Photo: Artstar Photography

I must admit….we’ve been going at a furious pace at Carl House for well over a year….in quite a different way from the past. We’ve taken some broad steps and have been working in earnest to fill this vision I have been developing in my head for Carl House over the years…..of not just who we are as a company, (what we might do for the clientele we serve, the community where we live), but who we are BECOMING!!

And all that takes some mighty work and ferociously eats up healthy brain cells, in a GOOD way. And with that, I’m reminded that spring is just around the corner and the many, many weddings we are in the process of planning as the weather becomes again temperate and the flowers in my garden, beautiful beyond compare. (Grateful am I)!!

Spring is just around the corner!

So, our vision is manifest in our new Carl House website and within the team who now graces my lovely home. Today I completed some new video montages on YouTube, featuring my friend Lee Davis’ amazing music and some terrific photography by the many wonderful photographic artists who grace our halls weekend after weekend.

We’re putting the finishing touches on some terrific vendor packages which we’re now offering….our goal, to offer up some of the best vendor services and vendors,

…who I prefer to call ‘Event Partner’, the latter reminding me of the days when I performed children’s shows, juggled fire and told stories, in the company of folks like the fellow who was an organ grinder with a monkey….he referred to himself as a ‘vendor’. But I digress!

….connecting you with service providers in the industry through convenient and cost effective package for our brides and grooms. Kimberly Coates, our new General Manager and Debbie Rossiter, in Operations…

if you’ve not yet Debbie, you MUST, she had the BEST laugh I’ve ever, hands down, EVER heard!

they’re working with our team on our upcoming Bridal Event, (February 27th) where we’ll present our creme de la creme of event vendor partners and of course serve up Chef Derek’s fine, culinary delights.

But tonight….after what has been an intense heads down week (house office bound with the weather), it’s time to sit back, take a breath, look at the good work that has been accomplished and the fine people who join me in delivering up what we love, love, love to do….extraordinary memorable events to our clients.

I’m one lucky woman to get to do what I do.

And there is SO much more to come.

Frank Gibson Photography....quite a ring!!

Please share your thoughts regarding our new website, please….and remember that next Monday is our final RSVP date for our January 21st Wine Pairing Dinner and if you are interested in our Bridal Event on Feb. 27th, do let us know soon. Bride and guest attend at no cost, and friends thereafter join us for a mere $15 admission…..food, fun (always) and music….and did I mention…..friends.

We’re eager to meet you to hear the vision you have for your wedding, eager to share the ways we might assist you in realizing just that! Thanks for letting us be part of your solution for the wedding event of your dreams.

Love to all our Carl House Brides and Carl House ‘Brides (and Grooms) to Be’!

Warmly,

BB Webb

CARL HOUSE HAS A NEW WEBSITE!

OUR BABY IS HERE!

Photo Kristi Odom Photography.....come visit, virtually and in person, PLEASE!

Some things are WORTH the wait, and we feel our new website has been just that!  Just as our services are expanding and we are on the grow, we now have a new website to share our offerings and joy!  Special thanks to Julie Cropp Gareleck and her web team at Junction Creative Solutions for their fine work!

No need to send cigars to honor this new arrival, but a visit and your comments are sincerely welcome!

With over 125 GREAT photos from the many, many terrific photographers who grace our home and grounds, please, take time to visit our NEW WEBSITE as well as links to our social media sites listed on the left column of this page. You might browse our PROPERTY TOUR page on the site as well as our EVENT SERVICES which feature some new offerings. To learn more about our team, visit ABOUT US and to hear about upcoming events we hold for the public and our upcoming Bridal event on February 27th, please visit, UPCOMING EVENTS.

We have a plethora of things to share and lots and lots and lots of new photos to whet your appetite for all things Carl House!

We’d love your comments and hope you will visit us virtually often and in person, even more!

To all good things and grand events….

BB Webb and the Carl House Team!

Why are flowers important at an event…..well let me tell you why!!!

As an experienced floral designer and veteran industry entrepreneur, I have seen firsthand the impact that flowers can make. They not only look beautiful but they really work to capture and convey an emotion. Have you ever noticed that when you walk into a room filled with flowers your spirit lifts? It’s true! They have actually done scientific studies that prove this!

An event without flowers, well, it just isn’t the same. Flowers set the mood. They help to create an environment filled with beauty and splendor…..and hey, did I say fun! No event would be complete without a little fun. Who am I fooling…LOTS OF FUN!

Who says that your event flowers have to be white or pastel? While that is lovely and I am not knocking it, I want you to know that you can create designs that meet your personal style and that will set the mood for the type of event that you want to have. From romantic or traditional, to formal or rustic, or to modern and fun, it’s all possible….and it’s all about you!!!

Flowers tie everything together. You put all this effort into all the other details of your event. Your attire, your table covers and linens, your food selections and/or buffet set-up, your invitations, even your photographer (floral photos taken by Sublime Photography). Your flowers are the final touch in pulling everything together and solidifying your personal style statement.

So as you plan your next event, consider adding flowers that will reflect your personality and add little “sparkle and flair” to your big day…and hey….if you have any questions or need a little help….I’m always here!

Look for more tips and tricks on how to make your main event  FAAAABULOUS!

That’s all for now.

Kimberly Coates, Carl House Florals

Kimberly Coates

Hello, I’m Kimberly Coates…the newest addition to the Carl House team. I have come on board to head up Carl House Florals, our own in-house floral design studio. It’s just another way to make your special day easier and more memorable.

Since this is my first blog posting with Carl House, I figured I’d share my personal experience as a guest at the “Holiday Party by the Table.”

What a night! What a fun and festive way to celebrate the holiday season! With friends and family and, oh yeah, that merry-making guy called Santa.

BB & Trish!

Santa bounded down the staircase in a jolly fashion to greet guests (the chimney would have been a little warm due to the toasty fire). My children loved it!

As the new addition to the Carl House team, I was blown away by the beauty and splendor that Carl House has to offer. The place really came alive under the festive display of holiday lights and décor and the FOOD! Oh my goodness…..the food! Chef Derek Smith created culinary wonders. The Fennel, sage and pistachio crusted pork loin with whole grain mustard jus and mac n’ cheese was my favorite. LOVED IT! Oh, and I really enjoyed the freshness and delicate combination of flavors in the mixed green salad with apples, pickled red onion, blue cheese crumbles and candied spiced pecans. Yum!

Carl House owner, BB Webb, was delighted by our daytime turnout and how fun it was for Santa to surprise us in the evening. Guests enjoyed taking photos in our new photo booth (see BB and her friend Trish at right) while DJ Tod Peavy provided fabulous entertainment for all! I really think he had a great time too!

DJ Tod Peavy and Santa

All in all, I would have to say that it was a terrific night! Time well spent sipping wine, relaxing by the fire, enjoying family and friends and celebrating the holiday season. I am so excited to be joining the Carl House team and I must say that the “night of festivities and fun” that I experienced first hand, as a guest, made me even more proud to be a member of the “team.”

Oh yeah, be on the look out for tips and advice on how to make beautiful cost-effective choices for your wedding floral designs. Lots more to come concerning my specialty, Carl House Florals!
Thanks to all current and future brides to be!

Kimberly Coates
kimberly@carlhouse.com

We loved the suggestion and as many of you know, we created our monthly WINE dinners. (Super fun). We’ve added something we hope you’ll like for the holidays.

If you’ve not tasted the extraordinary creations of Chef Derek Smith…please join us for our ‘Holiday Party by the Table’ Event December 16th….for lunch or for dinner.

Here’s the scoop….if you have a small party, too small to rent all of Carl House…..consider bringing your gang over for a holiday meal extraordinaire, a visit with Santa (in the evening only) AND the stellar sounds of DJ Tod Peavy! Oooooh….and the opportunity to try out our new PHOTO BOOTH! Fun all the way around!

Photo by John Campbell Photography

The details….the details!!
Thursday December 16th!
Join us for a luncheon holiday buffet from 11-1:30pm
or an evening dinner from 6-8:30pm

Sooooo……..if you’d like to celebrate the holidays with a small group of friends, colleagues or take your company team out to celebrate….and JOIN US BY THE FIRE…..our ‘Holiday Party by the Table’ just MIGHT be the ticket!!

Photo by Sarah Eubanks Photography

Our 2010 Carl House Holiday Menu includes:

*Roasted butternut squash soup with maple cream
*Baked artisan breads
*Mixed green salad with apples, pickled red onion, blue cheese crumbles and candied spiced pecans with a champagne vinaigrette dressing
*Roasted Turkey with stuffing, gravy and cranberry relish
*Fennel, sage and pistachio crusted pork loin with whole grain mustard jus and mac n’ cheese
*Roasted mashed potatoes
*Grilled, maple brushed carrots and parsnips
*Chef Derek’s infamous Carl House green beans almandine
*Savory sweet potato bread pudding with toasted almonds
*Specialty dessert selection
….Served with Carl House Signature Coffee and Iced Peach Tea

Lunch seatings offered between 11:00am to 1:30 pm. $26.50 plus tax and 20% service fee.
Dinner seatings offered between 6:00 to 9:30 pm. $34.50 or $42.50, which includes 2 wine or beer tickets, plus tax and 20% service.
Children 5 and under at no charge.

Feel free to call 770-586-0095 to reserve your table (or seats) or email info@carlhouse.com!

We hope you might join us!! (Oh, and Santa was asking about you….we told him you had been good ALLLLL year long, in fact, very, VERY good!)

Holiday joy and fun to you! Carl House Team!!

So, Carl House came together with some of our most generous and wonderful vendors (see our earlier blog entry), to give this terrific family a free wedding for 50 people. The event went off without a hitch on Friday November 5th. See photos below by Sarah Eubanks Photography.

Best wishes to Jenny, Bobby, their terrific kids, family and friends. We wish them ALL the best.

BB Webb

Carl House is delighted to have been the featured venue in the popular wedding blog, ‘Style Me Pretty‘, highlighting the creative and BEAUTIFUL wedding of Kelly and Marc!

We’ve highlighted a few photos and commentary below, but visit their site and description of one of the prettiest events we’ve seen at Carl House! (and there have been SO man)! The photography all by The Reason Photography. Terrific in EVERYWAY…. as were all the folks contributing to this spectacular wedding.

This was such a joyfilled event, great people, beautiful decor with everything planned so carefully by Kelly and Marc. Enjoy the photos and sites mentioned above….we certainly did!

A short section from Kelly, a most lovely bride,

‘From the start, Marc and I wanted a wedding that truly felt like us- fun, exciting, eclectic and a little different from the norm. Every little detail had a meaning behind it, making the day all the more special for both of us. We fell in love with the Carl House from the start. We loved the big backyard, the rustic, vintage feel of the decor and the brick wall backdrop where we’d say our vows- mostly, we loved how it felt like home. We wanted our guests to feel completely at ease to let loose and dance like crazy. The planning process was really a joint project. Marc was involved from day one- he built the wishing tree for our guests to sign when they first arrived at the wedding and handpicked the groomsmen’s outfits….’

Exquisite work, exquisite couple and grand fun at Carl House!

Lucky us.

Photography: The Reason / Event Planning and Flowers : Denise Myers of TruSo Weddings / Ceremony and Reception Location: The Carl House / Dress: Casablanca / Wedding Shoes: Vince Camuto / Veil and Hair Flower: Twigs and Honey / Bridesmaid Dresses: J. Crew / Bridesmaid Shoes: Vince Camuto / DJ: Ken Myers / Cake: Sugar Kneads / Food: Carl House

I sat last evening at 8:30pm on the third floor of my Carl House, deeply satisfied with the sound of a party below…the 8th redecorated or vastly reorganized and cleaned room in either my home or Carl House, a glass of Rodney Strong Knotty Vine Red Zinfandel, (a fav of mine) and some brie and bleu cheese with figs, apple slices and grapes prepared by my favorite of chefs, Executive Chef Derek. Debbie, my Operations gal and I reminisced the busy week which I entered with a keen focus and crystal clear intent….I had plans….I could feel my team gasp as they drew close against their respective walls as I issued THIS weeks mission. We love positive movement at Carl House!!

Having recently had a resignation and shifting among the ranks, (always the right decision)….I could feel the energies shift and I was ready to move forward….MOVE FORWARD indeed! When I am clear, I am a whippet, or tasmanian devil, tsunami I’ve been called, though endeavor or have learned, (ummmm, am learning) to be less harsh as my intensity is inborn, it is me, tempered only through living in a world which I must negotiate at every turn, while not splashing frigid water on my flame.

I must guard carefully myself from the doom and gloom sayers, the influences which don’t bolster me or my team in positive ways. Similarly, I am picking up new ways of being which work to manage my energies, my direction, this mission I was somehow born to unfold!

I rearranged our offices on Monday and on short notice had a room renovated to accomodate our new photo booth. Anticipating a call from the 18 wheeler driver of the company with whom I bought this expensive but valuable addition to our offerings, we were prepared to assemble a ready team to list it from the large truck. Finding Miguel, the driver with the two gold front teeth, (we chatted, a warm fellow from the Bronx)!…with Debbie’s help we assembled in short order our team of hearty and muscled men to move the thing. With Miguel outside my house, stirring the passing cars…we had no time to waste.

‘I’m here with a 450 pound photo booth….who’s moving it’.

Traffic was intense so on the phone with the local police to help direct traffic until our movers appeared! Roger, my beloved handyman, along with our newer team member Mike, scurried to finish the renovations of the room to receive this MONSTER of a new offering to our brides! Roger suggested pulling my old 1984 Ford Truck behind the 18 wheeler to lower it first there, then closer to our back steps to haul this heavy pup inside.

One, two, three, things were flying….flying…..

Then on Tuesday, after giving an 8am talk to the local Chamber of Commerce at my place, ‘Building a Business the Thrives Beyond YOU’….my lessons learned in a talk now….humor and angst both…but isn’t that life??!!)

…..the team and I prepped for our Bridal Event with about 20 vendors showcasing their wares….wonderful people all…..me in my element as hostess, welcoming our 100 or so guests, giving out prizes, assuring each detail was tended and person welcomed. A late night misunderstanding between and a client and staff member, I hope remedied to their satisfaction….sweet, sweet people, and ooooh, the food, Chef Derek outdid himself with the FOOD! (My favorite a chicken, lavender something infused sauce with brussel sprouts that made my eyes shut while chewing).

I adore culinary treats, the creativity, the textures, tastes, the colors, the way it is presented. I grew up with a father who taught me the love of fine dining and it’s worth every penny when I do decide to indulge. And fortunately, I have a chef who treats me to luscious items on a regular basis to satisfy this passion, for it IS a passion and one I will NOT deny nor sacrifice!

Wednesday, a travesty in trying to find the right workman to assemble our new floral cooler, one ill suited worker after the next, unbelievable quotes and me having to say good-bye to more than one ‘offer’. My favorite ill suited gent the one who asked if I’d give him money for gas and cigarettes! (One wonders where these folks come from).

We had some theft last week within the ranks, (rare in my seven and a half years in business) and security measures have been increased. We suspect some new arrivals into our fold. After much hallabaloo, adding soon security cameras, better processes to assure there is no theft….the bottles of missing wine mysteriously reappeared. There is magic happening within my business. I feel it as surely as I know my forward growth and positive solutions are imminent with Carl House.

I’m here, I’m on track and ready for all good and the expansions that are afoot. Long in the waiting maybe, but maybe not. Life is good.

By BB Webb

Our FIRST Monthly Wine Pairing Dinner was a huge success! With 25 guests, harpist Dania Lane (who was LOVELY by the way), and a menu fit for kinds and queens, (prepared by Carl House Executive Chef, Derek Smith, a great time was had by all!

Check out the latest installment to our Carl House YouTube channel, with still photos and audio of the event.

If you couldn’t make the September dinner, don’t worry- there’s plenty of time to reserve a space for October.

This month’s fall-themed menu includes:

Appetizer

Chef’s Derek’s Choice

Soup

Seasoned squash bisque and pumpkin seed brittle with whipped fennel cream

Entree

Buttermilk fried chicken breast with stone ground grits cakes
Brussel sprout leaves and roasted shallots in a warm bacon dressing

Dessert

Pear & apple streusel tart with vanilla bean angliase

With Carl House Signature Coffee and Peach Iced Tea

We’ll be announcing our featured winery shortly, so stay tuned!  Please come join us!!

The price is a nominal $37.50 per person, plus tax and service.

RSVPs and prepayment requested by October 12th. Call 770-586-0095 or diane@carlhouse.com for more details.

Corned beef and cabbage, and Roasted rack of lamb with stewed veggies among other things will be a part of the luscious menu. And how about the featured Sabastiani wines?! My mouth is just watering thinking about it!

For more information, including a complete menu for the Wine Tasting Dinner click HERE

Come stroll through our gardens at dusk, enjoy the beautiful scenery that is at the heart of Carl House, and learn more about the Sebastiani winery.

When: September 17^th 6:30-9:00pm

Price: $37.50 per person, plus tax and service fees

Contact: Diane 770-586-0095 or diane@carlhouse.com with your name, address, phone number, email address, and number in your party.

RSVP: Wednesday Sept 13^th by noon.

And don’t worry if you can’t make it to THIS month’s Wine Tasting Dinner, we’re planning on making this a tradition, with a dinner every 3^rd Friday of the month! Stay tuned for details involving NEXT month’s event, scheduled for October 15^th.

Lauren, Director of First Impressions

The Society Express Band

Flexible in size, The Society Express Band consists of a core group of five band members who all sing and play more than one instrument. You’ll enjoy sax, stand up acoustic double bass & electric bass, guitar, keys, trumpet, trombone, drums and you’ll be thrilled with all the variety and lush harmonies of their male and female vocals! And with over 15 staff musicians, they can easily add additional players to create the exact sound you are looking for, or scale down and play as a smaller quartet, trio or duo.

Band Leader, and lead vocalist, Jeni Michelson has captivated audiences with her exquisite vocals and powerhouse beltings. She is an internationally published songwriter who has also written numerous award winning advertising jingles for radio and television as well as played for President Jimmy Carter, and Governors’ Zell Miller, Roy Barnes, and Sonny Perdue.  For samples of Society Express Band’s work visit YouTube here or here.

Carl House owner BB Webb met Jeni Michelson several years ago….’Jeni is an AMAZING woman and a leader.  As a business person I admire her tenacity, her drive and her incredible leadership.  As an artist, I am enthralled with how she can transform a room with her presence, her style and oooh, that voice.  She appeared on my former television show, ‘Living Life with Style,’ which people are still talking about.  She’s a soul sister for sure and I’m fortunate our paths crossed when they did!’

If your preference is live music, at your wedding or holiday party, be sure to consider Society Express Band- you WON’T be disappointed! For booking information, feel free to contact Jeni at 770-579-6967 or by email, jeni.michelson@mindspring.com.

Lauren, Director of First Impressions

Wine connoisseurs, and those learning about wine, find the opportunity of a wine tasting absolutely orgasmic.  The popularity of wine is growing globally and people want to know more and more about this spirited juice from the grapes.

Did you know the cork was developed as a bottle closure in the late 17th century?  It was only after this that bottles were laid down for aging, and the bottle shapes slowly changed from short and bulbous to tall and slender.

And did you know that high-quality dry table wines has about roughly 600 to 800 grapes per bottle, which may be about eight bunches of grapes per bottle or about five bottles from a healthy grapevine?

Neither did I, until I started researching wine! Wine history and trivia certainly IS interesting!

Why not take time to learn more about the fruit that makes the wine?! Attending a wine tasting will give you the WONDERFUL opportunity to explore the world right outside your door- or even across the globe.

Carl House is proud to offer a wine tasting dinner (something we hope will start a tradition) Friday September 17th from 6:30pm to 9:00pm.

The evening will start with a sparkling wine and hors d’oeuvres, followed by a three course meal served with a variety of terrific wines specifically pared to the dishes served.  The winery we will be featuring is Sabastiani.  Check out our menu below!

September Wine Tasting Dinner Menu

Chef Selected Passed Items (all homemade, of course)!

 

Corned Beef and Cabbage in Barley Broth with Mustard-Swiss Crouton

Roasted Rack of Lamb with Natural Jus and Stewed Vegetables, Parsnip Crisps

Irish Coffee Mousse, Carl House Signature Coffee and of course, our famous peach tea served with dinner!

So, our purpose is simple:

• We’d like to educate and entertain you in a new and exciting way,
• introduce you to extra ordinary boutique wines from around Georgia and beyond,
• to tantalize your taste buds with culinary delights prepared by our extradordinary Executive Chef Derek Smith! www.organiceatz.com

The price is $37.50 plus tax and service….hors d’oeuvres and wine parings for all courses served.  I don’t think you can beat it!

Chef Derek will also discuss a little bit about each dish served, and will explain why it highlights the taste of the signature wine we will be serving with dinner!

Our winery has also offered to have bottles and cases of the wines you like best, for sale.

Please RSVP by Monday, September 13 by noon!!  The dress is casual-nice….you can figure what that means to you.  It should be a fun evening, meeting new people, trying new foods, and YES, the wine!

Please make your reservation by calling 770-586-0095 or email diane@carlhouse.com with your Name, Address, Phone number, Email Address and number of guests. We look forward to hearing from you!  Advance payment is required please!

We look forward to having you join us!!

Janet Jeans, Marketing

In his 20 years as a chef, Derek has worked in hotels, restaurants, private clubs, and catering facilities, including Australia’s largest private club in Melbourne and the prestigious Cherokee Town and Country Club in Atlanta.  He has also been featured on ‘Good Day Atlanta’ television show and at the ‘Atlanta Home and Design Show’ as “the Green Chef.” When looking for a new chef for Carl House, Chef Derek stood out amongst the crowd and owner BB Webb was thrilled to bring him onboard earlier this year!

When Derek’s not busy DELIGHTING Carl House guests with his mouth-watering culinary creations — MY personal favorites are the brushetta with home-made bagel chips, mini-beef wellingtons, grilled vegetable platter, and chicken picatta–can you say YUM?– he’s busy with his catering and private organic meal delivery business (the first in Atlanta, by the way) Organic Eatz, which specializes using local and organic ingredients and also offers vegan, and vegetarian menus as well as.

We hope you’ll join us for our upcoming Wine Tasting September 16th (details to come) to taste first hand what I’m talking about!  Please call our office and we’d be delighted to give you the full scoop!

Diane Burdick, Event Manager and foodie

(Photo at bottom jaxonphoto.com)

With that in mind, Carl House is proud to introduce Frosted Pumpkin- a PREMIER bakery operated by Jeff and Karyn Schwerzle. Owner BB Webb met the Frosted Pumpkin duo several years back during the first years of Carl House’s opening and ran into Jeff at the last ’Say Yes to the Dress’ event in Atlanta the other week.

(P.S. Stay tuned, the ‘Say Yes to the Dress’ crew was at our place last month highlighting one of our brides!!!  Exciting!!!!)

But I digress…The Schwerzle’s have been in the business of making exquisite cakes for a combined 35 years!  Karyn Schwerzle herself has won more than 20 awards from the American Culinary Federation, and has been presented the prestigious NY Guild of Chef’s Award for professionalism and creativity!! Frosted Pumpkin was also nominated Best Cakes by The Knot for 2007-2008, and received Allie Awards for Best Cake Presentation from 2003-2007. IMPRESSIVE….we think so and LOVE to have Frosted Pumpkin Cakes prominently displayed in our ballroom!

Frosted Pumpkin cakes range from the classic white bride’s cakes and luscious chocolate and strawberry groom’s cakes, to the novelty cakes and cupcake displays.  And, if you’ve not seen a cupcake display….they are outrageous fun!

One of the GREAT things about Frosted Pumpkin is that they create unique designs to suit YOUR specifications—whether contemporary and modern or classical and elegant- EVERY beautiful cake is made using the finest ingredients with the ULTIMATE attention to detail!

Anywhoooo….just bragging about one of our friends!

Top photo by Jeffrey himself and below, Sarah Eubanks Photography….pretty cake sitting atop our lovely square grand piano in our ballroom!

Diane Burdick, Events & Marketing– and cake-lover!

Some brides we learned like to select candies which coordinate with their wedding colors, whereas others choose their favorite candies…. if it were ME though, I’d choose nothing but chocolate, chocolate, CHOCOLATE- with the occasional sprinkling of peanut-butter, of course!

Or for even MORE decadence I’d add the Carl House Chocolate Fountain as well, complete with fresh fruit, marshmellows, brownies, pretzel rods, (who’d a thunk it) or other delectable dipping treats!– YUM!!

At the Candy Bar last weekend, guests were digging into BEAUTIFUL treat-filled glass containers by using silver scoops.  At weddings the Candy Stations are used as action favor stations where guests scoop their favorite candy into coordinating candy bags which they can either eat from at the reception, or take home as a party favor. (I’d of course do both)!!!

Merely sharing…..from one Choco-holic to perhaps another!!

Diane Burdick, Event Manager and choco-holic

This Sunday Carl House is proud to invite the public to our Summertime Bridal Brunch, a time where brides gather to meet some of Carl House’s most-preferred vendor partners, to meet the team that produces our lavish events AND, (of course) to experience Carl House! (We do love putting on a party)!

Photo: jaxonphoto.com

At the Bridal Brunch you’ll be able to stroll through the gardens  and ceremony site (with your icy cold lemonade) while listening to live music, imagining what it might be like to have YOUR wedding on our pretty grounds.

You might visit our bar to partake of our wine tasting, highlighting some of Carl House’s select 2nd and 3rd tier wines. Most importantly, you’ll have the opportunity to meet our vendor partners in person to get to know them and what they do, an opportunity to see if together you might be a fit!

Our event begins at 2pm so don’t be late!!   Owner BB Webb will host the event and will be raffling off door prizes which will include floral arrangements, gift certificates to hotels, books, CDs DVDs, gift baskets, special savings with various vendor partners and so, so, so, soooo much more! Around 3PM we’ll also have a brief presentation from Cornelia Powell, author of the book “Bride’s Ritual Guide” where she’ll talk about how to savor every moment of this unique time in your life.  (She’s terrific)!

Carl House will of course be presenting fabulous culinary delights, with the menu created by our in-house Executive Chef, Derek Smith.  (You might check out his personal catering site where he is known for his green and organic selections.  Visit www.organiceatz.com for more info on Derek)!

And it wouldn’t be a real party without the famous Carl House chocolate fountain!   So, come one, come all and indulge, indulge, indulge!!

Admission is free for the first bride and one guest, with a nominal fee of $15 per person for each additional guest thereafter.  The deadline for registration has been extended to Friday by noon.  Please call our offices at 770-586-0095 to speak with Monika, our Bridal Consultant, or Diane in Marketing, for more information!

This summer’s participating vendor partners include….drum roll please!!

Author Cornelia Powell

Atlanta Bands and DJ

Bagpipes by Winter

Bowman Photography

Cakes by Originals

Courtyard by Marriott

Creative Video Moments

Debbie Garmon Florals

DJ Louie Productions

Darian Davis on the Fiddle!

Diversity Limo

European Floral Design

Hampton Inn at Sugar Hill

John Campbell Photography

Music Master

Officiant Reverend George Callahan

Perfect Stem

Sarah Eubanks Photography

Sherri Zellers

Sugar Kneads Bakery

TruSo Weddings

We look forward to seeing you at Carl House this Sunday July 25th at 2pm!

Asia and Blake were married this June at Carl House, with the wedding photos taken at Carl House (of course) and engagement photos being shot at the Botanical Gardens in Athens, and UGA. Photographer Sarah Ackerman had this to say about the happy couple:

“Asia and Blake are two amazing people-we realized that the first time we met them to talk about their wedding! They are both fun-loving and full of life, and they balance each other perfectly- they are perfect for each other! Asia and Blake were so much fun to work with, they were naturals in front of the camera and were up for anything that we asked of them. We couldn’t have asked for anyone any better than these two!  We were very lucky to have been blessed by these amazing people!”

Truly, Asia and Blake were a fun couple to work with on the wedding day! There wasn’t a dry eye in the house at the time of the toast, and when it was time to dance their guests really rocked the house! Carl House sincerely thanks Asia and Blake for selecting use to be their wedding venue!

(all photos courtesy Shutterkiss Photography)

In addition to being a beloved friend of Carl House owner BB Webb, Cornelia has worked with thousands of brides over the past two decades in her top bridal boutique in Buckhead. Cornelia specializes in the traditions and folklore surrounding weddings, and speaks to the heart of a woman’s soul regardless every stage of life.

“The Bride’s Ritual Guide” is written with the Bride-to-be in mind, and discusses the folklore and legends surrounding weddings. In addition to penning books, Ms. Powell also posts to several blogs as well as an online bridal magazine “Weddings of Grace”

The following is taken (with permission) from Ms. Powell’s “Letters to a Bride” blog titled “All You Hold Dear”:

“Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a sixpence for your shoe.”….

This familiar rhyme has connected and inspired and touched generations of brides to put attention on little details that are dear to women the world over. Bringing women together to borrow a keepsake to wear, or share an old-fashion notion, or hear a story about a wedding from long ago. Feminine exchanges of the heart.

Yes, the “something old, something new” folkloric ritual may inspire things for you to wear or carry on your wedding day. But the main point of participating in rituals — including this quaint little rhyme — is how they take you closer to the true expression of your heart, opening the way to make a lasting (and possibly healing) connection with family members and friends.”

Seven years ago today Carl House opened to the public with Natalie and Reggie’s wedding….

With out knowing it, we were embarking on an adventure that would take us to many new places where we would meet many new people, learn a GREAT many things, enjoy our victories, regroup from challenge and emerge with only greater vision and passion as the years progressed.

As I look back on the years and consider the many people who have passed through our halls, I express deep gratitude for their trust in us, trusting that we would deliver the celebration they imagined to herald the beginning of their marriage. I honor the ritual as I honor the people bolding taking a step forward with trust into such a union.

Marriage is an interesting dance and ‘relationship’…the greatest teacher I know. I thank the many people who have helped to create Carl House throughout the years, for their hard work, their belief in my vision and their understanding of the challenges inherent in small business.

I am grateful for the lessons learned, enabling us to become a stronger business throughout the years, teaching us how to better serve our clients and to honor and help realize their visions for the ultimate event to catapult them forward.

It has been an honor to serve the public and to be at this point in our evolution as a business. Our vision remains strong, ‘to create extraordinary, memorable events!’

With passion and vision we move forward into the future eager to listen to the heartbeat of our clients and to make their event dreams happen!

Happy Anniversary indeed!

Warmly,

BB Webb
Carl House Owner
(Photo credit, top, Kristi Odom Photography, below, liana.tv)

For the record, that was sage with which a CERTAIN SOMEONE blessed our new offices – and, what they can stand for, reflect, and represent.

Come on…

This is me keeping it light today.

Allowing myself to be distracted with “Satisfy My Soul” by Bob Marley.

Peace be to my Brothers and sisters.

Brian Patrick Cork

Obviously, this post’s inspiration is now moot because we changed themes. But, the following though is, forever, immortalized:

……..

So…

I am enjoying the process of having a Blog that people somehow care about.

BB Webb wants to know why I have chosen this particular template (Andreas09 by Andreas Viklund) for my this Blog.

Why not something more colorful and dramatic?

A tad more azure on your blogsite?  A frame around the photo?  Are you moving toward some more color sir?  I encourage all variety of color on your site and in your life!  Gloom be gone… You are colorful man!  Let go the rainbows! - BB

[...]

My response, so far:

Its a device for the moment.

Perhaps its the English/ Irish heritage and influence.

But, I want the focus to be on the content – and, NOT necessarily the Blog (template).

I rather like the font and the manner in which the words “look”. Having said that, the template offers a variety of color options. However, having toyed with them, I felt they actually diminished the impact I want to convey.

Interestingly, the current template has influenced my writing style and inspired several of the most recent posts.  The last template made it easy, somehow, to be more playful – lots of Youtube stuff.  Less controversy (however, controversy stimulates me).  To wit… My favorite, for the moment, is “intrigue at the Summit”.  But, something that fascinates me is that the trials and tribulations, as set fourth in the prior two postings, had generated a record number of hits, and as well as an astounding amount of email. And, my own views yesterday around Brian Visaggio’s post about Bernie Madoff demonstrated a similar result.

In the coming months, yet another template might touch my fancy, and redirect my focus.

[...]

Peace be to my Brothers and Sisters.

Brian Patrick Cork

But, then BB Webb sent me a message at 4:38 this morning – and, now, forever immortalized.

Add this to your life’s soundtrack. Amos Lee and “All My Friends”.

Thanks BB. “short List”.

Peace be to my Brothers and Sisters.

Brian Patrick Cork