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.