Dancing the Night Away at Musicians Hall of Fame

Happy first anniversary to one of the happiest couples that I have had the pleasure of seeing married. I hope you always dance and laugh through life, even when it’s hard!

Last year I got a call that this friend of a friend (of a friend?) needed a last minute coordinator for their wedding and I am so glad that I had the weekend available. I ended up going on maternity leave for a full year and this is the only wedding that I did within that time. It. Was. Worth. It.

Betsy and Aaron are kind and fun. Their wedding was enveloped in personal details that represented them so well. I truly believe that every single guest enjoyed the night. From the beautiful ceremony at Scarritt-Bennett to the choreographed first dance, guests were awed and entertained. There was laughter from beginning to end!

I often have a hard time choosing photos to post, not wanting to overwhelm you with the 2,000 that I receive after a wedding… But this time it was a whole new level of hard! Not only are Betsy and Aaron gorgeous, but they chose iconic Nashville spots for their venues and their photos. To top it off, they had a stellar photographer! Enjoy the beauty from Maddie Ray Photography.

As it turns out, Betsy’s sister, Sarah Kate (maid of honor to Betsy’s left), and I worked together seven years ago for the same planning company where I got my start. Plus, Aaron and I both attended Baylor University (just a few… years apart. Ha!). My business is built around couples with deeply personal weddings, but not often do they have a personal connection to me; this time I just got lucky!

Everyone was surprised and delighted when Betsy jumped into Aaron’s arms (there was quite a bit of giggling!). And their dance moves continued to impress as they moved right into the Father/Daughter and Mother/Son dances. It was a really great way to kick off the reception! Dinner and toasts were to follow before more dancing!

The bride and groom were able to sneak into the museum for really fun photos while guests were getting their dinner.

Guest Count: 160
Wedding Planner: Locklane Weddings & Events
Photographer: Maddie Ray Photography
Ceremony Venue: Scarritt-Bennett Wightman Chapel
Ceremony Music - Quartet: Viva La Strings
Officiate: Sam Barnhart, Journey
Florals: Petal Mesa
Reception Venue: Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum
Catering: Beyond Details
Cake: Dessert Designs by Leland
Draping & Lighting: Southern Sky Event Lighting & Draping
Rentals: Southern Events Party Rental
Band: RJ Bracchitta & Band
Photobooth: Snyder Entertainment
Bridal Party Transport: FADDS Party Bus
HMUA: Sharla Pruitt-Higgins & Teresa Glasser
Videographer: Big Time Productions

Adoption Fundraiser Dinner + Silent Auction at GranDale Manor

Last summer, we helped Sarah and Jeff plan their adoption fundraiser and we're so grateful that Caley Newberry Photography was on hand to capture the event. But what's better than a great event? On November 7, Sarah and Jeff finalized the adoption of their daughter Melrose! There is no questioning their love of that little girl and goodness she is cute! 

Sarah was just a work friend of my husband's when I began helping her plan their fundraiser, but I was excited to be involved because adoption has a special place in my heart. Why? I suppose because my aunt was adopted when I was just a baby. She is part of our family, whether blood or not, and it has always felt normal, it never felt strange or out of place (though we did have fun joking about how my aunt was younger than me, especially when we were in school together).

As an adult, I have had many friends welcome adopted children into their family and it has been beautiful to watch, even when I see how difficult it can be. Being given the opportunity to help a couple find the finances to become a family was such an honor. And I was lucky enough to gain new friends in the process!

I am so thankful to the many vendors who helped us pull off a successful event - we raised over a third of their adoption costs! 

How did we thank our vendors?

Prior to the fundraiser, we coordinated a style shoot to give a little thank you to the vendors who gave of their time and resources to put together our event. The shoot was featured on Every Last Detail blog! And of course our couple was Jeff and Sarah. A little celebration of their marriage, the basis for their budding family.

How did we raise the money?

We were able to get most of our items and the space donated, while our food was secured at a reduced cost. Tickets were sold to cover the food, beverage, and other small costs. A few sponsors also helped with our costs and added to their profit. The majority of their fundraising was secured through a wine pull and silent auction.  

What did the evening consist of?

GranDale Manor opened their entire downstairs for our use and set up tables and chairs for dinner! We welcomed guests in the foyer where they could buy a ticket for the wine pull.

Two rooms held our silent auction items with an open bar of beer and wine, served by Mangia staff members. Signage from A Mint Macaroon directed and thanked our guests. 

In the back, Mangia set up a buffet of salad, pasta, lemon rosemary chicken, seasonal vegetables, focaccia bread, and drinks. Baked in Nashville provided a spread of cookies, French macarons, and a cake (it was ALL delicious). 

Rachael Ann's provided a gorgeous arrangement and the main florals, including a mantle piece styled by Feather+Oak. Additional event florals were provided by Kennedy Occasions; Posh Occasions used these to create centerpieces for our dinner tables! 

Forrest and The Trees rocked the party with 90's cover songs!

Be sure to watch the above video from Kalimana Film Stories! She did a beautiful job of capturing the joy of the evening. 

A special thank you to Jenna Roberts for making Sarah look flawless for both the style shoot and party!

Do you have an adoption fundraiser that you need help planning?

Reach out to us! We hope to give coordination services toward one adoption fundraiser a year. 

Event Planner: Locklane Weddings & Events
Venue: GranDale Manor
Photographer: Caley Newberry Photography
Videography: Kalimana Film Stories
Caterer: Mangia Nashville
Event Assistant: Posh Occasions
Styling + Prop Rentals: Feather+Oak
Cake + Baked Goods: Baked in Nashville
Hair + Makeup: Jenna Roberts
Invite + Calligraphy: A Mint Macaroon
Main Florals: Rachael Ann's Event Design
Additional Event Florals: Kennedy Occasions
Cover Band: Forrest and The Trees