Ever since I was little, I’ve wanted a backyard with a secret garden. Alive with color, buzzing insects and shimmering lights. Well, Cassandra and Aaron have their own version right in their backyard in Nashville. What a perfect place for their wedding!
C + A chose peacock feathers and colors as a decorating theme. Their wooded lot was strewn with twinkle lights, chinese lanterns and origami cranes. As the sun set, their guests danced beneath a beautiful full moon.
Even my sister/assistant leaned over and said, “This is the kind of wedding I want!” Sure kid. As soon as you turn 30. =)
Here are some highlights of the day. Cassandra has some vendor advice and suggestions below. Congratulations Cass & Aaron!
I LOVE Cass’ gown. So classic!
These girls were so funny! I had a great time with them.
Sweet moment after Cassandra’s mom gave her away. *tear*
Aaron never stopped smiling at his bride like this through the whole day. Awww!
Such a great idea…Skype the wedding for those who can’t be there. Hi Grandma!
Peacock feathers everywhere!
© 2010 Bledsoe Photography
Cassandra and Aaron’s vendors, suggestions and advice:
Caterer: Sargent’s Fine Catering – Sherri Clark. Very patient & helpful.
Wedding and Reception Location: Our own back yard.
Florist: Import Flowers – Lou Farrell. Arranged by the bride & maid of honor. Everything was done via email & Lou was awesome.
Cake/Bakery: Becker’s Bakery – Jere. Recommended by one of my bridesmaids, she got her wedding cake there 13 years ago. Awesome people.
Coordinator or Wedding Planner: I planned it myself with the help of my bridesmaids.
Bride’s dress: Bridal Warehouse in Goodlettsville. Designer: Allure.
Bridesmaids: Designer was Alfred Angelo on both. One came from a salon in Chicago; one was found online, brand new with tags, the seller was also in Chicago.
Mother’s dress: www.therosedress.com.
Tux Rental: We bought Aaron’s tux at Men’s Warehouse in Mt. Juliet. He’ll need a tux for a friend’s wedding in December & it was cheaper to buy one than to rent one twice.
Hairdresser and name of salon: Jon Alan in Bellevue. Mindy Gobble did my hair.
Makeup artist: We did our own makeup.
Equipment rental: Liberty Rentals. Terri Tenut was awesome & really patient with me & all my questions.
Decorations were provided by ourselves & our friends.
Lights & lanterns were borrowed, maid of honor made the cranes.
Centerpieces were random glassware pieces, mostly bought at area thrift stores. Some were mine.
Candles were from Michael’s. Filler items were from area dollar stores, Michael’s, Hobby Lobby, etc. We put them together ourselves.
Invitations & programs were designed & printed by me at home.
Favors (wine charms) were made by me.
Sound system was provided by Greg Overman, music was arranged by me & was played on our laptops hooked up to Greg’s system.
Officiant was Rev Brandon Rich from Belmont, we got his contact info from the county clerk’s office.
Your favorite and least favorite part of planning? Favorite: Seeing it all come together with the help of family & friends, we had a lot of help & it was fantastic. Least favorite: Spending so much $$! But we did it all on a budget & it was worth the work.
The most memorable moment of your wedding day? Seeing Aaron with that huge smile on his face as I came down the aisle. I’ll never forget it.
What you would change, if anything? Nothing, the whole thing went off without a hitch.
Where your budget was best spent? Food, booze, & the photographer! Guests always remember the food & drinks the most & we will use the awesome photos for the rest of our lives.
Any advice for future brides? Set a budget & stick to it. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box & do a lot of the work yourself. Thrift stores are fantastic resources, especially if you are eclectic like me. Borrow from friends & enlist them to help you. Ask for recommendations, every vendor we used was recommended to us by people we trust.
THANKS, CASSANDRA!! xoxo
