Reworked ‘Legendary’ Simchas

Legendary Events was founded in 1997 and proceeded to take Atlanta’s social scene by storm. Founder CEO Tony Conway was touted as the entertainment master for the stars, and then, the pandemic halted large gatherings, squashing best intended plans. Due to COVID-19, since mid-March Legendary Events has had more than 90 events canceled or postponed.

In a well-thought-out rebound in early June, Legendary introduced Simply Legendary Weddings. Four beautifully designed ceremony spaces offer couples the opportunity to say “I Do” in an exclusive setting. Couples can get married in an intimate ceremony and have the large celebration when friends and family are able to come together for a larger party.

“So many couples haven’t been able to have the larger weddings they have planned for this summer,” said Michele Lend, Legendary Events senior sales manager. “But that doesn’t mean they have to cancel or settle for a civil ceremony at the courthouse.”

Photo by Bill Broer // The Estate on Piedmont Road in Buckhead is hidden behind iron gates on three acres and is now open for events.

Simply Legendary brides and grooms can have an intimate ceremony under a chuppah with full access to the property, offering options for photos, ketubah signing and the ceremony, she said.

“The $2,500 price includes exclusive use of the entire venue, ceremony décor, a cake for cutting and photos, cupcakes for guests to enjoy, and a champagne toast.”
Legendary president Dave Lishness said, “When we were not able to have events, we continued to work with clients planning their upcoming events or helping reimagine celebrations postponed. Our team is working to establish best practices for the event industry in this new normal to help Governor [Brian] Kemp create guidelines for weddings, special events and celebrations in the State.”

Flourish is across from The Estate and has several choices of venues within the facility, including a non-columned ballroom.

Conway framed it this way, “While this has truly been a difficult time for Legendary Events and our industry, we are thankful that our clients, guests and team are safe and we look forward to having events again, now that the reopening has begun here in Georgia. We have used this pause to plan and make changes and that will allow us to celebrate safely.”

Both of Legendary’s Buckhead event venues, The Estate and Flourish, have now reopened. The Estate (circa 1797), behind stately wrought iron gates on three hidden acres on Piedmont Road, is a Southern multi-level brick house moved piece by piece from Wilkes County.

Across the street, Flourish has been home to numerous Jewish community events. It has a ballroom with no columns for up to 800 (in normal times). Guests now will continue to be greeted in the drive-up porte cochere, the large open-air courtyard. There are also interior black and white pavers, 50 glamorous ballroom chandeliers, and an interior sconce wall.

One of Legendary’s two prime venues, Flourish, is open for special occasion events with a full menu, though food will be served differently.

Lend continued, “While the last few months have been difficult, we have gotten through it. Instead of large events, we were able to offer our award-winning event design and floral services to smaller weddings and graduation celebrations in smaller venues, hotels and private homes. Looking ahead, Simply Legendary weddings are allowing families to come together now to celebrate new unions. Summer bookings are happening and events for the fall of this year and 2021 are booking very well now.”

Deep cleaning and special sanitizing, now routine, happen before and after all events. High-touch surfaces and restrooms are cleaned and sanitized throughout the event. Floor plans have changed to assure guests can follow current recommended guidelines for physical distancing.

Legendy Events Estate Birch Garden tent.

Food and beverage service have changed too. Menu offerings are the same, but may be served differently. Seated dinners, food stations and buffets all work, but staff members will offer menu items to each guest. Butler-passed hors d’oeuvres are presented in covered, individual containers.

The extensive menu is led by executive chef Diana Watkins with choices such as fried Springer Mountain Farms chicken, barbecue braised beef brisket on a fluffy biscuit, smoked gouda macaroni and cheese, and kale salad with fresh blueberries.
Kosher catering is also available in conjunction with A Kosher Touch.

Conway concluded, “There has never been a better time to have a simcha, and after all of this time apart, it should be Legendary.”