Stately Atlanta History Center Wedding with 2 Day Photography Coverage

Planned by Magnolia Celebrates 

by Michelle Elyse Photography

Breathtaking ceremony and reception at the Atlanta History Center. Full of Southern charm and timeless elegance. Captured with an editorial / documentary photography style with coverage of Wedding Day and Engagement Session. Planning by the talented Magnolia Celebrates with Decor by BW Designs Inc.

 

 

” My husband and I hired Michelle and her team for our wedding, as well as our engagement shoot, and we can not say enough incredible things about them! Our photos are incredible, every shot is exactly what we talked about wanting, Michelle and her team were so professional and nice, meshed so perfectly with all of our personalities, and made that day so fun for us when we typically can be shy in front of cameras! Highly, highly recommend this team!!”

Julia, the Bride

A few favorites above…now onto the rest of the experience.

This couple chose to book 2 separate sessions of coverage that included their Wedding Day and Engagement Session. I’ll share a brief snippet of their engagement session, while their incredible ceremony and reception  will be shared in detail below. 

 

ENGAGEMENT SESSION:

Julia and David booked an engagement session as part of their wedding package. We took the photos at her family’s beautiful property outside of Atlanta. Since the bride is a professional equestrian, we incorporated the cowboy hat and fields- and said “hi” to one of her horses! 

WEDDING DAY:

Finally, the day we all had excitedly waited for: The Wedding Day. Julia and David’s beautiful day took place at The Swan House and the Grand Overlook Ballroom. There couldn’t have been a more perfect place for their celebration.

Julia and David started out their wedding day by getting ready at the Buckhead Intercontinental. Check out those beautiful views of downtown Atlanta from her bridal suite!

A Vision!

Once the finishing touches were complete, we headed over to the beautiful Atlanta History Center. We started out capturing some photos of Julia with her girls around the Swan House.

Julia in her stunning Anne Barge gown and veil- she looks like artwork with the Swan House behind her. I’m such a fan of wearing the veil for as much of the day as possible. After all- it’s the only day you get to wear one!

The Swan House Ceremony area looks magnificent decked out in its wedding decor as guests begin to arrive to the Atlanta History Center. 

These two are so meant for each other. Many happy tears were shed. The column side of the Swan House was a beautiful backdrop to their wedding ceremony and had the most beautiful light. 

Congratulations to these sweet newlyweds!

The drone came in clutch for capturing the grandeur of the estate.

Just a brief set of photos outside, and then we whisked towards the Grand Overlook Ballroom for their Reception and cocktail hour at the main Atlanta History Center building.

Below: The three generations of women in David’s family- his grandmother, mother, and sister

When we walked into the Grand Overlook Ballroom, our jaws dropped! Hydrangeas climbing up candleabras, trees full of cherry blossoms, sparking silver, and a classic southern palette of light blue, white, and green.

Time for guests to enter this magical space!

Julia and David look like royalty as they sit at their beautiful head table.

Guests wined and dined as this incredible cake table had its moment to shine

Above: a private daddy daughter dance. And then, PARTY TIME  on the dance floor!!!

Oh hey hey hey! The cowboy hat from our engagement session has resurfaced in its sparkley disco version

A wonderful end to a fun celebration! Congratulations again Julia and David! May your marriage be blessed with so much happiness like your wedding day. ~Michelle

 

 

VENDOR CREDITS:

Photos: Michelle Elyse Photography @michelleelysephoto

Planner: Magnolia Celebrates @magnoliacelebrates

Florals & Decor: BW Designs Inc

Venue: Atlanta History Center

Rentals: Atlanta Party Rentals

Dance Floor: Atlanta Dance Floor

Linens: I Do Linens

Catering: Bold Events

Cake: Frosted Pumpkin

Videography: Paros Films

DJ: SiFi Entertainment

Transport: CLC

Jewelry: Tiffany & Co

Dress: Anne Barge

 

 

 

An Elegant Atlanta History Center Wedding with Swan House Ceremony + Grand Overlook Ballroom Reception

There’s something undeniably magical about weddings at the Atlanta History Center, and this stunning celebration was no exception. From a graceful outdoor ceremony on the iconic Swan House column side to an opulent reception beneath blossoming cherry trees in the Grand Overlook Ballroom, this wedding was a breathtaking blend of history, southern charm, and celebration. Captured by Michelle Elyse Photography, a top wedding photographer serving the Atlanta area known for her effortless documentary approach and editorial style, every detail of the day was elevated, intentional, and full of heart.

A Classic Ceremony on the Swan House Column Side

The day began with anticipation and a soft buzz of excitement as guests arrived at the Swan House, one of the most iconic and historic estates in Atlanta. The ceremony took place on the column side of the Swan House lawn, a stately and romantic setting where Southern charm meets timeless elegance. Underneath the majestic facade of the mansion, the couple exchanged vows framed by soft florals in stone urns, and the graceful rise of limestone columns.

Thanks to expert planning by Magnolia Celebrates, every moment flowed seamlessly. The ceremony design honored the natural grandeur of the location while feeling intimately personal. Gentle breezes stirred the leaves in the surrounding trees, and the air was filled with joy as friends and family witnessed this couple promise forever in the heart of Atlanta.

Fountain-Side Portraits at the Swan House Gardens with Drone Photography

After the ceremony, Michelle Elyse Photography guided the couple and their wedding party to the fountain side of the Swan House gardens for portraits. This section of the grounds offers an entirely different—but equally cinematic—backdrop, with its manicured hedges, cascading stone steps, and elegant fountains. With her signature editorial style and intuitive documentary eye, Michelle captured the effortless glamour of the wedding party alongside candid, emotive moments between the couple. Her team captured the grandeur of the setting by drone photography to compliment their photos on the ground.

The sunlight filtered through the estate just perfectly, illuminating the bride’s gown, the groom’s classic attire, and the joy between them. These portraits didn’t just document how the day looked—they preserved how it felt.

A Stunning Reception in the Grand Overlook Ballroom

As the sun began to set, guests were welcomed into the Grand Overlook Ballroom at the Atlanta History Center. If the ceremony was ethereal, the reception was pure enchantment. Designed by BW Designs Inc., the space was transformed into a springtime dreamscape.

Towering cherry blossom trees in full bloom framed the room. Filling the air with delicate pinks and whites. Lush hydrangeas spilled from centerpieces across long banquet tables. Mingling with the soft glow of silver candelabras and flickering candlelight. The ballroom’s sweeping floor-to-ceiling windows offered views of the surrounding trees, while the high ceilings and elegant architecture created a sense of grandeur that felt both majestic and inviting.

Every element of the design spoke to thoughtful elegance. From custom linen textures to metallic accents and artful florals. The décor struck a perfect balance of timeless romance and modern sophistication. The couple’s first dance took place beneath the cherry blossoms, surrounded by loved ones and glowing candlelight for example. It was a moment as cinematic as it was heartfelt.

A Wedding Day to Remember at the Atlanta History Center

This Atlanta History Center wedding, with its ceremony at the Swan House lawn and floral-filled reception in the Grand Overlook Ballroom, was a perfect example of how meaningful design, expert planning, and intentional photography can come together to create something truly unforgettable.

Planned by the talented team at Magnolia Celebrates. Adorned with breathtaking floral installations by BW Designs Inc. And captured with grace and authenticity by Michelle Elyse Photography. This celebration was a beautiful union not only of two people, but of vision, artistry, and love.

Whether you’re dreaming of a historic venue or an editorial-style gallery of your wedding day, this wedding proves that the Atlanta History Center offers an extraordinary canvas. And that the right team can turn it into a masterpiece.