The welcome dinner at Acme Feed & Seed in Nashville had an easy, energetic feel, with the city just outside. As the evening unfolded, the focus shifted to a series of heartfelt toasts that gave real insight into the couple and the relationships around them. From there, the evening opened up into an after-party welcoming all guests, with custom-themed Goo Goo Clusters and espresso martinis, welcoming out of town guests to Nashville and kicking off the weekend.
This welcome dinner at Chattanooga Golf and Country Club set the tone for the weekend with gorgeous colorful florals, warm hugs, big laughs, and a Father of the Bride still refining his toast on a notepad. The couple welcomed their guests with heartfelt hugs and immediately drew everyone in. Toasts followed that were personal, hilarious, and full of story. By the end of the night, I felt I had known them, and the people who love them, for years, and remember thinking "I want to photograph every welcome dinner from now on." Florals: Rachel Wiygul
Planning
The welcome dinner at the Hermitage Hotel centered around an unforgettable table—the longest I’ve ever seen—stretching the full length of the veranda room and setting the tone for the night. Blue and white details ran throughout and the small lamps that lined the table made it all the more welcoming while not blocking the conversation across the table, A crimson tide–themed cake added a playful, personal touch, but the real surprise came when Big Al, the University of Alabama’s mascot, made an appearance—bringing a burst of energy and a moment no one in the room will forget, including myself. Florals: LMA Designs
The western-themed welcome party at Harriet’s Rooftop at 1 Hotel Nashville was a great way to kick off the wedding weekend and welcome out of town friends and family to Nashville. Guests leaned in with their own takes on the Bride's Western-theme, adding personality to the room, while the energy was relaxed and social. A favorite moment was the first time the couple tried to kiss in their hats-- there is an art to that I watched them learn in real time! Also, as a plant nerd I absolutely love 1 Hotel. The plants are incredible, they must have a full time botanist on site.
This welcome dinner at The Bridge Building was all about the view. Nashville's ever-changing skyline that created an incredible backdrop for photos of the couple and everyone gathered there from sunset to blue hour, with the river just outside and the General Jackson drifting by on the Cumberland at just the right moment. And can we talk about Jennifer’s open-back halter dress? Unforgettable.
The welcome dinner at Acme Feed & Seed in Nashville had an easy, energetic feel, with the city just outside. As the evening unfolded, the focus shifted to a series of heartfelt toasts that gave real insight into the couple and the relationships around them. From there, the evening opened up into an after-party welcoming all guests, with custom-themed Goo Goo Clusters and espresso martinis, welcoming out of town guests to Nashville and kicking off the weekend. Florals: Tulip Tree
Planning
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