As a bride, when you consider your seemingly endless “to do” list, a mellow, back porch wedding vibe appears nearly impossible. But Celeste Morris, owner of catering service, Mrs. J’s Baking and Catering, will prove you wrong in a second, especially when gushing over her family style food option! Sprinkled by vintage, Southern charm, my conversation with Celeste sparkled as she happily explained the beautiful ways that family style food creates a family style environment!
Can you tell me about the family style dining option for a wedding?
Family style encompasses several things. Instead of wedding guests lining up at a buffet, they’re given tableside service, and rather than individual entrees, meals are brought out in bowls or platters, which guests pass amongst themselves. The ultimate goal and typical response from the family option is that people come to know each other, talking and laughing in a more intimate ambiance. The vibe that’s produced is similar to a feeling you might get at a holiday gathering or family reunion as everyone is brought together in a laid back environment.
What do you offer for those who select the family style option?
We can just about make any entrée or side family style. When it’s time for the meal, everyone sits at tables where salads are already arranged and prepared as the first course alongside baskets of rolls. As the meal gets started, 1-2 foods are brought out on platters to be passed around amongst the guests, who are always welcome to request seconds!
What type of couple/wedding style is the family option great for?
The family style option doesn’t fit with a super upscale, fine dining experience. Most couples are aiming toward a vintage or southern style wedding. While there’s always china and silver, the environment is still laid back compared to other atmospheres. Oftentimes, country or farm tables are incorporated into the reception style, perfect for venues such as Front Porch Farms, where we’ve done weddings outdoors, polished with porch swings and pavilions. The family style works for the couples that want to offer a casual, good feeling experience for their guests—almost a breath of fresh air from their day-to-day lives while providing them a chance to get to know the other guests who love the couple as much as they do.
We know that you love focusing on how food brings people together for an event. Can you tell us how the family option brings a special focus on food compared to the other options?
The family style option provides a more intimate experience than other options that might be slightly more awkward. Everything feels approachable—the people beside you, the people at other tables, everyone is sharing food, so you’re naturally breaking the ice with your neighbors, which adds even more love to the wedding air. With a buffet, there’s sort of a drudgery in getting in line, especially for the people toward the end, but with the family style, this isn’t a concern in the least, because there’s no delay. Everyone is served food at same time by an individual server for each table.
Is the family style option more expensive than others?
There are two things to consider when thinking about the family style and cost. First, you must think about how many entrees and how many sides you’re looking to have, because everything needs a platter or bowl. You can always rent bowls and platters for the catering services to use, and this isn’t usually too pricey. The second thing is, depending on how many tables your guests fill, you might need a couple of additional servers than you would under other options. All in all, going family style is very doable with little cost difference, and undeniably worth every penny!
Husband and wife team, Brian and Kathy are co-owners and residents of Front Porch Farms. Kathy's grandparents were married 54 years and managed a variety of businesses, inventions, and projects. Her grandfather taught her to always give people more than they expect and believe me, she brings that philosophy to engaged Nashville couples with whom I've spoken. The venue is gorgeous but the service and dedication is also what makes brides teary when they speak of their experience with Front Porch Farms.
I admire their dedication to making their already incredible venue even better. Here are a few additions that will make your 2012 or 2013 wedding even more stunning, enjoyable for your guests and easier to plan!
The outdoor fireplace is great for wedding day s'mores!
"Last summer, we added the outdoor fireplace. We keep the fireplace burning during the entire reception for an inviting hang, warmth on a cool night or a fun time roasting marshmallows and eating s'mores. In the warmer months, decorated with candles, flowers and string lights, it’s the perfect backdrop for a romantic nook, dessert and coffee display or cigar bar. It’s also a great kids area where parents can enjoy the reception while keeping an eye on the little ones nearby."
Space and parking makes it easier for guests and vendors
This winter, we extended our catering kitchen area, added more space for mingling around the pool during cocktails, built a privacy fence around the parking area, upgraded electricity, and built a new barn for the props, décor and rentals.
More delightful details
We stained the concrete a beautiful rich brown tone, completely remodeled the guest house, added more gorgeous landscaping, built benches, re-finished our church pews, and created some really cool props and DIY decor. Whew!
And there's more! Couples can choose from a professional lighting package, provided by Nashville Audio & Visual.
ABG Notes: Beautiful lanterns and lighting elements add an intimate feel to an open space. (Photo by Front Porch Farms)
Photo by Front Porch Farms
Photo by Front Porch Farms
Full Service - They'll take care of everything for you
Couples can enjoy roundtrip shuttle service from Nashville for their guests or any number of services to make their experience as memorable as possible – even skylanterns or fireworks! And did I mention the staff? We've got a great crew who set up, break down, clean up and all jobs in between. They have talent and experience and they love seeing guests enjoy the results of their hard work.
ABG Notes: Front Porch Farms' staff make sure everything is perfect just for you! Even if it means escorting you with umbrellas! (Photos by Red Letter Days)
Couples who get married at our home follow in our own foot steps and I'm proud of what we have created for them. Not only is it the perfect backdrop for a wedding but it’s a wonderful life full of love for our family. MORE than I could have ever dreamed of or planned for. I think my grandparents would be proud.
Picture by Front Porch Farms
If you would like to see more beautiful pictures from around Front Porch Farms of weddings and shoots they've done, visit FrontPorchFarmsTN.com. When you contact Kathy, please do not hesitate to let her know you heard about her on Ashley's Bride Guide!
Two things are obvious when talking to Tiffanie of Elliott Events: 1) she loves weddings and 2) she believes wedding should be fun. She attracts fun couples and works with them to design a wedding that they will truly enjoy and make their own. Not all couples or planners want a fun wedding. Some of you might want a classic or traditional wedding that is formal - and that's fine. But, if you are looking to do something memorable where your guests will laugh and dance throughout your wedding celebration, Elliott Events just might be the planning company for you.
Take Tiffanie's own wedding - where she and her husband danced out of their ceremony - all the way down the aisle and so did their parents. There's video proof and you should see it for yourself! Elliott Events has a different approach to weddings. Aside from infusing fun and personality thorughout, Elliott also offers full design service, including draping and basic lighting, if your venue needs such.
Today, we welcome Elliiott Events to the ABG family. Learn more about Elliott Events in my interview below with Tiffanie. Elliott Events might be the team to create a wow factor at your wedding!
Main Contact: Tiffanie Elliott
Blog: Elliott Events blog
Phone Number: 615-485-2193
Email Address: tiffanie{at}elliottevents{dot}com
Folow them on Twitter: @elliottevents
Like them on Facebook: Elliott Events
Elliott Events offers basic lighting, such as the gobo C shown above, as well as extensive draping. Photos by Jeremy Binns Photography
Photo on left by Shots by Cheyenne; photo on right by Jeremy Binns Photography
How long have you been in the business?
I have been in the industry for six years.
How did you get started in weddings?
I interned for a wedding planner in college. I found that I really enjoyed being a part of making a couple’s special day come together, and I knew I wanted a future in wedding and event planning.
What do you like most about weddings?
I love the creative challenge. There is something new design-wise for each wedding and I love seeing all the details come together. Every couple and every wedding is unique, so my job is always new and exciting.
What’s your favorite wedding photo/video and why?
This video is of my wedding. I am a believer in thinking outside of the box and incorporating a couple’s personality into their wedding. For every wedding that I plan and design, I think to myself, “How can I create that “WOW” factor for the guests?”. In my opinion, every wedding should be filled with lots of love, laughter and dancing! So this is how we surprised our guests! Of course, at Elliott Events, we get to know our clients so we can help them create and customize their own “WOW” moment.
What is your service philosophy?
To deliver what I promise. I strive to go above and beyond my clients’ expectations. I am the professional and my clients invest a lot of trust in me. At the end of each wedding, when the guests and the bridal party are leaving, I like to hear them all leaving happy and talking about how wonderful the wedding was. It’s all about successfully creating what the bride and groom had envisioned for their special day.
What are your strengths compared to others in your category? Why should a bride hire you?
I put 110% into each wedding. I truly enjoy getting to know each of my couples and at the end of the planning process I consider them friends. I pride myself in having the ability to take a few ideas of inspiration from my brides and create a wedding day they will never forget. I have a “get it done” personality and do not rest until all the details have come together!
Who are your 5 favorite Nashville wedding vendors – helpfulness, professionalism, style?
1. Fadds Entertainment (David Heimbach) - David is the best DJ around. He knows how to keep all the guests dancing and having a great time at the reception.
2. The French Confection - Their cakes are amazing. They not only make beautiful cakes, but some of the most delicious cakes in Nashville, too. I could eat their Strawberry and the Jack Daniels chocolate cakes all day!
3. Connie Duglin Linens - I really enjoy working with Jennifer at Connie Duglin. She is always so helpful in picking out the best linens for each event!
4. The Chef and I - Chef Chris and Erica are so fabulous to work with. They create unique menus and the food is amazing!
5. Mattie Cakes - Jill is so great to work with. She puts so much effort into her cupcakes and they are truly spectacular.
For "budget savvy" brides, what's the one thing you think should always make it into a budget?
A videographer. There is nothing like having video of when you walk down the aisle. It is something you will want to share with your children years down the road.
I love Greys Anatomy. Since college, every Thursday I have Greys night with my best friend, Amanda. We drink wine and always end up crying! It is something I look forward to every week.
What advice would you give to brides on the wedding planning process in general?
Enjoy the process! Although it is stressful you only get to do it once. So hire the professionals and let them work their magic.
A real wedding straight from the bride... Brittany actually contacted us herself before Regalo Design could even think to tell us about this beautiful wedding! Regalo acted as the event planners, floral designers, provided rentals, and saved the day when unexpected rain forced the ceremony indoors. Whether from the bride or the vendor, we are just happy to share this wedding with you.
Brittany and Brandon met at his parents house shortly after she moved to Nashville. His parents hosted guests at church for lunch and she attended. Brittany described why this chance meeting lead to a lifelong commitment: "We started spending a lot of time together after that and it didn't take us long to realize how much of an undeniable connection we had. We had so much fun together- we could laugh and talk about absolutely anything. No one had ever made me feel so unconditionally loved or cared about and our individual qualities made each other better." Their sweet love can be seen in their photos... Enjoy!
Brittany + Brandon
Wedding Date ~ September 4, 2011
Ceremony + Reception Venue ~ Schermerhorn Symphony Center
Guests ~ 250
Wedding Team
Planner, Florals, Decor + Rentals | Regalo Design
Photographer | Aubrey Joy Photography
Videographer | Catchlight Cinema
Wedding Gown + Bridesmaid Attire | The White Room
Bride’s Accessories | Vintage shoes, Swarovski crystal + freshwater pearl earrings from my mom, other jewelry from Etsy.com
Rings | Genesis Diamonds
Groom’s Attire + Groomsmen Attire | Street Tuxedo
Hair & Makeup | Marian Carden of Trade Secret, Green Hills Mall
Stationery | Invitations & Calligraphy - Anibella Ink + Paper
Caterer | Schermerhorn Symphony Center
Cake Artist | The Bake Shoppe
Ceremony + Reception Musicians | Nashville Jazz Orchestra
Vintage Furniture Rentals | Four Inch Fold
Transportation | Nashville Wedding Cars (1939 Packard)
My Wedding Details
How would you describe your style as a couple? How did you incorporate that style into your wedding?
I adore the elegance and class of the classic jazz era so I really had fun searching for a band with that sound, a getaway car, and little details that were reminiscent of that period.
The vintage furniture section of our reception was, by far, my favorite, in terms of décor. Mao Thao of FourInchFold vintage rentals did an amazing job styling it and I added old family wedding photos and set up our “Polaroid”-style guest book there. Our guests really enjoyed the personal touches.
I also followed wedding blogs to get a feel for what I really wanted because I wasn’t that girl who started planning her wedding at 5 years old. If I liked something, I tried to incorporate it, whether it was vintage or new, eclectic or traditional. I’m glad I did that. Trying to make each little thing fit into a certain theme is very restricting.
Although our “theme” was elegant and jazzy with some vintage touches, I threw in “Oh The Places You’ll Go” by Dr. Seuss as one of our ceremony readings because I read it and it was silly and exciting and I decided I wanted it read at our wedding! It should always be about what you love and what makes you happy.
My something old was my grandmother’s pearl brooch pinned to my bouquet and the earrings from my mom were new. I borrowed my great great grandmother’s handkerchief - I carried just in case I got emotional during my vows…which was bound to happen since I can’t get through an episode of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition without crying my eyes out. And for something blue, I had vintage soft blue heels decorated with a flower shoe clip from Etsy.
My husband also had a “something old” from his mom. She doesn’t have any daughters so she took a piece of her wedding dress and stitched it to hold a small coin that was engraved with “With God, All Things Are Possible.”
What was your most memorable or favorite moment?
We were so glad we decided to do first glance pictures. It was the only part of the day that we had all to ourselves, and definitely one of the most special moments between us. Having him tell me how beautiful I looked and having a chance to talk about our morning was very calming before all of the people descended on us.
Our ceremony was supposed to be outside so the rain was heartbreaking. I had to readjust my vision for the day and it turned out to be possibly more beautiful than I had imagined and no one ever knew it was supposed to be outside. So many other little things weren’t quite right but I think I was the only one who really knew. When you’ve planned every tiny detail, it can be hard to look at the big picture but it’s worth it to just let it all go and enjoy the day.
Our first dance song was “Misty” by Sarah Vaughan. Misty is my favorite song and my dad is an amazing jazz musician and played the saxophone with the band as we danced. It was special to me because he claims he’s not much of a dancer so that was our father-daughter moment.
Where did you splurge? Where did you save/DIY?
We planned for 250 and decided a $25,000 budget, which we didn’t exactly achieve. But, we saved SO much money (like thousands!!) with Regalo Design. Everything we booked in their name was tax free and they are master negotiators! The most we saved was on the venue.
I splurged on the band because it was important to me to have live music and the vintage furniture rentals and décor that was set up in our reception space. It was well worth it because that little vintage section was my favorite part of all the décor.
I had high hopes of DIY-ing my accessories and table decorations but, as a medical student, there was just no way I could make that happen. I wanted to make my girls’ birdcage veils as well as my own. I wanted to learn calligraphy for our thank you sign to use for thank you post cards. None of this happened but I had a lot of fun browsing Ebay for the vintage items that I used as table decorations and Etsy for my accessories.
Now that the wedding day is over, is there anything about your planning process you feel you could have done differently?
The day of our wedding, it rained ALL day! So, all of the meticulous planning was kind of pointless. I wish I had been able to just relax more and not worry about the tiny details during the planning process and even on the actual day. I would advise any bride to just enjoy the process and the day and focus more on the love that you’ve found instead of miniscule details because you really have no idea how it will all turn out. And no matter how it turns out, it’s always beautiful because it’s your wedding day and you’re in love and celebrating and nothing else matters!
Thank you dearly to the couple for sharing their day with us!! We're so glad we could provide inspiration in your process and share the outcome! To see more photos of their wedding day, visit Aubrey Joy's blog. And if you are looking for your wedding to go smoothly, even in the face of setbacks or catastrophe, be sure to contact Regalo Design! They've proved their capable here, while their florals and design are just a stunning mirror of the day.
All of the paper goods for the Cedarwood's Style Show were designed by Designs in Paper. It's no surprise that we were left swooning over every table's unique paper creations - from invites to program fans. We decided to do a round-up of some of our favorite paper goods from the style show. Custom paper is often overlooked but as you see, it can add a sophisticated touch throughout your event. Fall in love with some of the great details and contact Designs in Paper to let them create something special to fit your wedding vision.
Rustic Wedding Inspiration with Vintage Paper Accents by Designs in Paper
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
photos to share. We’d love to hear from you »
.jpg)
.jpg)
