Brocade Designs

Here we are on Thanksgiving eve again, and I’m overwhelmingly thankful for such an amazing year. In the past 365 days, we have had 45 weddings to celebrate, I got engaged (yay!), I got a makeover (woo-hoo), and I’ve had so many other things happen that are great that I can’t even begin to list them all in one post. I love the city I live in (Nashville, you are so incredible– the year we’ve faced and tackled– it’s so humbling and awe-inspiring to be a denizen in our fair city); I love the vendors I work with and the brides I meet and get to know and make things pretty for. In short: I live in a town around people that support me and let me do what I love to do. I’m crazy lucky, and I’m thankful for these gifts every.single. day.

I did want to take some time to thank a few very wonderful people that have made this year especially amazing:

Kristin Kaplan: Kristin and I met a few years back over coffee at Panera. Little did I know that an introductory meeting would turn into such an great friendship. Kristin hasn’t only been a pal in the wedding industry, she’s also a friend in real life– She has poise, class, and talent out the wazzoo, and I’m lucky to know her. Thanks for making my life easier, for being an all around stellar person and for just existing, for always being honest, for being dedicated to not only what you do, but for being dedicated to who you are in all aspects of your life. Your crazy lists, penchant for perfectionism, and ability to keep it real keep me aiming for being my best. You rock!

Ronelle Lilly Hall: Designer, friend, spiritual mother at times…Ronelle joined my team over a year ago and I admit that I’d be totally lost without her. She has added so much to our events and our business dynamic, and I’m so glad that she’s a member of my team. Thanks, Ronnie, for being so incredible to the nth degree. I told her she’s never allowed to quit, even on the days where we work so long that we think about napping on the floor… you are so stellar.

To the 30+ people that nominated me for What Not to Wear, especially Latrice Cushenberry … She managed to pull off being sly about coming in and taking pictures of me, recruited friends that knew me to band together and nominate me, and is super stylish herself…thank you!

The Bride Room: For just being all around awesome chicks that I love to pieces. They tolerated my countless dress searches (til I found the ONE with them, of course) and extend such generosity and wonderfulness to all of their brides and friends in this industry. Thank you for being such a wonderful place that inspires, delights, and makes brides very, very happy.

Kristyn Hogan– Kristyn came out and shot many things for me this year out of the goodness and wonderfulness of her heart, so I have to thank her for that, of course– but I also must thank her for being so sweet, so kind, so genuine and so incredibly HUMBLE about her awe-inspiring talent. Keep on bringing your sweet personality and your amazing talent.

Jay with Maples Cakes: (this pic is him on the Next Great Baker! Woohoo! While HE may not recall this, I definitely do…my very first wedding, he did the cake and I got to meet him, and I just fell in love with his personality, enthusiasm and dedication for what he does, and his attention to detail. His passion & perfectionism inspired me, and continues to do so every day. He’s an incredible talent in our town and the entire nation— I love how his star shines and can’t wait to see it light the entire sky. Thanks for being an inspiration & a true joy to work with.

I’m super thankful for being a member of Studio Wed Nashville & the Style Me Pretty Little Black Book of Vendors– both relationships have brought me such wonderful encounters with the most inspired brides, and I’m very happy to be considered among your ranks of vendors.

I’m of course crazy thankful to all of the people at What Not To Wear for making my experience incredible– field producer Emily, I heart you so much….Director Mike, you are so talented it’s scary, Skye and Megan for being great plane-mates, Ted for being so sweet and so good at what he does, Carmindy for having such vision and being so giving, and of course Stacy and Clinton… you

A few random things I’m thankful for: Starbucks (Our alliance is integral to my success in this world), my cat and my dog, The Five Senses Restaurant, sleep, lazy days on the couch with my dog, my cat, and my fiance, my amazing wholesalers that help to make my events amazing, the creative people here in Nashville and beyond that inspire me to dream and dream big, my sweet and wonderful customers in the downtown area, Pandora, all of my past and future brides– I love you and I love your weddings, my sister, who comes home December 17 and I’m so excited!, my event assistants & friends Jessica,Megan, Ashley & Alex; Sam Hassas, photographer extraordinaire, all the planners & vendors I’ve been so blessed to work with this year (special shout outs to A Delightful Day, Nashville Event Lighting, Chef’s Market, Belle Meade Plantation, the Country Music Hall of Fame, and the Acorn Restaurant–thank you for all of your support and for being awesome!), the color yellow and the number 10.

I’d be remiss and crazy to not save my most favorite thing I’m thankful for as the last (and most important, obviously) is my fiance, Don. He is the most giving, generous, and kind person I’ve ever met, and he makes my life a much more sunshiny-and happy place. I can’t believe I got so lucky to find him in this mad, crazy world and to love him more and more with each day that passes. It’s so exciting to know that when I do my thanking next year, I’ll get to thank my Husband. Thanks, cake. I love you more than you know, more than I’ll ever be able to say, and I’m so glad that God made you just for me

And now, for the good ol’ blanket thanks: if you’re not listed here, it’s not because I’m not thankful for you. I am. I love you, thank you for existing, for bringing joy into my life for knowing you, and even if we’ve not yet met, I’m thankful for you anyway. I wish everyone a happy, safe, and turkey-rich Thanksgiving. Thank you for your love, your support, your kindness, and all the other wonderful things you do. Much, much love!

- Hillary