Atlanta Restaurant Private Room Spotlight - Bangkok Station

I am a big fan of using private rooms at restaurants for small parties and even wedding reception (if the guest list is small) because it offers great savings opportunities: (1) Generally there is no site fee if minimum food and beverage spending are met or if there is a site fee, it is normally minimal and (2) The restaurant provides flatware, glassware, chairs, tables, napkins etc. which means less expenses for the person planning the event.

Today's Atlanta Restaurant Private Room spotlight features a new Thai restaurant in Buckhead area called Bangkok Station.

I was there for dinner with a friend and noticed the beautiful private room they have:

After dinner at the main dining room, we went inside the private room to take a look. By my count this room can fit 20 people for a seated dinner. The traditional plates that decorated the wall of the private room reminded me of the plates used by my late Grandmother in Malaysia when I was a child growing up there and it sure brought back fond memories of my Grandmother who was a super talented chef.

The food at Bangkok Station was very good and I love how they presented the Larb Tod (Fried Pork Ball):

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Here is a photo showing the two entrees (Thai Boxing Noodle - famous noodle dish from a Thai Boxing stadium and Train Station Bird - a chicken dish) we had and the restaurant served the sticky rice in the white packet on the side:

I can definitely see the use of this private room for a bridal shower, bachelorette party, rehearsal dinner, or if you just want to host a birthday party.

If you have a bigger party, you might want to consider using the outside patio and maybe even a section of the restaurant because both spaces are beautifully designed.

 Images above are from Bangkok Kitchen website

Parking for the restaurant is at the back of the building and I wish they will install better signage pointing the people to the restaurant from the parking lot. I almost missed the entrance from the back of the building because there was no sign telling me where to enter the building (I thought I needed to enter from the front of the building). Luckily a guy waved at me from inside of the building and when I opened the door, he told me that was actually the entrance to the restaurant.

If you are looking to check out a new restaurant for hosting a private party, Bangkok Station's private room is definitely worth considering.

Sardis United Methodist Church and Georgian Terrace Wedding

I am honored to work with Ada and Alan for their wedding on July 25, 2015.

For the ceremony, we chose Sardis United Methodist Church. The historic church on top of a small hill in Buckhead area is a hidden treasure. We visited several churches while hunting for a ceremony venue but once I took Ada and Alan to visit Sardis United Methodist Church, the decision to book it was easily made.

The church size (maximum capacity: 250 guests) is perfect for their 100 person guest list. Because of the intricate stained glass windows, we chose minimal decoration on the aisle:

Prewedding photos were done outside of church before the 11am ceremony in order to avoid the hot summer heat of Georgia (but honestly it is better to have sun than rain on wedding days):

Here is a close up look at the bridal bouquet:

The traditional church ceremony took place inside the historic sanctuary:

A great tradition at Sardis United Methodist Church is for the couple to ring the church bells after they walked down the aisle as newlywed so Alan gave it a try:

The send off from church as the couple exited:

The bridal car was Alan's own ride which we put to good use:

For reception, Ada and Alan chose the gorgeous Georgian Terrace Hotel:

Head table was decorated with the bridal bouquet and the bridesmaids bouquets:

We chose centerpieces with fluffy Hydrangea (Ada's favorite flowers):

The favor boxes were bought by Alan's Mother and brought all the way from Taiwan. The boxes were made to represent miniatures "Chinese Carriage" used in ancient times by the brides and filled with candies.

The wedding cake kept to the theme of the bride's simple and elegant style:

For the grand entrance to the reception, Ada chose to honor her Chinese heritage by wearing the traditional Chinese QiPao:

The couple did their first dance immediately upon entry (which Ada told me was one of her favorite wedding moments):

Later on during the reception, Alan also took his Mother out on the dance floor for a spin for the Mother and Son dance which was a super sweet moment (and I will encourage all grooms to do so if possible):

The happy couple and their bridal party also took photos all around the hotel:

I wish the couple many years of happiness!!!

All Photos are by Christopher Helm Photography

Vendor Team:

Reception Venue/Catering: Georgian Terrace Hotel
Florist: Lauren's Floral Art
DJ: Ted Crowder from Atlanta Wedding DJs
Photography: Chrtstopher Helm Photography
Wedding Cake: Frosted Pumpkins

Atlanta Venue Spotlight - Historic Academy of Medicine

I went to the Open House for the Historic Academy of Medicine on August 6, 2015. This was my first time visiting this venue although I had drove by the mansion numerous times. If you have ever driven down Wet Peachtree Street in Midtown Atlanta, you had probably wonder to yourself what this building is all about as it looks like it is from a different era (built in 1941):

Photos courtesy of Historic Academy of Medicine from the Celebration Society

The venue has several spaces including a 230 seat auditorium that is surpringly intimate. For those who want some drama (in a good way), this is definitely the non-traditional way to walk down the aisle:

 

Photo of Auditorium from Georgia Tech 

One of the major attractions of the Academy of Medicine is its famous chandelier in its Rotunda (the same one seen in the movie "Gone with the Wind"):

Photo by Cindy Brown Photo

I was told that most couples chose to do their first dance under the famous chandelier which is definitely very romantic.

Note that there are also several spaces that can be used for cocktail hour/bridal suite/groom's room as well as 2 banquet spaces. Overall, I like the upper level of the venue much better than the terrace level because it has a lot of historical architectural details on the upper level but I can see why a bigger party will need to utilize the terrace level space as well.

The Academy of Medicine has a list of Preferred Caterers so if you are planning an event here, there is definitely flexibility for you to find one that fits your budget and style. 

Valet service was quick and easy at the back of the building which is definitely welcome and needed in Midtown Atlanta.

I highly recommend checking out this venue if you desire a historical venue that is elegant, intimate, and if you just cannot resist the urge to dance all night under that chandelier.