emily & lucas: the rehearsal dinner

we had the pleasure of designing and planning both the rehearsal dinner and wedding of emily and lucas back in july...and we're finally getting around to sharing with you some details from both events! first up, the casual and fun rehearsal dinner at the market street emporium on 2nd avenue downtown. this venue's exposed brick and old world charm definitely make for a great event setting!

we wanted to do something fun that related into the couple's wedding colors and look (post about that coming up soon), so we went with a purple and blue scheme with graphic flower shapes. we placed the board with the seating assignments out in the cocktail area so guests could find their table as they mingled and enjoyed a drink.

the table linens were awesome purple sheers with big aqua flowers, which we paired with aqua napkins. we wanted to do centerpieces that were inexpensive but still had a great look, so we found mexican paper flowers and arranged them in low black metal containers. super cute and budget-friendly!

clean plate club provided a seated dinner of italian specialties, like caprese salad, chicken piccata, and tiramisu....yum!

the lovely bride with her parents!

string lights completed the italian market look

full frame cinema played the charming video they had shot interviewing emily and lucas about how they met, started dating, and got engaged. so creative and all their guests really enjoyed hearing the stories!

and then, at the very end of the dinner, there was a surprise for all...a perfect view out the windows of a huge fireworks show at lp field!! it was seriously like it had been planned especially for them! we happened to grab a photo with an iphone to prove that it actually happened!

we'll be back soon with more on emily & lucas's wedding and reception...and thanks to paul wharton for the great pics!

Anne & Dan's Rehearsal Dinner

We had two big weddings in April at Big Events that kept us all super busy...and up first was the wedding of Anne Hancock and Dan Toomey. We had such a good time with this couple and their families from start to finish, and not only did we have the opportunity to design and plan their wedding, but we also did their adorable rehearsal dinner at Puckett's Grocery in Franklin the night before. We love this venue, so we really wanted to play off its authentic Southern charm with subtle floral arrangements and decor. To start with, one of Anne's friends (a talented friend!) designed the invitation and signage:

Each table had a name and a unique sign with seating assignment to go along:

Photography by Michael Howard, and he (as usual) did a fantastic job of capturing this great space:

Floral arrangements included groupings of red roses, yellow ranunculus, and hydrangeas in vintage Coca-Cola bottles, placed on tablecloths with a red and white ticking stripe:

Anne has collected a TON of great photos through the years, and it was important to her that we share them in some way....so each arrangement contained a grouping of those photographs framed in cream burlap:

On the stage, we set up a pair of suitcases with more pictures and cards that read "Happiness is..." that each guest filled out with their own handwritten message to the bride and groom. A card displayed on the table was printed with Anne and Dan's favorite quote: " Treasure every moment you have, and remember that time waits for no one. Happiness is a journey, not a destination." (Father Alfred D'Souza)

See the rest of the pics on Michael Howard's blog here, and come back soon for some images from Anne & Dan's wedding!