Today's post was submitted by Bonnie Hodge, a Mother-of-the-Bride, looking back on her daughter's wedding in early November. We thank her very much for contributing her thoughts!

"After my daughter became engaged, we dove headfirst into planning her November wedding. Blaire had LOTS of good ideas and had researched each component of the wedding with meticulous detail. But, oh my, there were so many options and so many choices to be made! It was overwhelming.

When Blaire first mentioned the idea of having a wedding planner/coordinator, I was adamantly against it; I felt she and I could handle the ceremony and reception with ease. HA! When we began discussing the day before the wedding and the actual wedding day, I became overwhelmed with the amount of detail and coordination that was required. I was also painfully aware of my lack of training or expertise in any of the arenas in which we had been thrust. And, to my horror, the “to do” list was growing rapidly and, seemingly, exponentially.

When Blaire and I began talking about “the day of” in detail, I realized there was no way that I could be there for my daughter and get everything done for the ceremony and reception. At that point we asked Carly to let us know what she could do for us. OMG (I normally don’t use text lingo :]) – I was astounded at what Carly could and would do for us AND at the price she quoted ! It was seemingly too good to be true. However, true it was!

We had met Carly at the Bride’s Boutique when we purchased Blaire’s gown. She was so professional and so very knowledgeable. After about a 20 minute conversation, my daughter and I decided we must hire her. That was a GREAT decision! She was with Blaire and me every step of the way, and provided guidance. That is the KEY word – guidance. She didn’t tell us WHAT to do, but actually guided us into making our vision a reality. Without her services I know the ceremony and reception would not have moved forward as beautifully as they did. It was an absolutely wonderful day."

A thank you from Steve & Amy

Dear Carly,

Thank you so much for all your hard work in making our wedding as perfect as we hoped it would be. Your steady responsiveness to everyone of our questions and concerns made the entire process worry free.
Thanks again, Amy and Steve Hill

Steve and Amy Hill 12/12/2009

When Amy came to me for assistance in planning her wedding to Steve she had about 6 1/2 weeks to plan and not much planned other than her gown and the venue. I quickly got to work calling some of my close contacts who happen to be some of THE BEST wedding professionals Clarksville has to offer. I really only had about a week to help them find all they needed since Steve wanted to be part of the process and he was leaving for work in Alaska and would not arrive back to Clarksville until two days before the wedding. Within the first week we had locked down Sango Village Florist , Joan of Art Photography, and Cakes by Carrie. Catering proved to be the greatest challenge we faced with the date set just right before Christmas and one tasting that was just not what she was looking for. I mentioned to Amy that we had gone to an event that Jubilee Plantation had catered and it was amazing. She agreed to give them a shot and I went to work setting up a tasting date, which had to be very soon. I have to say, Jubilee Plantation set up a perfect presentation as well as delicious food for Amy and I to taste (by this point Steve had left for work). The final decision was made, Jubilee it was!

Here are a few images of Steve and Amy's BIG day. I hope you enjoy these beautiful images by Joan of Art Photography.

Trinity Episcopal Church

Flowers by Sango Village

Flowers By Sango Village

Catering by Jubilee Plantation

Steve (the groom) caught this Salmon in Alaska and it was one of the featured hors d'oeuvres.

Joanie's signature frame shot.

They met through eHarmony.

Carrie @ Cakes by Carrie made a delicious cake that reflected the couples vision perfectly.


Once again I was the designated cake cutter. Cutting cakes is not my strong point. Lets just say I am very generous.

I was in charge of decorating all the reception tables, something simple and no fru fru, was the guidelines given...ha ha.
All the family and friends that joined them for their special day.

A Letter from Blaire

Dear Carly,

I can't believe it's been almost a month since I've been married - and almost a year since I met you! I remember talking with you on the phone right before I began shopping for my wedding gown. You were so sweet and reassuring - a far cry from the "other" places I contacted. I'll never forget finding my perfect gown - you were so sweet and very professional. You listened to what I wanted without pushing me - even though we BOTH know I didn't have a clue what I was doing! After purchasing the wedding dress that exceeded my expectations, I honestly thought the next time I talked to you is when I picked out my bridesmaids' dresses. Man, was I wrong! When I ran into a snag finding invitations, I googled some options here in town and was surprised to see the Bride's Boutique pop up. You not only pointed me in the right direction to find the most gorgeous wedding invitations I've ever seen, you also let me know that you were a coordinator on the side. Once my mom met you, it took us about 20 minutes to decide to hire you. You were BY FAR the BEST money we spent on our wedding. Whenever I called or stopped by the store, you were professional and made me feel like I was the only bride you were dealing with. You always returned my phone calls, even when they were trivial things like fake tans and where to get good hair extensions! You made sure that my day went as smoothly as it possibly could. What I think I loved the most about you was the attention to detail - you truly had a vision for my wedding and you stuck to it! You found some of the most incredible vendors to work with and helped create some of the most special moments during our ceremony and reception. Chris and I have heard from so many people that ours was one of the best weddings they had ever been to - and that is LARGLY because of you!

I loved working with you - and appreciate all of the incredible work you put into one of the most special days of my life. You are TRULY meant to be a wedding coordinator - don't ever quit your job!!!! Thank you for all that you did; we will be forever grateful and honored to know you.

Blessings and love,

Blaire and Chris Hughes

Amy & Mike Falvo 12/5/09

Her gown by none other than the fabulous Bride's Boutique.

Amy was such a beautiful bride.

First Presbyterian Church, Clarksville, TN

I loved all the orchids - and used in such creative ways!

The cake was absolutely stunning.

All floral arrangements and bouquets by Party Station Rentals.

Photography by Cozette Winters

Amy's dad Ed, painted this almost a year prior to the wedding to give to her as a wedding present.

Mike's groom's cake

A few snapshots from Chris and Blaire's big day.