The Other Side of the Veil: Behind the Scenes with Music City Events

This week’s ‘Behind the Scenes’ edition is all about a Nashville wedding planner who seamlessly transitions from designing and organizing glamorous city weddings to sophisticated southern affairs, all without skipping a beat! Sarah Willard, the owner of Music City Events, not only knows her way around venues, churches, bridal shops etc, she’s also the kind of person whose positive energy keeps the focus on what’s truly important about weddings! Sarah and her  clients genuinely connect and work together to create unforgettable celebrations and lasting memories. I’m so excited to share a behind the scenes peek into Sarah’s world! So sit back, relax and get to know one of the sweetest and most stylish planners around! PS did I mention all the gorgeous photos she sent over of her clients’ weddings? Yes…that’s the sound of my jaw hitting the keyboard Oh, and for all the brides about to begin the planning process, make sure to check out the surprise at the end of this post!

Music City Events

What’s the best advice you can give a bride-to-be who’s searching for a wedding planner?

Choose someone you instantly “click” with! You will be working with your planner for a minimum of one month for “Day Of” services and up to 18 months, depending on your wedding date. You will work closely with this person and be in constant contact with them. If you don’t click and get along like best friends, it’s sure to be a miserable time, no matter how talented or connected the planner is.

When did you first realize that wedding planning was what you were meant to do?

When I hit the stage in life where all my friends were getting married, it was natural to reach out and help them (as a bridesmaid, a friend, and an organized freak! lol). I began to call and research vendors, ideas, timelines, etc. and help them plan all the details. I did this for about 18 months, between my friends and their friends. After a 6 month lull, an acquaintance of mine became engaged. When I nearly tripped over myself to offer my help I realized this was a serious thing for me. There is not a single thing about my career that I do not love, and I enjoy it every day. I am probably one of the very few planners who did not start planning with her own wedding!

Music City Events

What are a few of your favorite venues for wedding receptions in Nashville?

Such a hard question! It depends on what the bride is looking for – there is a big difference between a fabulous mansion and ultra cool urban setting – but my current favorites are the Noah Liff Opera Center, Houston Station, and Benton Chapel on Vanderbilt’s Campus.

If you weren’t planning weddings in Nashville where would you be planning them?

Most definitely in an “Old South” city such as Charleston, Savannah, or Wilmington. I just love those cities so much! I look forward to retiring to one some day!

How long have you been planning weddings?

I have been planning since 2002 and opened Music City Events (originally A Perfect Beginning: Weddings & Events) in 2006.

Are there any details about planning events and weddings that tend to be more challenging than others?

I take the word “challenging” as a positive – it’s always a challenge to create the perfect event for a client and to design new, fresh decor and details. That is one thing about planning that I love so much, every client and event is completely unique!

Music City Events

What’s one event/wedding that you’ll never forget?

I do a tremendous amount of events for clients that live out state. I created a wedding for a couple from Colorado who truly desired something out the box and very urban. This wedding took place a few years ago, but it remains one of my favorite. They wanted to literally show up and be surprised by the entire design. I spoke with them at length about their hobbies, favorites time periods, how they met, what they do together, etc. This was the time of pastels and “pink and brown” weddings so I created an eggplant/plum, military green, and black wedding in a hotspot downtown location. The wedding was for 80 guests so I was able to go all out and surprise them with awesome details and design. We had black chairs at the ceremony, orchids everywhere, beautiful centerpieces consisting of only wheatgrass and ribbon, black leather lounge areas… and Chef’s Market did the catering on this one! I could go on and on about this wedding, so maybe I should feature it on my own blog… 

Have you ever had to plan a destination wedding? If not, would you like to?

I have! My favorite is one at a gorgeous bed and breakfast in Mississippi on a lake with an in ground pool for cocktails and surrounded by tons of beautiful landscaping and nature. Another is a second wedding for a couple in Memphis. Their reception was held at the bar where they met! They are good friends with the owner, who closed the bar to the public for the evening!

Music City Events

What are some wedding/design trends we’ll be seeing this year?

Vintage is still going strong this year, and DIY is popping up everywhere. With all the blogs and DIY shows available, brides are trying to stretch their budget to the max with dIY decor and details. Fabulously colored shoes are all the rage (something blue or plum purple anyone?) while I see more monotone colored bouquets these days. It’s honestly all about the surprise factor and how a wedding can be as memorable as possible. Nothing makes a bride happier than having a “wow” (or three!) for her guests that sends her wedding over the top.

What part of a wedding never gets old no matter how many times you’ve seen it happen before?

The bridal couple recessing down the aisle for the first time as husband and wife. Doesn’t matter that I’ve seen it thousands of times, I am always so very happy for them. Their faces say it all. I love being at the end of the aisle and celebrating that happy moment with them.

Music City Events

If you were casting someone to play yourself in a movie, who would you choose?

ooh, fun question! I love Cate Blanchett and she pulls off the red head look so well, plus she’s naturally quite pale, like myself…

Is she not the coolest person ever?! I love how the bride & groom from Colorado wanted to be completely surprised by her designs and gave her full control on planning and style…planning a wedding like that takes some serious talent! To see more of Sarah’s work check out her website and blog!

What’s the big surprise???

Sarah’s offering any bride who’s using Chef’s Market as their wedding caterer a 10% discount on the ‘Month Of package’, 15% off ‘partial planning’ and 20% off ‘full scale planning’! WOW! A great wedding planner and great food for your wedding? You can’t argue with that!:)

Genna

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The Other Side of the Veil: Behind the Scenes with Brocade Designs

Today’s ‘behind the scenes’ post is giving everyone a little sneak peek into the world of wedding flowers! We’ve got the inside information on the bouquets, the colors, the table arrangements and the Nashville designer who makes all that wedding flower loveliness happen! The incredibly creative Hillary Robson, owner of Brocade Designs, was kind enough to fill us in on everything from the latest bouquet and flower styles to some seriously great advice that every bride should hear before meeting with her florist. Hillary’s passion for what she does is detailed in all of the gorgeous photos below and we are beyond excited to share it all on Chef’s Dish!!

Courtesy of Krista Lee Photography/Brocade Designs

What first interested you about floral design?

I’ve always been a little bit in love with flowers—they have been a fixture in my life since I was a kid. My mom always made it a point to have fresh blossoms all around the house while I was growing up, and that impressed me. My grandmother is a big gardener, even still now that she’s in her 80s, and I planted my first garden growing cut flowers at age 10. I love how something as simple as a fresh cut bouquet can lighten up any room and make it feel alive.

What’s one thing brides often overlook when deciding on flowers for their wedding?

I think the major thing that they forget is that their flowers are more than just a placeholder on the center of a table. The bride’s bouquet is the ultimate wedding-day accessory: it should be a work of art that represents that bride’s vision for her wedding, coordinated perfectly to her gown, her style, her essence. For her reception flowers, they should represent the overall wedding—not as an afterthought, but as a congruent piece of the décor puzzle. I try to impart to brides that their flowers should ultimately whisper the very core of what their wedding is about to their guests they should act as a conduit of the style, purpose, and overall look of the wedding day.

Courtesy of Donald Yeager Photography/Brocade Designs

What’s your favorite flower?

Crazily enough, I don’t have a favorite. I don’t have a least favorite either. I fall in love with different flowers throughout the season—there’s something so stunning about a perfectly perfect, in season flower that is at its peak of health and vitality. My love changes with the season. Right now I’m in a romance with dahlias—they are gorgeous this time of year.

What flowers/bouquet styles are you seeing being used the most this year for Nashville brides? (this could be color/cool ideas, etc)

I am seeing a lot of organic, southern-California inspired styles, mixing a lot of texture and depth, with a penchant for flowers in complementary color schemes instead of a more monochromatic route. I’m also seeing a turn to a more romantic, soft look—luscious bouquets of very fluffy, ruffly flowers. Peonies have been super popular this year, as well as garden roses. While last year I had a lot of weddings with more stylized, bold flowers (like dahlia, orchids, etc) I’m seeing a lot more of the loose and flowy and naturally pretty flowers. I’m also loving the fact that more and more brides are willing to take artistic risks with their flowers: they aren’t as enamored with the bouquets you have seen a million times over—they are wanting something more artfully composed, more dramatic, and overwhelmingly unique.

Courtesy of Chris & Adrienne Scott/Brocade Designs

If you had the chance to either bungee jump or skydive which would you choose?

Haha, neither. I’m horribly afraid of heights, and the more that I try to get over my fear the worse it becomes. I guess if it were a total life or death decision, I’d pick bungee-ing, but honestly, I’d rather dive headfirst in a pool of snakes.

Courtesy of Donald Yeager Photography/Brocade Designs

W.O.W. Gorgeous right??? I would carry that bouquet of Peonies around with me every day if I could! An enormous thanks to Hillary for answering our questions and letting us go behind the scenes with Brocade Designs! Click here for more Brocade goodness!!

Genna

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The Other Side of the Veil: Behind the Scenes with Nashville Event Lighting

Have you ever wondered why people use the phrase ‘mood lighting’? If it’s got you conjuring up visions of cheesy romantic comedies and candles that never seem to stay lit, think again. Lighting really does set the tone for an event and it changes the atmosphere of a room. No one knows this better than Blake Chaffin, the owner of Nashville Event lighting. Blake and his team have an amazing eye for design and presentation. Their ability to take an ordinary barn, outdoor tent, or indoor venue and create a truly mesmerizing space is unparalleled. NEL has been a regular on the Nashville wedding and event scene since it began and we knew starting our behind the scenes post series that we absolutely had to feature Blake and his amazing work on our blog! We couldn’t be more thrilled to bring you some insight into Nashville Event Lighting, enjoy!

What got you started in event lighting?

In my junior year of High School I spent $1,200 on a deluxe DJ Lighting package that included a smoke machine and mirror ball, embarrassingly enough!  That was the start I suppose. Then, after a couple years and I don’t know….a thousand gigs later, we ended up here with Nashville Event Lighting.

What effect does lighting have on a venue/event space?

Lighting creates an emotional response, the same way sound and scents do. So, it’s very important and you simply can’t throw a proper event without paying some attention to lighting.

What’s been one of your most technically challenging events?

We did a large wedding at the Cheekwood Museum of Art.  We coordinated all power for the heaters, caterer and band as well as lighting three huge tents. We had hundreds of lights and every light was on a dimmer and the whole event was first class.  It was one of our greatest challenges and so thrilling when you plan your work and work your plan!

We love reading your website’s ‘quote of the day’, what’s one of your favorite quotes?

“Hell, there are no rules here. We’re trying to accomplish something.”  – Thomas Edison

If you could do the lighting for one celebrity wedding (past or present) whose would it be?

I really enjoyed the events we did for Sara Evans and Sheryl Crow.  If we could take today’s LED technology and show up at Thomas Edison’s wedding, I think it would be cool to see the look on his face.

How do you see your business evolving in the years to come?

I see us developing a wider range of revenue streams through larger service and product offerings.  I can see us offering “do it yourself” rentals out of our warehouse.  I see us getting into touring acts and music festivals.  I can see us growing an install division to lend our creativity to restaurant chains, etc. that want us to consult with them.  I can see us turning into a video company.

Wow, see what I mean about transforming a room??? Gorgeous! Personally, I’m a sucker for string lights like the ones in the second photo from the top…love love love!!! A gigantic thanks to Blake for answering our questions and letting us go behind the scenes with  Nashville Event Lighting. Check out NEL’s blog to get the lighting 101 straight from Blake and his team as well as view more amazing photos!!

Genna

The Other Side of the Veil: Behind the Scenes with Liberty Party Rental

This week I have the chance to share the incredibly talented Liberty Party Rental with everyone and I’m not gonna lie, I’m pretty excited! McKenzie Portelance, Liberty’s Director of Business Development, was kind enough to answer our questions and let me just say, if you’re planning an event listen to her advice! She has great insight on what’s popular, how you can save money and what her favorite rentals are. Oh and the pictures are unreal…seriously gorgeous! Enjoy!

What’s one thing people often overlook when deciding on what to rent for an event/wedding?

I would have to say that all too often clients hosting an event at a venue where ballroom chairs are included want to change the look of the chairs by using chair covers and ties. While most people think this is their only option, it is actually less costly and far less time consuming to rent a different chair all together. Another trick is to only add a chair tie. You can add a chair tie to pretty much any chair if you want to dress it up or just add a pop of color.

What do you rent out most often?

That is a hard question to answer since it really depends on the type of client or event. Our most popular items would probably be tables and chairs simply because we have the largest inventory in the Nashville area and a wide variety of choices.

What rentals are particularly popular for weddings & events this year?

We have recently added a wrought iron arch, spiral candelabra set, and unity candle to our inventory which is always a big hit with the bridal market. The chiavari chairs and Axis modular couches seem to be making a big comeback this year as well for fundraisers and corporate events.

What new products do you have that are unique to Liberty Party Rental?

Our most recent additions have been a new line of stemware called “Classico” which has a classic and elegant look and our black and white “Chateau” linen which works perfectly for so many different types of events and looks amazing with just about any accent color.

What is your favorite item in your warehouse?

Our banquettes are definitely one of my favorite rental items. They are high back, upholstered benches that can be covered in any fabric and are completely unique to the Nashville area market.

Sign. Me. Up. I love how these pictures showcase Liberty’s wide range of pieces and the different looks are a testament to their amazing ability to pair the perfect rentals with the vibe a client’s looking to create. From an upscale glam affair indoors to an elegant reception under a tent, they’ve got everything needed to help put together a truly memorable party! Thanks to McKenzie for giving us such great tips and information! We are thrilled to have Liberty Party Rental on our blog!

Genna

The Other Side of the Veil: Behind the Scenes with A Delightful Day Event Planning

This week I have the chance to share inside info on Mary Alice Sublett, owner of A Delightful Day Event Planning and I couldn’t be more excited! Mary Alice knows how to get modern Nashville brides in touch with their southern roots and the results are always stunning. Not only is  she busy coordinating weddings all over Nashville, she recently opened Studio Wed, a planning studio where local brides can meet with some of Nashville’s biggest wedding vendors at no cost (Chef’s Market for example ). With such a busy schedule we were ecstatic that she was able to sit down and answer our questions! Read on for a peek into this local planner’s wedding world!

What’s the best advice you can give a bride about her wedding day?

For any bride, look for quality vendors… ones that have a lot of expertise, experience with their fellow vendors, a great work ethic, and care about your event. You need to feel that you’re their “only” client and that they will help you create the event of a lifetime that you’re looking for.

What are two of the most popular venues for wedding receptions in Nashville?

Belle Meade Plantation is a natural Nashville staple in terms of wedding reception sites. It’s classic, naturally beautiful, and has a lot of character for a truly Southern event. Another favorite of the Nashville locations is 3rd aVenue South. It has a great atmosphere and modern vibe that Nashville’s “modern, but southern” brides are looking for.

Why did you become a wedding planner/how long have you been planning weddings?

I have been planning weddings for about 5 years now… it all began with the staple wedding planner beginner response; I was planning my own wedding and loved the experience. But it is certainly true, I enjoy the tedious tasks, the creative tasks, and the challenges that this career and passion ensue. After planning my own wedding, I wanted to help make other brides dreams for a truly unique and personal wedding come to life and the wonderful vendors of Nashville have helped me develop A Delightful Day into the business that it is.

In your words, why is it so important for brides to hire wedding planners?

Why wouldn’t a bride hire a wedding planner?! It’s so disappointing to see some of the wedding planners on TV and the “drama” that is involved with planning weddings. Planning is a dramatic career, as each wedding is like a new play every weekend. But a lot of those shows don’t show the reality that is wedding planning and its many elements involved. There are many players, acts, and props involved, and a great planner is going to orchestrate your event to its own perfection. No wedding is perfect, but it is perfect for you and your fiancé. You don’t want to have to produce, direct and then star in your own play…you want to hire the perfect person to do all the behind the scenes work so you can truly steal the show!

What’s one event/wedding that you’ll never forget?

A very recent wedding for us, Kimberly and Rashad, was a beautifully orchestrated event! They were so in love with each other and the relationship that has developed between the two of them! They celebrated each other with their families in a beautiful setting and with wonderful vendors. The passion that they had for each other is one in a million, and I will always remember the details of this day. But most importantly what will stand the test of time is their love for each other.

Do you plan destination weddings?  If so, what is the most challenging aspect of planning out of town?

We haven’t had an opportunity to plan a destination wedding, but are very much up for the challenge. Being in a new city would be very exciting for the couple, as well as our company.

What’s a popular look many brides will be going for this year?

I am in love with the vintage inspired looks that brides are incorporating into their bridal beauty; vintage laces, birdcage veils, jewel toned shoes, classic and dramatic make up, brides are becoming more and more outward in their true style and are showing it for their wedding day!

OK time for a fun non-wedding related question! What’s your favorite TV show?

My favorite show of all time is actually no longer on TV, but I have all 10 seasons; FRIENDS!!! It was the funniest show and had such classic episodes that many people still quote. I know I do!! When nothing else is on, I have my old faithful, Friends DVD’s!

A million thanks to Mary Alice for sharing her passion for wedding planning with our blog! We can’t wait to see how Studio Wed takes off in the upcoming months and I’m sure she will have many gorgeous weddings scheduled for this Spring and Summer! For more information on A Delightful Day, check out their blog!

Genna

The Other Side of the Veil: Behind the Scenes with Kristyn Hogan Photography

When we first started gathering vendors for this post series, local wedding/lifestyle photographer Kristyn Hogan immediately came to my mind. I’ve only been in my current position at Chef’s Market since February but it’s been more than enough time for me to acquaint myself with her incredible eye for the truly honest moments between people.  She’s the kind of photographer you’d hire and then end up being friends with for life…and her photographs? Gorgeous and real. You can feel the emotions running through her subjects. Kristyn captures love in all its many shapes and colors and reminds us how very beautiful it is.

What’s the best advice you can give a couple about their wedding pictures?

Choose a photographer that you trust and feel a connection with. They are going to be with you a lot on one of the most important days of your life and they are in charge of capturing irreplaceable moments, so you want to like them, trust them & love their work! These photographs are going to be heirlooms for generations to come so make sure you are investing in quality and a style that speaks to you.

What got you started in photography?

My mom always had a nice camera when I was growing up. When I was 10 years old I picked it up and really never looked back. I took film & darkroom classes throughout junior high and high school, shot my first wedding when I was 18 years old and became a full time wedding photographer while I was getting my degree in photography & graphic design. In those 6 years I’ve shot hundreds of weddings and couldn’t love my life more!

Are there any details about photographing weddings that tend to be more challenging than others?

Weddings are unpredictable. Yes, there is a timeline and there are traditional ways that things are done, but you can never predict when a tender moment will happen or where you’ll be when the heart of the story unfolds. I become adaptable to the ever changing and wear comfortable shoes

What’s one photo shoot/wedding that you’ll never forget?

One that stands out recently was a wedding I shot in the Mayan Riviera (Mexico). The bride and groom had to forgo their dream of a beach wedding when a hurricane hit ON their wedding day! Their guests who flew in from all over Europe & the U.S. took it in stride and we had a great time running through the pouring rain & blow-you-down wind! I think that if your marriage can withstand a hurricane on your wedding day, you can handle anything together! And if I can photograph a wedding in a hurricane, I think I can photograph in any conditions

Where’s your favorite place to take pictures in Nashville?

Nashville is one of my favorite places on the planet and it is filled with amazing backdrops but when it comes down to it, I look for the story and I look for the light. Regardless of where I am, I can capture a moment. And wherever that is, it’s real and beautiful.

Where do you draw inspiration from when it comes to photography?

Truly more than anything, I draw inspiration from life and people. My art is about a connection with my subjects. I’m telling their story and their stories inspire me. They inspire me to take a better photograph and to be a better person.

How has your photographic style evolved since you first started out?

As an artist, I feel like I’m always evolving; learning more about my craft and finding ways to become better every day. From the beginning of my career I set out to tell the story of a wedding day. It’s always been my passion to capture little moments and details that tell a bigger story. A wedding day is the start of a new family and I consider it such an honor and privilege to capture the first moments of a brand new life.

If you could photograph any wedding past or present whose would it be?

Anyone who knows me knows that I love history. The 17th-19th centuries fascinate me to the point where if someone discovered a time machine I’d probably try to be the first to make a visit! So to answer your question, how about a wedding in England on May 14, 1732. That was probably a nice day for a wedding

If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what song would you choose to hear?

Wow, probably Amazing Grace. If I could get Coldplay to record it for me!

Are you two inches away from your computer screen absorbing every detail of each photo??? Yeah me too! A gigantic thanks to Kristyn for answering all our questions (I’d listen to Coldplay sing Amazing Grace over and over as well )  & sending in some of her amazing shots!  To see more of Kristyn’s work visit her website at www.kristynhogan.com.

Genna

The Other Side of the Veil:Behind the Scenes with Nashville’s Biggest Wedding Vendors

As a wedding guests, we don’t often wonder who arranged the gorgeous centerpieces, who made sure the venue was decorated according to plan, or who thought to hang the romantic string lights under the elegant white tent, we just know it looks beautiful and we want replicas at our own weddings. We hear words like wedding planner and florist and think of that movie with J Lo & Mathew McConaughey, not realizing how important and vital these people are to the Bride & Groom. So, we’re starting a new series of posts on our blog featuring the amazing and talented vendors who make weddings happen in Nashville. Our first post is dedicated to the insanely talented Angela Proffitt, owner & CEO of Elegant Weddings by Angela. She was kind enough to fill us in on her passion for planning weddings and why she thinks no bride should travel to the chapel without one!

What’s the best advice you can give a bride about her wedding day?

Hire a professional wedding planner with experience, who can handle the events on the wedding weekend for you so you can enjoy the most important day of your life!

Why did you become a wedding planner/how long have you been planning weddings?

My Uncle was a wedding planner, florist, caterer, venue owner, dressmaker, etc. He did everything, so it’s in the family! This is our eighth year in business.

In your words, why is it so important for brides to hire wedding planners?

For guidance, a road map to guide them in the right direction. The biggest benefit is having one person to go to for all of your needs.

What’s one event/wedding that you’ll never forget?

The Burke Wedding; it was a destination wedding from Gross Point Michigan. The Bride and her family were some of the nicest & most appreciative people I have ever worked for. All of the vendors would say this is one of the best weddings Nashville has ever seen!

Do you plan destination weddings?  If so, what is the most challenging aspect of planning out of town?

Yes, I actually specialize in that! We are part of wedding style magazine, Grace Ormonde, which is a national magazine, so we are able to market the company on a national level. The most challenging aspect of a destination wedding is doing the homework to ensure you are finding the best vendors and locations for the bride.

What’s a popular look many brides will be going for this year?

Nature is big this year. Lots of greens & brides that love curly willow!

Ok time for a fun non-wedding related question! Where’s your favorite vacation spot?

Oh this is hard too, I love St. Lucia.

A huge thanks to Angela for sharing her experiences and being apart of our new post series! PS the pictures are from weddings she has planned (can you say GORGEOUS)?!

Genna