A Romantic, Rustic Wedding at Variety Works in Madison, Georgia

A unique contrast of refined and rustic brought Brittney Rouse (32 and a physician outreach liaison) and Tyler Stephens’s (29 and an owner of an insurance agency) vision for an effortlessly romantic summer wedding to life. Built in the late 1800s as a manufacturing, Variety Works exuded old world charm and Southern elegance without compromising on modern amenities, providing the ultimate backdrop for the affair. “We fell in love with this beautiful, one-of-a-kind venue the moment we saw it,” says Brittney.

To amp up the glam factor and balance out the venue’s country edge, the couple went formal in the fashion department, with Tyler and his groomsmen sporting traditional tuxedos and Brittney’s bridesmaids doning black, floor-length gowns.

Both the ceremony and reception were held indoors within Variety Works’ warm, wood-paneled walls, so decor was essential in giving each element of the day a distinct feel. A wooden cross adorned in magnolias was added to the room for the ceremony, setting the tone for the proceedings and serving as a nod to the couple’s faith. Glass orbs filled with flickering candlelight hung overhead, lending a note of whimsy to the decor, while crystal chandeliers underlined Brittney and Tyler’s theme.

To create a more laid-back feel for the reception that encouraged guests to mix, mingle and, most importantly, have fun, Brittney and Tyler skipped the traditional sit-down dinner and served decadent appetizers all evening long. Mixed centerpieces, featuring lanterns and pewter vases overflowing with peaches, pale pink peonies, roses and lush greenery struck the perfect balance of timeless romance and country charm and added texture and drama to the decor.

To keep the party going long after the last slice of cake was gone, the newlyweds surprised their families and friends with a midnight snack — sandwiches from Chick-fil-a. “Tyler's dad is a Chick-fil-a operator and has worked for the company his entire life, so we were determined to incorporate Chick-fil-a,” says Brittney. At the end of the evening, the pair ended the night with a bang, making their way through a tunnel of brightly lit sparklers before being whisked away by a horse and carriage.

A tip for the taking from Brittney: “Hire a wedding planner. I skipped this step and according to everyone I spoke to and my own stress level, it would have well worth every penny!”