1. Real Weddings

An Elegant, Outdoor Wedding at Barnsley Resort in Adairsville, Georgia

After meeting through mutual friends, Lauren Fox (30 and president of Fox Events) and Andrew Pettit (27 and a process specialist) wed in a mid-June ce

After meeting through mutual friends, Lauren Fox (30 and president of Fox Events) and Andrew Pettit (27 and a process specialist) wed in a mid-June celebration at Barnsley Resort in Adairsville, Georgia. "It's essentially a really nice summer camp for adults," Lauren says of their resort venue, which was outfitted with green, pink and gold details. After Lauren and Andrew tied the knot, a gospel choir performed Stevie Wonder's "Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I'm Yours)" as the pair exited the ceremony space. Later, that same choir led guests from the cocktail hour, which took place at the on-site mansion ruins, to the outdoor reception just a short walk away. Lauren and Andrew's nephews donned classic black tuxedos, bow ties and Vans shoes while they walked the couple's beagle, Sherman, down the aisle. Post ceremony, Andrew and his 12 groomsmen changed into similar sneakers for a casual party look, while guests relaxed in luxe lounge furniture. But even before they got engaged, both Lauren and Andrew knew Randy Travis's "Forever and Ever, Amen" would be their wedding song. "When Andrew proposed, he put our dog in a tuxedo and started to play that song," Lauren says. "It was so special—we celebrated with family into the wee hours of the night while it played on repeat."—Caroline Eubanks

A tent frame was set up for the outdoor reception but was draped with smilax and tree ivy. Comfortable seating areas were placed around the tent with lanterns for mood lighting as the sun went down.
"I knew I wanted the dresses to go with the theme of the dress, and as soon as I saw the beadwork on them, I knew they were perfect," Lauren says of the Adrianna Papell gowns.
The couple's beagle, Sherman, was put in a tuxedo for the proposal, so he played an important role in the day. He was walked down the aisle by the ring bearers.
Metallic Luxe Lounge Furniture
The bride paired her art deco gown with a bouquet of cafe au lait dahlias, white and peach garden roses, thistle, hanging amaranthus and eucalyptus.
"My father is an avid hunter and I grew up eating wild game, so we incorporated it in the menu," Lauren says. "We served elk steaks and wild halibut that was delicious. Somehow a rumor was started during dinner that my dad had killed all the elk and caught all the fish we ate. This was definitely not the case, but we thought it was pretty funny."
Long tables were decorated with hot-pink peonies, garden roses, stock and hypericum. Greenery hung from the tent frame along with chandeliers.
Instead of a traditional wedding cake and cutting, Lauren and Andrew had small bite-size petits fours, lemon cookies and chocolate truffles. They also had a small personal cake that was red velvet covered in chocolate icing; their beagle, Sherman, was the topper.
Black and Gold Cocktail Napkins
Southern Fried Paper created the day-of items, including programs, place cards and menu cards.
The Voltage Brothers played hits from the Jackson 5, Stevie Wonder and Outkast, which kept guests on the dance floor. The ring bearers showed off their moves.
Tented Reception at Barnsley Resort
"We did not have a planned or formal exit, but the guests made a tunnel that we walked through while they threw flower petals in the air at the end of the night," Lauren says.