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
