As I was photographing a Nashville bridal show I came across the most fabulous set-up, full of bold details and screaming at me of orange and gray awesomeness! After photographing all their little details I knew I had to interview Shannon, the Catering Director of Chef’s Market, about their fabulousness! Not only was the food amazing, their style and use of bold color had me hooked! Chef’s Market is also a part of StudioWed and I am so excited to be a part of such an amazing team, especially when it includes such tasty food :) 

Tell us the story of how Chef’s Market got started.

Inspired to provide chef quality food for causal in house café dining as well as cleverly packaged take away, food service industry veterans Cheryl and Jim Hagy opened Chef’s Market in August 1997.  The café offers an amazing selection of daily crafted soups, salads, entrees, and bakery items. A commitment to quality and a genuine desire to insure every guest experience is exceptional has earned Chef’s Market the Best Restaurant Award on Nashville ’s north side for many years as well as propelled Chef’s Market into the fastest growing off premise caterer in the Nashville Metropolitan area. When Chef’s Market was featured on The Food Networks “Behind the Bash”, catering business really took off! How would you describe your style?

I like anything unique or different. When it comes to a concept, I try to read lots of magazines and blogs to see what colors seem to be popular for the upcoming year. The Pantone Fashion Color Report is a good resource! Gray has become such a popular neutral for this year, I knew I definitely wanted to use it. Then I saw an inspiration board that featured bright orange rock candy so I went from there. I love orange, it’s so vibrant and fun!

If you could contribute anything to a wedding day emergency kit, what would it be?

Oh goodness…nerve pills? Haha, just kidding! I think a straw to sip beverages through, so it doesn’t mess up your makeup!

What is your favorite vacation spot?

Anywhere warm, sunny, with water! I grew up spending a lot of time at the lake in the summertime growing up, so I just love the water! I am NOT a fan of cold weather, so needless to say I am ready for spring!

What is your favorite non-traditional wedding element?

I love it when brides incorporate personal items into the day. I had an awesome bride & groom this past May who met in a car accident! The bride said she knew immediately she was interested in him so she took a piece of the wreckage from the sight with her. When they married, they used it as their cake topper! What a great story to tell the grandkids.

As a caterer, what is one thing you think every bride should know?

Feed your guests!  A full crowd is a happy crowd!  If you don’t have the budget for a full meal afternoon is a perfect time for a dessert reception!  And, make it clear on your invitation what your guests should expect at the reception.

Kristyn Hogan is a wedding & lifestyle photographer in Nashville, Tennessee photographing fabulous people in Nashville, Iowa and worldwide. www.kristynhogan.com

Why did you start The Bake Shoppe?

I worked as a critical care nurse for many years – wanted to start my own business and a friend who was self employed suggested that I do what I love – which was cook and bake.  So The Bake Shoppe was born – we made desserts only – then progressed into decorated cakes. I have made cakes since I was a child – loved making sugar stuff pretty. Then I began making birthday cakes. A friend introduced me to someone who was starting their own business – a wedding chapel – they needed wedding cakes!

How would you describe the style of your cakes?

Traditional with a modern twist.

If you could bake a cake for anyone, who would it be?

While I have had many wonderful brides and made some wonderful cakes– the cakes that have brought the most joy are the cakes for children – such as the cake that we created recently for the local Ronald McDonald House for those children. It would be great to do something on a national level – to benefit children.

I wonder if Mother Teresa ever had a birthday cake – that would have been cool – to make a cake for her ( and all the little children she helped) one BIG birthday party.

Now that I have a daughter ( who is 2 years old) I have so much fun planning cakes for her!

If you could contribute anything to a wedding day emergency kit, what would it be?

Our emergency kit is pretty big for cake deliveries – if we were adding something into a kit for the bride – floral and duct tape is very useful for a large number of wedding emergencies!

What is your favorite vacation spot?

The beach – rest and relaxation!

In the next 10 years what would you like to accomplish?

Raising my daughter to the best of my abilities and help our team members grow in their positions.

What is your favorite wedding tradition?

I think the trend of the sand ceremony is so cool – the blending of the families and all that the sand represents.

What is your favorite non-traditional wedding element?

Letting the bride and groom eat their wedding meal!

What is one thing every bride should know?

The day flies by – to stop and really see what is happening and solidify the memories!

Kristyn Hogan is a wedding & lifestyle photographer in Nashville, Tennessee photographing fabulous people in Nashville, Iowa and worldwide. www.kristynhogan.com

What is StudioWed??

Introducing the innovative concept in local and destination wedding planning, StudioWed would like to announce its presence and grand opening in Nashville, Tennessee.  StudioWed is an exclusive collection of vendors representing the finest wedding professionals.  The Tennessee branch is brought to you by successful area event planning company A Delightful Day’s Mary Alice Sublett and Leigh Barker.

From photographers to florists, practically every vendor one might need for planning a wedding that exceeds expectations is now fully accessible in one studio location.  This completely free of charge service connects engaged couples to the top wedding specialists in the area; all of our vendors are hand-selected to be members of StudioWed.

For no cost at all, couples can utilize this revolutionary resource without space and time restraints.  StudioWed is located in trendy Edgehill Village of Nashville on 1200 Villa Place, Suite 402.  Complimentary appointments can be set up today by calling 615.739.5477.

Kristyn Hogan is a wedding & lifestyle photographer in Nashville, Tennessee photographing fabulous people in Nashville, Iowa and worldwide. www.kristynhogan.com