From Inspiration to 'I Do': How AWE Helped Create Chloe and Jonathan's Ideal Wedding

‍August 2023: The First Visit

Intrigued by the promise of a one-stop-shop for wedding planning, and encouraged by her planner, Rebekah, from Atlanta Wedding Events, Chloe and Jonathan decided to attend AWE in August 2023. At that time, they had only secured their venue and planner. “I am 27 Dresses,” Chloe joked. “I’ve been in numerous wedding parties for family and friends, and I’ve been to a lot of wedding expos. I thought I knew what I'd find. But the Atlanta Wedding Extravaganza didn’t feel like the events I attended before; it was an experience.”

Exploring categories like décor, entertainment, and photography, they visited numerous booths and felt like their conversations with vendors were not “hard sells,” but instead allowed them to see work samples at a relaxed pace, check chemistry, and share their wedding vision.

Jonathan wasn’t sure if he would enjoy AWE as much as Chloe would, but between the cake tastes, catering samples and champagne, he loved it! They left the show with a wealth of inspiration and had selected key vendors that would shape their big day. Also, by using Diamond Deals, the couple saved on services in several categories, giving them more room in the budget for special extras and splurges elsewhere.

Here are the vendors they selected during their first visit:

• Garnet O’Connor Photography: Garnet was chosen for both the engagement and wedding photos and wedding videography. After the wedding weekend, Garnet quickly provided the couple with a plethora of stunning images to choose from for their album.
• The Rented Event: Chloe was impressed by the vast selection of event chair options in a variety of colors. “I could see, feel, and sit in the chairs so I could find exactly what we wanted,” she noted.
• Exquisite Sounds Entertainment: The couple’s interactions with both Exquisite Sounds Entertainment’s owner Toryn and DJ Nate captured made them sure that this was who they needed for their wedding. They not only booked the company, but specifically requested DJ Nate to ensure the perfect vibe for their reception.
• White Swan Bridal: It was love at first sight! Chloe booked an appointment at AWE with the White Swan Bridal Team and soon said yes to a gorgeous dress at her first (and only) dress try-on appointment.

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January 2024: The Focused Visit

When Chloe and Jonathan returned to AWE in January 2024, they had a clearer vision of the final touches needed for their wedding. Here’s who they found:

• Atlanta Flower Walls: The gorgeous backdrops and décor from Atlanta Flower Walls were perfect for transforming their venue into a stunning space.
• ShutterBooth Atlanta: The photo booth offerings won the couple over for a fun and interactive element. Chloe loved how she could also customize the backdrop and the design for the print out that guests would receive at the booth.
• With Love Paperie: Chloe chose this invitation vendor once she saw the AWE info suite they designed for show attendees. She loved the paper quality, fonts, and floral design. With Love Paperie designed, printed, and assembled the invitations of her dreams.
• Cake Love Cakery: Watching her fiancé’s delighted reaction to the cake samples sealed the deal. A beautiful cake design was easier to choose than flavors!  They couldn’t decide on just one, so they served five flavors: Strawberry, Red Velvet, Dark Chocolate, Lemon, and Brown Sugar Buttermilk made up layers of the main cake, a cutting cake, and sheet cake. Their guests loved having so many delicious flavor choices at the reception. Cake Love Cakery also provided cupcakes for the couple’s welcome party.
• City BBQ: Initially, the couple didn’t need additional catering, but a high number of out-of-town RSVPs led them to plan a large welcome dinner. “I went to my cute AWE bag, found City BBQ’s info, and hired them to be one of the caterers at our welcome dinner,” she explained.  

Reflecting on the Planning Experience

“The one-stop-shop approach was invaluable,” Chloe emphasized. “Attending AWE saved so much time—months of research and meetings condensed into two visits where we chose almost all of the  vendors for our team.”

As a professional, Chloe also recognized the importance of vendor teamwork and was impressed with how seamlessly her AWE-selected vendors worked together to pull off the wedding that she and Jonathan envisioned. She recommends AWE to anyone planning a wedding. “This is the show to go to. They’ve already found top-tier vendors and put them all in one place.” She noted that attending makes the planning process enjoyable and much easier. The hard work of research has already been done. “All you have to do is get there and choose what you like!”

Chloe’s journey showcases how attending Atlanta Wedding Extravaganza can transform wedding planning from a daunting task into an exciting and efficient experience.

Ready to join us at the next AWE? We can’t wait to welcome you! RSVP here.

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All images credited to Garnet O'Connor Photography.

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