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When 14TENN Nashville hosts an Open House, it isn’t simply a vendor showcase; it’s a chance to reimagine the space, inspire couples, and bring Nashville’s most creative event partners under one roof. This season’s event took that mission to a whole new level with a theme that felt both nostalgic and unexpectedly on-trend: a vibrant Farmer’s Market–inspired experience.
Designed by Nashville’s 828 Planners Kali and Rachel, the event blended color, texture, community, and modern wedding inspiration in a way that felt playful, fresh, and unmistakably Nashville. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at how the idea came to life.
How the Farmer’s Market Theme Was Born
According to Kali, the concept was the perfect fusion of both planners’ design aesthetics.
Rachel gravitates toward color-rich, pattern-forward styling, while Kali leans more minimalist and neutral. The Farmer’s Market trend —especially the “fresh off the market” bachelor and bachelorette party theme dominating social media — offered a sweet intersection of their creative worlds.
“It married our aesthetics really well,” Kali shared. “And since it was the first Open House we were designing together, it felt like the right place to start.”
The First Design Elements: Patterns, Textures & Rentals
Once the theme was set, the design process kicked off immediately with one non-negotiable element: gingham.
“Gingham pattern without question had to be incorporated,” Kali explained.
Because rentals in this pattern are limited, the team prioritized selecting linens and décor from Eventworks that worked with the gingham options available. This early decision set the tone for the entire palette.
From there, the planners layered in complementary textures including:
Wicker baskets and rattan chargers
Wood elements like the chairs, lounge furniture, and checkered dance floor
Produce-inspired colors like yellow, blue, red, and leafy greens
Family-style tables and chairs were set up with a mixture of potted plants from Echoes of Eden, produce and candles as the centerpieces, while blue vintage glassware and gingham napkins added additional pops of color to the setting.
The result was a styled space that felt warm, nostalgic, and organic — just like an outdoor market, but elevated for a modern wedding aesthetic.
Design Challenges That Sparked Creativity
Even the most thoughtful concepts hit a creative snag — and for this event, it was greenery.
14TENN’s signature barn doors are often dressed with lush greenery for weddings and events. But for this theme, traditional greenery felt “off,” to the planners. The challenge: how to honor the texture couples love without breaking the aesthetic?
The solution came in the form of a berry garland, which tied the Farmer’s Market vision together in a playful, seasonal twist.
Interactive Vendor Experiences
Two standout vendors added interactive, memorable touches that guests raved about:
1. A Hair & Makeup Artist with a Digital Showcase
Instead of a typical booth, One10 Beauty brought a TV playing a rotating slideshow of their past work, giving guests a visual, dynamic look at her style and talent.
2. A Live Painter Creating Portraits in Real Time
Caroline Paints Live quickly became a major hit as guests received on-the-spot mini portraits. It turned the Open House into a participatory, engaging experience, exactly the energy a Farmer’s Market theme calls for.
Our team also incorporated 14TENN’s photo booth and hedge wall backdrop, allowing guests to capture additional memories at the event.
Creating a Feeling of Community & Connection
For Kali, the goal went far beyond décor.
“A farmer’s market to me is very much about community and connection,” she said. “Nashville is tight-knit, and we’re all connected. I wanted guests to feel like it was a leisurely, relaxing event where they could enjoy the food and feel immersed.”
To achieve this, vendors were placed strategically around the room in true market “booth” style, encouraging guests to move, explore, and interact with everyone involved.
14TENN Beverage served a selection of specialty cocktails, including a cucumber mint cooler and a spicy margarita.
Guest Reactions That Stood Out
The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, but two details stole the show:
Guests loved that vendors were physically present, allowing them to meet the creatives behind the work.
It was the first public debut of 14TENN’s new draping wall, and it instantly became a favorite feature among attendees.
How to Bring a Farmer’s Market Aesthetic Into Your Own Wedding or Event
Kali shared several tips for couples planning a Nashville wedding or event who want to recreate this look, whether subtly or boldly:
1. Focus on Materials, Textures & Patterns
Use gingham linens, wicker baskets, wooden crates, or produce boxes to instantly add market charm without going overly thematic.
2. Incorporate Produce in Trend-Forward Ways
Food-inspired décor is having a major moment.
Some ideas from the event included:
A champagne tower garnished with fresh berries
Tomatoes incorporated into the head table tablescape
Fruit or vegetable accents woven into draping or centerpieces
3. Keep the Food Casual & Seasonal
To maintain the Farmer’s Market vibe, ask your caterer to avoid overly upscale dishes.
Instead, follow Flavor Catering’s lead with:
Sliders
Small sandwiches
Handheld bites
Seasonal, fresh ingredients
The result feels approachable, fun, and perfectly aligned with the theme.
A Fresh Approach to Open House Design
14TENN’s Farmer’s Market Open House was a creative exploration of how community, color, and thoughtful design can transform a blank-canvas venue into an immersive experience. By balancing texture-rich elements with intentional vendor interactions, the team built a space that felt joyful, welcoming, and unmistakably Nashville.
If you’re planning a wedding or event in Nashville, 14TENN and the 828 Planning team can help bring your own vision to life, contact our team today, we are here to help you dream it up!
Venue + Beverage: 14TENN
Planning: 828 Planning Nashville | Kali & Rachel
Catering: Flavor Catering
Florist: Echoes of Eden
DJ: 3rd Coast Entertainment
Photo/Video: Glenai Gilbert
Rentals: Eventworks
HMU: One10 Beauty
Bridal Dress: Glitz Bridal
Bridesmaids Dresses: Bella Bridesmaids
Live Painter: Caroline Paints Live
