Our WIPA Nashville Gala 2026 Experience
We have had SO many requests for an overview of this event, and we are thrilled to finally share our experience at the WIPA Nashville Gala 2026!
With Nashville being the hometown of our Executive Planner, Shelby Knight, it was the obvious choice to join this chapter and get involved with them for their education opportunities and fabulous events. The Gala only comes around once a year, so of course we had to be there. ✨
For those unfamiliar with WIPA, it stands for Wedding Industry Professionals Association. With 23 chapters across North America, their mission is to, “foster excellence in the wedding industry through comprehensive education, dynamic networking opportunities, and valuable resource offerings.” You can find out more about the organization by following this link: www.wipa.org
The theme of the Gala this year was “Lush Hues and Lavish Views“, a subtle wink to the Nashville skyline, complemented by a wardrobe palette of purples and greens. This event was planned by the always incredible Becky Baker of Becky’s Brides™, florals by our dear friend Cole Buys of CB Designs, Gala photos by Eric & Jamie Photography and hosted at the 1 Hotel Nashville, it was nothing short of show-stopping. You can continue scrolling down to view the full list of creative partners from this event.
Entering into the 1 Hotel, which is conveniently located in the heart of Downtown Nashville and next to it’s famous Broadway Street, we were immediately introduced into it’s dark and moody lobby area. The entrance to the hotel is covered by hanging greenery, which flows into the almost forest-like vibe of the lobby. A perfect setting for the “lush” and “lavish” event ahead!
When we reached the 3rd floor, where the event was taking place, you could tell that everyone put on their very best to step out into the gala theme. Shades of purple and green, layered with a multitude of textures, fabrics, and styles, filled the long hallway as we waited for our turn at the raised stage—adorned with stunning florals and dramatic draping—for formal portraits by Tiff Kennedy Photo. Personally, I always forget to grab photos of myself and my friends at these events, so it was so convenient and thoughtful to make sure everyone had their moment to shine and come away with some great photos.
We then entered into the cocktail hour, we were greeted by a selection of passed appetizers–which included decadent caviar-topped deviled eggs, and signature beverages–a purple lemon drop martini to match the theme. Cocktail hour was all about mingling and catching up with some of the best wedding pros in the business, while also taking the time to discover your seat in the actual forest seating chart. There were two beauties covered in violet purple and sultry florals from head to toe that were swaying to the music and leading each guest to their name within the trees, which added an artistic element to the out of this world seating chart installation. This was something that was obviously intentionally designed to provide its guests with an enchanting experience and added an interactive element to the introduction of this event. So creative and absolutely beautiful!
From the cocktail hour, guests were then invited into the ballroom by live violinists for a formal, seated dinner of roasted beet salad, braised short rib with carrot and sweet potato purée, and table side wine service. The mix of rounds, banquettes with café style seating, and square tables all added into the luxuriousness of the room, along with the giant floral pillars that greeted and stunned at the entrance to the space. Different linens by BBJ La Tavola for each style of seating and tabletop settings by Table Made made each guest’s setting picture perfect–almost too perfect to disrupt for dinner service! The live violinists, pianist, and singers added the perfect background ambiance to a charming dinner of delicious food, industry conversations, and belly laughs.
Following dinner service, everyone was vivaciously greeted by silver sequined dancers and booming tunes that guided guests into the dance party reception. It was so much fun dancing our way down the hall to transition into yet another event space for the electric and otherworldly reception. At the entrance of the reception were more interactive activations, including a yummy cannoli display and compact mirror engraving by White Ink Calligraphy‘s team. The personalized compact mirrors were the cutest take home gift! The custom dance floor by Southern Event Wraps added a kaleidoscopic touch to a larger than life headlining band, Lovestruck with East Coast Entertainment. We all danced the night away, made fabulous connections, and will never forget this enchanting evening. Thank you to all of the vendors that made this night so magical–we can’t wait for the next one!
Creative Partners List:
Gala Host: WIPA Nashville
Venue: 1 Hotel Nashville
Planning and Design: Becky’s Brides™
Gala Photography: Eric & Jamie Photography
Portrait Photography: Tiff Kennedy Photo
Videography: The Summer Films
Floral Design: CB Designs
Rentals: White Door Events
Custom Dance Floor Wrap: Southern Event Wraps
Linens: BBJ La Tavola
Table Top: Table Made
Drapery Design: Quest Events
Lighting Design and Audio Production: Encore
Headlining Band: Lovestruck via East Coast Entertainment
Peripheral Entertainment: DBE Artists
Stationery Design & Engraving Activation: White Ink Calligraphy
Skyline Artwork: Mia Bibler
Stationery Printer: Midtown Printing
Fabrication: Butler Scenic Co
Content Creator: It’s Champagne Social
