We recently sat down with Kate Donachy, owner of The Modern Gent to discuss her business, its style, and her idea for unique groomsmen gifts! Read our interview below.

Where are you based?

• Midtown, Atlanta.

What do you specialize in?

• We specialize in special occasion attire for men. We’re experts at crafting wardrobes to fit personal tastes, flatter proportions and support life’s greatest moments—your wedding day, a career-changing interview, a party for the history books.

How did you get started and when?

• I have worked in the industry for 7 years; I started in luxury men’s formal wear and developed a passion for servicing the groom’s side of the wedding- which is so often neglected. I decided after several years to venture out and start my own business. Modern Gent officially opened its doors in November of 2012.

What is The Modern Gent’s Style?

• A modern updated version of classic elegance.

Ross Oscar Knight Photography

Photo Credit: Nadia D Photography

 What is your favorite trend for 2014 related to grooms wear?

• I love dinner jackets right now!

Drew Newman Photographers

Kelly Lane Photography

Project Duo Photography

What is your favorite groom’s look?

• A custom midnight blue shawl lapel tuxedo, with a covered placket shirt and a black bow tie.

Dan Almasy

Can you make custom pieces?

• Absolutely. We have thousands (literally) of fabrics that we can chose from to create blazers, suits, tuxedos and shirts. The process is really fun; we take over 60 measurements and work with the client to create every aspect down of the garment down to the lining and buttons.

Do you rent items as well?

• We do. Recently we’ve added some really modern, trim fitting new suits to the rental program. We have a gorgeous gray suit in 3 different color tones, and a really beautiful midnight blue suit as well.
• This past spring we also added some vests that match the fabric of the suit, so we can create a 3-piece suit.

 Do you do other occasions other than weddings

• Yes! We do full wardrobe build outs for men’s business wardrobe, image consulting for guys who are getting in to a new profession, or dressing for a red carpet night.

What is your favorite groomsmen gift idea?

• We’re carrying some cool new product this year one of which is Brackish Bow Ties. It’s a hand-made custom feather bow tie that is super unique. Also, I have grooms doing cufflinks that will play with the colors of the wedding as an accent. We also carry a combination flask/cigar holder that can be monogrammed with the groomsmen’s initials or wedding date.

Example of Flask/Cigar Holder Image Credit: Amazon.com

Where can I learn/see more?

• On our website, The Modern Gent

How do I contact and follow you?

• We are on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter

We loved sitting down with Kate and learning more about her truly unique style. Brides and Grooms (and groomsmen) – if you have questions, or are still trying to find the perfect tux or suit for your big day, contact Kate today!

Are you looking to wow your guests and be super creative with your floral arrangements? We have researched various ways of incorporating non-traditional yet gorgeous floral arrangements for your wedding.

1. Flower Garlands are Back!

According to Huffington Post Weddings, Flower Garland is back in a big way! Try draping citrus fruits over your bars and doorways.

Images by Laura Stone – Artstar Photography

Images by Laura Stone – Artstar Photography

Want to use garland but don’t want as much color? Ferns offer a more muted color palette and are another beautiful choice.

From Kristin Newman Designs Blog

Photos by Leo Patrone

2. Potted Plants

This may seem a little strange to some of you, but potted plants can really make your wedding POP! The Knot.com recently published an article on how to include potted plants into your decor. Not only are potted plants more eco-friendly compared to cut flowers, but your guests can take them home as favors!

Potted plants suspended over escort table

Potted plants as escort cards

Potted plants as table numbers

Potted plants as Favors

3. Jazz up your aisle and altar

Adding flowers to your aisle can help your grand entrance seem ever more grand. The arrangements give your guests something to look at and talk about while they anxiously await your walk down the aisle! They also allow you to tie in your colors in a creative way.

Image via Martha Stewart Weddings

Image via Pinterest

Image via Junebug Weddings

A great way to ensure that all eyes are on you during the ceremony is to have a gorgeous arrangement on or around your altar.

Image via Pinterest

Image via David Tutera

Image via Colin Cowie Weddings

4. Ceremony Markers

Let your guests know they’re in the right place! Having great ceremony markers will announce to your guests that they have arrived at your wedding. They are also often the first thing your guests will see. Think about personalizing the entrance to your venue with a welcome message or even a monogram.

Image via Martha Stewart Weddings

Image via Martha Stewart Weddings

Image via Copelands Flower Company UK

Hopefully this post will spark your green thumb and help you envision flowers that you will use at your next wedding or event!

Meet Cindy and Natalie, the dynamic duo behind Miss Millys.

Miss Millys is a family run business owned and operated by Cindy Brock and her daughter, Natalie Milliner. Cindy specializes in finding vintage products and Natalie handles the business side of things. Read our interview (below) with Cindy to learn more! 

Cindy Brock

Natalie Milliner

Where are you based?

• Alpharetta, Ga

What do you specialize in?

• Providing unique and vintage furnishings that have been refinished and redone to give them a modern edge.

How did you get started?

• Miss Millys was created shortly after my son got married. I found that it was easier to hire someone to provide vintage furnishings rather than trying to track them down myself. I found that I was so busy helping to coordinate the wedding, that I really did not get to enjoy myself as much as  I would have liked during the actual event. I decided that I had found the perfect market and wanted to jump in right away, offering unique and customizable pieces.

Cindy’s Son John, aka “MIlly” and his wife, Katie (“Miss Milly”)

How did you pick the name, Miss Millys?

• My children’s last name is Milliner and my son was always called Milly. We realized when he was getting married, that we would now have a “Miss Milly” as a daughter-in-law.

What is Miss Millys Style?

• Miss Milly’s provides vintage furniture rentals but almost all of them have been updated and revamped to give them a fresh look. Hence Miss Milly’s Style is elegant and modern.

What are some examples of your pieces?

• We have a variety of furniture including sofas, buffets and more.

• We also have a collection of vintage props and accent pieces including: top hats, suitcases, trunks, sofas, vintage doors, chalkboards and mirrors, and lanterns

Can you customize pieces?

• We absolutely can customize any vintage find! Typically none of the sofas that we purchase have the original upholstery. We like to recover and update them. We also can paint doors, buffets, etc. to coordinate with your colors.

Do you offer your services solely at weddings?

• We are happy to provide rentals for any occasion! Including showers, birthday parties, photo shoots, etc.

Where can I learn/see more?

• On our website, MissMillys.com
• We have an online catalogue available that details each of our pieces and gives pricing.

How do I contact you?

• We are on Facebook , Twitter, and Instagram
• Feel free to email us at cindy@missmillys.com or call us at 404-985-0591

Name: Savannah Cain

School: Georgia Institute of Technology

Major: Business Administration, Marketing, Industrial Design

Hometown: Gainesville, GA

Hobbies: graphic design, music, fashion

What made you interested in this internship?

I have always loved weddings. They are the epitome of happiness; families and friends gather to support you, you feel (and look) like a princess, and you are marrying someone that you want to be with for the rest of your life. Now, what doesn’t sound better than that!? StudioWed gave me the perfect opportunity to mix something so fun and exciting that I love with my passions and strengths that I want to develop for a career, i.e. marketing and networking. Plus, I can barely think of a better position than helping brides achieve their dream wedding.

What do you like most about StudioWed Atlanta?

The very first time I ever walked into StudioWed, the atmosphere completely put me at ease. Everything is very comfortable and not so stiff like other places. The studio is beautiful and fun, and it is a fantastic environment to surround yourself with. The people you work with, whether that be vendors or your fellow interns, are there to also help brides and want to coordinate with you as a team, making StudioWed an upbeat and innovative place to be.

Fun fact: I am obsessed with Walt Disney World!

Name: Emily Watson

School: Georgia State University

Major: Journalism. I have a concentration in Public Relations as well as a minor in marketing.

Hometown: Atlanta, GA

Hobbies: fashion & makeup, eating, sports, event planning

What made you interested in this internship?

I actually have a friend who interned at StudioWed. Just hearing the fabulous stories she would tell me, further encouraged me to be a part of the amazing team at StudioWed. Being an active Pinterest user and lover, it is safe to say I already have my own wedding planned out (or at least a few ideas.) Weddings are beautiful, and their beauty is certainly hard to ignore. I was born and raised in Atlanta, GA, and the StudioWed Atlanta location was to die for and also pretty convenient. With my major being PR and having a strong interest in what the company does and stands for, I knew right off the bat, with no hesitation, that this was the place for me! Event planning is a skill of mine, and the idea of being able to incorporate a few of my passions, like weddings, entertainment, and fashion, only excites me more and more every day!

What do you like most about StudioWed Atlanta?

Everything! Come on, what’s not to love?! My first visit into the studio had me floored, to say the least. The interior was stunning, and every space within the studio was uniquely and creatively designed. The atmosphere is very friendly, and inviting, and the idea of “southern comfort” is very clear and present. Kelsey, our new Atlanta Studio Manager, is so kind and personable with every client and employee. For me, it just feels like home! I love how dedicated the team is when keeping up with social media, blogs, in person encounters, and executing plans. Needless to say, I am excited to be a part of the intern team this summer. I hope to become more familiar with our vendors and this industry in general. I look forward to working hard and contributing my own ideas, in order to develop beautiful weddings, happy vendors, happy brides, and happily ever afters.

Fun fact: I love to do impersonations of different celebrities and my friends.

Name: Jocelyn Lopez

School: Georgia State University

Major: Marketing, minor in Art

Hometown: Long Beach, New York

Hobbies: drawing, watching reality TV, and spending time with family

What made you interested in this internship?

I am the type of person that gets emotional just watching wedding proposal videos! I love every aspect of a wedding, from the elaborate decorations, the bride’s beautiful dress and just the fact that the marriage ceremony is dedicated to celebrating the love a couple shares. This internship at StudioWed Atlanta was perfect in combining my interest in weddings in addition to helping me learn more about my interests career-wise. Being surrounded by creative individuals will allow me to learn from them in the fields of event planning, marketing, etc. as well as further my knowledge about the wedding industry.

What do you like most about StudioWed Atlanta?

Just walk through the studio and you will witness first-hand what I like most about StudioWed Atlanta! The space has a romantic and vintage-y vibe, decorated in everything “wedding”, from photography to cakes to stationary. There are also plenty of resources available to couples so that they can create their dream wedding, making it easier for them when their big day arrives. StudioWed Atlanta also has the friendliest staff I have ever met, making the environment fun while still keeping it professional.

Fun Fact: I’m Guatemalan-American and I worked for Walt Disney World last year!