment before the day gets busy, like a first look with a parent. Having both suites in the same building means we can move between them quickly and catch the candid moments on each side.
We like to start with the details while hair and makeup finish: rings, invitations, florals, shoes and the dress. Gathering everything in one spot before we arrive gives us more time for the candid moments that make getting-ready photos feel like you.
Portraits on the Staircase and Out Front
The staircase inside the house is one of our favorite spots at the Wimbish House. It frames a couple beautifully, and it is especially stunning for a bride with a long train or cathedral veil. Out front, the facade of the house and the Peachtree Street entrance make a classic backdrop for a first look and couple portraits.
If you are planning a first look, we recommend setting aside at least an hour for the first look, couple portraits and wedding party photos before the ceremony. That keeps family photos after the ceremony short, so you can join your guests sooner.
The Ceremony and Family Portraits
With the ceremony and reception both on site, your guests never have to travel between locations, and the indoor spaces mean your plans are not at the mercy of the weather. That makes the Wimbish House a wonderful choice in any season, including winter.
Right after the ceremony, we photograph family portraits at the front of the ceremony space while everyone is still gathered. Sharing a short family photo list with us ahead of time keeps these moving, so you can get to cocktail hour. We never use flash during a ceremony.
The Reception
During cocktail hour, we photograph the reception room before guests come in, so your decor, florals and table settings are captured just as you planned them. Then come the grand entrance, first dance, toasts, cake cutting and the open dance floor, all the way through your send-off.
Evening receptions inside a historic home call for thoughtful lighting. We bring our own lighting and know how to shape it so everyone looks their best on the dance floor. You can see more of how we approach evening coverage in our guide to wedding photography at night.
The venue team is wonderful to work with. They coordinate closely with every vendor before the wedding, sharing a final timeline and floor plan, which makes for a smooth and well-organized celebration.
Timeline Tips for a Wimbish House Wedding
Light shapes your timeline more than anything else. The official sunset time assumes a flat, open horizon. In the city, the sun slips behind the buildings and trees earlier, often 20 to 45 minutes before the listed time, so we plan to finish outdoor portraits about 30 minutes before the official sunset. In winter, that can mean planning your portraits in the early afternoon.
A first look before the ceremony is the easiest way to get your portraits done in good light. Our timeline planning guide walks through sample schedules, and our post on how long you need a wedding photographer can help you choose the right amount of coverage.
FAQ: Wimbish House Weddings
Where Is the Wimbish House?
The Wimbish House is at 1150 Peachtree Street NE in Midtown Atlanta.
What Is the History of the Wimbish House?
The house was completed in 1906 for Susie Wimbish and designed by architect Walter T. Downing in a chateau-inspired style. The Atlanta Woman’s Club bought it in 1920, and the complex is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Is the Wimbish House Home to the Atlanta Woman’s Club?
Yes. The Atlanta Woman’s Club has owned and cared for the Wimbish House since 1920.
Where Are the Best Photo Spots at the Wimbish House?
Our favorites are the staircase inside the house, the front of the house for first looks and couple portraits, the upstairs suites and parlor for getting ready, and the reception room once it is set and lit for the evening.
A Christmas wedding has a built-in sense of celebration. Guests are already in a festive mood, many venues are dressed for the season, and the warm glow of twinkle lights makes every room feel cozy. If you are planning a December wedding, these Christmas wedding ideas will help you bring the season into your day in a way that still feels like the two of you.
We have photographed Atlanta weddings since 2008, and December weddings are some of the most colorful and joyful days we capture all year. Along with decor and color ideas, you will find a few photography tips here to help you plan around shorter days and make the most of your photos.
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Choose a Christmas Wedding Color Palette
Deep red and evergreen are classic for a reason, and they photograph beautifully against white gowns and dark suits. Jewel tones like emerald, burgundy and plum feel rich and elegant in winter light, and gold accents add warmth to candlelit tables. For a softer look, try ivory, sage and champagne with touches of gold, or a winter white palette with silver and frosted greenery.
Velvet bridesmaid dresses are a lovely seasonal touch. Velvet catches the light and adds texture to group photos, and deeper shades like emerald or forest green pair well with red and white florals.
Christmas Wedding Florals and Bouquets
Seasonal florals tie everything together. Red roses, garden roses, white ranunculus and berries look festive in bouquets, and greenery like cedar, pine, eucalyptus and magnolia leaves adds texture and that fresh evergreen scent. Pinecones and touches of gold work well tucked into boutonnieres and centerpieces.
Coordinate the bouquet with the groom’s attire for portraits. A burgundy tie, a tweed or velvet jacket, or a boutonniere with a red berry or a sprig of evergreen makes the two of you look like a set in every photo.
Christmas Wedding Decor Ideas
Wreaths on doors and windows are one of the simplest ways to make a space feel festive, and they frame your entrance and getting-ready photos beautifully.
Some venues decorate for the holidays in December, which can mean a beautifully dressed space before your florist even arrives. Ask your venue what holiday decor will already be in place on your date, such as Christmas trees, wreaths or garland, so you can plan your own decor around it.
Long garland runners of magnolia leaves and greenery turn head tables into a focal point.
Hurricane candles and pillar candles add a warm glow that looks gorgeous in evening photos.
Burgundy or deep red napkins and runners echo the bouquets and tie the room together.
A decorated Christmas tree near the head table or dance floor makes a natural backdrop for portraits.
Ornaments, Trees and Little Holiday Details
Small, personal details are what guests remember. Custom ornaments with your names and wedding date, a hot cocoa or cider station, peppermint favors, and a cozy blanket basket for a few minutes outdoors all feel thoughtful and seasonal.
If your venue has a Christmas tree, ask whether you can hang a few ornaments of your own. It is a simple way to make the space feel personal, and those close-up details are some of our favorite photos from December weddings.
Christmas Wedding Cake and Food Ideas
A white buttercream cake with red roses, berries and greenery fits a Christmas wedding perfectly. For a playful option, consider a dessert table with gingerbread, Christmas cookies or a hot chocolate bar.
Seasonal comfort food feels especially inviting on a cold evening. Roasted vegetables, warm sides, candied pecans and a festive appetizer table give guests something to gather around between photos and toasts.
Ceremony Ideas for a December Wedding
Churches often decorate for Advent and Christmas, so a December ceremony may already include greenery, candles and seasonal flowers. If you are planning a church ceremony, ask how the sanctuary will be decorated on your date and whether you can add your own flowers. Our guide to Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church shows how lovely a sanctuary looks dressed for the season, and our list of Atlanta wedding chapels and churches has more ceremony ideas.
Every church has its own guidelines for photographers. We never use flash during a ceremony, and many churches ask photographers to stay toward the back or the sides. We plan around that with zoom lenses, so you still get close moments at the altar and wide photos of the whole sanctuary.
Plan Your Timeline Around an Early Sunset
In Atlanta, the sun sets around 5:30 pm for most of December, and the light fades quickly after that. The official sunset time assumes a flat, open horizon. In a city park or near tall buildings, the sun slips behind the tree line or the skyline earlier, often 20 to 45 minutes before the listed time, so we plan to finish outdoor portraits about 30 minutes before the official sunset.
For many December weddings, a first look is the easiest way to get relaxed portraits in daylight. If you would like to see each other for the first time at the ceremony, a late morning or early afternoon ceremony leaves time for family photos and portraits while the light is still soft. Our wedding timeline planning guide walks through how to build a schedule that works.
Daytime and Nighttime Christmas Wedding Photos
Daytime photos and nighttime photos have a different feel. If you love a light and airy look, plan your portraits while there is still natural daylight. After dark, photos take on a moodier, more dramatic quality, and twinkle lights, candles and Christmas trees really glow.
Night photos look their best when your photographer knows how to light them. We bring supplemental lighting and shape it so skin tones look natural and flattering, even in a dimly lit reception room. You can see examples in our guide to wedding photography at night.
Toasts, cake cutting and the first dance all happen after dark at most December weddings, so warm, well placed light makes a big difference in how these moments look.
Plan a Festive Grand Exit
A December send-off can be magical. A live band playing one last song, sparklers, or a vintage getaway car all look beautiful at night, especially with lights in the background. Check your venue’s rules for sparklers ahead of time, and save a few minutes for night portraits right before you leave.
FAQ: Christmas Wedding Planning
Are Christmas Weddings a Good Idea?
Yes. Venues and churches are often already decorated for the season, guests are in a celebratory mood, and the cool weather is comfortable for dressing up. The main thing to plan around is the early sunset.
Can You Get Married on Christmas Day?
Some couples do, but many venues, churches and vendors are closed or booked for family plans and holiday services on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The weeks leading up to Christmas give you the same festive decor with far more options, so check availability early if you have your heart set on a specific date.
What Colors Are Best for a Christmas Wedding?
Classic red and green, burgundy and emerald, or ivory and gold all work well. Jewel tones and velvet textures look especially rich in winter light.
What Should Guests Wear to a Christmas Wedding?
Dressy and seasonal: jewel tones, velvet, satin and dark suits fit right in. Since December evenings are chilly, a wrap or coat for the walk between the ceremony and reception is a good idea.
What Time Does the Sun Set in Atlanta in December?
Around 5:30 pm for most of the month. Plan to finish outdoor portraits about 30 minutes before sunset, since trees and buildings block the light earlier.
Planning Your Christmas Wedding
A Christmas wedding is full of warmth, color and celebration. If you are planning a December wedding in Atlanta, we would love to hear about your plans. Reach out to check your date, and browse our Atlanta wedding venues guide for more ideas.
The Michael C. Carlos Museum at Emory University is a one-of-a-kind setting for a wedding reception. Designed by architect Michael Graves, the museum is home to the largest collection of ancient art in the Southeast, and its marble facade and pyramid-shaped entrance make an unforgettable backdrop for portraits.
We have photographed a wedding reception at the Carlos Museum, and here is what to know about celebrating there, from Ackerman Hall to the best portrait spots nearby.
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About the Michael C. Carlos Museum
The Carlos Museum sits on Emory University’s main campus on South Kilgo Circle. Its collection began in 1876, and the current museum building, designed by Michael Graves, opened in 1993. For private events, the museum lists receptions, rehearsal dinners and other celebrations. If you are hoping to hold your ceremony on site, ask the museum’s events team what is possible for your date.
Receptions in Ackerman Hall
Ackerman Hall is the museum’s top-floor event space, with tall windows, chandeliers and a grand piano. It seats about 130 guests for a seated dinner or about 120 with a dance floor, and it overlooks the Emory Quadrangle.
The room has a clean, simple style, so your linens, florals and centerpieces really shape the look. Greenery, candles and soft colors feel elegant against the warm wood and natural light.
Portraits at the Pyramid Entrance
The museum’s marble facade and pyramid-shaped entrance are the signature photo spot. The clean lines and stone give portraits a polished, architectural look that you will not find anywhere else in Atlanta.
Portraits on the Stone Bridge
Just steps from the museum, a stone bridge surrounded by trees gives you a completely different feel, with soft greenery and shade. We love pairing classic portraits at the museum entrance with relaxed, playful photos on the bridge.
Grand Entrance and First Dance
With the dance floor at one end of Ackerman Hall, your grand entrance and first dance happen right in front of your guests, and the windows and chandeliers frame the moment beautifully.
Planning Tips for a Carlos Museum Wedding
Parking on campus is free after 5 pm and on weekends, and a parking deck is a short walk from the museum.
Couples can hold the ceremony at a nearby church, like Immaculate Heart of Mary, then head to the museum for portraits and the reception.
Plan your portraits before the reception begins so you can use the museum entrance and the bridge while there is still daylight.
The museum has a list of preferred caterers, so ask the events team about catering early in your planning.
FAQ: Michael C. Carlos Museum Weddings
Can You Get Married at the Carlos Museum?
The museum lists receptions, rehearsal dinners and other celebrations among its private event options. Ask the events team about ceremonies for your date.
What Event Space Does the Carlos Museum Offer for Weddings?
Ackerman Hall, the museum’s top-floor event space, hosts wedding receptions, with tall windows, chandeliers and a grand piano overlooking the Emory Quadrangle. Ask the events team about other spaces for your plans.
How Many Guests Does Ackerman Hall Hold?
About 130 guests for a seated dinner, about 120 with a dance floor, and about 200 for a standing reception.
Where Can We Take Photos at the Carlos Museum?
The pyramid entrance and marble facade, the nearby stone bridge and the greenery around the museum are all beautiful portrait spots.
Is Parking Available?
Yes. Parking on campus is free after 5 pm and on weekends, with a parking deck a short walk from the museum.
The Carlos Museum brings together art, architecture and a beautiful campus setting. If you are planning a reception here, we would love to hear about it. Contact us to check your date, or browse more Atlanta wedding venues.
First Baptist Atlanta is known to many as a large church in north Atlanta, but its grounds also hold a peaceful surprise: a pond with fountains, an open lawn and tall pines. It is a lovely setting for a small outdoor ceremony or an elopement, with the sound of the fountain in the background and plenty of greenery for portraits.
We have photographed an outdoor ceremony on the grounds, and here is what to know about planning a First Baptist Atlanta wedding and the photos you can expect.
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About First Baptist Atlanta
First Baptist Atlanta was founded downtown in 1848 and moved to its current campus on North Peachtree Road, near Dunwoody, in 1997. The church’s wedding ministry helps church members plan weddings at First Baptist Atlanta, so reach out to the church directly about availability and current guidelines.
An Outdoor Ceremony by the Fountain
The pond and fountains make a gorgeous backdrop for an outdoor ceremony. A simple floral arch on the lawn, a few chairs or a small group standing close, and the water behind you is all it takes.
The open lawn also works for an even smaller ceremony under the trees, with just the two of you, your officiant and a few loved ones.
Live Music for a Small Ceremony
A single guitarist or violinist is a beautiful way to add music to a small outdoor ceremony. Acoustic music fills an outdoor space naturally, and guests love it.
After the Ceremony
Once the ceremony wraps, we like to photograph the two of you with your officiant and any guests right away, while everyone is still gathered by the arch.
Portraits Around the Grounds
The grounds give you a variety of portrait spots in a short walk: lush plantings, tall pines, the open lawn and the fountain itself. Late afternoon sun filters through the trees beautifully, so we plan portraits for the softest light of the day.
Planning a Small Wedding or Elopement
If you love the idea of a small, meaningful ceremony, see our guides to eloping in Atlanta and micro wedding photography for planning ideas, timelines and more places to celebrate around the city. For more churches and chapels around the city, see our guide to wedding chapels in Atlanta.
FAQ: First Baptist Atlanta Weddings
Can You Get Married at First Baptist Atlanta?
Yes. The church’s wedding ministry helps church members plan weddings at First Baptist Atlanta. Contact the church for current availability and guidelines.
Where Is First Baptist Atlanta?
The church is on North Peachtree Road near Dunwoody in north Atlanta.
How Long Is a Baptist Wedding Ceremony?
Most Baptist wedding ceremonies last about 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the music, readings and any special traditions you include. A small outdoor ceremony like the ones on the church grounds can be even shorter.
Can We Have an Outdoor Ceremony on the Grounds?
The grounds include a pond with fountains and an open lawn that make a beautiful setting for a small outdoor ceremony. Ask the church about using the grounds for your date.
What Is the Best Time of Day for Photos on the Grounds?
Late afternoon, when the sun is lower and filters through the trees, gives the softest light for portraits by the fountain.
Whether you are planning a small ceremony by the fountain or a larger celebration, we would love to hear about your plans. Contact us to check your date.
240 Glynn Street is a bright, open event space in downtown Fayetteville, about 30 minutes south of Atlanta. With its vaulted ceiling, tall windows and warm wood floors, it is a blank canvas you can make completely your own, whether you are planning an elegant dinner or a relaxed celebration with family and friends.
Our team has photographed weddings here, and here is what to know about planning a 240 Glynn Street wedding and getting great photos in the space.
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About 240 Glynn Street
The building at 240 Glynn Street has a long history in Fayetteville. It once served as the city’s City Hall, and today it is a lively mixed-use space with a wine bar and market, a coffee shop, a salon, a pottery studio and more under one roof, along with the event hall.
The venue is now owned by Patrice Armstrong, the founder of PLS Coordinate. We have worked alongside Patrice on weddings before and loved her professionalism, and her years of experience as a wedding planner make her a wonderful resource for couples planning a celebration here.
A Bright, Open Room You Can Make Your Own
The event hall is about 2,200 square feet, with a vaulted ceiling, chandeliers, white walls, tall windows and wood floors. It can be set for up to about 150 guests at round tables, and the neutral finishes let your florals, linens and colors take center stage.
Natural light from the tall windows makes the room feel airy during the day, and the white walls reflect light beautifully, which keeps skin tones looking clean and natural in photos.
Grand Entrance and First Dance
The open floor gives you plenty of room for a grand entrance and a first dance with guests gathered all around.
Cake Cutting and Reception Moments
With everyone in one room, the reception feels warm and connected, and it is easy to capture guests reacting to every toast, dance and surprise.
Lighting for an Evening Reception
Once the sun goes down, the room takes on a softer, cozier feel. We bring supplemental lighting for evening receptions so your dances, toasts and candid moments look natural and flattering. If you love a warmer, more intimate look at night, uplighting and candles on the tables are a lovely addition.
Pairing 240 Glynn Street With a Ceremony Nearby
240 Glynn Street is about a five-minute drive from Fayetteville First United Methodist Church, which makes the two an easy pairing for a church ceremony and a reception downtown.
FAQ: 240 Glynn Street Weddings
Where Is 240 Glynn Street?
The venue is at 240 Glynn Street South in downtown Fayetteville, Georgia, about 30 minutes south of Atlanta.
What Else Is at 240 Glynn Street?
Along with the event hall, the building is home to a wine bar and market, a coffee shop, a salon, a pottery studio and more, so guests have plenty to explore before or after your celebration.
How Many Guests Can 240 Glynn Street Hold?
The event hall seats about 150 guests at round tables and up to about 240 in rows. Check with the venue for the best layout for your guest count.
Is 240 Glynn Street Good for Wedding Photos?
Yes. The tall windows, white walls and wood floors give you bright, clean photos during the day, and the room feels warm and intimate in the evening.
240 Glynn Street is a beautiful, flexible space for a Fayetteville wedding. If you are planning a celebration here, we would love to hear about it. Contact us to check your date, or browse more Atlanta wedding venues.
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!
