When first meeting with Saira, I felt it was very important to gain a sense of her and Dave�s style. I called to meet at her home. Her home was filled with many artifacts from her travels around the world that reflected the cultures she embraced and studied. Saira�s family is from India and she wanted a non-traditional Indian wedding. I instantly had an image for her wedding and thought the Memphis Zoo would provide the ideal setting for this unique wedding. At first Saira and Dave had their doubts about the zoo but once they understood my vision the zoo it was
300 guests assembled around the reflecting pool and witnessed Saira and Dave exchange vows on a custom created bridge. Belly dancers entertained guests and escorted them to the cocktail hour in the zoo�s courtyard. Guests then proceeded under a 12ft tall Egyptian arch to dinner in the pavilion which had been transformed into a Moroccan tent. Each table was named after a country the happy couple had visited. Dinner was followed with dancing and the bride joining the band onstage for a rendition of her favorite song "Jessie's Girl."
Weeks after the wedding Saira called to thank me and tell me that guests were actually sending her thank you notes for including them in such a a grand celebration.
Samantha and Charles and their families were so great to work with. When I first met with Samantha and her mother we instantly connected. I knew we were on the same page when she was looking through books and pointed to something and I described it to be trendy and modern but with a simple classical style. Samantha said "That is exactly how I want my wedding to be."
With the style out of the way we delved into the elements and found inspiration in a picture of hot pink peonies and green apples. Those items, shapes, and colors were brought into the Rose Garden at Memphis Botanic Garden to create a trendy modern twist on classical wedding design. The 400 guests were greeted to the garden ceremony by 6 harpist playing in unison. Some compared it to walking into Heaven's Garden. After the ceremony, guests sipped on Green Apple Martini's and Pink Sangria. To reflect the couple's soon to be destination of Spain, Spanish style hors devours were passed during the cocktail hour complete with Spanish harp music.
The reception was a blast! A 12 piece band entertained the guests in Hardin Hall decorated to the nines in pink and green. The height of the reception came with a visit by Elvis, the King himself and his "bodyguards" the bride and groom's fathers. It was a wonderful wedding and the bride and groom said it was exactly what they wanted.
Tara and Mark came to us wanting an outside wedding. We found this lovely private residence that served as the perfect location for their ceremony and reception.
The ceremony took place in a grove of trees overlooking a field. After the ceremony guests traveled along a candle lit walkway to a clear top tent that mimicked the elements of nature. Tree branches filled the ceiling and a natural muslin was used to create draping around the tent. The tiny lights in the ceiling resembled the twinkle of a million stars.
The centerpieces were iron tree with hanging flower balls made with the brides favorite flower, gerbera daisies. Natural elements were found in every detail from the all natural homemade cookies, used as favors, down to the flower garland on the get-a-way car.
The guests enjoyed the sounds of a jazz ensemble while dining on the bride and grooms favorite foods. Old fashion bottled drinks were available for the guests to enjoy while feasting on an all chocolate wedding cake.
The Shack Up Inn provided Kristy and Chad with an untraditional backdrop to host their 100 out of town family and friends.
The ceremony site was constructed behind the shacks. Old church pews, hanging copper lanterns, antique iron pieces covered in flowers, and an abandoned window framing a rescued church steeple served as the perfect area for this eclectic couple to exchange vows.
A stirring musical selection from a local gospel choir helped lead the guests over to Hopson for a continuation of the feasting for their eyes. Down home southern style food (with a twist, of course) was served on old cotton flat wagons. The tables were decked out in chartreuse silk linens and chocolate taffeta runners. Unmatched antique mirror containers flowing with red and orange flowers helped to seal the eclectic look.
The guests danced long into the late night with 3 separate local blues bands. Afterwards, the guests retired to their shacks for a much deserved rest.
When Teresa came to us, she said she didn't want the typical wedding colors. No pink and green or orange and brown. For her bridesmaids� dresses, she chose gunmetal gray.
Her ceremony was held at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, and her reception was at Opera Memphis. She was all about the sparkle! We hung beaded crystals from the ceiling, and her centerpieces included our crystal trees. Blue and purple lighting made the space the ultimate celebration room. She used our lounge furniture to create a casual, comfortable section for the attendees.
Her food was phenomenal, and the guests worked up an appetite while they were dancing and having wonderful time.
Halle and Stephen came to us wanting a traditional wedding with a fun reception. This was the first wedding that we did with mini hamburgers and fried dill pickles. Instead of a mashed potato bar, Halle and Stephen decided to have a station where guests could top french fries with whatever they wanted!
Stephen is an NFL player, and has played sports for his entire life. As a gift to him, Halle created a groom's cake to reflect his athletic career. The bottom tier featured sports he played in high school. The second tier reflected his involvement in the University of Memphis athletic teams. The top tier displayed his current NFL career.
The happy bride and groom danced the night away with their guests to the sounds of the Soul Shockers.
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901.757.9339 | weddings@southerneventplanners.com |
2740 Whitten Road, Suite 105nbsp; | Memphis, TN 38133
