Today we’d like to introduce you to Sherry Ahern.
Hi Sherry, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I have always been creative and drawn to antiques and vintage pieces. and the stories they still have to tell. While I was raising my children, I helped family and friends design spaces in their homes as well as building and designing my own home. Antiques were a huge part of my inspiration. Fast forward to planning my daughter’s wedding and I was looking for that special touch that would add southern charm but also a timeless look. I came across The Wedding Plate and knew immediately that this was what I had been looking for. A few months after my daughter’s wedding I got an email from the previous owner, Lisa Shacklett, and she was selling her business.
When the opportunity arose to purchase the business, my husband and I spent many evenings talking it over at our own kitchen table — the very place where so many of our family’s stories have been told. We talked about what it would mean to carry on something so unique and meaningful. Our family saw what I saw: that The Wedding Plate was more than a rental business but a way to carry on the past, celebrate beautiful pieces, and help others create unforgettable moments.
The more we talked, the more it felt right. Luckily, Lisa felt the same way. This venture wasn’t just about owning a business but also about continuing a story that already had heart and history. With the encouragement of my husband and family, I stepped into ownership, ready to blend the past I’ve always loved with the design future I’ve always imagined.
Owning The Wedding Plate has allowed me to blend my love of design, my appreciation for the past, and my belief in the Southern tradition of gracious hospitality. There’s something so meaningful about the way we set a table, mixing heirloom china and crystal goblets, and creating spaces where people can come together to celebrate so many occasions. That is what The Wedding Plate is all about.I have found such joy in helping couples design their tables in a way that reflects them. I tell my clients that there is no wrong way to style these pieces, that’s the beauty in it. It is all mix and match and that is what makes it so unique. No two are alike.
This business has been a dream come true. As I look to the future, I m looking forward to growing The Wedding Plate and expanding my collection while bringing fresh inspiration and design to all celebrations. I can’t wait to see where this adventure takes me. .
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Of course, building something meaningful never comes without challenges. Taking over an established business meant learning every detail — each plate, each pattern, each relationship — while finding my own rhythm as the new owner and maintaining the standards and reputation that clients had come to expect.
One of the biggest challenges has been getting the word out that The Wedding Plate isn’t just for weddings. Our pieces bring style and elegance to any celebration — anniversary dinners, bridal showers, corporate events, holiday parties, and intimate family gatherings. I love helping people see that these pieces aren’t just for one day; they’re for every moment worth celebrating.
Every piece must be handled, catalogued, and cared for — and event rentals come with the challenge of inventory management, transportation, and the constant cycle of cleaning and preparation. Behind every elegant table setting is a lot of physical work and organization
As The Wedding Plate grows, maintaining the intimacy, charm, and Southern authenticity that make it special can be a balancing act as well as sourcing new inventory that fits within our aesthetic. The goal is always to grow thoughtfully — without losing our uniqueness.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
At The Wedding Plate we specialize in vintage, mix-and-match tabletop rentals that bring warmth, character, and timeless elegance to weddings and special events throughout the Nashville area and beyond.
Our curated collection includes vintage china, elegant glassware, silver pitchers, mirrored trays, and serving pieces, and so much more. Each piece was chosen for its charm and craftsmanship. No two pieces are exactly alike, which is what makes every table we help create truly one-of-a-kind. Whether it’s a wedding reception, rehearsal dinner, bridal shower, or intimate celebration, we help clients design tables that feel both personal and unforgettable.
What sets The Wedding Plate apart is the intentional way we curate. Each piece in our collection has been thoughtfully selected. They are not only beautiful, but the story they still carry brings elegance to the table. Our style blends Southern tradition with fresh design sensibility, creating tablescapes that feel effortless, romantic, and timeless.
We’re proud of our reputation for helping clients create meaningful moments that reflect who they are. While weddings are our cornerstone, we also love being part of all celebrations — from anniversary dinners and corporate events to family milestones and styled shoots.
Ultimately, The Wedding Plate is about more than rentals — it’s about connection, storytelling, and preserving the beauty of shared moments. We want every client to feel special and that their table will be one-of-a-kind. We have over 28,000 unique pieces, and growing, that can service 6–8 events simultaneously and has added charm to nearly 500 weddings, showers, and special occasions.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
Nashville remains one of the fastest-growing wedding destinations in the South. The city continues to attract couples from across the U.S. Many couples choose Nashville as their destination wedding spot because the city has so much to offer. This creates multi-day wedding experiences with rehearsal dinners, brunches, and post-wedding events that drive demand for rentals and design services.
The Nashville market thrives on vendor relationships. Planners, florists, and photographers often collaborate closely to create cohesive designs. Partnerships and styled shoots are key to visibility and brand growth in this community-driven market. Being included in these styles shoots has been great exposure for my business.
We are also seeing trends toward smaller, more intentional weddings. Couples are focusing on quality over quantity — investing in higher-end rentals, florals, and tableware to create intimate, luxurious experiences. This is where businesses like mine can thrive. Offering a one of a kind rental experience.
Due to popular venues being booked so far in advance is leading to more weekday and winter weddings. This extends the rental season and gives design-focused businesses more opportunities to serve clients year-round. It seems that more weddings are being booked outside of the normal “Saturday” time frame.
All in all the wedding business has a very bright future in Nashville.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://theweddingplate.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theweddingplate/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theweddingplate/
Image Credits
Larson Floral Co
