Chic Outdoor Wedding with Purple Accents by Kelly Lane Photography: Kaleah and Courtney

Kaleah is a teacher, so it was fitting that her proposal took place in a space that means so much to her: a classroom. It was Valentine’s Day and Kaleah was expecting a gift. Instead her future husband, Courtney, showed up to her school and played a Power Point presentation containing pictures of them from over the years. The last slide had the question, “Will you Marry Me?”  To make the moment even more special, Courtney had a few students stand in the doorway to videotape the whole proposal. Kaleah was able to pull off her “classic meets chic” dream wedding in only 8 months with the help of Khadine of EllyB Events. Kelly Lane Photography captured all of the beauty of their outdoor ceremony and indoor reception, complete with a yummy purple candy bar! Be prepared to be inspired. This gorgeous wedding has also been shared with our partners at Ebony.com + more prettiness in the full gallery here.

• Bride:  Kaleah Lambert- Education Specialist
• Groom:  Courtney French- Business Account Manager
• Date of Wedding: 10/19/2012
• Location: Georgia

 How They Met

We met in college at Fort Valley State University in 2001.  Our long time friendship was on-again and off-again and from 2003-2008 we lived in different cities and only saw one another occasionally. During the Summer of 2008, Facebook (social media of course) brought us back together and what do you know, we only lived 3 minutes apart!

The Proposal

Courtney proposed to me in my classroom in front of a few students who videotaped in the doorway. It was Valentine’s Day, so I was only expecting a nice gift, but Courtney showed me a Power Point containing pictures of our fondest moments over the years.  Beyonce’s “Love on Top” played in the background, and it became very clear that Courtney had much more in mind. The last slide asked the question, “Will You Marry Me?” and Courtney was on one knee…best Valentine’s gift ever!

Description of the Event             
With eight months to plan and with spending 4+ hours “googling” wedding venues, themes, food etc, it was evident that a wedding planner was a MUST. Khadine from EllyB Events was our savior!! It was not too long before we had the date, venue, food and decor locked down. Because our venue was not available any Saturday in October (and I insisted on a fall wedding), the wedding took place on a Friday. This was definitely a challenge for out-of-town guests, but it turned out to be a great idea since they could make a “weekend” out of their trip and still had Saturday and Sunday to enjoy the ATL. The theme of the wedding was classic meets chic and our planner did an amazing job at creating just that!

Wedding Style

I definitely wanted a sexy look for my wedding say so that meant sweetheart necklines and strapless looks. I initially went dress shopping with my mom and sister in Portland, Oregon (hometown) but after no luck there, I hit the Atlanta bridal scene. I found MY dress on the third time out and about at a shop in Lilburn, GA called Formally Yours. Once the stylist placed the belt around my waist, I knew I’d found The One. Maggie Sottero doesn’t come cheap, but I purchased my dress at nearly 60% off the original price. I definitely advise that all brides-to-be take the time to envision what they want to look like on their wedding day. Is it sexy-modern? A more classic look? Princess? Dress shopping will be much easier if you have a vision for yourself on that special day.

Most Memorable Part of the Day

It was all memorable, but what we could not have asked for was better weather. The ceremony took place outside and the weather was ABSOLUTELY perfect!

You Make Loving You So Easy

From the Groom…Her thoughtfulness, she always puts others before herself.

From the Bride…His ability to keep me calm in the eye of the storm…he is my peace.

View the full gallery here.

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