APRIL

Spring is the true start of our busy time here at CJ’s Off the Square. April is the first month that we allow access to our gardens after the winter thaw. The azaleas come into bloom typically the second weekend of the April and last for two to three weeks. Several clients have booked these weekends over the years so they can take advantage of these beautiful, fluffy, white flowers! Our gorgeous dogwood tree also blooms in late April – one of my favorites! The canopy of our trees doesn’t fully grown in until the end of April,  so if you like lots of light and blossoms on the trees, that’s your month! Keep in mind that CJ’s never holds events on the weekend of the Franklin Main Street Festival (typically the last weekend of April) due to immense traffic and carnival noise.

MAY- SEPTEMBER

Once our canopy of leaves (including maple, walnut, hackberry and pecan trees, plus our evergreen pines and magnolias) has grown in by the first week of May, the Gardens stay relatively unchanged for the next five months. Green, lush, and shady throughout this time, our venue feels very private and secluded – a quiet oasis in the midst of bustling Downtown Franklin. You will see and hear our feathered friends, especially robins, cardinals, and even the occasional cedar waxwing. Favorite visitors are the lightning bugs, mainly in late May and early June – nothing like looking out into the Garden and seeing scores of twinkling lights! Also, our koi fish are especially active in the early summer months – lots of splashing and playing!

OCTOBER

October is the most changeable month of the year here, and is the favorite month of both myself and CJ – it starts off with all the green of summer, but ends with the bright colors of Fall. Generally we see the change begin about the third weekend of the month, and it builds gradually as we head into November. Fall colors in our Gardens are primarily gold and purple, with a few touches of red and orange.

NOVEMBER

If bold colors and falling leaves is what you’re looking for, CJ’s is in November is the place for you! Our Japanese maple is a vibrant plum and the dogwood is a deep burgundy, and the upper canopy becomes a mix of bright yellow and mustard gold. The Gardens close after the Thanksgiving holiday once all the leaves have been shed and the air becomes much colder.

DECEMBER-MARCH

Winter use of CJ’s is restricted to our beautiful event Pavilion (enclosed and heated) and historic Home, and as such winter bookings always have a lower price. From Thanksgiving to New Year’s, our Holiday decor is in full effect, perfect for company parties and winter weddings. With the many creative lighting skills offered by Nashville Event Lighting, even January-March events can look spectacular in the Pavilion! Our fireplaces will be roaring and warm bevvies like Hot White Chocolate and Spiced Cider will make for the most romantic atmosphere!

We’ll even show you CJ’s in the snow. Brr!

I hope you’ve enjoyed this look at CJ’s through the seasons and are picking your favorite date to host your next event or plan that big day!

They met while Greg was in Japan on business and had a courtship that spanned many years and continents before Takako made the move here to the States a few months before the wedding. A special treat for their 50 guests was that each table was named after a city that had played a significant role in their story, such as San Fransisco and Tokyo! Seating assignments were hung in lavender ring bags from our Dogwood tree to point them to their “city.”

Caprice at The Enchanted Florist really outdid herself with these florals – the light lavender with rich plums and reds made for a dramatic and lavish look. Takako hand made her menu cards and favor boxes to match perfectly, and they all tied wonderfully with the custom invitation from our Boutique.

Especially touching were the special gifts and toasts that Takako shared with her family that were able to travel all the way from Japan to be there for the wedding. There were lots of tears and lots of laughter! It was such a joy to be able to work with them and share in their excitement!

Thanks to Jeff Hitt at Nashville Photography Service for sharing their photos with us.

I just read this very interest article from Forbes Magazine about brides who are planning their wedding on company time. Careful ladies! It looks like your boss may know what you are up to! Read the full story here.

It is a great reminder why it is so helpful to work either a wedding planner or full service facility like CJ’s Off the Square! . –CJ

 Our booth is to the right of the main entrance, between column markers 19 and 20. You must visit our booth to receive this very special offer.  See you Sunday!