Throughout the years I have had the pleasure of working with a variety of wedding planners. While not every wedding I photograph has a wedding planner, I have learned the value a good wedding planner brings to the table. Like photographers, it’s important for a couple to find a planner that is the right match for their personalities, needs and execution of their wedding day vision. A few months ago I had the pleasure of meeting Sara of Fete Nashville. Sara’s warm personality and friendly smile make me feel comfortable immediately. When she talks about her experience in event and wedding planning her eyes light up. I must admit I thoroughly enjoy talking to people who are so passionate about their work! These days there are a sea of people that call themselves photographers and wedding planners, but not everyone excels at their craft nor has the personality to meet the demands of the wedding world. This certainly isn’t the case for Sara of Fete Nashville. Below are some details I shot of Sara’s work from a wedding last month. Also, you will see a little Q & A providing a little more insight into Sara and what makes Fete Nashville special! I truly look forward to watching Fete Nashville grow, evolve and thrive in the years to come!
How did you get started in wedding planning?
I actually have been planning events since my first high school prom! In my 20’s I was an art director/graphic designer, and I fell in love with the idea of taking a concept through the creative process from inception to completion. I love every aspect of the creative process whether the end result is a tv campaign or a gorgeous, sexy one-of-a kind wedding reception. My career has evolved, but I have wanted to be a wedding planner my whole life!
How has that helped you with Fete Nashville?
I love that my background as a graphic designer helps ensure that every aspect of the wedding is part of the overall vision. All those little details really add up to a very impressive ‘wow’ factor for my clients & their guests. Most wedding planners are ‘organizers’; I either design it myself or work directly with a vendor to create the design as part of an overall concept.
What is your philosophy?
Many times a bride doesn’t know what her dream wedding looks like; she may have a photo or a color or a particular look in mind and it is my job to pull all the ideas out of the couple to get a truly personalized wedding.
Is there anything in which you specialize?
I specialize in high-end, couture weddings. They take hundreds of hours, but I love every single minute. I enjoy working closely with the couple and their families to make the wedding weekend filled with memories they will cherish forever. That said, I have also planned tons of fundraising events, so I am an expert at getting the most out of your budget.
What are the latest trends at wedding receptions?
Many couples are forgoing the traditional favors and getting really creative with them or having an unexpected late-night snack instead. Some favors have included handcrafted gin with special flavors chosen by the couple and the gin bottles doubled as escort cards; homemade jams and honeys for rustic themed weddings and hand-pressed olive oil with herbs from the couple’s garden. We’ve done food trucks, personalized doughnuts, extravagant dessert bars, mini burgers and milk shakes, cookies with white, chocolate & strawberry milk shots. I have a Chicago couple next month having a true Chicago hot dog and fries bar… we are importing half the toppings from Chicago – we don’t mess around!
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how beautiful, angela!
Thank you! It was a beautiful wedding!