Wednesday, September 7, 2016
When it comes down to your wedding day, most brides tend to get caught up in the dècor, the venue, the dress... but there's something we need to focus on - the marriage! And getting legally married (at least here in Tennessee) means you have to obtain a marriage license. It's a once in a lifetime task and it may seem like a daunting one to most brides. But you're in luck because we have Chiara Sulprizio, lead wedding officiant of Ivy and June Custom Ceremonies, to explain it all! Chiara has graciously shared step by step instructions on how to obtain a marriage license in Tennessee. I feel like she's unlocked this vault of knowledge on the topic so many of us worry about when it comes down to the wedding day. I'll let Chiara take it from here!
Chiara: As an ordained wedding officiant, I get a lot of questions about the ins and outs of getting a marriage license in Tennessee from my clients. Like every other state, Tennessee has some unique rules and regulations that are not very well-publicized and that can be a little unclear, even to those of us who are familiar with them! Of course, the last thing brides and grooms need is the unnecessary stress of finding themselves in a pinch at the last minute, as they try to sort through all the information and comply with the rules. For this reason -- and because I know you want your wedding to be the start of your marriage and not just a big fancy party -- I came up with this handy list of six things you need to know about marriage licenses in Tennessee:
Photo by Silver Nitrite Photography
1. You have thirty days from when you obtain your marriage license to actually have the ceremony performed and get married. There is no “waiting period” or blood test required.
2. To get your marriage license, both parties must go to the county clerk’s office together and show some form of identification that a) includes your social security number and b) proves you are over eighteen (a birth certificate works well). Also, you do not have to be a Tennessee resident to get married here -- if you live in another state, your marriage will be recognized there too.
3. Once your ceremony has been completed, you have three business days to return the certificate, which must be signed by your officiant, to the county clerk’s office in the same county where you got it, either by mail or in person (note: many officiants will do this for you!).
4. It is perfectly OK to to obtain your license in one Tennessee county and get married in another (as long as you return it to the county where you originally got it – see #3!).
5. In Tennessee, you don’t need any witnesses to be present in order to get married, though there is a space on the paperwork for one witness to sign if you want them to.
6. Tennessee is one of only a handful of states where, if you complete a four-hour premarital preparation course and submit this notarized form confirming its completion, you can get a discount of $60.00 on the price of your license (currently $99.50). Bonus!
Photo by Silver Nitrite Photography
I always recommend that if you have any questions, you check with the local county clerk’s office well before the big day arrives. Your officiant should also be able to help you clarify any issues related to your license. I hope this info helps you easily cross this less-than-glamorous task off your list of things to do, and I wish you the best of luck with all your wedding preparations!
Best wishes,
Chiara Sulprizio
Ivy & June Custom Ceremonies
Thank you so much to Chiara for sharing her insight on the topic of marriage licenses!
Be sure to check out the Ivy and June website and also follow her on Instagram here.
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Posted by Alyssa |
Filed under: Helpful Vendor Interviews!, Advice & Planning, Wedding Resources,
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Tuesday, September 6, 2016
From scenery changes to wardrobe changes, Robyn + Nickolas' engagement shoot by Amy Hutchinson Photography is on point! Robyn's style is so incredible - from flowy floral dresses to short sequined numbers... and I cannot get over that cape! Posing by the #WhatLiftsYou wings in The Gulch to the aerial view of Nashville at Love's Circle, location was key to Robyn + Nickolas since they call Nashville home. Scroll through for all of the must-see photos from Amy Hutchinson...
Robyn Owens + Nickolas Lee
Engaged | December 2015
Engagement Shoot | 4.24.16
Engagement Shoot Locations | Pedestrian Bridge, Love's Circle, The Gulch, Riverfront
Photographer | Amy Hutchinson Photography
Wedding | Fall 2016
From the photographer, Amy Hutchinson: We had so much fun with these two in Nashville! They are getting married in Memphis later this year, but since their home is in Nashville, we wanted to represent that with their engagement photos. I can honestly say this was our most fashionable shoot ever!
Robyn + Nickolas' Engagement Story told by lawyer bride, Robyn: Nick planned a SUPER SURPRISE vacation for us in Montego Bay, Jamaica in December 2016. Months before the trip, Nick met with my boss to make sure that my calendar was kept clear. (I am generally agreeable so I didn’t even ask my boss why there were 3 full days of meetings on my calendar–even though I needed to catch up after trial.) The week before vacation, Nick recorded the big reveal of the trip on video. I cried like a baby! Nick planned a private dinner over the ocean (another surprise) on our last night in Jamaica. The resort’s photographer took photos of us before dinner. After dinner & dessert, the resort’s photographer returned for more pictures. Before I knew it Nick was on bended knee.
Congrats to Robyn + Nickolas on their engagement!
All photos by Amy Hutchinson Photography.
If you like Robyn + Nickolas' photos, then check out Kathryn + Josh's Engagement session.
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Posted by Alyssa |
Filed under: Engagements & Proposals, Photography,
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Monday, September 5, 2016
There are plenty of reasons to wear white after Labor Day... :)
Photo by Kristin Sweeting
Happy Labor Day! Enjoy your extra day off - I'll be getting some much needed R&R in our new home. :)
See more of Kristen + Mike's Vintage Antebellum Wedding by Kristin Sweeting here.
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Posted by Alyssa |
Filed under: Bridal Gowns, Wedding Dresses & Accessories,
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Friday, September 2, 2016
Southern traditions along with historical surroundings played a huge role in Tara + Geoffrey's wedding day right here in Nashville. The Hermitage Hotel was the perfect backdrop to dance to Frank Sinatra and steal a kiss beneath the arched ceilings. Sarah Sidwell Photography captured the day elegantly in the downtown setting. Here's more from the bride herself, Tara...
Tara Carney + Geoffrey Little
6.25.16
Ceremony Venue | Downtown Presbyterian Church
Reception Venue | The Hermitage Hotel
Photographer | Sarah Sidwell Photography
Flowers | Wildflowers LLC
Caterer | Capital Grille
Dress Store | Glitz Bridal
Cinema and Video | Little Josh Productions
Tuxedo and Mens Attire | Men's Warehouse
Specialty Foods | Nashville Sweets
What was your favorite moment from the day?
Tara: My favorite moment was the first look. I was sobbing walking the length of the gorgeous veranda at The Hermitage Hotel to Geoff. His back was to me, and I kept thinking the man in the tuxedo is mine, that’s my Geoffrey’s distinctive stance, and all the nerves and three hours of getting ready were for him. I was so ready to see him.
What personalized touches were incorporated into your wedding?
Tara: There was a very historic note to the wedding as a whole: “Something Old” was the brooch in my hair, which belonged to my dad’s mom. “Something New” was the veil, my Grandma and I handmade together. “Something borrowed, something blue” was an aquamarine tennis bracelet that belonged to my dear friends’ mom and my flower girl’s grandma. Their rings were carried down the aisle in a pillow my grandma made for me as a girl for the tooth fairy; it has a darling heart shaped pocket where the tooth fairy would put a quarter for a tooth, and the rings were in that pocket.
Describe your wedding decor and overall feel of your wedding.
Tara: The reception room at the Hermitage Hotel - rich with Nashville history - just looks the part, with the gorgeous wood panelling and epic paintings. We played off the dramatic decor with bright whites and gold elements, working to elevate the history of the setting, rather than push it to the background. And for our first dance, we could not have picked a more timeless romantic tune than "Fly Me to the Moon" by Frank Sinatra. There’s such a beautiful romance in old things, that have so many stories in them already, and we really latched onto that and flew with it.
What a gorgous wedding! Thanks for sharing this classically beautiful wedding with us, Sarah!
All photos by Sarah Sidwell Photography.
If you like Tara + Geoffrey's wedding, then check out Trista + Doug's Art Deco wedding at The Cannery.
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Posted by Alyssa |
Filed under: Photography, Real Nashville Brides,
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Thursday, September 1, 2016
The number one tip I give brides is to hire a wedding planner! It's the best decision you will ever make - I did not have one and I really wish I did! Not all venue managers are necessarily wedding planners, so talk it out with your wedding team to make sure you know who is handling what. And if you're in the market for a planner, Ashley of Posh Occasions here in Nashville is a great choice for a wedding planner! She specializes in day-of coordination and will handle all of the details for your big day from the first load-in until the very last person leaves your wedding at the end of the night. Ashley is here to tell us all about her business and give us some insight into why having a planner or day-of coordinator is so important.
Tell us about your company!
Ashley: Posh Occasions is an event planning company specializing in weddings and social events. We offer planning services from day-of coordination to full service planning.
How long have you been in business?
Ashley: I started Posh Occasions 3 years ago.
How did you get started in weddings?
Ashley: Since graduating from Belmont in 2005, I have had a passion for planning events. Before starting Posh Occasions, I worked with several different companies working weddings and events and knew that it was my calling to be in this field.
What's the philosophy behind your company?
Ashley: Posh Occasions guides couples through the planning process so that their special day reflects their style and personality. Our personalized service and attention to detail make the planning process enjoyable and your vision a reality. Our team is committed to making sure every detail is carefully thought out and fulfilled. When the big day comes, your only job is to savor and enjoy every moment. Our goal is to make sure that every wedding is perfectly POSH.
Tell us more about Day-of Coordination!
Ashley: A Day-of Coordinator is also considered the event manager. They take all of the hard work you have taken planning your special day and put the plan into action. They are typically hired a couple months out and start working with the couple 3-4 weeks before the wedding. Once hired, the day-of coordinator's responsibilities include:
- Offer advice & vendor recommendations
- Create a timeline
- Collect vendor contracts & contact information
- Coordinate rehearsal
- Arrive at the venue the day of the wedding to direct all vendors
- Set up all personal items
- Manage the timing & flow of the event
- Be the point of contact for questions or concerns
- Take care of personal items at the end of the evening
Why should brides hire a day-of coordinator?
Ashley: The main reason to hire a day-of coordinator is so you can simply relax and enjoy your wedding day! You have planned every little detail for your wedding day, you should be able to enjoy everything you have planned for and just take in this special moment. You shouldn't be running around "like a chicken with your head cut off"! You shouldn't have to worry about making sure things are set up correctly, whether a vendor has issues, trying to wrangle up people for pictures, making sure things are cleaned up at the end of the evening, etc. You should be able to cherish every moment of the day. Afterall, you are marrying the love of your life and you should celebrate this special time!
What's the difference between a Venue Coordinator and a Wedding Planner?
Ashley: A venue coordinator is strictly there for the venue. Their duties are to represent the property and to make sure that you are getting what you were promised in the contract. They are there to make sure that the venue is set up to specifications, food is out at the appropriate time, tear down is done properly, etc.. They have boundaries and while they are there to help your day run smoothly, they are not there solely for the bride and groom. There is a chance that the same person that you dealt with will not be the same person that is there on your wedding day.
A wedding planner will be there every step of the way and has the sole responsibility to make sure that the bride and groom's needs are met and that their wedding is everything that they have dreamed of. They will be the liaison to make sure that you are not only getting what the venue's contract states, but also what all of the vendors contracts state.
Your wedding planner will be with you all day, telling you when things will happen throughout the day and night such as pictures, cake cutting, bouquet toss, etc. As a wedding planner, I am there from when the first vendor loads in to when the last vendor loads out. They coordinate with all of the vendors to make sure that things run as seamlessly as possible.
What attracts brides to Posh Occasions?
Ashley: Every girl dreams of their special day and my goal is to make sure that their dreams become reality. My experience, expertise and passion have driven me to be the best and I strive for that with each wedding that I do.
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Thanks for sharing all of your insight with us, Ashley! We appreciate all of the advice!
Find more on Posh Occasions on Instagram, Facebook and on her website here.
Photographer: Divine Images
Ceremony Venue: Scarritt Bennett
Reception Venue: The University Club
Florist: Enchanted Florist
Cake: Signature Cakes by Vicki
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Posted by Alyssa |
Filed under: Helpful Vendor Interviews!, Advice & Planning,
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