the first queercamp was last year in milwaukee, and this year it has expanded to include nashville and chicago. you lions know that we promote equality and community- and that is what this event is about!

the unconference structure allows participants to present, so the more people who participate, the more fun it will be! you can register here, and the best part is that it’s totally free. yup! join us in creating this FIRST EVER opportunity for the nashville lgbt community to gather to learn together, grow together and shape the future.

some of you may not be familiar with the concept of an unconference but let me assure you it’s not as cofusing as it sounds. anyone can sign up to speak, and then other participants sign up for the classes they want to attend. if you get inspired during the day there will be an impromptu room set up for you to talk to a group on the spot! we do schedule the speeches in advance, so if you’re interested in talking about anything at all, please contact me at lindsey[at]dandylionevents.com or 615.439.0652 (texts are okay too). once we have a few topics solidified, we’ll post a schedule so those who wish to participate can plan their day. easy, right? community-focused and driven. did i mention how excited we are?

be sure to check out our ad in out & about nashville in may. many thanks to our wonderful sponsor, kevin at KLR Photography. be sure to show him some love!

*disclaimer: we do not intend for the word ‘queer’ to offend anyone. we are an offshoot of the original event and chose to maintain that connection. we love every lion and do not use it as a slur or in any way demeaning to the lgbtqti lions out there.

love to all,

lindsey

give us a roar and sign up to speak! lindsey@dandylionevents.com

Share on Facebook

the magdalene house is a place where women can recover from lives of prostitution, substance abuse, violence and imprisonment. the products of thistle farms- made by members of the magdalene house- help support their 2-year rehabilitation program.

we encourage you to be involved in their wednesday morning meditation and also to volunteer. there are other ways to help their program, too! you can purchase thistle farms products at several local stores, including the green wagon, the frothy monkey and on their website!

we believe in women’s rights- including a right to wholeness and happiness- so this is a cause we feel very strongly about. as such, we are proud to sponsor thistle farms product parties! you can arrange for a member of the magdalene house to speak at your bridal shower or bachelorette party, enjoy their products and have an at-home spa party! another bachelorette party idea: go as a group and volunteer to work in the thistle farms shop. it is the perfect way to do good and creates a wonderful bonding opportunity for you + your maids. you can also purchase gifts for your attendants – a luxurious product with a true message. it will be an indulgence your maids will love, with all proceeds going back into the program. they also offer small sachets of lovely lavender, which you could give to your guests to toss after the ceremony, scattered by a flower girl or tucked into your gown in a blue bag- a very meaningful ‘something blue’! my favorite idea is to forgo favors- which i know many of you are doing already- and instead make a donation to the magdalene house project.

we love thistle farms and know you will, too! what creative ideas do you have for incorporating their products into your wedding?

love to all,

lindsey

say hello: lindsey@dandylionevents.com

Share on Facebook

lighting is everything. i got the opportunity to discuss this often- overlooked aspect of event planning with blake chaffin, owner and lead designer of nashville event lighting. here is what he had to pass along:

–lighting creates an emotional experience, in the same way that different types of music can effect you. it sets the tone for the room.

–it also determines the energy of the room. moving the lighting and dimming or brightening an area with different moments such as changes in music, cake cutting, or speeches- eliminating the need for a cheesy mc!

–you can highlight assets and play down less attractive areas that may be necessary for your event, such as catering curtains.

– the right lighting can also create depth in a room and enhance the quality of your photographs. some of your other purchases benefit from the right lighting, too: flowers, drapes, food presentation, even the guests. ambient lighting is more flattering which comforts your guests and gives them more confidence, encouraging mingling.

nashville event lighting thrives on being in control of the smallest details. they can create some beautiful effects! one story blake shared was that for one bride, they projected the nashville skyline and moved a simulated moon over the buildings in a four-hour progression. that took creativity and diligence! they can also provide functional lighting, such as brightening a field for parking at a residential event or arranging for the catering staff to see while preparing food in a tent at night.

blake said one challenge they look forward to is making their clients’ ideas into reality.  even though they’ve been to every venue in nashville, every client request is different. they firmly believe though, that whatever you do, is worth doing right. they employ good karma and build relationships with clients and other vendors. they also help with a large scope of charity work in the nashville area- most recently, the lighting and sound at the minnie pearl foundation benefit. they also do the lighting and sound at events throughout the year for progress, inc.- a company that helps mentally handicapped adults learn life and work skills.

to learn more about nashville event lighting and to see some examples of their wok, check out their website at www.nashvilleeventlighting.com

a special thanks to blake for taking the time to remind us how important the right lighting can be!

love,

lindsey

idea + planning lioness

say hello: lindsey@dandylionevents.com

Share on Facebook