An Autumnal Wedding With Southern Flair at The Ruins at Kellum Valley Farm in Cleveland, Georgia
Laura Leigh Barrett (31 and a senior project manager) and Philip Vann (30 and a superintendent) planned a rustic autumnal affair with undeniable Southern flair for their October wedding in Cleveland, Georgia. With its breathtaking views of the mountains and intimate feel, The Ruins at Kellum Valley Farm provided the ultimate backdrop for the event. After visiting 30 venues, Kellum Valley Farm felt like a breath of fresh air for the pair, providing both the look and feel they were after.
The day started with an outdoor ceremony next to the ruins. Sunlight filtered through the fall foliage, casting warm, ambient light across the site as Laura and Philip exchanged vows. Romantic rose petals and lanterns lined the aisle, while a curly willow cross that perfectly captured the season provided a focal point for the ceremony.
After the “I do’s,” guests sipped on signature fall-inspired cocktails by the pool and played lawn games like corn hole, horseshoes and croquet. Dinner and dancing took place in the ruins themselves, the 19th-century structure lending a touch of old world charm to the decor. Lace and bundles of fluffy white cotton topped the tables, a nod to Laura’s Mississippi roots, with details like pinecones and burnt orange linens speaking to the autumnal theme. Votive candles, strands of bistro lights and suspended candelabras delivered undeniable romance and wow-factor to the historic space.
Instead of a traditional guest book, the couple’s friends and family members shared their well wishes with the newlyweds on photo strips taken in the photo booth. Vintage family photos and a remembrance table paid tribute to their loved ones. Playing off the fall theme, the pair treated guests to a selection of pies after dinner and four-ounce pie favors that they could enjoy on the road.
A tip for the taking from Laura: “Your wedding day will be the one and most likely only day in your lives where everyone you love will be in the same room, and they’re all there for you. Enjoy it. Relish it. It is so easy to get stressed out and worried about everything going off without a hitch that you lose sight of the day. Remember that as much as you plan, something will go wrong. Shrug it off and remember the reason you are there, and all of the people in attendance are there to support you.”