Live, Laugh, Love Weddings

04/05/2023

Love working with the Juliana! Great and hard-working staff that are easy to collaborate with! They allow my focus to to be on my clients and the details that matter the most to them!

02/14/2022

February 14th? What about the 15th?

My first valentine with my husband, we quickly began a tradition of Valentines on the 15th. We got married out of college and not much money in the savings account. So we started celebrating Valentine’s on the 15th.

Why? The first year we were married I cooked a gorgeous dinner, and it tasted awful. My husband went shopping to get me something but couldn’t really afford anything.

Then on the 15th he walked in the door with armfuls of candy boxes, flowers, and a big smile. We realized with the store quick & huge markdowns, the 15th was the way to go. 15 years later we are still doing the tradition, it’s ours. It’s a memory and tradition we created, and love every moment.
Could I afford flowers on the 14th? Yes
Could he buy my favorite chocolate on the 14th? Yes
Would it be as much fun? NOPE!

So celebrate the 14th with candy, balloons, flowers, and hearts! I’ll be celebrating on the 15th.

01/28/2022

They call you what??!!!!

I have many names with clients….
Allison
The pro
Wedding planner
Head Honcho
Lady in Charge
The boss
Ask Her
Drill Sargeant
That lady
The best

…I’ve earned them, cause I make smiles all the day long!

01/26/2022

My people!

I have been doing weddings for 13 years, and I’ve learned a lot. Too much to list, but it’s taken a long time to learn who my people are. Who are my clients?

No I don’t forget client names. I want to help everyone, every couple, but also remembering I’m providing for my family at the same time. I have had to learn when to say no, and when to say yes!

Nichole and Zack are my people. People who value what I bring.
People who trust my talents.
People who I value in return.

In their words:

“Allison was absolutely invaluable. From our first zoom meeting to the wedding, she ensured everything we were discussing and planning had my and my fiance's personalities, tastes, opinions and most importantly, relationship in mind.

Her creativity and unique perspective as a wedding designer - in addition to her planning and coordinating skills - is irreplaceable.

Having Allison and her team (Sarah and Erin) there for the rehearsal and wedding day helped make it the most enjoyable and memorable experience for not only us, but for our families and guests as well. They took care of everything - and I mean EVERYTHING.

All I have are memories of our perfect wedding - and our guests are still talking about what a great time they had. It wouldn't have been the same without Allison and her team.”

Wondering if you are my people? Maybe if I’m your kind of person? Email me and let’s chat…
[email protected]

11/22/2021

What 3 words would you use?

Bravery, Courage, Faith only begins to describe . I’ve known Sarah since was on Union Ave. and she has taught me so much I can barely describe, and it’s time to give back to her!!!

Sarah has been diagnosed with Inflammatory Breast Cancer. She has done treatments, surgeries, and blogged. Boy has she blogged! Sarah has documented her journey and man……
(go to happyenvelope.com)

Sarah makes breast cancer sound like the truth with roots of faith stronger than an oak! Every time I read it I am inspired by her faith, her strength within God, and her constant beautiful outlook on life.

These Coasters were designed by me being inspired by Sarah. Each set is $50, and the sales go straight to help fund her breast cancer battle.

DM me to purchase. Feel free to share to your friends, and Sarah’s friends!!!

To Sarah: you are loved, and Handedness stands with Sarah!

cancer

10/26/2021

https://knoxvillevoyager.com/interview/rising-stars-meet-allison-gaddis-of-west-knoxville/

Today we’d like to introduce you to Allison Gaddis. Hi Allison, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today? Wedding Planning found me. After gaining a job at a local bridal boutique, I found brides asking my advice about centerpieces a...

08/30/2021

My hand are always dirty….

You will find me wearing heels, but rarely with a manicure. My hand are always rough from sanding, dry from staining, and usually have a smidge of paint….

Yes I shower but I love creativity! I love creating, it’s what I thrive to do for my clients.

So bring on the paint dippin, Lowe’s shoppin, wood choppin, and tile carrying all in the name of weddings!

“I don’t do ugly weddings”

08/18/2021

I did it!!! I conquered my first 5k ever!

I have always wanted this, since my 20s. Today I did it. After the year of 2020 I needed to accomplish something, something for me being me.

I trained on vacation, on a girls trip, in 95 degree heat, even on the days I just wanted to nap. I did it!

I invested in myself, my mental health, and reminded myself that I can do anything!

Everything is Figureoutable you just have to conquer fear and believe!

Huge thank you to my family who cheered for me almost every practice run and sometimes in their pajamas. Thank you for letting this mom, wife, and entrepreneur achieve something I’ve wanted for so long!

08/16/2021

Having cute and amazing clients, will never get old!

My clients really are amazing. They let me do what I am great at, and trust me to make it all happen. They are beautiful people who believe in quality, great service, and value others talents. I am truly blessed to have such amazing people not only to work for, but to work with.

Thank you!

08/09/2021

Where did I go?
Am I still a planner?
What’s going on?

These are a few questions I have been asked over the last 5 months. I did take a break, a much needed break. I needed to focus on what I wanted as a business owner, as a mom, and as myself.

Facebook, Instagram, and more or less any media was not what I needed. I didn’t need the reminder of a pandemic, I didn’t need to hear the disagreeing, and I didn’t want another recipe for cookies.
I needed to figure out what my life & my family needed.

So to answer those questions:

1. Where did I go?
Still here in Knoxville, getting myself in a better, productive head space.

2. Am I still a planner?
YES! YES! YES!

3. What’s going on?
I am learning everything is figureoutable. I am teaching myself a new kind of balance. I need my family, I need my work, I need creative outlets, and I need to breathe.

So some things are changing, some things are plowing forward, but no matter I am here as a working mom, wedding designer, woodworking crazy business woman.

Thank you for your love, and support. The small business community really is truly amazing!

05/03/2021

Me- a woman, a mom, a wife, an entrepreneur

A thriving, loud, independent, determined, coffee addict with a side of cookies!

A stubborn, won’t give up, strength builds character boss

A let’s do everything we can with all the time we have, focus on simplicity, can’t stand laziness, and paint everything kind of mom.

I am me, I am Allison.

another side of me comes tomorrow...

04/23/2021

NEW SPRING PRODUCTS

So excited to introduce these new spring inspired round trays! Perfect for Mother’s Day, Teacher Appreciation, and more! Choose from Dogwood, Greenery Garland, or God is Good Designs!

Choose your size of 18” or 15”

To order DM me the design, size, and date needed by! All Mothers Day deliveries will be made by May 7th via doorstep.

Check our stories for ongoing promotions!

04/21/2021

Mom, boss, artist, fluffer, counselor, reinventor, planner, builder, wife...
I have a lot of names, and I’m proud of them all. In one word what can you name me?

04/06/2021

Tip #3: Let kids be kids, and plan for it!

Do you remember as a child ordering balsamic grilled chicken and rice pilaf for dinner? Do you remember not dancing when there was music blasting? No, cause you were a kid.

Kids want to celebrate with you, and you need to expect them to celebrate as kids do. Let them eat cake, let them dance when no one else will. Let them enjoy chicken fingers and french fries. Let them get into some comfy party clothes. It’s okay!

Believe in manners but don’t expect the impossible or the elegance! Stock each kid with coloring books, puzzles, outdoor games, even a wedding scavenger hunt with a prize! After all you did invite them.

*Bonus tip: If you want to go the route of a event babysitter, have a large designated room filled with movies, pillows, some blankets, and activities, and let the parents know ahead of their arrival about the rules and options for the kids.

04/01/2021

Will they go down the aisle? Would you with 400 eyes staring at you?
Tip #2: Make it easy and bribe away!

I have put skittles in the bottom of flower girl baskets, given the best man a pack of Certs, and held a hand or 2 to get kids down the intimidating aisle. Kids are terrified with all those people looking at them. The least you can do is make it easy & fun!
Have them wave streamers or simply tie a balloon on their wrist. A wedding is a celebration!

Have mom or dad seated on the 3rd row near the aisle. Kids can walk or rather run right to them if they’re scared. Remember they are kids.

*Bonus Tip: Remember the weight of a bouquet or the annoyance of a boutonnière. Younger children (under 3 yrs.old) need easy, simplicity, and durability.

03/25/2021

Paint chips=place cards? YES!!!
Everyone knows I am one to get wedding supplies from home improvement stores (hint to next week’s posts)! I love bringing a sense of your own home into your wedding style.
I sent the bride and groom out to pick their ideal color then 2 shades lighter and 2 shades darker. The bride decided to tackle the lettering. I attached them with some copper furniture nails to a sanded, stained, and finished piece of plywood!
Fabulous Place card display!!!
**rtcards

03/23/2021

Are you lost?!
We know where you go! Another of our favorite details are place cards and seating charts! Make them big like we did-A full 8 ft. Tall, folded, & traditional or suspended in air!

Seating charts are a great way to add personality, and to fill a blank area. Add some greenery, some hand lettering and all your guests can navigate to dinner...

No Matter please list your guests alphabetically as they can easily navigate the chart too!

More ideas this week!

03/21/2021

Been spending the last week with the family! We ended with a great hike, and one of our favorite treats ! I have loved every moment!

Back to work tomorrow!

03/09/2021

No Alcochol?! What!!!! YES! You can have a festive gorgeous wedding with no alcohol! Ditch the unsweet tea and water! Go for colorful, retro, make you happy drinks like ! We took these varieties and styles in the bar for guests to choose from cream soda, green apple, blue raspberry, cherry, and more! Why hide these gorgeous beauties!

You could also make your favorite retro drinks like RC Cola, Sunkist, Stewarts, and Dr. Enuf! In summer I highly recommend Clearly Canadian!

Have fun, be colorful!

Save this tip as more tips will come to you thru the week!

03/08/2021

The sun shining for the next 5 days which means smiling more, being more productive, and probably some power tools! So I am sharing my favorite aspect of wedding design-DETAILS!
First, we’re toasting and saying bottoms up!! Keep up with me through this weeks for drink ideas at your events!
You’ll want to save these!

02/22/2021

Can feel the warmth? See the light? Spring is coming.....

Not only did our 2020 year end, but 2021 winter has been brutal. I am finally feeling like new life is right around the corner, and I am soaking in every bit of sunshine I can. I am excited to be gaining new clients, pushing forward with 2020 postponed events, and growing ! Life has rainbows and we are loving all the colors to come!

02/18/2021

How long have I been a wedding planner?
Long enough to see this color trend come back around!
Comment if you have been in the wedding business as long as I have?!

01/12/2021

Power up 2021! Already 12 days in and what a year it is...

But I’m still here! Weddings are still here! They are different, they may be small , oh but they are mighty!

Stay tuned this week as we offer a new new package for our brides!

11/27/2020

Black Friday & Shop Local this holiday season!

I’ve been cranking out products as fast as I can! So fast I couldnt get these new products in a real photo shoot! Here are the newest trays for sale!

Slab tray wood is the last from David’s Craig’s collection- PAY IT FORWARD by buying this product!

Herringbone trays are extremely popular and going fast! You can get in large (14” x 26”) $75 or small (15” x 17”)! $60
Once they are gone, they are gone!

Coaster sets are the best stocking stuffer, co worker, and family gifts! We now are offering a Christmas Movie Set! $30 per set.

Doorstep deliveries only. Payment via PayPal, Venmo, or check!

10/21/2020

Katryn & Cody had so many favorite moments but this one was it.

Katryns grandmother has suffered from dementia for many years. We all hoped she would have a good day the day of the wedding.

Katryn and her grandmother got to sit and talk and chat about anything and create one of the best memories a bride could make!

The photos say it all!

10/13/2020

Many of you loved watching me build these items, and I promised I would tell you more about the process. Its up on the blog today! How I am dealing with this pandemic and trying to be productive at home but within my business. Plus a sneak peek to my latest projects!

Live Laugh Love Weddings specializes in wedding planning, design and coordination. We have planned over 75 weddings in and around Knoxville, Tennessee.

10/07/2020

It’s my favorite month, so I’m sharing some of our favorite wedding moments...

Rachel & Cory were given a very cold, foggy, rainy April wedding day. Guests were bundled with umbrellas, but they were nothing but smiles...

They generously warmed up their guests with 24 dozen hot donuts! The father of the bride was so excited about the great price he doubled the order! Our car never smelled so sugary sweet!

09/30/2020

Last day of the month and we are ending with an epic behind the scenes post....

I got a taste very early in my career of what could happen with an outdoor East TN wedding!

The day was amazing... couple and wedding party were taking photos, set up was going smoothly in the gorgeous private residence backyard. Then I saw the photographer back up and trip.

Everyone was pointing, and yelled for me. Bride, bridesmaids, groomsmen all were pointing to the grass, when we saw a snake!

The fabulous DJ I had just met came to rescue, grabbed a paper bag collapsed it over the snake grabbed the snake threw it over the fence!
Crisis gone, so I thought!

Later that night a crowd formed inside the residence, I went to see what was going on, and the owner of the home “my friend was just bitten by that snake!”

It was a copperhead! I was about to dial 911, when the man and his wife said to me “don’t disrupt the party, we are getting in the car and going to the hospital.”

The man spent 3 days at UT and turned out to be fine. He had gone for a smoke beyond the sight of the party, and the snake attempted to bite him while he walked back. Luckily the snake only scratched the surface of his foot.

Being a wedding planner is not always glamorous. It is hard work, think on your feet, and make it happen! It is feet swelling, wet & dirty, back breaking, ankle spraining, glamorously, and amazingly fabulous work. I wouldn’t trade it for anything!

Thank you to all my couples you have trusted me, to all the parents you had faith in me, to all the vendors who supported me, I would do it all again!

If you want more stories, call me anytime!

09/24/2020

Another behind the Scenes.....
So serene, so beautiful til you have one of these vases spill all over you, back up clothes are nowhere to be found....

Frequently, we transport floral arrangements from ceremony to reception (that’s often my weight lifting), no big deal until your grasp slips! What do you do as the wedding planner who makes everything perfect? You everything to avoid a broken vase, and sacrifice yourself.

Water flooded my dress, and my hemline was dripping is an understatement! Normally I would just change clothes, but my back up clothes couldn’t be located 🤦‍♀️

A member of the venue showed me a nice laundry room with washer and dryer! So I locked the door, put my dress in a dryer and waited. While I stood by myself in a locked room in nothing but heels and underwear, my amazing friend and DJ of the wedding stood on the other side of the locked door giving me a rundown of the cocktail hour, and anything he needed to do for me with my team.

After 30-40 minutes I was dressed again and back out on the wedding floor. My team had done an amazing job holding down the fort!

-have backups for backups!
-work with amazing vendors!
-always take the water plunge for a wedding!

09/19/2020

And that’s all I have to say....

09/16/2020

#1 biggest wedding fear.....The Cake!!
I’m a such a sweet tooth and look forward to snagging a small bite from my favorite bakers, but every moment before the stack of butter, sugar, and flour terrifies me! One day my wedding nightmares came true....

The wedding was in a small town and my client hired a local baker so such a precious item wouldn’t have to travel too far. The week of the wedding my gut told me something was wrong, and was it wrong! I received confirmation of delivery the night before the wedding, and then the baker was 3 hours late in set up time.

Soon the photographer came to me with “that smile”. The smile we all know that means “something is really wrong but we are not letting the guests know.”

I leaned over to the photographer and she simply said, “The.... cake....is.....falling.”

I quickly walked to the other room and saw the baker elbow deep holding the cake upright as the top tiered slide off and the others were holding in for life. I grabbed a guest who I knew was a cake extraordinaire and had made the grooms cake. She quickly came in to help but there was nothing, but a mound of cake with 2 simply tiers sitting on a table.

We pulled the 2 tiers left and style them up, pulled the rest to the back. Thru the event the caterer kept informing me the was becoming a pile of mush. A experienced waiter walked by and said we have plenty of champagne glasses!

That solved it!! No we didn’t serve massive amounts of bubbly, but scooped the cake like ice cream and served in cute champagne saucer glasses! It was a hit!
See my Story for the before and after.
...And they lived happily ever after!

09/14/2020

It takes a village to raise kids and to make weddings happen, and help comes from unexpected places.

I was setting up numerous details for a winter wedding and my 8 month pregnant swollen feet were hating me.

A fellow vendor had his young daughter with him and asked if there was any simple jobs she could do to occupy her time while he finished setting up.

I asked if she could line up the favors.... in no time I had a perfect line up of favors!

She then walked around the venue for me and placed all the seating cards at each place setting, while I sat and put the cards in seating order. Again perfect!!

This little girl saved my poor feet; I saved her daddy’s time and mommy’s sanity; and she had a blast!

The wedding was perfect and amazing with every detail in its place!

Weddings take a village and so does raising children...
And all lived happily ever after!

09/09/2020

Each bride deserves to put her feet up and enjoy their wedding day moments, and not know what their wedding planner really is up to....

As the bride put her feet up in the bridal suite she had no idea the reception band who was traveling in from Charlotte, NC had their vehicle’s transmission blow they were stuck just west of Asheville! So we went into action.
-DJ on standby
-Emergency venue sound system + Pandora thru cocktail hour
-plenty of food and drink for guests

Finally I got the call they were arriving. My crew, the catering crew, all vendors stopped and loaded the band in. Within 20 minutes of their arrival the band was up and going, and did they get that place going!!

Hiring vendors that are team players and trusting is essential in wedding planning. On this day we all came together to help a fellow band, make sure the clients have a perfect day, and make sure the guests didn’t know anything was wrong.
..And they lived happily ever after!

09/08/2020

So I’m kicking off my behind the scene Instagram series off with an epic story...

Rain plans are essential when planning an outdoor wedding! Because this gorgeous setting can go to this (photo #2) in 5 minutes!!
It was the perfect summer thunderstorm, the perfect location, with the perfect gust of wind that sent the reception tent crashing down 30 minutes before guests were to arrive.
-tent was properly staked by pros
-flowers were thrown to the ground
-all linens destroyed
-tables & chairs broken

We rallied! The amazing venue team brought me everything they had to help, the rental company sent man power and more tent experts, and we did it!

The guests never knew! As one guest said “I knew you were amazing, but I didn’t know you had a magic wand!”

And they lived happily ever after!!!

09/02/2020

Just like a wedding ring I go full circle with our clients!
We plan, we design, and we fix what needs fixing!

Every wedding has a behind the scene story. Some are mind blowing. Some are small, but all are part of my team making the wedding incredible! I will be sharing some of our favorite stories thru this month!

Stay tuned.....

💍

09/01/2020

The bubble....
if you’ve ever built something and used a level you know the excitement you feel to see that small simple bubble be perfectly placed, or the frustration in that bubble leaning just slightly to one side.

I’ve been building and designing to get my bubble back to the middle. I’m ready to feel excited about weddings and creating designs. I’m ready to focus energy into work rather than frustrations! Who’s with me?!

08/25/2020

Many people know my #1 rule:
I don’t do ugly weddings!
My clients know it.
My colleagues know it.
My team enforces it.

As a wedding planner/designer/ and coordinator my job is give the best experience to my clients, their families, and guests. During these times I will continue this practice, giving the best experience for all involved using masks, social distancing, and sanitation. If it’s not healthy, it’s ugly!



#

08/13/2020

Calling all Lefties!!!
It’s Left Hander Day, and I am all about being left handed! Over the passed 2 years I have ventured into the world of lettering, and continuing my love for building creative ideas-literally! Being a left handed artist & planner, I decided to call this side venture LEFTY DESIGNS!!!

Details are still forming in our website and social media, but none the less this lefty is still creating for homes, weddings, and businesses! Go to our highlights to see more work!!

Like I have always preached-
If you can’t buy it, I’ll build it!

08/07/2020

You are my Sunshine!

All of us in the event industry have been hit and hit hard since this pandemic started. Let’s all say it together...
“Covid-19 Sucks”
In general every love event over 20 people have been cancelled or postpone for 5 months, and it look good in the next 5 months. This industry doesn’t effect just a wedding couple or a celebrity band, or involves every person who provides comfort, planning, and the entire experience. In the wedding industry alone it effects venues, caterers, florists, rental companies, Cake bakers, DJs & bands, ceremony musicians, lighting companies, makeup & hair, dress companies, tux & suit companies, specialty car/transportation companies, bartending, and the list goes on.

Right now in the wedding industry we are walking a tightrope.
1. Weddings are cancelled or postponed which leads to little or no income.
2. If we are allowed to work events, we are exposed to strangers who may or may not be infected, and we risk bringing it home to our own families.
3. Little to NO government help has come to help. We are not mandated to shut down as a business, and the aid or loans that were designed to help don’t help when you are not approved!

I have many thoughts on this topic (as a business owner, a wedding planner, and a mom)and you will hear more early next week.

For now my thoughts are with my fellow colleagues who are trying to pay electric bills, provide food for their dinner tables, pay for school supplies for their children, and make it to next month when the struggle and stress continue.

08/05/2020

Events are smaller these days, and We choose to celebrate the small treats, the small successes that keep us going!
1. 2021 looks like a busy year! 2. Elopements and celebrating moments are happening
3. Colleagues and wedding friends are supporting us
4. We’re on focusing on the future and how we will still be here for more years!

We plan to provide some happiness to you wedding couples, like a mini snow cone does to your guests!