Friday, April 27, 2012
We love sharing weddings that feature our favorite vendors, so we were thrilled when Emily Humphries of Simply Yours Weddings and Events sent us this one! Lauren and Brian were married last summer in a beautiful ceremony filled with laughter and love. The details and time that went into this day are evident, and we’re so excited to share it with you! John Gentry Photography provided the images, so sit back and enjoy....
Lauren + Brian
Wedding Date ~ June 4, 2011
Ceremony Venue ~ Belle Aire Baptist Church
Reception Venue ~ Stones River Country Club
Guests ~ 300
My Budget
$20,000 – 50,000
My Wedding Team
Planner | Emily Humphries of Simply Yours Weddings
Photographer | John Gentry Photography
Videographer | 2 Duce 2 Video
Gown + Bride’s Accessories | Arzelle’s
Groom + Groomsmen Attire | Street Tuxedo
Hair | Mindy Ensey and Shannon Baker
Stationary | Carrie Taylor - "Luv Little Boys"
Ceremony Musicians | Musicians (and friends!) from the church
Reception Musicians | Familiar Faces Band
Transportation | Signature Limo
Caterer | Stones River Country Club
Cake Artist | Julia's Bakery
Floral Designer | Lyndell Parks and Henry's Florist
Draping and Partial Lighting | Visual Elements
Lighting & Custom GOBO's | Nashville Event Lighting
Rentals | Classic Party Rentals and Stewart's Party Rentals
My Wedding Details
How would you describe your style as a couple?
Classic, romantic, and fun.
How did you incorporate that style into your wedding?
My planner knew what I liked and she made it perfect!
From Emily - Simply Yours Weddings:
Murfreesboro roots run deeply into the Bride's family and Stones River Country Club is a staple venue there. It was really fun to take that significant foundation that the venue represents and then totally transform the room into something that reflected Lauren and Brian as a couple. Visual Elements draped the room and worked together with Nashville Event Lighting to give us a softer and more neutral pallet. Then we added pops of color with the linens for some fun and Lyndell Parks used the sweetest and softest flowers to lace it all together with such a summery and romantic feel. It was such a great picture of Lauren and Brian. Take something simple, add some laughter and fun, and then bring it together with romance.
What was the favorite aspect of your wedding?
Dancing the night away at the reception.
Where did you splurge?
The band and the flowers
Where did you save/DIY?
In lieu of favors, we decided to do a candy bar. A friend of ours had done one at her wedding and she let us use her jars and containers and we just purchased the candy. If you're considering doing this, don't be afraid to ask your friends who have gotten married about borrowing things they used! Spread the love!
Now that the wedding day is over, is there anything about your planning process you feel you could have done differently?
Make sure you take the time to get to know your vendors before you sign a contract. We had a really long engagement (over a year) and in my excitement I booked one of my most significant vendors first thing without even thinking much about it. Other people we knew had spoken highly of the company so we just signed on without really thinking. After some time, for various reasons, I started second guessing myself. I did not take the time to let this vendor know us, nor did we know them. We ended up breaking our contract with them (losing our deposit) and signing someone else. The person we went with 6 months out from our wedding ended up being a much better fit for us. So take your time and have fun! Enjoy the planning because you only get to do this once!
What words of advice do you have for couples in the midst of their planning?
Go around and look at the set up so you can soak in every detail. I didn't do this and I feel like there were so many things we had worked long and hard on that I did not get a chance to see in person. However, we had a fantastic photographer so I was able to see a lot of what I missed through their eyes.
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Posted by Newlywed Sara |
Filed under: Real Nashville Weddings0 comments »
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Brides have been finding more and more ways to save money while still having the wedding of their dreams. One way that many brides are choosing to cut costs is to buy their wedding dress at a sample sale. You can find a designer dress at a much lower price tag, as long as you are comfortable with the dress possibly being less-than-perfect.
To help you learn what you need to know before considering a pre-owned gown or sample sale, read today's advice from Rhonda Wernick, owner of Nashville's Oakwood Cleaners. Oakwood is the go-to gown care specialist for many of Nashville’s best bridal boutiques.
ABG: Have you seen an increase in brides bringing sample gowns in?
Oakwood Cleaners: We see a plethora of sample gowns. Purchasing a sample is a great way for the bride-to-be to acquire a dress they might not have even looked at before and an effective way for the bridal boutiques to refresh inventory.
ABG: What can brides expect when going to a sample sale?
Oakwood Cleaners: Expect some stains around the arms and the hem where the gowns have made contact with shop floors - the more popular a gown, the dirtier it will be. Watch for tears, snags, and other imperfections that might not be apparent at first glance. Be sure to check all the layers thoroughly to make sure you recognize any existing problems; most will be insignificant, but some might make a difference in cleaning or altering the gown.
ABG: Should stains or tears be cause for concern?
Oakwood Cleaners: Most of it is surface dirt so cleaning it won't cause the gown to lose its luster. These gowns weren't dragged in dirt and aren't as soiled as a gown worn on an actual wedding day - most gowns can be cleaned, modified and altered to hide any signs of damage. Even if a lace gown has a tear, as long as you are aware of what you have purchased, Oakwood (and other experienced gown cleaners) will clean and fix what they can.
A bow on a sample dress that was torn.
ABG: How much can this cost?
Oakwood Cleaners: Cost can vary based on material and layers. The more complicated the gown, the more work that goes into cleaning it. We are more than happy to offer consultations with no obligation so you know how to move forward.
The same sample dress bow, after Oakwood Cleaners fixed it!
ABG: Are there limitations to what can or cannot be fixed? For example, beading or elaborate embroidery on gowns?
Oakwood Cleaners: The gown in these pictures is from a sample sale. In this case, the beadwork is all one piece, so it is easier to clean because we will remove the entire piece, clean the gown, and sew the beading back on. Individual stones set in large prongs on gowns cannot be removed and add to the difficulty of cleaning. Be aware of these details and check with the cleaner you are going to for their opinion.
ABG: How much time should the bride allow between time of purchase, cleaning and alterations?
Oakwood Cleaners: There are two options that brides have when they purchase a dress from a sample sale. First, they can have the dress cleaned and then altered as needed. The other option is to have the modifications and alterations done first, with the cleaning done after the final fitting. To be safe, you should allow 8-12 weeks including tailoring.
ABG: What should brides keep in mind when deciding to purchase a sample gown?
Oakwood Cleaners:
1) First and foremost, you need to know whether the gown can be cleaned. Yes, it almost always can be.
2) You don’t want to buy something that’s more than one size bigger. Altering a gown larger than that can cost more than the gown and also might compromise the way the gown hangs.
3) Ask whether price of the gown includes cleaning or will you have to clean yourself.
4) Ask whether the cleaner specializes in bridal gowns. Know that not every cleaner knows how to clean wedding gowns; there are very few dry cleaners who will take the risk of cleaning something with elaborate work. Oakwood Cleaners uses an environmentally friendly cleaning process that is gentle on delicate fabrics, has no odors and will help insure that your gown looks as good as new.
5) Ask your gown specialist the cost for alterations.
6) Ask yourself if you are willing to trade having a new gown for a good price on a sample gown.
Take Rhonda’s advice and be aware when purchasing a sample gown. Have fun shopping and good luck finding your perfect dress!
All images courtesy of Oakwood Cleaners.
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Posted by Newlywed Sara |
Filed under: Attire - Bridal Gowns, Wedding Dresses & Accessories, DIY & Budget Wed Finds0 comments »
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
It took years before I did anything with my wedding dress. Following my wedding reception, it literally sat in my closet for 6 years! Now, I know a little more than I did when I got married and know that the way I handled my gown was the WRONG way to go! I asked Sara, our newlywed blogger, if she could educate us. She has followed the right procedures - she identified a place to preserve her gown early on and took her gown there shortly after the wedding. She went with Oakwood Cleaners where she'd received great service altering her gown. Her gown is now preserved and she is here to share what she has learned with you.
Sara's Gown Gets Preserved
Finding my dream dress was one of the things I most looked forward to once I was engaged. Once I found it, I couldn’t wait to wear it on our big day. I thought about the pictures I wanted to take, how I would accessorize it and what Nate would think when he finally saw me in it. The one thing I didn’t think of was the after. What would I do with my dress after the wedding? And I definitely didn’t think about how dirty it would get from walking through the grass for pictures and dancing the night away with my new hubby.
My dream dress, in all of its glory before it was dirty. Images provided by Betsy Limbaugh Photography.
It didn’t take long for me to decide that I wanted to preserve my dress. So much time had been spent on finding the perfect one that I couldn’t bare the thought of just leaving it in a heap in the bottom of my closet or even worse, throwing it away. Before the wedding I turned to Oakwood Cleaners for my alterations and they did such a wonderful job that I knew I wanted to turn to them to preserve it as well.
I was curious about the process of preserving a wedding dress, so I talked to Rhonda at Oakwood Cleaners during the process to get the scoop!
ABG: Why should a bride get her dress cleaned and preserved after her wedding?
Oakwood Cleaners: If you’re gong to resell it, just get it cleaned but not preserved. The main reason to preserve it is to preserve the memory for the next generation. If you’re sentimentally attached to your gown, and most brides are, you want to put the gown away so that 30 – 40 years down the road your daughter can wear it too. It’s not unusual to see young women wear their mothers’ or grandmothers’ gowns.
Having a wonderful time, while my dress is getting dirtier and dirtier. Images provided by Betsy Limbaugh Photography.
ABG: What happens to a gown if you don’t get it preserved?
Oakwood Cleaners: Preserving protects the gown from the environment, so if you don’t preserve a gown, it can be damaged fairly easily. Today’s environment is filled with chemicals, fumes, and pollutants that can damage the fabric. Even simply spraying your house for bugs could affect the fabric on your gown if it is left unprotected. And insects that you might not see could make a meal out of your gown, which is not something brides would want. Preservation will help keep your gown beautiful for the day it might be worn again.
Before and after of the back of my dress. Images provided by Oakwood Cleaners.
ABG: Explain the process of preserving a gown – what does it take?
Oakwood Cleaners: First the gown must be cleaned, and the level of cleaning needed depends on the stains on the dress and even the fabric. Once it is cleaned, we will preserve the dress using an acid free, archival museum quality box to hold the gown which will be in a muslin wrap. The way we box the gowns, if you take the muslin off, you can open the box. The lid is not sealed on the box and part of the reason we do that is because our preservation is museum quality and if you've noticed everything in a museum is exposed. Once you get the gown really clean, it doesn’t hurt it to be exposed to air because air will only react to stuff that is not clean but you do want to protect it and you don’t want to keep it open all the time. We don’t put windows on the boxes because we don’t want the dress to come in contact with plastic and glue.
The misconception in preservation is that it’s sealed and it's not, you can still open the box to look at the gown whenever you want to. We include a pair of white gloves but taking the gown out completely is not recommended. You can certainly unfold it while it is the box and look at it or show it to friends. And if you want to take it all the way out, you can bring it in to the store and we can assist you so that you avoid damaging the gown.
Before and after of the bottom of my dress. Images provided by Oakwood Cleaners.
ABG: What is the cost of gown preservation?
Oakwood Cleaners: The cost varies depending on a few factors. The fabric used and the overall designs are the main factors. The amount of detail also comes into play – if there is a lot of lace, or a large amount of beading, that is more difficult to clean and takes a bit more time.
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The train of the dress after, and clean! Image provided by Oakwood Cleaners.
ABG: What should a bride ask as she considers various preservation companies? What makes Oakwood Cleaners a specialist?
Oakwood Cleaners: Brides should consider the reputation of the companies they are looking at and also try to find brides who have used those companies in the past as a reference.
We consider ourselves the Greener Cleaner, which helps us stand out from other companies in the area. Our cleaning process is completely non-toxic and the cleaning process uses a solution made of silicone and it’s extremely gentle on the dress or anything we clean with it.. We’re able to clean a gown with lots of fancy trim better than the traditional dry cleaning methods. That’s the biggest advantage to the bride because it’s gentle on the garment. It’s safe for people who are working on the gown and safe for the person wearing the gown – it doesn’t hurt them and most importantly, it won’t leave smells.
We are also part of the Association of Wedding Gown Specialists, which means that we can honor any other members guarantee and they will honor ours. So if you move or something happens to your dress years down the line, you will be in good hands.
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Preserving helps maintain the details of the dress as well. Image provided by Oakwood Cleaners.
ABG: Can you preserve a veil as well as a gown?
Oakwood Cleaners: Yes, we can. We once worked on a veil that was first worn in 1856 by the bride's grandmother and we not only cleaned it we also attached some tulle to it and made it look more modern while leaving the beautiful original lace.
The results of my cleaning and preservation are amazing! I’m so glad I made the choice to get my dress preserved and that I went with Oakwood Cleaners. To learn more about their process and make an appointment for yourself, visit their website!
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Posted by Newlywed Sara |
Filed under: Alterations + Gown Preservation, Attire - Bridal Gowns, Wedding Dresses & Accessories, Eco-Friendly Weddings1 comment »
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
The Perfect Wedding Guide bridal show was held last week at Opryland Hotel and I was truly blown away. This was my second bridal show in a few weeks, more than I attended as an actual bride-to-be, so I was very excited to check it out along with Tabitha! There were so many vendors with such beautiful booths that it is hard to pick just a few, but here are some of the highlights!
Enchanted Florist (EnchantedFloristTN.com)
Sara: The booth at Enchanted Florist was just incredible. Caprice did an amazing job with the theme they chose, which transformed their booth into the most elegant setting for an outdoor wedding. There were arrangements and bouquets everywhere, and even a dress form with a skirt made of flowers!
Tabitha: Caprice, owner of Enchanted Florist, told us the inspiration for her booth was more of a classic Fall look than a typical, country-like autumn so the overall effect was a little less rustic, more polished and definitely more elegant.
Music City Events (AMusicCityEvent.com)
Sara: The moment we walked into the show, the Music City Events booth caught my eye. They had the most beautiful tables set up. The details on the tables were just gorgeous. One of them was covered in all shades of purple – flowers, ribbons on the back of the chairs – so many things to catch your eye and bring a theme together!
Tabitha: Definitely loved the simplicity of the tablescape. Ribbons are a cost effective adornment to basic wooden chairs and you can find them in so many shades and colors, which will allow you to perfectly match florals and place settings for a signature color scheme! Music City Events did a great job with that!
Regalo Design (RegaloDesign.com)
Tabitha: The work of Regalo Design never disappoints and this show was no exception. The design and floral work of their booth were a perfect representation of the work that they bring to their clients.
Street Tuxedo (StreetTuxedo.com)
Tabitha: Brides and grooms got to meet the Street Tuxedo family (no, really, they are a family owned and run business) at their booth that allowed a thorough look at what they offer. From the various styles and colors of tuxedos to the rainbow of vests and accessories, their booth was impressive and showed the quality of their product. Plus it's always so good to see the Street family!
Sweetface Cakes (Sweetfacecakes.com)
Sara: Wedding cakes are something I love – to eat and look at – and Sweetface Cakes had some breathtaking cakes with them at the show. One of my favorites had flowers decorating the tiers, with white and clear petals on them. Such artistic work full of details that I am sure took hours to accomplish.
Tabitha: The little button-like detailing on the green, square, three-tiered cake in the first picture is what caught my attention. I love what bakers are doing with colors and textures and Sweetface Cakes had several cakes each in their own unique style, to show everyone who attended, plus some pretty good samples!
Ashley: While I didn't attend the show, I've fallen in love with the floral cake above by Sweetface. It's so feminine and I love the dimension and detail. Plus, what you can't tell from the picture is...their cake is really good!
Join us again tomorrow for more wedding vendors and booths that stood out at the Perfect Wedding Guide Bridal Show!
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Posted by Newlywed Sara |
Filed under: Bridal Shows & Events0 comments »
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Food is an important part of every wedding reception. It helps keep your guests happy and can also help set the tone and feeling of your event. Down South Delights can help you achieve whatever menu you want for your big day. If you are searching for a Nashville wedding caterer, take a few minutes to learn more about Down South Delights via our interview below.
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About Down South Delights, LLC:
Main Contact: Rita Rowland
Phone Number: (615) 513-9147
Email Address: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Visit their website: DownSouthDelightsCatering.com
Become a Facebook fan: Down South Delights
How many years have you been in business?
8 years
How did you get started in weddings?
When I completed culinary school I noticed that there just were not a lot of opportunities in my area for female chefs at the time. This has changed since, but back then women in the kitchen were assigned to baking/pastry work or prep, rarely as an executive chef.
I loved weddings and creating beautiful food so I decided that catering was the route for me. Previously, while working on my bachelors degree in International Business, I had worked as a catering assistant and pastry chef so I had experience in the catering industry. I opened Down South Delights in 2003 and catered one wedding that year. I had only one employee other than myself and now I employ around 25 people. Eight years later and we catered around 150 weddings in 2011!
It has been so amazing that I would not trade it for any other culinary job in the world.
What do you like most about weddings?
My favorite aspect of weddings is the joy and excitement of the day. It is a special time for the couple, their families, and the guests who come to partake in their special moment. Each wedding is unique and I love the special touches couples create for their weddings.
What’s your favorite wedding picture and why?
Wow, having to choose just one is really tough! If I have to choose one, it is of a sushi display that we created several years ago. I love when clients choose items that are not our normal, daily menu items, as the challenge is always fun. A friend of mine created the display pieces for the table and I love making sushi.
What is your service philosophy?
Our service philosophy is, "Your day, your way!". We want the clients wedding to be about their personal style and to reflect them as a couple. So we do not place limitations or discourage their ideas. I do offer suggestions if I see something that will be logistically difficult or if an idea can further personalize their experience.
What are your strengths compared to others in your category? Why should a bride hire you?
A bride should hire Down South Delights for a variety of reasons: DSD's primary focus is on weddings so we have the knowledge and experience that it takes to properly execute a reception. I also offer our clients a level of personal attention that is second to none. We like to get to know each couple and develop a relationship with them as this will be the most important day of their lives. I am always here to answer their wedding related questions even if they are not food related.
Over 90% of our catering is wedding receptions, so this gives us a huge advantage over other companies that may have a full scale restaurant or have many other catering engagements. I think one of our biggest strengths is the fact that we are constantly evolving as a company. My staff is full of young ladies who are up-to-date on current styles and trends, which we incorporate into our displays and menus.
Our staff has such a wide range of food knowledge that we can create anything that a couple envisions or requests. A large number of local chefs and caterers from upscale establishments have called upon us to handle their receptions because of the endless selections we can offer our clients. I've had couples that want to integrate both of their cultures into the menus and we've created a complimenting menu that showcases dishes without clashing or seeming mismatched.
While our name implies that we specialize in southern cuisine we really do not have a particular specialty. We try to make everyday favorites pop and add exciting elements. Whether you are looking for an old fashioned, southern inspired menu or very modern, haute cuisine we can definitely accommodate.
Who are your 5 favorite Nashville wedding vendors – helpfulness, professionalism, style?
Liberty Party Rentals (http://libertypartyrental.com/) ~ They are very professional and always there for any last minute orders. They are super helpful to all of our brides and very informative about assisting with sizes, room layouts, and the setup team is amazing!
Details by Margaret (http://www.detailsbymargaret.com/) ~ She is a personal friend and I just love working with her. She has this bubbly personality that just makes you smile and she is super organized. We worked together on a dozen or more weddings this year and she has great, innovative details for her clients. For example, at a reception this September she had a real tree at the entrance with photos and such, instead of the typical framed pictures on a table.
Scoobie's Photographic Images (http://www.scoobiephoto.com/) ~ I've worked with them on many occasions and he always bring a great team with him. All of my clients are super pleased and the prices are great. I can say, that I will hire him for my own wedding images.
Houston Station (http://www.eventsnashville.net/houston/) ~ This is one of my favorite venues in the Nashville area. The staff here are so helpful and they really make it simple for us to handle our tasks. The value is amazing and they are very accommodating to all of our clients. While other venues put so many stipulations on the client that it dampers their fun with planning, Houston Station is there to assist with all their needs.
Rhonda Patton (http://www.rhondapattonweddings.com/#) ~ I've worked many events with Rhonda including her sister's wedding a few years ago. Her style and attention to detail is fabulous. The colors and designs that she uses in all of her floral design are really inspiring. Her bouquets are my favorite and when you take a look at her site or blog you will definitely agree! She has a true flair for modern design and ingenious creations for the luxe bride.
What advice would you give to brides on the wedding planning process in general?
I tell all of our clients to enjoy choosing your vendors - this is one of the most exciting elements of the planning process, so have a great time doing it and do not stress if it takes time to find the perfect fit for a particular vendor. I know that is point is said a lot, but make sure you connect with your vendors. You will be working with these people for at least several months so you need to make sure that it will be an enjoyable experience!
Another thing I like to remind our clients: Do not let other people dictate your choices. It is great for friends and family to offer advice or suggestions, but this is your wedding. Make sure that you are happy with every element of your day as you, the couple, are getting married!
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What would be doing if you did not work in weddings?
If I was not in the wedding industry, I would own a confectionery (candy) company. I've always wanted a large factory that makes all kinds of chic, gourmet candies. I make candy as a hobby and a friend who works for the CEO of Louis Vuitton, Yves Carcelle, let him sample some of my candies. When he personally called me to let me know how great they were, I almost died! So if I ever retire from weddings, making yummy confections will be my next endeavor for sure.
Contact Down South Delights today for all of your wedding and event catering needs! And just for our ABG readers - receive a complimentary menu tasting (a $100 value)!
All images courtesy of Down South Delights.
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Posted by Newlywed Sara |
Filed under: Our Featured Advertisers!, Cakes & Food0 comments »
