Cat and Katie had already made it official — the legal part was done. What this day was about was something different: showing up for their people, and letting their people show up for them. We started at their home — a bright yellow, warmly layered space full of personality and life — where two longtime friends, a pair of sisters, were doing their hair and makeup right there in the kitchen. Three little dogs kept close watch. Chickens wandered out back near a lush garden, and the front yard was bursting with flowering trees and blooms that felt almost too good to be real. Cat and Katie helped each other get dressed in outfits that were unmistakably, wonderfully them. Then we spilled outside for a little while — unhurried, easy, golden.
By the time we arrived at Sun in My Belly, their guests were already there, already buzzing — and when Cat and Katie walked in, the room erupted. People were crying before anyone said a word. A friend officiated a ceremony so that everyone they loved could witness it too. A toddler carried the rings. There were vows and stories and tears and, instead of a kiss, a long, full hug — which felt exactly right. What followed matched the couple perfectly: a custom mural photo booth made by an artist friend, candlelight, draping florals, heartfelt speeches that remembered those who couldn’t be there, and a dance floor with a friend behind the decks. Celebratory without being over the top. Full of love, full of community, full of them.
As a documentary photographer, I’m all about capturing the real stuff — quiet glances, joyful chaos, the unscripted in-betweens that actually feel like you. That’s why a Sun in My Belly wedding is such a perfect match for my approach. The historic Kirkwood space, with its warm string lighting, rustic-chic character, and intimately scaled rooms, creates an atmosphere that already feels like a dinner party at your favorite person’s house. It’s the kind of place where you can slow down, be present, and let the moments unfold — while I quietly document the magic.
My advice for this venue:
- Lean into the dinner party energy. Sun in My Belly isn’t a ballroom — it’s better. It rewards warmth, closeness, and a relaxed pace. Let your guests mingle, let the candlelight do its thing, and don’t over-program the evening. The room handles the atmosphere.
- Bring a personal creative touch. A photo booth, a Polaroid guest book, something tactile and handmade — this space has the personality to match it, and your guests will love having something to interact with.
- Get ready somewhere with breathing room. There’s no dedicated getting-ready space on-site, so I recommend arriving already dressed and in your element. Skip the logistical stress and walk straight into the celebration.
Plan Your Dream Sun in My Belly Wedding in Atlanta, GA
If you’re searching for a Sun in My Belly wedding, chances are you already know you don’t want a conventional venue. You want something that feels intentional, intimate, and rooted in good food and genuine community. Tucked into Atlanta’s Kirkwood neighborhood in the historic Bailey’s Hardware building, Sun in My Belly has been one of Atlanta’s most beloved café and catering operations for over 20 years. For couples who want their wedding to feel more like an unforgettable dinner party than a production, it delivers beautifully.
Here’s everything you need to know about planning your Sun in My Belly wedding.
About Sun in My Belly
Sun in My Belly wears a few hats — breakfast and lunch café, dinner spot, and full-service catering company — and that versatility is exactly what makes it such a compelling wedding venue. The space lives in the historic Bailey’s Hardware building at the corner of Murphy Ave and College Ave in Kirkwood, and it carries that history well: warm vintage lighting, rustic-chic details, an artful eccentric energy, and a communal feeling that’s genuinely hard to manufacture. This isn’t a blank-slate event hall. It already has a soul.
For couples who care about food, Sun in My Belly’s commitment to fresh, local, seasonal ingredients means the meal is part of the experience — not just a line item. They’ve been a leader in the Atlanta catering scene for over two decades, and it shows in both the quality and the care.
Ceremony at Sun in My Belly
A Sun in My Belly wedding can include a ceremony right on-site, making it a true one-location celebration. The intimate scale of the space lends itself beautifully to smaller, meaningful ceremonies — the kind where every person in the room actually knows the couple. If you’ve already handled the legal side and want a ceremony that’s purely about celebrating with your community, this setup is ideal. A friend can officiate, you can write your own vows, and the transition from ceremony to reception is completely seamless.
Reception at Sun in My Belly
This is where a Sun in My Belly wedding truly shines. The experience here is built around the table — around gathering, sharing, and savoring together.
A few things worth knowing:
Logistics are handled. Your rental includes six hours from start to finish, with additional time available. The venue is fully wheelchair accessible and valet parking is available for guests.
The food is the real deal. Whether you go buffet or seated dinner, the menu is thoughtful, seasonal, and built to accommodate vegetarian, vegan, and allergy-conscious guests. No one gets left behind.
The space does the decorating for you. Vintage string lights, warm architectural character, and a relaxed-rustic atmosphere mean you don’t need to over-decorate. Draping florals and candlelight pair perfectly with what’s already there.
Photography Opportunities at Sun in My Belly
As a photographer, I love working at Sun in My Belly because the light is warm, the environment is full of personality, and genuine moments are happening in every corner of the room. The intimate scale means I’m never far from the action — a quiet exchange across a candlelit table, a burst of laughter during speeches, the full-room reaction when the couple walks through the door. Bring a custom photo booth or Polaroid guest book and it fits right in. The Kirkwood neighborhood also offers some lovely exterior spots if you want to step outside for couple portraits before or after dinner.
FAQs About Sun in My Belly Weddings
Is Sun in My Belly available for weddings? Yes. They host wedding ceremonies and receptions at their Kirkwood location and also cater weddings at other venues across the Atlanta area and beyond.
How many guests can the space accommodate? The venue works best for intimate celebrations. Reach out directly to the Sun in My Belly team for current capacity details and to discuss your specific layout needs.
Can we customize the menu? Absolutely. Sun in My Belly is known for working with couples to build menus that reflect their tastes, with accommodations for vegetarian, vegan, and allergy-conscious guests. Fresh, local, seasonal ingredients are a cornerstone of what they do.
Is there parking? Parking is available nearby, be sure to check with the restaurant to see what they recommend for an event’s parking.
How do I get in touch? Visit suninmybelly.com to inquire about events and catering. Reaching out early — especially for peak wedding season dates — is strongly recommended.
Thinking about a Sun in My Belly wedding and want to know how to make the most of it photographically? I’ve got you. Let’s talk about your day, your people, and how to capture all of it in a way that actually feels like you.
