Thursday, March 11, 2010
What if I told you you could buy a wedding dress for less while helping the less fortunate? Or, that your bridesmaid could find a killer gown while helping the disadvantaged?
On March 20, Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee invites you to the Goodwill Wedding Gala where bridal wear will be sold at deeply discounted prices with the proceeds going to benefit Goodwill.
This isn't just an event for the bride but the perfect opportunity to outfit your mom and your bridesmaids! They will also have bridesmaid dresses, mother-of-the-bride dresses and even accessories like shoes, jewelry and veils. Think of how much you'll save, and think about the people you'll be helping out - it's a win-win situation and I don't know about you but I like those odds.
The dresses are sample gowns that have been generously donated by local boutiques like The Bride Room, Arzelle's and A Bride's Storey, just to name a few. These are just a few of the gowns from their look book, modeled by staff members from Goodwill.
Here's the crazy amazing part: You won't pay more than $400 on these dresses. So if you thought you couldn't afford a great dress, well, now you can!
So call your girls, tell your mom to clear next Saturday morning and head over to the Goodwill Wedding Gala and get that gown you thought you couldn't have. Follow this link to see a sample of a some of the Goodwill bridal gowns.
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Posted by Tabitha |
Filed under: Attire & Accessories0 comments »
Friday, March 5, 2010
Tucked away amongst the industrial structures on Church Street is a jewel of a building in which couples have shared and celebrated their firsts as Mr. & Mrs. I still remember driving by there a few years ago and seeing their sign and thinking, "I'll bet that's a really cool space for an event." I wasn't too far off the mark - Events@1418 is an excellent event space, complete with a rooftop with spectacular views of downtown Nashville. I'm still trying to think of a reason to have a party there!
We asked Kellie Bryson, owner of Events@1418 to tell us a little more about the space!
Our Spotlight on Events @ 1418
Kellie Bryson, Owner
About the Venue: Come discover our renovated facility in the heart of Nashville. Surrounded by chic architectural updates, our “old is new again” space gives guests the feeling of being a part of Nashville history. Perfect for rehearsal dinners, corporate meetings, showers, teas, receptions, gallery showings, and much more. We rent to only one client at a time, so the place is all yours!
Year your business was established: Our venue opened in 2006
Your motto/philosophy: Listen to each client’s needs and then provide each client with attention to detail
(Photo by Phindy Studios)
What type of rooms are available?
Our space is an open room with vintage brick walls, exposed beams and hardwood flooring. There is also access to our rooftop deck.
(Photo by Gray Photography)
What options does your venue offer?
Ceremony, reception, showers and parties
What catering options for you offer/allow?
~ On-site catering? yes
~ Outside catering? yes
~ Do you have a preferred list of caterers? developing
~ Is outside alcohol allowed? no
Is an on-site event coordinator available?
Yes
How many people do you have on staff?
11
What is your pricing model?
It can range from $25 per guest and up, the room rental fee is $500 and up – depending on time of day, day of week and time of year, usage of the room. The venue rents from between $500 and $1000 depending on the type of event. Our catering services are priced per person.
Which bride budget do you serve?
We have price points to assist all brides. Being a smaller venue can allow someone with a more modest budget go a little more over the top because the guest count is naturally less. However, we have had a Platinum Bride use our space for her luxe event – she even rented the billboard across the street and placed her Wedding monogram for all of Nashville to see.
What else should brides know about your venue?
It is all –inclusive – great for the bride who wants all details covered – no additional rentals are needed – we have everything in h house necessary to produce a complete event
What makes your venue so unique?
What do you pride yourself on? Our space is very non-traditional in appearance – with the original flooring and brickwork. – we also have a roof top deck that is always quite popular for guests to visit and see the skyline of Nashville. We love and embrace weddings by choice – we have always done weddings with our off-premise catering division so it was a natural progression to have onsite receptions and even ceremonies.
What special packages do you offer?
We offer a series of wedding packages that include everything from food to flowers. We also have packages available for rehearsal dinners and mitzvahs.
Give them a visit or read their blog to see how they can help you put together your wedding or rehearsal dinner and really make it an event you or your guests won't stop talking about!
Also, check out more of their weddings and events in our Wedding Venue Inspiration Gallery.
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Posted by Tabitha |
Filed under: Vendors & Venues0 comments »
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Rarely am I excited to make the drive to Goodlettsville (I can sense those of you who commute everyday rolling your eyes - sorry!) but last Thursday was an exception. Rush-hour traffic be damned, I happily drove to the Chef's Market Bridal Tasting Event. I made it there with ten minutes to spare and already a good crowd had arrived, eagerly waiting for the party to get started. Everyone, including me, was eyeing the dishes being set out on the yellow and green themed stations.
Paper cones with kettle chips make a great snack during cocktail hour, or even through the night.
Marquee lighting by Nashville Event Lighting
In true Chef's Market fashion, the entire area was decorated impeccably with paper cranes hanging from wooden branches, creative use of birdcages and really simple centerpieces of votives and clusters of moss. Nothing invasive, and it allowed for people to have good conversation over food.
Pictures courtesy of Donald Yeager Photography
Decadent brownies, mini cupcakes (orange sherbert, chocolate with marshmallows and strawberry) on the dessert table
Paper cranes - Such an effortless and easy DIY decorating idea.
Everything was really colorful and vibrant and, as usual, tasted fantastic. Because the food was really festive the serving platters were kept simple - round panes of glass sitting on moss-filled glass containers that were decorative but didn't steal the show from the fare.
A circular buffet table keeps the line flowing. Non-conventional serving platters and chaffing dishes aren't intrusive and are easier on the eyes!
We chowed down on little strawberry fields salads, tiny cones of orzo or quinoa, a scrumptious assortment of mini burgers (I had three cheeseburgers but they're mini so that's ok right?) and guests could choose between pan-fried chicken and mac' n cheese topped with a pepper jelly, or braised shortribs with a shiitake slaw.
Ashley had two servings of the chicken and mac and several mini burgers too. She's a very picky eater but wasn't shy at all!
Bite-sized food makes it easier for guests to mingle and eat at the same time. No unwieldy large plates or heavy silverware clattering all over!
This tasting was a good opportunity for brides to see Chef's Market showcase their cullinary and event design skills. Everything was set up as if you were at a reception from start to finish - they even had a wooden cart set up with goodie bags for guests to to take on their way out!
A fun alternative to a table for your favors
Brides who came got to chat with the creative minds at Chef's Market and the other wedding industry folk who attended. Ashley and I certainly had fun, and it's always nice to see what else Chef's Market can come up with. Tastings and open houses are events that aren't to be missed. They really provide insight into how companies operate, and it gives you a better feel for the vendor you are considering so keep checking our bridal events page for more of these to help with your planning!
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Posted by Tabitha |
Filed under: Cakes & Catering1 comment »
Monday, March 1, 2010
We are so excited, no, THRILLED to announce that StudioWed Nashville is now open! StudioWed is the official sponsor of our new, very snazzy website, and we could hardly wait for their studio to officially open its doors to us and all the brides in Music City. Even better, the space will soon become the ABG team's official work {hang out} space!
Located at Edgehill Studios, StudioWed is an exclusive collection of Nashville wedding vendors representing the finest wedding professionals in the Middle Tennessee area. According to their owners, Mary Alice and Leigh, "This is a hip and revolutionary concept in local and destination weddings in Nashville; a stylish and sophisticated planning studio where Nashville's best wedding vendors come to you. Meet with a photographer over coffee in the morning and enjoy a glass as you chat with a florist in the afternoon. Best of all, there is no cost to you as a bride to use StudioWed's services, so you can feel free to spend an entire day--- or as many as you need--- planning your big day!"
Come see StudioWed for yourself and see why team ABG loves being there. Stop by tonight for some after-work cocktails and hors d'ouevres (my favorite kind of after-work activity) to celebrate their official opening! Even if you have plans, just come before/after and hang out with us, the wonderful girls from StudioWed and their terrific vendors.
Open House Details
Date: TODAY!
Time: 5:00 - 9:00PM
Who: All Nashville brides {plus guest} and Nashville wedding pros
Where: 1200 Villa Place, #402 (Edgehill Village across from Dulce Desserts) in Nashville; Parking is available along the street and lot.
We really hope you can make it tonight since we'll all be there. But, you can also stop by any day this week to meet the owners, check out the vendors and studio. Call 615.739.5477 for more info or to set up a complimentary appointment.
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Posted by Tabitha |
Filed under: Bridal Shows & Events1 comment »
Friday, February 26, 2010
Hey Nashville - Happy Friday! There's a lot going on this weekend but I wanted to kick-start the weekend being your first source of inspiration:).
I'll be honest - I wasn't sure about the whole peacock wedding trend. I know that it is hugely popular (just like the color gray) so I'm giving it a shot and will say that it is starting to grow on me! But, since Tabitha really likes the peacock theme so I'm going to let her share some of her peacock wedding finds...The verdict is still out for me but what do you think?
The best color inspiration can, more often than not, be found in nature. Flora and fauna have such natural beauty to entice and enrapture. The peacock is one of the most decorated and brilliant animals, and it's no wonder we're seeing more and more weddings using the peacock's signature jewel tones for a theme.
Last year we featured an earthy, DIY bride who chose a peacock scheme to her wedding day, outfitting the bridesmaids in rich, purple dresses with feathers in their hair. She incorporated the various colors of the peacock's plume into her decor and bouquet.
Are you a peacock-loving bride? If so, we've found some great peacock ideas for you! For example, these custom wedding invitations by Southall Eden Paperie will really set the state for the rest of your wedding.
At January's bridal show, we stood in awe gazing upon this peacock cake by Signature Cakes by Vicki. Looks almost too fantastic to eat!!
Use peacock feathers and tones to lend some opulence to an evening reception.
Also at January's bridal show was this tablescape by Accent Designs by Keven Warner (accenttn.com) with the peacock feather tucked into the napkin folds. I'm sure there will be guests who would love to keep a few of those to decorate their homes!
There are so many great ways to make the peacock your muse and I hope these pictures give you some great ideas for your wedding!
We hope to see you at the Country Music Hall of Fame or the Her Bridal Brunch. Thank you to Nashville photographers Kristyn Hogan lifestyle photography and Hannahelaine Photography for the pictures.
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Posted by Tabitha |
Filed under: Details, Design & Florals2 comments »
