When Gelyse and Jerome planned their wedding day, they pictured portraits in Villa Christina’s gardens, soft natural light, and a cozy outdoor atmosphere. What they got was rain, wind and chilly weather—but that didn’t stop their day from becoming unforgettable.
From a heartfelt ceremony at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses to a joyful celebration at Villa Christina, their wedding was a beautiful reflection of their love, faith, and the people who mean the most to them. And while the skies were gray, the spirit of the day was anything but.
Getting Ready with Their Closest Friends
Gelyse and Jerome began their day at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta Perimeter at Villa Christina, where both the bridal and groom suites offered the perfect space to relax, connect, and prepare for the celebration ahead.
In the bridal suite, Gelyse was surrounded by her bridesmaids, all buzzing with excitement. Laughter echoed through the room as music played, and everyone gushing over Gelyse when she got into her gown. The natural light from the windows gave us a beautiful setting for soft, emotional portraits—especially during the reveal moment with her girls.
Meanwhile, Jerome and his groomsmen were in good spirits, sharing memories, adjusting ties, and enjoying the calm before the storm. There’s something about that energy—laid-back but full of purpose—that always sets the tone for a meaningful day.
Getting ready at the Hyatt Regency provided a comfortable and convenient space, especially with the weather keeping everyone indoors. And from a photography standpoint, it allowed us to document some truly authentic behind-the scenes moments with both groups. Plus, the hotel’s sleek interiors added a modern, polished backdrop for those early-day moments we love to document.
First Look Portraits at Villa Christina
One of the most emotional parts of Gelyse and Jerome’s day was their first look, held near the grand staircase of the Hyatt Regency. Jerome’s reaction the moment he saw Gelyse said everything—pure love, excitement, and gratitude. The private moment gave them time to connect before the ceremony, settle nerves, and soak in the reality of the day. These are the kinds of moments we love to document—raw, unscripted, and deeply personal.
A Ceremony Centered on Faith and Commitment
As we entered the next phase with a meaningful ceremony at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, we see Gelyse and Jerome stand in front of loved ones and made promises that carried deep spiritual significance.
There was something powerful about the simplicity of the ceremony. The focus stayed where it mattered most: on love, commitment, and shared beliefs. It was an intimate and sincere part from day filled with heartfelt moments.
Turning Limitations into Art Indoors
With constant rain and cold weather, our original portrait plan needed to shift indoors. Gelyse had envisioned lush garden backdrops, but instead, we turned our attention to the indoor spaces—and the results were nothing short of extraordinary.
We used every architectural detail we could find at Villa Christina and neighboring Hyatt Regency Hotel to build impactful, story-driven images. From the sweeping staircase to the dramatic chandelier, every corner offered something unique.
One of the standout portraits came from a place no one would expect—a narrow hallway next to a bank of elevators. With thoughtful lighting, composition, and direction, it became one of our most recognized and awarded images of the year.
This approach is a perfect reminder that creativity isn’t limited by environment—it’s often enhanced by it.
The Staircase, the Chandelier, and Striking Composition
Villa Christina is known for its beautiful gardens, but its indoor architecture offers just as much potential for elegant photography. We embraced the contrast of soft emotion with bold design—pairing Gelyse and Jerome’s warm connection with structured, modern backdrops.
The grand staircase became the setting for timeless bridal portraits, while the glow of the chandelier added dimension and drama. Every pose, every frame, was carefully composed to bring out the couple’s personalities while showcasing the venue’s architectural beauty.
A Wedding Party That Brought the Energy
Rain didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits—especially not the wedding party.
From the moment we met them, Gelyse and Jerome’s crew brought pure energy. They supported the couple with laughter, positivity, and enthusiasm all day long. Whether we were navigating indoor locations or squeezing in quick group photos, their joy was contagious.
And when the reception began, they took the celebration to a whole new level. This was a group that knew how to show up, have fun, and make the couple feel fully celebrated.
A Father-Daughter Dance That Moved the Room
Later in the evening, the reception slowed down for one of the most emotional parts of the day: the father-daughter dance.
Gelyse and her father held each other close as they shared this moment, both visibly moved. Tears streamed down their faces, and you could feel the depth of their bond in every step. There was silence in the room—everyone watching, feeling the weight and beauty of that moment.
It’s moments like these that define a wedding day—not just the decorations or the timeline, but the raw emotion that stays with you long after the last song plays.
From Rain to Celebration: A Reception Full of Life
Villa Christina’s ballroom was warm, elegant, and full of life by the time the evening hit full swing. The reception was a true celebration of everything Gelyse and Jerome had built together.
Even though the weather outside never let up, inside was filled with warmth, laughter, and connection. It was the dind of night that reminded everyone why weddings matter—not because of the details, but because of the people and the feelings they bring with them.
Final Thoughts
Gelyse and Jerome’s Villa Christina wedding is a testament to the idea that even when a day doesn’t go exactly as planned, it can still be everything you hoped for—and more.
With creative portrature, heartfelt moments and a celebration that brought together all the right people, this wedding proved that beauty exists in every space—sometimes even outside an elevator.
FAQs About Villa Christina Weddings
Where is Villa Christina located?
Villa Christina is located at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta Perimeter, near Perimeter Summit Parkway in Atlanta, Georgia. It offers indoor and outdoor wedding spaces just minutes from downtown.
Can you get ready on-site at Villa Christina?
Yes! Most couples choose to get ready at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta Perimeter, which is directly connected to Villa Christina. The hotel offers spacious bridal and groom suites, allowing for a smooth, stress-free transition to the ceremony and reception areas.
What happens if it rains on your wedding day at Villa Christina?
Villa Christina offers stunning indoor locations that work beautifully for portraits and ceremonies in case of rain. With a creative photographer, the venue’s elegant staircase, chandelier, and interior architecture provide plenty of options.
Does Villa Christina provide in-house catering?
Yes, the venue is known for its in-house culinary team and offers a variety of plated and buffet-style menu options customized for your event.
Is Villa Christina good for both large and small weddings?
Absolutely. Villa Christina can accommodate intimate weddings and large celebrations, with flexible event spaces that fit anywhere from 50 to over 300 guests.
Is the venue photographer-friendly for indoor portraits?
Yes. Even if the gardens are off-limits due to weather, Villa Christina’s indoor layout features clean lines, dramatic lighting options, and architectural details that photograph beautifully.
Planning a wedding at Villa Christina or worried about the weather? Know that with the right team and mindset, you can create something extraordinary, no matter what the forecast says.
Need a photographer who sees the possibilities in every situation? Let’s talk about how to tell your story with style and intention.
At Viridian Images Photography, we specialize in cinematic, emotive wedding photography designed for couples who value beauty, depth, and legacy. Every wedding we photograph is approached as a collaboration—with intentional storytelling and timeless elegance at the core—inspired by you.
👉 Inquire here to schedule a consultation and start dreaming about how your love story can become art.
We’re based in Atlanta. Available for refined weddings across Georgia and destinations worldwide.
