BRASELTON'S CHATEAU ELAN IN MIDDLE GEORGIA, Pederzani Photography

Chateau Elan

I fell in love the moment we turned the corner...and saw the most stately building of Chateau Elan, in Braselton, Ga.
May 17th, was our  35th wedding anniversary so we decided to take a road trip north of Atlanta to visit the vineyards of Chateau Elan and sample it's wine. We took the, Wine Makers Tour, and learned about its historical beginnings to its current renovations. Afterward, we lunched at, Paddy's Irish Pub around the corner. It had a very authentic rugged look inside, giving you the feeling of being in Ireland. The food was delicious with large servings, more than enough to eat. I had Fish and Chips, yum. Don had, Bangers and Mash. He didn't like the bangers; that's an acquired taste.
We stayed till evening and caught the sun setting behind the steep angled roof line of the building creating a beautiful silhouette. Of course the sculptured maiden, at the entrance of the building, stomping grapes in the fountain, was the focal of many images; along with acres of the vineyard's flowing lines, all leading back to that magnificent French mansion; everywhere surrounding it were rows after rows of neatly trimmed grape vines, bursting of new growth with the tiniest green clusters of baby grapes.

We roamed around the grounds, visiting the spa and slipping inside the grand hotel. The french inspired   decor was truly divine, down to the lit fireplace. I didn't want to leave. I could have curled up on any chair parked by that fireplace and just sipped wine and daydreamed.
Chateau Elan is enchanting. Just 40 miles north of Atlanta, will make the most satisfying road trip for anyone attending a wedding event in these picturesque hills.  Your guests will feel pampered just by its elegance. The choices awaiting you are many; choose from several interior venues, or experience outdoor catering with sunset, stars, moon and wine.
Dare I say, ciao or, Au revoir!

 

 

 








 


  

 


Chateau Elan Resort






Sunset at Chateau Elan

THAILAND FOREIGN STUDENT GRADUATE OF NORTHSIDE HIGH by Pederzani Photography

Ployy PNn  - Thailand Exchange Student

I first met Ployy PNn at church. She is a Foreign Exchange student from Thailand that my friend, Nadine Carter, arranged to host till graduation. On first arrival Ployy was a little withdrawn among so many new faces, but she soon became part of  the family.   I laughed when I found out that Barry and Cathy Lancaster became her adopted grandparents; Nadine was her adopted mom and Nahla her adopted sister; and everyone else treated her as their own as well, from the pastors of our church down to me; I became her personal photographer at graduation, to the amusement of her friends. As you make your way through the pictures, you'll meet the other graduates of the day, hugging and congratulating each other as they say their farewells.
Although Ployy is very quiet and reserved when she comes out of her shell she knows how to enjoy herself like any teenage.

Ployy with Nahla, and Nadine Carter.

Nadine, who stresses eating healthy was aghast how quickly Ployy learned to indulge in junk foods; she loves chocolates and cheese puffs, soda and hamburgers. Like I said earlier, she's your typical teenager, not much has changed  since even the fifties, milk shakes and fries are still consumed in great quantity.

Barry and Cathy Lancaster

But now, Ployy is back home once again with her real family.  She has been a blessing to us and will not be forgotten. We're praying Ploy gets to visit us again, perhaps next time more family member will come with her.  Ciao.

Ployy with Haylee and Demory

Ploy listening to Monica Troullier, her daughter Haylee, Demory, and Nahla in the back.