one of my favorite venues in nashville is houston station. it is a versatile space, easy to find and really pretty cool. my favorite parts are a) the train that passes behind the building -you can see it, but you can’t hear it! and b) the coffee shop located in the same building, notable blends. best hot cocoa i have ever had! i wish i could hang out with elizabeth and scott and the rest of the hs crew more often. we’ve held a few events there now and they are amazing to work with — so chill!
the space itself is large and flexible. we can often structure the ceremony and reception in the same space. it’s big enough to usher guests to one part of the room for a few minutes while we flip chairs and move tables.
dandyLion wedding at houston station — photography (c) la photographie
it is also comfortable for you and your guests. there are two large rooms available for you and your partner to get ready and hang out before pictures. the bathrooms are large and clean for your guests.
houston station also makes it easy for vendors to work there — they built the space with large events in mind. they have an open vendor policy where you can bring in all your own folks except for bartenders (they provide at cost) and possible valet (if needed). the catering/setup room is almost empty except for clear 8′ tables and an ice machine. multiple electrical outlets and circuits ensure that everyone has access to power. there won’t be a short when you plug in your hairdryer and the dj plugs in their pa at the same time. load-in is easy, done through a ramp in the back of the building. for instance- our fastest ever load-in time was completed here, an event for 225 guests and we had all our gear in under 10 minutes.
hillbilly casino playing at houston station — photograph (c) la photographie
we love the space and the staff and think you will, too! contact elizabeth today to start talking about your upcoming event.
with love,
lindsey
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i struggle with permission. not from clients or other external forces. i have self-imposed limitations that hinder creative thinking and new ideas. we are all curbing ourselves in different ways.
permission can affect how you approach ideas for your wedding or party. when you begin dreaming, no idea is too small — too big — too dumb — too implausible.
it takes bravery to give yourself permission.
it takes awareness — you may be giving it away without even knowing.
i am continuously reminding myself that there are no rules. that i have the permission i need — from myself — to make it happen, to think of something in a new way. i also try to stay inspired by people whose work shows a lavish display of their creativity.
we recently helped nashville thrift blogger crystal thomas put together a $20 party. we wanted to plan a dinner party for 8 people that included decor, food and alcohol for $20. below are some pictures of the event, taken by john yates of jx creative.
if you follow me on twitter, you’ll notice that one of john’s pictures is now my avatar! john is one of my favorite wedding photographers in nashville.
this is my favorite color combination right now: pink, orange and lavender.
i used to stay away from pink because of the gender associations. but lately i’m giving in – i love all colors! we do have some clients who want to avoid it for different reasons, including the feminine connotations. we have some clients who love it in every shade!
what do you think? do you love pink or do you avoid it?
for nashville letterpress invitations and other paper goods, say hello to this oktipus! located in the hatchery in east nashville, this oktipus prints custom designs and original stationery sets.
brandon morgan is a trained painter who works the huge (and incredibly detailed!) metal letterpress machine. he can design and print, use pre-existing ideas/concepts/artwork, or combine both – as shown above. the heart was artwork from a friend of the couple, but the remaining design was all brandon.
contact brandon if you’re looking for letterpress in nashville that is created from an artist’s point of view!
we were the only planner and designer included in a roundup of alternative nashville vendors! pick up the february issue of her nashville and check out all the ideas their wedding issue has to offer.
we are excited to be included. our nashville lions rock!
with love,
lindsey
psst- other people have said some nice things about us, too!
no two ways about it — regardless of the size of your event, your budget, or the fact that you and your mom are BFF‘s — planning is stressful.
this is my worry hat, that my husband bought for me many years ago in seattle. it doesn’t cover my ears, it is kind of itchy and it looks ridiculous. but you know what? i love it and it’s comforting.
take some time today to comfort yourself. give yourself and your partner some space from planning. then make a game plan. if you need help or get stuck, call me and we’ll talk it out.
with love,
lindsey
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today i’m dreaming about an amazing winter party. my idea of the perfect party would be a total white-out! part hoth echo base, part 60s mod bond ice palace.
it will take place in an enormous igloo made of ice! at least 17 feet tall, and 10,000 sq feet of party space. there would be white tents out back for food prep. i’d like to have the igloo set up someplace urban, so it’s a little haven in all the hubbub of the city.
everyone will be looking cool in white-on-white jackets. every guest will receive one upon entering the igloo foyer.
except for me- i will be in silver!
there would be tall white modern tables and clear chairs as far as the eye can see.
and white fur throws on chaise lounges! [fake of course]
ice bar!
ice blocks with backlighting will make up the dj stand at the head of the dance floor!
there will be some light fog and some music and a white dance floor. and a big ol’ disco ball to make everything twinkle! also white/blue diamond/ice blue uplighting around the igloo to make it really glow.
it would have great atmosphere, eclectic guests and be a one-time experience: something that is transient and cannot be duplicated.
some of my favorite elements were: ring warming, ceremonial drinking of groom-brewed beer from a common mug, cranes made and mailed by guests as part of the rsvp, amazing donuts and coffee after dinner, taffeta linens, board games and led bocce on the lawn.
dandyLion wedding at houston station — photography (c) la photographie
