{Sponsor Spotlight} Music City Events: A Nashville Wedding Planning Company
Monday, May 16, 2011
Anytime I need help with an ABG event, Sarah of Music City Events, is always the first to lend a hand. I know she's busy but she's always excited to not only help but jump in and tackle my to-do list. To me, that demonstrates a true passion for wedding and event planning and her excitement thrills me. With her, no request is too big or small and I think that's important when you hire an event planner. For Sarah, planning is more than a career, it's a delight.
If you are seeking a wedding planner or dont think you need one, keep reading. I'd like to give you some insight into Sarah, her company, her personality and service philosophy. From full-service to day-of planning. large scale to DIY, Sarah's done it all which is why she's among our hand-picked planners and a great choice for your big day.
Tyler Andrews Photography
Contact Info
Name: Music City Events
Main Contact: Sarah Willard
Phone Number: 615-727-3903
Email Address: sarah at aMusicCityEvent dot com
Twitter: twitter.com/MusicCityEvents
Facebook fan page: facebook.com/MusicCityEvents
Number of Years in the Business:
I had to add this up: 8 years in July! Wow!
How did you get started in weddings?
Two of my friends became engaged and I was the Maid of Honor- so the natural planner in me kicked into high gear. I started scouring the internet for the right vendors, bought wedding magazines by the score and threw myself into learning trends and diy projects. It's all I did with both of them for a solid 12 months! 
When their weddings were over I had all this information and was still soaring from the successful events, and offered to help an acquaintance plan her wedding. I vividly remember sitting at my computer at midnight researching for this girl that I barely knew when the proverbial light bulb clicked. I love this. My father owns his own company so I gave him a call and picked his brain on the ups and downs, highs and lows and the "what needs to be done". I got my certification, threw myself into the entire process whole heartedly and here I am!
What do you like most about weddings?
They are pure joy. Yes, there are stressful moments and tons of details and tons of vendors involved in each wedding (on average, 16) but they are so joyful. At this point in a bride's life, this is the biggest thing. THE biggest thing. To be part of that is incredible. I love the bond that it creates between my brides and myself.
What’s your favorite wedding pic/video and why?
It is hard to choose one favorite photograph - especially if you are trying to tell a story! It takes more than one, which is why a compilation is so lovely. This compilation is from LRS's wedding in January 2010. It's been over a year and I still adore it! You can tell in an instance what the feel of her wedding was meant to be. That is what a photo should tell you - the story of the day. These photographs were captured in a beautiful way and pieced together so you could know the story too. From the vintage typewriter to the old library books to the 1920's venue - you know this bride is old-school classic and a romantic at heart!
What is your service philosophy?
Each bride is different, and therefore so is each wedding. When we work with a bride I work with them. I strive to ensure that their wedding looks and feels like them. I dislike doing the same thing over and over again and I am always looking for innovative ways to layout a reception or to give a popular decor item a little oomph. Guests should be enticed and excited from the moment they receive their invite in the mail. Every detail is finely tuned and executed and it is all done with style!
What are your strengths compared to others in your category? Why should a bride hire you?
Instead of touting myself, I thought I would offer up the words of actual brides. These three lovelies are a previous bride, a current bride and a bride that is in the industry!!
"Sarah wanted to make our wedding as much about us as it could possibly be. Whether it was that extra phone call freaking out over a vendor or the budget, there is always a friendly, non-panicked voice on the line which will go that extra mile to make sure your event turns out brilliantly. Sarah has a great sense of how to capture your vision and make it into something truly amazing. Strengths- friendly (not pretentious), great vendor relationships (always knows who to call), not afraid to take charge, very easy to work with, very organized, easy to get a hold of, and wants to find the best vendors for you within your price range (and already knows who these people are)." ~ Meridith, married May 2010
"Sarah is the real deal. She doesn't fluff, she's fun, flexible, doesn't overcharge, and is completely understanding. Sarah W. spends an extensive amount of time getting to know her clients and extends herself to make each bride feel like her wedding will be the event of her dreams. She incorporates creativity and keeps expectations realistic. My fiancé loves the fact that when Sarah touches base with a new vendor decision, she offers up choices that fit our style and budget, never misleading us. Honestly, being a bride is easy with Sarah as your right hand woman!" ~Sarah P. who married her Love in January 2011
"Sarah's ability to creatively embrace challenges and problem solve on the spot, while keeping cool under pressure is a rare and wonderful trait in this business. Sarah embraced our modest budget, constantly evaluated how to get the biggest bang for our buck, and always worked on creative ways to maximize our day." ~ Jessica, marrying May 2011
Krista Lee Photography
Tyler Andrews Photography
Left: A beautiful wedding Sarah helped put together at the Parthenon. (Images from A Music City Event)
Right: A happy couple after their outdoor ceremony. (image from Scott Hammaker Photography)
Who are your 5 favorite Nashville wedding vendors – helpfulness, professionalism, style?
~ Belles Fleurs Designs is just simply fantastic. I love working with Bonnie and her assistant Anastasia. They rock! There is nothing that Bonnie cannot create - and I've thrown her some curves! She is punctual, has wonderful style and always works within my clients budgets, suggesting the proper flowers that will work for them.
~ Jessica Sneed: Noah Liff Opera Center is an amazing facility nestled in the West End area. Jessica is one of the best people I've ever had the pleasure of working with. She works tirelessly for the couples who are marrying in her building and she's a planner's dream come true. The venue itself is breathtaking with spectacular architecture. It was built with events in mind and can hold both the ceremony and reception!
~ Hamilton Bartending Services is another favorite. They are always available when I call on them, Jesse is a treasure trove of information and always provides me with correct numbers for anything I need (even if he's not working that event!) regarding the bar and all that it requires.
~ Gregory Byerline is a favorite photographer of mine. I love his style, I love his presentation and I love how passionate he is about his work. He has a different take than most (not all, but most) photographers in Nashville and I like different. He is extremely professional and very quick to respond. Gotta love that!
~ Dulce Desserts (DulceDesserts.com) has some deliiiiicious cakes! Juanita can rock your socks when it comes to her designs and the flavors of her cakes. Have you seen her butter cream cake? They look like fondant! So smooth! Juanita loves what she does and excels in it. She is also one to give brides plenty of options, and that is something a bride needs and appreciates these days.
What do you read/watch regularly to stay on top of wedding/event trends?
Believe it or not, one of my faves is Architectural Digest. I do read wedding sites, blogs and magazines such as Brides, the Knot and Weddings Unveiled. But there is something about inspiration that comes from the "odd" source! It just seems to thrive and connect with the bride. I look for inspiration based on each individual client. I never look "wholesale" for several brides at once. I base a couples' wedding on them, and that is how it should be. I have a goal to never have a "stamp" look to any of my events. I do not want industry peeps to see an event that I designed and think "oh right, she always does that". I like to creatively think inside, outside, on top of, below and beside that box!
Gregory Byerline Photography
What are your favorite wedding websites? / Neatest wedding find?
I love Pocket Full of Dreams. I like staying fresh by looking at overseas blogs and sites. They have a different take! I also like Elizabeth Anne Designs.
For "budget savvy" brides: what's the one thing you think should always make it into a budget?
You should always allot part of your budget for lighting and nice/personal invitations. The invitation is the first thing your guests see and it really sets the tone for your wedding and (let's face it) whether or not they will even attend. If it grabs their attention - they will not want to miss the rest! Lighting is also essential for your reception, at the very least. It completes a room and adds so much to the ambience and feel of the evening. It can take guests from a relaxed dinner setting to a No-One-Can-Stay-Off-the-Dance-Floor setting in a twinkle!
Where can we find you if you’re not working with a bride?
When I am not with a bride you can find me zipping around town with my awesome kiddo, Michael. He's such a precocious 6 year old and we are all the time going from swim lessons to soccer practices and games to the Frist or the Zoo or wherever! He loves what I do and likes to hear about the weddings and the "princesses".
JenM Photography
For more information on A Music City Events visit their website at MusicCityEvent.com or give Sarah a call to see how she can help you put your wedding together!
About the Author:
Ashley of Ashley's Bride Guide
Hey - I'm Ashley! I started AshleysBrideGuide.com to give Nashville brides, or folks planning a Nashville wedding, a local resource for inspiration and resources. Hope to see you at a bridal show soon! Happy Planning.
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Posted on May 16, 2011 |
Filed under: Our Featured Advertisers!, Wedding Planners & Coordinators
