hotlanta

Georgia is not a completely foreign place to me, as my aunt and I spent many summers and holidays visiting our friends (who always felt like family). I have not, however, spent a lot of time in Atlanta. My past visits to Atlanta included seeing Ringo Starr in concert (that somewhat forgotten Beatle will always have a special place in my heart) & I flew out of ATL airport with my first and only puppy almost nine years ago-- Rigby was my carry-on.

Anyway, now one of those "family-friends" I mentioned lives in the city, because he grew up to be this amazingly cool guy that travels with rock bands. Ben and I were honored to be invited to he and his sweet fiancee's wedding right smack dab in the middle of the city.

We had a really great time- I think I really like Atlanta. It has tall buildings and a sort of busyness I love, but it also seemed less congested than some cities and had quite a few parks and neighborhoods kind of sprinkled throughout (which Ben liked). Ben even drove in the city and did not want to drive his head into a wall after doing so- growing up on a farm doesn't so much prepare you for the hustle and bustle of city-life.

We were happy to be there with friends and family, and it is always nice to get away for the weekend.

Our hotel was right across from the Fox theatre- where they showed a big red carpet premier of Gone With the Wind in 1939. Since that movie holds my name-sake I figured I should take a picture.

Looking up from the hotel lobby- I just thought it was photo-worthy as well.

So, we got to play some Beatles Rock Band... and let me tell you, it is not easy.

On wedding day, the bride looked very beautiful, of course, and the mother's too. That's my auntie Lo on the left...

And I just couldn't get enough of her sweet blusher-veil.

There was a mashed-potato martini "bar". A-mazing. I'll take 5 please!

We think weddings are fun...

I love time spent with her.

These little ones capture my heart every time.

A very happy couple...

A huge unexpected blessing was the opportunity to see some camp friends that moved to the Atlanta area a few years ago. It was a short but perfect visit. I almost cried a little an hour into our visit anticipating the fact that we would have to say goodbye too soon. But then I decided that was a little ridiculous and we really enjoyed our time together!

In between our hotel check-out and our flight we had some time, so we decided to go to the World of Coca-Cola. It was a pretty entertaining way to spend the afternoon.

You even got to try 20-something different Coke products that are sold around the world. It is too bad you can't really see Ben's face of disgust in this photo, after trying a popular Israeli fountain drink.

I for one, left that place feeling completely brainwashed, like Coca-Cola is the only beverage I will ever drink! Effective marketing, I'd say. My uncle liked it too- especially the 3-D show.

good times had by all!