Jill Welch Photography/Kathy and Nathan’s Wedding/ Macons Place GA /A New Venue in the “County”/Columbus GA Wedding Photographer/Marriott Hotel Columbus GA

What a busy month we’ve had! Two beautiful weddings, a sassy college- bound graduate, and babies, babies everywhere. And we were still able to squeeze in two birthday celebrations for my husband and son who actually share the exact same date. You MUST try this special occasion recipe for chicken and the most amazing white sauce with sun dried tomatoes I have ever tasted. The birthday boys loved it (even though I toned down the fat grams just a tad by replacing the cream with fat free half and half. ) But go ahead and indulge with real butter and straight heavy cream – just make sure you write and tell me all about it.

Please subscribe using the button at left – I need to know someone is reading out there!

The couples we photographed this month had something very much in common besides the usual stuff about being in love and all of that: they both met online and each couple said they lived only a few miles away from their future love. And they are each awesome, beautiful people! It makes you re-think the whole online dating scene thing and wonder – should I go online and have a lookie-see,  or just get in the car and ride around the neighborhood more often?  Drop me a line if you met your fiance online – and don’t leave out the details.

My first May bride, Kathy,  works for a big, really big bank here in Columbus and Nathan is a truck driver.  After both suffering the loss of someone very dear to them, they met at an online dating site and quickly began making plans to spend the rest of their lives together.  I found myself  regularly sighing in amazement as I edited images of Kathy – she is so extraordinarily pretty.  And Nathan ain’t no wallflower himself.   The wedding was held at a local church and the reception was at the Columbus Marriott downtown.  I wish them much joy and happiness.

Later down the page you’ll find info on a new venue in the “county.”  Yes, that’s right, I’m a county girl myself – and if you’re not or have no idea what one is, that’s “Harris County” to which I refer.  We are just above Columbus and really, we ‘re so close our kids don’t even realize we’re foreigners.  Macon’s Place is in Cataula and you’ll love the scenery, the people who run the place, and the price.

 Macon’s Place  is a  rustic barn-like venue with a scenic lake and beautifully landscaped grounds.  It’s located just a few miles north of Columbus past Lowes on highway 27.  Trina Macon gave me it’s history and the 411 on rental details.

JW:  Jeff mentioned that the property has been in the Macon family for many years.  Can you tell us a bit about it’s history and why you decided to build an event facility?

MP:  Jeff’s parents had the first grocery store in Cataula that was at the corner of this lot. They had it up and running (I Think) for at least 25 years. Also, Jeff’s brother had a Feed and Seed store at this location for many years until Jeff had to buy it. It stay empty for 10 years till Jeff came up with the ideal of having a Wedding Place. this was his vision and give’s the glory to God.

JW:  Where is Macon’s Place located and is it convenient to hotels and restaurants for out of town guests?

MP:  108 Macon Ct Cataula, Ga 31804. Nearest hotels and restaurants are 10 minutes South of Highway 27 to Columbus, Ga

JW:  Everyone is concerned about the economy these days and prospective brides are no exception.  What is the price range of rental for Macon’s Place and what is included?

MP:  We are running a special for a few more weeks for 1500.00 for a 2 day rental. Most brides need time to decorate and have a nice wedding day the next.

JW:  Is it ok if  brides bring in their own caterer, florist, and other vendors or are they required to use yours?

MP:  Brides just need to book our venue and they can pick who ever they would like to used.

JW:  How far in advance should a bride book Macon’s Place to guarantee that her chosen date is available?

MP:  At Least 6 months, we had several brides wanting the same date (9-10-11} of course!!!