A professional day of coordinator can be your best resource for your wedding.  There are a lot of things they handle, freeing you to relax and enjoy the day.

helping the flower girl during the grand entrance....

Without a coordinator, you will be the contact for everyone from your out of town relatives to the caterer needing outlets.   A coordinator CAN be the point of contact for all vendors, the bridal party and immediate family.  A coordinator CAN'T shield you from everyone wanting to ask questions or from all the out of town relatives.

A coordinator CAN'T prevent all the issues and emergencies from occurring. We CAN have solutions for most of the common problems that arise.

A coordinator ISN'T psychic.  Since you have planned your wedding, your coordinator will need to know all of the smallest details to keep your wedding running smoothly.  A coordinator IS good at juggling all the details and timing involved in a wedding.

A coordinator CAN assist other vendors throughout the day, e.g. caterer, DJ or photographer.  A coordinator CAN'T do this if she is also supposed to be handling other tasks at the same time.  A good coordinator will also point this out to you while creating or reviewing the timeline.

A coordinator IS excited to see all of your idea come together on your wedding day.  A coordinator ISN'T a fairy godmother who can create extra centerpieces or decor if it wasn't planned.

Most coordinators WILL work long hours the day of your wedding and spend hours on their feet.  A coordinator WON'T know that you have planned for them to tear down and pack everything unless you have talked about this before.  Please communicate this beforehand so the coordinator can plan accordingly.

A day of coordinator can be your best investment for your wedding.  Just have realistic expectations of what they can and can't do for you and be sure to communicate what you need.

I had the pleasure of working at the wedding of Emily and Jerrod.  They were just the happiest couple, always smiling and laughing.

Their wedding was a gathering of family while showing their favorite thing - Tennessee orange.  They had their grand entrance to Rocky Top.

Cake: Hermitage Bakery
Photography: Lori Quarles Photography
Reception: Hermitage Golf Course
DJ: Mad Dog
Florist: Sandy's Florist and Gifts

When looking for a favor idea, it can be challenging to find something that guests will want and something that the bridal couple feels is important.

Here's an idea that might solve both.  Maple Syrup.  Yes, the simple stuff you pour on pancakes and waffles.

Maple syrup is made from Maryland to Vermont and along the Appalachian mountains from the sap of red and sugar maples.    Each year, large amounts of maple syrup is bottled by small family farms.   These farms rely on the sales of syrup to supplement income from other operations such as dairy farms and livestock.

Chris and Zea were inspired by peacock feathers for their wedding.  They used those colors in everything from the custom invitation to the bridesmaids dresses to the centerpieces and beyond.  They also used feathers randomly throughout.

The ceremony and reception was help in the Rymer Gallery downtown Nashville.

The table centerpieces were vintage blue and green vases the bride collected.

The cake was inspired by their favorite piece of artwork.  Instead of a groom's cake, they had cookie bars and milk shooters.

Photography: Gina Bilyeu Photography


Catering: Ambrosia Catering


Cake: Maples Cakes - Jay Qualls


Florist: Melissa Marie Floral Design

 It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us -- that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion -- that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain -- that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth. - Abraham Lincoln

For brides wanting a wedding in the mountains, western North Carolina is a perfect location filled with beautiful venues.  I frequently travel to areas of western NC including Boone, Hickory, Franklin, Cashiers and Smoky Mountain National Park.  Here are some venues centered around Franklin and surrounding areas.  

http://www.highhamptoninn.com/

http://www.highlandsinn-nc.com/wedding.htm

http://www.innsite.com/inns/A000191.html

http://www.skyvalleychapel.com/sky_valley_chapel_002.htm

http://www.smokymountainmansion.com/

http://www.theblueridgehighlander.com/millrace-farms-weddings-in-the-mountains/index.html

http://www.chaletinn.com/

http://www.fontanavillage.com/

http://www.castleladyhawkeweddings.com/

One very traditional dessert is becoming a non traditional item at many wedding - the pie.   Depending on the formality and "feel" of you wedding this might be an option for you.

Pies are fabulous instead of a groom's cake.  They are versatile allowing you to provide numerous flavors - fruit, cream, meringue, silk and so many more...

Mini pie display at a wedding reception (Affordable wedding photography)

The are inexpensive compared to the serving cost of a cake.  You could have a pie for each table for a much lower cost than an individual cake.

Pies can still be decorated or finished to look as appealing as cake without the cost.  Plus, you guests can find a flavor they love.  You can display them in many ways and add lots of Southern charm. 

Slices of pie (Sarah Gilliam photography)

For Middle TN brides, a great flower resource is Import Flowers on Murphy Rd off West End.  They offer a wide selection of flowers, stems and greenery.   The flowers are fresh and very pretty.  If you don't see something you want, be sure to ask.  They can purchase most any flower at auction and have it available within a week.

If you visit, be sure to bring a jacket year-round.  The big walk in coolers can be pretty cold.

I have gone on many "field trips" with my brides to look at flowers and we always have a good time.  The staff is always friendly and glad to answer questions about pricing, availability and color selection.   Here are some of the floral arrangements I have created from these beauties. 

Coffeebreak roses, baby kale, hypernium berries, poppies and cockscomb make a stunning brides bouquet. 

Sweet and simple hand-tied bouquet with lace

Kristen and Dustin were married on a beautiful day in downtown Nashville.  The ceremony was held at the Downtown Presbyterian Church, which contains both Egytian Revival architecture and decor.

At the end of the ceremony, the bagpiper let the guests around the corner and down the few blocks to the reception on Broadway.  Truly, a memorable moment.

The reception was held at the rooftop venue, Aerial overlooking the city.  The Groom is a member of the band,
Queens Boulevard, and during the reception the band performed a few songs for the bride and the guests.

Photographer: Mary Davidson Photography
Florist: Rachel Short Designs
Harpist - Heidi O'Gara Jellison
Bagpipes: Todd Boswell
Trolley: Air Apparent Group
Ceremony:Downtown Presbyterian Church
Reception: Aerial
Band: Nashvegas All Stars
Cake: The Sweetest Day
Caterer: Down South Delights
Videography: LookMom

One of our weddings - Emily & Kevin - has been published in Premier Bride Knoxville.  This beautiful wedding took place in Morristown, TN.  

This inspiration board came from a fun summer wedding.  The bride fell in love with a summery yellow color and we built the wedding from there.  Although the main colors were yellow and white, we added some contrast with some black and jacquard.  Small jewels or broaches were added to the bouquets for a glittery accent.

This outdoor wedding felt airy and bright.  The tablecloths and linens were alternated with yellow and white while black centerpieces with yellow candles and white flowers completed the effect.

Looking for a unique reception idea instead of a candy bar or chocolate fountain?  Try custom Ice Cream.

Marble Slab Creamery  offers catering options for small to large groups.   They offer a Sundae Bar, Portable slab or Ice Cream Social for 1.5 to 2 hours.  Each option includes a variety of mixins and toppings.  Your guests will be impressed.

Not sure about an Ice Cream bar?  You can also do Ice Cream cake instead of the grooms cake.

Chris and Cory had a gorgeous Belle Meade Plantation wedding.  I immediately fell in love with the color scheme and the fun attitude of this bride.  I have included some of the great photos here.  See all the photos at Kate Murphy Photography

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The reception included southern favorites - salad with fried green tomatoes, Jack Daniels glazed pork loin, grits with gouda and bacon, handmade biscuits and of course corn muffins!  Guests were also served a custom signature cocktail of Plantation Tea. 

The bride had many DIY projects including the paper pinwheels used for their initial as well as pew markers.  They made cloth napkins for the guests as well as the hanging pennants for the escort cards.  She also made the button cake topper. 

Guests were treated to dinner al freso on the porches with dessert and dancing inside the Carriage House. 

Dress: Lela Rose

Bridesmaids Dress: Anthropologie 

Venue: BelleMeade Plantation

Invitations: Hatch Show Print

Ceremony Music: Rob Higgenbotham (Nashville Wedding Guitarist) 

Reception Music: Familiar Faces

Photography: Kate Murphy  &  Daniel Meigs

Flowers: Cary Allyn and Terri Barton

Catering: Chef’s Market

Cupcakes: The Cupcake Collection

Lighting: Nashville Event Lighting

Rentals: Music City Tents

Transportation: Signature Limo

The average wedding takes 400 hours to plan. 

Do you have that much spare time? 
Do you have time to research and call vendors?
Find venue pricing?  Get catering estimates?

Your time is valuable.  Use my experience to benefit you and eliminate some of the stress involved. 
•Researching vendors and ceremony and reception locations based upon your style and budget. You will be given final selection of all choices.
•Ongoing consultation and advice; ongoing coordination of vendors

onsite with the bride and groom .... 

You get to choose your colors, review and finalize all selections, meet with all the vendors, attend the bridal shows, and simply enjoy the planning process.   I have worked with vendors all around the Middle TN area and can use those resources to benefit you.

I charge a flat rate for planning services.  Contact me to schedule a consultation to discuss your day and how we can create it together.

Courtney and Jason were married in a fairytale wedding at Scarritt Bennett and Old Natchez Country Club.  Every detail was planned with the result being a beautiful wedding, radiating elegance.   The bride included blue Tiffany boxes with favors for the guests and a candy station with blue and black candy. 

 

Ceremony: Scarritt Bennett
Reception: Old Natchez Country Club
Florist: Rachel Short Designs
Photographer: Visions by Valeisha
Videographer: TruePixWeddings
Band: Marino Music
Organist: James Weinberg

I had the privilege of working on a beautiful summer wedding at Carnton Plantation in Franklin, TN. Alix was a stunning bride.  With such a beautiful setting, the entire event was gorgeous.  The weather was beautiful for a ceremony by the gardens.

The beautiful, historic home at Carnton:

Carnton Plantation, Franklin TN, Events by Elaine

A beautiful setting for an outdoor ceremony under the large  Osage orange tree:

wedding ceremony under a large tree

It was such a perfect day. The chivari chairs all perfectly lined up and the grape arbor at the back of the garden. 

chivari chairs lined up for an outdoor ceremony

The bride's bouquet of roses, calla lillies and peonies.  

bride sitting on the front porch at Carnton Plantation

bride bouquet with calla lillies, roses and peonies

Mr and Mrs:

first kiss

Vendors:

Carnton Plantation

Bagpipes of Tennessee

Curious Gourmet Cupcakes

Dicks Florist

Music City Tents

Nashville Event Lighting

Sargent's Catering

Skyline Drive Band

ShutterClick Photography