Apparently it’s not uncommon for newlyweds to feel a bit down after the big day. So much time, effort, pressure, and love was put on crafting the perfect day for an extended period of time and in the blink of an eye it’s done.
It’s like coming down from a high. Suddenly the bubble of bliss has popped and everyday reality has set back in. It’s called the Post-Wedding Blues. And it’s a real, common scientifically-researched thing.
Read MoreVideo by White Heart Wedding Films
A mere 23 days after our wedding ceremony on Maui, LeBraun, myself and our families hosted our wedding reception at Nashville’s L.A. Jackson, atop the Thompson in the trendy Gulch neighborhood. And Y'all, we ROCKED that rooftop! Seriously the band was on fire, the drinks were flowing, and there was a charcuterie board the length of a whole wall! We couldn't have asked Nashville for a more perfect evening or for a more perfect venue.
We’ve been blessed to have so many amazing people in our lives and were honored to have so many of them be able to celebrate with us. A HUGE shoutout to Ruby and her team at the Thompson, all the vendors who helped us create an extraordinary evening, and of course White Heart Wedding Films for capturing it so wonderfully.
Photographer // Teale Photography | @tealephotography
Videographer // White Heart Wedding Films | @whiteheart.weddingfilms
Venue // L.A. Jackson at Thompson Nashville | @lajacksonbar | @thompsonnashville
Planner // Ruby Bevington, Event Sales Manager at Thompson Nashville
Florals // Costco + Kroger; bouquet put together by our dear friend Carolyn Jones
Paper Goods, Calligraphy & Signage // Studioist | @studioist
Entertainment // The Downtown Band | @thedowntownband
Caterer // Executive Chef Nathan Duensing of Marsh House, Thompson Nashville | @nathan_duensing | @marshhouserest
Cakes/Desserts // Chef Lisa Marie White of Thompson Nashville | @pastrygirllisa
Stage // Liberty Party Rental | @libertypartyrental
Photo Booth // Kain and Able Entertainment
Bride's Gown // Watters | @watters
Bride’s jewelry // Engagement ring - Lindell Jewelers in Brentwood, TN; Wedding band - Express Jewelers in Arlington, VA; Bracelet - Sassabella Boutique in Paia, HI; Opal Ring - Coober Pedy, South Australia
Hair & Makeup // Tiana Trotz Studios | @tianatrotz
Bridesmaids’ Dresses // Monique Lhuillierfrom Bella Bridesmaids Nashville | @moniquelhuillier | @bellabridesmaids
Junior Bridesmaids’ Dresses // Tulle & Chantilly | @tulleandchantilly
Groom’s Formalwear // Custom Suit by Johnny Gregory Executive Apparel
So we had an amazing time in Hawaii and an intimate destination wedding was definitely right for our big day, but we’ve grown up together for the last 13 years. That’s 13 years of integrating our lives including family and friends so it seemed only appropriate to have a big, blowout reception when we arrived back in Nashville…here’s how it went down!
Read More
When deciding what we wanted from our Nashville reception, we knew that we didn’t want a formal sit-down dinner. Not only did the space not allow for seating for all our guests, we wanted everyone to entertained the entire night. When you’re stuck at a table you find yourself only conversations with those around you. We wanted guests to mix and mingle with everyone all night. Of course you’ll always find comfort and gravitate to those you know, but a more mobile reception options gives you the opportunity to run into others, meet new people and not be confined to one area.
Having never been to a post-destination wedding reception or party we weren't sure what would be expected of us as hosts, but we knew that a good time—ney a GREAT TIME—would definitely fit the bill!
Traditional receptions have guests enjoy cocktail hour, find their seats, watch the first dance, eat dinner, listen to speeches and toasts, then head to the dance floor. That’s all well and good, but it seemed to formal for our reception.
After research on research about reception styles we stumbled across ideas like “east coast,” “strolling,” “cocktail,” and “progressive” receptions. Now we’re talking! In these styles guests are invited to enjoy the receptions in their own way. Throughout the night different food stations are opened so guests can grab food at their own leisure, hit the bar whenever, and get down on the always-open dance floor.
Obviously since we hosted an intimate wedding not everyone was invited and we didn’t want our reception guests—people we love dearly—to feel like they weren’t important to us so a big focus of the reception was our guests!
We had our wonderful videographers (Dallas Wilson Wedding Films) put together a short video of our wedding day, mostly beautiful shots of LeBraun and I together, which we looped on monitors around the room. This way guests may feel like they were apart of the ceremony which typically would have been moments before. A little something to get them in the wedding celebration spirit, ya no!
Since a cocktail hour wasn’t necessary as we weren’t taking wedding party portraits or moving locations, we decided to start the evening with a 30 minute cocktail style reception before our entry so guests could grab a drink (or two), enjoy some appetizers, and mingle a bit to loosen up.
Then we did the traditional wedding party introduction followed by our entrance and first dance. We wanted to keep some of the traditional reception elements so guests felt like it really was a true wedding reception. We did father-daughter/mother-son dances, bouquet/garter tosses, and a speech or two!
We honestly had the best time! And since we had a tough time finding timelines for unconventional style receptions we wanted to share our Nashville progressive, strolling reception timeline in the hope that others will find it helpful in planning their big days no matter how traditional or unconventional they may be. Your wedding day is all about y’all so do whatever works for you!
11am: Deliver and set up decor pieces at the venue
2pm: Bride’s Hair and Makeup
S+L Note: At this point we were already behind as some signage got damaged on the way to the venue in the morning so I had to re-calligraph a couple which took more time than we hoped.
4pm: Check in to hotel
S+L Note: LeBraun and I were staying at the hotel where our venue was the night of the event so we brought our overnight bag as well as all the things we needed for the reception in a few hours.
4:15pm: Review venue // Set up looping video on monitors
4:45pm: Photographers photo details (dress, invitations, shoes, etc) and venue before guest arrive
Quick Tip #1: If you want photos of the invitations, remember to bring a copy with you.
4:50pm - 5:15pm: Finish getting dressed in our room // Family and wedding party arrived dressed and ready for photographs
5:20pm - 5:50pm: Couple, family, and wedding party portraits at the venue
5:50pm: Couple and wedding party chill in hotel room during cocktail half-hour while guests arrive at the venue
6pm: Eat food delivered to room, brush teeth and final prepping // Doors open for guest arrival // Passed appetizers are served // Bar opens // Background iPod music is played
6:25pm: Couple and wedding party escorted to venue
6:30pm: Grand Entrance // Band emcees wedding party introductions followed by the new Mrs. & Mrs. entrance
6:35pm: First dance // Father-Daughter dance // Mother-Son dance
6:40pm: Passed appetizers end // Small plates & salad stations open
6:45pm: Welcome speech by bride’s father
6:50-7:15pm: Band plays lively background music
8:10pm: Small plates & salad stations close
Post-Event Note: A timeline of the evening was on entry signage, but we wish we would have asked the band to make announcements throughout the night in regards to food changing over, reminders about the photo booth, guestbook, etc.
7:45pm-9:15pm: Band plays first dance set
Quick Tip #2: Appoint someone to help “move” you to and from conversations. I wanted to stay and chat with everyone, but because of I didn’t have anyone helping me there were some people I never got around to see.
8:20pm: Main stations open
Post-Event Note: We should have asked someone to bring us food throughout the evening because the only food LeBraun or I ended up eating was what had been brought to our room before the reception started. Everything smelled so good, but I was doing my hostess duties. In hindsight, as the bride I should have taken advantage of asking people for help.
9:15pm - 9:30pm: Band break // Requested iPod dance songs played
Post-Event Note: It would have been nice to add a time for taking photos in the photo booth to the timeline so we we didn’t miss it. By the time I made it back inside (which was 10:30pm), the photo booth had already been packed up. LeBraun and I never got a fun photo strip from our own reception. :(
9:30pm: Bouquet & garter tosses // Guestbook switched to favor table
9:35pm - 11:30pm: Band plays second dance set
9:50pm: Main stations close
10pm: Dessert stations open
11:25pm: Last dance is played
11:30pm: Dessert stations close // Guests filter out as reception ends // Band packs up
12pm: Intimate After Party // Late-night snacks are served // LeBraun connect Spotify playlist and put on Harry Potter & The Half-Blood Prince on the monitors
1:30pm: After party ends // Bar closes // Tear down and clean up begins
Every couple wants their wedding to be unique. The wedding should be a reflection of you as a couple. It is your big day after all. We’re hoping sharing some personal touches we added to our ceremony and reception will help others find some creative ways to make their days stand out from the rest.
Read More
Whether your reception if 32 people like our Maui reception or 175 people like our Nashville reception, these small (and mostly inexpensive) personal touches can really take your reception to the next level.
Here’s how we added a little #shabraun flair to our receptions without blowing our budget.
Read More
Everyone’s priorities are different—from couple to couple and even from couple to their parents—so I’d recommend establishing your priorities as a couple first then discussing with your parents (especially if they are helping pay). Hopefully all the lists will overlap though there will likely need to be some compromises made.
Read More
If you’re reading this you may be considering or have chosen Nashville for this once-in-a-lifetime experience, and you won’t regret it. Nashville has become one of the hottest bachelorette party locations in the U.S. The city’s bursting with delicious food, amazing music 24/7/365, Southern charm, friendly people and laid-back, fun-loving atmosphere. Plus tons of Instagrammable locations to capture the weekend’s memories. The party doesn’t stop in Music City!
As locals we took our tried-and-true activity, food & drink, and shopping recommendations and created this detailed guide to help you plan the perfect destination Nashville bachelorette party experience for your bride’s last bash in Nash! Boots optional.
Luckily you’ve chosen to spend that last hurrah weekend in Nashville. The party doesn’t stop in Music City USA. With live music is rockin’ 24/7/365, the city’s foodie scene in full swing, Southern hospitality, and laid-back vibe—Nashville’s one of the nation’s hottest party destinations.
Whether you’ve previously been to the city or not, we’ve pulled together 10 Nashville experiences that will help create an epic bachelor party for the groom!
Read More
Locals and those just in Nashville for the weekend capture their experience with photos in front of one (if not several) of the city’s colorful walls and murals. They’re the perfect insta-opportunity!
Instead of driving around hoping you’ll find what you’re looking for, I’ve rounded up some of our favorite Instagram-worthy walls throughout downtown Nashville and the surrounding neighborhoods.
Read More
A long weekend is not near long enough to see all Nashville has to offer, but we're going help you make the most of your short visit to Music City USA with a 72-hour itinerary designed for first-timers! Enjoy delicious meals, learn about the music industry, and do some local shopping all while hitting the highlights with time for relaxing and enjoying live music!
Read More
Nashville is bursting with Southern hospitality, delicious food, eclectic bars and vibrant nightlife, live music, interesting history, plenty of sights, and a relaxed fun-loving atmosphere! Of course if you’re already planning a trip there, you probably already know. What you may not know is the little nuances that help make Nashville…well Nashville. Before you go take a few minutes to learn a little about Tennessee’s capital and most populated city with a few tips that may or may not surprise you.
Read More
Every December Christmas rolls around and you want to show your friends how much they mean to you, but let’s be honest, shopping for the perfect gift can be stressful! So I’ve compiled some of my favorite places to shop and unique experience ideas to help you find the perfect present this holiday season.
Read More
Get out of the house and into the holiday spirit! I say put on your boots, grab that wooly scarf, and take advantage of the seasonal festivals and celebrations happening around the city. Food, music, arts + family fun makes for the perfect day.
Read More
If you want to get a jump on holiday shopping with a focus on quality, locally-made goods, check out these Nashville holiday artisan markets and fairs!
Read More
October is a great time to be in Nashville. The weather has (finally) cooled off, the leaves are starting to change, and seasonal craft fairs and fall festivals are abundant! I’ve rounded up some of my favorite happenings this month around town.
Read More
Teale and her husband Justin of Teale Photography killed our formal Nashville engagement photographs and we can’t wait to celebrate with them on Maui in August then tear up the dance floor of L.A.Jackson later that month! Let’s I DO this thing!
Read More
