I think Christmas came early this year and our gift was working with the Duke family and all their friends again.  In 2004, we met the Dukes during the planning of Andrea’s wedding to Justin.  I think that year, we actually got a slight break from the normal August temperatures and Andrea’s wedding at Montgomery Bell State Park was simply awesome.  Earlier this summer, it was time for a wedding of some of the Dukes’ friends - Abby & Adam - at which we learned we would be seeing many of those same faces this December and we could not have been more thrilled because we were all having a blast!  Well, the time had come for Maria’s marriage to Chad and what an incredible evening it was.  Both wedding and reception were at Riverwood Mansion.  With the new addition of the outside pavilion, all except a slight nip in the air was elminated by heaters, so you got a just hint of December along with the elegance of being outside which I think often adds a certain coziness to an event.  Wedding and reception ran smoothly and I’m sure guests had an experience that will be shared in story with everyone in the days following and a major reason it was such a success is the Martha-factor.  That’s what you have when you have such a dedicated mother like Martha Duke who does such an unbelievable and dedicated job of planning a wedding with her daughters - all while being one of the most pleasureful and sincere people you’ll ever meet.  Congratulations, Maria & Chad, and thank you to all the Dukes, their friends, and families.  We are so happy to call you our friends!

 -shaun larson

Weddings around the holidays always seem to have this “cheer” about them.  Maybe it’s that everyone is in a good holiday mood, or maybe it’s the chill in the air.  Not sure, but this weekend was a great example.  We’ve had a great time during the planning of Robyne & Hooper’s wedding an d Robyne’s mom - Jamie - is a blast!  She’s always so up-beat, smiling, and is always willing to participate in our not-so-serious moments.  Robyne was sure to keep us all smiling with her “laugh on demand” that was so cool.  Put this wedding down as yet another one where the bride and groom selected to see each other and wrap up all their photos prior to the ceremony which allowed Robyne & Hooper to go straight from the altar to their waiting limo.  The wedding took place at Woodmont Baptist Church in Green Hills where the skies were clear and there was a nip in the air.  When the I do’s were done, a white stretched limo wisked Robyne & Hooper off to Richland Country Club where guests were treated to dinner and a diverse music performance by the Nashville Blue Tones.  And a big thanks goes to our friend Beth Cyprus at Richland who helped coordinate not only the reception, but also the wedding.  Congratulations, Robyne & Hooper and thank you for choosing us to capture your day!

 -shaun larson