YOU’RE INVITED

to

The GOOD Life:

A GREAT Gatsby Affair

You are cordially invited to join Dr. Carlos Gooden in a cheers to 40 years with an unforgettable evening of jazz, champagne, and celebration

Details + venue info available after RSVP.

This May, I will be going over the hill for a milestone birthday. I’d love for you to join me as I celebrate a “Cheers to 40 years” of the GOOD(en) life with friends, family, and chosen community. Due to COVID, I never had the chance to formally celebrate graduating with my PhD with my family and friends, so this feels like a dream deferred. I’m making up for lost time!

This celebration will take place just outside of Atlanta, Georgia, and is designed as an elegant, Gatsby-inspired evening focused on good company, great energy, and meaningful connection.

In this invitation you will find:

Event Details
RSVP
Travel & Stay
Attire & Theme Inspiration
FAQ

The celebration will take place in Mableton, Georgia, approximately 25 minutes west of Atlanta. While parking is available on site, it is limited; rideshare services (Uber/Lyft) are strongly encouraged to ensure a smooth arrival and departure for all guests.

Champagne hour will begin at 6;30pm, setting the tone for the evening, with the celebration continuing into the night and concluding at 11:30pm.

A light dinner will be served, accompanied by wine and champagne throughout the evening. Guests are also welcome to bring their own beverages should they wish.

Come ready for an elevated night of style, celebration, and great company.

Specific venue address and directions will be available closer to the event date.

The Main Event

Travel & Stay

Buckhead | Near Lenox Square
Approx. 30–35 minutes to Mableton
Buckhead is an excellent option for guests looking for an upscale stay with easy access to shopping, dining, and nightlife. Hotels near Lenox Mall offer convenience, comfort, and a polished Atlanta experience.
Recommended hotels include:
- JW Marriott Atlanta Buckhead
- The Whitley, a Luxury Collection Hotel
- Hyatt Regency Atlanta Buckhead
Cumberland
Approx. 15–20 minutes to Mableton
For guests who prefer to be closer to the venue, the Cumberland area offers a convenient location with modern hotels, restaurants, and shopping—while still feeling connected to the city.
Recommended hotels include:
- Renaissance Atlanta Waverly Hotel & Convention Center
- Sheraton Suites Galleria-Atlanta
- Hyatt House Atlanta Cobb Galleria
Downtown Atlanta
Approx. 20–25 minutes to Mableton
Downtown is ideal for guests who want to be near Atlanta’s major attractions and cultural landmarks, with a direct and manageable drive to the venue.
Recommended hotels include:
- The Westin Peachtree Plaza
- Omni Atlanta Hotel at Centennial Park
- Hyatt Regency Atlanta
The closest major airport is Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
Most hotel areas listed above are 20–30 minutes from the airport, depending on traffic.
While limited parking is available at the venue, guests are strongly encouraged to use Uber or Lyft for ease and convenience—especially for the evening celebration.

For guests traveling from out of town, the main event on Saturday is conveniently located 25 minutes west of Atlanta in Mableton, Georgia. Whether you prefer a lively, upscale area or something closer to the venue, there are great options to fit your style.

Drew Struzan art for Harlem Nights (1989).jpg

Optional Weekend Details

Friday, May 29th

I’ll be kicking off the weekend with an optional visit to the Georgia Aquarium, followed by dinner. No pressure, no formal program—just good company, a little adventure, and an early toast to turning 40. If you’re in town early, come join for a fun, low-key kickoff to the weekend.

Meeting at Aquariam at 2:30pm

Georgia Aquarium Visit Today | Georgia Aquarium in Downtown Atlanta

Saturday, May 30th

The Main Event and all that Jazz as we turn the Great Gatsby affair into the Sugar Shack! Where vintage elegance meets Southern flavor down in the juke joint!

Sunday, May 31st

For those who wish to extend the weekend just a bit longer, join us for an optional farewell brunch on Sunday afternoon.

This will be a relaxed, casual gathering. An easy way to reconnect, share stories from the night before, and send one another off with full hearts and good energy. No speeches, no schedule….just good food, good conversation, and a gentle close to a memorable weekend.

Location TBD

Time: 1:30pm

Frequently Asked Questions

This is an evening cocktail celebration with an elevated feel. While this is not a black-tie event (and suits are not required), guests are encouraged to dress with intention in keeping with the Gatsby theme. Black and Gold are strongly encouraged.
Please refer to your invitation and RSVP details. If a plus-one is included, you’ll have the opportunity to note this when you RSVP. Since this is an invite-only event and space is limited, please ask the host for approval of any plus ones.
The celebration will take place primarily indoors, with select outdoor moments depending on the flow of the evening and weather conditions.
You can reach us anytime via our contact page or email. We aim to respond quickly—usually within one business day.
Limited on-site parking will be available. Guests are strongly encouraged to use Uber or Lyft for convenience and ease of arrival and departure
The event will be held in Mableton, Georgia, approximately 25 minutes west of downtown Atlanta. Out of town guests are encouraged to secure lodging in the Buckhead area or downtown Atlanta. The use of rideshare is strongly encouraged on the evening of May 30th.
The official address will be provided in the weeks leading to the event.
Champagne hour begins at sunset, with the celebration continuing into the evening and concluding at midnight.
Yes. A light dinner will be provided, along with wine and champagne throughout the evening. Guests are also welcome to bring their own beverages to stock the bar in the Sugar Shack!
I’ve never been the type to sit down and be still for too long. I like to move around! This is cocktail-style event, designed for mingling, movement is and celebration rather than a formal seated meal.
- Friday, May 29 – A birthday kickoff experience at the Georgia Aquarium followed by dinner
- Sunday, May 31 – An optional farewell brunch
Participation in these events is completely optional. Additional RSVP details for Friday and Sunday will be sent closer to the event dates.
Buckhead
Downtown
Cumberland/Vinings
Marietta
This is an adult-focused celebration designed for an evening cocktail environment.
Please RSVP directly through this site by April 15. If your plans change, you’re welcome to update your response or reach out using the contact information provided.