Garden Wedding Inspiration

Enchanting, feminine, and elegant, garden weddings live up to the fairy tale expectation brides have had their entire lives. Inspired by the love surrounding Andrew and Rachel Jackson’s marriage, this romance adds to the historic overtone of this location. With the Pantone Color of the Year being greenery, it is no surprise that our garden makes the perfect setting for your wedding celebration.

Rylee Hitchner Photography

Garden weddings boast of dramatic bridal entrances that are one of a kind. Gardens also make the perfect spot for your first look or bridal portraits. With the growing trend of elopement style ceremonies, gardens are quickly becoming a highly coveted ceremony location as well. At The Hermitage, brides typically choose one garden quadrant for their ceremony and one for the reception. Guests can quickly and conveniently make their way to the reception for cocktail hour. Tented or open, depending on weather, each event we have seen here has been stunning in its own way.

Lotus Blossom Photography

Garden weddings accommodate any personal style. Simple and minimalistic brides use the setting as the focal point of the décor, while the lovers of dramatic decorating have the perfect starting place for an over the top, decked out style reception. Geometric trends add a striking contrast to the dreamy ambiance of the garden. We love seeing brides mix and match feminine and masculine details, and play with a variety of textures. Greenery or floral archways add personal style and make your ceremony space your own. Elevate the classic garden theme with gold accents and unexpected florals.

John Myers Photography

The summer and fall seasons of 2017 hosted several garden events at The Hermitage. Color palettes were full of soft blush pinks and gold tones, with eucalyptus greenery and feminine florals lining the tables. Brides elevated the classic garden theme with gold accents and unexpected details. Dance floors lit up with string lights was the focal point of the night, as guests danced the night away.

John Myers Photography

The most special and intimate weddings incorporate personal touches. One of our favorites was the Mother of the Bride's hand drawn rendition of The Hermitage Mansion on her daughter's wedding invitation. Even the tablescapes were decorated with handmade place card holders. Another couple added a fun and creative "Find Your Table" aspect, which listed out guests by state, on a map of the United States. These little details allow us to see and feel the love a family shares, and are often the highlight of the décor.

Garden weddings can appear intimidating, logistically. However, The Hermitage has no trouble navigating these waters. Luxury restrooms are provided for guests right outside the garden fence, and vendors work to set up beautiful lighting and power throughout the reception. A team of onsite gardeners keep flowers in bloom throughout the year, creating a picturesque environment all year round. Rainy day plans often turn out even more romantic and intimate than the original plan.

Garden events don't have to be summer soirees! As the greenery trend carries over into the fall, we can’t wait to see this year's variety of deep and dark color palettes in the garden. What better setting for birthday parties, bridal brunches, and tea parties in 2018!

Recently Engaged? Jump Start Your Planning With These 5 Easy Steps

If you got engaged over the holidays, you may be feeling overwhelmed on where to begin with planning your big day. Saying "yes" was the easy part - planning a wedding can be a daunting task! The biggest trick is to make a move and just get started. One of our On-Site Coordinators here at Andrew Jackson's Hermitage has put together a step-by-step guide for stress free planning!

Rylee Hitchner Photography

Step 1 - Create Your Budget

Before any decisions can be made, you have to figure out who will be footing the bill, and have the money talk. Be realistic, and find a number you would be comfortable with going a little over. Decide which aspects of the wedding are the most important to you, and which are the least. This will determine where the majority of your spending will be.

Wedding websites, such as Wedding Wire, have budgeting tools to simplify the process for you.  Simply enter your total budget, and their tools will separate the budget into categories:  catering, DJ or band, florals, etc. Your budget will be your guide for picking every vendor, and making sure you stay under the original number. Don't forget to include taxes, fees, and tips.

Lotus Blossom Photography

Step 2 - Pick Your Date

Don't be afraid to dive in and begin making decisions. Deciding the time of year will help narrow down colors and décor. Spring weddings typically have much different color schemes than a winter wedding. Knowing your date also helps with ceremony and reception locations. An outside ceremony is perfect for an October wedding, but a December wedding might have more limitations.

Once you know your date, you can start looking at venue availability. Get a rough estimate of your guest count, to narrow down what size space you will need.The easiest way to stay under budget is to keep your guest list low.  Now you can have your engagement photos done, and begin sending out Save the Dates!

Andrew Jackson's Hermitage includes an engagement shoot with venue rentaI (India Earl Photography)

Step 3 - Book Your Venue

Wedding venues often have lists of preferred or required vendors you will need to use. Different vendor requirements will help make a lot of decisions regarding caterers, rentals, etc. From here, you can determine the overall atmosphere of your wedding. Black tie to intimate and casual, the style you chose will help navigate your vendor decisions.

Step 4 - Shop For Your Dress

Start trying on dresses, and learning what style works best for you. Try on as many as it takes until you have that "this is the one" moment. Chose who you want to be in your wedding party and schedule bridesmaids dress fittings. Alterations can take time, and you want your dress to fit you just right.

Step 5 - Vendor Selection

From here, the rest of your vendors will begin to fall in place. Book your officiant, and begin any religious requirements needed. Discuss ceremony preferences with your fiancé, and determine what traditional aspects you want to include, and which you prefer to leave out.

Photographers, florists, caterers, can all be booked at this point. Review vendor's websites, and reach out for a quote. If it fits your style and is within your budget, set up a consultation. Research caterers and narrow down your menu options. Tastings are the fun part! Go with the vendors you click with and trust. Don't forget to hire a wedding coordinator to make the day-of details and logistics run smoothly.

After vendors are selected, the hard part is over. It is mostly small details from here on out, and you are free to focus on celebrating this happy milestone! Congrats!