When the Event Pro Weds: Bride Shows Off Nashville with Incredible Music, Views of City

Friday, November 20, 2015

Do you ever wonder how the wedding of a wedding professional might look?  Where would they save, splurge?  Who would they hire?  After all, they do know the best wedding professionals around the city, right?

It's not often that the tables are turned and the pro becomes the client, but such was the case with Lindsay, an event professional who spends her days helping Nashville couples plan their wedding at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.  So, when we got to ask Lindsay all about her wedding, who she hired, what she loved, we jumped at the opportunity.  It was no surprise that this event expert and her Nashville native (now) husband chose to immerse their guests in all things great about Nashville.

Read all about Lindsay + Matthew's Nashville wedding, our feature of the week.

Lindsay + Matthew
Wedding Date:  July 11, 2015
Ceremony Venue:  Cathedral of the Incarnation
Reception Venue:  Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum
Guests:  150

Wedding Team

Venue | Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum
Photographer | Josh Reeder
Videographer | Mayberry Studios
Gown | The White Room
Bride’s Accessories | b.hughes
Men’s Attire  | Street Tuxedo
Bridesmaids’ Attire | Bridesmaids.com
Hair + Makeup | Amy Lynn Larwig
Stationery | Master Image (Birmingham, Ala.) and Empress Stationery (Birmingham, Ala.)
Caterer | Two Twenty Two Catering
Cake Artist | Dessert Designs
Floral Designer | Geny’s Floral
Ceremony Musicians | Evan Thomas, Elliott Thomas, Ricky Braddy
Reception Musicians | Band 24/7
Rentals |  Music City Tents and Events, BBJ
Lighting + Transportation | Country Music Hall of Fame

Wedding Details

How would you describe your style as a couple? 

Traditional!  Matthew and I wanted a very traditional wedding and reception.  The only exceptions were that we saw each other before the wedding and I did not throw a bouquet.

Where did you get your inspiration? 

I knew the amazing view from the Event Hall would provide a ton of color, ambiance, and excitement for the reception.  Therefore I wanted to keep everything else really clean and simple so the stunning view would remain the focal piece.

How did you incorporate that style into your wedding?

I’ve worked at the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum for almost eight years.  As I assisted bride after bride with their own plans, I always dreamt of being able to host my own friends and family – the majority of whom are from out of town and have never been to Nashville, let alone the Hall – at my own wedding one day.  Matthew was born and raised in Nashville, so he was also very keen on showing off our city to all of the guests that were traveling to join us.  So, it was a very easy decision for us to book the Event Hall: the spectacular view combined with the amazing service, food, etc. truly made for an unforgettable night.

What was your (or your guests’) favorite aspect of your wedding?

When you host a wedding in Music City, you’d better provide some good music, and I think my guests would join me in saying that from start to finish, the music was a huge hit.  I was very fortunate to have my best friend sing at the ceremony; together with two other dear friends (including his twin), they provided an a cappella version of “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” that was incredibly moving and set such a worshipful tone for our ceremony.  For the reception, the Hall of Fame’s entertainment team assisted me in booking the amazing Band 24/7 to provide a variety of music: Motown, pop, rap, and they were even gracious enough to let this karaoke-lover hop on stage and surprise the audience with some Whitney Houston.  I knew that not everyone would gravitate to the dance floor so easily, so I had customized tambourines and maracas distributed as the party was in full swing.  It was a great way to get even the shy folks dancing to the live music.

Where did you splurge?  Where did you save/DIY?

We saved on flowers: Geny’s provided our bouquets, boutonnieres and two large arrangements for the reception, and I had friends assemble the rest.  We splurged on videography, which was not originally in our budget.  We ended up shopping for and hiring a videographer only a month before the wedding.  I’m so glad that we did!  It just added an extra dimension to the many memories of the day.

Who were your favorite vendors and what made them exceptional?

The team at the Hall of Fame went above and beyond.  Obviously, working with them every day, I have to say that, but very early in the wedding planning process, I realized how supremely essential it was to have full trust in your vendors if you have any intention of enjoying your wedding.  I never questioned if I were in great hands with the Country Music Hall of Fame.  Having such a top-notch team to execute the event and take care of everything allowed Matthew and I to really relax and delight in the reception without worrying about anything.

Now that the wedding day is over, is there anything about your planning process you feel you could have done differently?

I wouldn’t change a thing, honestly! 

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

Enjoy it!  One other fun detail – Matthew’s great-grandparents were married at the Cathedral of the Incarnation, where we said “I do!” nearly 100 years later.

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Posted by Ashley King | Filed under: Real Nashville Weddings, Wedding Style - Classic, Wedding Style - Modern, 0 comments »

Sambuca’s Numerous Spaces Give Nashville Brides Options & Ease

Monday, November 9, 2015

Sambuca is always a wonderful option for dinner, drinks and a night out on the town – but it is becoming one of Nashville’s hottest venue options for wedding receptions and rehearsal dinners of all shapes and sizes.

When planning an event, flexibility is key. From the amount of space needed, to different menu and entertainment options. Do you envision a chic and modern hors d’oeuvre reception with a view of the city lights in a beautiful glass-enclosed space? Or maybe a more traditional affair with warm, romantic elements such as velvet curtains and wrought-iron candlesticks complete with a multi-course sit-down dinner?

Sky Loft:

Great view of downtown Nashville; Perfect for wedding reception, lounge or small ceremony.

At Sambuca, both are possible under one roof in their unique, versatile space. There are actually more than half-a-dozen ways you can utilize this hip restaurant to make your wedding dreams a reality.

Take the top-floor for instance. You can reserve the entire space, including the exclusive upstairs bar that has a stunning balcony overlooking the restaurant PLUS the jaw-dropping Sky Loft, or you can split the two up and rent the Sky Loft and the bar separately.

Main Area:

Can be used for ceremony or reception with live music.

Or for an even bigger guest count (up to 500!), you can reserve the entire restaurant and treat your guests to passed cocktails with a view of the city upstairs and dinner and dancing in the Balinese Dining Room on the main floor, complete with live-music and a second bar. Oh, and did we mention that a live band is included for any couple that rents the entire restaurant? Yes, it is!

Cozy Spaces:

Can be used for greeting guests or for guest lounging.

Open to hosting a day-time celebration? Well, Sambuca offers an all-inclusive package for events that conclude before 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. This package includes room rental, DJ, passed appetizers, a delicious buffet and a photo booth all for $50 per person!

Exquisite Food:

All inclusive or a la carte menus make wedding planning easy!

At Sambuca, the options are truly endless. Give their event manager, Tiffanie, a call today at (615) 577-2173 to start planning your bridal luncheon, rehearsal dinner, wedding reception or after-party.

Editor's note:  This feature originally appeared in March 2014.  The contact details have been updated in this version.

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Posted by Newlywed Heather | Filed under: Destination Nashville Weddings!, Wedding Venues and Locations, Wedding Style - Modern, 0 comments »

Kenny Rogers Exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame Offers Inspiration for Nashville Weddings

Monday, June 1, 2015

The Country Music Hall Of Fame and Musuem honored singer Kenny Rogers with inclusion into the museum and his own exhibit.  We doubt you'll have Kenny Rogers at your event, but you can host your big day in the same location and grab inspiration from the event's ambiance, design, and beautiful city backdrop.

Really, who can resist Nashville's beautifully illuminated skyline at night?  The flashing lights of Broadway, the silhouette of the AT&T building, and listening to the sounds of the South is just breathtaking.  Being surrounded by all of the historical and Southern architecture is enough to inspire any newly engaged bride.  Luckily for brides, the Country Music Hall Of Fame can incorporate the entire Nashville atmosphere into your special day, through their event spaces and gorgeous decorations. 

Imagine a wedding surrounded by 40-foot glass windows overlooking downtown.  Stunning!

As an all-inclusive venue, the Country Music Hall Of Fame staff is sure to make your vision of your wedding day come to life.  Located in Downtown Nashville, the venue has an unbelievable view of the skyline, as well as adds a historical piece to your wedding.  BONUS: You can even include a museum tour for all of your guests!

Photos from the Kenny Rogers event were provided by the Country Music Hall of Fame.  Contact the venue's event manager, Kaylen Harmon, at 615.291.8437 for a tour of this luxury wedding venue.  By the way, the exhibit ends June 15th, 2015.  Check it out before it's gone!

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Posted by Alex Engaged Bride | Filed under: Luxury Nashville Wedding Finds, Wedding Venues and Locations, Wedding Style - Classic, Wedding Style - Modern, 0 comments »

Marian + Keenen Enchant Wedding Guests With Comfortable Promenade In Germantown

Friday, May 29, 2015

The desire to have fun during a wedding is often wished for, but sometimes not achieved.  In this stunning wedding in Nashville's Germantown, Marian and Keenen Smith succeeded in combining their wishes for an elegant wedding and their desire to have fun as they celebrated with their families.  They integrated their rustic and modern tastes, and an emphasis on the reception provided the perfect opportunity to plunge into the decadent fun, while still having a wedding ceremony for all to enjoy.

Marian + Keenen 
Wedding Date: July 19, 2014
Ceremony Venue: Church of the Assumption
Reception Venue: aVenue
Guests: 225

Wedding Team

Planner | Sarah Ann Miller of Randi Events
Venue | aVenue
Photographer | Chesley Summar
Gown | Maggie Sottero- The White Room
Bride’s Accessories | Belk
Men’s Attire | Suit Supply- Atlanta
Bridesmaids’ Attire | Allure Bridals- The White Room
Hair | Laura Causey- The French Twist Murfreesboro
Makeup | Chrissy Wenzke- MAC
Stationery | Designs in Paper
Caterer | Chef’s Market
Ceremony Musicians | Organist provided by Church of the Assumption
Reception Musicians | Quan Jones (DJ Quan)
Rentals + Lighting | Randi Events
Transportation | Trolley
Rehearsal Dinner location | Church of the Assumption

How would you describe your style as a couple?
We are modern with a rustic side, but we are also laid back and like to have fun.

Where did you get your inspiration?
PINTEREST!!  Aside from Pinterest, many of our ideas came from our coordinator (Sarah Ann).  She brought ideas to all of our meetings and we were able to decide what we liked best.

How did you incorporate that style into your wedding?
Our colors were coral and navy, which gave everything a modern feel.  We knew that we wanted the venue to feel like Nashville, but to also describe us as a couple.  Exposed brick and wood floors were definitely what made us fall in love with our venue.  The blend of the colors and the character of the venue really captured our style.

What was your (or your guests’) favorite aspect of your wedding?
Everyone really enjoyed the reception.  Because we had a traditional ceremony, most of our planning was put towards the reception and it really showed.  We wanted everyone to feel happy and comfortable to celebrate with us.  At the end of the night, everyone was dancing and having fun- somehow we ended up with two dance floors!  We all wanted to stay much longer than the time we had allotted for the reception.

Where did you splurge? Where did you save/DIY?
We saved on the flowers and the cakes; our family did all of the center pieces and the cakes for us.  We splurged on our photographer because we knew photos would be the one thing we could keep for a long time.

Who were your favorite vendors and what made them exceptional?
Our photographer and everyone with Randi Events were our favorite.  Sarah Ann from Randi Events worked with us on everything and she made planning so much easier.  We didn’t have to worry about a single thing throughout the whole process.

Chesley, our photographer, really connected with us from the beginning.  Not only did she connect with us but she was also able to connect with our family and it shows in the pictures!  We love her work and how she was able to capture every single moment of our day.

The most important thing is that we felt like we could connect with Sarah Ann and Chesley.  They both went above and beyond what we expected. 

Now that the wedding day is over, is there anything about your planning process you feel you could have done differently?
We loved how every thing turned out.  We wouldn’t change anything about it!

In one sentence, what words of advice do you have for couples in the midst of their planning?
Remember that, at the end of the day, the most important thing is that you get to be with the person you love for the rest of your life.

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Posted by Taylor | Filed under: Real Nashville Weddings, Wedding Style - Modern, Wedding Style - Rustic, Farm , 0 comments »