Note: Due to Covid-19 these events may change or cancel.

Mar 24, 2024 - Distinctively Southern Wedding Experience & Bridal Show - Franklin, TN

The restored farmhouse was he perfect backdrop for the ceremony.

Seasonal dahlias were accented by roses and lisianthus. The long farm tables were decorated with cheesecloth runners and fern garland and pillar candles and assorted vintage china.

After dinner, guests moved to a tent outside and were entertained by a bluegrass band.

Vendors

Photography: Rebecca Renee Photography
Catering: Table for 2 Catering
Florals: Chapel Hill Florist & Events by Elaine
DJ: Osborne Studio
Band: Goat Hill String Band
Rentals: Southern Events

After a beautiful outdoor ceremony, guests enjoyed a lovely reception with a locally sourced farm to table inspired menu.

Vendors

Venue: Woodland Hollow at Annie Acres
Photography: Ray and Alyssa
Catering: South Fork Catering
Rentals: Curated Events
Florist: Humble Flower Farm
Doughnuts: Five Daughters
Cake: Dotted Lime
Band: Blue Tones

They were living in Alaska when they decided to have their destination in Tennessee, near Nathan’s family. They settled on Milky Way Farms as the home for their wedding day nuptials.

The space was filled with lots of white flower to make everything light and airy.

Guests were treated to an amazing charcuterie display followed by dinner. Then, an assortment of donuts and coffee finished the meal.

Vendors

Venue: Milky Way Farm
Catering & Bartending: Table for 2 Catering
Photography: Frozen Exposure
Florals: Events by Elaine
Rentals: Southern Events
DJ: Osborne Studio

The wedding began with a beautiful ceremony at Noelle. You can’t go wrong with such a gorgeous space! The large flower display was a statement piece!

Afterward, guests headed across the street to the Nashville City Club for a gorgeous reception with a beautiful view of the city.

The bride and groom surprised their guests with 4 selections from Mike’s Ice Cream, including blackberry cobbler. You can’t go wrong with ice cream!

Vendors

Ceremony: Noelle
Reception: Nashville City Club
Photographer: Samantha Hearn
DJ: Cale Carver



Her dad spent weeks building the gazebo for the ceremony and the amazing doors for her entrance and the results were stunning.

After the ceremony, guests went to a beautiful tented reception with so many charming details. Lots of vintage crates, signs, and accents were around the tent to make guests feel welcome and relaxed. Long farm tables had cheesecloth table runners in warm colors and brass candlesticks with greenery. The head table had a lovely floral centerpiece and a calligraphy sign.

The buffet table had stacks of vintage beverage crates holding the flatware and napkins for the buffet, adding a charming touch.

This amazing cake smelled and tasted as good as it looked. With its dripping icing, fresh flowers, succulents, and fresh fruit, it was a statement piece. The warm reds, blues, and gray colors were complemented by the white icing and dripping caramel.

After dinner, guests were able to enjoy outdoor games and a band.

Vendors
Photography: Angela Lynn Photography
Cake: Olive Branch Bakery
Catering: Rowdy Ranch Catering
Band: Mary Katherine Williams
Flowers: 4Ever Flowers
Rentals: Master of Ceremonies

lewisburg, tn wedding. columbia, tn wedding. southern middle tn wedding.

After a beautiful outdoor ceremony, the party moved inside and the couple danced the night away with friends and family.

Venue: Barn at Cranford Hollow
Photography: SheHeWe
DJ: DJ Who

Covid brought so many changes to weddings and life. One of the biggest was the rise in wedding streaming. Many of my clients have used different options for their needs, from DIY to hiring vendors.

The best option is the one that is easiest for you and also for your guests. Here are some of the DIY options:

Zoom: Everyone has been on at least one Zoom meeting during the last few years. It works great for business, but isn’t always a great fit for weddings. The free plan only allows 40 minutes and the number of guests is limited.

Facebook Live: Most guests will need a Facebook account to view a private account or it will be public.

I began searching for an option that was easy to use, but still affordable. My search brought me to Event Live. The current cost is only $50 and has quite a few features.

• Guests don’t need an account.

• The link is private and you just share it with who you want

• You can have a guestbook.

• Guests can watch a replay and you can download the video.

Tips:

• Make sure you have a dedicated phone to use. A tripd is a must.

• Be sure you have good wifi or 4g.

• Assign someone to be responsible for starting, moving, and stopping the phone.

You can use it to stream your wedding or other event. So whether your guests are sick or in quarantine, the weather has messed up travel, or flights have been cancelled, here is an option to share your wedding with guests no matter where they reside.

With velvet bridesmaid dresses and her amazing bouquet, this wedding is a must see.

Their ceremony was outside under the pergola and string lights. As the guests left the ceremony, guests threw flower petals.

Near sunset, the couple and their bridal party took photos by the vineyard. The light was incredible. In addition to velvet dresses, the bridesmaid carried gold rings with florals. The brides bouquet was absolutely amazing with fall colors and feathers.

After the ceremony, guests moved inside the barn for dinner, dancing, and mingling. The bride and groom made small jars of honey as favors for the guests - Meant to Bee

Guests were treated to local gourmet doughnuts for dessert. Look at that dessert display. As the sun went down, we lit a campfire and brought out the supplies for the smores. What a wonderful evening!

VENDORS

Venue: Liberty Grace Farm
Photographer: Grace Upon Grace
Catering: Pucketts
Flowers: Lumberyard Gardens
Doughnuts: Sweet Bakes Donuts and Cakes
DJ: Remembrance Events
Hair & Makeup: R & Co Bridal Beauty

1. Thymes Lotion - These lotions feel amazing and come is a range of great scents for both men and women.

2. Southern Tea Towels - Remind your family members to clean up after themselves

3. Bombas Socks - These socks are so comfortable and are great for men, women, and kids.

4. Wolf Jewelry Box - These jewelry boxes come in sizes and are beautiful and luxurious.

5. 10ft Charging Cable - Everyone can use a 10ft charging cable in their stocking.

6.  23 and Me - Learn your ancestry and health traits.

7. Leather Coasters - These leather coasters (and lots of other great leather products) are made in Tennessee and come in lots of styles

8. Personalized Stationery - These charming notecards can be customized with your name

9. Taco Goat Cheese Pizza - This fun card game is a great ice breaker for any party

10. Maison d' Hermine Botanical Napkins - These charming napkins are perfect for any dinner.

The ceremony was held outside a historic old church owned by a nearby family member. You couldn’t ask for a prettier backdrop.

After the ceremony, guests headed to the family farm for dinner and dancing. The small cabin porch was decorated with wreaths and wildflowers.

Guests had dinner in the tent decorated with navy linens and mismatched vintage linens. Afterward guests danced and celebrated under the night sky.

Vendors

Photographer: Darcy Ferris Photography
Catering: Shaffer Farms Texas BBQ
Hair & Makeup: Jill Brooks Beauty
Band: Great Peacock
Lights & Sound: Blake Osborne
Flowers: Lively Florist
Rentals: DJs Rentals
Custom Map: Cordially Creative

Guests were treated to custom cocktails and a cooking demonstration in addition to food stations.

I provided a floral workshop station to help guests create a custom floral arrangement to take home. I chose elements that matched natural feel of the barn but still felt like a winter holiday event. I chose white and red flowers and lots of greenery - boxwood, magnolia, cypress, cedar, and pine. Accents included dried orange slices, dried seed pods, and dried flower heads.

Vendors

Photography: Taylor Lowrimore
Planning & Design: Events by Elaine
Venue: Liberty Grace Farm
Florals: Cathy Hanes
Cake: The Frosted Parlor
Dress: Modern Trousseau
Groom Styling: Abbi.Style
Hair & Makeup: Revive Salon

Look at those stunning florals with dark reds and burgundy.

Cannery One is always a beautiful wedding the large chandeliers and exposed brick walls.

After the ceremony, we flipped the space to create a beautiful reception space. We continued with more of the dark, moody florals of reds, pinks, and burgundy.

After dinner, guests were greeted with a pie buffet with various types of pie and ice cream.

Vendors

Photography: Rebecca Renee Photography
Venue: Cannery One
Catering & Dessert: Chefs Market
Florals: Mansion & Marsh
Rental: Music City Tents
DJ: Nashville Party Authority
Hair & Beauty: Caleigh Moriah
Lighting: Nashville Audio Video
Stationery: Minted

The ceremony was held outside in front of the house. Look at those adorable flowergirl and ringbearer.

After the ceremony, guests headed to the ceremony on the porches and patios of the farmhouse.

Venue: Tap Root Farm
Photographer: Emily Lester
Caterer: Dannie Holmes Catering
Cake: Alanna Tyler

It took a while to find the perfect venue, but we found it at the Hardy Chambers Farmhouse near Pulaski. The historic space was a perfect fit for the couple.

The ceremony was held by outdoors. With a flowering arbor and mismatched chairs, it was charming.

All of the wedding flowers were handpicked on the farm and placed around the house and outside.

After the ceremony, guests were greeted with appetizers served on a hanging wooden table with a vintage lace linen and mismatched china.

Guests gathered at long farm tables for a family style farm-to-table inspired dinner. Each place had a note from the bride listing all the family traditions she included in her celebration.

Guests had the option of a full beverage station and signature cocktail. The bar was an adorable vintage wagon.

The cake included vintage toppers from the bride’s grandparents. Guests were also served banana pudding.

Everyone spent the evening dancing in the yard and celebrating.

Vendors

Photography: Emily Rose Photography
Venue, Florals: Hardy Chambers Farmhouse
Caterings & Bartending: Table For 2 Catering
Band: Goat Hill String Band
Hair & Makeup: Fostering Beauty

After the ceremony, guests headed to the reception and were greeted with a stunning cake table and lush, floral and greenery filled tables. The long head table in the center of the room was a gorgeous statement.

Vendors

Photography: Nicola Harger Photograhy
Ceremony: Brentwood United Methodist Church
Reception: Richland Country Club
Ceremony Music: Nexus String Quartet
DJ: Premier DJ
Cake: Puffy Muffin
Florals: Mansion and Marsh
Transportation: Grand Ave

We added string lights under the trees to create a lovely dinner outside for guests.

Look at all that cake! The naked, berry shortcake was a huge hit with the guests.

Vendors

Photography: Sarah Gilliam
Venue: Rippavilla
Florals: Branching Out
Cake: Publix - Spring Hill
Rentals: Tablecloths by the Ks
DJ: High Tone Entertainment
Lighting: Bright Events
Bartending: VIP Bartending
Catering: Southern Red’s BBQ

Vendors:

Photography: Celladora Photography
Ceremony: St. Augustine Chapel
Reception: Butchertown Hall
Floral: White Orchid

Are you planning a party for a high school graduate?   Here are some tips and ideas to get you started.

1. Start with the graduate

Start by asking them how they want to celebrate?  Do they want a small, family party or a larger event for them and their friend?  Have them make a list of their top 5 "wants."  Take their personality, style, favorite colors and hobbies into account when making any decisions. 

2. Look at the important numbers - Date & Guest Count

Decide if you are holding your party after graduation or another weekend.   Look at what other local events will also be occurring that your graduate and their friends might also be attending.  Put together a guest list to get an estimate of how many people to plan for and the space size needed.   It is usually easiest to host the party as an open house so that guests can come and go at their convenience. 

3. Choose a Location

While it is more budget friendly to host the party in your home, there are numerous other options. 

Possible venues:

• Party Rooms

• Community Centers

• Restaurant Private Dining Rooms

• Church hall

• City Building or Business Private Room

• Clubhouse

• Rec Center

• Hotel Banquet Room

• Bowling Alley

• Theater or Art Gallery

• Park

4. Choose a Theme 

While you don't have to choose a theme, it can be fun for the graduate.  There is an almost unlimited list of possibilities.  But here are some to get you started. 

Theme Ideas:

• Fiesta/Taco Party

• Luau/Aloha

• Dr. Seuss

• Adventure/Travel

• Camping/Bonfire

• Sailing into the Future/Nautical

• The college they are going into

• The world is your canvas/Art

• To Infinity and Beyond
  
  
  

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission if you purchase something. However, it will not cost you anything extra. We are a participant in the Amazon Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program that links to Amazon.com

5. Set a Budget

The 2 largest expenses for the party will be the venue (if not in your home) and the food.  If you choose to host at home, a tent rental may be necessary. For many parties, it is easiest to use catered food from a restaurant such as a taco bar, BBQ, etc.    Other typical expenses would be invitations and decorations.   Some parents choose to spend larger amounts of money on entertainment for their parties.   

You don't have to go overboard with decorations better.  Instead, choose 2 or 3 accent points to decorate such as the front entrance, a gift table, dessert table, or a table honoring the graduate. 

Decide how you will handle extra tables and chairs if you are hosting the party at your home.  You may be able to borrow them from friends or neighbors. 

6. Set the Menu

If you host the party in your home or a location that allows outside food, you will need to decide how much food to prepare yourself.  It is more cost-efficient to cook the food, but much, much easier to have it catered.  

Food Ideas: 

• Catering from a local restaurant such as a fajita bar

• Homemade Finger foods

• Pasta or Potato bar

• Desserts Only

• Party trays from Costco/Sams Club/Kroger
  
  

7. Order the Invites

Choose an invitation that matches the style and theme of your party.  You may need to send separate invites for the graduation ceremony and the party if they are held on different days or times.   Be sure to include a phone number or email address for RSVPs. 

For invitations, my 2 favorite places for printed invites are Costco and Minted.com.  For digital invites use Evite or Paperless Post. 

8. Plan ahead

Try to make a plan for setting up decor and food ahead of time so you can relax and spend time with your graduate.  Ask for help or hire staff so that you don't have to do everything by yourself.