Construction Underway on New Event Venue at Georgia's Lanier Islands

BUFORD, Ga. - Nov. 19, 2024 - PRLog -- A spire is on the rise in Georgia – one that holds deep personal meaning for the family behind one of the South's most popular destinations, Lanier Islands Resort. Under their company – Islands Management, The Williams Family purchased the lease rights to the lakeside resort from the State of Georgia in 2005. The latest vision of CEO Virgil R. Williams, the Lakeside Chapel and Garden will serve as the newest addition to the Resort's impressive collection of wedding and event venues. Set amongst the towering pines, mighty oaks, and crystalline waters of Lake Lanier at one of the highest points within the Resort, it represents far more than that for the Williams family. Upon the completion of the non-denominational structure in Spring 2025, the Lakeside Chapel and Garden will be dedicated as living memorials to Mr. Williams' late wife, Sara D. Williams, and their only daughter, Mendy Williams Bowling.

"The Lakeside Chapel and Garden will serve as perfect tributes to my grandmother and mother," said Matthew Bowling, President of Lanier Islands. "Both women embodied elegance, loved a great love story, and were the very best of friends. I can't imagine a better way to memorialize them – they'll continue to be a part of the Islands and so many families' special memories, celebrating side-by-side for all eternity. My grandfather always speaks about the importance of leaving a legacy. The love story he shared with my grandmother is an incredible legacy that spanned 62 wonderful years. I hope it's one that every single couple who says, 'I Do' in that Chapel embraces and carries on over the decades to come."

Inspired by Lower Chattahoochee Valley architecture, the white clapboard structure will exemplify simple Southern elegance.  Surrounded by arched windows and framed by heavy timber columns and beams, the beautifully lit sanctuary will boast seating for up to 130 guests.

"This realization of my grandfather's vision goes hand in hand with his belief that faith and family come first," added Bowling. "Whatever their faith, it will be a place where couples come together to become family, and people gather to celebrate meaningful moments. Collectively, the entire Lanier Islands team is incredibly honored to be a part of so many milestones in our guests' lives, and this chapel and garden will be a beautiful continuation of that purpose."

In addition to wedding ceremonies and vow renewals (https://www.lanierislands.com/georgia_wedding_venues/), Lanier Islands envisions hosting celebrations of life, baccalaureates, and more at the new chapel. The resort has been lauded for its wedding venues over the years, most recently with The Knot Best of Weddings 2024 and the 2024 WeddingWire Couples' Choice Award®. Wedding planners and couples interested in learning more about weddings at Lanier Islands are invited to visit www.LanierIslands.com.