By H.M. Cauley
If the high cost of weddings these days has kept you and your significant other from setting a date, the folks at Heritage Sandy Springs may have a way for you to find wedded bliss at a reasonable price.
On Aug. 2, couples can reserve the Heritage’s waterside gazebo, complete with flowers, a photographer, personally-selected music, a cupcake cutting and a champagne toast for 20 close friends, for just $300 – less than the price of some swanky bridal shoes.
Happy pairs can sign up for a 15-minute ceremony between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m., and Heritage rental coordinator Sarah Poland estimates at least 12 weddings can be squeezed into that time frame.
“Not everyone wants the stress of planning a big to-do, so we’ll do it for them,” said Poland. “For any brides out there on a budget, they can get all this done for $300.”
The staff of Heritage Sandy Springs has been working on the idea for a day of weddings since last year, when they tried to organize a similar affair for Valentine’s Day.
“But we’re really more of an outdoor venue, so we decided to do it in warm weather,” said Executive Director Carol Thompson. “That way, we can use the gazebo and garden area of the park. It’s such a fun idea, and even though it’s not for everybody, I fully expect to get all the slots filled.”
The Heritage site is already a popular place for tying the knot, particularly on the weekends. So having a Friday affair will also be a way for the organization to raise additional funds, said Poland, who said the experts recruited for the event will coordinate with couples to make it as personalized as possible.
“We have a florist who will do the bouquets to a certain color, and we’ll arrange to play a certain song, if that’s what they want,” said Poland. “We’ll set up all the chairs and decorate.
“All someone has to do is show up with a marriage license. But it’s also a great idea for marriage vow renewals, commitment ceremonies and for people getting remarried who may want something very simple. We think it will appeal to a broad audience.”
The day is being sponsored by C. Michael Weddings (photos), Eugene Divine Designs (decor), Heart to Heart Ministries and Jeremiah O’Keefe-West (officiants). Amber Cook, a florist and event planner with A Sister’s Touch, will also be on hand.
“We are very excited to participate in this unique event,” said Cook. “[It] will be a fun opportunity to help a lot of brides while also supporting the community.”
Heritage Sandy Springs is located at 6110 Bluestone Road. For more details, call 404-851-9111 or visit www.heritagesandysprings.org.