Image by Sarah Ingram

If anyone has anything bad to say about the weather in Tennessee in the spring, they clearly are unhappy people because the weather for our entire trip was perfect! On our 3rd and final day we explored the 100 acres surrounding the lodge and a part of Maryville College, spending time connecting and chatting with others. Thanks Clark Brewer for the great conversation.

We started at the main gate and meandered through the trees, over babbly brooks and scouting so many picture perfect hideaways for intimate celebrations. Our walk brought us full circle for an outdoor picnic where our friend Sacha Hardy of Hamammas and Colby West spoiled us with gifts and goodies.

Images by Natalie Watson

To shake things up a bit, and fuel our “competitive” natures, the RT Lodge crew and Colby’s team orchestrated a floral foraging and composition contest! Using floral from the charming escort card display, surrounding forest, and anything we could get our hands on nearby, we were turned loose to create our masterpieces. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, designing floral is TOUGH and there’s no part of my being that would ever want to take on that task; which is why we work with incredible professionals who bring their art and talents to our events. But, in this instance (and for those that know me know I may have a slight competitive bone!) I dove in as our tables Floral Leader and what do you know our arrangement WON! Table 2 dominated thanks to Ali Phillips from Engaging Events, Chelsea Petaja, Tarin from Teak & Twine, Caroline from My kind of lovely- a womens’ boutique clothing shop in Maryville and thanks to the gals from My Kind of Lovely, we all got to go shopping in their pop-up boutique!

Left Image by Sarah Ingram; Right Image by Natalie Watson

Image by Sarah Ingram

As our magical time at RT Lodge was coming to an end I spent the afternoon rocking in a chair and talking life with Janette of District Weddings and Valerie of Sapphire Events and it couldn’t have been better. Over the three days I was at RT Lodge, I had the opportunity to learn from so many talented professionals in our industry who are making waves and changing the way that special events are viewed. Through casual conversations, like sitting on the porch with Kristy Rice talking big dreams while trying to get her to come to Northern Michigan and paint Sleeping Bear Dunes, or stealing time with Gary Doyle the GM of RT Lodge learning about his experience in hospitality, I was so thankful to be included among the select group of invitees on this trip.

The final, and main event, our Farewell Dinner was something straight out of a dream. Held on the front lawn of the main lodge, the yard sprinkled with beautifully dressed tables and sun beams streaking through the tree limbs was so perfect that you wanted to close your eyes and hold this moment forever. (Only thing missing in my book was my better half and fur baby!) The gents were invited to select a tie or bowtie of their choice while ladies ears were adorned with beautiful jewels from Lisi Lerch. In true industry fashion, we donned our like clothing, chanted as the RT Lodge teams took their bows and jigged the night away to a most epic playlist. (DJ in training Lauren Goshinski from Grit & Grance grabbed the turn tables so you know it was going to be one hellova time!)

Images by Natalie Watson

Images by Sarah Ingram

Image by Natalie Watson

Left Image by Natalie Watson; Right Image by Sarah Ingram

Images by Natalie Watson Photography

As we say around the office, all good things must come to an end but the best is yet to come and the “bests” are the incredible contacts at a most spectacular destination location, new friendships and life long memories.

Thank you again to RT Lodge and the team who worked around the clock taking great care of all of us and to the incredible supporters who’s hard work and efforts were noticed, even in the smallest of details. It was unforgettable and I cannot wait to return!

Xoxo,

Lish

Special thanks to the RT Lodge Fam Trip Sponsors

Bernadette Doyle Soaps, Cheryl McMillan Cake Design, Claude and Company, Colby West Floral & Design, Fifty Flowers, Five Point Finds Antiques, Hamammas, Katherine Michalik, McQueen Pottery, Lisi Lerch, Ogle Entertainment, Olive Juice Press, Oven Art, Party Tables Linens & Drapery, Rainwater Farm, Sarah Ingram, Sara Happ, Slip Silk Pillowcases, Solemates Shoes, Sugar Buzz Bakery, The Darling Type,  The Happy Envelope, and Vera Bradley