Nashville weddings

Classic Tradition + Personal Elements Create the Perfect Fall Wedding for Matt + Sarah!

Friday, November 18, 2011

Fall is such a popular time for weddings in Nashville and we love to see all of them! Toni from Celebrations by Design shared with us a wedding she planned in Franklin, TN for Matt and Sarah - and we had to share with all of you! Their love is as warm and vibrant as the fall colors that surround them, and their day was both timelessly classic and personal throughout.

Of course, we love weddings no matter the scene or how unique the location, but knowing the bride and groom had a day that they will cherish forever is really what makes a wedding worth sharing. And this is straight from the bride herself (an exerpt on her thank you note to Toni):

"Well, we are home from a super relaxing honeymoon and still can't get over what a great wedding and fun party we had : ) Thanks so much for helping to make it all happen and work out smoothly.... Thanks again for working so hard, it was a great success! I have had constant compliments on the beautiful ceremony and fun reception! Exactly what I wanted!! : ) "

We hope you enjoy their photos from Meishach Moore!

Sarah + Matthew
Date ~ October 30, 2010
Ceremony ~ Grace Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Franklin, TN
Reception~ DURÉGO Events Facility
Guests ~ 110

Budget

$10,000 - $20,000

Wedding Team

Planner | Toni Smith, Celebrations by Design
Photographer | Meishach Moore Photography
Bridal Gown | Something Blue Shoppe, Hartselle, AL
Accessories | I wore my mother's pearls
Hair & Makeup | Sierra Mack - Hilites Salon in Mt. Juliet
Bridesmaids Dresses | Something Blue Shoppe, Hartselle, AL
Groom & Groomsmen Attire | Men's Wearhouse
Caterer | Donald St. Charles, St. Charles Catering
Cake Artist | Stephanie Felts, Sweetest Day Bakery (thesweetestday.com)
Floral Designer | A Village of Flowers
Rings | Genesis Diamonds, Coolsprings
Stationery | Prim & Paper in Franklin
Pianist | Cindy Haney
Reception Music | Mitch Stephens - K&M Music
Dance Lessons | Fred Astaire Dance Studio, Brentwood
Lighting | Nashville Audio Visual
Rentals | Southern Events
Transportation | The Bride and Groom left the ceremony in her father’s 1965 fully restored Ford Mustang - Sarah drove this car as a teenager. The couple left their reception in a limo from Roadrunner Limousine
Guest Accomodations | Aloft Hotel & The Embassy Suites (Cool Springs)

"My faves were the flowers, the cake, and my pictures! I found my vendors through family, friends, my wedding planner, and Ashley's Bride Guide!  I also found many DIY ideas on Martha Stewart weddings." -Sarah (bride)

Wedding Details

How would you describe your style as a couple?

Classic

How did you incorporate that style into your wedding?

I chose very classic fall colors of navy blue, ivory/champagne, and autumn reds and oranges. I chose these colors because I love the bright colors of fall leaves but I was not about to put my bridesmaids in orange! So navy was the choice for the muted tone in contrast to the vivids.

What do you think was your wedding wow factor?

The salt ceremony in place of a unity candle or sand ceremony. The first dance (choreographed) was a hit as well.

What was the most special moment for you?

Seeing him before the ceremony and being able to share our gifts with each other. I was so nervous until I just saw his face and was able to have a moment to soak in everything.

These booklets were there programs! How awesome!

What were your personalized touches?

My mother had the sleeves of her wedding dress made into the garter I wore. I also wore the same pearl necklace that she wore on her wedding day with an added pendant. He and I both had bonnets that we wore on our way home from the hospital after we were born that we used as handkerchiefs to hold the salt for our salt ceremony.

Gift for bridesmaids? Groomsmen?

Bridesmaids were given a "bridesmaid survival bag" with various items including their earrings, bracelets, pashmina's, matching gold flip-flops for the reception, hair spray, mints, mirrors, bobby pins, chocolates, bandaids, etc all in a monogrammed tote. The Groomsmen were given tickets to see the local hockey team, the Nashville Predators.

Wedding Rewind

What you would do differently, if planning again?

Give myself a little more time to plan and try to enjoy the process.

Biggest waste of time or money?

The favors, we ended up with so much hot cocoa and cider mixes left over!

Best value for the service/product?

The church! What a find!

In one sentence, what words of advice do you have for couples in the midst of their planning?

Enjoy it while it lasts and just remember whatever happens, at the end of the day you will be married! : )

Many thanks to Toni for sharing this lovely day with us! If you don't have a planner yet, definitely give Toni a call! Remember, planners are important but you won't know who is right for you unless you contact them for a chat. And don't forget to mention ABG for a special gift when you book Celebrations by Design.

About the Author:

Megan

I’m new to the wedding industry. Before getting engaged I literally avoided any websites for weddings only because I knew, once I delved in, I would become obsessed…. And it’s true. Once I got engaged, I did become obsessed and luckily, about that time, I started working in the wedding industry. So my interest increased on two levels. Now I am a newlywed and still enjoying the industry. I love writing, social media and connecting to people; happily, I get to do all of this with ABG.

See more posts by Megan »

send   Posted on November 18, 2011 | Filed under: