I often discuss the importance of creating a unique event and incorporating WOW factors. The best part about a wedding is that the "theme" or "idea" is one that seems so easy since it is so personal. A wedding - unlike other private events - combines personality with tradition and a little bit of spunk. It's uniquely YOU. My couples rely on me as the expert in the vendor communication and how it's all pulled together. I remind the couple that they are also an expert when it comes to their wants (of their vision) and needs (of their guests). Kate and Dustin understood the assignment and created a dreamy day filled with forest feels and starlit send offs.
The celestial settings and woodland features mixed with some feathered friends and a festive feast really made Kate and Dustin's wedding stick out amongst the rest. I waited several months to say WHO the ring bearer was... here's a bird's eye view ;)
THE PLAN:
Kate and Dustin booked "Month Of Coordination." The couple had already picked the perfect venue to match their wedding style. The Chapel at Firefly Lane was a cozy space in Dickson, TN that gave guests the feeling of being deep in the Tennessee trees with its outdoor areas and indoor venue complete with floor to ceiling glass paneling. The ceremony chapel was just like a movie with its high ceilings, cut out walls, church pews, and stone aisleway. The second I had our site visit, I could see the entire wedding day come to life!
The venue really helped Kate pull in some of her favorite pieces for the wedding. The whimsical feel allowed her to bring in moon and star accents along with twinkle lights and a soft candle glow. The bride talked with Romance and Rust to bring in the decor, linens, florals, and special touches that would fit right in. Our bride's Reu De Seine Cactus Rose Dress was filled with colors and details from the cut out couture to the flowy flared sleeves, while our groom stunned in a custom gold patterned suit from viva Las Vegas.
Kate and Dustin's priorities for the day were the first look, overall flow of the day, and the special father / daughter moments. Kate also liked the decor pieces with her added touches of crystal and mossy textures. The decor team diligently worked on the pretty details while the planning team coordinated vendor load ins, timelines, and set ups for the wedding. With the venue booked along with vendors that frequently worked on property, we were able to plan the wedding fully with special consideration to the photos, flow, and overall fun for the day. We pulled out a lot of surprises during the celebration. An event like this with a handful of eclectic ideas, details and activities works well when an easy and thorough plan takes place!
THE PARTY:
The day of the wedding turned out to be pretty smooth. We had an intimate wedding party of 4 bridesmaids and 4 groomsmen. The wedding party enjoyed getting ready in the suites at the venue with a hair and make up team and mimosas to start the day.
The venue offered a 12-hour booking window. The ceremony site was set up as is with the venue church pew seating. The reception area already had our farm tables and fruitwood folding chairs in place so the vendors were able to begin set up immediately. We drew out a diagram for guest seating, a buffet, dancing / DJ areas, as well as a cocktail hour, bar, and firepit outside between the ceremony site and reception venue. It was a very easy set up with all of the venue inclusions!
Our couple chose a first look. We were able to get the majority of photos taken in the early afternoon and prepared for our guest arrival 30 minutes prior to ceremony. A special surprise for the guests was shortly revealed when a large barn owl named Hermione was selected to carry the rings down the aisle, and then when a real life dove release sealed our ceremony. To be honest, I was nervous and did not know how it was going to go... but you know what?! It worked and it was cool!
The bride informed me about the falconry she was interested in during our pre-planning. I've heard of this as a sport, but never thought I'd see the flying feature at a wedding. The company offered falconry along with the different ideas for the ceremony. Like I said, I was skeptical, but the birds made for great conversation pieces at cocktail hour, pretty cool pictures, and a core memory (for me, at least!).
Guests enjoyed the signature drinks at cocktail hour, a string trio, photo booth options, lawn games, and a fire pit before being seated inside for dinner. Little did the guests know that the couple chose a crowd pleasing buffet menu consisting of charcuterie cups, salad, pizza, and ice cream! Let's take a moment for the assorted pies:
-BBQ Chicken Pizza
-Margherita Pizza
-Supreme Pizza
-Cheese Pizza
I've seen a lot of good menus, but this one was hot! Then the ice cream made it too cool... and let's not forget the bridal cake made by our bride's mom, the DJ themed groom's cake, and last but not least...the s'mores bar by the fire pit. I cannot stress the fact that food is important for your events. This wasn't a luxurious 5 course, plated meal, but I can assure you the guests went up for seconds and will not forget this meal. We ended the evening of dinner and dancing with a sweet send off for the newlyweds. It was dream day filled with details and designs specifically for Kate and Dustin.
My favorite part(s) from this event: The food, the venue, and Hermione the owl. I'd also like to add that this day was super special since it was the first wedding for our very first intern under our program. Our friend and former intern Angela hopped right into the wedding world on a dreamy day like this. Imagine this being your first impression of planning weddings... I can't make this stuff up; the job really is THIS cool!
Penny Haas
Owner, Lead Planner
Penny Haas, LLC
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