We are honored this morning to be hosting a Celebration of Life service here at CJ's Off the Square. Our event team has come together to use our skills in a new way, providing a stress-free, beautiful, and unique service, allowing the friends and family of the loved one to really appreciate and enjoy each other as they gather to remember and reflect. It has been a rewarding experience for us to assist clients in yet another important life event, and we're grateful for the opportunity.

Many thanks to Caprice at The Enchanted Florist for the flowers, Kelsey and John of Focal Point Cinematic for the photo montage and filming the service, Jill at Southern Events for the rental items, Blake at Nashville Event Lighting for the Audio/Visual, and of course our own CJ for putting together such a lovely atmosphere in a matter of days.

We say all the time how blessed we are to have great working relationships and friendships with the very best vendors in town, and I have to say we hit the jackpot with our go-to Make-Up girl, Amy Lynn Larwig! She takes a completely unique approach to each and every face she does, so that YOU shine through. Equally important, she really understands photography and the role that make-up plays in making you look naturally fantastic on your wedding day in front of those incredibly detailed lenses.

Mark & Amy Lynn - The After Session

Forget the Rolls, forget the Jag...how about THE General Lee from The Dukes of Hazzard!?


Our June 20th bride, Leah, had quite the hookup when it came to their ride from Scarritt Bennett over to the Musician's Hall of Fame, and CJ and I couldn't resist getting a picture! Enjoy!

Design by CJ Dickson for Williamson County Weddings & Events

This ensemble began with a beautiful Save the Date card printed on aubergine paper with silver ink. The vintage floral print design and combination of traditional scripts and contemporary block lettering set the tone for a elegant garden wedding.

Design by CJ Dickson for Williamson County Weddings & Events

Next up is the invitation. This classic ecru card was black ink was perfectly understated. The contemporary type setting and custom designed monogram brought a level of formality and tradition to the wedding that makes quite an impression.

Design by CJ Dickson for Williamson County Weddings & Events

Programs for the ceremony are often a last minute scramble but not for Verity and John. We took the formality of the invitation (as well as the beautiful monogram) and used a similar ecru card with black but softened the look with a lavender satin ribbon. In the context of the garden ceremony, the added color was just enough to complete the look.

Even the best laid plans can have a curve ball thrown in at the last minute. When plans change, I suggest letting your guest know about it in style! When circumstances led to a time change for the ceremony, we created this beautiful postcard for Verity & John's guests and mailed it out approximately one month before the wedding. Again, keeping with the classic ecru paper and black ink, we added another vintage floral design that fit perfectly with style of the wedding.

If I had my way, I would create a menu card for every event. It is just such a perfect way to finish a place setting and also let your guests know what they are being served. Notice for Verity and John, we used the same aubergine paper and silver ink as we did on the Save the Dates, but a different vintage inspired design. Again, everything coordinates, but also stands alone. Considering context is very important. How and where your printed pieces will be used is an important consideration.

I hope article gives you some insight into creating a beautiful paper ensemble for your own wedding. Don't feel like everything has to be "matchy matchy." Just stick to the same color palette you are using for the entire event design and don't be afraid to try something a little bit different on each piece. Just consider the context in which each piece is being used when making your color selections and always remember - have fun! --CJ

I recently came across Focal Point Cinematic, a stand-out videography service here in Middle Tennessee (see our link to their blog on the right). Kelsey was kind enough to send me the link to their newest service, called the LoveStory. It is so fantastic! This is a great way to have a tangible storytelling of how you and your significant other met, fell in love, and all the great things you adore about each other. Not only that, the uses of this throughout your engagement and wedding are endless!

Take a moment to watch John & Erin's LoveStory - I'm sure you'll find them as adorable as I did (and I've never even met them!).

John and Erin LoveStory from FocalPoint Cinematic Weddings on Vimeo.

Even if videography isn't in your budget for the big day, consider creating this special video of the two of you to cherish for years to come. I'll definitely be telling all my clients!

My October 24 clients, Jill & Chris, recently had their engagement shots with the fabulous Peter and Whitney from Dove Wedding Photography and I wanted to share their sneak peek with you!

I can't wait for their wedding & reception at The Belle Meade Plantation this fall - its going to be an amazing night!

http://doveweddingphotography.com/post-287/Jill-and-Chris-Engagement-Sneak-Peek

Well, not quite, but we did get quite a kick out of coming across this little spot!

While on vacation in Naples, FL visiting my sister, Kelsie and I came across CJ's On the Bay. We were driving by and the sign caught my attention and we just had to go back and get some pictures.

I told CJ that anytime she wants me to go run a waterfront bar, I'm so there! :)

Our first wedding of 2009 and it was fantastic! Josh & Erin came to us earlier this year wanting a Spring wedding and we were thrilled to have their date open. They are such a fun couple and I knew from our first meeting that it was going to be a great day.

Starting the weekend of November 21, the Gardens will most likely be unavailable as winter comes on. Our historic home and heated pavilion are always available year-round, however!

**Mention this blog posting and receive $100 off your Concierge Planning Package - the service our clients rave most about!**

...these would say WOW 1,000 times! Mel is just amazing. She and Sean dropped off the finished images from our recent Pretty Papers Photoshoot (an unofficial title, but one I like) and we are SO thrilled.

Thank you again Mel for your time and creativity, and everyone stay tuned for our upcoming Boutique Gallery which will debut on www.williamsoncountyweddings.com soon!

Just a few teasers...