Even though Melissa and Matthew lived on the East Coast, they knew they wanted to hold their wedding at Matthew’s family farm in Middle TN. Because it would be a destination wedding for them and many of their guests, they knew the wanted it to be simple but also a fun gathering for everyone.

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

I recently had the pleasure of participating in a Christmas girls night out for the holiday season at the Gathering Barn in Columbia, TN. It was a collaboration between Liberty Grace Farm and the Mockingbird Restaurant.

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

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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.

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I had the pleasure of participating in a styled shoot at Liberty Grace Farm this spring. Their farm and barn in Columbia, TN is such a beautiful retreat. All the vendors collaborated to create a charming simple, southern wedding. Such a fun day!

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

When I met Hart and Ben, I knew their wedding was going to be amazing. They were so laid back and fun about everything. It was such a pleasure working with them to help create this moody, industrial wedding.

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

Lauren and Kurt were married at his grandfather’s farm - Tap Root Farm. Their wedding day was filled with laughter, fun, and lots of love.

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

From the very first time I talked with Katie, I was in love with her approach to her wedding. She wanted a small, intimate wedding for 50 guests with a laid back feel where guests could celebrate. She was such a pleasure to work with, and her wedding is one of my favorites.

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

Nikki and Cade were busy college students working on their careers. Their spring wedding was beautiful.

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

Christa and Brandt came to me wanting help to plan a relaxed, summer wedding at Rippavilla Plantation in Spring Hill, TN. They were such a fun, easy going couple that I knew their wedding was going to be memorable.

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

When the bride contacted me, she knew she wanted a small, intimate wedding for 50 guests. I was very happy to help her.

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. 

This lovely all-inclusive wedding was held at an estate an hour south of Nashville. The bride was inspired by a steel blue color swatch for the color palette. The celebration was a destination wedding with guests from Nashville and around the country gathering in Lewisburg, TN.

When a rainstorm cancelled the outdoor ceremony, we moved everything to the foyer. The bridal party walked down the grand staircase to the wedding ceremony.

Guests moved outside to the tent and covered patio by the pool. After charcuterie for cocktail hour, food stations offered numerous food options.

Photographer: Adam Wallace Photos
Venue: Jubilee Hills Estate
Catering: Dannie Holmes Catering
Planning & Florals: Events by Elaine
Rentals: Southern Events
Coffee Bar: Brandon’s Bro’rista
Cake: Alanna Tyler
Bartending: Gina Jones

Every bride has a different vision of what her wedding will look like.  Your flowers play a big part in creating that vision.  For some brides that vision includes natural florals that looked like they were picked in a field.  These stems will add a wildflower feel to your flower design.

Queen Anne’s Lace:

This flower can be found growing along fence lines and by fields around the area. Other similar looking flowers are Orlaya, Dara, or Yarrow.

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Goldenrod (Solidago):

Blamed for everyone’s fall allergies, this “weed” is truly a beautiful filler flower. It adds eye-catching yellow color. Similar flowers are Astilbe and Estelle.

(Emily Rose Photography)

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Bee Balm:

This wildflower ranges from pink, purple, white, and red. It is a favorite of bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Similar flowers would be asters or poms.

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Foxglove:

These tall spiky looking stems have bell shaped flowers ranging from purple to pink to peach. They add visual interest.

Sweet William:

These clusters of little flowers have graced flower beds for years. They are frequently found in purple, white, pink and bicolor.

Scabiosa (Pincushion):

These unique flowers have wavy stems and flowers ranging from blue-purple to almost black. They add a wild character to centerpieces.

Columbine:

Dainty flowers on tall stems, these florals add wild appeal. They are found in yellow, pink, blue, and purples.

When I met Whitney, I knew her wedding was going to be wonderful. She was the sweetest bride with a laid-back approach to planning. Together we brought her simply stunning concept to life. From greenery on the tables to rectangular plates with slate blue napkins, everything was clean and minimal, yet romantic. Did you see that amazing greenery wall? Working with the bride and her mom was truly a joy!

(Be prepared for photo overload. I couldn’t choose which ones I liked most and there were so many beautiful ones..)

The bride was breathtaking in her lace dress and with her wild, lush bouquet.

We added draping to part of the Cordelle to create an intimate feeling space for the ceremony.

After the ceremony, guests relaxed on the porch while we setup a beautiful reception with long wooden farm tables. Every guest had their name and a note at their place setting.

In addition to cake, there were cookies, brownies, and other desserts.

The bride’s mom made homemade jam as favors for the guests.

Vendors:

Venue: Cordelle
Photographer: Madi Flourney
Catering: Actual Foods
Beauty: Amanda Gros
Dress Shop: The Dress Theory
Bridal Designer: Rue de Seine
Flowers: Elder Floral
Draping: Nashville Audio Visual
Rentals: Liberty Party Rental

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Pantone has released their 12 color predictions for 2019. These colors are fun, joyful, uplifting and vibrant with lots of warm colors in reds, oranges, yellows, and pinks. The color of the year is always one of the group. This year the color of the year is:

Living Coral - a soft, warm color that feels like a delicious drink or a welcoming hug. Joyful and vivacious there is a lot of optimism in this hue.

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The full palette of 12 colors is warm and playful.

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Let’s take a look at the other colors.

Aspen Gold - This color feels like a warm, autumn sun shining down.

Pepper Stem - This color reminds me of a bountiful garden

Fiesta - There is so much excitement and boldness in this color

Jester Red - This deep shade is both elegant and bohemian

Tumeric - Just like the spice, this color adds flavor and intensity

Princess Blue - As the only blue, this color is bold and majestic

Pink Peacock - For those who love intensity, warmth, and lots of fun.

Toffee - Like a perfect piece of chocolate, satisfying and tasty.

Sweet Lilac - This pinky-purple is soft and gentle

Mango Mojito - This golden shade is uplifting and pleasurable.

Terrarium Moss - Inspired by nature and a walk in the wood.

I had the pleasure of working with Kelsey and Jeremy for their small holiday wedding. This intimate celebration had 30 guests and was perfection!

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With red and white colors for their flowers and lots of greenery, the setting was perfect for a holiday themed celebration. Their cakes came from New York to Nashville and were amazing. Guests enjoyed chocolate chip cake and confetti cake truffles. Look at those cute pinecone cake toppers!

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For favors, guests were given tiny pine trees in burlap bags that they could plant.

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Vendors

Venue: Atmology
Photography: B & B Portraits
Catering: Copper Kettle
Flowers: Village of Flowers
Cake: Milk Bar Store

Many couples are embracing small weddings and elopements. The simplicity of these gatherings is celebrating with friends in a relaxed setting while being less stressful and less expensive.

What is a small, intimate wedding?
An intimate wedding is one where there are 75 or fewer guests. An evening with 50 of your closest friends and family is perfect for celebrating.

What is a modern day elopement?
Unlike the courthouse weddings of a generation ago, many couples are having elopement style weddings. These weddings are typically only a few hours and include a ceremony and dinner with just closest family or friends.

Tips for an intimate wedding:

• You can get your Pinterest dreams. Having a smaller event means that you can incorporate some of those larger or more expensive design ideas. Instead of needing 20 tables, you only need 6 or 8. It is much easier to create your dream wedding when you aren’t obsessing over details for 125 guests.

• Your guests get to know each other. When there are only 35 people for dinner, it is much easier for everyone to chat and meet each other. Everyone can be involved whether it is a group reading at the ceremony or group karaoke at the reception.

• It is easier on your budget. Instead of throwing a large party for 150, an intimate, down to earth gathering can save you money. (Every guest you add to the list costs you more). An afternoon elopement with a casual dinner won’t require dipping into your retirement savings. Or you can create a lavish party for your 35 closest and best.

• Less Stress. It is so much easier to manage the guest list when it only includes 40 people. Smaller affairs mean fewer details, but still high on style.

• Skip the Fluff. With weddings, it is so easy to get caught up into needless things and details. When your wedding is smaller, you can skip the fluff that doesn’t add any value to your wedding. Instead you can do things that wouldn’t work at larger affairs.

• Customize everything. It is much easier to have custom place cards, a personalized menu, or one of a kind decor when you only need it for a small number of guests. Instead of traditional invitation, you can create a handwritten note to each guest inviting them to your day.

Connect with me to talk about your small, intimate wedding.