FAVES & RAVES 2018: Wedding Services

After years of missing out on all the LGBT marriage revenue, local wedding service providers have now been reaping the rewards of a more open and just society for a few years, but our favorites are, for the most part, tried-and-true allies who supported our community, or were part of it, even before marriage equality.

 

Wedding Venue—Belmont Mansion

This year, Belmont Mansion upset perennial fave, Cheekwood. Belmont Mansion is the largest house museum in Tennessee and one of a few whose history revolves around the life of a woman: Adelicia Acklen.

Belmont Mansion, photo via Facebook

Visit their website & Facebook page!

 

Wedding Coordinator—Ron Sanford

Ron Sanford is a character, and knows how to be an individual—and this allows him to help couples design and implement the perfect event for their special days. So if you’re looking for someone to help you organize your next soiree, he’s your man according to our readers.

Visit Ron's website & Facebook page!

 

Caterer—Monell’s

Monell’s is famous for its family-style authentic southern dining experience. Let them bring that flair to your event, as well, and make everyone feel right at home!

Monell's, photo via Facebook

Visit their website & Facebook page!

 

Wedding Florist—Phillipe Chadwick

Phillipe Chadwick is a wedding florist of exceptional caliber, having worked as a horticulturist at Cheekwood Botanical Gardens where his design acumen helped shape the direction of the gardens. Chadwick is a previous winner of this category, and was cover model of our 2016 FAVES & RAVES issue.

Visit his Facebook page!

 

Wedding Photography—Eric Dulberg

This year’s fave photographer, Eric Dulberg, is a real inspiration—his photography has been part of his path back from the brink, as detailed in O&AN’s February 2018 profile. His photography is artistic and captures the true essence of your event.

[NOTE: the spelling of Dulberg has been corrected in the web edition]

Visit their website & Facebook page!

 

Place to get a Wedding Cake—Nashville Sweets

Our readers again chose Nashville Sweets as their favorite place to get a wedding cake. Founders Brittany Pulley and Danielle Worley “believe every sweet can be art and should be beautiful, delicious and made with a whole lot of passion, care and laughter.

Nashville Sweets, photo via Facebook

Visit their website & Facebook page!

 

Rehearsal Dinner—Bricktops

With locations throughout the South—and two in Nashville—Bricktops specializes in classic American cuisine. Their restaurants offer the perfect ambience for a rehearsal dinner—or an anniversary date night!

Bricktops sushi, photo via Facebook

Visit their website & the Facebook page for the West End location!

 

Check out all of our Nightlife, Dining, Look Good/Feel Good, Professional Services, Community, Places, & Wedding Services FAVES & RAVES 2018 winners!

SEE ALSO: FAVES & RAVES 2017 Wedding Services winners!

 

WhistlePig + Alfa Romeo F1

SHOREHAM, VT (September 13, 2023) — WhistlePig Whiskey, the leaders in independent craft whiskey, and Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake are waving the checkered flag on a legend-worthy release that’s taking whiskey to G-Force levels. The Limited Edition PiggyBack Legends Series: Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake Barrel is a high Rye Whiskey selected by the Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake drivers, with barrels trialed in their wind tunnel to ensure a thrilling taste in every sip.

The third iteration in WhistlePig’s Single Barrel PiggyBack Legends Series, the Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake Barrel is bottled at 96.77 proof, a nod to Valtteri Bottas’ racing number, 77, and the precision of racing. Inspired by Zhou Guanyu, the first Chinese F1 driver, this Rye Whiskey is finished with lychee and oolong tea. Herbal and floral notes of the oolong tea complement the herbaceous notes of WhistlePig’s signature PiggyBack 100% Rye, rounded out with a juicy tropical fruit finish and a touch of spice.

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Nurse Practitioner Ari Kravitz

When I started medical transition at 20 years old, it was very difficult to get the care I needed for hormone replacement therapy because there are very few providers trained in starting hormones for trans people, even though it’s very similar to the hormones that we prescribe to women in menopause or cisgender men with low testosterone.

I hope more providers get trained in LGBTQ+ healthcare, so they can support patients along their individual gender journey, and provide the info needed to make informed decisions about their body. I’ve personally seen my trans patients find hope and experience a better quality of life through hormone replacement therapy.

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Descanso Resort, Palm Springs' premier destination for gay men, just received Tripadvisor's highest honor, a Travelers' Choice "Best of the Best" award for 2023. Based on guests' reviews and ratings, fewer than 1% of Tripadvisor's 8 million listings around the world receive the coveted "Best of the Best" designation. Descanso ranked 12th in the top 25 small inns and hotels category in the United States. Quite an accomplishment!

Open less than two years, Descanso Resort offers gay men a relaxing and luxurious boutique hotel experience just minutes away from Palm Springs' buzziest restaurants, nightclubs, and shopping. Descanso has quickly established itself as a top destination for sophisticated gay travelers, earning hundreds of 5-star guest reviews and consistently ranking in Trapadvisor's top positions alongside brother properties Santiago Resort and Twin Palms Resort.

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