Behind the Scenes of a Glamorous Hot Pink Nashville Wedding
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Thursday, July 16, 2009 I have been stalking Dawn of Premier Wed to share this amazing wedding with ABG since I laid eyes on the brides invitations while visiting Southall Eden Farm a few months ago. When I learned it was taking place at One Eleven and was hot pink, I simply couldn't find enough patience. But I had no choice, after all - the wedding had to take place before I could see the fabulous pictures. So, I have waited and waited for this day. Instead of a Real Wedding Story, I asked Dawn to take us behind the scenes, to really explain how everything came together. This event had a lot of special details and an top-notch design team. It also had its share of challenges - as does EVERY wedding / event. Dawn will share the challenges tomorrow. We are lucky to learn about the challenges and discover first hand how a professional planner resolves every issue. (That's why you should absolutely hire a planner - no matter your budget - hire a professional!! Nearly every bride regrets not hiring a pro. A good planner adds value from the beginning.) Special thanks to Laura and Jason for letting giving us a peek into your spectacular day. Thanks to Dawn for making the time to share all of the details. Today's Guest Blogger: Dawn Schenkel, President of Premier W.E.D., a Nashville Wedding & Event Planning Company
Laura and Jason are uniquely different but kindred soles. Think Green Acres, the television show from the 70's! They both share a strong Christian faith and have wonderful senses of humor. As beautiful as they are on the outside, they strive to be as beautiful on the inside. This kind of attitude made it so easy to work with them. Laura has a great sense of who she is and the look she wanted to accomplish. She came to my office for their initial consult with the New York/Old Hollywood idea in mind. She also knew her colors but was really able to narrow the choices with the help of my BBJ Linen swatches. With in a few conversations, we were off on our 6 month venture!
Laura, who has a background in the arts and theatre, had spent time in NY. She calls herself a city girl trapped. Jason is a true Nashville southern guy. Cracker Barrel is his favorite restaurant! (See groom's cake below). Jason was gracious with the fact that this wedding was definitely designed around his stylish bride's interests and loves. And WOW what a site it was!
Let me break down the design of the evening into Details and Challenges: Wedding Details: Cerise (hot pink) was our pop of color for the night with accents of gunmetal gray and black. (Marilyn Monroe walking down the steps in her hot pink dress was my visual during design process) Lots of rhinestones and jewels adorned everything including votive holders, throw pillows with chandelier appliques, drink trays, and the Bride's bouquet.
I designed the women's bathroom to be a powder-room with boutique chairs, mirrored side table, a chandelier, assortments of perfumes and monogrammed paper guests towels. I chose Blue Nova Designs -Maria and Link Tipton, for their draping because they carry this fabulous Austrian Drape that I wanted to use to cover the walls of an outside patio that I would later transform into a beautiful ballroom with a black and white floor.
Lounge seating with custom black covers (Liberty Party Rental) provided the chaise feel of the Sinatra days.
I am a huge fan of the LED ice cubes that rotate their flash. We used a constant beam of hot pink in the fabulous signature drinks. As guests entered, they were greeted with jeweled covered trays and a pink potion that lured even the manliest of guests. The Bridal cake was changed at least 3 times if not more and the final design was chosen only TWO WEEKS before the wedding. When all ales fail, go with your gut! Laura ended up choosing the cake that she walked in my office with and it was spectacular! Very art deco and Jay Qualls with Maples Wedding Cakes as the designer.

The Buffet was beautiful as it was plentiful and designed by Shannon Bates with Chef's Market.
Lighting transformed the original urban space into a pink palace fit for even Marilyn herself. I commissioned Blue Nova Designs to make light box coffee tables that I had been dreaming up for at least 3 years. They were the perfect company to fulfill my dream! I had them make metal framed boxes with a white spandex cover and then top them with mirrors so that guests had table top space at their lounge seats. To add to the vibe, I had Jason Davis with Davis Lighting Design add LED lights to the boxes so they would glow and no cords to mess with!
Visit ABG on Friday as Dawn shares more details and challenges from this amazing wedding!

