A Romantic Fall Wedding in Atlanta With a Glamorous and Moody Color Palette

Hinge might have brought Jourdan McGhee and Therann Schwartz to one another, but it was their mutual love of food that sealed their fate. After connecting on the dating app in 2018, the couple got to know one another over Korean barbeque and started falling for each other at an all-day food-a-thon. “The company of the other felt like the love of a past life,” the couple reflects.

On March 12, 2022, Jourdan’s mother flew to Atlanta to celebrate her daughter’s birthday. The two had plans to meet Therann and his mother for brunch–with the last-minute addition of Jourdan’s aunt—but on the way, Therann called and asked Jourdan to pick him up because his car broke down. “As I approached the location of his dropped pin, my hunger blinded me from the fact that it was a park,” Jourdan recalls. “When I parked, Therann ran excitedly to my window, saying to get out of the car.” He then brought her to a decorated hideaway, which is when she put two and two together. After Jourdan said ‘yes,’ the “brunch” ended up being an engagement party with all of their friends and family.

A month after they soaked up the newly engaged bliss, the couple started mapping out their big day. Jourdan’s only stipulation was having an outdoor ceremony, but they couldn’t seem to find the perfect place. After touring 12 venues, a family friend suggested Callanwolde Fine Arts Center in Atlanta, Georgia. “It felt perfect from the moment that we drove down the driveway,” the couple says. From there, the duo worked with their planner, Halle Neeley Events, to fine-tune their aesthetic for their nuptials on October 21, 2023. “As we began to ponder what the actual day would look like, it was most important that it reflected us,” the two of them share.

Wondering how their vision came to life? Read on to see all of the details, captured on camera by Glorianna Chan.

The bride and groom sent all of the information about their upcoming wedding ceremony and reception on minimalist invitations that featured an ounce of glam, a custom crest with gold foil and a gold font. Their stationery captured their overarching design concept: charming, sophisticated, romantic, and moody with glitzy touches.

Before slipping on her gown, Jourdan let her hair and makeup artist work their magic. “I wanted to look beautiful but like myself, and I did want a look that was classic,” she says. A natural glow with a bold smokey eye, barreling waves, and an almond-shaped French manicure were the finished product.

The bride donned a strapless mikado and tulle mermaid gown with a trail of buttons down the back and a sweetheart neckline from Allure Bridals. After browsing bridal salons with her maid of honor and her mother, this dress stood out in one particular way: “I didn’t want to take it off!” Jourdan exclaims. She accessorized with Badgley Mischka heels, diamond and pearl earrings, and her stepmother’s cathedral-length veil, which served as her “something borrowed.”

Jourdan had her heart set on LYS 41 Eau De Parfum by Le Labo for her day-of fragrance, but she refrained in an attempt to stay within her wedding budget. “The morning of, I was prepared to have a different wedding day scent, and my bridesmaids surprised me with this as a gift,” the bride recounts.

After getting a pedicure and a haircut, Therann changed into a black tuxedo with shawl lapels from Generation Tux, and he placed a pendant of his two grandmothers on the inside of his left pocket. His groomsmen also wore black tuxedos from the same rental service, but theirs had peak lapels and handkerchiefs that matched the bridesmaids’ dresses.

Before the busyness of the day pulled them in different directions, the bride and groom shared an intimate first look. In addition to posing for photos, they also took a moment to exchange their handwritten promises. “Therann was hesitant about writing personal vows, but it was essential to me,” Jourdan explains. “We compromised by doing a first look where we read our vows. The moment turned out to be one of the best parts of the day.”

Jourdan completed her look with a bouquet of brightly-colored fall flowers, accented with a charm that honored her late grandmother. Her bridesmaids carried petite versions of the same autumnal arrangement, which complemented their dusty rose dresses. “For the bridesmaids, we wanted dresses that they felt beautiful in and could wear again,” Jourdan remarks. “I gave them a designer and color, but they chose the style.”

Jourdan’s niece, Nala, assumed flower girl duties. To play the part, she wore a satin and tulle frock that coordinated with the flowers. “She was a little nervous coming down the aisle, but she made it with the assistance of her mom,” the bride shares. 

The ceremony took place on a round stage (to symbolize infinity), trimmed with flowers in mauve, marigold, and dusty rose and complete with a white aisle. Guests’ chairs surrounded the platform on all sides.

Jourdan made her way to the altar, escorted by her parents, while “The Goodness of God” by CeCe Winans played around them—a nod to her late grandmother. “My grandmother passed away two months before the wedding,” the bride explains. “My entire family and I wanted her to be there, but that was not God's timing. I sang ‘Blessed Assurance’ by CeCe Winans at her funeral and wanted to feel her with me as I walked to the altar.”

Since the duo traded personalized vows during their first look, they opted for traditional ones during their ceremony. After their officiant declared them husband and wife, they jumped the broom and recessed to “Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours” by Stevie Wonder.

The head table exuded a botanical fall dream with towering floral centerpieces, a greenery runner, and glassware in marigold and blush. The glowing pillar candles added a romantic flair, while the gold flatware infused a hint of glamour. For juxtaposition, black chiavari chairs incorporated a dark edge.

While the guests’ tables were wrapped in beige linens, the couple opted for an eggplant velvet number for their sweetheart table. A floral arch framed their seats, while pink taper candles and gold vases brimming with more blooms brought a lush feel.

The rest of the guests’ seating arrangements at round tables showcased the same linens and table accents, but their centerpieces were lower arrangements in matte black vases.

The couple selected three signature cocktails to sip on throughout the evening: a fall rum punch (to honor Therann’s West Indian heritage), a lemon drop (Jourdan’s favorite drink), and an old fashioned. After noshing on an array of appetizers, from tuna tartare to bourbon-glazed turkey meatballs, the crew enjoyed one of three entrées, lemon tarragon salmon with whole grain creme, filet with horseradish whipped potatoes and roasted asparagus, or herb roasted chicken with mac and cheese and Brussels sprouts.

After making their debut as newlyweds to “Int’l Players Anthem (I Choose You)” by UGK, the pair shared their first dance to “Best Part” by Daniel Caesar, which entailed a mid-air lift. “Daniel Caesar has been a constant in our house, so choosing his song ‘Best Part’ for our first dance as husband and wife just made sense,” Jourdan remarks. 

Near the end of the evening, the newlyweds cut into a three-tier vanilla cake with cream cheese and raspberry fruit filling, accented with florals and a cake topper that showcased their joint last name.

The bride’s wedding wardrobe also included a second look, a high-neck design with a knee-high slit from Eliya the Label.

Although the duo’s big day had several different defining characteristics, every element was a reflection of themselves. “Remember that the day is about you guys, so stick to what feels right in your gut,” the couple advises.