Friday, May 25, 2012
When Tanya, a family friend, called to discuss weddings with my mother and I, there was no doubt that she had a clear vision for her wedding day. Tanya was a no-frills, modern bride. She wanted a muted and classic color palette with elegant but minimal decor. With a background in architecture and graphic design, she was drawn to historic venues and clean lines, and wanted to design some things on her own.
She knew what she liked and didn't like, and she clearly articulated where she needed help. She needed only a few ideas, a couple of recommendations for wedding professionals, then she and her mom took it from there. They planned everything - from A to Z - and my enlisted my mom (church wedding coordinator) to help coordinate the ceremony and reception.
I love a decisive, independent thinking bride! It makes everything less stressful and makes it more likely that the wedding will be a true reflection of the couple, as was theirs.
Today, I am happy to share with you Tanya and Andre's elegant wedding at Nashville's Union Station. A wonderfully classic, all-inclusive venue, Union Station was the perfect location for this history-loving couple. It was a beautiful event with a timeless look, which was just what the couple wanted.
All photos by Mark Denman Photography.
Tanya + Andre
Date ~ June 11, 2011
Ceremony + Reception Venue ~ Union Station Wyndham Historic Hotel
Guests ~ 275
My Budget
$20,000 – 50,000
Wedding Team
Planner | Geraldean Smith, Clementine King, AshleysBrideGuide.com
Photographer | Mark Denman
Videographer | Michael Morn
Gown | Arzelle’s
Bridal Accessories | Bracelet – Charming Charlie, Necklace – Gift from parents
Groom’s Attire / Groomsmen Attire | Charcoal Grey Tux, Yellow Bow Ties from Bridal Warehouse
Bridesmaids Attire | Bridal Warehouse (Quarry (grey), Dessy - Alfred Sung Collection (they picked from four different styles to wear)
Hair | Simple, pulled back into a classy bun.
Makeup | Narkieta Neal Makeup – Nikki Campbell with Blu Artistry
Stationery | I did them myself (tp.graphics) and printed them at Jive printing
Ceremony Musicians | String Quartet from The Innocenti Strings, Soloist – Patrique Fortson, Pianist – Chad Hammonds
Reception Musicians | DJ – Josh Merritt
Caterer | Union Station Wyndham Historic Hotel
Cake Artist | Dulce Desserts
Floral Designer | The Enchanted Florist
Guest Accommodations | Marriott, Brentwood, TN
My Wedding Details
How would you describe your style as a couple?
Modern/Contemporary
How did you incorporate that style into your wedding?
After having picked a venue full of history and historical architectural elements, we felt the best style to complement this backdrop and our personal taste was that of a contemporary vibe. We incorporated this style through our choice of colors (charcoal grey, yellow, white and black), our attire (simple, elegant wedding dress and sleek tuxes), floral choices (white and yellow Calla Lilies as prominent flower), and the design of the stationery.
Our desire was to keep all the elements simple and elegant so as not to compete with the history of Union Station, but to subtly complement it with pieces of today.
What was the favorite aspect of your wedding?
What I enjoyed most of my wedding was being surrounded by so much love. Having all our friends and family from near and far just left the atmosphere with such joy, hope and happiness. It was as though sharing that love with everyone was the glue that brought everything together and made the day so memorable.
Where did you splurge? Where did you save/DIY?
I splurged on my dress and on the venue. Why not?! I saved by designing my own stationary (wedding and reception invitations, programs, etc.) Having experience in graphic design saved us a pretty penny.
With everything being in one location, we didn’t have to worry about transportation, and with having several musically gifted friends, we were able to save when it came to the music.
Now that the wedding day is over, is there anything about your planning process you feel you could have done differently?
No, not really. I took advantage of the knowledge and connections around me. I think if I had of tried to figure out and do everything on my own, the day would not have turned out as wonderful as it did and I would have been stressed beyond measure. It’s great having family and friends to turn to for help, support and direction.
In one sentence, what words of advice do you have for couples in the midst of their planning?
If you set out trying to have every detail perfect, you’ll just become stressed and overwhelmed; you’ll miss the simplicity and joy of it all!
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Posted by Ashley of Ashley's Bride Guide |
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Thursday, May 24, 2012
Today's Guest Writer: Kristin Kaplan, owner of Simply Stunning Events
I am the first to admit that I could never plan and execute weddings on my own. At Simply Stunning Events I am blessed to have an amazing team that includes two Associate Event Planners and various event assistants that all help to make each wedding a success.
Today I wanted to introduce our two Associates and give you a little more information about our Associate Planning packages and why they are a great option for couples that may be on a tighter budget.
Our Associate Planners are Ashley Klein and Alex Bovee and both have been with me for quite a few years now. They began as interns with Simply Stunning Events and after completing a 4-month internship; I asked them each to become paid event assistants.
ABG Notes: Left to right, Ashley and Alex
During the fall of 2010, I noticed that we had many inquiries from engaged couples looking for help with their wedding but who could not afford my wedding planning fees. I felt that they still deserved an experienced planner and thought it would be great to offer a new service for them. By then, Ashley and Alex had assisted me on almost two-dozen weddings and I felt it was time to teach them how to plan weddings from start to finish. And thus our Associate Planning program was born!
Left: Picture by jHenderson Studios. Right: Picture by Kristyn Hogan
Left: Picture by jHenderson Studios. Right: Picture by Tec Petaja
Both of our Associates have been personally trained by me and follow the same guidelines in planning weddings as I do. I’m also available to step in and assist with the planning process whenever needed (such as with vendor referrals or double-checking a rental order). They each take on no more than five weddings per year so that they can give each client the time and attention they deserve. The planning packages offered by our Associates are the same as the traditional packages offered by myself, only at a lower price point.
Working with either Ashley or Alex is a great option for couples with smaller weddings or who may be on tighter budgets but still want the security that comes with an experienced wedding planner and working with a reputable planning company that has been in business for five years now. We’d love to hear from any couples looking to learn more about our services!
Picture by Myrick Studios
Picture by Lane Photography
Pictures by McCoy Made
To learn more about Simply Stunning Events, visit website at SimplyStunningNashville.com.
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Posted by Simply Stunning Events |
Filed under: DIY & Budget Wed Finds, Wedding Planners & Coordinators
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Wednesday, May 23, 2012
We have shared various reasons why Street Tuxedo is the best choice for your tuxedo rental needs, and we've shared lots of weddings in which the grooms and groomsmen looked dapper in the tuxedos they rented from Street. It's easy for us to go on and on about why we feel they're great and that you should work with them. But, instead of us trying to convince you even further, we are going to look to your peers to tell us why they love Street Tuxedo. These are all from reviews from real brides and grooms who recommend Street Tuxedo and why they loved working with them for their wedding!
Photos by Mary Rosenbaum
1) Huge Selection of Quality Tuxedos
Street Tuxedo personally picks out the styles of tuxedo they carry and stay up-to-date on the latest trends for weddings so grooms always look good. "They have an incredible selection of top quality tuxedos, this is the boutique of tuxedos, not the Walmart of tuxedos you'd find in the mall," said one groom. Another satisfied groom commented, "They had our tuxes in in time, had way classier looking tuxes then the generic chains, and were extremely personable."
Street Tuxedo's warehouse is here in Nashville and they have a huge inventory of tuxedos, suits, shirts, and the accessories that accompany a tuxedo (vests, ties, cummerbunds, etc.) so if you need something to match what the bridesmaids are wearing, odds are very good they can match it. This is a huge source of relief for couples who have specific color schemes. "We had trouble deciding on the exact shades that would best compliment the bridesmaids dresses and the Street Tuxedo team were extremely helpful in making these decisions." Other grooms praised their variety and ability to match colors and said, "They have lots of options and we were really happy with the tuxes we got."
Photo by Jonathon Campbell
2) Experience and knowledge
Unlike most tuxedo rental stores, Street Tuxedo is not a chain and isn't a typical retail shop where there is constant turnaround with their sales people. With years of experience and staff comprised mostly of the Street family, the person you're working with most likely has the surname Street and is dedicated to making sure you have the best experience possible. One groom took notice and said, "No high school kids working here, like other stores in the mall! You feel confident that you're getting great service, a good product, and someone who knows what they're doing!" No one is selling you on a tux just for the sake of making a sale - Street Tuxedo wants you to look good on your wedding day and they work hard to make sure that happens!
Which brings us to the next reason brides and grooms enjoy working with Street Tuxedo...
3) Great customer service
Whether your guys live in Nashville or in another state, Street Tuxedo will make sure everyone gets the right outfit that you specified in the right sizes. Newlyweds Angel and Peter experienced this good service first hand: "We had trouble deciding on the exact shades that would best complement the bridesmaids dresses and the Street Tuxedo team were extremely helpful in making these decisions. They were EXCELLENT in working with all of our out of town men in the bridal party."
In the case of this next groom, they had a unique situation that Rachael Street of Street Tuxedo rolled with and made everything work: "One of our ring bearers is from Wales and his mother had sent me the measurements in European sizes. I forwarded them to Rachael to see what she thought. She worked with what I gave her and helped us figure out the right size for the little boy."
Now THAT is good service.
ABG Notes: They even have tuxedos for boys and ring bearers. How cute! (Photo by Amanda Evans)
Photo by Becca Yager Photography
4) Local
Why should brides be the only ones to have a shopping experience? Street Tuxedo has three locations in middle Tennessee with a large selection of samples grooms and groomsmen can try on. There's no guess work involved when ordering your tuxedo. Simply call Street Tuxedo to schedule an appointment during which your groom can find a style of tuxedo in which he is comfortable and, more importantly, looks really good!
We hope this helps you make your decision and gives you a better idea of what's in store for you. Tuxedo shopping should be an enjoyable part of weddings and when in doubt, rest assured Street Tuxedo will be on hand to help you out.
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Posted by Tabitha |
Filed under: Attire - Bridal Gowns, Wedding Dresses & Accessories
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Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Newlyed Elizabeth Ulrich-Fanguy, owner of Stockroom Vintage, is a passionate chick with an old-soul. She has been collecting vintage pieces since she was a kid. The child of a furniture maker, she was born into a family with an appreciation for handmade, restored, and repurposed beauties. It's no wonder that for her own budget wedding, her family recommended that she use her own pieces. And, that's just what she did.
Soon after she accomplished the feat of a lifetime, a vintage wedding for under $5k, she decided to share her specialty collection, custom-search and event styling services with other Nashville brides. And while her pieces are stunning, she is staying true to her budget wedding roots and amassed a collection that every Nashville bride can afford.
Images from her recent photo shoot (below), which I am lucky to share with you today, give a small peak into her world of antique goodies, which are all available to rent via her website.
Photos: Stef Atkinson Photography
ABG: What was the inspiration behind your photo shoot?
Elizabeth of Stockroom Vintage: This wedding shoot was inspired by the whimsical style of Kate Spade, graphic black and white patterns, and my undying love for confetti and gold glitter. When I first envisioned the shoot, I wanted to make sure I styled it in a way that showed brides how vintage pieces can be incorporated into a more modern look. I adore rustic, farmhouse weddings, but I also love to push the envelope and show people that vintage can also feel really sleek, new, and cool. I love the way the chevron patterns and the gold touches—from the polka dots placed on the walls to the bow-topped-swizzle sticks made with gold lamé ribbon—play off the rustic nature of the worn wood furniture and the industrial look of the space at WestLight Studios. I’ve always been a fan of looks that are both hard and soft, tough, and girlie. It’s unexpected and fun and something guests will remember.
I also incorporated tons of DIY elements to keep the budget low. I always say you should splurge on big things—like an amazing photographer, such as Stef Atkinson, who photographed this shoot—and craft little details yourself to save money. For this shoot, I bought all of the big, girlie blooms at Import Flowers and arranged them into various jars and vintage vessels. I turned some pretty glass drawer knobs from Anthropology into holders for the place cards. I designed the “Make It Rain” envelopes and filled them with hand-cut confetti and made the gold bow drink stirrers. I also made all of the table runners, recovered the mix-and-match vintage dining chairs in a chevron print to tie them together visually and crafted the paper flowers out of pretty party napkins and polka dot tissue paper. And those plates on the dining table? I fell in love with these Ticker Tape Tidbit Plates from Kate Spade, but couldn’t splurge on them. So I bought some white vintage plates at Goodwill and a gold porcelain paint pen at the craft store and whipped up my own version of these confetti-sprinkled beauties for less than $10.
ABG: Stef Atkinson's photos are spectacular! I noticed she also did your wedding photos. Who else participated in the photo shoot?
Elizabeth: Photography was by Stef Atkinson Photography; Venue was WestLight Studios; Flower were purchased at Import Flowers and arranged/styled by Stockroom Vintage.
ABG: I absolutely love the mail collector used for guest table cards! The black and white contrast against the worn wood is genius. What was your favorite piece from the shoot?
Elizabeth: The Vintage Postal Sorter is such a stunner. It’s definitely one of our show-stopper pieces, and I’m so grateful to the old postmaster who set it free. With its worn wood, the remnants of the original paper state labels and all of those cubbies, it’s always so much fun to style. And those cubbies are just begging to be filled with all sorts of vintage goodies and small details. For this shoot, I filled many of the slots with handmade and handwritten escort cards. Old clocks, skeleton keys and a few owls from our collection—along with single stems of tulips and ranunculus—add interest to the vignette and make it even more photogenic. The possibilities for this piece are endless: Use it as a ceremony backdrop, a way to showcase cupcakes at the dessert table and on and on. For the shoot, I placed it atop our Gray Day Table, which serves as a welcome table to guide guests to their seats at the reception. Our Spools and Spindles wrapped in ribbon and adorned with glittery letters set the “Let’s Party” tone for the evening.
ABG: Which Nashville wedding venues do you feel are a good complement for vintage brides?
Elizabeth:
~ Marathon Village: I love everything about Marathon Village, from The Bang Candy Company to Marathon Music Works, the latter of which Stockroom Vintage will be styling with vintage props galore for the Porter Flea independent handmade market on June 16. And the event space at Marathon Village is just as covetable, with the exposed brick, loft-like feel and industrial vibe. Vintage pieces with a more feminine look, like curved leg tables and tufted sofas, really pop in a space like that.
~ Houston Station: I love the warehouse at Houston Station for the same reasons. You just can’t beat hardwood floors, exposed brick and all of those gorgeous wood beams. It has so much warmth and beauty that it wouldn’t take too many unique props and vintage additions to really set it off.
~ Carnton Plantation: As much as I love industrial spaces, there is something to be said for beautiful gardens filled with trees that have been there for hundreds of years. The sense of history here is amazing, and it’s a perfect complement to vintage pieces because they all share a common sense of soul. And posing and snuggling with your hubby on a vintage sofa in the middle of an open field? It doesn’t get more romantic than that!
~ Rose Mont Mansion: This mansion in Gallatin also has that sense of history that I gravitate toward and a big photogenic porch to boot. Plus, it’s super affordable, which is even more of a reason to love it.
ABG: You take such pride in your wonderfully curated, eclectic collection. What is the newest addition that gives your heart a pause?
Elizabeth: Like a proud mama, I’ll say these pieces are like my children and I love them all equally. But I’m particularly fond of a 19th-century wooden Cobbler’s Rack that is everything I want a great, unique vintage piece to be: worn to perfection, fully functioning (with its original rolling casters!), and ready to be repurposed. When I first spotted it, I instantly envisioned about 10 different ways to use it at a wedding or event. That’s how I know I’m inspired! With all of its shelving, which is made of wooden slats, I can see it being used behind the bar or at a buffet to hold heirloom china and glassware. It would also make for unique storage for guests’ gifts. Or, my personal favorite, as a one-of-kind dessert buffet, where the shelves could be used to store and display cakes, pies, and all sorts of pretty confections.
Elizabeth's newest and favorite rental addition - antique cobbler's rack
Vintage loving brides, you are sure to love Elizabeth, her collection and her delicious vintage blog, which you should certainly add to your list for daily wedding inspiration.
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Posted by Ashley of Ashley's Bride Guide |
Filed under: Details, Design & Florals, DIY & Budget Wed Finds, Inspiration & Trends, Real Nashville Brides
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Monday, May 21, 2012
AshleysBrideGuide.com welcomes the Nashville City Club to our list of Nashville wedding resources. If you are not familiar with them as a wedding venue, you might be surprised to find that it is an all-inclusive, downtown wedding location for Nashville brides and grooms. We were!
A few years ago, I had the great fortune of attending a business event at The Nashville City Cub. What stood out the most during that visit was their exceptional food and service. Because they are an established, full-time restaurant, with an Executive Chef, food is their forte. Ironically, most brides that choose Nashville City Club for their wedding venue discover their incredible food after falling in love with the venue's stunning views.
If you are a city-loving bride and want your guests to experience a taste of Nashville's vibrant downtown, add the Nashville City Club to your list of reception locations to consider. Because they are all-inclusive, you can literally show up with your dress, groom, guests, and photographer. You can even have a small ceremony at the same location.
Whether you are interested in great food and city views or an all-inclusive venue that alleviates some of your stress, you can't really go wrong with the Nashville City Club.
Photo by Scoobie's Photographic Images
About Nashville City Club
Located: Downtown Nashville at 201 4th Avenue North, 20th Floor
Main Contact: Gina Manlove, Private Events Manager
Phone Number: 615-620-1327
Email Address: gina{at}nashvillecity.com
Follow us on Twitter: @nashvillecity
Become a Facebook fan: facebook.com/nashvillecityclub
Blog: nashvillecity.com/city-club-blog/
Website: nashvillecity.com
Can you give us an overview of your venue?
Enjoy the convenience of an all-inclusive venue paired with the luxury and personal service of a private club, all set against a backdrop of Nashville's twinkling city lights. With renowned culinary and event professionals, we can expertly craft an enticing variety of custom menu ideas that are sure to impress your guests. In addition, we will guide you through all aspects of event planning, while working with you to turn your affair into a truly extraordinary and memorable occasion. We invite you to come see why the Tennessean named the Nashville City Club the Best Place to Get Married AND the Best View of the City in 2011!
Photo by Scoobie's Photographic Images
How long have you been in business?
Since 1957
What is your motto/philosophy?
We have the same goal as you – to make sure you, your family and friends are taken care of from the moment they arrive in our lobby to the very last dance of the night.
What options does your venue offer?
Ceremony ~ Reception ~ Showers ~ Parties
What type of rooms are available? How many people can you accommodate?
The Nashville City Club houses five (5) banquet/meeting rooms, all with beautiful views of the downtown skyline. Our rooms range in capacity anywhere from 2 to 250, depending on the type of function and required set up. For weddings, we recommend between 150 - 200 guests.
Salmon lollipops! Can you say, unique and yum?! (Photo by Scoobie's Photographic Images)
How many events do you take per day?
One wedding per day. Clients may elect to do a full venue buyout (with ceremony and reception) to be the ONLY private event at the Club that evening.
Is outside catering allowed? Do you require couples to use a set list of caterers?
No, all catering is provided in house.
Is outside alcohol allowed?
No. All alcohol is served by our TABC certified staff.
Photo by Scoobie's Photographic Images
Is an on-site event coordinator available?
The Private Events Manager serves as your "wedding concierge" guiding the process from planning to execution. However, brides are welcome to bring in outside wedding planners if they would like additional planning assistance.
What is your pricing model?
Combo: Room Rental + Per Person Price.
Room rental is $950 for the ballroom and $1500 for a full venue buyout. Per person prices range from $90 - $130 per guest inclusive of food, beverage, service, taxes, and fees.
Which bride budget do you serve?
Moderate and Luxury
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Photo by Scoobie's Photographic Images
What attracts couples to your venue for their wedding? What are your key selling points?
Our venue offers all-inclusive catering and beverage packages, but we are not a hotel. We provide an ambiance that is elegant, but not stuffy, with an experienced staff to guide you through the planning process, but we are not pushy.
Located in the heart of downtown, we offer an exclusive and private space, within walking distance to area attractions, hotels, and Broadway (and we don't have high parking fees!). Our venue has simply the BEST views of downtown Nashville.
Photo on left by Bridgett Ezzard and photo on right by Scoobie's Photographic Images
ABG Notes: You really can rent a room for two! Pictured here is an anniversary table (celebrate where you were married!).
What makes your venue so unique from a service perspective?
Because we have a membership-driven culture, our attention is always on the needs of the client first and foremost. We also are well established in the Nashville community with a strong history of elevated service and cuisine.
What else should brides know about your venue?
We welcome non-member and outside groups to use our space. We also have a few coveted fall dates open - call us about November!
All uncredited photos by Nashville City Club
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Posted by Ashley of Ashley's Bride Guide |
Filed under: Our Featured Advertisers!, Wedding Venues and Locations
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