Join us this September as we start our married life in style at the historic Highland Inn Hotel and Ballroom Lounge in Atlanta, Georgia!
Here to RSVP? Use our handy online form!
Silly. Gamer. Cats. Atlanta. Tattooed. Nerdy. High Life. Cameras. Sarcastic. Begrudgingly Hip. Code. Internet. California. Macs. Bourbon. Road Trips. Coffee. Grilling. Coffee. Canada. Bad jokes. Design. Clever. Hackers. Mixtapes. Loving. Awesome. Us.
We first met each other online in the early 2000s as part of an online forum for designers, developers, and nerds of all kinds. Over the years that initial group of forum members has become more tight-knit as we’ve vacationed together, worked together, dated each other, and in some cases gotten married! It was through these trips that we got to know each other better. We began dating at the beginning of 2010 and Chris (finally) moved to Atlanta at the end of that summer!
Now, two years later, we're living together happily here in Atlanta. Laurie works as a web developer for IQ, an interactive agency, and Chris is a web designer for Turner Sports. We just purchased our first home together and are getting settled in! We enjoy frequenting our favorite restaurants and bars in town, having game (and grilling) nights with our friends, nerding out on the internet (of course), and spending time with our two ridiculously hilarious cats, Lebowski and Murray (Mr. Bill Murray if you're fancy).
Here are a few things our friends, online and off, had to say about us:
- “It can be easy to go through life without experiencing or appreciating an overwhelmingly warming happiness. So for me to be able to feel that warmth from an ocean away truly says something about how pleased I am for Laurie and Chris and how they must feel to have each other in their lives. They're both great people I've known individually for years, and I have no doubt in my mind they'll be an even better partnership for many more to come.” — David Elstob
- “Defying science, Laurie and Chris have proven that awesome and awesome do attract. Giggly happiness for the rest of your lives, I hope you're ready for it.” — Nick Senior
- “I've never had the pleasure of meeting Laurie and Chris in person. But they say your online personae is an exaggeration of your real one. Which makes them exaggerations of awesome.” — Justin Pitcher
- “One of the great things about Chris and Laurie is their welcoming, friendly nature. I’m grateful for the good conversation, laughs and insight both bring. Firmly based in reality, yet light-hearted and good-natured people that they are, I’m honored to be able to share in the memory of their marriage and wish both of them the very best.” — Bianca Ruffin
- “I'm truly happy to know that from this day forward, whenever Chris falls off the bar stool of life, Laurie will be right there to pick him back up again, dust him off, and order him another beer.” — Adam Clift
- “Laurie and Chris are like the pop rocks and coke of awesome.” — Michael Raichelson
- “I've met Laurie only a couple of times briefly, but I can say with confidence she is smart, beautiful and talented. Not sure about Chris, although I will give him the benefit of the doubt because Laurie also has great taste.” — Ryan Patrick O'Nan
- “Chris & I would hang out up in Toronto, & he'd be attached by keyboard to Laurie & Jedrek - distance didn't matter, they were all just friends. He once showed me one of the most thoughtful gifts he ever got, & it was a graduation gift from Laurie & Jedrek.
I'm so happy that Chris is marrying one of his best friends, because Laurie is wonderful. I know they make each other happy, and that's all we can really hope for in life: happiness. Also, Laurie is prettier & so much closer geographically than Jedrek, so this pairing really is the more sensible choice.
I love your love, kids. John & I wish you every possible happiness together. <3” — Marla Dixon
Saturday, September 22nd
Ceremony at 4 o'clock in the afternoon
The Highland Inn Courtyard, Atlanta Georgia
Barbeque and merriment to follow in the Ballroom Lounge
The Ceremony
In front of our friends and family, we will pledge our love and commitment to one another during a short but meaningful ceremony officiated by our dear friend, Reverend Daniel Hennessey Boland.
Our ceremony will begin at 4pm sharp. Please arrive at a quarter 'til 4 to find a place in the Courtyard of the Highland Inn. Beer, wine, and cocktails will be available at a cash bar before the ceremony for you early-arrivers.
The Reception
Help us celebrate our new marriage!
A popsicle cocktail hour with amazing popsicles from The King of Pops will immediately follow the ceremony. Around 5:30, we'll enjoy a buffet-style barbeque dinner. Beer, wine, and cocktails will be available at a cash bar. Have fun in the photo booth - complete with props! We will eat, drink, dance to some tunes thanks to our friend DJ D.D.D.Dave, and be merry! The official good times will roll until 11pm.
Friday Night
We will be gathering at the Bookhouse Pub on Ponce de Leon Ave. around 7:30pm. Look for our group out back by the tiki bar! We will most likely have drinks and food there for a while and then we may head elsewhere (walking/short drive or cab distance) later in the evening.
Sunday Morning
We can't get enough of you!
Join us in Grant Park around 10am for quality time during the Sunday morning Farmers' Market. We'll bring some blankets, grab a spot on the grass, get some coffee & food from our local vendors, and relax together before out-of-town guests head back home. No real plans or agenda, we just want to spend some time with our friends and family.
General Information
Directions
Established in 1927, The Highland Inn Hotel and Ballroom Lounge is located in the heart of Virginia Highlands, less than 2 miles from downtown Atlanta.
Driving
Visit Google Maps for directions to The Highland Inn.
Using MARTA
Take any subway line to the Five Points MARTA station. Transfer to the #16 Noble bus. The Highland Inn is a half block from the stop at Ponce de Leon Ave. and North Highland Ave.
Parking
There is a very limited amount of parking in a small lot directly adjacent to the Highland Inn hotel, and is first-come first-served. We have secured additional parking for our guests at the Druid Hills Baptist Church across the street. The main parking lot of the church is reserved for us until 6am on Sunday morning. You can enter the lot from a driveway on Ponce de Leon Ave, just past the church if you're driving east (towards Moreland Ave.) on Ponce de Leon Ave. Look for yellow balloons and/or a sign to help you find the parking lot entrance.
The residential neighborhoods surrounding the Highland Inn also have on-street parking available. Please just make sure to check signs for any street or lot you may park in, to make sure you will not be towed.
Wedding Party
Officiant: Reverend Daniel Hennessey Boland
Dan is amazing. He's the nicest, friendliest, most genuinely enthusiastic person we have met. When he's not fabulously officiating weddings, he works as a designer for The Price is Right, among other shows, and captains Southern California's most stylish moped gang, the Latebirds.
Matron of Honor: Sarah Jones
Laurie and Sarah have been close friends for quite a long time now. They met in Athens, where Sarah still currently lives with her husband and her incredibly awesome and sweet baby. Laurie and Sarah share a love of cooking (especially Southern-inspired foods), similarly sarcastic senses of humor, and an appreciation for listening to top-40 rap and hip-hop in the car together (and mayyybe singing along...).
Best Man: Mark Root
Chris and Mark have been friends ever since Mrs. Bunch’s 5th grade class. Over the years they’ve shared a mutual appreciation for Magic Cards, Nine Inch Nails, and good conversation amongst other things. Mark recently moved to San Francisco.
Attire
Our wedding will be fancy but informal, so leave that tux at home! Men, that might mean slacks, button-down shirts and sport coats, or a nice suit if you're looking to impress. Ladies let's see your best sundresses, cocktail dresses, skirts & blouses. You wont regret it when you're rocking our photo booth!
Where the players play! Atlanta was incorporated in 1845, put to the torch in 1864 following the Battle of Atlanta, and has since grown to become the cultural hub of the American Southeast. It is the Georgia State capital, birthplace of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, host to the 1996 Summer Olympics, and home to over a dozen streets with the word 'Peachtree' in them.
Where to Stay
The Highland Inn
• 644 North Highland Avenue
Stay where the action is! We have a block of rooms reserved, at a discounted rate, for our out-of-town guests. When you call to make your reservation, be sure to mention the Beasley-Vitas wedding.
• Website
• 404.874.5756
The W Midtown
• 188 14th Street, NE
Feeling fancy? Stay at the W Midtown, with gorgeous skyline views, right in the heart of Midtown Atlanta and down the street from Piedmont Park.
• Website
• 404.892.6000
The Georgian Terrace Hotel
• 659 Peachtree Street, NE
The Georgian Terrace Hotel is situated across from the fabulous Fox Theatre in Midtown and has a rich history, including playing host to the opening gala for Gone With The Wind in 1939.
• Website
• 800.651.2316
Where to Eat & Drink
Yeah! Burger
Atlanta's organic, gluten-free and eco-friendly burger joint! Named by BON APPETIT as one of their "10 Favorite Burger Spots" in America! We eat here often and recommend the fifty-fifty!
R. Thomas Deluxe Grill
R. Thomas is open 24 hours a day, has a variety of food choices that are organic, free-range, locally grown and healthy, makes fantastic fresh juices, has birds, and remembers Laurie's order every time, even though it hasn't been on the menu in years.
Aurora Coffee
Aurora Coffee is locally owned (by Atlanta's best record store, Criminal Records), serves great coffee, and knows us by drink. Plus, Laurie worked here way back in the day. Go here if you want good coffee without a lot of pretentiousness.
The Bookhouse Pub
Our favorite bar in Atlanta… Twin Peaks-inspired, good beer, great food. Try the Laura Palmer or head out back to Dr. Jacoby's Island. The owls are not what they seem.
Octane Coffee & The Little Tart Bakery
Octane Coffee and The Little Tart Bakery share an awesome space together in Grant Park, our new neck of the woods. Chris recommends the bacon-cheddar scone from The Little Tart, and Octane will brew you some coffee with pride. (The 'star' of the hipster barista meme works here, for you internet nerd types who find that kind of thing amusing.)
The Porter Beer Bar
The Porter Beer Bar is a beer-lover's paradise. They have over 430 beers on the menu! Their cocktails aren't too shabby, either. Stop in for a drink and some food after wandering around Little 5 Points.
Sun in My Belly
We dig on Sun in My Belly for brunch. The honey-glazed bacon is a must if you like bacon at all (and who doesn't?). The cafe is located in the Kirkwood neighborhood, and has a really nice vibe.
El Myr
Arguably the best place in Atlanta to get a burrito.
Sister Louisa's Church of the Living Room and Ping Pong Emporium
Have some drinks, play some ping pong, and enjoy the kitsch at Sister Louisa's.
Waffle House
Waffle House originated right here in Atlanta. Open 24-hours and full of waffley, hash brown goodness.
Chick-fil-A
Don't forget to get a chicken sandwich and some waffle fries before you leave Atlanta, but remember that Chick-fil-A is closed on Sundays.
What to Do
Amon Tobin - The Tabernacle
Thursday night (September 20), we'll be starting our wedding goodtimes off at the Amon Tobin concert at The Tabernacle. Tickets are available through LiveNation, and we would love for you to join us for the ISAM tour show here in Atlanta.
Piedmont Park
Located in Midtown, Piedmont Park has been Atlanta’s “Common Ground” since 1904. Plenty of green space for walking, running, or just lazing around. The weekend of our wedding, the park plays host to the Music Midtown festival, so it may be a bit of a madhouse. If you're here before Friday, though, it's worth visiting.
The Atlanta Botanical Garden
The Atlanta Botanical Garden has a variety of gorgeous gardens, including the Canopy Walk -the largest canopy level pathway of its kind in the country, an amazing orchid center, and an edible garden.
The Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, and Centennial Olympic Park
Located close together, the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coke, and Centennial Olympic Park are a bit more on the touristy side, but if you ever wanted to check out some whale sharks, sample Coke drinks from around the world, or visit the park built for the 1996 Olympic Games, you can!
The High Museum of Art
With its renowned collection of classic and contemporary art and award-winning architecture by Richard Meier and Renzo Piano, the High Museum of Art is the leading art museum in the southeastern United States.
Little 5 Points
Home to indie record shops, vintage clothing stores, tattoo shops, good coffee, burritos, and beers, hippie crystal stores, head shops, a natural grocery, and more, Little 5 Points keeps Atlanta weird.
Virginia Highland
Va-Hi is full of cute little shops, tasty restaurants & coffee, and was named "Favorite Neighborhood Overall" by Atlanta Magazine in 2011.
East Atlanta Village
East Atlanta Village is home to quirky shops, restaurants and nightspots. Check out The Earl for some mini corn dog awesomeness, snag a snack at Urban Cannibals, or grab a beer on the patio at Midway Pub.
Oakland Cemetery
Oakland Cemetery is the oldest cemetery, as well as one of the largest green spaces, in Atlanta. Notable "residents" include Margaret Mitchell, Bobby Jones, Maynard Jackson, and more than 3000 unidentified Confederate soliders.
Grant Park, Zoo Atlanta, and the Cyclorama
Grant Park is our new neighborhood. The actual park is the oldest city park in Atlanta, and is home to Zoo Atlanta, established in 1889 and originally known as the Grant Park Zoo; and the Atlanta Cyclorama, a cyclorama featuring the 1864 Battle of Atlanta from the American Civil War. The Sunday morning farmers' market in the park is great, too!
Fernbank Museum of Natural History
Atlanta's natural history museum, Fernbank, has fossils, a star gallery, a 65-acre hardwood forest, and a rose garden, as well as an IMAX theater.
CNN Tour
Take a tour inside CNN's global headquarters.
How to Get Around
Public Transit: MARTA
From TripAdvisor: "Atlanta is incredibly spread out, and MARTA basically makes an "X" through the center of the core of the metro area, with one leg running north/south (with a spur to the northeast), and the other running east/west. For most visitors, the North/South and Northeast/South lines will be the ones you'll use, as they cover the airport, Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, Perimeter Center, and the Brookhaven area. For other destinations, while you can transfer to one of MARTA's many buses, the routes are complicated for the uninitiated. MARTA is a great option for getting to and from the airport, though. MARTA offers a "Visitor Pass" that is good for multiple days. MARTA's web site offers quick reference guides to the closest stations and relevant bus lines for popular tourist destinations and major hotels."
By Cab
Atlanta Checker Cab is a good cab company, and can be booked online or by phone call (404-351-1111). We would highly recommend calling to request a cab rather than hoping to flag one down on the street, as that is typically more difficult in this city. Flat rates to and from the airport are listed on Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport's website. Be sure to ask for the flat rate fare, even though the drivers sometimes act like they have no knowledge of it.
Need more info?
WikiTravel has a lot of really great information about getting around Atlanta. We would recommend reading their tips here.
Climate
Atlanta is typically still warm in September. The high temperature averages in the low 80's, and the low temperature averages around 65. You will probably need a sweater or sweatshirt/light jacket for the evenings but will want lighter weight clothing for daytime. September is typically not a heavy-rain month for Atlanta. As our wedding date approaches, we'll update this section with more concrete weather forecasts.
Your presence at our wedding and your support are the greatest gifts you can give us! If you do wish to give us something more, we have set up the following registries:
Donation Registry
We've set up a cash donation registry with Deposit a Gift so your gift will go directly towards helping us out with our wedding and honeymoon! Please don't feel obligated to pay any certain amount; you can be sure that every dollar will be appreciated and go directly to our wedding and honeymoon expenses.
Visit our depositagift.com Registry
Macy's
If you'd like to give us something to warm our new home, we've also set up a registry with Macy's.
Please let us know by July 15th if you will be attending our wedding, so that we can properly account for you! We look forward to celebrating with you.
Please only RSVP if you received an invitation in the mail. As much as we'd like everyone we know to come, our venue and bank account won't permit it.
Fill out my online form.
Have a question we haven't covered? Need to RSVP via phone or email? Just want to wish us well? Feel free to send us an email or give us a call!
Phone
404.825.5825 (Laurie) or 404.414.3034 (Chris)