Weddings The Bridal Show was a treasure trove of great Nashville wedding resources. While there were many amazing showcases from vendors we know and love (which we will share later this week), there were a few that stood out as our absolute favorites! They caught our attention (which is sometimes hard to do). These 5 wedding resources were creative, new, exciting and would make incredible additions to your Nashville wedding.
My Lady Dye - myladydye.com
Just when you think we've seen all you can do with paper, a young, hip and innovative company like My Lady Dye comes along and shows us there are no limits to creativity. Look at these festive, fun ideas! We love the paper cones, love the circular fan monograms that you can hang or use as table numbers, and all the custom, personalized creations they have. Everything from My Lady Dye is 100% custom and couture.
Place cards, save-the-dates, gift tags... oh my!
Versatile styles unique to each bride.
SunnyBand - sunnyband.com
The smiling gal you see is Sunny who started SunnyBand. Her company specializes in custom headpieces women and brides. If you're boisterous and bubbly just like her you could opt for a grand faux peony piece like she has on to really make a statement, or you can opt for some smaller, more subdued pieces if that's more your style. Whatever it is, SunnyBand is worth checking out for a fun bridal shower theme with your girls or something to change into for the reception, or just to wear whenever!
Fantastic Flipbooks - fantasticflipbooks.com
This booth has had wedding enthusiasts in Nashville all abuzz since the show - what a great favor idea! Get your guests (or yourself) in the costumes and props they provide, start having fun in front of the camera and merely a couple of minutes later, walk away with your own flipbook of everything you just did on camera! The instant production factor is huge! Fantastic Flipbooks will keep your guests entertained for hours and you can join in the fun too!
Gone are the days your bridesmaids have to hike up their pretty dresses and feel about in the dark to go to the restroom. No more port-a-johns at weddings for us! This trailer makes some hotel restrooms look blah with the wood cabinetry and modern sinks. Best part? It's air-conditioned AND has a flat-screen TV in each one!
His 'n hers! I love how you can use your foot to flush this.
The Collection {Wedding Photographers} - thephotographycollection.com
Last but not least, we're excited to give you a sneak peek at The Collection, who made their debut at the bridal show. It's a team of photographers handpicked by Whitney and Peter Carlson (Dove Wedding Photography) to bring a variety of creative, talented photographers to Nashville brides. We are so excited about them joining the wedding community!
Their booth was so welcoming and the beautiful pictures made it feel like you were stepping into a home.
We really felt these vendors stood out as something new for Nashville. But, there are many more bridal show resources to share this week so check back tomorrow and don't forget to visit all these vendors to learn more about what they have in store.
StudioWed Nashville now has a wedding blog that allows us to keep a pulse on what's happening at their Nashville's wedding planning studio - from events to weddings. One post that caught my eye was the wedding of Kimberly and Rashad. I enjoyed their wedding so much that I wanted to share it with you, especially the wonderful same-day edit video (by McNeal Wedding Films) included below that you must absolutely watch!
By the way, if you haven't visited StudioWed this month, you should! They are a great offline wedding planning resource. Plus, all brides who visit the studio this month will be entered to win a gift from Tiffany and Co. Visit their blog to learn more about the StudioWed giveaway.
We’re so happy to share with you a wedding from a few months ago where several of our StudioWed Nashville Exclusive Vendors worked together to make one gorgeous wedding for bride and groom, Kimberly & Rashad.
Here are the members who were involved in making the day so beautiful:
Dove Wedding Photography – Photography – Dove did such a beautiful job of capturing the love that Kimberly & Rashad radiate. Stunning!
McNeal Wedding Films – Videography – We can’t say enough good things about McNeal and the incredible job they did on the same day edit of the ceremony that was showed at the reception – WOW! It amazes me how they were able to edit all of those video clips during the reception (see the video below)!
Rhonda Patton Designs (RhondaPattonWeddings.com) – Florals – Rhonda made some of the most beautiful floral arrangements for their reception and we just love the bouquets!! She really knows how to make an event so classy.
A Delightful Day Event Planning – Planner – Mary Alice kept the day running smoothly once again! She certainly knows how to keep a bride and groom happy and at ease throughout the wedding planning process and wedding day!
Nashville Audio Visual (NashvilleAudioVisual.com) – Lighting – Chris Jackson made The Hutton look so welcoming and inviting.
Sweet Life Designs Stationery Studio (SweetLifeDesigns.com) – Paper Goods – Amber Housley designed every paper good for Kimberly & Rashad’s wedding & ceremony and everything looked so gorgeous. Her designs certainly know how to capture guest’s attention.
Amy Lynn Larwig – Bridesmaid’s make up – We just love Amy Lynn, she really knows how to make people feel confident and beautiful.
It's easy to assume that catering companies focus solely on food and that's it. Fact is, there are catering companies who believe in providing more than just food but also great presentation and quality service. Chef's Market is one of those companies that not only serve tasty, delicious and even cutting edge food but the experience is enhanced by creative presentation and great event decor. Say goodbye to boring ol' chaffing dishes sitting in a row on a table and hello to interesting buffet tables and food that tastes as exquisite as it is presented.
Nashville Vendor Spotlight: Chef's Market, a Wedding Catering Company
Number of years in the business:
We’ve been in business for the past 13 years in August, time has definitely flown by!
How did you get started in weddings?
Jim Hagy, the owner of Chef’s Market has been involved in the restaurant industry his entire life, in fact he’s a third generation restaurateur, so when Chef’s Market opened in 1997, getting into catering and more specifically weddings just felt very natural for the business.
What do you like most about weddings?
We truly believe that food brings people together and having the opportunity to provide that service at such significant a celebration as a wedding is very gratifying for us as a business. We also love designing and creating unique and beautiful food displays and table décor, it’s one of the things we’re known for and it’s always fun incorporating a bride’s vision into our food presentation.
Photo source: Divine Images
What are your strengths compared to others in your category? / Why should a bride hire you?
We have an amazing team of people who make our events happen and we think the fact that everyone from our Catering Director to our Prep Chef is personally invested in each event has a lot to do with our success as a catering company. Our talented staff has the ability to see the event through from start to finish, including overall event design concept and style. We do not just focus on the food, we also “get” the big picture! Our emphasis on design and presentation really makes us stand out and our innovation and quality of food and service are only a few reasons why a bride should look into having us cater her wedding.
Picture source: Divine Images
Picture source: Divine Images
What is your specialty?
While we cater everything from plated meals to buffet style menus, lately many brides have been opting for heavy dinner stations. We’ve never boxed ourselves into any specific category as far as cuisine is concerned as we love to try new recipes and presentation styles, however in general we love to give ordinary food a gourmet twist, such as adding a flavorful Red Pepper Jelly to spice up ordinary Ham Biscuits.
Do you provide bar service?
Although Chef’s Market does not have a liquor license, we are happy to lend our expertise in planning for bar services, including suggestions of beer and wine brands, quantity, etc. Additionally, we offer the following bar services; bar-set-ups, mixers, juices, fruits, ice, bar tools, soda, bottled water and ABC Certified Bartenders.
Who are your 5 favorite Nashville wedding vendors – helpfulness, professionalism, style?
This is a tough one because Nashville has such an incredible wedding industry! We really feel than any vendor who’s apart of TWESA (Tennessee Wedding Event Specialists Association) is not only going to know what they’re doing but also be professional, creative and passionate about weddings, which are all necessary qualities for building a working relationship with each other in this industry.
Who do you recommend when you’re not available/not a fit?
There are many great caterers to choose from but we often recommend both the Clean Plate Club and A Catered Affair for any reception that we’re unable to cater ourselves.
What do you read/watch regularly to stay on top of wedding/event/food trends?
Catering is a business that’s continually evolving, which is great, as it keeps us moving forward with menu and design ideas. We’re constantly reading restaurant and catering trade publications as well as local and national blogs in order to stay ahead of the game. We also make sure to attend at least one catering conference per year.
Let’s discuss current catering trends
Are there currently any popular menu items or dining styles that you’ve seen or even would like to see?
What’s most popular right now is for Brides and Grooms to choose foods they love, which really means that anything goes when it comes to catering. It’s nice to see that couples are not afraid to express themselves through their food choices. Instead of having the same menu at every wedding, we are seeing a wide variety of different items!
What is your favorite dish to serve at a wedding/event?
For a recent wedding of ours, the Bride and Groom asked for personalized sushi rolls, which was a lot of fun for us to put together! Our favorite dishes are always the ones where we get to truly ‘cater’ the food to the couple getting married.
Which food trend do you dislike?
While mashed potato and macaroni bars are always going to taste great and be popular for weddings, we have done so many that it’s not as fun for us as other menu items.
Which catering trend are you glad is gone?
Hmm, we’d have say satellite cakes from the 80’s…it happened once, we hope it never happens again!
Boy I'd love to see a picture of that cake! What are your favorite websites for inspiration and to stay on top of food/catering trends?
We love reading both local and national food blogs, there’s just so much diversity out there and it’s great to see what others are writing about. Some of our go to blogs are: Love & Olive Oil, Lannae’s Food & Travel, Confections of a Foodie Bride and The South in My Mouth.
What's your favorite TV show and why?
Top Chef is great not only because it’s interesting to see what industry’s up and coming chefs create, but the time crunch is often reminiscent of our catering kitchen on big event days!
Chef's Market complements it's great food with stellar food/table design! Photo Source: Joe Hendricks Photography
Grilled canteloupe fruit pearls. Photo source: Chef's Market
While I can't cook, I love Top Chef too!! What is your favorite thing about catering weddings?
We love meeting all of the different couples who hire us as their wedding caterer. No two weddings are alike and there’s always something new, it’s hard to get bored in this profession!
What is the biggest misconception about your industry?
People often assume that the quality of catered food is not very good, when in fact; it all depends on who you choose to do the catering. The old “rubber chicken” analogy is thrown around a lot, but in fact catering food can be great! A good caterer knows what foods will and will not work, given the venue restrictions, time lines, etc, and they will guide you in choosing a menu that will be great for your event. Maybe you have dreamed of sweet potato fries for your day, but your venue doesn’t allow cooking on site. An experienced caterer will have the courage to tell you that your sweet potato fries may fall flat….(literally!)...but they will also be able to suggest good alternatives. Every catering company needs to have a fantastic Culinary and Sales team that understands the intricacies of logistics and planning in order to be successful, and we feel really lucky to have both of those at Chef’s Market!
Thank you Genna and Shannon for filling us in on Chef's Market. It's exciting that there's a caterer in town with whom brides can work with to really achieve their vision! Brides, let us know if you've worked with Chef's Market or if you're about to work with them on your wedding, we'd love to hear your feedback in our comments!
If you are looking for a rustic, spacious wedding venue far removed from busy highways, streets, and neighbors - Front Porch Farms is THE place for you. I'll be very honest, on my drive to the farm - I was thinking - 1) this is far and 2) this is out of the way. But, when I arrived, I forgot about the distance and was in complete awe. And, that's why so many Tennessee brides fall in love with FrontPorch upon their arrival.
When I visited their Open House, I met so many brides who had just booked the farm as their wedding venue and were back to see it again. They loved that instead of noises, eyesore buildings in sight, neighbors, and busy intersections - the farm offered true seclusions and picturesque views of our lovely montaineous Tennesee landscape. It was a perfect "look and vibe" for their wedding day and I soon started to agree! And while I have never been a country-seeking girl - at one point, I started envisioning how even I could thoroughly enjoy this spectacular serene place for an event. Yes - me, the ultimate city girl!
FrontPorch Farms is truly a special place. Kathy + Brian Best, the owners and operators, have given this jewel a lot of love and have spared no attention to detail.
Special thanks to Kathy for inviting me to see her amazing wedding and event farm and to McCoy Made for capturing my visit with vibrant photographs! I'll let the pictures tell the story.
I love, love, love the swimming pool.
Event florals by The Enchanted Florist, always lovely, creative and dazzling. I love Caprice, the owner and lead designer of Enchanted.
My favorite aspect of the farm was the enormous balcony, which overlooked the area pictured above. Situated off the bride's room, the balcony is the perfect hideaway for a bride and her bridesmaids as the guests arrive. Perched above the ceremony location, you can enjoy the pre-ceremony time with close friends, watch everything as it unfolds with plenty of space. I envision having food, drinks, and girl talk on the balcony as you enjoy and prepare for your big moment. And, the view is breathtaking! There's nothing more peaceful.
The balcony is about the same size as the porch pictured above. I fell in love with both - what creative things you could do with these unique spaces!
The florals and decor were from Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton's engagement party, which was hosted by Front Porch Farms the evening before. Their engagement party took place in the tented pavilion. Don't you love the willow lanterns? The lanterns can be rented from Nashville Event Lighting.
Front Porch Farms has a vast inventory of shabby-chic decor items to complement the farm's look that are available for you wedding day.
There is a separate house for the groom and his boys!
Chef's Market catered the event and offered a smorgasbord of delights - from banana pudding and tiramisu to fried mac n' cheese and fried green tomato sliders - comfort food for a cozy venue!
The bride's room which also serves as the couple's suite after the wedding.
As Hillary (of Brocade Design) and I drove home from the farm, I realized that the ride wasn't as far as I initially thought. And, it dawned on me that there was NO traffic during 5pm drive to the farm. But, I guess that's what makes this place so special - it's location is far enough from the busy world but accessible enough for your wedding guests to get there without traffic, even during rush hour. Plus, once your guests arrive - they will truly forget about any doubt they had about the drive and every lasting memory will be positive.
If you are a bride seeking a serene, outdoor, spacious wedding venue - be sure to put Front Porch on your list before making a final decision. I love Front Porch, Southall Eden and Cedarwood - all great farm wedding venues - all with distinct styles and offerings. So, be sure to include all 3 on your short list of wedding venues.
Many people think of wedding and event design as a big-budget splurge when in reality, it could save you time as well as money. When done effectively, your wedding budget can be maximized. That's the speciality of Dawn Schenkel and her team at Premier W.E.D. who "turn fantasies into memorable realities". They will work with you to hone your overall vision as well as execute on the details so you get what you want.
Ashley's Bride Guide goes one-on-one with Dawn Schenkel of Premier W.E.D.
A Premier W.E.D. client's wedding ceremony and reception at the Schermerhorn in Downtown Nashville
Number of years in the business:
12 with the actual company 1 before on the side.
How did you get started in weddings?
I worked for the largest non-profit in TN handling, marketing, membership, fundraising and special events. Started a family and realized I could have a better schedule and make almost as much doing events on my own. Started Premier W.E.D. and haven’t looked back.
What do you like most about weddings?
The “Dream” finally coming to life for that couple when they enter their wedding. Their faces when they see the details laid out and can finally “see” the results of all the planning is priceless.
What’s your favorite wedding pic/video and why?
No way I can choose this b/c I pride myself on individuality and uniqueness. I have many facets of design and to choose just one would be a shame. I love contemporary design, traditional, vintage, urban, country…it all has it’s place!
What is your service philosophy?
My tag line for years has been “We turn fantasies into memorable realities”. I have seen industry people literally copy that word for word into their websites and/or just use versions of it. That isn’t a statement to just use because it sounds pretty. We mean it! I think the point is….I have always strived to bring to life a vision of the client in a manor that is suited to their personality. The service in that is to “hear, help and execute” the clients needs. Some are more involved than others and that is what makes my job so versatile and enjoyable! It’s an honor.
What are your strengths compared to others in your category? Why should a bride hire you?
I am as logistically sound and organized as I am creative. When I was younger and hadn’t met my calling it was a curse. I was never satisfied in my job. Now I am blessed to share my gifts (because I think it is a gift to have that balance) with others.
Who are your 5 favorite Nashville wedding vendors?
A Village of Flowers - Creative, kind and they get my design sense.
Keoni K Photography- Humble, and a great visionary
Liberty Party Rental - Always a friend in the business Jason Davis
DJ - Goes above and beyond his job requirements to help me, which in turn helps the client.
BBJ Linen - service and of course, quality.
Who do you recommend when you’re not available/not a fit?
I’m always available! ☺ I have 3 directors that balance our availability. I try to never turn business away. Not to say I don’t think there are great men and women out there that could be a good referral.
What do you read/watch regularly to stay on top of wedding/event trends?
Wedding magazines of all kinds, I follow the fashion industry a lot (I feel it has a huge hand in event design) and I certainly don’t watch the reality shows! They drive me batty!
Which wedding trend do you love?
Vintage weddings
Which trend do you hate?
Party buses for guests.
Which trend are you glad is gone?
Dollar Dance, twinkle lights and tulle
Which trend are you sad is gone?
Porcelain wedding cake toppers
What are your favorite wedding websites/ neatest wedding find?
etsy.com because of it’s uniqueness and it’s been a couple of years now, but the ring bearer bowl was my favorite. It’s just now becoming popular.
What's the one thing you think a budget bride should always make it into a budget:
A WEDDING PLANNER AND DIRECTOR!!!
What's one way brides can save money/be more economical?
All in one wedding location/ and or no alcohol
For the platinum bride, what is the one thing youve always wished a bride would add?
Out of state rental items that are non-existent in TN.
What would be doing if you did not work in weddings?
Interior Design
Favorite TV show and why?
Used to be Lost but now nothing….no time to watch TV
Last vacation?
Vegas Baby!
What are you reading?or last thing you read?
The Power of a Praying Wife, NY weddings, and Janet Evanovich, Stephanie Plum Novel series. I admit to needing a little, what I call…Bubble gum for the brain sometimes. I have to let my mind rest.
Just curious, what advice would you give to brides on choosing a florist?
Compare quotes and apples to apples. Don’t get two different design schemes and try to compare…it never works.
What is the biggest misconception about your industry?
The biggest misconception is that they can’t afford me or any wedding director much less a planner. (Again…two totally different jobs!) My most budget minded client I have had to date just said…..”You can’t afford NOT to have a planner!” She didn’t understand that until getting further into the process and seeing the tricks I pulled and the favors I asked for to get her wedding in the right budget.
Does your company do anything special that a green bride might want to know?
We offer vendors who specialize in green products. Catering, invitations, rentals, etc.
We hope this spotlight on Premier W.E.D. and the fantastic pictures that Dawn has shared inspire you - they really are spectacular. For more information on Premier W.E.D., you can visit their website where you'll see more pictures and events they have done on their blog. You can also follow them on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook!
At Ashley’s Bride Guide, we’re always on the lookout for innovative and exciting wedding ideas.
Send us your wedding tips, creative ideas, or your own wedding
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