by Jenn Ward on May 6, 2010
We have all passed by this location a million times. I bet not many of us have actually stopped and smelled the history. The old Marathon Automobile Factory in historic downtown Nashville has become one of the newest (and oldest) wedding reception locals – also known as Marathon Village. Old historic brick buildings with pieces of the “Marathon” banner still painted on the outside leaving little to the imagination of the history that is inside of these buildings. Marathon Village dates back between 1881 and 1912. Due to the different types of architecture involved, the most recent renovations create spaces that are truly unique. With exposed beams, gleaming floors and floor to ceiling windows – this space will have enough character that will only compliment any décor. Imagine vintage tablecloths and antique silver – or strands of white lights that cover the historical wooden windows that provide a breathtaking look of downtown Nashville. Step out of the box and into history. Create a unique space that you can truly call your own.
Marathon Village
1305 Clinton Street
Nashville, TN 37203
615.327.1010
8:00am – 4:00pm
http://www.marathonvillage.com



by Jenn Ward on April 28, 2010
We just wanted to take a moment to thank all of our new readers. The support has been overwhelming! We hope you have enjoyed our recent posts here at WedCandy and we hope to continue to bring you some great content in the future. One way you can help us out is by spreading the love with these stylish web banners! We have created several sizes and configurations for you to paste into your own site. Click here to visit the Blog Badges page and get one of your own!
If you put up one of our badges please be sure to let us know! We will add you to our link directory that is due to launch very shortly. We also launched our Facebook Fan Page recently and would love to have you “like” it! If you haven’t become a Facebook fan yet, please click here.
Thanks again everyone, we’ve got some really great Real Weddings coming up along with some amazing fashion trend posts so check back often!

by Mindy Thornton on April 27, 2010
Can a cake be couture? Once we saw these beautiful creations we sure thought so. Jay Qualls, owner and cake designer at Maples Wedding Cakes, creates one-of-a-kind works of art for brides. We’ve seen these cakes at several weddings around town and they are always a show stopper. Not only do the cakes created by Maples look amazing, they also taste incredible!
Jay was recently invited to collaborate with Martha Stewart Weddings to design a cake for their 15th Anniversary issue (WOW!). The resulting masterpiece is the beautiful pale pink, heart themed cake pictured below.
We can’t say enough good things about Maples. Jay is a true professional in love with his craft. If you are out there looking for a wedding cake, do yourself a favor and schedule a tasting with Maples Wedding Cakes, you won’t be disappointed.










Beautiful images by Whitney Carlson at Dove Wedding Photography
by Jenn Ward on April 26, 2010
Straight from the Runway, 2010 Bridal trends are more gorgeous than ever. From ribbons, to rouching, to the indescribable vintage look – the designers took us from past to perfect. So what were the top 10 things that were seen? Divulge below.
- Full Skirts:
It’s all about the drama. Lots of fabric, layers and lace.
- Drop Waist:
Emphasizing the hourglass shape. Structured bodice.
- Vintage:
The 1930’s have risen. Slip dresses and fluid satins.
- One shoulder:
A new angle on bridal gowns. Works for all shapes.
- Short and Sweet:
Mid-thigh to above the knee. Flirty yet sexy.
- Lace:
Simple lace on elaborate designs.
- Plunging neckline:
Skin revealing for the ultimate glam look.
- Greek Goddess:
Chic yet modern. Simple yet overstated. Flowing fabrics.
- Mermaid:
Slim and body hugging with a full skirt. Emphasize the waist.
- Frothy bottoms:
Dreamy and romantic. Lots of tulle and dense ruffles.
Here are some images, hot of the runway.

(above, left: Vera Wang, right: Monique Lhuillier)

(above, left: Reem Acra, right: Melissa Sweet)
by Amanda Jerkins on April 23, 2010
One of my favorite things about Nashville is that we are able to claim the one and only Hatch Show Print. Although Hatch is well known for their concert posters, the “print” part of their name suggests they just might be able to do anything printable – and they might, so long as it is true to their very unique style.
Though some brides may find it daunting, covering all the ‘paper’ bases of a wedding is like a visit to a candy store for me (and I like candy!) – the possibilities are endless and I find it very exciting. From the “save the date” to the invites to the thank-you notes, Hatch’s 100+ year-old block printer can whip up something unique only to you and leave the recipients with a framable little piece art. A noteworthy fact that further solidified my love for Hatch Show Print is that last summer an original print of theirs graced the pages of the always-artful Anthropologie catalog (image below, right side). In fact, Hatch was the inspiration for the catolog’s entire shoot.
So as you are checking off your list of ‘papers’ for the wedding, consider Nashville’s historical, hip and artistic treasure right in our backyard. No need to fret over artistic direction – the Hatch designers happily collaborate and let you peruse and draw inspiration from a catalog of past projects. Do be sure to plan ahead because turnaround can sometimes be as long as six weeks, though well worth the wait.
List of printed papers for weddings:
- Engagement announcements
- Save the date
- Shower invites
- Wedding invites
- Programs
- Menus
- Favors
- Thank-you notes
Also check out the Hatch posters from my very own wedding (on the left)!
