Holiday Party Time!


A new company to TN, Jackson National Life Insurance is a welcomed addition to Williamson County and I was so excited to have been selected to handle their first TN office Christmas Party.


Being politically correct, I suggested a Winter Wonderland Themed party. I imagined a cool blue surrounding with pops of bright red on the tables to represent the season but more importantly the company's color. Lot's of sparkle, great food, and dessert room and a killer DJ helped to make this party an urban holiday oasis for the client. Durego in Cool Springs was selected to be the host venue because it is not far from the corporate offices and it is a great clean slate to work with.



I ordered mirrored curtains from a online source that I use and had them installed into the ceiling in various places to provide even more shimmer through out the space. Think updated version of mirror ball effect. I also took some strands of the same material and hung them from the tree branches (real branches sprayed and installed around metal posts in the room). The light up cubes around the lounge seating were a design I came up with a year ago for another client's wedding. Blue Nova made them for me and I have been able to re-use them several times for clients.


The dessert room not only showcased a beautiful table of treats, it also had a hot chocolate bar with all sorts of condiments to add to create a warm delight!


Signature drinks for the night were peppermint martini's dressed with a candy cane and sugared rims. I used the LED ice cubes to bring a little fun and urban feel to the drink.


Thank you to the following vendors who helped make this party a fabulous wonderland of sparkle and fun!

Prop Design for the Trees: Ellen Summers
Lighting and DJ: Jason Davis
Photography: Keoni Kuer


Lana and Ethan - A Thanksgiving Wedding Weekend



This pair is the quintessential college couple. Meeting at Old Miss, Ethan was Quarterback and Lana was cheering on the sidelines! Lana is a Mississippi girl and Ethan's family resides in TN. They came to me through Ethan's father originally...(Steve Flatt, also minister for their wedding) when I was hired to do a surprise party for Patsi Flatt, Ethan's Mother. I now have Steve and Patsi's daughter's wedding in March and really look forward to keeping in touch with this sweet family.

Lana's parents were out of town so you could see the panic in their faces when they first arrived for the wedding festivities. Having not been involved in the planning process, Mrs. Barrentine was nervous things were "all taken care of". Of course, with my amazing side kick, Joanne and all of my favorite vendors....every thing was completely flawless that evening and the guests had a ball! I think Mrs. Barrentine approved and could let her heart settle. This is quite common for my company lately...out of town parents of the Bride. They had planned their other daughter's wedding with out help and the stress was over whelming for them. I was honored to help Lana AND her family be able to relax and enjoy the day!

Ethan was diligent with the budget and Lana was amazingly trusting of my suggestions and designs. It is usually harder for a client to relinquish control of the design, but Lana was ready for it. Her work was very demanding, they were going to be moving, and she was clear about what she wanted. She then released Premier W.E.D. to make that happen!

I always feel a sense of disappointment when I know I won't see my clients anymore...this was certainly true of this couple. However, I get to be with them in March as Rachel Flatt takes her vows! Kristin Vanzant did a fantastic job catching the spirit of this sweet couple. I get the pleasure of working with her again in March as well! Enjoy the pictures Kristin has shared and I hope to have more details of this Thanksgiving wedding for you later!
















Wedding Ceremony: Hillsboro Church of Christ
Wedding Reception: A-Venue (3rd Avenue South)
Lighting: Jason Davis
Photography: Kristin Vanzant
Catering: Chef's Market
Linens: BBJ Linens