TWESA Members Can Help in So Many Ways
April 27, 2011 by Christine
Filed under Advice from the Experts, Blog, Weddings
There are so many ways that a wedding professioal can help. they are trained to find the solution to fit you perfectly. Here is how one TWESA member, photographer Jay Farrell, helped one couple recently.
In the recent past, I had the pleasure of working with a nice young couple who had not lived in the Nashville area for very long, and wanted nice elegant wedding party photography and bride and groom photography at a nice outdoor location….as they were having a private ceremony elsewhere. The only snag they were running into was knowing where to do the group portraits. Naturally, when showing up with a group, you draw attention and often most public venues require permits…..even park property.
There were no coordinators or anything, so I told them I’d try to brainstorm and help them out. I struck out getting a permit at Radnor Lake, then suddenly I thought of Cannonsburgh Village in Murfreesboro, where I had shot a wedding 2 years ago…..I remembered it was a really cool location with lots of neat textures and buildings, open land, etc. They saw it and loved it…..I contacted the park office and they were nice enough to grant us a free permit, and were glad I came to them rather than just showing up with a group of people. The bride and her helpers really did a great job with the styling and colors of the bridal party dresses and childrens’ clothes, very well coordinated. That and the location really worked well together to allow me some great photos to make their day special. They are well satisfied customers and I have new friends now, plus print orders and referral business. All turned out very well especially considering my assistant and I were the only wedding vendor. Congratulations Betty and Aaron!
Cesar and Susan’s Wedding Day
March 12, 2011 by Christine
Filed under Blog, Featured Videos, Members Showcase, Real Tennessee Weddings, Weddings
I will not soon forget Cesar and Susan’s wedding day. Yes, it was a magical day full of love and commitment, but something else happened on that rainy first day of May in 2010… the great Nashville flood!
The wedding was scheduled for 6:30pm at the beautiful Riverwood Mansion in Nashville. Since we were doing the photos + video for Cesar and Susan, we had planned on arriving at Riverwood at 3:30 in the afternoon to shoot the rehearsal and then begin the photo session. It of course had been raining all day and I had to re-route a few times in order to even find passable roads. Fortunately, we made it… not knowing that the rain would continue off and on throughout the evening and reap unprecedented damage upon our great city!
Fortunately for us, the flood waters did not effect us at Riverwood. We only heard about the floating buildings and submerged highways via phone calls and facebook status updates!
Cesar and Susan decided to finish the reception as planned and they left at 11pm that night. Regardless of the weather, it was a beautiful wedding and the reception was full of music, dancing and a good time was had by all. Check out our blog to view the photos: Cesar + Susan :: Riverwood Mansion Wedding in Nashville :: Photography + Video
Cesar + Susan :: Riverwood Mansion Wedding Highlight Video from AndyCam Weddings on Vimeo.
Tommy & Heather’s Halloween Wedding
March 12, 2011 by Christine
Filed under Featured Videos, Real Tennessee Weddings, Videos
This is from Andy Morris, Andycam Weddings.

Tommy and Heather’s long awaited wedding day started out as a rainy Halloween morning. But by early afternoon the sun came out and provided the backdrop for another beautiful wedding and reception at the Historic Cedarwood Mansion.
Since this was my first “Halloween wedding,” I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I was very impressed by the planning and design done by the team at Cedarwood. From the creatively carved pumpkins, table settings and floral arrangements (by Cedarwood’s Karen Wright) to the masquerade masks and china balls, this wedding was really fun to shoot…especially in High Definition! Check out some video still frames on my blog (Tommy+Heather HD Wedding Highlight Video :: Ceremony + Reception @ Cedarwood)
Tommy+Heather HD Wedding Highlight Video :: Ceremony + Reception @ Historic Cedarwood from AndyCam Weddings on Vimeo.
Nashville Flood Relief
May 14, 2010 by Christine
Filed under Members Showcase
On May 1st and 2nd, Nashville,TN was devastated by floods. It is just now that the real toll is being assessed.
It has come to our attention that several of our members have been severely effected, some to the point of total loss.
Here is the list we have so far:
1. Dynamic Video – Jennifer Fritz
2. Belle Meade Plantation – Linda Pittman
3. Pastor Red Michels – Red Michels
4. Debbie’s Weddings & Things – Debbie Martin
5. Robert Neser Photography – Robert Neser
If you know of any other TWESA members that have suffered as a result of the flooding, please let us know.
In the mean time, TWESA has decided to lend a helping hand by making donations to our members in need and we would like you to help too.
We are requesting that you donate $20 to help with this effort, but any amount will be appreciated.
We have made it easy for you, just click the Donate button and you are on your way.
TWESA has always reached out to give to the Greater Nashville community through our philanthropic efforts, this time it is our own that need your help. So please be generous.
Thank you for helping to support your fellow wedding professionals in Middle Tennessee.
Angie Commons (President) and the TWESA Board of Directors.
The Bake Shoppe Nominated for CATIE Award
March 4, 2010 by Christine
Filed under Blog, Event Planning, Members Showcase
The team at The Bake Shoppe has had an entry nominated for the Best Celebration Cake of the Year at CaterSource this year.
The prestigious CATIE Award will be handed out March 10, 2010 at the Paris in Las Vegas.
The cake was designed for the Nashville Ronald McDonald house with the theme The Patchwork of Life.
Here are best wishes and a HUGE round of applause for the team at The Bake Shoppe, Amy Witcher, Shelly Santana, Nicole Wolfe, and Dawn Stoika
Debbie’s Weddings & Things
January 22, 2010 by Christine
Filed under 60, Floral Design
Phone: 615.330.4016
Jay Farrell Photography
January 16, 2010 by Christine
Filed under Photographers, Vendors
Phone Number: 615-812-9737
Address: 4307 Burrus St
City : Nashville
State: TN
Zip: 37216
JayFarrell-Logo-2c.jpg (18 KB)
This post was submitted by Christine.
Liberty Party Rental
January 14, 2010 by Christine
Filed under Rental & Decor, Vendors
Our Expertise
With over 100 years of combined hospitality industry experience, the Liberty Party Team is proud to help you with the décor for all of your special events. Our team of professionals is comprised of highly resourceful problem solvers with the capabilities to do whatever it takes to fulfill clients’ event needs.
Our Advantage
From backyard barbeques, graduations and birthday parties to weddings and galas, Liberty Party Rental has everything you need to satisfy your décor needs. Tents and flooring, tables and chairs, china and flatware, serving pieces and linen – we make it easy to get quality rental products from one source. Let the Liberty Party team help you design the décor to make your next event special.
Our Purpose
The purpose of the Liberty Party Rental team is to assist our clients with designing award winning events. We strive to be the premier full service rental company offering quality products throughout Tennessee, Kentucky and Alabama. Since 1984, we have given our clients the freedom to celebrate.
Phone Number: 615-822-4392
Address: 1080 Lavern Circle
City : Hendersonville
State: TN
Zip: 37075
LPlogo_300dpi_2x4.jpg (285 KB)
This post was submitted by Christine.
Robert Neser Photography
January 8, 2010 by Christine
Filed under Photographers, Vendors
Weddings are a one in a lifetime event. Robert Neser doesn’t take any shortcuts so that you can have the very best images of your special day.
Every cherished moment will be captured and enjoyed with each passing year.
Robert Neser only books one wedding a day, so that you will receive the very best of his technical skill and energy.
Robert has been shooting professionally for over ten years and has an assistant that has been with him for more than five years. Together they can handle any problems that may come along.
Phone Number: 615-662-6668
Address: 8527 Sawyer Brown Rd
City : Nashville
State: TN
Zip: 37221
This post was submitted by Christine.
The Tomkats Group
TomKats specializes in full service off-site catering and is accustomed to catering all kinds of functions at any location from a rustic farm to a pristine mansion. Where we differ from most caterers is our versatility. TomKats owns two well-known restaurants; Saffire at The Factory in Franklin, and the iconic Loveless Cafe. TomKats also, operates the Loveless Barn, a fantastic event venue with limitless potential. We have also recently acquired the Fontanel Mansion (Barbara Mandrell’s former home) that would be a wonderful wedding venue so please call us and come check it out! From country to gourmet, family-style to plated, classic to contemporary, one call to TomKats can give you dozens of options
Phone Number: 615..256.9596
Address: 641 Fogg Street
City : Nashville
State: TN
Zip: 37203
This post was submitted by Christine.
Mike and Erin’s Wedding in The Country
August 11, 2009 by Christine
Filed under Blog, Real Tennessee Weddings
All pictures were taken by the wonderful Jack with Silent Light Images!
1) This wedding took place on a beautiful private farm in Woodbury TN right outside of Murfreesboro. After the ceremony the bride and groom arrived by carriage, very appropriate being on a farm!
2) As the guest entered the driveway, the initials of the bride and groom hung on the rock posts (done by Chase Rivers with Eye Design).
3) The bride loved her bouquet . She wore her mothers veil, shown in this picture.
4) Bride and Groom walking to their reception.
5) The bride and groom share their first dance under pink and white lanterns done by Blake Chaffin with Nashville Event Lighting.
6) This captures the centerpieces and baby pink crinkle linens provide by Jill Cole at Southern Events.
7) This tent pictures really shows off the beautiful pink lighting and drapery done by Janet Cato with Draping Designs.
All pictures were taken by the wonderful Jack with Silent Light Images!
Join TWESA
TWESA welcomes your interest in joining our committed team of wedding & events specialists. We invite you to read through the following information, as you will find the information useful in learning more about our organization. Thank you for your interest in joining TWESA, and we hope you will contact us with any questions.
1. The Tennessee Wedding & Event Specialists Association is a nonprofit trade association that promotes mentoring, networking, and professionalism among its members. TWESA prides itself in being a top resource of the professional services that are essential for creating memorable weddings for today’s brides and grooms.
2. A few benefits of joining TWESA:
a. Joint marketing opportunities
b. Occasional discounts for industry related products and services
c. Promotional Benefits: Listings in the TWESA brochure and website with supporting ads in regional magazines and links from major bridal websites
d. Networking opportunities at TWESA functions
3. To qualify for a TWESA membership, an individual must work in the wedding or event industry and provide proof of two of the following criteria:
a. Business telephone service
b. Business license registration number
c. State sales & use tax registration number
d. Sponsorship from an existing TWESA member in good standing
e. Individuals in the catering industry are required to provide a copy of the latest Health Department permit with each subsequent renewal in addition to the initial application to TWESA.
4. There are three types of dues-paying memberships in the TWESA: Individual, Corporate, and Associate.
Individual (Class 1): Membership belongs solely to the person listed on the application – not to the business they represent. The membership is not transferable.
Corporate (Class 2): Membership belongs solely to the business listed on the application – not to any individual. A corporate member may elect to change their representatives, with prior approval. If a corporate member’s representative holds an elected or appointed office, board seat or committee position, a replacement representative cannot fill that same position without prior approval.
Associate (Class 3): Membership belongs to the individual (as described for a Class 1) and must be in conjunction with either an individual or corporate membership. Associate members have no voting or marketing privileges.
Provisional (Class 4): Membership category specifically for those that have not been in business for a year; membership without voting or website listing until they have been in business for a year. Eligibility will still require business license.
The members of the Tennessee Wedding & Event Specialists Association, Inc., are dedicated to improving the quality of services in the wedding and events industry of Tennessee. All members are expected to uphold TWESA’s mission by practicing the highest in business ethics.
Membership Requirements
TWESA Membership Requirements
Effective July 1, 2005
Wedding / Events Industry: To become a member of TWESA, a prospective member must be in a business
that supports or promotes the wedding / event planning industry.
Sponsorship: All prospective members must have a TWESA sponsor either by:
1.) Invitation: Current members (in good standing) can issue an invitation to prospective members and act as their sponsor guiding them through the application process.
OR
2.) Direct Contact: Prospective members can request or be assigned a TWESA member (Sponsor) to lead them through the application process.
Membership Application: Submit a completed membership application with documentation
Documentaiton may be emailed to Info@twesa.com or mailed to:
TWESA
P. O. Box 330962
Nashville, TN 37203
Experience: Verify that your company has been in Business for at least 12 months at the time of application or verify that you have accumulated at least two years of previous experience in the same field within the previous five years. (Submit a copy of your business license)
Professional License: Submit a copy of any license, insurance or other documentation legally required for your profession.
Liability Insurance: Submit a certificate of basic business liability insurance.
Professional Reference: Submit a “Letter of Recommendation” from another TWESA member in “Good Standing.”
Client Reference: Submit a “Letter of Recommendation” or a “Thank You Letter” from a client served within the last 12 months.
Membership Participation: Members must attend at least two membership meetings, board meetings or other TWESA sponsored events per year.
Membership Application Fees & Dues: Submit your “Application & Membership” fees at the time of application.
Final Approval: All prospective and renewing members must be recommended by the appointed Membership
Committee and approved by the currently elected TWESA Board of Directors.
You can join TWESA in two ways. You can either click the button below and use our online membership application or click the link to download the PDF and just print and mail it in.
Application as a printable PDF
Michal & Mike
May 15, 2009 by Christine
Filed under Blog, Real Tennessee Weddings
April 18th, 2009 found Jack Menard of Silentlight Photographic Images at St Henry’s Catholic Church in Nashville to capture the wedding of Michal & Mike. Also there was our own AndyCam to shoot the video and Nashville Party Authority saw to it that there was plenty of music to keep the party going.






Reynaldo Hill & Janina Overton
May 5, 2009 by Christine
Filed under Blog, Real Tennessee Weddings
The pros know who to call when they get married. When Reynaldo Hill married Janina Overton on Feburary 21,2009 they called Zach & Jody of Gray Photography to catch the day. The wedding was at Opryland Hotel in the beautiful Magnolia Ballroom. The Grays used the very hip Fuse Nightclub to get these great shots of the bride and groom.
Janina is such a beautiful bride. Zach and Jody caught such joy in her face, didn’t they?
The gentleman aren’t to bad either!
Date: 2/21/09
Couple: Reynaldo Hill & Janina Overton
Ceremony/Reception: Opryland Hotel, Magnolia Ballroom
Photographers: Zach & Jody Gray, GrayPhotography
B&G Shooting Venue: FUSE, Opryland Hotel
Sabrina & Patrick
May 5, 2009 by Christine
Filed under Blog, Real Tennessee Weddings
Belle Meade Plantation in Nashville was the spot for Sabrina and Patrick to tie the knot in September of 2008. Zack and Jody, Gray Photography were there to capture all the magic. Their wedding planner, Alice Hendry saw to it that everything was lovely at the plantation that day. As you can see, everyone had a wonderful time.
- Lovely
- Sabrina & Patrick. Belle Meade Plantation, Nashville TN
- The Wedding Gown
- Bridal Portrait. Gray Photography
- Patrick and his groomsmen. Gray Photography
- Sabrina & the ladies. Gray Photography
- Hey, this wedding stuff is fun!! Gray Photography
- Wedding Ceremony in the garden at Bele Meade Plantation
- Gray Photography, Alice Hendry, planner
- The carriage House at Belle Meade Plantation. Nashville, TN
- A Party at the Plantation. Gray Photography
- Cigars & Brandy
- Gray Photography.
- Gray Photography
Date: 9/13/2008
Couple: Sabrina & Patrick
Venue: Belle Meade Plantation
Coordinator: Alice Hendry
Photographers: Gray Photography, Zach & Jody Gray
The Love Bug
May 5, 2009 by Christine
Filed under Blog, Featured, Members Showcase
Our members are always winning awards.
Evan Baines Wins Accolade of Excellence
in the
2009 Awards of Excellence 16×20 Print Competition
Evan Baines of Nashville, TN, has received special honors in the WEDDING & PORTRAIT
PHOTOGRAPHERS INTERNATIONAL (WPPI) 2009 Awards of Excellence 16×20 Print Competition.
Designed to recognize outstanding photographers, the judging was held in Las Vegas, NV on February
14 and 15, 2009.
“The Love Bug” received an Accolade of Excellence in the Bride and Groom Together category.
Baines competed against an international field of photographers to win such honors.
The Awards of Excellence 16×20 Print Competition awards are presented each year at the largest trade
show, educational platform and convention in the United States for professional photographers. The
2009 competition included 2717 prints in 19 different categories submitted by photographers from all
over the world.
For more information please visit www.wppionline.com/competition/







































