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Bride and groom kiss in front of tall windows at Venue In The Vines in Ellijay, GA, with white florals and candles. Photo by Shanle Bowen, an Atlanta Wedding Photographer.

Elegant Winter Wedding at Venue in the Vines, Ellijay

Bride and groom kiss in front of tall windows at Venue In The Vines in Ellijay, GA, with white florals and candles. Photo by Shanle Bowen, an Atlanta Wedding Photographer.

I think there’s something timeless about a winter wedding, and Brittany and Jake’s elegant celebration at Venue in the Vines at Engelheim Vineyards brought all the romance and sophistication of a classic black-tie affair. With the vineyard’s misty hills as a backdrop and a modern color palette of black, white, and gold, their February wedding became the perfect reflection of refined beauty and heartfelt moments!

A North Georgia Vineyard with Endless Charm

Tucked away in Ellijay, GA, Venue in the Vines is part of Engelheim Vineyards and offers a one-of-a-kind setting any couple seeking both romance and elegance. The vineyard’s sweeping mountain views, European-inspired architecture, and endless rows of vines create a setting that feels worlds away—yet it’s still convenient for Atlanta-area couples!

Inside, the soaring ceilings, warm interiors, and expansive windows make it ideal for winter weddings. Even on a chilly February day, sunlight streams in, creating a soft, natural glow that’s every photographer’s dream. (It’s certainly mine!) It’s no wonder Brittany and Jake chose this venue! It balances North Georgia’s rustic beauty with a sense of sophistication that fit their black-tie vision perfectly.

Bridesmaids fixing hair and makeup in bridal suite mirrors before the ceremony
Bridal flat lay with sparkling heels, white flowers, perfume bottle, and ‘Bride’ ribbon.
Bride standing on balcony in long lace gown with cathedral veil flowing at Venue In The Vines, Ellijay, GA
Mother helping bride adjust veil in soft pink bridal suite at the Venue In The Vines
Bride in lace wedding gown holding gold perfume bottle during getting ready
Bride in lace gown with bridesmaids holding bouquets inside Venue In The Vines’ airy ceremony space.

The Thoughtful Details That Made Their Day Shine

Brittany and Jake set out to create a wedding that felt timeless and deeply personal – something that I love! Their black, white, and gold palette set a luxurious tone from the very beginning, with floor-length black bridesmaid gowns and candlelit tablescapes adding an air of quiet romance to their celebration.

One of the most memorable details was their wedding cake—a true labor of love crafted by Jake’s mom. With delicate sugar-paste flowers and intricate fondant lacework, it was a masterpiece. My jaw (almost) literally hit the floor when I saw it. More than just a beautiful dessert, the cake was a meaningful expression of their family connection, adding even more heart to their day.

Champagne wall with neon ‘The Hoopers’ sign and glasses at wedding reception at Venue In The Vines.
Close-up of groom adjusting his watch in a white tuxedo jacket with boutonniere detail.
North Georgia wedding photographer captures indoor ceremony with aisle flowers and candles at Venue In The Vines.
Cocktail hour setup with charcuterie table on wine barrels and gold lanterns at Venue In The Vines.
Close-up of colorful charcuterie board with cheeses, fruits, and crackers for wedding cocktail hour.
Elegant white wedding cake surrounded by candles and floral arrangements in front of large windows.
ATL wedding photographer detail of floral wedding cake with sugar roses, fondant lace work, and sugar paste greenery accents.
Detail of black acrylic seating chart with guest names and table numbers.
Groom and groomsmen pose in black tuxedos with white florals at Venue In The Vines in Ellijay, GA.

The Moments I’ll Never Forget

While every detail was stunning, it was the unplanned, emotional moments that made this wedding so unforgettable.

During Brittany’s getting ready time, her stepdad helped button her sleeves after their first look—a quiet gesture that spoke volumes about their bond. (I may or may not have cried a little bit.) Later, as Brittany walked down the aisle, Jake’s face broke into a beaming smile through his tears, unable to hold back his joy.

Bride reflected in ornate mirror wearing lace gown and long veil.
Father embraces bride in a heartfelt hug during a quiet moment by the window.
Close-up of father of the bride's hands fastening lace buttons on bride’s sleeve.
Bride smiles as parents assist with buttoning lace sleeves on her gown in the soft light of a bridal suite.
Atlanta wedding photographer Shanle Bowen captures groom wiping tears as bride walks down the aisle toward him.

As I turned to capture the moment, I noticed Brittany and Jake’s moms standing together behind me, embracing each other with happy tears streaming down their cheeks. (I definitely cried here too!) These little moments—the ones that happen in between the big milestones—are what make photographing weddings so profoundly meaningful. I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of capturing them.

Mother of the bride and mother of the groom share a tearful embrace as they watch the bride walk down the aisle. Photo by Shanle Bowen Photography, an ATL wedding photographer.
Bride and groom exchange vows in a light-filled indoor ceremony framed by tall windows, glowing candles, and lush floral arrangements.
Bride and groom walk joyfully back down the aisle as guests cheer and applaud their just-married moment.
Bride and groom share a quiet moment under a large wooden cross with white floral accents on the vineyard lawn.
Bride holds a lush bouquet of white anemones, roses, and greenery in a lace off-shoulder gown. Bouquet designed my Marigo Flowers.
bride and groom laughing together with veil flowing around them in vineyard.
Romantic black and white portrait of bride and groom kissing under veil. Photo by Atlanta wedding & engagement photographer Shanle Bowen.
Bride and groom walk hand in hand across vineyard lawn with twinkle lights in background at Venue In The Vines.

Tips for Planning Your Winter Wedding at Venue in the Vines

If you’re dreaming of your own elegant winter wedding, Venue in the Vines offers countless ways to make your celebration unforgettable. A few tips to inspire your planning:

Black and white detail of champagne glasses filled and arranged on a display wall
candid of guest holding champagne glass with warm smile during cocktail hour indoors.
  • Lean into natural light – The venue’s large windows and vineyard surroundings create a soft, luminous atmosphere that works beautifully for fine art photography.
  • Choose a timeless or romantic palette – Black, white, and gold feel sophisticated and luxe. For a softer touch, consider shades of blush or pale blue for a dreamy, romantic vibe.
  • Incorporate meaningful touches – Personal elements, like Brittany and Jake’s family-made champagne tower or handwritten notes at each guest’s place setting, bring layers of intimacy to the day.
  • Think about cozy details – With winter’s chill, offer guests warm drinks before the ceremony or provide monogrammed wraps for outdoor portraits. Thoughtful additions like these will make your guests feel cared for and add to the season’s charm!
flat lay of white-on-black invitations, perfume, and white flowers on textured canvas backdrop by Chasing Stone.
Smiling couple embraces on the dance floor during their wedding reception.
Bride and groom share a romantic first dance surrounded by candlelight and white floral arrangements.
Mother of the groom, guests, and the groom smiling with tearful emotion as the bride shares a first dance with her father.
North Georgia wedding photographer captures guests dancing under soft uplighting at elegant indoor venue.
Close-up of musician Ace Suggs strumming a black acoustic guitar during wedding cocktail hour.
Wedding cake slices plated and ready to serve on marble countertop during reception dessert hour.
Bride hugs a guest with joyful laughter during evening wedding celebration.
Colorful charcuterie spread with meats, cheeses, fruits, and crackers styled for wedding cocktail hour.

Venue in the Vines – A Perfect Setting for Romantic, Timeless Weddings

Engelheim Vineyards is more than just a beautiful location—it’s a place where elegant celebrations and heartfelt moments naturally unfold. The combination of scenic vineyard views, refined interiors, and the warmest staff make it a dream for couples planning a romantic North Georgia wedding.

Atlanta wedding photographer captures soft ceremony floral pillars and candles at Venue In The Vines.
Delicate white scabiosa flower surrounded by lush greenery and blooms in wedding centerpiece.

As a wedding photographer, I love capturing weddings at this venue because it offers both intimacy and grandeur. Whether it’s portraits bathed in golden-hour light among the vines or quiet moments shared inside its walls, every corner lends itself to timeless, true-to-life photography.

If you’re planning your wedding at Venue in the Vines—or anywhere in North Georgia—I’d be honored to preserve the story of your day in a way that feels as genuine and breathtaking as the moments themselves.

Bride and groom name cards with gold leaf detail styled flat lay on neutral linen surface.
Groom kisses bride’s forehead as she smiles softly. Bride is wearing a beautifully detailed lace gown.

The Vendor Dream Team

A huge ‘Thank you!’ to Brittany & Jake’s Vendor Team. We couldn’t do it without you!

PHOTOGRAPHER
Shanle Bowen Photography

VENUE
Venue In The Vines

VIDEOGRAPHER
Kelly Rose Productions

EVENT COORDINATOR
Engelheim Vineyards – LeeAnn Barton

FLORIST
Marigo Flowers

HAIR ARTIST
Hair By Ramsey

MAKEUP ARTIST
Madyson Kelli

CALLIGRAPHY
Mylestone Paper

STATIONARY
Zola

BAKERY
Cape Town Creations

BRIDAL SHOP
Impression Bridal

GROOM ATTIRE
A Formal Occasion

DJ + PHOTOBOOTH
Complete North GA

COCKTAIL HOUR MUSICIAN
Ace Suggs

CHARCUTERIE + COCKTAIL
Mountain View Artisanal

CATERING
Agape Catering

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