GA_SUM06_064_065 5/7/06 5:30 PM Page 64

A-PDF MERGER DEMO

Atlanta, Georgia, October 15, 2005

Erica Hill
BY AMY MEADOWS
& David Yount
PHOTOS BY DWAYNE BASS PHOTOGRAPHY

W When Erica Hill and David Yount talked about getting married,
they always imagined themselves barefoot on the beach, exchang-
ing vows amongst family and friends. But after David, a third-
year law student at John Marshall Law School, proposed in May
2004 to Erica, a news anchor for CNN Headline News and co-host
of Prime News Tonight, airing nightly at 9 p.m. (est), they realized
that their hectic schedules would preclude their original plan.
However while they didn’t get married at the water’s edge, there’s
one element of their dream wedding they didn’t abandon.
“It’s the people there surrounding you who really make the
day what it’s supposed to be, and we were surrounded by the
most important people in our lives,” Erica recalled of her and
David’s nuptials, which took place at the historic Trolley Barn in
Atlanta’s Inman Park. The bride and groom chose the location
not only because it has great character, but also because it’s nes-
tled in the garden suburb neighborhood they have called home
since 2003. And they knew that their adopted hometown would
be an ideal setting for a long overdue family-and-friend reunion.
The festivities actually started three days before the wedding,
as most of the 200 guests began trickling into Atlanta from as far
away as England, France and Korea. In between the last-minute
details, Erica and David met the arriving attendees for dinners
and outings around the city. Then with everyone finally together
in one place, Erica, wearing an elegant Kirstie Kelly-designed

64 I Do For Brides www.idoforbrides.com

GA_SUM06_064_065 5/6/06 11:20 PM Page 65

gown and a veil crafted by her mother, and David, in a Tallia Uomo
tuxedo, pledged their lives to each other in a sunset ceremony person-
ally written by them and performed by their dear friend Michaela
Pereira, who has known the couple since they met in 1999 while work-
ing at ZDTV in San Francisco. According to Erica “[Michaela] really
brought it to life for us.”
“Anyone can write a ceremony,” David added, “but to act it out and
have it be what you envisioned when you wrote the words on the paper
is a totally different thing. Michaela orchestrated it beautifully.” That
included coordinating the 10 guests who participated in the ceremony
by reading quotes about love and marriage, as well as stopping the pro-
ceedings for a moment as a New Orleans-style band (from a wedding
taking place at a nearby church) paraded past the Trolley Barn playing
lively jazz music—an unexpected touch that enthralled everyone.
To keep the momentum of the evening going, Erica and David,
who planned the wedding themselves, also decided to host the recep-
tion at the Trolley Barn. So after the ceremony, the caterer transformed Wedding Sources:
the venue’s patio into the reception site, with tables adorned by fall- Ceremony/Reception Site: The Trolley Barn, Atlanta
inspired centerpieces of sunflower topiaries, pumpkins, Granny Smith Officiant: Michaela Pereira
apples and leaves. But before the newlyweds joined their guests, who Bridal Gown Designer & Source: Kirstie Kelly, Kelly’s Closet, Atlanta
were enjoying delectable fare from Masterpiece Events’ chef-attended Bridesmaid Dresses Designer: Jim Hjelm
stations, they spent a few moments alone. With champagne glasses in Veil: Cheryl Hill
hand, they strolled down their very own street for the first time as hus- Hair & Makeup: Tymeka McNeal and Renea Lyon, Atlanta
band and wife. Men’s Attire Designer & Source: Tallia Uomo and Tommy Hilfiger,
“It was about 7 p.m. by this point, and the light was sort of magi- After Hourse Formalwear, Atlanta
cal. We were where we are comfortable—in our own neighborhood— Rings: Solomon Brothers, Atlanta
Invitations & Programs: Inkspotts, Atlanta
and there was no one else around us. We were allowed to be ourselves,
Florist: GeorgeAnn Bohling
and it was relaxing,” David declared. “That’s my favorite memory.”
Transportation: Michael Hardy
When they returned to the reception, they danced their first dance
Caterer & Linens: Masterpiece Events, Atlanta
to Sade’s By Your Side, feasted on both carrot cake and chocolate mid-
Wedding Cake: Alon’s Bakery, Atlanta
night cake from Alon’s Bakery and partied until the early morning
Music: Amadeus String Ensemble, Atlanta, and
hours with their favorite people, including their five bridesmaids and
Spectrum Entertainment, Norcross
six groomsmen, who wore mango chiffon A-line dresses by Jim Hjelm
Photographer: Dwayne Bass, Bass Photography, Atlanta
and classic Tommy Hilfiger tuxedos, respectively. Videographer: Karen Hutton and Marcus Buick, Fork Tour
And although their schedules thwarted their plans again, this Productions, Truckee, CA
time for a traditional honeymoon, they do plan to take a much- Reception Video Montage: Wendy Tennery
deserved vacation when David passes the bar. Until then they are Wedding Night Accommodations: Westin Peachtree Plaza, Atlanta
content to reminisce fondly about their perfect wedding. Honeymoon Destination: Ritz Carlton Reynolds Plantation,
“It was the most incredible weekend,” Erica commented. “It Lake Oconee, Greensboro
absolutely exceeded our expectations, and I can’t imagine having
done it any other way.”

www.idoforbrides.com I Do For Brides 65