Best Parties 2024

There are parties, and then there are parties with a purpose. Those events that are not just fun, but that raise funds — and friends — for important causes throughout Nashville. Each year, we ask our readers to weigh in on the best parties of the previous year. Spanning a wide range of events that help everything from animal-centric nonprofits to arts organizations, this year’s reader submissions numbered in the thousands. The Nfocus community cast votes across 33 categories, all to name the best parties of 2024 — and to award one lucky gathering the coveted Best Event title.

Best Event of 2024

Nashville Bourbon Auction (NashvilleHealth)

Few events combine the power of community engagement with bourbon and powerhouse performances. But that is exactly what the Nashville Bourbon Auction has done for the last four years. Hosted by community philanthropist heavy hitters Daniel Weisman, Max Goldberg, Mark Lombardi, Drew Holcomb, Ryan Moses, Ken Levitan, Robert Sherrill, Paul Steele, Adam Sansiveri, Q Taylor, Sam Reed, Seth Seigle, Jessie Beegle and John Meneilly, this year’s event raised funds to support NashvilleHealth — an organization working to tackle Nashville’s most critical health challenges. 

The event featured whiskeys from Buffalo Trace Distillery’s Antique Collection, a live auction with allocated whiskey, and a barrel of one of Buffalo Trace Distillery’s award-winning bourbons — plus a stellar performance by Grammy-nominated artist Marcus King. Thanks to those exclusive auction lots, bidding was fierce. But all happily raised a paddle to fund an important cause.

Second Place: River Swing (Harpeth Conservancy)

Third Place: L’Eté du Vin (Nashville Wine Auction)

Most Fun Party

River Swing (Harpeth Conservancy)

Harpeth Conservancy’s River Swing has become known as one of the events of the fall social season. The beautiful setting, casual atmosphere, great food and always-stellar entertainment blend masterfully, enhancing guests’ enthusiasm to raise crucial funds for clean waterways and aquatic ecosystems. The stunning setting — Christian Currey’s River Circle Farm — invites revelers to leisurely stroll as they shop local offerings, bid on exciting auction items and imbibe delicious cocktails. This year, The Revivalists revved things up with great tunes, as guests happily took the floor and danced the night away.

Second Place: Broadway Brunch (Nashville Repertory Theatre)

Third Place: Symphony Ball (Nashville Symphony) 

Best Outdoor Event

River Swing (Harpeth Conservancy) 

In its 21st year, River Swing has come of age. Despite winning a grand slam in Nfocus’ Best Party slate for 2023 (including a Best Host award for Christian Currey, who once again did the honors), nobody rested on their laurels. The record crowd enjoyed a performance by country-rock artist JB Strauss during cocktail hour. The clever and tempting signature drink was the Mabon, a nod to the harvest equinox, concocted with pawpaw, ginger, lemon and elderflower.

The crowd was young, hip and engaged in preserving the river. And they danced to a 90-minute set from The Revivalists, who have opened for The Rolling Stones and performed at an impressive range of major venues across the country. Downhome dinner from Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint, of course. But caviar? It happened, piled with a dollop of crème fraîche on blinis. More awards, please.

Second Place: Sunday in the Park (Friends of Warner Parks)

Third Place: Once in a Blue Moon (The Land Trust for Tennessee)

Most Fashionable Event

Symphony Fashion Show (Nashville Symphony)

Each year, the fashion-forward of Nashville wait with eager anticipation for the Symphony Fashion Show. Calendars are marked the minute the dates are announced. This year, designer Prabal Gurung did not disappoint. 

As the fashionable crowd paraded through the Schermerhorn Symphony Center, co-chairs Tracy Frist and Emily Humphreys, along with executive chair Sandra Lipman, ensured guests enjoyed the remarkable evening. As models strutted down the runway, several “oohs” echoed throughout the room, with many in the audience picking favorites. 

The runway show always ends too early, but this year, Brothers Osborne kept the evening alive with a dynamic performance that had many guests up and dancing — a first in Symphony Fashion Show history.

Second Place: Swan Ball (Cheekwood Estate & Gardens) 

Third Place (tie): Chic Awearness (Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center), Mad Hatter (Sexual Assault Center) 

Best Animal-Centric Event

Sunset Safari (Nashville Zoo)

The Nashville Zoo’s annual Sunset Safari blended conservation enthusiasm with culinary delights, despite an early and downright ominous downpour. Guests, including VIPs in a lavish tent, enjoyed gourmet offerings from top local eateries, like Joe Muer Seafood and Puckett’s Restaurant, alongside sweet treats from Tiff’s Treats and Tempered Fine Chocolates. They mixed and mingled with co-chairs Chip Wilkison and Maggie Finn, and the dark skies cleared, as if by magic. 

Entertainment ranged from live music by The Music City Sound to a circus act by Beyond Wings and tarot readings by The Emerald Eye. Animal ambassadors — including Juliana pigs Branch and Poppy and hyacinth macaws that beckoned guests along the path — highlighted the zoo’s conservation efforts, showcasing its dedication to preserving over 350 species, including 100 in species survival programs, amid a misty, enchanting atmosphere.

Second Place: Cause for Paws (Nashville Humane Association)

Third Place: Sips for Species (Nashville Zoo)

Best Women’s Event

Go Red for Women Luncheon 

(American Heart Association)

The Go Red for Women 20th Anniversary event at Nashville’s Schermerhorn Symphony Center celebrated women’s heart health and the American Heart Association’s centennial in style. About 375 women — adorned in shades of red — enjoyed heart-healthy lunches, inspiring mocktails and impactful moments. Chair Vicki Shepard and emcee Tracy Kornet led a program featuring the Women of Impact, who shared personal stories and raised funds during the Open Your Heart auction. A panel of experts highlighted cardiovascular disease’s toll on women, urging action and awareness. The event merged reflection with optimism for the future, reinforcing a bold, new vision for advancing health in the AHA’s next century.

Second Place: Wine Women & Shoes (YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee)

Third Place: Chic Awearness (Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center’s ovarian cancer research)

Best Arts Event 

The Harding Art Show (Harding Academy)

It happens the first weekend in May every year. The Derby? Nope — The Harding Art Show, drawing more than 5,000 art lovers to Harding Academy’s campus over its three-day extravaganza showcasing more than 75 local artists. The school’s largest fundraiser is free to attend and features almost two dozen discrete events, including a fun-packed Family Day. Co-chairs Katie Fayard and Audrey Guest pulled out all the stops to ensure the entire weekend was welcoming to all ages. Bring on the food trucks, face-painting and Titans mascot!

Noted for its accessibility to young households and mature ones, the show offers not just fine-art paintings, but sculpture, ceramics, photography, jewelry and more. You won’t want to miss the 50th anniversary of The Harding Art Show in 2025, taking place May 1 through May 3.

Second Place: Broadway Brunch (Nashville Repertory Theatre)

Third Place: Conversations at OZ (OZ Arts Nashville)

Best Children’s/Family Event

Picnic with the Library (Nashville Public Library Foundation)

Nashville Public Library Foundation’s Picnic with the Library fundraiser earned Best Children’s/Family Event for transforming the downtown library into a whimsical The Wizard of Oz wonderland while supporting children’s early literacy programming. Event chairs created a vibrant setting with a rainbow balloon arch and costumed characters, like Dorothy, Toto, the Scarecrow, the Lion and the Tin Man. Hundreds of book-loving munchkins followed the yellow brick road to enjoy Hattie Jane’s Creamery ice cream, balloon animals, face-painting, puppet shows and a feast of chicken fingers and mac and cheese. 

Highlights included story time and songs by Library Pete and Coco the Cow, and an interactive indoor playground replicating downtown Nashville. Good luck convincing these tiny bibliophiles that libraries are supposed to be quiet places! Thoughtful touches, like wristbands with adult contact info, ensured safety amid the lively chaos, leaving families enchanted, inspired and heading home to read bedtime stories.

Second Place: Zoolumination (Nashville Zoo)

Third Place: Fall for Cheekwood (Cheekwood Estate & Gardens)

Best Auction Item

The Touchdown Fanatics Super Bowl Package at the Nashville Bourbon Auction (NashvilleHealth)

With the Super Bowl right around the corner, it seems fitting that the winner of the Best Auction Item be from relative newcomer Nashville Bourbon Auction. Benefiting nonprofits in Nashville, the Nashville Bourbon Auction combines bourbon and music to raise crucially needed funds — this year, for NashvilleHealth. 

Bidding was fierce for the Touchdown Fanatics Super Bowl Package, which included two tickets to Super Bowl LIX, two passes to Michael Rubin’s famed Fanatics Super Bowl party, a Fanatics item worth up to $10,000, and a pair of exclusive Travis Scott Jordan 1 Low sneakers (used as invitations to Michael Rubin’s White Party).

Second Place: Harold Kraus tabletop artwork at Red Door Bash (Gilda’s Club Middle Tennessee)

Third Place: Ruby-and-diamond pendant at The Ruby Gala (Vanderbilt Comprehensive Care Clinic)

Best Décor

Swan Ball:

An Enchanted Forest (Cheekwood Estate & Gardens)

Entering the mansion at Cheekwood Estate & Gardens for the 62nd annual Swan Ball, guests encountered a mesmerizing sight. The iconic sweeping staircase of the mansion was festooned with thousands of flowers and even more lush greenery. After ascending the stairs, revelers entered a dinner tent decorated with oversized blossoms — an absolute delight of the senses. 

The event’s theme, An Enchanted Forest, was the vision of co-chairs Carolyn Taylor and Sally Nesbitt. Event planner Dori Thornton of The Social Office and florist Jim Knestrick of Knestrick By Design worked together to bring the fairy tale to life. The décor flowed together seamlessly, creating a dreamy setting that enchanted all in attendance.

Second Place: Symphony Ball (Nashville Symphony)

Third Place: A Tennessee Waltz (Tennessee State Museum)

Best Luncheon 

Reclaiming Lives Luncheon (Centerstone)

The ninth annual Reclaiming Lives Luncheon, benefiting Centerstone, garnered the most votes for Best Luncheon from our readers for its inspiring atmosphere, record-breaking attendance and impactful message. Held at the Four Seasons Hotel Nashville, the event invited its 460 guests to mingle and snap photos with NFL legends Eddie George and Joe Theismann, the 1982 Walter Payton Man of the Year and 2003 College Football Hall of Famer. Theismann captivated the audience with his keynote speech, sharing stories of resilience and growth after his career-ending leg injury. 

The luncheon also highlighted the growing acceptance of mental health care, particularly among men, while celebrating community and renewal. A bonus was the announcement that FirstBank pledged continued support through 2026, raising significant awareness and funds for Centerstone’s mental health and addiction services.

Second Place: Dishin’ Up Dignity (Community Resource Center)

Third Place: Sparkling Settings (Horticultural Society of Middle Tennessee)

Best Co-Chairs 

André and Doreatha Churchwell and Herbert and Michelle Brown for the Legacy Ball (R.H. Boyd Family Endowment Fund)

Each year, supporters and friends of the R.H. Boyd Family Endowment Fund gather to raise crucial funds to support nonprofits and churches and award scholarships to help minority students achieve academic success. This year’s co-chairs, André and Doreatha Churchwell and Herbert and Michelle Brown, created a stunning event at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center. 

The two couples, known for their generosity and hard work advocating on behalf of nonprofits throughout Nashville, teamed up to create a stunning celebration, which highlighted the important work of the endowment.

Second Place: Katie Marchetti and Monique Villa Capra for Mad Hatter (Sexual Assault Center)

Third Place: Tiffany Degraffenreid and Chelsea Peterson for TPAC Family Day (Tennessee Performing Arts Center)

Best Host/Hostess

Austin Greer

for Benefit Dinner Concert (E.L.I.’s House)

As everyone knows, any party’s success relies on the event’s host or chair. For 2024, Austin Greer was the name most often mentioned, and why not? Austin, who makes his living in the financial world, uses his expertise to fuel his passion — launching new nonprofits to raise funds to help our community. He has created a foundation for that purpose and chaired not one, but two fundraisers this year. 

In the spring, Austin hosted a benefit for King’s Academy, an independent Christian school is Nashville, Tennessee providing education to a racially and socioeconomically balanced student body. In the fall, he hosted a sold-out concert and seated dinner for E.L.I.’s House, a nonprofit that helps women and their children thrive after trauma. There is no doubt we will be hearing much more from this Wall Street wizard in 2025.

Second Place: Lauren Lowrey for the Middle Tennessee Heart Gala (American Heart Association)

Third Place: Christian Currey for River Swing (Harpeth Conservancy)

Best-Dressed Party Guest

Amos Glass (Nashville Repertory Theatre)

With a costume warehouse at his fingertips, it’s no wonder Amos Glass takes the gold as Best-Dressed Party Guest — at any soirée. Nashville’s most enthusiastic, contagious bon vivant and pied piper for all things fun and perhaps slightly outré, Amos is the guy you want at your event, magnifying the twinkle in his own eye by sparking it in others. There’s magic in that gift.

Face it, even if Amos weren’t The Rep’s director of marketing and communications, he’d be leading the pack in style — colorful bow ties, dapper suits, maybe a floral shirt for a little flair. Amos is the embodiment of that inner Walter Mitty who makes absolutely anything seem possible. To embody joy and tasteful creativity, adopt a little of Amos’ style.

Second Place: Sandra Lipman

Third Place: Margo Lombardi

Best Favors

Corzine & Co. Martini Glasses at the Symphony Ball Patrons Party (Nashville Symphony)

When Symphony Ball co-chairs Bob Deal and Jason Bradshaw sought the perfect party favor for Patrons Party guests, they headed to the prime source of elegant, memorable gifts: Corzine & Co. Hoping to evoke visions of a winter wonderland, they spotted an oversized cocktail glass in the Jupiter pattern from Schott Zwiesel. Studded all over with what appeared to be beads of frost, the glasses were the toast of the evening. 

Gorgeous and versatile, they’re terrific for a cold martini, but would serve just as ably for an ice cream treat, a fruit parfait or a chic shrimp cocktail. (And they can go in the dishwasher!) Wrapped in silver Corzine & Co. boxes with ice-blue ribbons to match the event décor, these glasses will no doubt be raised for many winters to come. 

Second Place: Tea towels at Dinner by the Bridge (Greenways for Nashville)

Third Place: Tito's and SusieCakes Espresso Martini boxes at Red Door Bash (Gilda’s Club Middle Tennessee)

Best Menu 

Centennial Circle Dinner (Centennial Park Conservancy)

For the second year in a row, the Centennial Park Conservancy has hosted the intimate Centennial Circle Dinner. And for the second year in a row, the organization partnered with the wildly talented team at the Four Seasons Hotel Nashville. 

This year, as guests dined under the watchful eyes of Athena, they enjoyed a menu that reflected a study in French cuisine. The first course was a rémoulade de tourteau paired with a 2013 Luis Pato espumante rosado. Guests enjoyed a second course of creamy risotto à la truffe, paired perfectly with a 2022 La Jota Restricted Proprietary white wine. The third course — a beef cheek bourguignon — tasted even more delicious alongside a 2021 grand cru Les Cadrans de Lassegue. The dessert course was a mousse au caramel salé et confit de poire Bosc, ending the evening on the sweetest of notes.

Second Place: Ballet Ball (Nashville Ballet)

Third Place: Legacy Ball (R.H. Boyd Family Endowment Fund)

Best Special Guest

Scott Hamilton at the Nashville Wine Auction (l’Eté du Vin)

For 45 years, the Nashville Wine Auction has presented a weekend of wine, fellowship and fun, all to support the organization’s mission to unite the wine community in the fight against cancer.  Despite its humble beginnings, the weekend is beloved by Nashvillians and oenophiles outside the city alike. While the evening of the auction is an action-packed display, there are many reminders of the purpose of the event. 

This year, co-chairs Marc Goldstone, Nancy Allen, Rahel Klapheke Sloan and Jim Sloan invited Scott Hamilton, former Olympic figure skater, cancer survivor and founder of the Scott Hamilton CARES Foundation, as the distinguished guest speaker for the “Raise Your Paddle” mission moment. Scott shared his cancer journey and then encouraged guests to raise their paddles and generously donate to help fight cancer.

Second Place: James McBride at the Literary Award Gala (Nashville Public Library Foundation)

Third Place: Randy Travis at the Symphony Ball (Nashville Symphony)

Best Hotel Ballroom

Four Seasons Hotel Nashville

There is a tradition and prestige to hosting an event in the most luxurious ballroom in the city. Think Truman Capote’s Black and White Ball that was held at The Plaza Hotel in New York. As the location is carefully chosen and then announced, the venue often helps build anticipation for the event itself. 

This year, the title of Best Ballroom goes to the elegant Four Seasons Hotel Nashville. Known for its modern design and neutral palette, the hotel gives event organizers the freedom to transform the room to fit any theme. Guests of events at the Four Seasons are also treated to stunning views of the Cumberland River. 

Second Place: Omni Nashville Hotel

Third Place: The Hermitage Hotel

Best New/Reimagined Event

Midsummer Night 

(The Nashville Shakespeare Festival) 

The Nashville Shakespeare Festival celebrated its 35th year of producing engaging outdoor professional theater experiences with a blockbuster new fundraiser, Midsummer Night, chaired by Jon Glassmeyer. Held at AB Hillsboro Village (formerly Anzie Blue), Nashville’s incubator for creative people and ideas, the event supported Summer Shakespeare, the nonprofit’s flagship program. The crowd enjoyed yummies from Bacon & Caviar Gourmet Catering and a fascinating silent auction. 

Everyone applauded Denice Hicks, the beloved lead actor who was instrumental in the theater’s founding and recently stepped down as artistic director. Hugs and huzzahs all around for 35 thrilling years.

Second Place (tie): Science of Spirits (Adventure Science Center), Sommelier Showdown (Nashville Wine Auction)

Third Place: La Bella Notte (Nashville Opera)

Best Caterer

Cater615

Cater615, a premier Nashville catering enterprise, earned the title of Best Caterer this year due to its exceptional service and innovative culinary offerings. The team, led by chef Burke Conley, is a SOVA Food company specializing in crafting personalized, creative menus for private social events and corporate gatherings such as the Heritage Ball, CMA Awards After Party, and the Nashville Wine Auction’s Pairings. 

As culinary director and designer, Burke believes every event should be an experience for all the senses. “The most fun for us is when our clients allow us to think outside the box,” he says. “Recent offerings include an interactive cookie-decorating cart, Caesar salad hanging in planters, [and] sous-vide tri-tip beef hung and torched tableside.” The company considers everything — from food quality, diversity and presentation to venue, theme and guest experience — when designing a menu.

Second Place: Kristen Winston Catering

Third Place: Dream Events & Catering

BEST Online Auction

Red Door Bash (Gilda’s Club Middle Tennessee)

Gilda’s Club Middle Tennessee is a trusted friend and resource to those experiencing cancer. Each year, the clubhouse welcomes cancer patients and their families for counseling, group therapy, yoga, cooking classes and more — all at no cost to members. 

To help as many in the community as possible, Gilda’s Club hosts the annual Red Door Bash. One of the most anticipated portions of the event is the highly curated silent auction, which includes original art, handmade jewelry, travel, fine-dining experiences and more. Supporters, friends and even those not in attendance are able to join in the fun — and fundraising — to lift up the organization. A wide swath of auction items are offered, and some of the most popular are the works created by Nashville artists, like longtime supporter Harold Kraus. 

Second Place: Swan Ball (Cheekwood Estate & Gardens)

Third Place (tie): Comedy for a Cause (Rocketown), L'Eté du Vin (Nashville Wine Auction)

Best Event Planner

Amos Gott (Amos Events) 

Having planned most of the major events in and around Nashville, Amos Gott is one of the city’s most sought-after event architects. As the assistant director of Alumni Affairs at Western Kentucky University, Amos planned events for alumni throughout the country. From there, event planning captured his heart, revealing his true passion. 

While it was Ballet Ball that brought Amos to Nashville, many more organizations have benefited from his move. Amos brings a sense of style and sophistication to each event he designs, working with his clients to execute their vision. His events range from understated elegance to over-the-top luxury. 

Second Place: Bruce Pittman (Bruce Pittman Inc.)

Third Place: Elizabeth Events

Best Entertainment

Marcus King at the Nashville Bourbon Auction (NashvilleHealth)

Event organizers know that offering top-notch entertainment can elevate a gathering from good to great — and that’s something the Nashville Bourbon Auction has gotten right since its inception. With Grammy-winning and -nominated artists like 2023’s entertainer Jelly Roll taking the stage, the auction invites its guests to enjoy an evening that indulges the senses. 

This year, the auction invited Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Marcus King, who has had a meteoric rise in the entertainment industry. With hit songs like “The Well,” “Wildflowers & Wine,” “Rita Is Gone” and more, Marcus brings a soulful, bluesy Southern-rock sound to each song. After a lively auction, Marcus took the stage and kept the party going well into the night.

Second Place (tie): The Revivalists at River Swing (Harpeth Conservancy), Nashville Rep Performers at Broadway Brunch (Nashville Repertory Theatre)

Third Place: Old Crow Medicine Show at Swan Ball (Cheekwood Estate & Gardens)

Best Event Production Company

Gary Musick Productions

For event production company Gary Musick Productions, no event is too big or too small. The more involved and creative, the better. From wine auctions and themed galas to concerts, runway shows and online televised auctions, the team at Gary Musick Productions has seen and worked with it all. 

In addition to lighting and sound, the team is great at bringing together venue staff, security, talent agents, artist management, caterers, performers and florists to ensure any event they work runs seamlessly.

Second Place: Infinity Hospitality

Third Place: EES Agency

Best Florist

Rose Hill Flowers

For many events, the floral designs set the stage for what is to come. For over three decades, Rose Hill Flowers has been a steadfast partner to Nashville’s nonprofit community. Offering florals for special moments like birthdays and anniversaries, Rose Hill’s designs are distinctive and creative. 

The team at Rose Hill works with clients to create the ideal look for everything from individual arrangements to 300-person events. Each year, countless tables are decorated with special designs from the creative team — adding to the ambiance of some of Nashville’s favorite gatherings. Using the freshest blooms and a beautiful palette, Rose Hill’s designs are the perfect accent to any event. 

Second Place: Larson Floral Company

Third Place: Lauren Marie Atkinson Designs

Best Formalwear

Gus Mayer

Having a solid foothold in the luxury apparel market since 1900, Gus Mayer has long been the destination for Nashvillians with discerning taste. Many — guided by the store’s expert team of stylists — have found the perfect look for everything from date night to Swan Ball. 

Through relationships with top designers, Gus Mayer has also been a stalwart partner of the Symphony Fashion Show and Iroquois Steeplechase. When it’s time for nuptials, mothers of brides — and grooms — often find their way to Gus Mayer at The Mall at Green Hills to find the perfect look for that special day.

Second Place: The Showroom Nashville

Third Place: JM Street Tuxedo

Best Photo Op/Backdrop

Symphony Ball (Nashville Symphony)

We are honored and humbled to announce that readers chose the Nfocus Symphony Ball Portrait Studio as 2024’s Best Photo Op. Continuing the winter wonderland theme set by co-chairs Jason Bradshaw and Bob Deal, we worked with event planner Bruce Pittman Inc., florist Forget Me Not Designs and staging company Quest Events to create the wintry scene. 

Throngs of elegantly dressed revelers filtered into the studio throughout the evening — a longstanding tradition of the Symphony Ball — as photographer Angelina Castillo clicked the shutter to capture the moment. Many returned to the studio time and again with different groups to create treasured memories and keepsakes with friends for years to come.

Second Place: Dinner by the Bridge (Greenways for Nashville)

Third Place: La Bella Notte (Nashville Opera)

Best Party Band

Bizz & Everyday People at the Symphony Ball Late Party (Nashville Symphony)

Known for its high-energy upbeat mix, Bizz & Everyday People gets the party going — enticing guests out of their seats and onto the dance floor. Based in Nashville, the band is renowned for its diverse repertoire, offering a little something for everyone. The group was founded in 2011 by Wendell “Bizz” Bigsby-Church and Katrice Donaldson. Bizz is the son of entertainer Jimmy Church, and Katrice brings soulful vocals that complement Bizz — creating a dynamic energy that adds to any event. 

This year, Symphony Ball Late Party chairs Virginia Garchitorena, Benton Swann, Kacy Bringaze Young and Michael Young invited the band to close out the spectacular evening.

Second Place: Jessie’s Girls at Swan Ball (Cheekwood Estate & Gardens)

Third Place: Burning Las Vegas

Best Photographer

Matt Dubis (Nashville Visuals)

Matt Dubis is a talented videographer and photographer. His work is sought-after by brides and event planners alike. He recently photographed the Nashville Bourbon Auction — perfectly capturing the essence of the vivacious evening. 

Matt’s passion for what he does shines through in his work. He and his clients work together to capture special events. He understands that each wedding, reception and nonprofit fundraiser is unique, and to capture them through photography and videography is to immortalize a once-in-a-lifetime event.

Second Place: Chad Driver (Driver Productions)

Third Place: Haley Maria Photography

Best Fundraising Event Venue

The Electric Jane

For the TPAC Prelude Party (Tennessee Performing Arts Center) and the Nashville Bourbon Auction (NashvilleHealth)

The Electric Jane, a members-only cocktail club tucked away between Music Row and the Gulch, has played host to multiple patrons parties and fundraisers since its opening in 2022. With a focus on live entertainment, the 7,500-square-foot space can host as many as 300 guests. 

The space’s thoughtful design draws the eye to the stage at the front of the room. It also boasts creative cuisine and a unique cocktail menu, adding to the exquisite experience as guests enjoy the classic-jazz-club-meets-modern-venue.

Second Place: The Bell Tower

Third Place: Music City Center

Best Rentals Company

Please Be Seated by Curated Events

In 2024, Please Be Seated became part of Curated Events Nashville, forging a regional powerhouse in event support, production and creativity. For a decade of formal balls and year-round weddings, Please Be Seated by Curated Events has been the go-to team for any elegant, over-the-top glam atmosphere — from Music Row to Leiper’s Fork. 

Its versatility, its materials and the expertise of its staff enable Please Be Seated by Curated Events to execute a high volume of events and quality affairs, regardless of weather challenges or crowd sizes. Bespoke work — like custom bars, light design and detailed paint treatments — interpret a designer’s vision with grace. Just a few notable events the group furnished in 2024: the Frist Gala (Frist Art Museum), Symphony Fashion Show (Nashville Symphony), Ballet Ball (Nashville Ballet) and Swan Ball (Cheekwood Estate & Gardens). (Don’t miss Swan Ball’s Best Décor recognition!)

Second Place: Southern Events Party Rental Company

Third Place: Nashville Tent & Awning Co.

Best Wedding Venue

The Bell Tower

For a cosmopolitan bride, The Bell Tower offers a modern city-center venue in a historic setting. With exposed beams, gaping windows and a neutral palette, the space may be transformed to fit each bride’s specific tastes. A mezzanine level creates an ideal visual for a sweetheart table, cake cutting and expanded seating for more guests. While the venue offers traditional amenities like a full kitchen and bridal lounges, one of its more unique features is the Tasting Room — a special, intimate space offering tasting pours of The Bell Tower’s extensive whiskey collection. 

Second Place: The Union Station Nashville Yards

Third Place: Cheekwood Estate & Gardens