Posted in Real Wedding, tagged Athens Weddings, Melissa Prosser Photography, Outdoor Weddings, Real Weddings, The Hill on April 30, 2010| Leave a Comment »
We are so proud to be featured on our new favorite photographer’s blog, Melissa Prosser! She is amazing and captured this wedding on “The Hill”, perfectly. Mandy and Craig could not have had a more beautiful spring afternoon to say their “i do’s”. Click to see more of their special day and their Athens engagement shoot!
Posted in Wedding Decor, tagged Hanging Lights, Kenny Roger Lights, Outdoor Wedding Reception Lights, Wedding Lights in a Barn on April 28, 2010| Leave a Comment »
Kenny Roger lights can be hung anywhere around your ceremony or reception. They help create a rustic, country touch.
Posted in Real Wedding, tagged Christine Gallagher, Clear tents, floor over pool, Outdoor Spring Weddings on April 23, 2010| Leave a Comment »
Jenni and Sam got married last week in Roswell, Georgia at Jenni’s home. The reception was held over their pool on top of a clear floor paired with a clear tent. Christine Gallagher did a fabulous job capturing their wedding!
Photos by Christine Gallagher
Photos by Christine Gallagher
Photos by Christine Gallagher
Photos by Christine Gallagher
Photos by Christine Gallagher
Photos by Christine Gallagher
Photos by Christine Gallagher
Photos by Christine Gallagher
Posted in Unique Stations, tagged Ceremony Beverages, Martha Stewart Station on April 21, 2010| Leave a Comment »
A Martha Stewart Station is the perfect way to serve refreshments to your guests during outdoor, wedding ceremonies. The station generally has lightly sweetened ice tea, homemade lemonade and chilled water. Guests are invited to take a cooling refreshment before the ceremony. The station has a beverage attendant to provide prompt service for guests. We have a variety of glass containers, and sometimes add ribbon around the middle for extra color.
Posted in Featured Venues, tagged Shoulderbone Plantation on April 16, 2010| Leave a Comment »
Shoulderbone Plantation has several charming spaces for formal and casual gatherings. The fully restored plantation house is an elegant location where family heirlooms and locally made antiques evoke the spirit of antebellum Georgia. The plantation house grounds make an exceptional location for wedding ceremonies and receptions alike. The natural landscape and rustic agrarian buildings are just a part of the allure of Shoulderbone Plantation. They also offer subtle touches to enhance the plantation experience, like having your bridal party escorted to the ceremony in a white vis-à-vis carriage pulled by Percheron horses, providing guests with guided tours of the house, having cocktails on the veranda, or exploring the plantation grounds in a horse drawn carriage.
The large outdoor pavilion is also a unique location for events as well. It is common for brides and grooms to hold the ceremony at the main house and the reception in the pavilion. The covered pavilion is a short walk from the main house and can accommodate up to 400 guests, a band, dance floor and seating. The vast, immaculately kept lawn makes a lovely backdrop for parties, and the pavilion is easily adaptable to a variety of styles and layouts.
Photos and Text provided by Shoulderbone Plantation
Posted in Epting Events Gossip on April 12, 2010| 1 Comment »
Katie has recently celebrated her 3 year anniversary with Epting Events. Coming from a science background, she uses her meticulous, logical thinking combined with her creative, whimsical side for the best of both worlds when planning her events. Katie was a bride herself, not too long ago, so she knows all about the pressures that come along with wedding planning. She wants to make sure that the process is stress-free and fun for her clients. When she is not busy orchestrating events, she enjoys lazy Sunday afternoons with her 2 boxers, spoiling her niece and rollerskating. She is a lover of her iphone, UNC basketball, the musical stylings of Journey, and the tv show, Lost.
What did you do before you became an Event Planner?
I was a lab tech who conducted stem cell research in a cancer research lab.
If you could plan anyone’s wedding in the world, whose would it be?
Definitely Oprah – impeccable taste, a fantastic guest list and an unlimited budget would make for an unbelievable event!
Where do you get your inspiration?
Window Shopping! They are great references for composition, colors and overall design. Anthropologie is my favorite. The last time I was there, they had a chandelier made out of green beer bottles. Now I am dying to make one for one of our events!
If you weren’t an Event Planner, what would you be?
I fully intend to open a dog rescue center when I retire.
What do you do when you aren’t working?
fake answer: reading, going to movies, hanging out with friends
real answer: thinking about work!
How did you find yourself at Epting?
It was a very happy accident. My husband and I moved down from North Carolina, when he started grad school at UGA. We had just gotten married and I had such a great time planning my own wedding that I thought I might try a new career (I wasn’t very happy in a lab setting). Epting Events was hiring a receptionist, so I came and interviewed and got the job in April of 2007. By August, I was taking my own parties 🙂
Awards, most interesting honor, important accomplishment/milestones?
I received the “Most Improved” and “Most Team Spirit” Awards in 2007 from the Classic City Rollergirls.
What are your favorite flowers?
Anything that is lush, romantic and girly. Ranunculus, Peonies, Gardenias, Phaleonopsis Orchids, Dahlias…I could go on and on.
You would be surprised to know…
that I am actually a very shy person.
What do you enjoy about working at Epting?
I love that every day is always different, I’m constantly being challenged, I get to travel all across the southeast, I learn something new everyday and I get to work with creative and interesting people.
Favorite magazines?
Lucky, In Style, Real Simple, Martha Stewart Weddings, Southern Weddings
Favorite book?
It’s a tie between Rose Madder by Stephen King OR The Beast by Peter Benchley
Favorite restaurant in Athens?
Clocked
Favorite foods?
A rainbow of starch! Mac & Cheese, Mashed Potatoes and Red Lobster Cheddar Biscuits
What is your dream vacation spot?
I would love to stay in those little sand huts off the coast of Greece.
What was your wedding like?
It was definitely one of the best days of my life. I married a wonderful man and enjoyed the summer afternoon surrounded by friends and family. I wore a simple ivory strapless gown with a full skirt. My seamstress added fabric flowers at the waist and the top of the bustle and adorned them with pink swarovski crystals. My bouquet was a tight bundle of different pink flowers with lots of texture; peonies, dahlias, nerine lillies, cockscomb and roses. It was one of my favorite things about the day. After the ceremony, we were whisked away in a baby blue 1967 Mustang Convertible and spent some time just riding around, waving to the city-goers. We had the reception on the top floor of a building that overlooked the whole city of Raleigh. Our focal point was a topsy turvy pink wedding cake, my husband’s contribution to the night 🙂 We dined on salmon and filet, then danced the night away. Now I get to live vicariously through my brides and plan weddings over and over again!
What was your favorite fad growing up?
Banana clips and hypercolor t-shirts!
Who do you admire?
I admire anyone that is articulate, in both the diction of their voice and the ability to say whatever is on their mind.
What are the goals you are still working toward?
I would love to develop a great wedding iphone app and retire early!
What celebrity would you most want to meet?
Bruce Willis 🙂
Posted in Epting Events Gossip on April 9, 2010| Leave a Comment »
Wendy has been with Epting Events since 2006 as an Event Coordinator and is now the Sales Manager. Wendy has been immersed in the food service industry for nearly 16 years, in a number of different capacities. She credits her passion for exceeding client expectations to her days spent working at Walt Disney World. A midwestern girl at heart, Wendy is inspired by the charm and tradition of southern weddings, especially backyard, outdoor weddings where nature is the focus.
If you could plan anyone’s wedding in the world, whose would it be?
My sister, Jenny. She had an engagement that didn’t work out, so now she wants a sweet, small, DIY backyard wedding that I’m very excited to help her plan sometime in the future.
If you weren’t a wedding planner, what would you be?
A side line college football reporter
What do you do when you aren’t working?
Spend time with my husband and two labs. I love sports and music and being outdoors. We would camp every weekend if we could!
How did you find yourself at Epting?
I had left my position as the catering director for a business club in Atlanta. I found myself with three different job offers, including Epting Events. I was intrigued by the catering industry and excited by the creative folks I met in my interviews…and the rest is history!
Awards, most interesting honor, important accomplishment/milestones?
I think it’s a major accomplishment that I have driven back and forth from Snellville to Athens, 4 days a week for four years!
What are your favorite flowers?
Gerber Daisies…I love the bright cheerful colors and their whimsical feel.
You would be surprised to know…
I opted out of planning my own wedding and eloped to Antigua!
I am committed to…
Making sure every bride who calls Epting Events knows that we are glad she did and we are as excited about their wedding as they are.
What do you enjoy about working at Epting?
I love that it is family owned and operated and that everyone has a voice on our team. We work lots of long hours, so it is great to be a part of team where your opinion matters.
Favorite non-wedding blogs/websites?
http://www.BoiledSports.com (for my sports junkie side);
http://www.pioneerwoman.com (features a Mom who shares amazing recipes and her amazing life on a ranch)
Favorite magazine?
Real Simple
Favorite restaurant in Atlanta?
Kevin Rathbun’s Steakhouse
What was your wedding like?
My husband and I eloped, so it was just the two of us. We got married on a Thursday afternoon on a beach in Antigua. It had rained for 24 hours straight, but a few hours before the wedding the sun appeared and we had nothing but blue skies! We hadn’t met our officiant prior to the ceremony, but we were pleasantly surprised that it felt as though she had written our ceremony specifically for us.
My favorite part of the day happened while with our photographer. As we were walking through the resort, we turned a corner and saw it—A huge fountain! My husband and I looked at each other and immediately jumped in while the photographer snapped away. They are by far my favorite pictures—the expression on my husband’s face is priceless.
The day ended with a romantic candlelit dinner for two under a thatched cabana along the sand!
After we returned home, there was a casual reception at a Brew Pub in Indiana where our guests enjoyed Corn Hole, Darts, Pool & Foosball while drinking great micro brewed beer. My family had been very skeptical of our non-traditional reception. My Dad fully expected me to wear my flowy, organza wedding dress in the middle of winter. I went with my gut and the result was amazing. We piped in our own music and our guests quickly got into the spirit and every game was in use. It was a great way for our families to get to know each other and my Dad later told me I was right all along…which was the best part!
What was your favorite fad growing up?
Leg warmers & leggings. I had every color in the rainbow.
Who do you admire most?
Maya Angelou – I am inspired by her wisdom and use of words
Did you have any nicknames?
Traz. My maiden name was Trzaskus (pronounced Traskus) and no one could ever say it so the vast majority of my friends to this day just call me Traz. In grade school, the other kids called me Wendy Trashcan and it made me cry.
What celebrity would you most want to meet?
Dave Matthews. His music moves me and I would love to kick back and have coffee with him just once.
What’s the farthest from home you’ve ever been?
Spain
What’s you worst wedding nightmare?
I have a recurring nightmare that I have gotten the date wrong for someone’s wedding.
Posted in Epting Events Gossip on April 7, 2010| Leave a Comment »
Bethany started with Epting Events as a server in 2005. By 2006, she had worked her way up to Event Coordinator, so she knows this business inside and out. In her previous career, Bethany taught dance and she brings that creativity to her work here. She loves the design element of her work and finds she can usually determine a client’s style just by listening to their “story”. She uses that story to build the event from food to floral. Bethany’s fun and outgoing personality makes her a joy to work with.
What did you do before you became an Event Coordinator?
I taught dance classes in Charlottesville, VA. Ballet and hip-hop!
If you weren’t an Event Coordinator, what would you be doing?
I’d probably be a nurse. Lucky for us all, I love planning events and do not foresee a medical career any time in the near future.
What do you do when you aren’t working?
I kick back and have fun with my friends and family.
What’s the most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you during an event?
Let’s just say red wine, cute groomsmen and white tuxedo shirts do not mix!
What are your favorite flowers?
I loooooove tulips.
You would be surprised to know…..
that I’m double-jointed. Don’t ask to see it – it is really gross!
Favorite book?
Love Letters of Great Men
Favorite restaurant in Athens?
Last Resort – I highly recommend the Praline Chicken…yummmm!
Favorite Food?
Pizza!
Do you collect anything?
I love to collect costume jewelry. My mom sends me her finds all the time!
What is your dream vacation spot?
Ireland
What was your favorite fad growing up?
Tube Socks
If you could plan anyone’s wedding in the world, whose would it be?
Definitely Lady Gaga, talk about non traditional!!!
What famous person do you admire most?
Jane Fonda
What is the worst job you’ve ever had?
Logan’s
Where is the farthest from home you’ve ever been?
Canada
What do you enjoy about working at Epting?
I love my coworkers. I’m lucky to work with such a fun group of talented people.
Posted in Epting Events Gossip on April 5, 2010| Leave a Comment »
In the 1970’s, Mary began working with Lee Epting, who was the food and beverage director at the Ramada Inn in Athens. Mary witnessed firsthand the founding of Lee Epting Catering and its eventual transformation into Epting Events. Mary can remember when she had to search for things to keep her busy during the work day – it is safe to say those days are long gone! She continues to plan spectacular events with UGA, local clubs and organizations, and many brides and grooms. Mary’s years of experience allow her to create unique events that capture each client’s individuality.
How long have you been a event planner?
I began with Lee in 1978
What did you do before you became a wedding and event planner?
I was a cashier at the Ramada Inn, but started working with Lee shortly after.
If you weren’t a wedding planner, what would you be?
A stay at home wife!
What do you do when you aren’t working?
I like to work in the yard, look through junk shops, and browse real estate
What are your favorite flowers?
Ranunculus and hydrangeas
What do you enjoy about working at Epting?
The wonderful people
Favorite restaurants in Athens?
I love Harry Bissett’s and Last Resort
Favorite Foods
Pizza
What is your dream vacation spot?
Kauai in Hawaii…I went with my husband for a wedding once and I would love to go back there someday
What was your wedding like?
I didn’t get married until I was 37. We had it at the Taylor Grady House, here in Athens, with about 150 of our friends and family. And of course Lee catered!
If you were an animal what would you be? Why?
A ca because they can be by themselves, they are clean, don’t have to be pampered, are quiet, and don’t bother anyone
What was your favorite fad growing up?
Grew up in 60’s…like the groovy psycadellic fad
Who do you admire as a famous person?
Oprah because she is so giving.
Did you have any nicknames?
I do, but none I can share 😉
What was your first job?
I worked at a gift shop that sold country pine furniture
What’s the farthest from home you’ve ever been?
Pettersburg, Russia. I lived for there for 2 years. Living there really makes you appreciate all that we have in the US.
Do you have any phobias?
Snakes! I can’t event look at pictures of them! When I was little, my neighbors would chase me with their pet snake.
If you were on a desert island, what two items would you bring?
My husband & chocolate…not necessarily in that order 😉
Photo by Jason Thrasher
Posted in What's Happening in Athens, tagged Athens Cine, B52s, Christian Kane, Classic Center, Desmond Harrington, Epting Events, First Presbyterian Church, Jackson Street Bookstore, Jon Abrahams, Kathleen Robertson, Not Since You, REM, Sara Rue, Terrapin Brewery, Widespread Panic, Will Estes, Wuxtry on April 2, 2010| 1 Comment »
“Not Since You,” a feature film set in Athens, Ga., is set to premiere at Athens Ciné Easter weekend.
Click Here to Watch the Not Since You Trailer
Athens will roll out the red carpet and play host to a little piece of Hollywood in the coming weeks. Feature film, “Not Since You,” produced by Epting Events’ Ashley Epting, is set to premiere at Ciné theatre in downtown Athens April 2 through April 15.
The film “Not Since You” addresses the tensions in distant relationships between friends as they all gather for a wedding in Athens. All are New York University Alumni who graduated after September 11, 2001, and many new relationships are questioned as old relationships surface during the weekend in Georgia.
Several historic landmarks and locations throughout the Athens area will be featured on the big screen. Howard Scott, whose property was used in the shooting of the film said, “There are lots of historic buildings and unique settings. It is a great opportunity for filmmakers…location shooting is perfect in Athens.”
Another location featured includes The Hill, a property with renovated plantation homes owned by Epting Events’s owner, Lee Epting. Most of the film takes place on the property, and both Lee and his sons, Daniel and Ashley Epting, have cameos in the film.
Other locations including The Arch, Jackson Street Bookstore, Wuxtry, Athena Statue, and “The Tree That Owns Itself,” are featured in the film.
Several original concert and promotional posters from Wuxtry were featured in the film. Most were by bands who originated in Athens and include: B-52s, REM and Widespread Panic. Dan Wall, the owner of Wuxtry, says “The posters were from the Wuxtry ‘museum’ collection. Some have been for sale and are available for purchase.”
Jackson Street Bookstore in downtown Athens is another location featured in the film. Tony Arnold, who runs the bookstore, commented on the shooting process, “Since we cannot close down the shop during filming, we have certain obstacles to work around, and this crew was quite understanding and flexible.” Jackson Street books has been used for other film productions but never before has its name been used like in “Not since You.” Arnold continues, “Most of the [other productions] have used both interior and exterior, but primarily interior with no mention of the actual store’s name.”
Terrapin Brewery products are placed throughout the set of the film. Dustin “Ranger” Walker of Terrapin Brewery said, “I think it’s great to be included in the film. The use of local companies makes the film feel more authentic. It’s an Athens wedding and the use of a local brewery is a statement about loyalty to one’s community.”
Paul Kramer of the Classic Center comments, “I believe the movie will bring great attentions to the Athens community and I believe the movie will let audiences experience the true beauty of Athens. The movie will make Athenians proud.”
Local companies and professionals were utilized by the crew, as well. Sara Rue, who plays Doogs in the film, worked with Tom Granum on voice lessons during the shooting in Athens. Tom is the music director at First Presbyterian Church of Athens. When asked about his thoughts on the filming taking place in Athens, he said, “It was great to see the professional actors mixing with Athenians.”
Sarah Rue as Sarah
“Not Since You” contains a cast of well-known film and television actors who make up the diverse group of friends from NYU. Desmond Harrington of “Dexter” plays the male lead Sam, and is joined by Kathleen Robertson of “90210,” who portrays Amy. Other actors include: Christian Kane, Sara Rue, Jon Abrahams and Will Estes.
Group Shoot
“Not Since You” will premiere at Athens Ciné April 2 and will run through April 15. Epting Events will host a VIP cocktail party on April 9 at Ciné. The reception begins at 6 p.m., and will include a meet and greet with Producer Ashley Epting. The screening is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. with a short film screening beforehand. Tickets for the event are $40, and include a ticket to the
screening, drinks, and a cocktail buffet. Another ticket option also includes a year-long membership to Ciné, and will cost $75. For advanced ticket purchases and more information about the Ciné membership, please visit Athens Ciné.
For more information about “Not Since You” or Epting Events please visit the following Web sites: www.notsinceyoumovie.com and www.eptingevents.com.
Follow EptingEvents on Twitter for a chance to win 2 general admission tickets to Not Since You! Contest Ends today at Midnight!
Written by Kelsey Banes
Epting Events 