Ashley and I were so honored to receive an invitation in the mail to The Bride Room's 10th Anniversary party and fashion show at Houston Station. The Bride Room has a special place in my heart because I bought my wedding gown from them. Personally, they were great to work with, and I know tons of Nashville brides feel the same. It was a beautiful evening celebrated by brides and Nashville's wedding professionals who all came up to show their love and support, and we thought we'd share some of the night's highlights with you today.
Nashville stationery designer Arboreal Paper (who did the party invitations) had her exquisite work on display.
The wall of orchids and doilies (all done by hand no less) by Brocade Designs. The decor for the evening was stunning, only outdone by the dresses. Starting with our (and mostly Ashley's) favorite, Nadine by Amsale.
ASHLEY'S FAVORITE DRESS...
"I found my dream bridal gown! I'm in LOVE with this dress!! Love the pockets, the neckline and the sophisticated yet sweet swag!" ~Ashley
The entire evening was pretty magical, each dress as amazing as the next. It really showed the wide selection of styles and dresses The Bride Room carries to fit any height or body style. From long, classic styles to crowd favorites like Nadine, to short and really fun dresses, you'll find what your heart desires there! The bridesmaids dresses were so pretty as well so your bridal party won't be left in your gown's dust. Here are a few highlights from the show.
All bridesmaids dresses by Amsale
Left: Blakely by Amsale. Right: Clara by Amsale
Left: Trish by Vineyard Collection. Right: Krista by Amsale
Left: Tulip top & skirt by Monique Lhuillier. Right: Carter by Vineyard Collection
How much fun would it be to change into these midway through your reception to dance the night away? SO darling! (Left: Sam by Melissa Sweet. Right: Jules top and Jules bottom by Monique Lhullier)
Pretty rosettes that add texture to the sweetest dresses!
(Left: Bijou by Amsale. Right: Bruges by Reverie/Melissa Sweet)
There were so many beautiful dresses all of which you can see in the video of the party taken by McNeal Wedding Films, who were there to capture every moment from start to finish. Thank you also to Donald Yeager Photography who was there to take all these pictures!
Congratulations on 10 fantastic years to Charlotte, Stephanie and Amy of The Bride Room. We're all SO proud of you!
As a recent bride {married April 2, 2011} and a former bridesmaid (7 times!), finding the right gift for my maids was one of the toughest things I’ve done. The main thing I wanted to avoid?? Something they would never use again.
Between the Internet and local Nashville stores, there are plenty of options. Etsy has been a great resource during our wedding, so I started there. I found these clutches in the Etsy Eclu shop. You can choose the fabrics for the inside & outside, choose the accessory and for $7 you can get a personalized note inscribed on the inside.
Another great option is Neela Bags (NeelaBags.com). They carry reusable bags that are adorable and great for the environment! There are many different patterns and sizes to choose from, and the price is just right!
A great local shop is Social Graces (SocialGracesOnline.com). The shop is in Hillsboro Village and they carry beautiful stationary and gifts. Their collection of paper, with the option to personalize, is a fantastic gift that will be used months after the wedding is over.
Images via Social Graces
The job of a bridesmaid is not an easy one, so a great gift is to pamper your maids with a mani/pedi day! Not only will they love it, this gift also allows for you as the bride to spend some extra time with your best girl friends! Nashville has many wonderful salons and prices start at $15-20 per service.
Local spa Escape in Belle Meade offers group sessions for brides and bridesmaids.
After lots of debate, I have finally picked what to give my girls! Coach has a line of wristlets that cost between $49 - $99. Luckily for Nashville brides, we have a Coach outlet just outside of town in Lebanon. They sell the same wristlets for $39 and there are always sales. I ended up paying around $30/each for beautiful wristlets that I know my girls will love!
As you know, our site is 99% focused on great Nashville wedding finds. BUT, we always enjoy sharing super cute options for your wedding day, whether they are Nashville-based or not. Here are some of our favorite finds over the last few months. Who knows, they might be just what you were seeking!
Instead of just a regular old bride and groom cake topper that looks nothing like you, how about a custom made figurine with with your faces? My Face Figurines (myfacefigurines.com.au) will take your images and customize the figurines to look just like you. You can have them standing or posed in various positions like dancing, or like in the picture above, carrying the bride over the threshold! Even though they're in Australia, they do indeed ship to the U.S! I think they are adorable.
Inspirational Accessories for your Bridesmaids
If you're surrounded by friends who continue to inspire and motivate and you'd like to tell them just how awesome they are, Pure Designs for Living (PureDesignsForLiving.com) has a couple of gift ideas. They have a collection of bracelets called "I am" bracelets have inspiration words such as "Beautiful" or "Blessed" carved into silver that would make awesome gifts. You can even pair those with the "I am" series of candles which also have powerful words on the candle lids. The candles are made of soy in California and come in various scents with each message.
Need guest book ideas? Pure Design also has Blessings Boxes which are a nifty and decorative way to store all the sweet notes and blessings from your guests. It comes with a pen, scented candle, two bracelets and instructions and sits in a nice wooden box you can leave on your guest book table.
Return The Bridesmaids Dresses After
Before you think we're asking you to pull one of those "keep the tags on, return it after the party's over" scams, we're not. RentARunway.com lets choose a dress from their huge inventory of designers and styles, schedule the delivery dates and you keep the dresses for four to eight days. When you're done, just send it back!
They have everything from dresses that you can wear for your rehearsal dinner to bridesmaids dress and with designer names like Badgley Mischka, Diane Von Furstenberg, Tibi and Missoni (to name a few) this also resolves the issue of what the girls are going to do with the dresses after.
Creative Guest Book Ideas
We've seen type writers for guest books, Tabitha used a big Chinese scroll, some couples use polaroids to create an album - people are getting more and more creative in guest book ideas that won't just sit on a shelf and collect dust. Aside from the Blessings Box we just mentioned, Meredith Zeller has a shop on Etsy (Etsy.com/ZellerZazzles)that sells a thumb/finger print guest board customized just for you. You can pick the colors of the stamp pads for your guests and she provides the art. So nifty! She also has some
Image courtesy of ZellerZazzles
Colored Unity Sand
Choose from an assortment of colors and personalize the jar in which you pour your unity sand to have as a decorative keepsake from your wedding ceremony. SandsationalSparkle.com also has a ton of accessories and wedding decor items from cake toppers to toasting glasses to favors. You can also visit StudioWed Nashville (Edgehill Village area), an official retailer of the specialty sand.
Vibrant colors for a Spring or Summer wedding
A little more subdued.
If you found some really fun items for your wedding online we'd love to know what they are too so please leave them in the comments! We hope these ideas are useful and give you a clearer idea of what's available out there.
Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving! For those of you who got engaged over the holiday - Congratulations!!! You found our blog just in time to read our handy-dandy list of private dining venues for your bridal events.
Some brides are hotel brides, others urban loft brides. But regardless of where you choose for your wedding location, you will likely need a restaurant to host your many special occasions from your engagement party to your rehearsal dinner or even holiday parties!
Believe me, it's not easy to find a great restaurant that can accomodate private parties with a smile. But our list is a great start. What's even better is that many of these restaurants can accommodate your wedding reception (if thats of interest) or can cater your event if you choose another locale.
Here are some of our favorites and favorites suggested by Nashville wedding planners...
Mere Bulles
Contact: Carlin McQuiddy (Wedding Coordinator)
Telephone: 615-467-1945
E-Mail: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Website: MereBulles.com
I am a HUGE fan of Mere Bulles. They have A++++ service and go above and beyond to ensure that you enjoy your service as much as you enjoy their food. I went for a 12:30pm brunch at Mere Bulles last week and the atmosphere and staff were so great that I continued my meeting until their 6pm dinner! No kidding. I sat at the same table for about 8 hours. Their staff didnt kick us out. They were so hospitable and kept filling our water, asking if we needed anything. I expected to be asked to leave but they didnt, They kept serving us. And once they really closed, we continued our conversation in the parking lot for another 30 minutes. I noticed my waiter, Bill, coming towards me with my to-go bag! I was amazed that he was unfazed by us taking his table hostage all day and still brought my food outside. UNREAL service.
PLEASE add Mere Bulles to your list of private party venues to consider. You will not be disappointed. In fact, you will probably quickly become a fan just like me!
Buca Di Beppo
Contact: Holly Curtiss
E-mail:mbolt@bucainc.com
Website: Bucadibeppo.com
Buca di Beppo is, on a normal day, known for it's family-style Italian dining. Heaping portions of delicious appetizers and entrees, you know you'll leave completely satiated at the end of your meal. Specifically for rehearsal dinner, parties or showers only (no wedding receptions) they offer a semi-private room for your event and feature seven specialty banquet menus from which you can choose.
You'd be very surprised at how affordable their party options are. Think bridal shower, bridesmaid luncheon or rehearsal dinner. Good food, great location, awesome value! I'm a picky eater and even I loved their food:).
The Mad Platter is one of Tabitha's favorite restaurants. You all know she's a fan of good, quality food and she could NOT stop raving about how great every meal she's had at the Mad Platter has been and loves the fact that they are a very green-minded business. Located in Historic Germantown, The Mad Platter is a really romantic spot and the food will not disappoint.
Stoney River
Contact: Kristen Lee
Telephone: 615-340-9550
Website: StoneyRiver.com
We received rave reviews from some wedding vendors who were hired for a wedding at Stoney River. Great service, excellent food and everything was on time and efficient. Stoney River is an intimate, almost formal looking venue with the pressed linens, stoik wood tables and ambient lighting, perfect for smaller weddings or rehearsal dinners where you are surrounded by those nearest and dearest.
Who doesnt love Stoney River? Add it to your list!
Maggianno's of Little Italy
Contact: Rachael Paul (General Manager)
Telephone: 615-514-0280
Website: Maggianos.com
Hearty, authentic Italian-American fare, elegant rooms and a professional staff, Maggiano's of Italy is one of the lesser known options for celebrating special occasions. The restaurant offers a bar service as well, and has lower rates for children under a certain age. Choose either a seated, served dinner or buffet style.
Pictures courtesy of Maggianos.com
Jimmy Kelly's
Contact: Mike Kellly or Angie Smith
Telephone: 615-329-4349
Website: JimmyKellys.com/privateparties.htm
Pictures courtesy of JimmyKellys.com
Another Nashville institution, Jimmy Kelly's is a wonderful location for a rehearsal dinner or a more intimate gathering for your wedding dinner. They have a patio that can be tented for special events. The interior is like a charming old home with fireplaces and cozy rooms.
Merchant's Restaurant
Contact: Leah McDonald
Telephone: 615-254-1892
E-mail: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Website: MerchantsRestaurant.com
Since switching management this year, Merchant's Restaurant on Broadway in Downtown Nashville has taken on new life - from the same people who started the Patterson House, Merchant's Restaurant is now much more sophisticated in style and service and may just be the perfect spot for your event.
Pictures courtesy of MerchantsRestaurant.com
These are just a handful of restaurants in Nashville as suggested by brides and people in the wedding community. Contact their banquet/event coordinators for more details on having your event at their venue, and be sure to let them know that you saw them on Ashley's Bride Guide! Big thanks to Jonathon Campbell Photography, Hillary Capes-Smith and everyone else for sharing their favorite restaurants with us on Twitter and Facebook! Feedback from local wedding professionals is priceless and is hugely appreciated by us and our brides.
If you have a restaurant you love for weddings or parties that we didn't list, we'd love to hear from you so please don't hesitate to leave us a comment!
Our bridesmaids work hard to make us happy on our wedding day. They're spending money on dresses they'll probably never wear again, some of them will even travel just to spend 48 hours with us, their BFF. To make full use of the time, and so they also get to enjoy it (as much as we would like to think our weddings are enough enjoyment!) why not treat them to a little fun.
Here are some of our favorite girl spots. Have other ideas? Please share!
Art and Invention - ArtandInventionGallery.wordpress.com
Feeling crafty? Art And Ivvention is an art gallery in East Nashville and they have a space they rent out for special occasions such as Valentine's Day or even during the holidays to people who want to have a small gathering to make gifts or just to get together and do something fun. Ashley was there for a friend's birthday and said she had a blast and thought, "this would be perfect for girls' night out!"
The space can accommodate up to 20 people, and they are open to what you would like to do - if you want to paint picture frames to give exchange with your bridesmaids, or if you would like to paint pictures on canvas, owners Meg and Bret MacFadyen will provide the paint and equipment, and you provide the people. Bring your own wine, pack a picnic or have it catered and it would be a blast. Or you could top the evening off by going to one of the many wonderful restaurants in the area! Ashley and her friends ended the evening by having dinner at MadDonna's and it was great!
1) Escape Day Spa - EscapeSpaces.com
Make a day of being pampered at Escape Day Spa. The moment you walk in, you forget you're in the middle of a mall.
Calming, very peaceful waiting areas.
The meditation room
The trickling fountains, the soothing music and the delicious scents from candles and herbs take you to a place of relaxation that Calgon can't compete with. Spaces offers a manicure/pedicure package that you can top off with lunch in their cafe. They serve light fare like sandwiches and salads, with their strawberry fields salad being their most popular item. If you'd rather a massage, they offer sessions where two people can be in a room side by side so while some of your girls are getting their nails done, you could be getting the tension rubbed out of your shoulders alongside your maid of honor!
2) Tea Party with Izzy and Bell - IzzyandBell.com
Nothing says "Girl Time" more than a classic Tea Party. Izzy and Bell is a tea party catering company. When Ashley mentioned them to me, I started trying to find an excuse just to have a little tea party! From the pretty tableclothes to the serving platters to the vintage tea cups, Izzy and Bell will provide the decor and rentals, you just have to provide the space.
I gave owner Crystal De Luna-Bogan a call, and she was such a delight to speak to. She told me that the Traditional Tea Party is most popular with brides - it has a very vintage feel with the antique style cups, traditional English cakes and biscuits. petit fours and dainty finger sandwiches. But she puts a modern twist on things by using as many local ingredients as she can find. Or you can go with the Japanese Tea Party package which includes a more zen style menu of sushi, wasabi deviled quail eggs and green tea pana cottas, just to name a few of the more Eastern style treats. You can follow them on twitter (Twitter.com/IzzyandBell), or contact Crystal for availability and to schedule your tea party with your girls!
Pictures courtesy of Izzy and Bell
3) Bikram Yoga - BikramCoolSprings.com
Be refreshed, energized and relaxed all at once with a yoga class at Bikram Cool Springs.
This 90-minute class is a workout that will get rid of any last minute stress, and it will mentally prepare you for the big weekend ahead with lots of family members and friends. Join in one of their classes, or give studio owner Sandra Lee a call for a small group class where you and your girls will have the room all to yourselves. Tons of people, including me, swear by Bikram and I even got Ashley to take a class there. It was an experience she will never forget!!
4) Girl's Night at Cabana - CabanaNashville.com
Ashley and I LOVE, love, love Cabana (we went there to celebrate our birthdays this year). Great excuse to get a little dolled up, grab your girls, bring your iPod and have your own dinner party in the privacy of a cabana at, well, Cabana!
From behind a sheer curtain, you can still see people walk by, but you'll still feel slightly hidden and away from the crowd as you feast on some lobster brie mac n cheese, fresh pizza or any of their delicious dishes. It's the perfect place to people watch while having a few girly cocktails with your girls! Plus, Wednesday night is Ladies Night so drinks and food are a steal!
What are some of your favorite places to go? Or maybe you have a great suggestion on what brides can do with their bridesmaids? Tell us what they are in comments we'd love to hear them!
At Ashley’s Bride Guide, we’re always on the lookout for innovative and exciting wedding ideas.
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