If you have dined around Nashville you may have seen this adorable logo on the menu:

This amazing company creates gourmet popsicles in delicious and unique flavors such as hibiscus, avocado, prune, and chai.  Of course, they also serve more traditional flavors such as chocolate and multiple fruits.  I love dessert anything so of course I adore these.  They have creamy style which is more like ice cream and fruit flavors that are like an Italian ice.

I have served many of these at summer weddings during the cocktail hour as a fun treat for guests. Look at how beautiful and colorful these delights are.  (And they taste even better)

Source: Experience Nash

If you can't find these treats near you, visit their store at 2907 12th Ave S, Nashville.

This fun wedding took place at Loveless Barn. I can't wait to share photos with you soon. Here is a quick timelapse of their day.

#benandkym2014

Many of us grew up with childhood memories and camping in the backyard or maybe a weekend trip.  But as I got older I realized that while I still love the outdoors, I'm not such a fan of traditional camping.

My family still takes frequent trips to go hiking, fly fishing or just to get away.  However, I have upgraded us to glamping. Instead of an air mattress and sleeping bag, I sleep on a bed with eucalyptus luxury sheets and a down comforter.  Because being in the outdoors doesn't have to mean "roughing it"

"Glamping" = Glamorous Camping. A luxury camping experience without sacrificing comfort

If you want a romantic getaway, a family reunion or a corporate retreat, contact me about creating the perfect glamping experience for you.

From gourmet catering and luxury linens to family style dinners there is an option available to suit your needs.  Want something around a theme such as vintage picnics or western campfires?  I can help make that happen.  Details can be customized to fit your preferences.

This service is available around the United States.

Why Glamping?

• Not everyone owns the equipment required to go camping
• Setting up campsights, tents and equipment takes time, knowledge and can be frustrating
• Allows you to enjoy and connect with nature with less "getting your hands dirty"

Contact me to plan your adventure

I had so much fun creating my tables and designs for this show.  Here is a little peek:

Casey and Steve knew they wanted a simple wedding for 200 of their close friend and family.

But the best part of their story is how they met:

They were each in the Peace Corps on a trip to Africa.  After a few false starts, they finally connected and started talking.  They discovered that they lived only a few hours apart; one in Tennessee, the other in Alabama.  But they had to travel halfway around the world to find each other.

Awww.....

(This fabric came from their trip)

A fun exit with pom poms and foam fingers. 

Vendors:

Photographer:  Hosey Photography

Venue: Marathon Music Works

Catering: Flavor Caters

Cupcakes: Dulce Desserts

Rentals: Music City Tents

When it comes to thinking about a DIY weddings, Martha Stewart has set the standard very high.  Basically you should grow your own flowers and food.

Then you should sew your own dress and bake your own cake.  (don't feel bad if you are an under achiever; I am too)

When it comes to being a crafty bride there is a right way and a wrong way to approach it.   My artsy and crafty brides have been some of my favorite weddings because I love working with their creativity.

1. Know why you want to do it. Most of my brides are DIY not because of price or saving money but because they want to create their own vision and express who they are.  For others, it is because they want something they haven't seen before.

2. Choose what is important.  While Martha can accomplish everything and still look polished, the rest of us tend to be.... well, less super human.  Pick the one area that is important to you and that matters.  Don't try to do it all.

3. Know your strengths and weaknesses.  What are your skills?  What are you good at?  If you are great at unique favors, then get that hot gun plugged in and start crafting.  But don't create the favors and feel successful and then decide to do the decor and then the flowers.  If you know that colors or design are your weakness, then find someone to fill that gap.

4. DIY doesn't mean do it alone or without vendors.  The most successful handcrafted weddings are the ones that make use of vendors.  I work well with DIY brides because I understand the need to express and create.  However, I can also make sure that the projects complement each other, the colors work well and we stay on a timeline.  Making amazing decor? How does that work with the florists designs?

5. Have a plan.  Know how the projects will get to the venue, how they will get assembled, and how they will get back to your home.  There is nothing worse than building a large project and realizing that you don't have a vehicle large enough to haul it.

This fall wedding was filled with beautiful autumn colors and a really great party.  And look at this stunning bride....

Watch the highlight reel:

Nashville TN Wedding Highlight Video --Ashley & Randy from Bruce B. Karcher on Vimeo.

Vendors:

Venue: Houston Station

Catering: A Ribbon of Chocolate

Florist: The Enchanted Florist

Photography: Affordable Wedding Photography

Videographer: Beyond the Still Image

Rentals: Southern Events

Draping & Lighting: Blue Nova Designs

I was recently contacted by Hannah Elaine Photography  (great middle name) and invited to participate on a styled shoot for The Not Wedding.  And, of course, I said YES!

The concept was a simple, backyard dinner party with close friends after the wedding is over.  Every couple needs a great reason to break out all the fun gifts they received.

I had so much fun connecting with some very talented people who helped create this shoot.

Oh and we had chickens!  I mean how could I resist...

My part was to design the table and help with product staging throughout the shoot.   Now on to some prettiness.

Love these "marital bliss" dinner invites.  And the green and gold envelope liners are perfect. 

Who wouldn't want to receive one of these favor boxes?  Chocolate, caramel and cookies...

(After a little rain delay we moved everything outside for dinner alfresco)

I said we had chickens.  And they color coordinated. 

Gold cake pops and a white two tier cake with gold decorations.  

We even had a custom cocktail created just for the shoot.

Peace in the Valley Cocktail

1.5 oz Belle Meade Bourbon (local)

.5 oz Yellow Chartreuse

.75 oz Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice

.75 oz Honey Syrup (1:1 Honey:H2O)

Shake and strain into coupe

Garnish with Local Peach Twist

Here is a little peek from behind the scenes while we were dodging some rain drops. 

The Amazing Talent:

Photography:  Hannah Elaine Photography

Product Staging + Table Design:  Events by Elaine

Hair + Makeup: Hayley Bidez Makeup Artistry

Guest Party Favors:  Batch Nashville

Invitations, Name Cards + Favor Labels: Green Bean Paper Co.

Floral Arrangements: Rosemary & Finch

Dresses: The Bride Room

Linen + Tableware:  Southern Events

Cake + Cake Pops: The Frosted Affair

“Peace in the Valley” Signature Cocktail: Reuben Victor

I want to share some info about an amazing bridal show that I am participating in. But unlike typical shows, there are no endless rows of booths or a sea of vendors that all blur together.  The Not Wedding is instead a "fake" wedding where a real couple renews their vows.  And the vendors have to apply and a limited number are selected in each area.

The 2nd Nashville Not Wedding will take place on June 18th at 7:00 pm at Cannery Ballroom.

Get your tickets now. (Tickets usually sell out)  

I can't wait to meet you at the show.  

Well I guess it's a dirty acronym....bad acronym (sounds like a rock band....)

My crafty and DIY brides are some of my favorite.  I love seeing what they create.  However, make sure you do it right.

DIY sometimes get a bad name and here is why:

1. Bride's try to do things they aren't really talented at.  I have helped many brides by doing their bouquets, boutonnieres and centerpieces at the last minute when they realize that it is harder than it looks or they don't have the time or space.

Note: If you have never arranged flowers or baked a cake, doing it for the first time for your wedding it probably not a good idea.

2. They make everyone else work harder, kinda like the DIY version of a bridezilla.  Large projects might sound good, but will making your best friends work until 3am assembling full size cherry blossom trees help your friendship?

Note: Don't assume your friends or family wants to help with your crafty dreams

Creative commons Salicia 

3. They underestimate the time it will take. Working away the night before your wedding to finish projects is just a big NO!

Note: Start early and finish well before the wedding day.

Don't make these big mistakes and become a DIY bridezilla.  Trust me...your friends, family and wedding vendors will thank you.

This amazing wedding reception took place at the Parthenon.

 I can't wait to share photos of this stunning event.

#griswoldwedding

Amanda and Tom knew they wanted their wedding to be a combination of part California, where they live, and part Nashville, the brides hometown and their wedding destination.

Amanda was involved not only in the design but the actual setup of the reception tables and centerpieces.  For Tom, music was the most important focus.

The ceremony was held under an arbor on the lawn.

(Read more about Nashville destination weddings)

Afterwards the guests walked across the street to the Ambrose House for the reception. 

 In addition to eco-friendly plates and flatware, the entire dinner menu was vegan with gluten free cupcakes for dessert. 

The couple set up a DIY photobooth in the hallway using a Polaroid camera. 

This adorable table setup had the couples initials wrapped in a map.  It served as a guest book and gift table.  Photos of the couple as children were scattered around the table.

Adorable drawings of the couple were on the programs. 

Centerpieces

 The bride's bouquet wrapped in lace. 

Everyone had a great time dancing at this destination wedding in Nashville.  The foam fingers were great props! 

Venue: Ambrose House

Catering: Be Hive

Cupcakes: Kahns Desserts

Rentals: Liberty Party Rental

Bouquets & Boutonnieres: Events by Elaine

These style and design trends are very popular this year. 

1. Color trends:

• Blush, pink, and nude colors especially for attire
• A muted palette with gold accents  
• One bright pop of color with a poppy red or indigo blue.   
• Metallics very, very popular in all shades - gold, silver, bronze, copper
• Rose gold metallic color has a pinker tone and is gaining popularity

Rachel Moore

2. Elegance and formality are returning.  

• Great Gatsby/Art Deco.  Think big bands, stunning candlesticks and gold rimmed china.  
• Old World opulence inspired by Downton Abbey

3. Woodland weddings are still very popular.  They often include that fairytale or whimsical elements getting inspiration from The Hobbit and Once Upon A Time. Natural elements such as birch containers and vines are frequently used. 

4. Patterns.  Chevron was very popular last year.  This year I am seeing stripes, florals, trellis designs and geometric shapes.  You can already see some of these patterns in the linens for bedding and kitchens.  These patterns are also appearing in stationery.

5. Lush flowers.  Soft romantic arrangements in crystal or silver containers.  A combination of elegant and retro.  Bouquets are looser with more of a cascading effect. 

6. Garland is back.  Whether greenery is down the center of a long table or draped over windows and doors, greenery is becoming a big trend.  Depending on the actual plant used changes the style and effect. 

7. Music mash ups.   Imagine string quartets playing rock or jazz.  It adds that unexpected element of surprise.

8. Wedding size is shrinking to around 100 – 125.  This is allowing for a more intimate wedding and the couple can stretch the budget further to be more creative or offer more upscale amenities. 

As Nashville has become more popular,  I have worked with more and more couples who are treating Nashville as a destination for the entire wedding.

Brides choose a Nashville destination wedding for many reasons, although I'm sure having our own TV show hasn't hurt.  We have always been a pretty terrific place to live and visit, but the secret is getting out.  More people are visiting and getting married here all the time due to our central geographic location that is easy and convenient for your guests.   We have a great nightlife and more entertainment than you can count.  

If you are considering having a destination wedding, here are 5 greats reasons to have your destination wedding in Nashville!

• We having amazing venues in every style. We have barns and farms, plantations with amazing stories, renovated industrial spaces, modern lofts, full service hotels, and great new places being built and opened.  I am constantly receiving invitation to Open Houses for new and unique event venues from cozy to sophisticated to natural to artisan. 

• We are Music City.  Any town in the country can provide music; we create it!  (enough said)

• The food!  Sure we have biscuits and jam, bacon jam in fact, and we have sweet tea.  But we also have talented chefs who are creating delights for every taste.   From restaurants to private catering, we have the connections to the food you love to eat. 

• We'll give you a smile with that.  Southern hospitality is contagious.  Driving down country roads or walking through town, you can always find a smile and a wave to make you feel welcome. We are a friendly town, and we want you to have a great time.  Let your guests enjoy the Nashville experience. 

• You can spend days exploring and never leave downtown.  We have museums, restaurants, parks, nightlife, and of course more of that great music that give Nashville its nickname.   Travel a little further and you will find historic towns, plantations, distilleries, and great sights. 

From music to historic sites to shopping and trendy restaurants, Nashville has something for everyone. Cowboy boots are optional.  If you are thinking of a destination wedding in Nashville, I would love to talk to you.  Learn More about planning a destination wedding in Nashville. 

8 hours goes by in a minute and a half.  Opryland Gaylord Springs.

1. You get to daydream. You get to think about all those princess/fairy/ballroom/castle (insert your own) daydreams that you had as a child.  Whether it was being surrounded by fairies and unicorns in a woodland grove or a stunning castle or an old Hollywood movie set.  Everyone has that one crazy daydream that if money were no object you would love to make happen (even if it did include time travel).

2. You get disappointed.  It doesn't get talked about as much, but the process of planning a wedding sometimes creates disappointments.  It is easy to have a vision, but the sticker price to make that happen can be expensive.  And most of those stunning images on Pinterest that we all drool over, they don’t mention the price tag.

3. You get overwhelmed.  Every day hundreds of new images are uploaded, posted or pinned.  It can be easy to get lost in all the beautiful photos.  You may have started looking at wildflowers and then start thinking you like tulips.  Remember that those are other people's weddings; you want yours to be yours.  So stop and think about what you want for your wedding.  Then find a few images to represent what you want that you can show your wedding vendors.

4. You get overwhelmed (again). A wedding can be an emotionally stressful time from planning through the honeymoon.  Everyone shares their opinions and advice that you graciously accept with a smile (lucky you).  You get to navigate the mine field of family relationships.

5. You get to make decisions.  A lot of decisions - 1, 276 (give or take).  Every detail at your wedding requires a decision to obtain it and then some more to refine the design of it.  You may get to the point where you say, "I don't care, whatever you think is best".  You actually do care; you just can't mentally make one more decision.

6. You just want it to be over.  Every couple reaches that point where they just want to be done.  You want to be standing in your reception drinking and dancing with no more decisions to be made, no more stress, no more things to do.  You just want to enjoy all your hard work.