Mr. & Mrs. Helton

This past weekend, Paul and Kay were married at the Lodge.  They were a great couple, and we had a great time getting to know them during the planning process.  These two are so in love, and they actually met in the airport!  Kay and Paul had a lot of out of town guests so we had lots of people staying on property. The rain stopped right before the ceremony, the sun came out, and everything turned out beautifully!  For the reception, they had a family style dinner in our dining room where everyone enjoyed food, drinks, and each others company.  After dinner and dessert, everyone headed to the veranda for live music and dancing.  Everyone was having a blast!  Take a look at some of the beautiful pictures taken by their wedding photographer, Katherine Birkbeck.  

-a.e.h.

Who Says Fine China Can't be Fun?

Most of you had probably never shopped for fine china, or even thought about it for that matter, until you began registering for wedding presents.  Since fine china is something you keep forever, and is often passed down, you will want to put some thought into choosing your pattern and style.  Luckily, for today’s brides, there is a variety of colors, patterns, and themes.  These fun & funky dishes can add tons of style to your home décor!  

Are you are wondering how many place settings you’ll need? Most bridal experts recommend buying 8-12 place settings.  If you or your fiancé have a large family you may want to consider buying more (think about all those holiday dinners you will be hosting!). 

Formal place settings typically come in a 5-piece set and include a dinner plate, salad/dessert plate, bread plate, and a cup and saucer.  The Knot.com recommends registering for some of the more specialty items as well.  This can include a few serving bowls of various sizes, gravy boat, a cream pitcher and sugar bowl, a teapot, several sizes of small serving dishes, chargers, and even cereal bowls.  

Top (From Left to Right):

1. Jasper Conran for Wedgwood- The "Chinoiserie" Green and White Fine Bone China features an exotic design of graceful birds and delicate flora and fauna. This design is Classically inspired yet modern in appeal.

2. William Yeoward's "Avington" in Orange- The "Avington" design comes in a variety of ravishing colors and is easily mixed with other china patterns.  These dishes are so fun!

3. Indulge your inner fashionista with the "Margherita" collection from the fashion house Missoni.  These dishes are decorated with multicolor kaleidoscopic flowers. 

Middle (From Left to Right):

1. Haviland's "Laque de Chine" Gold, Pistachio is both timeless and modern, enabling traditional color-matching selections to radical color combos.  The unique colors can be mixed, and are united by a brilliant gold band.

2. An Alberto Pinto creation for Raynaud, "Cristobal" is a vibrant coral pattern rich in elegance.   

3. "Anthemion Blue Prestige" Fine Bone China is inspired by Iconic neo-classical elements fundamental to the Wedgwood style - the colonnade, laurel, Greek anthemion and classical figures. The "Anthemion Blue" design features a rich cobalt color with gold accents while each piece includes delicate raised detailing hand-decorated by skilled craftsmen. 

Bottom (From Left to Right):

1. Versace by Rosenthal "Marco Polo". The Gianni Versace pattern gives life to a dinner set that is in perfect harmony with the new "fusion philosophy" of food. 

2. This "Syracuse" dinnerware by R. Haviland & C. Parlon is hand-painted porcelain from France.  It is so beautiful and the turquoise hues contrast the 22-kt. gold detailing.  
3. Your table will come to life with this colorful "Verdant Acres" dinnerware from Anthropologie




What are some of your favorite patterns?  






-a.e.h.

You're Invited to an Open House at RT Lodge

Are you engaged and looking for the perfect wedding venue? Well, on Sunday, August 29th we are opening our doors to you!  From 3:00 - 5:00 pm come visit with other brides-to-be, tour the property, and chat with our two on-site wedding specialists.  You will have the opportunity to explore the gardens, relax in the main lodge, and take a look inside some of our beautiful guest rooms.  Please send your RSVP to EWomac@RTLodge.com by August 26th.  If you have any questions call us at 865-981-9800.

We hope to see you there!

-a.e.h.

The Bridal Show Tickets Winners are....

Whitney & Emilee Rose!


Please email your information (name, address, and cell number) to Ahansen@rtlodge.com.  Thank you to everyone who left comments on the blog- I hope you will keep it up!  Please don't forget to come visit us at the Knoxville Bridal show this Sunday!








-a.e.h.