The art of the perfect event is not simple to master. Weddings and large meetings require a huge amount of planning and coordination. But even the most well-planned event will fall flat if the venue isn’t up to snuff. The Conference Center at Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa has everything you need to make your wedding, or the next corporate retreat and conference, memorable.

My recent visit proved this. The rustic yet luxurious lobby indicated immediately upon entry that Brasstown Valley Resort is the perfect location for a grand event. I came with a friend scouting a destination wedding location and quickly realized this place has everything.

I’ll start with the layout. The spacious and beautifully appointed lobby features natural wood accents, vaulted ceilings that stretch up to three-stories tall, and a massive stone fireplace in the middle with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the stunning North Georgia mountains.

Head down the hallway to the left to find The Dining Room, which served us a hearty, buffet-style breakfast, a fresh salad and salmon for lunch, and a sumptuous plate of shrimp and grits for dinner. My friend was pleased to know the same chefs will handle her wedding catering.

The restaurant is adjacent to a conference center that makes traditional meeting spaces a thing of the past. More than 14,200 square feet of space accommodates groups of up to 330 people and welcomes them with both rustic and modern lodge-style design and décor. Brasstown’s professional staff is helping my friend with the wedding details, but they also assist with business or family event planning as well.

She had the option to keep things indoors in either the luxurious ballroom or one of the meeting rooms that are customizable to meet any need. But since the weather will be warm when she is married this summer, we chose the outdoor Sunset Patio and Sunset Pavilion that overlook the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains for her ceremony. The inspiring views and scenery were the perfect accompaniment to the luxurious accommodations she sought.

I personally enjoyed all the amenities at Brasstown Valley Resort. Equani Spa is a world-class, full-service spa that helped me relax and rejuvenate. We came with a purpose, but no one said I couldn’t enjoy myself during our stay. My personal favorite, however, were the Stables at Brasstown. There is no better way to experience the North Georgia mountains than on horseback. The more than 5 miles of equestrian trails were the perfect way to soak up the stunning nature surrounding the resort. A trail ride also makes a great team-building event or wedding-party excursion during a destination wedding.

The weather was beautiful during our stay, so I had to get in a round of golf as well. Brasstown Valley Resort is home to one of the most sought-after and renowned 18-hole golf courses in the Southeast. It is perennially ranked among the best courses in Georgia by publications like Golf Digest and Golf Georgia. It is a challenging course with plenty of elevation changes that provide breathtaking views and a memorable round for even the most seasoned golfers. But even with my novice-level of skill, I enjoyed my round immensely. I made a couple of memorable shots and had a great time feeling like a pro for a few hours.

I can’t recommend Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa enough. If you’re planning a destination wedding, or even a business meeting, it’s worth your time to contact one of Brasstown’s planning and activity staff listed here: https://www.brasstownvalley.com/meetings-events/sales-team/. At less than two hours from Atlanta and a short drive from Asheville, N.C., Chattanooga, Tenn., and Greenville, S.C., Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa should be at the top of your list when planning your next event.

I plan on coming back for a vacation, even when there isn’t a wedding or event to attend.