Sarah Sidwell Photography Archives - Infinity Hospitality Design | Event Planning | Production Thu, 19 Jan 2023 16:40:33 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://infinityhospitalitygroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/cropped-IH_Logo_512x512-1-32x32.png Sarah Sidwell Photography Archives - Infinity Hospitality 32 32 A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE BELL TOWER https://infinityhospitalitygroup.com/the-bell-tower-then-and-now/ Thu, 16 Aug 2018 17:06:01 +0000 http://blog.infinityeventsandcatering.com/?p=9785 A brief history of the historic building now famously known as The Bell Tower.

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THE BELL TOWER

A SLICE OF HISTORICAL HEAVEN
Historical Photo of The Bell Tower

Amidst bustling downtown Nashville, The Bell Tower sits pretty and proudly on the corner of 4th Avenue South and Korean Veterans Boulevard.

Built in 1874, The Bell Tower was one of the first churches built by freed slaves after the Civil War.

Following the abolition of slavery, many Americans reveled in newfound freedom; and this resulted in a massive missionary effort in the south.

Consequently, this effort financed new churches and schools, and new denominations were created. Including the African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E).

In what is now SoBro and the home of The Bell Tower, was once called Black Bottom. The 5-block radius got its name from the black mud and flooding of filthy water caused in part by the Cumberland River and in part by Wilson Spring Branch, a creek that was later bricked over as a sewer.

Most of the surrounding neighborhood was destroyed after World War II, and we're proud to say that The Bell Tower is one of the last original structures of Black Bottom still standing in downtown Nashville.

On June 17, 1874, construction began on a brand new Saint Paul A.M.E. Church at the corner of what was then Cherry Street and Franklin Street.

At 3 p.m., around 1500 people gathered to witness the laying of the cornerstone. Many traveled from Murfreesboro and Shelbyville just to partake in the celebration.

A marching band joyfully marched from Cedar Street through Summer to Demonbreun and back again.

Hymns could be heard coming from the ceremonial service, and a prayer was held in the adjoining building where the church was to be built.

Nashville Union and American Newspaper Clipping
Nashville Union and American Newspaper Clipping

A few decades and more than a few new faces later, here we are!

The Bell Tower has since been transformed into a breathtaking, contemporary event venue for just about any kind of social gathering or celebration.

Formerly home to EOA Architects, the space is now full of natural southern light with a spacious open floor plan allowing for a multitude of possibilities.

The original exposed beams and downstairs stonework still remain, thus keeping the character and historic charm of the venue still intact. We even kept the original sub-flooring, which contains salvaged wood from homes destroyed during the war.

Meanwhile, a towering staircase leads to a spacious mezzanine. This bonus space is perfect for another bar or extra seating with a perfect bird's eye view of the happenings below.

Our awesome production squad is ready and able to set the tone of any event with all the latest gadgets and completely customizable lighting options. Some of our favorites include paper lanterns, string lights, a custom floral ring and our stunning collection of chandeliers.

So, envisioning cocktail hour on an air-conditioned patio in the middle of July? Done, and done. Maybe a personalized gobo to represent your brand? No sweat, we can project any monogram, logo or design onto the walls or even the floor! And the options don't stop there.

The Bell Tower Floor Plan

 

Pro tip: The mezzanine is the best spot in the house for photographers to perfectly capture first dances, speeches and other memorable moments from above!

And for bonus points? The Tasting Room is located within the actual bell tower and is available for hourly rental.

Impeccably designed, bottles line the walls and striking modern chandeliers hang from above. Guests are invited to sample local favorites and lesser-known distillery spirits from a selection of over 100 hand-picked bourbons, whiskey and scotch. Because when in Nashville, do as the Honky Tonkers do! That's the saying, right?

Above all, we love seeing our innovative clients and talented staff work together to create unforgettable experiences and endless memories at The Bell Tower.

From intimate rehearsal dinners to romantic weddings, to music showcases and not-so-average corporate events, no event is left behind. And we can't wait to see more of what the future holds!

Scroll on to see the transformation of The Bell Tower over the years, and what we've been up to since.

HERE'S THE SKINNY

✓ Original Beams & Historic Sub-flooring
✓ Prime Downtown Location
✓ Seated Capacity of 400
✓ Standing Capacity of 700
✓ Two Lounges
✓ State-of-the-art Light & Sound
✓ Full Commercial Kitchen
✓ In-house Catering
✓ Covered Side Patio
✓ Upper-level Mezzanine
✓ Specialty Tasting Room
✓ 250 Mahogany Chiavari Chairs
✓ 25 60" Round Tables
✓ China, Silverware, & Glassware
✓ Handicap Accessible
The Bell Tower Exterior
The Bell Tower Exterior 1950s
EOA Architects Office
EOA Architects Office
Corporate Dinner setup at The Bell Tower
Glamorous Gatsby Wedding Ceremony Setup
The Bell Tower Beams
Sloan Getting Ready
Southern Spring Wedding Reception Setup
The Bell Tower Tasting Room
Mezzanine
Cocktail Hour at The Bell Tower
Classic Contemporary Wedding Ceremony
Romantic Southern Wedding Ceremony
Guests on Patio
Corporate Dinner at The Bell Tower
Rustic Wedding Ceremony Setup
Marie and Matt Outside of The Bell Tower
Southern Summer Wedding Party

Photography Credits: Sarah Sidwell, Rachel Moore, Details Nashville, Chelsea Somohano, 30MilesWest, Nyk + Cali, Janelle Elise, Teale Photography, Katelyn Nicole, Molly Peach, Mary Rosenbaum, and Laura K. Allen.

Want to see more? Take a virtual tour with us:

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JAMI + ROB’S GOLD WINTER WEDDING https://infinityhospitalitygroup.com/jami-rob-gold-winter-wedding/ Thu, 18 Jan 2018 16:11:15 +0000 http://blog.infinityeventsandcatering.com/?p=4114 A contemporary and chic gold winter wedding ceremony and reception at The Bell Tower.

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We loved helping Jami and Rob tie the knot at The Bell Tower. Their gold winter wedding was modern, contemporary and chic, with just the right amount of glamour.

The couple decided on a regal color palette of white, green and gold, with a hint of sparkle here and there for added fun.

Following an intimate indoor ceremony, guests were treated to a variety of passed hors d'oeuvres including fried mac and cheese and country ham biscuits.

After an indulgent cocktail hour, guests took their seats for a plated dinner service. Guests selected either peppercorn filet with blistered campari tomatoes and buttermilk mashed potatoes, or chicken scallopini with lemon scented asparagus and rosemary roasted new potatoes.

With full bellies, guests made their way to The Tasting Room for a little after-dinner sipping and danced the night away. The room was full of love and laughter in celebration of Jami and Rob.

Gold Bridal Shoes
Jami Holding Bouquet
Winter Wedding Bouquets
Gold Winter Wedding Ceremony
Gold Winter Wedding Invitation

WEDDING DETAILS

Date: December 16, 2017
Bride & Groom: 
Jami and Rob

Location: The Bell Tower
Guest Count: 143
Colors: White, Green, & Gold
Photographer: Sarah Sidwell Photography
Florist: Forget Me Not Designs
Cake: Dulce Desserts
Paper Goods: Darby*Cards
Ceremony Music: Prime Source
DJ/Band: DJ Rich
Tables & Chairs: Liberty Party Rental
Production: Nashville Lighting & Production
Catering: The Bell Tower
Planning: Brittany S. | IH
Gold Winter Wedding Ceremony Altar
Gold Winter Wedding Ceremony
Jami and Rob's Wedding Rings
Candlelit Winter Wedding Ceremony Aisle
Jami and Rob's Recessional
Jami-Rob_Bell-Tower-Wedding_22
Winter Wedding Reception Table
Gold Winter Wedding Party
Jami
Jami-Rob_Bell-Tower-Wedding_13
Gold Winter Wedding Reception Setup
Gold Wedding Bridesmaids
Wedding Welcome Table
White Winter Wedding Cake
Jami's Winter Wedding Style
Winter Wedding Seating Chart
Winter Wedding Reception Table
Jami and Rob
Table Number
Plated Garden Salads
Jami and Rob's First Dance

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