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How to politely decline wedding vendors
Every couple planning a wedding will experience this. You search for venues, DJ’s, wedding photographers, officiants, cake bakers, etc. You narrow down your search and finally select the right fit for you. Then what? More than likely, the candidates that spent time talking with you will send follow up emails or do follow up calls or text messages. Maybe you aren’t sure how to politely decline wedding vendors you decided not to hire. The big question comes to mind, do I have to respond and let them know I am hiring a different provider?
The short answer, yes, you really should. If they spent time with you and took an interest in you, it’s only common decency. It doesn’t have to be difficult or confrontational. It can be something as simple as this.
Hi, _________________
Thank you for taking time to talk with us about your services. This was not an easy decision but we have decided to go a different direction. I did want to let you know so you can open my date back up for a different couple. Thank you again, have a great rest of the day.
That wasn’t so difficult. That does two things. It allows the vendor to move on and find a couple interested in their services. It’s common courtesy for someone who wanted to help you. Also, it stops follow up emails from that person, since their services are no longer needed.
People get overwhelmed and forgetful, so service providers are trained to follow up. That doesn’t condone blowing up an inbox or phone. It’s much nicer to know, rather than assume potential clients aren’t interested when they ghost. If you don’t build a personal connection with a provider and they stop following up, at that point it’s perfectly ok to let sleeping dogs lie. If they’re actively following up, letting them know only helps both of you. It takes just as long to complain about too many emails as it does to notify them. That’s how to politely decline wedding vendors. From there, you owe them no other explanation.
Nashville wedding venues | The Cordelle
This blog feature is for The Cordelle, located in the heart of Downtown Nashville on Rutledge Hill. The Cordelle is a bit of a rare find, as it’s a historic late 1800’s Victorian era venue with a lot of space inside and out. The venue is walkable from anywhere in the downtown area, which is great if guests are staying in the area. This charming venue has become one of my favorite downtown Nashville wedding venues. It retains it’s historic feel and look, but boasts modern vintage features and amenities. Here are some photos from a Christmas time wedding I photographed there, with more info to come.
I love this arched doorway!
The venue staff are very hospitable and keep a low profile at the event. They take necessary precautions to protect the integrity of the historic space, and do a great job maintaining it. So much about this venue that makes it so well rounded and full of character. The original brick walls with such interesting texture and patina, lovely wood floors, finished modern loft, and open floor plan.
A view from downstairs of the upstairs loft.
Here is what the loft room looks like. It was used as changing quarters pre-wedding. A beautiful harmony between vintage and modern.
The outdoor courtyard is nicely manicured and lovely. It seats 300 for outdoor ceremonies. Being just far enough from Broadway, it’s surprisingly quiet for being in the heart of the city. The wall behind the venue and tree line helps cancel out noise from Interstate 40 behind it. With the sun behind it at midday, my outdoor photos can’t do this garden area proper justice, but you get the idea.
The indoor venue space seats up to 175.
Another feature of the loft room.
I hope you will schedule your tour today and meet the nice ladies at The Cordelle, one of the nicest and most elegant yet comfortable Nashville wedding venues. They host all kinds of events.
Hendersonville wedding venues | Latham’s Lighthouse wedding and event center
Today’s wedding and event spotlight is Latham’s Lighthouse wedding and event center in Hendersonville, Tennessee. Right on Old Hickory Lake! I had the pleasure of photographing a wedding there in March, and in this feature, I thought I’d share strictly venue details. The view of the lake cannot be beat, the staff is hospitable and efficient, and it’s really nice inside. I don’t see how very many Nashville or Hendersonville wedding venues could have a comparably scenic view as the Lighthouse does.
This is the back patio with a view of the lake. The reception area with a bar has opening garage style doors that access this lovely covered patio. This is a perfect bleed over area for guests to get fresh air or escape the crowd or noise for a moment.
The newly renovated dining hall upstairs from the reception area. This is a nice idea because The Lighthouse has delicious in-house catering and this helps maximize space. Also, they don’t have to flip the room for the reception. It’s all seamless and efficient.
The bar in the reception area downstairs is near the patio access which is nice, as the room isn’t divided and bar traffic doesn’t interfere with dance floor traffic. The option of an open and easy to access dance floor, and an outdoor patio makes for a great guest experience.
I can certainly feel confident recommending The Lighthouse for weddings events if you’re looking for scenic indoor / outdoor Nashville or Hendersonville wedding venues. Or an event venue for a different purpose. Danielle is the on staff day of coordinator who is helpful to the couple and vendors. It never hurts to have some help and guidance, as event and wedding planning can be exhausting without an ally. I hope you’ve enjoyed this feature on Latham’s Lighthouse, I look forward to returning.
Premier Catering | Nashville and Lebanon wedding and event caterers
This local business spotlight is about Premier Catering, owned and operated by my pal, chef Aaron Hudlow. He is based in Mt. Juliet, TN. and serves events / weddings in Nashville and the middle Tennessee area. Aaron provided some information about his business, serving methods, and tips for engaged couples planning a wedding. Especially how to hire the right wedding and event caterer.
-A quick bio on me is: I’m the chef-owner of Premier Catering in Mt. Juliet, I’m a graduate of The French Culinary Institute in Manhattan, NY. My resume includes The Inn at Blackberry Farm, The Biltmore Estate and The Grove Park Inn among others. We recently celebrated our second year in business at Premier and growing.
-If I had to pick a signature menu it would be:
-Strawberry Fields with Baby Spinach, Candied Spiced Pecans, Red Onion, Watermelon Radish and Poppy Seed Vinaigrette.
-12 Hour Beef with Cabernet-Thyme Demi Glace, Scalloped Potatoes with Rosemary and Asiago , Jack and Ginger Glazed Carrots with Shallots
Premier can accommodate buffet, family style or formal plated service. We generally see more buffets requested by brides. Be aware that staffing and rental costs will increase for family style or plated meals.
How to find the right caterer for your wedding or event – There are many choices with Nashville and Lebanon wedding and event caterers.
-My advice would be to set up a taster with a few different caterers to see which one matches the vision you have for your big day and to make sure you are comparing apples to apples in regard to taste and food quality.
Also, catering will probably be your second biggest expense when it comes to your budget. Be cautious of the lowest bidder and ask questions such as, is staffing and service charge included in a caterers quote.
-Premier Catering is happy to provide more advice, just give us a call!
615-939-7933
Or visit the website www.ChefAaronNashville.com
Lakeside wedding | Nashville wedding photographer | Shane and Kelly
You’re in for a special treat with this beautiful lakeside wedding at The Lighthouse wedding and event venue, located in Hendersonville, TN. This unique and lovely venue is located right on Old Hickory Lake and was a beautiful, picturesque spot for Shane and Kelly’s wedding day! After photographing a few of the surroundings, the couple arrived, Kelly just needed to put the dress on and both were good to go! They’re right down to business, I like that!
Bridal prep was short and sweet with Kelly, her mom, and grandmother. Three generations! Soon it would be time for the first look, to help take the edge off. Enjoying the events of the day with their loved ones was their top priority. Most all their guests were from New Jersey where Shane and Kelly are both native to. That is what attracted them to my approach of documentary wedding photography. To enjoy the day and not have to think about it, or endure long absence doing posed photos. But we did get a few of those, perfect balance.
The couple thoughtfully sought out this venue for it’s outstandingly beautiful view, and we had a near scare with the weather. Early to mid March in Tennessee can mean anything, weather wise. It looked like a strong chance of rain. But instead, it was partly cloudy and 65 degrees! The luck of the Irish and the 10,000 welcomes brought us all good fortune that day! Some of the family and guests were starting cocktail hour a little early as we awaited the ceremony.
Kelly chilling with their son, Jackson.
These are Irish blessing stones. Each guest would kiss it, make a wish for the couple and throw it in the lake.
Perfect candid moment of Kelly’s grandmother just waiting for the festivities.
The upstairs banquet room was where the couple and the guests would eat dinner after the ceremony. Kelly and Shane would first enjoy a champagne toast before the ceremony!
Cheers! We’re about to get married, it’s all good! I was a fly on the wall to document a private moment between Kelly and Shane, a champagne toast.
Ceremony time, this lovely lakeside wedding ceremony would now take place!
What a lovely ceremony! Jackson had to take a breather from the action. Now I will give a shout out to other vendors involved.
Kelly’s dress – Southern Belle Rose
Shane’s attire – Mens’ Wearhouse
Cocktail hour begins. I could tell this crowd was ready to get the party started. I’d be ready to document all the shenanigans.
Shane and Kelly would make their entrance into the dinner hall, newly renovated and fresh! A few speeches and it was time for all of us to enjoy dinner. The Lighthouse provided delicious in-house catering.
Now it’s time for the reception! When I photograph a wedding, it’s about them, their lives, their loved ones, their story. I want it to all flow like a cohesive story. In such a way that anyone viewing this article feels like they know the couple, by the raw emotions captured. That’s what documentary wedding photography is about.
Kelly and Shane share their first dance as husband and wife! I want to give The Lighthouse a shout out. It’s a beautiful venue and well laid out, and everyone had a great experience. Danielle with the venue provided a smooth running event with day of coordination.
Cake and cupcakes by Happy Cakes.
Brandon Rolland with Entertain kept the party rocking with DJ services for the evening!
I hope you enjoyed this stunningly beautiful lakeside wedding at The Lighthouse. I loved documenting the fun and interaction between the couple and their loved ones. It was a fun group with lots of love for Kelly and Shane. Congratulations Kelly and Shane! The world is yours now. 🙂
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