It only made sense that we returned to Under Canvas Zion for our first wedding of the year! Nothing like glamping and celebrating our clients to get back into wedding planning mode. This was another adventurous wedding weekend full of fun, good food, and breathtaking views.

We love when couples make their wedding truly personal like incorporating their culture into the day. Ready for all of the details from this Indian Fusion wedding at Under Canvas Zion? Keep Reading!

Welcome Party

To kick off the glamping weekend, guests arrived onsite to a welcome party. From onsite traditional henna to a Mexican food truck, this was such a great start to Simi and Ryan's celebration. Especially for outdoor experiences like this, we recommend that our clients gift their guests with welcome bags. These can include cute favors and essentials like sunscreen for the desert heat.

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Getting Ready

Simi and Ryan got ready for the day alongside their wedding party! This is an incredibly special time to spend with your bridesmaids and groomsmen before the festivities begin. By the way, if starting your wedding day glamping looking over the desert and enjoying a drink (or two) sounds like a dream, let's chat! We would love to bring your adventurous day to life.

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Bridal Attire

Let's take a moment for this stunning bride's look. How beautiful is this bridal henna? Simi completed her look with head-to-toe gold accessories and a lush boho bouquet. Take a look at how her final style turned out.

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First Look

After getting ready for the day, Simi and Ryan shared a first look before the ceremony. Once your timeline for the day starts to pick up, you will be surrounded by others for the full day. For a moment alone, we recommend including a first look. Trust us, this won't take away from your big moment during the ceremony!

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Ceremony

Now it's time for the ceremony. The views from the ceremony sites at Under Canvas locations are hard to beat. From Zion to the Smoky Mountains, we are always impressed. Fun fact: Simi and Ryan got to say "I do" twice! They shared a romantic beachside elopement months before their big day. How sweet is that?

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Details

It is so important to make your guests feel involved throughout your wedding day. Simi and Ryan gathered notes from their guests as their guest book and featured polaroids of their loved ones on the table seating chart!

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Wedding Party

Before couple's photos, it was time to capture the wedding party. We cleared off the ceremony spot for these photo opts!

Bridesmaids

If this isn't bride squad goals, we don't know what is. These dresses are now one of our favorite bridesmaids' looks! It can be exciting to explore other color palettes outside of classic neutrals. With the natural landscape in the background, these photos are incredible.

Groomsmen

The groomsmen looked extra dapper in their matching outfits. Tip from a wedding planner: ditch the suit jackets after the ceremony (or all together) for a chic non-traditional wedding style.

Bride & Groom

Simi and Ryan went on an adventure for their couple's photos. This is often one of our clients' favorite memories on their wedding day. It can be such a blast to explore the desert or even hike to a mountain top for those photo moments!

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The Dancefloor

After couple's photos, it was time to party with guests! After enjoying a treat from the dessert bar, this group spent the rest of the night on the dance floor. Even the pups had a great time. What a wonderful way to start our wedding season here at 'Cause We Can Events!

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Love this blog and want more wedding inspiration from Under Canvas Zion? Check out this edgy black and gold wedding next!

Even in the midst of wedding planning, I always make time to tour new venue spaces! Today I am sharing a look into a fresh new modern event venue in Nashville, Saint Elle! This indoor venue includes a modern industrial flare with plenty of natural light. Also, if you love houseplants and fresh green foliage you will love this space! Saint Elle brings the feeling of the outdoors inside. So, no matter the season, we think this is a wonderful place to celebrate.

Ready to learn more about this wedding venue option? Let's dive in!

Getting Ready Spaces

The future newlyweds need a special space to get ready for their big day! Saint Elle provides two onsite options for this.

The Suite

The suite is a bright and airy getting-ready room perfect for you and a small wedding party to start off the day. With a salon-style vanity area, this is such a dreamy space for hair and makeup! According to Saint Elle's website, The Suite also includes:

-Private restroom

-Wet bar outfitted with glassware, plateware, coffee maker, etc..

Green Room

If you and your partner are looking for a more edgy getting-ready space, consider the green room! This is another private suite for future newlyweds and their wedding party. If a larger group will be joining you before the day officially begins, this is the place to be. Even if you will not personally be utilizing this space, your wedding band can use this as an actual Green Room, of course! According to the venue's website this space includes:

-Pub table

-Lounge seating

-Barcart, glassware, mini fridge, wardrobe rack, full length mirror and bluetooth speaker.

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Wedding Spaces

Onto the wedding ceremony and reception spaces. I love when there is more than one option available for these aspects of a wedding. It makes personalizing your big day and accomodating different guest counts so easy!

The Bow Truss

Right when you walk into this venue, you will see The Bow Truss. This is the ultimate reception space with an onsite bar available. At Saint Elle, you will work with their Bar Director for your curated drink experience. You might also choose to host your ceremony here. This is great for those that want to keep everything in one place!

The Conservatory

The Conservatory can be accessed adjacent to The Bow Truss. Use this area for your ceremony or as an extension of your reception. Hello, guest lounge and cocktail hour!

The Patio

Provide your guests with an outside extension of the venue on The Patio! You can create outdoor tables or lounge areas for guests to relax and step away from the dance floor. For intimate weddings, you might choose this spot as your ceremony space.

Kitchen & Amenities

This certainly isn't the most exciting part for most people about a venue tour. As a wedding planner, however, I am so excited about this catering kitchen! If you are planning a wedding here, the logistics just got easier. Saint Elle provides a spacious kitchen ont he main floor with: a double door commercial fridge, double basin commercial sink, dedicated power for steamers/warmers, coffee makers, etc.

Other sweet amenities listed on the venue website include:

-Event Office: your event planner can store any bins, personal belongings, etc so they are out of the way and ready for clean up after the wedding

-Onsite parking!

-Guest Bathrooms

Ok Nashville couples, who's ready to plan their wedding here with us? Schedule a time to chat with our team! We would love to bring your dream. day to life here. If you want to learn more about Saint Elle in the meantime, check out their website!

Looking for more Nashville venue options? Take a virtual tour of Alabaster Collective next!

We don't know about you, but the color yellow automatically puts a smile on our faces. This is such a versatile color to inspire the design for any wedding. Today we are sharing an indoor spring wedding with pops of bright yellow. We love the way the season was incorporated into the details of this day. Kristof & Becca are such a joyful color so we wanted to create a wedding aesthetic to match! Keep reading to gather inspiration from this yellow-themed spring wedding.

Invitations & Florals

The invitation suite was kept super modern with minimal pops of yellow. The bright tone that the couple chose for the day is so refreshing without being overpowering.

For the bridal bouquet, Becca wanted to incorporate plenty of the yellow color. The addition of different texture florals added dimension to her beautiful bouquet. Then she opted for more romantic pastel tones including blush, lavender, and peach. Of course, no bouquet is complete without some fresh greenery!

The Ceremony

At Smoky Hollow Studio, we allow the industrial venue to shine. A modern wedding arch decorated with organic spring florals was the perfect amount of decor. The contrast of the natural design with the urban style venue was so stunning.

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Venue Details

How cool is this guest 'books' idea! Instead of having one traditional guest book, the couple added in a bit more personalization. They chose their favorite books that hold sentimental value in their relationship for guests to sign. That way, when they pick up any of the books in the future they can be reminded of their special day.

For the venue decor, a simple string art sign greeted guests to the day. After the ceremony, we transformed the wedding arch to a creative backdrop. Check out that marquee light sign!

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Bride & Groom Photos

Kristof and Becca snuck away for bride and groom photos while guests mingled and enjoyed a cocktail hour. They got to adventure through the local city, capturing photos with different backdrops. Becca got to show off her floor length tulle veil. The bride and groom featured their favorite yellow color with their accessories.

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Table Decor

A simple way to transform any space is by adding in an abundance of fresh floral arrangements and greenery. Cascading garlands and hanging floral features brought this design together. We kept the place settings simple with a muted linen, modern black flatware, and a vintage style plate. For a bit more ambiance, we added romantic gold votives.

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Looking for more spring wedding inspiration? You will love this modern colorful wedding next!

Ready for another fresh new venue in Tennessee? White Star Station is a historic industrial venue located near Knoxville. We are loving the modern and versatile space. The charm and character paired with the chic aesthetic are so unique. Whether you are hosting an intimate celebration or an all-out wedding, they can accommodate a small group or up to 400 guests. Today we are taking you on a virtual tour! Ready to learn more about White Star Station? Let's jump in!

Meet the Co-Owner & Creative Director

First, let's meet the co-owner and creative director, Autumn. We asked her a few questions to help get to know more details about White Star Station:

Tell us what you love most about the venue.

Autumn says, "My mother and co-owner, Laura Antonucci saw something in White Star that no one else did, she fell in love with the history and raw beauty of the building.  We wanted to bring this historic venue back to its original feel so that our guests are able to experience the full history of this venue while celebrating their special moments in life."  

What can clients expect when booking the venue?

Autumn says, "We offer: exclusive facility use for your event, fully accessible venue, over 10,000 square ft of usable event space, accessible parking garage, tables and chairs, and an available custom round bar."

What type of events do you host?

Autumn says, "Our White Star special events range from birthday parties, proms, anniversary & family celebrations. We even host both small and large corporate events. Of course, we absolutely love hosting weddings as well!"

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The Loft

How cozy does this loft look? This space is a great area to relax with your wedding party before the ceremony. Put final touches on your wedding day look and share a drink (or two)! We can already imagine the stunning getting ready photos for this space.

Ceremony Space

The exposed brick wall adds a natural backdrop to any ceremony. The industrial interior can be transformed easily for any style. We love a venue that already offers so much appeal even before decor is added! You can create the best layout for you and your guests.

Reception Space

When it is time to party, the reception space is lit with modern chandeliers and natural lighting from the windows. The open floor plan is perfect for an intimate feeling even if you have a large guest count. Create a family style seating for your reception or formal round tables! There are so many options to get creative and have fun.

Lounge & Bar

Let's talk about this stunning bar. White Star Station created the custom round bar with a vintage inspiration. The design offers the opportunity for more decor space and even extra seating. Guests will be so excited to transition to cocktail hour and grab a beverage at this bar! If you want to create an entire lounge area starting at the bar, go for it! There is plenty of room to make an interactive and comfortable space for your wedding.

Ready to plan your wedding at White Star Station? Contact Autumn today to get started. Be sure to follow them on Instagram for a behind-the-scenes look at the venue!

Love this blog and want more Tennessee wedding Inspiration? Check out this Boho Smoky Mountain wedding next!

Spring is here! We can't help but reminisce on all of our favorite weddings of the season. I mean, the lush florals and colorful palettes are so refreshing. Today we are heading back to Smoky Hollow Studios (one of our top venues!) for a vintage-inspired spring wedding day. Let's dive in!

Details & Getting Ready

Lauren and CJ enjoyed time getting ready for the day with their bridesmaids and groomsmen. This is often the time your photographer will capture detail photos so be sure to bring along a copy of your stationary on wedding day! The pop of pink, calming sea foam green, and navy blue colors were featured throughout every detail. From the watercolor invitation to bow ties, this wedding was full of seasonal colors! Not to mention, the spring florals were absolutely breathtaking with a mix of traditional and wildflowers.

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First Look

After they had their spring wedding outfits on, the future bride and groom shared a first look before the ceremony. This was such an incredibly sweet moment that allowed the couple to enjoy time together before guests arrived.

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Wedding Party

After a traditional Catholic ceremony, the bride and groom and their wedding party captured photography. This is often some of the best memories shared between the newlyweds and their bridesmaids and groomsmen. The alternating pastel colors with neutral tones were so stunning against the industrial backdrop.

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Reception

During the ceremony, part of our wedding team ventured to Smoky Hollow Studios to decorate. Vintage elements such as lace runners, combined with modern details like minimal bud vases created the spring wedding vision. Delicate florals were placed at each family-style table to brighten up the indoor space. The natural wooden tables were so stunning on their own, that we kept the decor to a minimum.

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Bride and Groom Photos

While guests enjoyed cocktail hour and listened to live string music, Lauren and CJ took some more couple photos. They both got to show off their spring wedding outfits and get creative with photography. We can't get enough of all the various backdrops in each image!

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Want more spring wedding inspiration? Check out this Joshua Tree Rimrock Ranch wedding next!

Happy new year! The shift that the wedding industry has experienced this past year has resulted in a few new trends that are here to stay for a while. Many couples are choosing smaller weddings with alternative twists. While we love to celebrate big, we can't help but get excited over these unique intimate events. If you are a wedding professional or a couple planning your wedding, these are the 2021 wedding trends to look out for!

This blog post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of them and make a purchase, I'll receive a commission at no additional cost to you.

Backyard Weddings

With the uncertainty that comes along with planning a wedding currently, we are seeing more and more couples stay local. A backyard wedding at your own home or even a local Airbnb can alleviate a ton of stress. You can celebrate with your closest family and friends without missing out on many traditional aspects of a wedding. There is so much room to get creative with decor and you can still wear the wedding outfit of your dreams! Check out our tips for planning the ultimate backyard wedding.

One Tier Wedding Cakes

A smaller guest list means less cake! If you are eloping or choosing an intimate wedding, you can still feature a cake within your design! Work with your local bakery to create a unique one tier cake that is almost too pretty to eat. Even if you are hosting a larger event in 2021 and want a small cake just for you and your future spouse to capture photos will, this option is for you.

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Adventurous Elopements

This trend might be our favorite! In the new year, many couples are choosing an adventurous elopement. We recommend considering a national park for this trend! There are so many places to explore. You can select a desert elopement at a place like Joshua Tree National park, escape to the beach, or even bring your ceremony to the woods in the Smoky Mountains. Be sure to bring along our elopement must-haves for your special day!

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Alternative Wedding Outfits

This year is all about breaking away from tradition. Wear what you want on your wedding day! Whether that means choosing matching outfits or including fun accessories like a faux fur jacket, there are endless options. If you are still including a veil within your wedding day look, be sure to check out our favorite wedding veils!

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Love this blog? Read How to Plan a National Park Wedding next!

If you and your future spouse want to keep your special day intimate and low-key, a backyard wedding is the way to go! Enjoy all of the romance of a traditional wedding day without the need to travel. With the challenges of last year, many couples are opting for a smaller celebration. A backyard wedding still allows you to celebrate with friends and family in style. This is also a budget-friendly option! There are so many considerations and options to choose from even with an intimate event. We are sharing what you need to know to plan the ultimate backyard wedding!

This blog post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of them and make a purchase, I'll receive a commission at no additional cost to you!

Narrow Down Your Guest List

A backyard wedding is for an intimate celebration! Typically, this means one location as well for the entire event. So, you will want to spend time narrowing down your guest list. We recommend inviting 5-25 guests depending upon the space. That way you will have plenty of room to walk down the aisle and create room for a dance floor during the reception!

Choose the Right Decor

Since you will be using one area for the entire event, it is important to choose versatile decor. Choose your favorite florals or lanterns that can easily be moved for the next portion of the day. We love repurposing ceremony decor for the reception! Check out our wedding day must-haves as you create your vision board.

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Follow a Timeline

While a backyard wedding is definitely more relaxed with programming, it is still a good idea to follow a general timeline. That way you will be sure to include structured time for aspects of the day that are important to you. Family dances, cake cutting, and the bouquet toss will not be forgotten as you celebrate your big day! We always advise adding extra time for photography as well. You and your future spouse may want to explore the local city or parks for your couple photos.

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Make it Personal

This intimate wedding option is a great opportunity to include personal aspects into the day! You may choose to celebrate at a family member's home or decorate with photos of you and your partner. Maybe you ask each guest to bring their favorite dessert and written recipe as a wedding gift! You could also invest in personalized wedding favors for your guests to remember the day. Some of our couples have included sentimental heirlooms or attire into their wedding day style. There are endless options to choose from.

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Ready to plan your backyard wedding? Contact us today to chat about your special day!

Today we are heading back to Joshua Tree National Park for another intimate desert elopement! Have we mentioned how much we love working at Joshua Tree? The national park offers the perfect location for our adventurous couple's to celebrate. This family-focused day was filled with so many heartfelt moments. We can't wait to plan more elopements or micro-weddings here with our clients!

“This blog post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of them and make a purchase, I’ll receive a commission at no additional cost to you!"

The Ceremony

The couple fell in love with this shaded spot for their ceremony that offered a focus on the natural desert scenery. We set up their simple wooden arbor and decorated it with stunning boho florals. For their desert elopement, the couple wanted to focus on a warm color palette and minimalistic decor. As a final addition, we added a vintage style rug as a place for the couple and their son to stand.

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The Details

Inspired by the surrounding desert, warm orange and neutral tones created each floral piece for this elopement. Fresh pampas grass added extra texture to decorate the natural wooden arch. This couple wanted to focus on personalizing their special day. They made sure to include their son within their ceremony having him stand by their side. For their vows, they brought along a leather notebook that included past letters they had sent to each other. The couple places their vows into the notebook and read them during their ceremony. We think this is such a sweet way to be able to look back at pieces of your wedding or elopement later! After saying 'I do' we brought out glasses of champagne and sparkling cider for the family to celebrate.

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Photography

One of our favorite aspects of elopements is the chance for extra photography time. The newlyweds and their son explored the national park while capturing memories of their special day. Check out our elopement must-haves to keep with you while adventuring!

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Love this desert elopement? Check out this Joshua Tree National Park Boho Elopement!

After your engagement, you might be thinking - what now? Even when hiring a wedding planner, there is an abundance of information to keep in mind for your special day. Guests list, vendor meetings, and budget are just some of the important details to track for a wedding. Designating a specific place to store every aspect of your wedding will ensure that you stay organized. It is also a great way to separate your daily calendar and to-dos from wedding planning. To help you stay on track for your wedding, we are sharing the 6 top wedding planning books to buy on Amazon. Order your ideal book to your door and start organizing!

“This blog post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of them and make a purchase, I’ll receive a commission at no additional cost to you!"

1. Floral and Gold Wedding Planner

This cute floral and gold wedding planner is ideal for those who love to create vision boards. With pockets to store fabric swatches or inspiration photos, this planning book allows room for creativity. There are even pages to add inspiration photos and collages. Since each page is beautifully decorated, we also think this interactive planner would make a great gift!

2. Wedding Countdown Planner

If you are counting down each day until your wedding, this marble design planning book for you. With an 18 month countdown that organizes each day, this planner will help you stay on track with your calendar. So if you are planning over a year in advance, you can keep this planner with you every step of the way.

3. Colorful Wedding Planning Book

This colorful, notebook size planner is ideal to keep on the go. From the guest list to flowers, each section is labeled making any information easy to find while planning. If you are a fan of a colorful palette and like to stay away from neutrals, this planner will match the fun aesthetic!

4. Checklist Wedding Planner

There is nothing like checking off a task on a to-do list! This portable planner offers customizable lists and charts for each step of the wedding planning process. If you are a note-taker, there are also guided pages for you to write important information or reminders.

5. Budget Guide Wedding Planner

If you have the design details covered and are searching for a budget focused guide, this organized planner is for you! The planner includes helpful advice and worksheets to help stay on track with your wedding budget. We know that the topic of the budget can be daunting and this planner is here to be your helpful tool along the way!

6. Modern Wedding Planning Book

For all of our modern design fans, this wedding planning book is for you! This planner would also fit a boho wedding with the floral focused cover and decorated pages. The 230-page book is a full-scale guide including important checklists to remember after your wedding celebration. When you have completed the wedding planner, store the book in the matching box as a keepsake!

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7. The Knot Wedding Planning Book

If you have begun wedding research to any extent, you have probably come across the virtual wedding planning resource, the Knot. This wedding planning book brings all of the organization from the online platform edited by the top wedding pros. For fans of The Knot, this wedding planner is for you!

We hope these 7 wedding planning books were helpful and get your excited about planning your wedding!

If you enjoyed this blog post, you might want to check out our Top Resources for Planning an Elopement next!