Monday, April 23, 2012
When it comes to Cedarwood weddings, the one thing you'll notice with each is an incredible theme, perfectly executed, from "Burlap and Bling," "French Classic," "Literary Love," and so on. It may look like a lot of work with all the props, flowers, stationery, and whatever else falls under the "rental" category, but it's not a lot of work for the bride and groom. Particularly when you have your wedding at Cedarwood, the rentals are included or if they do not have what you love, they work with you to find it.
Recently, Cedarwood had a Style Show where attendees were able to see, up close, just how awesome the Cedarwood design team can be when it comes to wedding decor.
Photo by Dove Wedding Photography
Because Cedarwood's design team are so comfortable and familiar with the venue, once you give them your ideas they know exactly where things can be placed to achieve your vision. As Linda Wright, owner of Cedarwood, explained, "Cedarwood owners come from an extensive wedding design background and they pour their passion for styling into creating the most magical events imaginable. The consistency in quality of Cedarwood weddings is apparent by looking through features on Cedarwood weddings. Everything is handled by the Cedarwood team, who are hands on throughout the entire process. They will take a bride’s ideas and turn them into a cohesive designer look for the wedding."
Photos by (left) Krista Lee Photography and (right) Dove Wedding Photography
Photos by Krista Lee Photography
Photos by Ace Photography
Cedarwood's designers have a pulse on what brides are seeking, which allows them to keep just the right inventory of enviable decorative props from milk glass to old jars in various colors to tin cans and china for you to use to your heart's content. This saves you the extra effort of searching for vintage objects if that's the look you're going for, and saves you some rental costs as well.
Linda: "Vintage rental companies are popping up to provide access to antique and vintage furniture and accessories so brides don’t have to invest for one time use. A great idea, but rentals still add cost to the overall budget. Cedarwood has a large inventory of décor that is available to our brides at no extra cost! Just ask for a tour of the Cedarwood props barn and let your imagination loose!"
Photo by Dove Wedding Photography
Cedarwood uses the term "up-cycling" where found, old objects are used to decorate for an authentically vintage look and feel. One man's trash is your beautiful wedding decor!
Photos by Krista Lee Photography
Cedarwood does a wonderful job caring for and tending to the grounds at the venue; the team knows the value of nature and the huge part it plays in what they do so it's only natural (pun not intended) that they are also eco-conscious with their design practices.
Linda: "Cedarwood offers several eco-friendly wedding options, including farm fresh flower bouquets, picked from the estate gardens or neighboring farms. To leave something green behind, a "Love Grows" flower or tree unity ceremony is a popular option. Cedarwood's naturally organic setting for both the ceremony and reception eliminates guest travel. Our limited plastics policy and recycling are inherent in all wedding celebrations. Locally-grown whole food reception options using organic produce, community supported agriculture are options at Cedarwood."
ABG Notes: Herbs are a great alternative to flowers that may have to be shipped.
Photos by (left) Krista Lee Photography and (right) Kristyn Hogan.
Click here to see more details and concepts from the Style Show and be prepared to be amazed. For more information on Cedarwood visit their website at CedarwoodWeddings.com.
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Posted by Tabitha |
Filed under: Bridal Shows & Events, Wedding Venues and Locations
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Monday, April 9, 2012
It was a blast hanging out with Ashley King for the first ever Whole Wedding Bridal Show at Whole Foods Green Hills last month. This eco-friendly geared bridal show featured wedding services offered by Whole Foods along with other cool "green" Nashville vendors. I was definitely a happy camper, as this was a new "green" find for me so please read on and enjoy!
Whole Foods - Wedding Cake, Gelato, Catering, Florals
Whole Foods Market is the largest retailer of organic and natural foods. Their commitment to locally grown food and fair trade initiatives make them a perfect choice for the "green" bride. During this bridal show they really went all out to showcase the variety of services they offer to sustainably geared weddings.
Whole Foods showcased their cakes, catering, and flowers. Their bakery offers wedding cakes that are super creative, mighty tasty, and contain no artificial dyes.
Their cupcakes were as pleasing to the eye and wallet, as they are 6 for $6.99.
The sweet choices did not stop there, as brides also have the option of adding gelato to their wedding menu, full of seasonal fresh fruit ingredients.
The little home-made steak biscuits were also a hit and just a sampling of what Whole Foods can provide on your big day.
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Whole Foods also offers fair practice sourced flower arrangements, which were absolutely stunning.
The entertainment was also in full effect during the show. Robert Luke Entertainment was the event DJ + emcee, bringing a great energy and cool tunes. Celladora Wedding Photography was on hand with their photo booth, allowing the couples to really let loose and have a little fun. Celladora is also a company committed to sustainable initiatives, as they give a portion of their wedding photography profits to Water.org.
Right: Ashley King (ABG founder); Left - Ashley Currie (me)
Arboreal Paper had a booth that made you want to go paper goods crazy! Arboreal's designs are always gorgeous and eco-friendly, giving brides the ability to print on recycled paper with soy based inks. Speaking of paper goods, dandyLion Events provided a fun workshop on making the infamous pom poms. Lindsey with dandyLion Events is all about upcycling and reusing wedding decor for her couples' big day allowing for a personal "green" touch. Street Tuxedo was on hand to share the latest in tuxedo fashion. Not only are they family owned and Nashville based (which we love) but their inventory is largely local, which reduces the need to ship (which is great for the environment too).
I was so excited to find out Whole Foods offers these type of services for the Nashville bride and hope some of you stop by the Green Hills store to learn more.
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Posted by Green Nashville Weds |
Filed under: Bridal Shows & Events, Eco-Friendly Weddings
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Thursday, March 15, 2012
This week is truly a dream week for all of you bargain-seeking brides. Today kicks off the Bridal Bargainista event, a great way to shop for pre-owned wedding decor (from aisle runners to centerpieces). We'll be there so be sure to plan to attend Thursday, Friday, or Saturday. Find more details here. But, if you are looking for a steal on a wedding dress, join us bright and early on Saturday morning for the annual Goodwill Gala.
If you are not familiar with the Goodwill Gala, here's a quick rundown:
The Goodwill Wedding Gala is the ultimate way to save on your wedding dress. The Gala will take place from 6am to 9am on March 17 at the Goodwill Store in Rivergate located at 2101 Gallatin Pike North in Madison, Tennessee.
The dresses:
You will find bridal gowns, bridesmaid dresses, cocktail dresses, mother of the bride/groom dresses, flower girl dresses, and more from Alfred Angelo, Allure, Eden Bridals, Mary’s, Watters Brides, etc. No wedding gown will be priced over $400!!
The organization:
Proceeds from the sale of these items will benefit the mission of Goodwill, which is to provide employment and training opportunities for people with disabilities and others who have trouble finding and keeping jobs.
The inside scoop:
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Be sure to arrive early - last year there were 350+ brides in line at 6am to get their dream gown for less!
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Attendees will be treated to refreshments provided by C&K Catering and The Cupcake Collection.
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Rhonda Patton Weddings will provide inspirational wedding designs.
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Pre-owned wedding gowns have been cleaned by Nicholson Cleaners.
To read all about the organization, the event, and our tour of the Goodwill facilities, read our full feature via this link. For more information, visit giveit2goodwill.org or call 615-346-1665.
Before you go, browse the
Goodwill Wedding Gala Look Book for a sampling of the looks that will be for sale this Saturday (all for under $400) at the Gala.
How gorgeous is this wedding gown! I can't believe it will be available for under $400 at the Gala.
The Gala will will offer dresses for brides and bridesmaids too!
Look Book Credits - Vintage Car: 1959 Bentley from Matchless Transportation, Men’s Attire: Street Tuxedo, Location: Schermerhorn Symphony Center
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Posted by Ashley of Ashley's Bride Guide |
Filed under: Attire - Bridal Gowns, Wedding Dresses & Accessories, Bridal Shows & Events, Bridesmaids & Bridal Party, DIY & Budget Wed Finds
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Thursday, March 8, 2012
UPDATED 3/14 - Please note that the consignment sale starts March 15 following the Opening Night Benefit, which includes a cocktail time with a silent auction from 5-6pm. The sale will open at 6pm. You will be able to purchase items that night.
Calling all brides-to-be, wedding vendors and newlyweds!! You don’t want to miss Bridal Bargainistas' first event in Nashville! Make money off your wedding memorabilia that’s collecting dust or find sensational deals if you’re a bride to be.
I spoke with Angela who helps run the Bridal Bargainista event, and she let me in on the details. Be sure to get involved - it’s a wonderful opportunity to buy or sell all things wedding!
What are the event details
The Bridal Bargainistas event will take place at the Nashville Expo Center (aka TN Fairgrounds), located at 625 Smith Avenue. The event will kick off with an opening ceremony from 5 - 8 pm on March 15. The sale will run from 6-8pm on opening night. It will continue the following day, March 16, and will run from 9 am to 8 pm. It will continue from 9 am - 3 pm on March 17. If you are a newlywed, you can sell your items by registering them online now. If you are looking to buy, you can save the date and come ready to buy!
If you have items to sell, how does it work?
If you are looking to sell, you would become a consignor. You set the price via our website and if the item sells, great! If not, you come pick it up after the sale or we donate it automatically to Goodwill on your behalf. to learn more about consigning (selling) your items, visit our website, create an account, enter items, and then have your tags printed. You tag your items and then drop them off at the fairgrounds from 11 am - 7 pm during March 13-14.
Decorative items are an absolute hit at this event! Most of the time they go faster than dresses, so if you have any centerpieces, candles, linens, etc. don’t hesitate to donate those items! (Ashley of ABG adds - if you have dresses, donate them to Goodwill this week for their upcoming Goodwill Gala and receive a tax write-off.)
If you are looking to buy, what should we know about the sale?
Everything starts March 15. We’re having a cocktail party and silent auction from 5 - 8 pm on March 15, to benefit local nonprofit Thistle Farms. The sale will follow. The price to attend is $10 for the opening night, and the other days are free. Tickets can be purchased by emailing sale{at}bridalbargainistas{dot}com. Tickets may also be purchased at the door, but we encourage you to buy them online in order to avoid an additional line. Parking is $5.
All photos courtesy of the Bridal Bargainistas' Facebook Page
We love Thistle Farms too (their items make great bridesmaids gifts!) and we are all too happy to see them benefit from this great wedding event. We are so excited for the sale and we hope to see you there!
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Posted by Betsy-Intern |
Filed under: Bridal Shows & Events, DIY & Budget Wed Finds, Eco-Friendly Weddings
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Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Our first wedding planning camp will take place on March 13 at the spectacular Noah Liff Opera Center. Along with a team of experts, we will help you and your fiancé uncover your relationship values and develop your wedding vision. We will then guide you through how to create your wedding budget, which will you save you stress but will also help you maximize your dollars.
Want to know what Nashville newlyweds have to say about their 2011 wedding planning experience? What would they do differently? How did they stay sane and focused on what really mattered? Ask them! Our newlywed panel will consist of four recent brides and two recent grooms who will share everything they learned while planning their wedding - from their mistakes to what kept them from going crazy.
You will hear not just from our newylweds, but you will also have a chance to get insider tips from local wedding professionals who have been handpicked based on their exemplary service to Nashville brides. Our expert panel will include: Rhonda of Rhonda Patton Designs, Jenna of JHenderson Studios, Nyk and Cali of Cali Ashton Photography, Sarah of Music City Events, Emily of Simply Yours Weddings, and Carlin of Mere Bulles (wedding venue).
Our expert team will will discuss the importance of knowing you so that you can hire wedding vendors based on your unique values and vision. We will also give you advice on how to approach difficult conversations with one another and your loved ones as you plan.
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Pros and recent brides (Natasha and Krista) answering questions.
Event Details + Registration
Brides and grooms without a venue will have an opportunity to tour the Opera Center. Attendees will receive a tote bag courtesy of StudioWed; refreshments by Chef's Market and sweet treats by Crumb de la Crumb.
It will be an informative and enjoyable evening. You will meet great couples (engaged and married) and a professional team of wedding experts.
If you have not yet gotten your complimentary ticket for our readers, be sure to get it today! Register at www.http://smartbridenashville.eventbrite.com.
Crumb de la Crumb will provide a sampling of yummy cake, hopefully their almond, which is my favorite!
Chef's Market will provide incredible and creative appetizers!
Special thanks to Sarah of Music City Events who stepped up to help manage our event again this year. Event photos are courtesy of JHenderson Studios.
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Posted by Ashley of Ashley's Bride Guide |
Filed under: Advice & Planning, Bridal Shows & Events
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