Planning a Nashville wedding? Own a wedding business?
stay connected:
twitter
facebook
rss
newsletter
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Dynamic Video recently joined the ABG family as our newest advertiser. If you are on a tight budget and are seeking affordable wedding videography, Dynamic Video might just be the option for you. Visit their website to learn more.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Check out this amazing wedding story, as told to me by Ashley, a Nashville newlywed. Her photographer was Dove Wedding Photography so you know the pics are 2-die-4. I also love her simply elegant cake!
My Wedding Story: Bride - Ashley McKinney; Groom - Jordan Allen; both of Murfreesboro, TN
My Wedding Details Date: July 28, 2007 at 7:00pm Ceremony location: North Boulevard Church of Christ Reception location: Stones River Country Club # guests: 250-300
My Wedding Style Timeless, classic and elegant My wedding colors and why I chose them? It was a black and ivory wedding, very appropriate for the 7:00 pm wedding. Think candlelight. Our accent color was a celadon green; sort of a bright celery color. I chose the black and ivory because it is so classic and chic. It was straight-laced with a romantic, candle lit experience. I didn't want the colors to be something I would look back and say, "What was I thinking?!" or for people to look at the pictures and tell what decade the wedding was. That's where we got classic. My wedding theme? Well, we had a lot of monogrammed things, which I love! I don't think brides should use their married monograms before the wedding so I made sure that on my wedding day, there was plenty of our combined monogram. My wedding wow factor? Our guests loved the intricate details of everything from the aisle runner (of course monogrammed) to the hotel guest baskets. Our favors went over very well also. The kids table was a hit for those who utilized them. My wedding favors? I had antique candy jars filled with a variety of colors of candy. Since everything was pretty much black and ivory, this was my chance to be cutesy in a classic way. Guests had mini black with white polka dot bags to fill with the candy selection of their choice.
My personal touches? The hotel guest baskets had monogrammed notes; we had a monogrammed aisle runner (Ivory with black AAJ); monogrammed guest book, which was on a monogrammed table runner (a gift from the florist); our cake was monogrammed; and the stickers to enclose the favor bags were monogrammed.
We also had our Christian faith incorporated into the ceremony. Our minister began the ceremony by sharing our testimonies with the guests. He then shared our stories of how the Lord led us to one another. We chose to not have a unity candle, and we took communion as we knelt at the altar. My gifts: Bridesmaids: black and green Swarovski necklace and earring sets; Groomsmen: monogrammed cuff links; Jr. Bridesmaids, Attendants, and Flower Girls: pearl necklaces and bracelets, personalized notepads. Ring bearer: harmonica. Most special moment: Walking toward Jordan. I was so nervous of all the people looking at me. I didn't know if I was to look at them or what. Then the best advice was given: The moment is about the bride and groom. Don't think about all those people. This is about you and him. It's your moment. So I watched him as I was escorted by my father to the end of the aisle. It was beautiful. My heart was beating so fast yet it was such at peace. For the kids: At the reception, we had kids tables. The tables were child-sized with chairs to fit. On the table we had white butcher paper for them to draw on and color. Their centerpieces were colorful metal pales filled with crayons and fruit roll ups. We also had color sheets and puzzles for the kids to have as entertainment. The children also had their own buffet, which was located near their table. The buffet boasted chicken fingers and french fries with fresh fruit. My Wedding Vendors Planner: I planned the event myself! I loved every stressful minute of it! I did get assistance from a cousin, who is a coordinator in Atlanta, GA. Photo: Dove Wedding Photography... VERY creative and professional. Cake: The Bake Shoppe in Nashville, TN Invitations: This was our invitation from The American Wedding. I saw it in ModernBride. Dress: My dress was purchased at The White Room in Lebanon, TN. I saw the dress on theknot.com and fell in love. I wanted to wait and see what else was out there, but nothing compared! My mom and I spent 5 Saturdays looking around Nashville and Murfreesboro, and nothing was as good as the gown I had seen online. I did a search and found that only The White Room carried this particular designer. We went for a Bellissimo Couture trunk show, and met the dress designer. We purchased the dress the same day. The bridesmaids and flower girl dresses were Bill Levkoff, also purchased from The White Room. Rings: I got Jordan's ring from Blue Nile. He purchased my ring from Bell Jewelers in Murfreesboro. Music: Our piano player was William Richardson from Murfreesboro. Our violinist was Susan Daniels, also from Murfreesboro. Food: We used the caterer at the Stones River Country Club. Great job! Flowers: Tom's Florist in Smyrna, TN, and they were great! I met with Becky (the owner) for a total of about 10 hours to plan the flowers and arrangements. They were there the entire day of the wedding... they delivered and set up. It was exactly what we wanted!!
My faves:
My Wedding Rewind What would I do differently? I would not be so adamant about some things and that would allow more time and finances for others. Best value for the service/product? My fave vendors deserved all that we paid. I would definitely not choose another photographer, ever! Neatest find? Etiquette!! I loved reading about what to do depending on the time and setting of the wedding. I loved it so much that I have helped with planning and solely coordinated others' weddings since my own. I love to share what I've learned with others!! Weddings are a VERY special event, nothing to be taken lightly.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
I couldn't wait to share Belle Bride's blog on wedding day makeup. She's obviously a cutie w/o makeup but her trial wedding makeup session (which I highly recommend) is simply breathtaking. Her makeup artist might be a good option for you too. Plus, Belle is so funny...enjoy!
A few weeks ago, I had my makeup trial run with the sweet Angelisa Farmer of Bridal Artistry (615-426-9713 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)). She has been a most excellent vendor. She returns phone calls and emails promptly - in fact, she will email me whenever she has new pics of a bride, or she'll just check in to see how plans are going. She has a wonderful personality to boot. I don't have a certain look I'm going for, unless my request of Do whatever to make me pretty is considered a specific look. I completely trust Angelisa to know what colors are going to best complement my skin. We decided to do the trial run at my photographer's studio because I was doing a bridal shoot. Here's the prerequisite au natural shot.
Now you know why this girl rarely leaves the house without a little Maybelline Great Lash black mascara. Angelisa decided this wasn't somber enough, so we had to give it another go. This time with ruffled hair.
Is it me, or does anybody else think that I'm quite possibly Tom Petty's love child?
Angelisa worked on me for about 40 minutes, carefully smoothing out my skin tone, applying pretty neutral shades to bring out my eye color, and using a pink gloss for the lips. My favorite part was when she added eyelashes for that extra drama. Check it out.
What do you think? I actually took this picture after the shoot, so Angelisa had applied heavier color. My makeup won't be quite this powerful for the wedding. She may end up using shades of purple for my eyes rather than browns for the big day, also.
I really like how she made the blue in my eyes pop. I was ready to go out on the town, flashing my eyelashes and what not. Then I remembered I have an amazing fiance. ;) So there you have it. I enjoyed having my face done professionally for the first time. A girl could get used to that! Thanks for the lovely work, Angelisa!
Monday, April 14, 2008
I reached out to Linda of Nashville's Historic Cedarwood to learn more about their wedding venue options. Wow! With one look, everyone will agree that this is one spectacular wedding location! What's great is that the venue offers great options - whether you want your ceremony or reception indoor or outdoor.
Cedarwood /
What should brides know about your amazing venue?
What options does your venue offer? Ceremony & Reception What rooms are available? Indoor and outdoor spaces are available What group sizes can you accommodate? Indoor events 10-75 Outdoor events 10-200
What catering options do you allow? Onsite catering; Outside catering; Preferred list of caterers; Outside alcohol allowed Is an on-site event coordinator available? Yes What is your pricing model? Packages - visit website to learn more
Which bride budgets do you serve?
$$$ (moderate - $20-50K)
What else should brides know about your venue?
We offer all inclusive wedding packages and planning
Well, I love your stunning venue. As a self-proclaimed bride buddy, I appreciate that Cedarwood offers simple and affordable, all-inclusive wedding packages that allow the bride to just show up. Thanks! Contact Linda at Cedarwood to discuss your upcoming wedding. (All photos are from Cedarwood so visit their website for photo credits.)
Friday, April 11, 2008
Friday, April 11, 2008
Maybe I am obsessed with cupcakes because they seem to be everywhere I look! I found Gigi's Cupcakes, a new cupcake bakery off West End in Nashville. I chatted with Gigi (owner) like 2 seconds because the line was out the door. My milk chocolate was pretty good (but I am a tough critic:). I need a second visit before I add Gigi's to my fave list. But, you have to admit that they look adorable. Give them a try and let me know what you think. They'd make awesome bridal shower treats.
60 vendors expected.... TBA! Nashville's Most Pop...
At Ashley’s Bride Guide, we’re always on the lookout for innovative and exciting wedding ideas.
Send us your wedding tips, creative ideas, or your own wedding
photos to share.
We’d love to hear from you »
