Christmas in July at The Georgian Terrace Hotel

August11th

Posted in: Event Venue, Photography, Wedding, Wedding Planning, Weddings

Mr. and Mrs Claus

Christmas came early this year to The Georgian Terrace Hotel. I became involved last month when I received a call from my friend Walter Nemeth who is director of catering at the hotel. “Terry I’m wondering if you would like to shoot a Christmas party for us this month.” Usually Christmas parties are in November or December, but I’m pretty much game for anything that sounds like a good time. ”Sure Walt, just say when.” It had been a while since I had worked at The Georgian Terrace and I was anxious to check out recent upgrades to the hotel made by the new owners.

As a wedding photographer I had been coming to The Georgian Terrace for years, but I hadn’t been back since 2005 when the Grand Ballroom was used as a pre-function area for the Allie Awards. The restored Grand Ballroom is nothing like what I remember from 2005! It has been completely made over with new carpet, paint and other improvements, it truly is a “Grand Ballroom” now! Not just the ballroom was remade, the entire hotel has been beautified, it’s easy to see no expense was spared, nice! If I were a Bride, The Georgian Terrace would be on my list to consider for a wedding! Given it’s proximity to many of Atlanta’s big Churches, it just makes sense as a reception venue.

Santa's new ride.

The hotel had set Santa up with a totally sweet ride for the event, he and Mrs. Claus seemed to be quite pleased with it. In addition to Santa’s sled, the Grand Ballroom was fully decked out in Holiday decor by Eventscapes. I have worked with them before, J. Wilbur and his crew always do a great job.

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As I was photographing the decor, The Georgian Terrace catering staff was preparing the buffet stations for the evening’s festivities, it all looked so good!

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Love chocolate!

More chocolate, great desert table!

Desert Table Ice Sculpture

Snowman ice sculpture by Ice Caters.

In addition to the buffet tables, The Georgian Terrace had carving stations and passed hors d’oeuvres being circulated by the friendly catering staff.

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Friendly Catering Staff

Such a great face, food looks good too!

Maybe I should have taken a picture BEFORE eating two!

These were SO good!

Carving Station

This is an overhead view of one of the carving stations. I made the shot from a balcony that is on a upper level in the room. The balcony would be a great place for a bouquet toss at a wedding reception. Check out the floor covering, it’s part of the room renovation, beautiful!

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And let’s not forget something to drink with all that great food.

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The Atlanta Ballet had a display promoting “The Nutcracker” a holiday classic.

Atlanta Ballet

The Fox Theatre also had a display promoting their holiday show featuring the Radio City Rockettes Christmas spectacular.

Radio City Rockettes

Pretty soon the room began to fill and get that “cocktail party” buzz. There were many attendees I knew and some new ones I didn’t, I had a lot of fun shooting and chatting. I found some really great faces.

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