You read that title right. Nashville Event florists created magic before my eyes. Let’s see.. where should I start? This event is one like none other. I can only hope that I’m able to write about this event and give it the proper justice it deserves. Not being a florist, but still involved in the event itself, my picture selections and description are not likely those that a florist would use. However, I’m going to give this my best shot.
Lindsey, the owner behind Gradient and Hue , and a dear friend of mine, created “A Bloomin’ Good Time” – the purpose of the event: to foster a space for florists to gather in support of kindness, community and creativity. SO – what that means: a room filled of passionate florists, creating amazing things.
Photo by Molly Peach
Each florist created an arrangement or a bouquet – each reflecting their personal style, while all staying within a similar color palette. Photographers, models, event designers, and myself, we were all asked to come in and help provide photo opts for the florists to use – and the result is simply magical. The room was filled with laughter, chatting and spewing with creative energy.
Photo by Molly Peach
This is me, behind the scenes, with Alex with the New Eclectic! Literally, just observing what we were witnessing. I was running around that day, between work projects, and this was just a few days after the Nashville tornado hit. So while it was a bittersweet time, I was happy the event wasn’t canceled. Little did we all know that we would be in social distancing/quarantine mode just days after this event due to the corona virus. It brings me joy looking back on these photos and hoping we (an industry as a whole) will be back together soon.
Photo by Molly Peach
For florists, I’m sure its not hard to become less enamored with flowers, especially when you are around them so much. It’s the same way for calligraphers. We are like “oh, that’s a pretty flourish. moving on.” But for me, I’m like “OHHHH MY GOSSSSSHHHH, these flowers are everything. The way you put them together is so amazing.” I hope that makes sense.
Photos by Kacie Q Photography
I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many beautiful flower in one place. Raw, and ready to be played with. Again, not a florist here. I was like a kid in a candy store that wasn’t allowed to touch anything. Watching everyone in their element was just icing on the cake.
Photo by Gray Kammera
For this suite I used handmade paper from Fabulous Fancy Pants; and vintage postage from Little Postage House. When pulling together one-off suites for shoots like this, I literally just pull from my stockpile what I already have (most of the time). So with that said, I have no idea where that purple envelope came from. Ha!
Photo by Gray Kammera
Photo by Gray Kammera
Alex with The New Eclectic, a local planner and event designer, takes all the credit for this flat lay! I just stepped back and let her do her thing.
Photos by Molly PeachPhoto by Gray KammeraPhoto by Kacie Q Photography
Photo by Lindsay Campbell Photography
As artists, we are all particular about the way within which we want our work to be photographed. Each florist was able to be on the sidelines, assisting while the photographers went to town. Watching this was so fun!
Photo by Gray Kammera Photo by Gray Kammera
Again, having fun with watercolor here – but on watercolor paper and not handmade paper.
Photo by Gray Kammera
Photos by Gray KammeraPhoto by Lindsay CampbellPhoto by Gray Kammera
And lastly, this magical headpiece. Between the florists, the photographers, and the event designers – everyone is technically each other’s competition in the market of the wild wedding industry. However, true creativity is not compromised by competition and not hindered by collaboration. And what happened here at “A Bloomin’ Good Time” was simply magical. Those are my wise words to sum up this special event.
For all of the vendors that participated in this amazing event, their website is linked below. I’m so honored to be a part of such an amazing creative community.
Lavender is coming back with a pretty big bang. Well, we are carrying it throughout 2020 like WHOA. First, let’s chat about this venue. Originally built in 1960, the nearly 13,000 sq. ft. Southern Colonial mansion in Nashville, Tennessee, is most widely recognized as the former home of award-winning artist, actor, and author, Reba McEntire. In 2017, the Estate opened its doors as a wedding venue and event center. I’ve been on the property several times, settings up for events as well as attending events, and let’s just say, it is one of my favorites. SO HERE IT IS, my first venue sketch, which will likely turn into a series. It is super fitting that my first sketch is of Cherokee Dock.
I think the most forgotten item from an invitation suite is the classic “Thank You” Card; which is why I created a matching thank you card for this suite! Let’s bring this trend back, keeping all mailed items from the bride and groom to be matching!
The vision and coordination behind this shoot comes from Elizabeth Events. Annie, the planner with Elizabeth Events, is a dream to work with. Annie and I have been working together for a few years now and it’s always a YES for me when she reaches out regarding a shoot. Some of my favorite images of my work come from her styled shoots.
Yes, why YESSSS, that’s a REAL FLORAL bodice on that dress. There are just no other words, right? I love the creative freedom that was taken here.
Check out my new table number rentals! These are acrylic frames, which are freestanding, and include handmade paper on the inside of the frame. All of my rentals can be found HERE.
Hexagon acrylic place cards, with a painted back, bring the table together.
New offerings for my bar signage – digital pet sketches. Personally, I don’t LOVE cartoon pets sittings on top of a classy bar top, with all of your beautiful stemware sitting around. I just don’t love it. It’s cute, but it’s not my style, so don’t hate me. My solution to this is to use these monochromatic pet sketches, next to my calligraphy. Let’s keep it classy, ladies.
These pet sketches were done digitally. They are not sketched by hand. The calligraphy is done by hand after I’ve printed out the sketches. An acrylic tabletop easel is used in this photo. Remy was just really excited to get his time in the spotlight. 🙂
I’m slowly rolling out my offerings of in-house printing services. This menu includes my calligraphy for the titles of each section on the menu – printing on handmade paper.
Allison & Berkley’s big day was the best start to my new year. Both the ceremony and reception were at the Noelle Hotel in downtown Nashville. I did the envelope calligraphy for a few special guests’ invitations. Darby Cards created their lovely invitation suite.
I was lucky enough to be able to be onsite for the set up of the ceremony and reception. Erin Pangerl, the wedding planner with Erin Lynn Events, is a dear friend of mine, and planned this gorgeous day. Her work speaks for itself. I always love making my “day of” delivery to the venue and getting to chat with my “friend-ors” (vendors who just HAPPEN to be amazing friends).
This was my first time having my work photographed by Rachel Denton Photography, I believe! Her work is absolutely stunning. I was just happy as a clam being onsite, I was able to chat with Rachel and her in her work mode.
These two tabletop signs are acrylic with gold painting on the back of the sign. The calligraphy is done on the front of the sign. Both of the acrylic tabletop easels are in my rental collection.
Allison & Berkley chose these table numbers from my rental collection. These table numbers are, in my personal opinion, the perfect addition to a tablescape with gold accents. The card stock inside the frame is handmade paper from Fabulous Fancy Pants , which has gold leafing and gold ink. Classic and simple. Now can we talk about these florals?
These florals! I can’t even! I was onsite when LMA Designs had JUST finished working their magic, and I was stunned in person, and can say that I’m equally stunned by looking at these images. The florals radiated in this space.
Card boxes are such a great way to elevate a drop spot for cards and gifts. You can literally buy these on Amazon – just be sure to search “Terrarium Box” – here is a quick link that I found from a simple search – Card Box, Amazon . This is definitely a wedding accessory that you could keep for years to come. I can tell you how to remove the ink and this would make the perfect jewelry box; terrarium; home accessory, etc. You get the idea!
From the envelope calligraphy, to the escort cards, Allison + Berkley picked out the sweetest details, while keeping everything clean and vibrant. To Allison and Berkley, thank you for letting my work be a part of your gorgeous day.
It’s super important for me to bring friends together; and equally important for me to set aside time in my business to give back when I can. With the launch of the #whiteinkjacket, and listing Adopt A Golden Nashville as one of the selected non-profits, I thought it would be fun to come together and sweat it out for the cute pups, giving Remy some time to get some serious pets.
On Sunday, February 16, myself, Remy, and 27 other riders sweated it out together at Cycle Haus and raised $1,500.00 for Adopt a Golden Nashville.
Cycle Haus is a new spin studio in East Nashville, owned by my sweet friend, Natalie. I’ve been cycling with Natalie for years, and you know I love to support fell boss babes.
Adopt a Golden Nashville is a golden retriever rescue covering Middle Tennessee. AGN saves almost 200 dogs per year. Most dogs are rescued from animal control shelters or surrendered by their owners. AGN operates solely on donations and adoption fees.
Why indoor cycling? It is my form of stress release! Now that things have slowed down after the holiday season, I’ve been ready to kick 2020’s butt. I wanted my fellow boss babes to share this experience with me and to do it for a cause. And of course, celebrating with mimosas and donuts after the ride.
Union Station Hotel is a Nashville staple, or a landmark some would say. I’m a Nashville native and have always recognized the downtown area by coming up I-65 North, and seeing the top of the Union Station Hotel. The Hotel used to be a railroad terminal, which shut down in 1979. Growing up, there were no high-rises surrounding the hotel; nothing like there is today. Laura Andrews, the photographer for this classic shoot chose the Union Station Hotel as the venue. Ironically, I just recently had a wedding at the Union Station Hotel and it was the FIRST time I’ve ever been inside the hotel. It’s a stunner and something I would consider to be “so Nashville.” I’m super excited to share these stunning images with you.
If you’ve followed some of my styled shoots – I LOVE to include a love poem from my favorite poet, A.R. Asher. Here’s a good one. It gives me all the feels.
Handmade paper from Share Studios + classic black ink
For the stationery suite for this shoot, I wanted to keep it simple. Classic black ink (I love to use Sumi Moon Palace) on handmade paper from Share Studios. The handmade paper was made in two different colors: light gray and soft white/ivory. The simplicity of this suite, in my mind, compliments the grand-ness of the venue in a classic way.
And here is when you get my input on wedding dresses. I’ve never been one that loves a long train. But this dress is a different story. I’m absolutely obsessed. SO obsessed that I even texted Jennie, the owner of Adorn, to tell her how obsessed I was with it after seeing these images. Just wait, there’s more dress shots below.
Also, while we are drooling over these amazing photos, I love that the bride is showing off her tattoos. I love the art of tattooing, and the thought that one’s body is a canvas. I don’t personally have any tattoos – but I’m truly an admirer of them. Just a little tidbit I wanted to share with you.
Curious to know what goes on during these shoots? I wouldn’t know, ha! This shoot was a prime example of me literally just dropping off my work (pulling up to the valet stand at the hotel and passing it off), and then heading back to work! So when these images come through, it’s like Christmas day, full of excitement to see the magic that occurred!
