The Chimneys at Big Canoe

I would say this post is a bit over due.  The image above was made late Fall of 2009, shortly after my friends at Talk Of The Town Catering became the exclusive caterers for Big Canoe.  I had been asked by Talk Of The Town to come to Big Canoe and shoot some fresh images for their upcoming print campaign to promote the property.  My original intent was to make a post shortly after the images went to print, but schedule conflicts and other projects put this post on hold until now.  In the beginning, I was just supposed to shoot the “Chimneys” building at dusk, but, a tour of the surrounding properties expanded the project a bit.

In addition to the Chimneys, Big Canoe also has a beautiful church.  While waiting for the sun to set, I made some images of the exterior and interior.  I could not pass the opportunity up to get these shots, it was just too pretty!

Outside the Church, on a beautiful Fall day.

The Bell Tower

Inside View

In addition to the Chimneys and the church, there is also a beach area on the lake, and an aquatic center that can be used for weddings.  I didn’t have the time to photograph those adequately, I’m hoping to make a trip back to Big Canoe this Spring, and catch them then.  Since these Fall images were made, Talk Of The Town has taken advantage of the the Winter months and totally remodeled the interior of the Chimneys.  I haven’t seen it yet, but, I am hoping to make it there soon to get some shots of the upgraded insides.

Big Canoe is an impressive venue for a wedding, the mountain scenery is breathtaking, especially in the Spring, Summer and Fall.  It’s great if you have out of town guests, they can rent cabins at Big Canoe and spend the weekend there in addition to celebrating your wedding.  There are many advantages to having your wedding in the North Georgia mountains, cool in the Summer, amazing color in the Fall, and far away from the congestion and traffic of Atlanta.  If you are planning a North Georgia wedding and still looking for a location, Big Canoe might be it.

If you are interested in learning more about Big Canoe, contact Talk Of The Town for more information on rates and availability, call Peggy Echols at 770.329.0009.

The Atlanta Wedding Photographer

Photo Courtesy Kellum Valley Farm

Can you imagine a wedding in the North Georgia Mountains on a Spring day, the flowers blooming and trees green with new leaves?  Escaping the heat of Atlanta in Summer to have your wedding in the cool mountains?  Or having a wedding ceremony in Autumn with the surrounding mountains ablaze with the colors of the season, reds, yellows and golds?  Then dancing the night away under the stars within the stone walls of 90-year-old ruin?  I could imagine all of this and more on my recent visit to Kellum Valley Farm in North Georgia.  As I stood and looked out from the ceremony area past the main house below, I was captivated by the view of the mountains in the distance, what a beautiful vista!  I could see the possibility for great shots no matter where I looked.

I have been coming to the North Georgia Mountains for years, and had been invited to visit on my next trip up by DeAnne Major, owner of Kellum Valley Farm.  I am so glad she invited me!  What a great place!  As we toured the property DeAnne told me some of the history of Kellum Valley Farm and the ruins on the hill.  As it turns out, much of the valley was owned by a member of the Carnegie family in the 1920′s and the valley is named for them.  There is a complete history of the ruins and the farm on Kellum Valley Farm website, like much of Georgia history it makes for an interesting read.

The main house is only a few years old, but it was built to be similar to farmhouses of the early 1900′s.  The downstairs of the house holds the bride’s room and secondary space should more room be required.  Near the main house there is a pool with waterfall, and several out buildings, including a barn with air conditioning and bathrooms.  The ruins make a great backdrop for a wedding ceremony, and later, a perfect place to dance.  There has been lighting placed in the trees and on the ruins to enhance them, and I am sure they look fantastic at night!   Accommodations for your DJ or band has been made with a raised platform and plenty of electrical service.  If you are thinking of having your wedding in the North Georgia Mountains you should make an appointment with DeAnne for a visit, this might be the ideal place for your wedding!

The Atlanta Wedding Photographer