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Atlanta Wedding Photographer

Melanie & Alex

It’s always so special when I get to capture an old friend’s wedding day, and Melanie and Alex’s was no exception. I was thrilled to join them for their edgy, witchy, vintage wedding at Habersham Mills in northern Georgia, and I’m so in love with the images we created together.

Enjoy Melanie and Alex’s beautiful wedding, and be sure to reach out if you’re planning your own!

Habersham Mills Wedding Venue in Northern Georgia

I encourage my couples (especially those of you eloping!) not to limit themselves to traditional wedding venues. Habersham Mills is a perfect example!

While they’ve hosted weddings before, Habersham Mills isn’t primarily a wedding venue. It’s an old mill village – one of the last surviving ones in Georgia – tucked into the woods along the Soquee River. The combination of old industrial buildings and Georgia wilderness makes for a totally unique look and feel. The owners of the mill rent out six unique spaces for lodging, including an old Airstream camper and the original mill post office.

If you’re planning a small wedding or elopement, be sure to look for nontraditional spaces like Habersham Mills. Ask around in your area, check out Airbnb, and get creative with your venue.

Turquoise bolo groom wedding style at Habersham Mills wedding venue Georgia
First look at Habersham Mills wedding venue in Georgia
Wedding party at Habersham Mills wedding venue in Georgia
velvet bridesmaid dresses at Habersham Mills wedding venue in Georgia
Habersham Mills wedding venue in Georgia
Nontraditional wedding at Habersham Mills wedding venue in Georgia
Habersham Mills wedding venue in Georgia

Planning a Dark Vintage Wedding at Habersham Mills

I’ve known Melanie for years, so I knew before I even talked to her about her photos that she’d be planning an unforgettable wedding. She owns Golda Kombucha and Cultured South Fermentation Co., two super cool small businesses in Atlanta. Together, she and Alex make a stunning, stylish couple, and I loved seeing their dark vintage style play out through their wedding design.

On her wedding day, Melanie wore this lace dress from Rue De Seine, and she added the custom bell sleeves for this 70s witchy look. She accessorized with Kendra Scott earrings, turquoise jewelry from her personal collection, and a sweet flower crown designed by Cultured South.

Alex went with an all-black western look complete with classic Wranglers, Dan Post snakeskin boots, and a Circle S blazer. He found his bolo tie (and all his groomsmen’s as well) at local estate sales and vintage shops. It takes a little more time and effort to source vintage pieces, but it truly adds so much personality to your wedding attire.

Vintage inspired wedding at Habersham Mills wedding venue in Georgia
Wedding ceremony at Habersham Mills wedding venue in Georgia
Wedding ceremony at Habersham Mills wedding venue in Georgia
Wedding ceremony at Habersham Mills wedding venue in Georgia
Wedding ceremony at Habersham Mills wedding venue in Georgia
Wedding ceremony at Habersham Mills wedding venue in Georgia
Wedding portraits at Habersham Mills wedding venue in Georgia
Wedding portraits at Habersham Mills wedding venue in Georgia
Rue de Seine Bridal gown at Habersham Mills wedding venue in Georgia
Habersham Mills Wedding venue in Georgia
Vintage wedding portraits at Habersham Mills wedding venue in Georgia
Habersham Mills wedding venue in Georgia

An Intimate, Spiritual Ceremony

Melanie describes her and Alex’s wedding ceremony as being “shrouded in sacred mysticism,” and I think that sums it up beautifully. After Melanie walked down the aisle, she and Alex each stood in a circle of tobacco and cornmeal, part of an indigenous wedding ritual. Then, they stepped into another circle, one that encompassed both of them and symbolized their union. I’d never seen anything like this before, but it so beautifully captured Melanie and Alex’s commitment.

Next, they help a [smudging ceremony](https://ceremonyofficiants.com/wedding-ceremony-ideas/#:~:text=Smudging– More commonly done in,the area of negative energies.) and a traditional handfasting ceremony with a vintage silk scarf. They exchanged vows and shared their first kiss as husband and wife in the crisp autumn air.

vintage wedding car at Habersham Mills wedding venue in Georgia
Wedding portraits at Habersham Mills wedding venue in Georgia
Rue de Seine Bridal gown at Habersham Mills wedding venue in Georgia
Vintage wedding at Habersham Mills wedding venue in Georgia
Wedding party at Habersham Mills wedding venue in Georgia
Habersham Mills wedding venue in Georgia
Macrame wedding details at Habersham Mills wedding venue in Georgia
Romantic first dance at Habersham Mills wedding venue in Georgia
Vintage wedding details at Habersham Mills wedding venue in Georgia
Vintage wedding details at Habersham Mills wedding venue in Georgia
Romantic first dance at Habersham Mills wedding venue in Georgia
Rach makes cakes wedding cake at Habersham Mills wedding venue in Georgia
Rach makes cakes wedding cake at Habersham Mills wedding venue in Georgia
wedding reception at Habersham Mills wedding venue in Georgia
Wedding dance party at Habersham Mills wedding venue in Georgia
Wedding reception at Habersham Mills wedding venue in Georgia
Wedding reception at Habersham Mills wedding venue in Georgia

A Fun and Funky Wedding Reception at Habersham Mills

After the ceremony, we took some portraits with the bridal party and the couple’s ’57 El Camino. Then, we headed towards the reception, also on-location at Habersham Mills.

Just like the rest of the wedding, Melanie and Alex’s reception was just dripping with that edgy, 70s occult feel. They decorated the tables with vintage lace and glassware, classic tarot card table numbers, and ritual candles (which the guests took home as favors). All the vintage details worked perfectly with the industrial look of the venue.

The whole reception was fun and laid-back, but my favorite moment was the parents-bride dance. Instead of doing a father-daughter dance, Melanie danced with her divorced mother and father at the same time. It was magical seeing them come together to honor and support their daughter on her wedding day.

Every detail of Melanie and Alex’s day was intentionally sourced and styled. It created the perfect atmosphere for Melanie, Alex, and their nearest and dearest to dance the night away.

Planning your own one-of-a-kind wedding?

I’d like to say a special thanks to all the other vendors who helped make Melanie and Alex’s wedding day so unforgettable.

Venue: Habersham Mills

Planning: Small Folk Creative

Videography: Someday Wedding Films

Dress: Rue De Seine Bridal

Cake: Rach Makes Cakes

Floral Design & Catering: Cultured South

Decor: Vintage finds from the bride

Officiant: Geoff West of Integral Tranformative Bodywork

Stationary Printed by: Clash Graphics

DJ: Ballroom Blitz Events

I’d also love to say a huge ‘thank you’ to Rock N Roll Bride Magazine. They featured Melanie and Alex’s wedding in their recent issue. There’s nothing I love more than seeing my images in print!

If you’re planning your own wedding or elopement, I’d love to be part of it! Head over to my contact page, shoot me a message, and let’s plan a day as unique as you are.

For more wedding inspiration, follow me on Instagram.

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