Thomas & Ashley
UNION STATION WEDDING |10.14.17
First of all, planning a Union Station wedding has been a dream venue for me since I was little! Naturally, when I first spoke to a mother in law from Minnesota looking for a planner her son’s upcoming formal destination wedding at Nashville’s Union Station, I was all ears!
The Process
Immediately, I started working with Thomas’s mother Teresa planning this incredible destination wedding for her son Thomas and his fiance Ashley. They used my services for full planning and as you can imagine, the planning process was in full swing from November of 2016 on!
While living in California, Ashley and Thomas came in to Nashville a few times during the planning process. Teresa joined us and we had a whirlwind of planning in April! We tasted cake, picked suits, had stationary meetings, discussed floral design and every other aspect of the wedding! I got to know the overall feel and aesthetic they wanted. When they left that week, they had all the major decisions made. It had always been Ashley’s dream to get married at Union Station in Nashville, so it was up to me to make sure it happened exactly as she had imagined.
Wedding Day at Westminster Presbyterian Church + Union Station Nashville
Upon arrival, guests were greeted by valet and invited to cocktail hour on the grand veranda. They walked through a double entrance of gathered Minnelli drape tied back with the most stunning floral cages from Cottonwood Floral. During the planning process, Teresa and I decided to use soft seating for the cocktail hour which was a welcomed addition to the decor. The furniture was not only was it stunning, but it was practical. We had 140 guests, and we made the call during the wedding to extend the cocktail hour just a bit more because they were enjoying themselves so much.
Luxury Platinum Banquettes were a seating option for guests”
The Cocktail Hour
On the veranda the guest enjoyed cocktail hour libations along with passed appetizers which consisted of: Mini Beef Wellingtons, Crispy Coconut Shrimp with Orange Marmalade, and Tomato Basil Bruschetta. As guests were eating, they listened to contemporary music provided by string quartet Viva La Strings. Guests could choose to sit on luxury rentals by Please Be Seated, or mix and mingle at bistro tables.
The Dinner
To kick off the evening, Union Station invited guests in for dinner in the grand Lobby where our DJ for the night introduced the bridal party and couple. After that, the newlyweds’s were introduced from the grand balcony. After making their way downstairs, they cut cake from Dulce Desserts. It was a European style horizontal textured buttercream cake with fresh strawberries and a center layer of Ganache.
I suggested using tall and short centerpieces on tables to create movement”
At Dinner, guests had a Caesar Salad followed by an Asiago Cheese Stuffed chicken breast with a roasted garlic cream sauce. Roasted brussels sprouts and mashed sweet potatoes complimented it perfectly. This was a true fall feast! Moreover, it was so colorful and beautiful when it was all plated and served to the guests by wait staff. Table-side wine service was provided by wait staff followed by a Champagne toast given by the Best Man and Maid of Honor to the happy couple.
Photo by Amber Beckham Photography
The Night was a Sweet Ending!
Thomas and Ashley prepared the most epic first dance! Finally, after the first dance was over, it was officially an open dance floor! Everyone danced and partied the night away! To end the night, guests were treated to a late-night snack of milk and cookies by Christie Cookies!
Lastly, this wedding was amazing and I am so thankful I got to plan and design it for them! Cheers to the Conway’s on the start of a beautiful life together! Take a look below to see who made this all possible!
List of Vendors
Venues
Westminster Presbyterian Church-Ceremony
Union Station-Reception
Photography-Amber Beckham Photography
Planning and Design-Elizabeth A. Wright Events
Florals-Cottonwood Floral
Video-John Jordan Videography
DJ- Entertain!
Strings-Viva La Strings
Dessert-Dulce Desserts
Midnight Snacks-Christie Cookie Company
Lighting/Sound/Draping-Nashville Audio Visual
Transportation-Signature Transportation
Linens-Over the Top
Rentals-Liberty Party Rental
Rentals for Soft Seating-Please Be Seated
Suits-Street Tuxedo
HMUA-MHD Beauty
Stationary/Paper Goods-Darby Cards
Calligraphy-White Ink
After wedding Flower Pick up by Benevolent Blooms
Bridal Luncheon-Mere Bulles
Rehearsal Dinner-Loveless Cafe
Welcome Dinner 5th and Taylor
