Katie & Chip

2.8.2019 | The Engine Room

How We Met

Katie and Megan grew up in the same school “cluster” (as Gwinnett County calls it) however, they never knew each other. But naturally, they had mutual friends. When Katie & Chip got engaged December 2017, Katie reached out to her friend, Robin, who had recently gotten married to ask what she absolutely needed and where to start. Robin and Megan were very close freshman year of high school and stayed in touch through social media throughout the years. Robin told Katie the thing she really needed was a Day of Coordinator and she needed to check out Marmaros Productions. Katie reached out to us and within the week, Megan and Katie were sitting down for coffee at Starbucks!

Love Story

We love hearing how each couple met and fell in love! Katie gave us the quick rundown of their Love Story:

“Chip & I met in high school. He was a senior, I was a sophomore. We became fast friends and quickly inseparable. It wasn't long until we decided to make things "official". Six months later and he went off to college to play baseball. If you know us, you know that most of our memories were made at or around the ball field. Oh, how much FUN we had in that season of life - memories, laughs and so much LOVE.

We both graduated, got jobs, moved to a new place, all the while still so unbelievably in love.

Fast forward, 7 years down and SURPRISE! Chip dropped down on one knee and asked me to be his forever girl and I have never made a faster, easier decision - YES!

There aren't enough words to describe how thankful I am for Chip and our relationship. In every season, I am so grateful and SO blessed that he is my person. He's absolutely the greatest person I know and I can't wait to see what this life has in store for us.”

Down to Business

Since we had already done a wedding at The Engine Room, visualizing what Katie was thinking for her day was very easy (and it didn’t hurt that she had lots of photos saved of what she wanted). Most of our planning meetings happened over great food (J. Christophers, Rico’s, Brunch Apothecary) and there was no shortage of conversation - wedding or otherwise! Since Katie came to us only a month after getting engaged so we were there from the very beginning.

The Big Day

From the vendors to the weather to the couple, Katie & Chip’s wedding day couldn’t have been more perfect! The Engine Room had set up the sheers and chairs the night before and Katie had laid out some of the decor. When we arrived on Friday, we helped set up the Bridal Suite and Groom’s House before touching up some of the decor. Mama’s Boy brought the table cloths, Southern Grace brought their masterpieces to set up on the tables, all while Ashlyn was busy taking detail and getting ready shots. All we had to do was focus on the timeline and make sure we stuck to it! Katie and Chip did their first look down the aisle and wanted no one watching them - which made the moment so authentic (look at Chip's reaction!). Then onto Bride & Groom, bridal party, and family pictures out in the courtyard before hiding away as guest were beginning to arrive!

The backdrop for the ceremony was so breathtaking! The sheers and the chandelier really brought so much to the space - we didn't believe that The Engine Room could be prettier but we were happily proven wrong! Katie had signs created by Kelsey Mruk which were so adorable and made the entire evening so cohesive! The ceremony itself was beautiful and so genuine. But judging by the look on Katie and Chip's face as they were announced for the first time, this couple was the happiest we've ever seen!

Flipping the room was no issue with all the help we had - thanks to Mama’s Boy it was done in record time giving people who were cold out on the patio a chance to come in and find a seat. The white flowers with the greenery really was stunning against The Engine Room's green walls. Southern Grace did such a fabulous job with the centerpieces helping Katie's vision come to life! Katie bought cute little cups with their monogram on them as favors over at the bar which was such a nice touch and Momma's Boy brought a Coffee and Hot Chocolate Bar which was so fun!

Katie & Chip were announced into the reception space and went into their first dance - Katie didn't want the attention on them but looking at the photos, it's like they were the only ones in the room. Katie's Dad and Chip's Mom got to have their special moments with their children before we got to chow down! The food was fantastic (the biscuits and jelly were to die for!) and the guests were very patient as they waited for their turn at the buffet. Katie & Chip walked around the room greeting guests before we cut the cake and had speeches!

Once all the formalities were done, it was time to hit the dance floor and let me tell you - this group did! The DJ, Wes, knew how to get the guests on the dance floor but more importantly he knew how to keep them there! At times, Wes even jumped out there and danced with the guests which was so fun! (Megan might have jumped out there too, she can't help herself when it comes to a great dance party!) Then we broke out the glow sticks and the dance floor had a whole new fun vibe to it!

When it was time to leave, we lit the sparklers for the grand exit. And let us tell you, that patio at night is made for great send offs!

Something Spectacular

There were so many spectacular things about this day its hard to pick one! But the thing that stood out the most to us was the getting ready party for the bridesmaids! Something Katie told Megan at one of their very first meetings is she wanted a fun atmosphere for her girls to get ready in - a great playlist, good food, coffee, and champagne. That was more than accomplished! All the girls wore matching pajamas, got the cutest mugs from Katie to open as their bridesmaid gift, and there was more food than any of them could eat!

Happily Ever After

Katie & Chip have waited 8 years for this perfect day - and we couldn’t have imagined it any other way! Love was so alive all throughout The Engine Room and we know this love will carry on into their marriage and to Chattanooga! We are thankful to Katie & Chip for letting us help with their big day. We wish them so much peace as they continue this new life chapter of Marriage!

All Hands on Deck

Venue: The Engine Room

Instagram - @theengineroomga

Website - www.theengineroomga.com

Photographer: Ashlyn Cathey Photography

Instagram - @ashlyncathey.photo

Website - www.ashlyncathey.com

Hair: Amy Decker Stanley

Instagram - @salonstanley

Website - www.salonlofts.com/amy_decker_stanley

Makeup: Kylie Prince

Instagram - @_kylieprince

Florist: Southern Grace Enterprises

Instagram - @southerngraceent

Website - www.southerngraceenterprises.com

Catering: Mama’s Boy

Instagram - @mamasboyathens

Website - www.mamasboyathens.com/catering-menus/

Cake & Cupcakes: The Posh Cakery

Instagram - @theposhcakery

Website - www.theposhcakery.com

DJ: Wes Brawner Events

Instagram - @wesbrawnerevents

Website - www.wesbrawner.com

Signage: Kelsey Mruk

Instagram: @kelseymruk

Officiant: Matt Piland

Website - www.bethlehemchurch.us/staff/