Front Porch Farms…..AMAZING!

Maples Cakes had the pleasure of visiting one of Nashville’s newest and most beautiful venues Front Porch Farms.  Brian and Kathy Best have created this beautiful hilltop retreat!  As soon as you walk up the front steps onto this beautiful front porch and turn around and see the view, you are in awe at the beauty.  The clean line architecture of this beautiful venue and the attention to detail inside is so beautiful and sophisticated with a country flair. I love, love it!  Oddly enough, and I did not know this until I get there, Brian and I have known each other for 15 years.  If you are looking for a beautiful venue for your event, you must check them out.[Continue Reading]

Caprice & her team at Enchanted Florist worked her magic with the flowers and helped me with our unique vintage & shabby chic displays (only she can show me how to love deer antlers on a table top and Shannon at Chef”s Market did an amazing job creating a menu that perfectly represented the couple”s favorite foods.

Blake & Tom at Nashville Event Lighting worked hours to turn the tent, house, pool and grounds into a romantic and rustic “picnic” style event (loved the twine balls!).

Tree Paine, Blake”s publicist had custom cowhide coozies as party favors and we did special all-access keepsake laminates.

Bacardi was happy to help with the party and supply the couple & guests with 3 signature drinks including the Mirandarita & Blakarita (Rum & diet sprite) which is their drink of choice.

Det Distributing also contributed to the engagement festivities.

Rich Limousines transported guests up and down the hill who parked down below.

It wasn”t a late night as many had gigs the next day but it wrapped with some interesting interpretations of each other”s material as the pros put their pals on the spot to Karaoke compliments of Blair at Nashville Party Authority.

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Jaime Stringfield & Kirk Fischer

We met Jaime & Kirk at the Nashville Bridal Show in January.  When they came for a visit, Brian and I were very excited because they were not only a couple we would love to see married at Front Porch Farms but also a couple we knew we could have a long friendship with many years after their wedding day. Jaime hired me to help coordinate her wedding plans and despite her insistence that she didn’t know what to do, she had very good ideas and was extremely organized. She and I were always on the same page (almost uncannily) and things fell into place very quickly.

Jamie wanted some callas because they were the first flowers Kirk ever gave her.  She also had hydrangeas and roses; they were all white, ivory and touch of blush pink roses.  Black & white damask toppers and runners over black linens at the reception.

The ceremony was set for 11:30am and the reception was an informal yet glamorous styled picnic.  Guests mingled under the big oak tree and drank lemonade and water with live music from the Silver Strings.

Acknowledgments & Special Thanks

Cake by Shara for her wedding cake as well as cupcakes for her soon-to-be stepdaughter’s special cake (in lieu of a groom’s cake).

Catering was Mrs. J’s Baking & Catering, Celeste Morris did a fabulous job.

Silver Strings  Jazz Quartet provided music for their guests to enjoy as they mingled under the old oak tree.

Photography was Tige Casey

Debbie from Debbie’s Weddings & Things provided the lovely florals for Jamie & Kirk.

BEST WEDDING   October 30, 2004

A wedding day is often called “your big day” and you will hear words like “magical” and “fairytale.”   We believe it’s all that but it’s much more real – it’s the very first day of your married life together and no matter what happens – rain, shine, perfect flowers or not, you want this person by your side.  Not every day of your married life will be a “fairytale” but at FrontPorch Farms, the first day will be a beautiful reminder of what matters most.

We know from experience what it takes to create an unforgettable wedding celebration that will stand the test of time and help love endure and prosper for years to come.

Several years after our vintage wedding at FrontPorch Farms, we continue to have friends & family talk of the experience and the breathtaking view from the hilltop of our 32-acre property.  Our bridal party included our own children and those of our friends and family. My son gave me away and Brian’s stood with him as “Best Men.” We wore vintage 50s attire and all rode a wagon to the ceremony site. We had old-fashioned carnival booths for the kids and a kickin live band for dancing. We even had a few of my PR clients show up to lend a hand with the vocals!

The day was incredible but I couldn’t tell you what my beautiful flowers were now and I vaguely remember what my cake flavor was.  I wish I could remember the song for our first dance! What I do remember is the feeling I had holding my husband’s hand as he walked me down the hillside knowing this was exactly what I wanted for the rest of my life.

Today, we have a three-story antebellum-style home in the exact location of where our family together began. Visitors lavish praise not only for the miles of scenic countryside seen from every direction but also the unique farm house often mistaken for a structure that surely belonged there for centuries.

Our custom built home reflects a long ago era with many special touches that capture the charm of the Old South while offering the modern luxuries that rival most homes built today. From the multiple covered porches, tin roof, hardwood floors and high ceilings to the antique chandeliers, stain glass and unique architectural pieces, beauty and romance is paired with comfort and ease so guests feel right at home.

Our common interest in the “old days” is a tribute to things that truly do last forever whether it is architecture, romance or special memories of our first day as husband and wife.

Determination, Patience, Unwavering Optimism, Faith , Enduring Love and good ole” fashion stubbornness are just a few of the reasons Austin & Lindsay are together today. It”s the characteristics that brought them together and kept their relationship strong even while miles apart. It”s characteristics that will also ensure their marriage is strong and lasting. When Austin first met Lindsay they were only 18. It took Austin countless tries before Lindsay said yes to a date. “I finally decided to say yes to him because he was so persistent and wouldn’t give up,” admits Lindsay. I”m so glad I did. I knew instantly that I was going to marry him one day!”

They dated for nearly 5 years and when Austin joined the army, the couple wrote letters back and forth every day he was away at boot camp.The weekend he graduated, Austin found the perfect ring and surprised Lindsay with a proposal. This time he only had to ask once. Lindsay said yes!

Since May 09, Lindsay & Austin have seen each other only 3 times and during their entire first year of marriage, the newlyweds will see each other twice.  “How do I handle being apart for so long?” Lindsay asks.”That”s easy…He is worth the wait. He is my best friend.”n

Acknowledgements & Special Thank Yous

Cakes were by Martha Demonbren & Terri Williams-Foster

Catering Mrs. J”s Baking Catering/Celeste Morris

Fadds Entertainment/David Heimback

FlowersVintage Florals/Melissa Broadwell

PhotographerCheynne Ward (Shots by Cheyenne) and Laci Wilson(Barefeet Photography)

Rentals Southern Events/Jill Cole

Wedding Planner  Corrine Reese – Weddings by Reese

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Stacy & Brandon are from Indiana. When they contacted us about coming down to get married at our place and have dinner just the two of them, at first I thought it odd they didn’t want to include family or friends.

Brian and I come from big families who pretty much share in everything and stay in each other”s business. ha. Stacy and I worked on the details of the ceremony & dinner for two.

We selected flowers that included bright Gerber Daisies (Vintage Florals), a chicken entree with stuffed mushrooms, pasta, salad & sangria and a small wedding cake custom designed by Cakes by Shara to represent their “children” – 3 chihuahuas back home. It was so cute!

Stacy was so excited every step of the way and I secretly wished they had others coming to share the special day with…boy was I wrong!   It turned out to be the most romantic ceremony we’ve had at Front Porch Farms.

When the couple arrived they were so happy and relaxed. They had enjoyed a few days in Music City, secured their license and were ready for the big moment. Each went to change and in less than an hour they were ready. Stacy had prepared a CD of their favorite songs and she came down the staircase while Brandon waited by the fireplace. Brian was the officiant and I must say he did a great job.

It did not matter who was in the room or not, Stacy & Brandon were completely focused on each other and you could tell nothing else mattered to them but being together. Afterwards they had a great time posing for photos by Jennifer Dunaway Photography. Jennifer did a great job! Stacy & Brandon had dinner in our dining room (we stayed outside and enjoyed our own meal) and then they said their goodbyes to enjoy a carriage ride downtown before heading back to their hotel.

Their trip was short but it couldn’t have been more romantic or special – and that”s exactly how they planned it. Looking back, it isn”t odd at all to come to Nashville for a “destination” wedding and enjoy what Music City has to offer plus a romantic countryside ceremony.

Whether it”s for two or for 200, I hope we have more just like this one!

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