Beautiful and Affordable Weddings in Nashville Start Here!

Wedding season is upon us, folks! Are you newly engaged and excited to start planning your wedding in Nashville? I'll bet the visions of dancing sugar plums in your head from Christmas have quickly been replaced with visions from wedding magazines and TV shows. Is your mind swirling with new words like escort cards and boutonnieres? It can all get pretty overwhelming pretty fast, right?

CAKES AND FLOWERS AND DRESSES, OH MY!!

Well, I have some good news for you. Holding your wedding ceremony and reception at the Embassy Suites is easy, intimate, and affordable. There really is nowhere else where you can plan a wedding in Nashville and get the experienced staff, flexible packages, great food, and included amenities at such an affordable price! Take a look:

• Garden Atrium wedding ceremonies at half the price of Opryland.



• Wedding coordination included at no extra cost.



• Complimentary ballroom rental for your reception.



• Flexible menu packages that include classic standards like plated meals and buffets, but also fun, themed packages and stations.



• Tables, chairs, linen, silverware, china, glassware, centerpieces, dance floor, cake cutting service, and a complimentary suite for you included at no extra cost.



• Reduced sleeping room rates for your guests that include a nightly open bar and a daily breakfast buffet.

Here, we specialize in easy, affordable, flexible wedding planning. If "simple and elegant" is your goal, we can do that. If you're more "glamourous and sophisticated," we've done that too, plus "fun and whimsical" and everything in between.

If you're ready to see how stress-free wedding planning can be, take a look at our reviews on WeddingWire.com, view our pictures on Flickr, or better yet, give us a call so we can answer your questions. We're excited to show you all the reasons why Weddings Are Sweet at Embassy Suites!

Keep an eye out for us at the upcoming Perfect Wedding Guide Bridal Show too! Hope to see you there!!

Beautiful Nashville Wedding by Elliott Events & Embassy Suites!

We are so lucky to be able to work with fun brides and creative vendors who can help us bring their vision to life. I'm really excited to be able to share some pictures with you from the wedding of Crystal and Demetrius, who held their wedding ceremony and reception here with us at the Embassy Suites Nashville. Check this out!

All flowers, decorating, and coordinating was done by Elliott Events, and let me just say...Tiffanie and her crew are great to work with! If you need help bringing the design of your wedding together, look no further. You can read their blog post about this wedding here.

***Also, I just learned that Elliott Events is currently offering a FREE lighting package with dance floor gobo (like in the pic above) to all new 2012 bookings. Amazing! Call Tiffanie at 615-485-2193 and tell her you heard it here! ***

Happy Wedding Wednesday!

Nashville Wedding Catering -- New Themed Menu: COUNTRY GLAM

If there's one thing I've noticed while planning weddings over the past several months, it's the current undeniable allure of everything country, Southern, and rustic. Even my sister, who is getting married in June, is crazy about the theme, and we've been gathering burlap table runners and mason jars for wedding favors and wildflower centerpiece ideas for WEEKS! (Not that I'm complaining -- I love the "pretty" part as much as the "planning" part!) No one does this rustic wedding theme better than us in the South, so we thought it was about time we got involved in the fun.

Therefore, it is my pleasure to introduce the first of our five new, themed wedding packages: COUNTRY GLAM

This is our lovely indoor garden atrium, a perfect place for wedding ceremonies, with specialty draping and lighting done by Events Plus, Inc. Photo by Ace Photography.

This centerpiece embodies the idea of COUNTRY GLAM -- pretty, relaxed, comfortable, with rustic elements like wood, lace, and fresh flowers. Linen provided by Connie Duglin Linen, draping and lighting by Events Plus, Inc., floral design by Creations by Debbie, and cake by Cakes by Shara.

I totally love this package because of the feel and the food options that are available. If you like comfort food and you want that atmosphere of Southern hospitality at your wedding reception, check out these options:

• Garden Shots


• Fried Green Tomatoes


• Ambrosia Salad


• BBQ Brisket Carving Station with Yeast Rolls


• Fried Pickles


• Chicken Wings


• Macaroni & Cheese Bar


• Shrimp & Cheese Grits


• Apple Turnovers, Mini Pies & Cobblers


• Marshmallow Truffles to match your color scheme


• Fruit Tea and Raspberry Lemonade

Those are just a few of the many menu options you can choose from for the COUNTRY GLAM package. If you'd like more information, call me at 615-522-5448 or email me at amber.payne@hilton.com.

We've got lots of things going on at the hotel, and I've got four more new packages in addition to this one, so keep in touch! We'd love to show you why everyone says Weddings Are Sweet at Embassy Suites!

New Nashville Wedding Stuff! -- Part One

Happy Friday, blog readers! It has been too long since I've posted, but I promise I have a good excuse...WOW has it been busy here! This post is "Part One" because I'll have more to share with you over the next few weeks, but I wanted to pass on some tidbits now since I know many of you are deep in the midst of planning your weddings right now.

First, I want you all to meet Sue Davies-Rephan, our new Director of Catering.

Sue is a Colorado native who has lived in Nashville for 18 years. During her time in Tennessee, she has planned weddings for Natural Design, Top O'Woodland, and Opryland. She co-authored a book about wedding planning. She is left-handed, she adores her blue-eyed, Red Merle Miniature Australian Shepherd (Izzi) and her Jack Russell (Jasmine), she plays guitar, she loves to garden, she's an ordained minister and a florist...to say she is multi-talented is an understatement. We are thrilled to have her here, and, to borrow a famous line from one of my favorite TV cooks, she is helping us "kick it up a notch" in weddings. BAM! :) She and I are BOTH taking care of weddings now, so you've got even more experience and creativity working for you when you hold your event with us.

One of the first things Sue did here was pick out some lovely new centerpieces for our lunch and dinner functions. Many of you are familiar with our traditional mirror tile / hurricane globe / taper candle centerpiece, which definitely has its merits, and that will continue to be available for any of you who would like to use it. In addition, we'll now be offering our new Feng Shui centerpiece!!

This is a bowl made out of a dark resin with 4 glass containers on top. This matches pretty much everything -- think of the versatility! Four candles, four flowers, add something taller in the middle...it's just endless. Here, we chose 2 candles and 2 floating flowers. We are happy to offer the base and the cups COMPLIMENTARY for all of our wedding packages. Just bring in your own flowers and marbles / pebbles, and you're done!

Another recent development here is the complete re-vamping of our wedding packages. We'll still be offering the ones you're used to, but we'll soon be introducing some themed ideas for receptions. Ever described your reception style as "URBAN CHIC?"

Or are you more "VINTAGE CHARM?" What about "COUNTRY GLAM" or a laid back "ISLAND STAY-CATION?" We've got great ideas for menus and decor for all of those styles, plus a couple more. We're putting some really fun packages together with draping and lighting that will allow you to have a beautiful wedding with a great value. I'll have some absolutely incredible pictures to show you in a couple of weeks, thanks to Events Plus, Ace Photography, Connie Duglin Linen, and Cakes by Shara. We're VERY excited about our new ideas, and we hope you'll love them too!

Lastly, I've added a new display in our lobby / atrium dedicated specifically to weddings. If you're ever in the neighborhood outside of normal business hours, you can always stop at this table to see some pictures, grab my card or Sue's, and read about the latest and greatest news in weddings at Embassy Suites Nashville.

So there you have it...lots going on here! Hope you all have a great weekend, and keep an eye out for PART TWO coming in about two weeks.....

New Wedding Blog Feature! Announcing REAL NASHVILLE WEDDINGS at Embassy Suites!

If you're a regular to the world of wedding blogs, you know that lots of bloggers occasionally feature "real weddings" to give brides and planners alike some inspiration and ideas about what's popular for weddings. While I enjoy reading these and looking at the pictures as much as the next gal, I do sometimes find it frustrating because I wonder how "real" some of the features are. Too often there is little explanation about the people themselves or all of the work that went into their event. Or it is quite apparent that their "budget" is limitless, which is not something to which most of us can relate.

I decided today that OUR brides should get some internet love and attention, so I'm going to start a new blog feature for REAL NASHVILLE WEDDINGS at Embassy Suites! I have the great pleasure of working with some wonderful couples on real weddings all throughout the year, so it's time you met them too! Check back soon for the first installment, and keep an eye on our Facebook page and Twitter for updates. We're looking forward to showing you how Weddings Are Sweet at Embassy Suites!

Wedding Show in Nashville This Weekend!

Happy 2011 everyone! Just wanted to post a quick reminder that we'll be exhibiting this weekend at the HER Nashville Bridal Brunch!!

You can purchase tickets for the show here. Come to visit with some wonderful professionals who can help you with every aspect of planning your wedding in Nashville. I'll be there to share info about the Embassy Suites Nashville Airort and everything we have to offer as a venue for your bridesmaids' luncheon, rehearsal dinner, wedding ceremony, or wedding reception. Stop by my booth, grab a "mar-teeny" and say hello!

Classic Never Goes Out of Style

Happy Monday, Nashville! How has your summer been so far? It has been a busy one for us, and I am a little behind on my blogging. :) We've had lots of weddings this summer! Since my last post, I've worked on the weddings of Danielle & Phillip, Sarah & Luke, Renee & Kevin, Chelsea & Patrick, Ambria & Matthias, Jenny & Willey, and most recently, Tamara & Nigel. It never ceases to amaze me how different every event can be and how much care goes into the little details that personalize each one. It's those little things that make each one different that I love the most, and that's exactly how your guests will feel if YOU are planning a wedding. Don't be afraid to be creative and really infuse your celebration with personal touches. There are lots of inexpensive ways to do that, and if you need help brainstorming, I'll be happy to help.

One of our recently newlywed couples, Renee & Kevin, have been kind enough to let me post some pictures that I took of their event here at our hotel. Check this out:

This is the wedding ceremony in our indoor garden atrium.

The lovely bride...gorgeous dress, perfect hair and jewelry...just wish

I'd gotten a shot of her great red shoes!!

The bride and her maids

The amazing reception setup, here in our Carolina Ballroom. Linens provided by Connie Duglin Linens. Centerpieces provided by Fresh by CarryAnn. Menu cards and cute little favor boxes provided by the bride.

And this is the bride and groom making their exit after the ceremony in the atrium. I think this is one of my favorite pictures we've taken here --I feel really lucky to have captured that special moment of happiness. Such a sweet, stylish, classy couple...Renee and Kevin were wonderful to work with! Best wishes to them and all of our summer newlyweds.

We still have some limited dates open this fall and we're booking for next year, so call or email me soon if you'd like to be the next to experience why Weddings Are Sweet at Embassy Suites!

Lovely Bridal Show Pics!

We recently participated in the Perfect Wedding Guide Bridal Show at the Frist on Sunday, February 21. Did you attend? If not, you missed a very nice boutique show with lots of information, lots of cupcakes, and lots of people ready to help with every aspect of your wedding planning!

Here is a snapshot of our exhibit, which was designed with a retro 1940s-1950s theme to introduce our new Hollywood Glamour upgrade for wedding receptions! If you are a Glamour Girl and you're looking for a reception venue that will help you infuse this kind of style into your event, give us a call!

We call these Mar-teenys! They were filled with lemonade for the show, but how fun would it be to have real martinis or your signature cocktail passed in these miniature glasses during your cocktail hour? The possibilities are endless...

Special thanks to Connie Duglin Linen for providing the linen for the show! =)

There's a Chill in the Air!

December is here! The year is wrapping up, the temperature is dropping, and we're getting ready for some holiday parties! Here's a look at our lovely atrium with some decorations:

Pretty lights and shiny ornaments always put me in a festive mood for the holidays! Right now, you'll see little touches like this all over the hotel, which helps to create a great atmosphere for our holiday parties.

On an unrelated note, I'd like to apologize to everyone who was looking forward to the "A Dream Come True" Bridal Show -- it had to be postponed due to illness in several members of the planning staff. It will be rescheduled, and I will let everyone know about the new date well in advance. Keep checking this blog, as well as our Facebook and Twitter pages for news and updates. In the meantime, please feel free to contact us directly if you have any questions about planning a wedding for yourself or someone else at our property. 2010 is going to bring even more reasons to hold your wedding at Embassy Suites -- it's the sweetest way to begin your new life together!

Happy Holidays and Best Wishes to everyone, from the Embassy Suites Nashville Airport team!!

A Dream Come True Bridal Show

Hello Everyone! It has been a while since we've posted anything, but the past few months have been super. We have some wonderful new additions to the Embassy Suites Wedding Family, including Keri & Timothy, Courtney & Pierre, Sheteka & Michael, Lauren & Dashaun, Emily & Brad, and our latest addition, Rachel & Jeremy, who celebrated this past weekend with a stunning black, white, and scarlet-hued reception in our Grand Ballroom.

We've got some exciting news to share -- together with A Magical Affair, we'll be hosting the "A Dream Come True Bridal Show" here at the Embassy Suites Nashville Airport on Sunday, November 8, 2009 from 1pm - 5pm. We'll have the atrium set up for a wedding ceremony, there will be a bunch of vendors, and we'll even have a special place just for the guys, so bring 'em along! Tickets are $10 in advance or $12 at the door. Call 615-522-5448 or email me at amber.payne@hilton.com with any questions. Hope to see you there!

Doing Social Media RIGHT!

Last week, we had the pleasure of hosting a seminar called "Doing Social Media RIGHT!" The seminar was put together by our friend Courtney Hammons of A Magical Affair, and speakers included Christine Boulton of Think Like a Bride and Zach & Jody Gray of Gray Photography. I think we all learned a LOT -- I know I did. It was wonderful to meet some new people as well as see some familiar faces. Looking forward to connecting with you all on Twitter and Facebook!

May Showers Can't Dampen Our Beautiful Weddings!

This month has certainly been a damp one outside, but weddings are still cozy and sweet at the Embassy Suites! I wanted to share with everyone the latest events since it has been a while since I've posted new pictures.

We were fortunate enough this month to work with Wendy and her amazing staff at One Source Weddings when they created one of the most beautiful events we've EVER had here. Our Grand Ballroom was the location for both the wedding ceremony AND reception, which is not our norm, but everything flowed well and looked incredible.

The walls and ceiling of the ballroom were draped with white fabric, lights were added to match the wedding color palette of blue and fuschia, dramatic and gorgeous centerpieces created by One Source Weddings provided a real "WOW" factor, and beautiful silver and white linens from our friend Liz at Connie Duglin Linen added a special touch of elegance. The lovely wedding cake was created by Signature Cakes by Vicki.

Spring and Summer Weddings!

Spring will be here soon (hopefully -- fingers crossed) and we are getting ready for a wonderful Spring and Summer wedding season!! I have spoken with a lot of brides recently who have always wanted a Spring or Summer wedding, but they are on the verge of making a decision to wait until later in the year or even next year because they think 1) everything is more expensive in the Spring / Summer and

2) the economy will get better. We all hope the economy

improves, and unfortunately, there isn't much I can do about that. However, what I can do is offer an incredible deal that might help those of you who would really like to move forward and HAVE that romantic Spring or Summer wedding you've always dreamed of!

We are going to offer an unprecedented 15 PERCENT off our package prices for any new wedding event booked to take place before August 31, 2009. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This could mean some serious savings for you. Why plan your wedding day at a location where you have to provide your own food, work with a ton of different vendors, and put all of your friends and family to work in order to make it all happen? Our professional, experienced staff is waiting to handle the details for you, and there has NEVER been a better time to take advantage of our award-winning service! Call us today, and be sure to mention our SPRING & SUMMER SPECIAL -- now is your opportunity to see why Weddings Are Sweet at Embassy Suites!!

We have just learned that we've been chosen as a recipient of the "Bride's Choice Award" for 2009 from WeddingWire.com! Be sure to visit our page there at http://www.weddingwire.com/biz/embassy-suites-nashville-airport-nashville/d9673f9e0eb803f9.html to read more about our property and see some reviews from past clients! We look forward to making 2009 a big year of "Happily Ever Afters!"

Visit Us at Weddings the Bridal Show!

Just a quick reminder that we will be exhibiting at the upcoming Weddings the Bridal Show on Saturday, January 3. Be sure to register online in order to get a $2 discount on tickets. Hope to see you there!!

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas!!

This weekend we hosted the first of this season's holiday parties...what a fun time! During the holiday season, it's not unusual for us to host all kinds of events -- from small, tight-knit companies who treat each other like family to larger groups who want something new and creative every year. This weekend, a passer-by could have easily witnessed an event with traditional milk, cookies, and holiday stories as well as an upbeat party complete with karaoke and a casino. Thanks to our incredibly friendly and skilled staff, we can do both!

We've got the hotel decorated for the holidays. The atrium is pretty by itself on a regular day-to-day basis, which is why it is such a popular setting for lunches and wedding ceremonies; however, it really does look magical with the white lights and poinsettias. If this setting doesn't make you want to sing a holiday tune, I don't know what will!

One thing all of this year's parties seem to have in common is chocolate!! A chocolate fountain station that includes pound cake, pretzel rods, strawberries, pineapples, whipped cream, and marshmallows is such a yummy addition to our already tasty holiday menus. We use them all the time for weddings too!




We also used this first weekend of holiday events to unveil our brand new signature winter cocktails. Attendees at our events this weekend got to sample our Creme Brulee Martini, as well as The Christmas Kiss, which is a tasty blend of pomegranate, apple, and cranberry flavors. These festive new libations were a popular way to warm up the cold nights this weekend!



Warmest wishes to you and yours as Christmas and New Year's quickly approach. 2009 is going to be a great year at the Embassy Suites Nashville Airport, and we look forward to exceeding YOUR expectations!

Welcome to Our Blog

Hello, all, and welcome to the blog for weddings and events at Embassy Suites Nashville Airport! The holiday season is upon us, and we are hard at work preparing for the upcoming parties and trying to think of some fancy new food and drink presentations. We've got some mouthwatering menus this season, as well as some incredible hors d'oeuvres and colorful seasonal cocktails to sart the holidays off on the right foot!

Before we get too carried away with Christmas, though, we've got a wedding to plan for the Saturday after Thanksgiving! Jasmine and Tim have chosen us as their reception location, and I'm excited to help them with their big day. We're planning an afternoon full of hors d'oeuvres, cocktails, and dancing to create a memorable celebration for them and their guests.

I'll be posting pictures of our events, so check back often for updates, and have a Happy Thanksgiving!