1. Real Weddings

Stefanie & Jim: A Winter Wedding in Atlanta, GA

It was New Year's Eve. Stefanie Smith and Jim Ellner were having dinner with mutual friends at La Tavola, their favorite restaurant. Our friend was tr

It was New Year's Eve. Stefanie Smith and Jim Ellner were having dinner with mutual friends at La Tavola, their favorite restaurant. Our friend was trying to set Jim up with my best friend, says Stefanie. But Jim fell hard for Stefanie instead. The Bride Stefanie Smith, a director of marketing The Groom James D. Ellner, an anesthesiologist The Date February 1 Though Jim didn't know her last name, he remembered the name of the company she worked for and called the switchboard hoping that there was only one Stefanie in the 400 or so employees. He managed to get through and begged her for a dinner date. Jim was persistent and wouldn't take 'no' for an answer, she recalls. 'C'mon,' he said. 'What do you have to lose? It's a free dinner!' Even though Jim's persistence paid off and he got his dinner date, followed by many other dates, his patience became maxed out. After one weekend spent trying to find the right moment to propose, Jim ended up doing the deed on an early Monday morning. I was asleep and he came to my bedside to whisper to me, remembers Stefanie. I popped up out of bed and for a brief moment thought he was about to break up with me with all of the stuff that was coming out of his mouth. To my surprise, bedhead and all, Jim said he could not wait another moment and popped the question in what was the most unromantic scene imaginable!

Custom-made tablecloths in chocolate-colored velvet made the big space look warm and inviting. The florist created a sense of intimacy in the magnificent space by draping white silk fabric from archways and doorways. Gold chargers were set under white china; a single cymbidium orchard rested in the center of each plate. One other last-minute touch tied the whole look together: Stefanie, who feared the table numbers would detract from the overall elegance, challenged the caterer to come up with the perfect edible solution. The answer? Dark chocolate table numbers were molded and framed in sugar.
Stefanie wore a gown by designer Richard Glasgow.
The Jewish ceremony took place in the Imperial Ballroom. As the sun went down, the room glowed in candlelight. Dressed in a Richard Glasgow gown, Stefanie processed down an aisle lined with rocks and candles toward a huppah that was dramatically adorned with flowering quince branches and candelabra filled with gardenias. Guests received programs inspired by a restaurant menu: gold cards decorated with a simple orchid. I loved the cover, says Stefanie of the restaurant menu. I saved it for years thinking at some point in my life I would use it. Inside, the program explained the Jewish ceremony in great detail for the many family and friends unfamiliar with the customs and traditions.
The Traditions
The Ceremony Decor
Additionally, there were flowers everywhere. Table arrangements included red and white blooms including roses, orchids, and lilies. My vision for the reception was a nontraditional look, says Stefanie. I wanted an intimate dinner setting. Something with a residential feel. I was very lucky to find Robert Long, my florist. He was so instrumental in bringing very special elements together that delivered this vision.
While a jazz ensemble played, guests dined on marinated tangerine beef tenderloin with roasted shitake mushrooms and burgundy shallot sauce, followed by a five-flavored cheesecake topped with gardenias and red roses.
A close friend of the couple, a doctor, delivered a reading drawing analogies between prescriptive medicine and a long, happy, and healthy marriage. The speech brought enough levity to the moment, says Stefanie. You couldn't help but smile. After Stefanie and Jim exchanged personally written vows, guests trickled into the Georgian Ballroom for a formal dinner celebration.