Written by JACKIE KENNEDY

There is no way to estimate exactly how many couples have exchanged vows over the past five decades in churches and event venues built or renovated by Headley Construction. But as the company celebrates its Golden Anniversary, Newnan’s award-winning builders are full of the joy that comes from knowing their work is woven into the happiest memories of countless Cowetans.

The team at Headley Construction takes great pride in knowing their quality construction techniques, meticulous attention to detail, and exceptional work ethic have played a part in helping locals make lifelong memories.

Coweta County has always been the company’s perfect match.

Headley Construction was founded by Bill and Anita Headley in 1971. From their kitchen table on Jackson Street in Newnan, the young couple built a family-owned and operated company that grew to provide general contracting services for projects throughout Georgia, Alabama and the Carolinas.

Headley Construction also specializes in historic renovation, evidenced by the company’s stately rehabilitation of the 1904 Coweta County Courthouse. The beautifully restored Classical Revival structure anchors Newnan’s town square and is one of many Headley Construction projects that serve as a backdrop for some of the best wedding photography in Coweta.

“Like with marriage itself, one of the greatest joys of being a builder is that you are a part of something that lasts for years, even generations,” says Mitch Headley, president of Headley Construction. “So many people celebrate special moments of their lives at facilities we’ve been proud to build and renovate.”

Through the years, Headley Construction has provided general contracting, design-build, value engineering and site development services on popular local wedding venues like the Historic Train Depot, McRitchie-Hollis Museum, Newnan Centre, Newnan Utilities Park and multiple churches throughout Coweta County.

“Whether couples are planning a modern, traditional or outdoor affair, choosing the right venue is especially important,” says Mitch. “And I would know, because I married the love of my life in one of these special spaces.”

Central Baptist Church

Of the numerous buildings Headley has constructed, renovated or repaired through the decades, one most near and dear to the family’s heart is Central Baptist Church of Newnan. It’s where Bill and Anita raised their four sons, Bill Jr., Mitch, Matt and Luke.

“Headley Construction has done several projects over the years at Central Baptist,” says Mitch. “The most recent expansion and renovation is the biggest and best known today.”

Growing up in the church and leading its major renovations has played a significant role in his life, but Mitch has another connection to Central Baptist Church that can’t be matched: It’s where he and his wife, Margaret, married in 1997.

“Long before the grand porte cochère and glorious vestibules were added, I chose to be married at Central Baptist because of its beauty and history,” Margaret recalls. “It means even more because my husband’s company has done so much to create and add to that beauty over the years.”

With preservation of the historic character of Central Baptist Church at the heart of its most recent expansion, Headley Construction was proud to help grow the campus to be more parishioner and pedestrian friendly. The addition of a large public parking lot increased connectivity, not just for the church but for the entire City of Newnan.

“There are so many details couples have to take into consideration, like a venue’s size, location and accessibility for guests,” says Margaret. “Central Baptist plays an important role in our community. It is a wonderful space for couples to wed, worship and fellowship with their family and friends.”

Mitch couldn’t agree more: “It was the perfect location for our special day.”

Newnan Centre

Owned by the City of Newnan and built by Headley Construction utilizing SPLOST funds and hotel/motel taxes, the Newnan Centre opened in the summer of 2013 as a multi-purpose facility for special events. The spacious venue accommodates up to 650 people. Its 6,060-square-foot ballroom features high-end finishes like cherry wood trim and custom-made fixtures imported from France. The Centre’s focal point is its impressive pavilion, a favorite spot for outdoor receptions.

In October 2019, the Newnan Centre was the site of renewal vows between Joshua and Aljean Hickman, a Navy couple who were married in a civil ceremony, and then a religious service, earlier that year. The hometown ceremony at Newnan Centre was the culmination of their wedding year, bringing together friends and family for a memorable event.

“I adored every minute of that wedding,” says Bette Hickman, mother of the groom. “Newnan Centre will always be a magical place for me. I’ve been there at many events, and when I realized my son’s wedding would take place there, it was thrilling. I’ve known Bill and Anita Headley for many years and appreciate Bill’s strengths in creating and building. Theirs is the most outstanding construction company I’ve had the experience to know. The Newnan Centre is just one testament to their commitment to this community, and their sons have followed in their footsteps.”

Joshua and Aljean Hickman held their vow renewal service at the Newnan Centre in 2019.

St. George Catholic Church

St. George Catholic Church was built at its current site on Roscoe Road in 1969, just a couple years before Bill and Anita founded Headley Construction. In 1978, their team built an addition at the church and, in 1997, crews constructed a new educational building to provide more classrooms and office space.

Today, St. George is the home church of some 1,200 families.

St. George Catholic Church was the site of the June 2021 wedding of Lexy and Zack McCurry, a local couple who dated since meeting at East Coweta High School in 2011. As a member of St. George, it was important to Lexy to have her wedding in the church.

Weddings held in a house of worship include a spiritual dimension to the proceedings, and religious ceremonies give newlyweds like Lexy and Zack a faithful connection to each other and their church community.

Historic Train Depot

Over the decades, Headley Construction has made various repairs and enhancements to Newnan’s Historic Train Depot, a popular spot for local weddings.

“We are proud to partner with the Newnan-Coweta Historical Society on the ongoing rehabilitation of the Historic Train Depot so couples and families can continue to celebrate inside the unique space for decades to come,” says Mitch.

In 2021, Sarah Lawhead and Dan MacDonnell were one of the many couples who exchanged vows at the Depot, originally constructed as a freight and passenger depot for the Atlanta & West Point Railroad in the 1850s.

“We chose the Depot because we wanted to have a place close to downtown that was cute and cool and kind of a blank slate to do whatever you wanted with, and our wedding was beautiful,” says Sarah. “The space is beautiful on its own, plus it’s easy to make it sophisticated even though the building itself is rustic. It exceeded our expectations.”

Sarah and Dan MacDonnell share their first dance after exchanging vows at the Historic Train Depot in Newnan

Newnan Presbyterian Church

At its current site on Greenville Street since 1873, Newnan Presbyterian Church has undergone several remodels in the nearly 150 years since then, including the addition of a courtyard garden that was completed in 2017.

“We love our Cornerstone Garden,” says Beth Royal, church secretary. “It has been a beautiful space for special occasions, including weddings. Headley Construction was chosen for the project because of their excellent reputation in the community.”

The first wedding celebrated in Cornerstone Garden was that of Melanie and Larry Harkleroad who married in April 2018.

“We were very excited for Headley Construction to be the ones to complete the garden project as they were a hometown construction company and supportive of our local community,” says Larry, a retired pharmacist and member of Newnan Presbyterian since 1992. “It was the first step in making our church handicapped accessible and providing an outdoor area for recreation.”

Plus, it has become a great place to enjoy a wedding, the same as so many Headley Construction projects have been for the past half century, like icing on the wedding cake.

“So many people celebrate special moments of their lives at facilities we’ve been proud to build and renovate.”

-Mitch Headley, President