It was a beautiful spring afternoon when Jessica and Josh exchanged vows.

The venue was RT Lodge in Maryville Tn, sheer elegance in a natural setting.

I just have to tell you the story of Josh’s unique proposal and how Jessica’s dog Betty came to be the ring bearer. Jessica had been wanting a dog. So, as a surprise gift Josh presented her with a cute little pug puppy. When Jessica took a closer look at the puppy’s collar inscribed was ….

“WILL YOU MARRY ME?”

Blackberry pie for the groom.

Cake by Rosa

CONGRATULATIONS JESSICA AND JOSH!

Thank you for letting Soirée Events be a part of your special day!

Photographer: Drake Photography

Venue: RT Lodge

Floral Designer: Samuel Franklin

I’ve been attending these workshops and they’re just GREAT! They’re sponsored by Random Acts of Flowers and are held at Samuel Franklin Floral and Home, the beautifully restored old post office building in Clinton Tennessee. The evening begins with wine and cheese and a chance to browse through Sam’s fabulous shop. You’ll get plenty of decorating ideas here! Then down to the workroom for a demonstration by Sam and the chance to create our own arrangement to take home. There are two remaining workshops in the series. On Sept.8 we will be making fall centerpieces and on Nov.3 Sam will demonstrate decorating a holiday mantle. Space is limited and reservations are required. For more information and to make a reservation call Sage at Random Acts of Flowers 865-633-9082. Here are some pictures from the spring and summer workshops. Enjoy!

And my own creation which I took home and enjoyed!

Come join the fun!!!

Christen’s very first question for me was, “Have you ever coordinated a wedding at the Greek church?” The answer was no.  She then asked, “Well, did you see the movie My Big Fat Greek Wedding? My wedding will be just like that.” Instant connection! I loved that movie and have seen it at least four or five times! I replied, “Should I pack Windex in the bridal emergency kit?”. We all had a big laugh! As it turned out, Christen had so much better taste than Nikki, the overbearing cousin in the movie who stepped in and took over. Thank goodness! Every detail was just beautiful! The ceremony was lovely with all the traditional Greek customs and the reception was big, loud and soooooo fun! The crowd danced the night away to the sounds of Nashvegas with Greek dancing between sets. Congratulations Christen and Colby! Thank you for sharing your special day with us and thanks to Ashley Hoskins for sharing photos. Oh, by the way, can you tell what big UT fans Christen and Colby are?

A great big thanks to the following vendors!

Ceremony Location: St. George’s Greek Orthodox Church

Reception Venue: Hunter Valley Farm

Photographer: Ashley Hoskins

Floral Design: Always In Bloom

Ceremony Music: Dogwood Trio

Band: Nashvegas

Caterer: All Occasions

Transportation: Knoxville Trolley and

Coordination: Soirée Events

It was a city wedding for Megan and Lee in downtown Knoxville. The ceremony was held at the beautiful Graystone Presbyterian Church and the reception was just a short trolley ride away at the Knoxville Museum of Art. Thank you Megan and Lee for sharing this very special day with us! Thanks to Bill Waldorf for sharing photos!

Congratulations Megan and Lee!

A great big THANKS to the following vendors!

Venue: Graystone Presbyterian Church

Knoxville Museum of Art

Photographer: Waldorf Photographic Arts

Floral Design: Always In Bloom

Caterer: Abner’s Attic

Ceremony Music: Celebration Strings

DJ: Special Notes

Lighting: Ogle Entertainment

Coordinator: Soiree Events

Marenah’s and Jesse’s wedding day was very special. Not only were they celebrating their marriage but also Jesse’s homecoming, just having returned from being deployed in Iraq. It couldn’t have been a more perfect fall day and the gardens never looked lovelier! Thank you Marenah and Jesse for sharing your very special day with us. And thanks to Kat Fanari for sharing photos.

Congratulations Marenah and Jesse!

Knoxville Botanical Gardens

All Occasions Party Rental

Abner’s Attic Catering

Bar Bop

Kat Furnari Photographer

Echelon Floral

Soirée Events

Those of you who know me well know what a passion I have for vintage quilts. When I saw these pictures from the very talented designers at the Enchanted Florist in  Nashville I was beside myself! I love the idea of using these beautiful quilts as table toppers! Notice how each centerpiece is different and brilliantly pulls the colors from the quilt it sits on.

If you have a collection of things you love why not incorporate it into your celebration? It’s the personal details such as this that make your day unique and special!

Happy Planning!

Sugarbuzz Bakers has a new home, 313 North Forest Park Blvd. Connie and husband Don McMahan spent several months renovating the older home that was to become the very charming new home of Sugarbuzz. They did a  beautiful job and I just love Connie’s stenciling handiwork on the walls! You can see it in the pictures. They held their open house and cake tasting last week and oh my goodness! Talk about a sugar buzz!!!

Connie is a very talented cake artist. Whatever design you can imagine she can create! I sampled their Signature cake which is a white cake filled with alternating layers of strawberry buttercream and pistachio buttercream covered with chocolate ganache. This cake can’t be adequately described. It has to be experienced!

Sugarbuzz is open by appointment. If you’re planning a celebration call Connie (865-919-4151) to schedule a consultation or for more information please visit the website www.sugarbuzzbakers.com.

Ashley and Matt were a delightful couple to work with and after the many months of planning it was so exciting to see everything come together. Historic Bleak House is a wonderful old Italianate mansion with a spectacular garden. The ceremony was held in the garden with the wedding party entering through the wisteria arbor. Then back up to the house for dinner and dancing. Thanks to Andy Armstrong for sharing his photo with us.

A sparkler send off! A very fitting end to a fantastic day!

Congrats Mr. and Mrs. Cooper and thanks for sharing with us!

Also thanks to all the vendors who helped make Ashley’s and Matt’s day so special!

Venue: Bleak House, Knoxville, TN

Photographer: Andy Armstrong

Catering: Simply Southern

Floral Design: Samuel Franklin

Rental: All Occasions Party Rental

DJ: Special Notes

Invitations: Paper Paraphernalia

Gowns: White Lace and Promises

Tux Rental: Walker’s Formal Wear

Limo: Sweetheart’s

Planner/Coordinator: Soirée Events