To close out an incredible year, White Ink Calligraphy + Co. attended the Wedding International Professionals Association (WIPA) Gala in Nashville. This exciting annual event brings together local wedding professionals to celebrate, connect, and reflect on another successful season. WIPA hosts events throughout the year that encourage learning, networking, and growth. However, the gala is all about celebrating—and we were thrilled to be part of it!
Nashville WIPA Gala: A Night to Remember
The gala took place at the stunning Virgin Hotel Nashville on December 8th, right after our last event for the year, which meant we were excited to celebrate the end of the year! As active members of WIPA, it was an honor for my team and I to attend the gala as guests but also to contribute to the event’s details. Townley, White Ink’s stationer, and I enjoyed a well-deserved night out, surrounded by familiar faces and fellow wedding industry creatives.
Everyone arrived dressed to impress, and the red carpet entrance set the tone for a glamorous evening. Photographers captured guests as they arrived, framed by a striking red draping and exquisite florals designed by the incredibly talented Rosemary & Finch—a perfect backdrop for portraits.
Our Red Carpet Looks
Townley and I made sure to embrace the occasion with stylish outfits from The Showroom Nashville, owned by one of our past brides, Kristen Geyser. Townley’s dress, adorned with golden stars, was a nod to the Tennessee flag, while I chose a sparkling ensemble. We even treated ourselves to hair and makeup by the amazing Katie-Laine Thornton, making the night feel extra special!
The heART of Nashville: A Celebration of Artistry
The theme of this year’s gala, “The heART of Nashville,” with an emphasis on Nashville ART, to celebrate the city’s rich artistic culture. We had the honor of crafting custom stationery pieces that reflected this theme in a creative and meaningful way.
The Seating Chart
We elevated the seating chart design by incorporating handmade paper for calligraphed guest names, all mounted on a backdrop lined with leather, creating a sophisticated and tactile experience. Next to each piece of paper were Silhouettes of different Nashville artists that served as another table identifier.
Place Cards + Menus
Leather was also used for the place cards. Our signature white ink calligraphy was elegantly displayed on leather place cards resting atop each menu. Inspired by the classic Hatch Print style, our menus added a touch of vintage Nashville charm to each place setting.
Unique Table Numbers
Lastly, the table numbers came from Tennessee limestone and featured silhouettes of Nashville artists, tying in beautifully with the seating chart design, where coordinating silhouettes were placed next to the handmade paper list.
A Perfect End to 2024
From the delicious food and cocktails to the lively dancing and wonderful company, the WIPA Gala was truly a night to remember. It was the perfect way to reflect on another successful year. We are so grateful for the wedding community in Nashville and beyond, and we can’t wait to see what the rest of 2025 brings!
Event Vendors:
Venue: Virgin Hotel Nashville
Event Design & Execution: EBJ & Company
Cocktail Hour & Afterpart Design: Duke Concierge | Modern Vintage Events
Entertainment: Downtown Band Entertainment | East Coast Entertainment
360 Booth: Premier
Florals: Rosemary & Finch
Floral Sponsor: Mayesh Wholesale
Fabrication: Marsh Made Design
Rentals: Mayker
Staging | Tables: Please Be Seated
Linens: BBJ La Tavola
Draping: Quest Events
Lighting: Bright Event Productions
Stationery: White Ink Calligraphy + Co.
Content Creator: Haus of Taute Films
Dance Floor Wrap: Southern Event Wraps
Beauty: Canvas and Coif
Seating Chart Build: Bluefish Event Rentals
Photographer: Haley Birdsey
Videographer: Joseph Lotz
Red Carpet Photographers: Kimberly Kimble Photography | Darien Photography | Liz Courtney Photography | Emily Davis Photo | Amanda Faye Photography