Katie and Shu’s wedding at the Swan House and Atlanta History Center is one I’ve been excited to share in more detail for months! I’ve kept it under wraps while waiting for their wedding feature to come out in the most recent issue of Modern Luxury Weddings Atlanta. And now the magazine is finally here!

There are so many things to love about this wedding. From portraits at the Swan house to the beautiful reception that felt both grand and intimate, it was a wonderful day. And above all, Katie, Shu and their amazing family and friends were incredibly warm & hospitable. It was an honor to be a part of this one. And what an amazing creative team we had pulling it all together. Leading the charge was Tailor and Table who did an absolutely beautiful job with planning and design. Inspired by how perfect each element was for Katie & Shu, I was excited to hear how everything came together.

Upon chatting with the team, I learned that inspiration for Katie & Shu’s wedding came from three areas. First, Katie’s family is from Savannah, so tradition, southern tradition in particular, was an influence. You can see this in the use of Hydrangea & magnolia as well as in the monogram, among other things. Secondly, Shu’s family is Japanese, so elements and a few traditions were added in as a nod to his culture. One example was the sake & tea bar in the reception. Sake and tea were also passed to guests as they arrived during cocktail hour. Third, both Katie and Shu are into nature, and their personal aesthetic leans modern, contemporary.

The juxtaposition of these styles played through the entire design from the invitation suite’s monogram to the furniture choices and florals. While the floral color palette stayed in the more traditional realm of green and white, the designers brought in some darker elements (deeper berries & anemones) for seasonality. The Japanese floral influence came from the sweet peas and orchids, which the design team had flown in from Japan. The linens were neutral and earthy (ivory, dark browns and blacks), and they used velvets to bring in warmth, perfect for a winter soiree. The furniture choices were also modern and earthy, with side tables and cocktail tables chosen with an Asian influence.

From warm sake and hot tea available upon arrival to cozy lounge seating positioned comfortably around the ballroom, it was evident that each decision was made with guest experience in mind. And it all came together beautifully. Are you ready to dive in?

One of my favorite details was definitely the invitation suite by Paper Daisies! The monogram was designed based on all the influences that shaped the entire wedding design – a monogram in gold + ivory flanked by modern ginkgo leaves. The invitation was letterpressed with gold ink. In the styling, I tied in vintage stamps of both coastal Georgia and Japan as a nod to where Katie & Shu originated. Lastly, I used a variety of white, green and gold hellebores as a nod to nature and as a way to tie in the overall wedding color palette.

The bride and bridesmaids bouquets by Natalia with Tailor & Table were an absolutely breathtaking combination of anemones, orchids, Japanese sweet peas and roses.

The front entrance of Cathedral of Christ the King was lined with greenery and wreaths.

Following the ceremony, Katie and Shu took some portraits in Olguita’s Garden at the Atlanta History Center, which was beautifully blooming, even in January!

Since Katie works for Coke, we also took some portraits at the Coca-cola cafe at the Atlanta History Center – complete with Katie & Shu coke bottles!

Upon arrival, guests were greeted with sake or hot tea at this beautiful sake station on their way into the Grand Overlook ballroom

Warm and inviting, the Grand Overlook ballroom drew guests in with cozy lounge seating, intimate tables and decor inspired by nature.

Doesn’t this make you want to cozy up with your date & stay awhile?!

These gorgeous sweet peas were flown in from Japan for the wedding and were a highlight of the design.

Obsessed with this gorgeous cake by Lush Cakery – the orchids have such a beautiful texture on black & white film!

One of my personal favorite bands – A Town A List – brought the party and kept the dance floor rocking all night!

Congrats, Katie & Shu! Capturing your wedding was a joy and one of the highlights of my year!

Planning & Design: Tailor & Table
Getting Ready Venue: St Regis Atlanta
Ceremony Venue: Cathedral of Christ the King
Ceremony Music: Dr. Tim Wissler & Bryan Lewis
Reception: Atlanta History Center
Photography: Carrie Joy Photography
Videography: Imagine Video Productions
Catering: Bold Catering
Entertainment: A-Town A-List
Beauty: Jade Jamrozy
Attire for Bride and Groom: Wedding Angels
Stationery: Paper Daisies
Bride & Groom’s Cake: Lush Cakery
Linens: La Tavola
Rentals: Active Production & Design, Mayker, Atlanta Party Rentals
Transportation: Atlantic Limo
Coat Check: Connie’s Coat Check Company