Some weddings feel like pure magic from the start, not because of the flowers, the music, or the venue (though those were amazing), but because of the people. John and Cherae’s wedding at The Foundry at Puritan Mills was one of those celebrations that reminded me exactly why I love what I do as a planner.
Though they both grew up in Atlanta, their story didn’t begin until they met in Los Angeles. From our very first conversation, I could tell this wedding was going to be something special, a blend of ATLien energy and LA love.
John was grounded and thoughtful, the kind of groom who made decisions with precision and care. Cherae brought the whimsy. She had vision, creativity, and a fearless eye for design, the kind of bride who knew that not everything needed to match to make sense. Together, they struck that perfect balance of logic and magic.
The Venue: Industrial Charm Meets Southern Soul
The Foundry at Puritan Mills was the perfect canvas for their 300-guest celebration, a historic industrial space with brick walls, large windows, and just enough texture to feel timeless. The venue’s ivory draping allowed us to divide the space into three distinct areas: ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception.
I still remember our layout discussions. With that many guests, we wanted everyone to have a clear view of the ceremony without looking at the backs of heads. The solution came from two oversized wood panels that naturally framed the altar, creating a warm architectural focal point.
The design flowed effortlessly from one moment to the next, but the real story was in the details.
Design That Felt Alive
Cherae envisioned a design that felt vibrant, joyful, and full of character. The floral palette was electric with yellow, orange, and hot pink roses, fuchsia orchids, blue and green hydrangeas, pampas grass, and hanging amaranthus that dripped like poetry from above.
The bridesmaids wore dresses in shades of burnt orange, hot pink, purple, and mustard yellow, each choosing a hue that spoke to her personality. John, ever the classic gentleman, kept his groomsmen in traditional tuxedos with black bowties. It was a perfect reflection of them: her boldness and creativity meeting his refined simplicity.
The reception design brought everything together with black satin and dupioni linens, gold napkins (a nod to John’s Alpha Phi Alpha pride), and rich mahogany chairs that grounded the room. The bright florals pulled the entire look into harmony. My favorite design moment was the hanging floral chandeliers paired with tall lampshade candelabras that cast the most romantic glow across the tables.
Culture, Joy, and Black Excellence
From the start, John and Cherae were intentional about weaving their heritage and community into the day. They jumped the broom in a moment that was both sacred and communal, a powerful nod to the generations before them. Later in the night, the Alphas strolled, the Deltas sang, and the entire room erupted with pride and joy.
The energy was undeniably Atlanta, the kind of energy that fills a space with laughter, love, and rhythm.
As planners, our role is to protect these moments. Every design choice, every layout discussion, and every timeline detail allows couples to be fully present. On this day, John and Cherae never had to worry about what was happening behind the scenes. They could just be, and that is what makes the memories last.
The Soundtrack of the Night
Once DJ Artistic hit the booth, the party never slowed down. The playlist was an ode to Black millennial culture, early 2000s Atlanta hip hop mixed with LA hits that celebrated where their story began. The dance floor stayed packed, and honestly, I don’t think anyone sat down after 9 PM.
There was a moment when I stood near the floral chandelier, watching everyone dance, and thought, this is what it’s all about. Family, legacy, love, and joy.
Guests called it the Black millennial wedding of the year, and I couldn’t agree more.
A Personal Full-Circle Moment
This wedding was extra special for me. John and I actually attended the same high school in Atlanta, though we didn’t know each other then. Working together years later to create something so meaningful for him and Cherae felt like coming full circle. We bonded over that shared Atlanta connection throughout the planning process.
Seeing him find his person and watching the two of them celebrate surrounded by their people was pure joy from start to finish.
Why Having a Planner Matters
Weddings of this scale and emotion don’t just happen beautifully by accident. It takes planning, teamwork, and a clear vision brought to life by professionals who understand how to keep the day flowing with ease.
From navigating a 300-person guest list to coordinating vendor teams, designing cohesive spaces, and managing transitions between ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception, every detail is connected. Having a planner means you can experience your wedding the way you dreamed it, fully present in every moment, without worrying about logistics.
That freedom is what allows moments like John and Cherae’s first dance, the broom jump, and that packed dance floor to unfold so effortlessly.
Beautiful weddings don’t just happen by accident. It takes planning, teamwork, and intention
Let’s Create Your Unforgettable Celebration
John and Cherae’s wedding wasn’t just beautiful, it was alive. It was a love story told through color, culture, and connection. Every detail was intentional, every moment heartfelt.
If you’re planning your own Atlanta wedding and want a day that feels authentic to you, filled with joy and handled with care, I’d love to help bring that vision to life.
Let’s design a celebration that feels as effortless as it looks. Inquire with CM Production ATL today!
