VIP Vendor Profile - Special Notes

Special Notes Entertainment Agency is owned by Beverly Kerr.  Beverly, a professional pianist, started the business after leaving the teaching profession and this is her 25th year in business.

She can provide top musicians -- anything from a harpist for the ceremony to bands and DJs for the reception.  Couples looking for bands can listen to demos on her website.  Many couples go to larger cities to book bands, thinking they'll have more choices, when in fact, Beverly can book bands from throughout the South, making it easier for couples to finalize details with a local contact. 

The right entertainment is crucial to a successful celebration, so contact Beverly to get your party started.

VIP Vendor Profile

White Table is a specialty linen and chair cover company located on Bearden Hill.  Rob and Cheryl Hyland, along with Cheryl's mother, Daneise Stanger, owned White Table in Chattanooga for several years before recently purchasing the Knoxville store.

Their boutique style showroom provides an intimate and relaxed setting for making linen selections. The showroom tables can be dressed in a number of different linen combinations at once, so that brides can compare their options side by side.

Covering tables and chairs may sound simple enough, but the wide variety of colors, textures and design options can be overwhelming to anyone who isn’t blessed with an abundance of design flair.  Whether you have flair to spare or you’re design challenged, the staff at White Table is ready and able to make your linen selection a fun and enjoyable experience. 

Congratulations to Waldorf Photographic Art

Congrats to Bill Waldorf who was recognized this week  as one of the top photographers in the world when the stunning photo below placed in the TOP 20 in the Wedding Photojournalist Association’s international print contest! 



Dixie Pixel's Enchanted Photos on "Inspired by This" Blog

Oh wow!  Just when I think Tara Kneiser has come up with the ultimate enchanting image, she tops herself.  She was featured yesterday on Leila Khalil's "Inspired by This" blog.  The bride is wearing exquisite custom gowns by White Orchid Bridal.  Check out the blog for more incredible images from the fashion shoot.

Oh yes, and Tara, in case you're reading this:  I've got to have this image for The Bridal Suite!

Sonya

VIP Vendor Profile

Cheryl McMillan, owner of The Perfect Ending, trained as a cake artist under Toba Garrett, Master Chef-Instructor at the Institute of Culinary Education in NYC and author of several cake decorating books.  She moved to the Knoxville area in April 2009 from New Jersey, and brings a “big city” flair to her cake designs. 

One of Cheryl’s talents which is unique to the area, is Australian Stringwork, where thin strands of royal icing are suspended away from the cake. The ruffle on the middle layer of the elaborate cake below is an example of her stringwork.  



Cheryl’s exquisitely detailed cakes earned her First Place in the Wedding Division of The Great Cake Bake in Knoxville in 2010.  She has also won blue ribbons in the Tennessee State Fair, including Best of Show in 2010.

Cheryl meets clients in her home, just outside of Knoxville, but the cake creation is done off premises in a Board of Health certified kitchen.   She makes both buttercream and fondant covered cakes in a wide variety of delectable flavors, but her Signature Cake is Pink Champagne Cake filled with delicious Strawberry Mousse covered in Italian Meringue Buttercream.  Do I have to tell you that it is to die for?

Sonya

VIP Vendor Profile



When I first met Bryan Allen, I was immediately struck by his friendly and easy going manner. I found him incredibly engaging but not overbearing – the perfect combination for someone who you’ll spend more time with on your wedding day than you will with the person you are marrying.







Bryan was just voted "Knoxville's Best Photographer" by CityView Magazine, no doubt a testament to both the quality of his work and the quality of the relationships he forms with those he photographs.  Bryan’s personality is matched by his ability to tell each unique wedding story through stunning imagery.  His tag line - "Remarkable Images . . . Ridiculous Fun!" says it all. 



Bryan's work is a unique blend of modern style with classical influences and a contemporary edge. Regardless of how you describe his unique vision, one thing is certain . . . his subjects always appear to be having a blast in the process. 





Bryan produces exquisite, one-of-a-kind  album designs and offers unique print products including prints on metal and acrylic. He is also the only photographer in Knoxville who offers prints that are hand tinted, stretched over a wood frame, and then coated in beeswax using an ancient encaustic method. This process yields a truly one-of-a-kind work of art for your wall.  We have a few of them hanging in The Bridal Suite, and they do elicit lots of interest, if I do say so myself.

          Sonya

VIP Vendor Profile

All Occasions Party Rentals handles every event with professionalism and style. Do you need a tent?  Cutting edge ghost chairs?  Lounge furniture for your cocktail party?  Gorgeous linens ranging from basic to the most luxurious fabrics?

Courtesy Catalyst Photography

AOPR has the largest rental inventory in East Tennessee and their staff is some of the most highly trained in the business.   When your rent from AOPR, you can be assured that planning, design and delivery is handled by a team of courteous professionals with a focus on style and function.

Sonya

VIP Vendor Profile

Adrienne Atchley Consulting

Adrienne Atchley has been in the wedding business since 1982, making her one of the most experienced planners in the area.  Adrienne works as a liaison, helping to locate products and services that best suit the needs and budget of each bride and groom.  She also understands the importance of matching couples up with the right wedding professionals.

Adrienne Atchley Consulting offers a variety of services, from simple etiquette questions, to directing the rehearsal and ceremony, to assistance in designing the entire wedding. Last, but certainly not least, Adrienne's fun personality makes the wedding planning process a light hearted and enjoyable experience.  Contact Adrienne for a complimentary meeting to discuss your wedding plans.

Sonya

VIP Vendor Profile

The Reserve at Bluebird Hill is a lovely event facility located in Lenoir City, just outside of Farragut.  It received its name because the 75 acres of rolling horse farm it sits on is a bluebird sanctuary. 



A beautiful indoor facility features elaborate wrought iron chandeliers and a fireplace, as well as a bridal suite and lounge for hair and make-up.  Outdoor areas include several gardens, a fountain and even a fireplace to ward off the early spring and late fall chill.



Whether you want a cozy indoor event, protected from rain, heat and cold, or an outdoor event surrounded by horses, mini-horses, mini-donkeys and alpaca, Jan and Bob Hall and their staff will work to make your special day one of the best memories of your life.

Sonya

VIP Vendor Profile



Sam George, owner of Samuel Franklin, identifies his ability to listen as one of his main strengths.  “We listen, we imagine it, we make it cost effective,” says Sam.

Photo Courtesy Catalyst Photography

Sam and his staff  have conquered a number of challenges in their quest to help brides have the wedding of their dreams.  Their proudest moments range from engulfing a huge chandelier in flowers and prisms to helping brides stay within their budgets.  Whether Sam provides full event decor or simply takes care of your floral needs, you can be sure of an attention to detail that guarantees an unforgettable look and feel.

 

Photo Courtesy Meggie Velasco Photography

In addition to wedding design, Sam is also an accomplished interior designer, able to assist couples with decorating their new homes.  His charming retail shop in the former Clinton post office,  is a treasure trove of home accessories, very much worth the short drive from Knoxville.  Contact Sam to schedule your appointment. 

Sonya

VIP Vendor Profile - Abner's Attic

                  Abner’s Attic

Rex Bradford Jones, caterer and owner of Abner’s Attic , is a delight to work with.  He is friendly, easy going and strives to give each bride the reception she envisions.  He is more than willing to work with brides to make sure they get the most food and best presentation for their budget.

Abner’s Attic’s services range from informal rehearsal dinners and intimate bridal luncheons to elaborate wedding receptions.  Buffets with silver service, multi-course dinners, and dessert stations with banana pudding shooters and cookies with milk are all in a day’s work for Rex and his staff.

Service and presentation are as important to Rex as the made-from-scratch food and beverages he prepares. He can adapt your favorite family recipes, which is a special touch for couples who wish to share their story with their wedding guests.  Contact Rex to schedule your complimentary consultation.

Sonya

I'm Dreaming of a White Wedding...

Our photographers might come after me with giant snowballs for suggesting this so late in the game, but if this is your first Christmas as Mr. & Mrs., the perfect card could be as easy to purchase as picking up your cell phone.

I received this fun card from my former associate, Lauren, a couple of years ago.  It features photography by VIP Vendor Dixie Pixel, and it still makes me smile. 

Go ahead, call your photographer, but don't tell them I sent you!

Sonya

VIP Vendor Profile

Sweet T.E.A. Productions, a video production company, is owned by Tammy Akard.  Her husband, Keith,  came up with the catchy and clever business name, which is an acronym for her full name, as well as her favorite drink.  I have to say that I think it is an incredibly catchy name and logo.

Tammy began practicing the art of movie making as a child and indulged her passion by majoring in Broadcast Journalism at Middle Tennessee State University.   After college, she worked as a sports shooter/reporter for WSMV-TV in Nashville and a sports anchor/reporter for WBIR-TV before starting her free-lance videography business.

  As a former bride, Tammy knows that despite all the time and effort that goes into planning, the wedding day itself is often a blur.  Her goal is to preserve the  memories for the bride and groom so that they can enjoy them for a lifetime.

Tammy recently returned from a cruise/seminar with the top female wedding videographers in the business, where she made the big decision to start offering hi-def packages.  She also participated in this cool PR video, which was just released nationally.  Look closely so you don't miss her - she's the first one up!  A photo of her on her cruise (I'm so jealous!) is below, so you'll know who you're looking for.

   

Sonya

What a Grand Opening!

Thanks to all the brides and vendors who joined us for our grand opening celebration last night!  We had a great turnout and a great time.

Special thanks to the following vendors who gave a little something extra to make it happen:

Abner's Attic
All Occasions Party Rentals
Farragut Wine & Spirits
Schakolad Chocolate Factory
The Perfect Ending
White Table Specialty Linens

We look forward to follow up appointments with the brides who attended, so we can show off all of our Very Impressive Professional vendors.

Sonya

VIP Vendor

Castleton Farms, is a grand event venue, situated on 108 acres of rolling hillside in Loudon, Tennessee. 

It began as a Tennessee Walking Horse Farm and was purchased several years ago by Drs. Meade & Kathleen Edmunds, because it reminded Dr. Meade Edmunds of his childhood home.  Since their family and professional lives were centered around Knoxville, they made the decision to make Castleton Farms available for weddings, private parties and other gatherings.

Drs. Edmunds have spared no expense in making Castleton Farms a top of the line wedding venue.  Darla Walker was hired in 2009 as the Executive Director, and she and her staff work tirelessly to make sure that each Castleton Bride is treated to a memorable experience during the planning process as well as on the wedding day. 

Whether your dream event includes a casually elegant party in the carriage house, an old world ceremony in the vineyard or a grand celebration on the manor house lawn, the staff at Castleton Farms is dedicated to making your dreams come true. 





The Manor House, modeled after the New Orleans plantation, Houmas House, greets visitors at the end of the winding driveway.

 

A 150-foot walkway on the back lawn leads guests to a tented pavilion adorned with chandeliers in a lavishly landscaped setting.

The lush gardens are enveloped with tiered patios and twinkling white lights.

The former stable has been transformed into a dramatic carriage house, perfect for rehearsal dinners & receptions.

Castleton Farms has the impressive distinction of being a Grace Ormonde Platinum Venue.  Contact Darla Walker at 865-376-9044 to schedule your private tour of Castleton Farms.  Or, come meet her at The Bridal Suite's grand opening celebration this Thursday.

Sonya

I Am a Vintage Bride

Sonya

Stacy, my associate, is a lover of vintage "everything" and has been trying to convince me to incorporate vintage bridal photos "somewhere" ever since she has worked for me.  We had a beautiful, but empty cathedral door wall cabinet, provided by OP Jenkins Furniture store, so I finally played along and agreed to accessorize it with vintage bridal photos.

Between the two of us, we had family photos of brides from the 50s, 60s & 70s, but we needed one more vintage bride to balance out the display.

Stacy's Grandparents in the 40's - Sarah Jessica Parker would approve of that wedding guest's hat!

 My Aunt in her gorgeous and timeless 50's gown.  I love that bodice!

My minister father and a random 60's bride and groom

Since I was celebrating my 30^th (I know, I can't believe it either) wedding anniversary last week, I decided to take a nostalgic look at my wedding pictures.  That was when it hit me – I was a vintage bride!  Although the realization was quite a shock, I’ve decided to accept reality and take my place in the photo lineup.

No, I'm not posting my picture on the blog.  Come to The Bridal Suite's grand opening celebration on 11/4/10 and take a look at our display.  I'm the one in the vintage 1980 dress - right beside my vintage cake topper!

VIP Vendor Profile

Tara Kneiser, of Dixie Pixel, is one of my fave photographers.  Besides taking gorgeous pictures, she is easy going, flexible and gets the newly married couple to their party in a timely fashion. 

She frequently has unique, vintage weddings featured in magazines & blogs such as Southern Weddings and Style Me Pretty, because they are - well, unique.  However, don’t assume that she doesn't do just as beautiful a job with more formal traditional weddings. 

Tara's creative use of light and her talent for making the most of veils has helped her create some awe inspiring pictures.  We are delighted to welcome Dixie Pixel as our very first VIP Vendor.

Sonya