Tuesday, December 20, 2011
As we continue our trek back through Nashville's 2011 weddings, we bring you the favorite designs and decor as submitted by the Ashley's Bride Guide staff and participating members of the Nashville bridal community. The only thing we regret is that we could only choose a few! Enjoy the ones we have the space to share.
1) Movie Theme at Carnton Plantation
A large percentage of the weddings we see here in Nashville have a Southern twist to them. It's definitely fun to see weddings, like this one from A Delightful Day/StudioWed, in which the couple puts personal touches to their Southern venue with a movie theme! As Kelly Stack says, "I loved the quirky quality of her details, the fabulous ribbon-bedecked biscuit bar and cake buffet, the open-air layout of her Carnton Plantation reception, the long rectangular tables and fruitwood folding chairs, the fabulous mix-and-match florals in vases by Brocade Design Arts, and the Southern cooking by A Dream Come True was heavenly."
Planner: A Delightful Day Event Planning; Photos: The Collection, Erin Lee; Loved by: StudioWed
2) Mason Jar Love
I love, love mixing antique china plates and mason jars, especially for an outdoor wedding; so of course, I had to choose this one! The bride and groom actually own a decor business, which created easy access to vintage decorations, and according to Cali, they toasted each other with Mason Jar wine glasses!
Decor: Not Too Shabby Designs; Photos: Cali Ashton Photography; Loved by: Meg of ABG
3) Creative Fall Colors
ABG Blogger Sara loves all of these fall color options, especially those that vary from the typical red/brown/orange palate. More on the inspiration here.
Fall Inspiration: Historic Cedarwood; Photos: Rachel Moore Photography; Loved by: Sara of ABG
4) Eclectic Circus Theme
My first thought when I saw this wedding, it's cooky - in a good, fun way! Marathon Village is love for many indie, eclectic brides and this one takes the cake. From the ring bearers coming down the aisle in a circus wagon, to the elephant centerpieces, cotton candy, balloons, even the cake looked like a three ring circus! The overall theme was well displayed, but in no way tacky.
DIY Design by Bride & Family; Photos: Photography by Susie; Loved by: Meg of ABG
5) Eco-Friendly Options
Sara said that she really likes "the idea of such amazing decorations being eco-friendly since a lot of decorations for a wedding are just tossed at the end of the day." We all agree, which is why we love the green posts by Ashley of iHospitality. More eco-friendly decor options from the extensive decor inventory at Cedarwood.
Decor: Historic Cedarwood; Photo: Dove Wedding Photography; Loved by: Sara of ABG
6) Destination - Island of Ocean Blues
As a nod to our brides that marry elsewhere but take Nashville vendors with them, here is a beach side wedding that Kelly with StudioWed sent over. "Mary Alice & Leigh RAVED about this gorgeous wedding for months after it happened! The two of them flew to Fishers Island in New York (a "beautiful relic of a bygone era!") for this gorgeous summer wedding." -Kelly
Planner: A Delightful Day Event Planning; Photos: McLellan Style; Loved by: StudioWed
7) Victorian Elegance
I am always impressed or intrigued by photos from Ace Photography, which is why I constantly follow their blog. This elegance of this wedding in a Victorian home really is stunning.
Venue: Top O' Woodland; Photos: Ace Photography; Loved by: Meg of ABG
8) Parisian Style
Sara loved this post because it displays all of the different options that brides have when they wed at Cedarwood. We all love this shoot that Kristyn did of French tablescapes - so romantic!
Inspiration Shoot: Historic Cedarwood; Photo: Kristyn Hogan; Loved by: Sara of ABG & Team
9) Backyard Wedding
When you hear "Backyard Wedding" it usually brings to mind a simple affair, perhaps thrown together at the last minute, but this is anything but that image. Doug and Lea actually built the pavilion below just for their wedding. It was an intimate wedding in regards to who they invited - only those with whom they had lasting friendships. The moment I saw the wedding, I fell in love and had to share! (Be sure to check out Joe Hendricks' blog to see more photos - including their rose pinata!)
Planner: Weddings by Mary Natalie; Photos: Joe Hendricks Photography; Loved by: Meg of ABG
10) A Wedding for All Seasons
This summer, the folks at Main Event Productions assembled a dream team of wedding pros for the open house of their new venue, Legacy Farms. The result was pure deliciousness and bridal eye candy! To demonstrate the diversity of the venue and its many options for the Tennessee bride, the design and decor pros styled each area with a different seasonal theme. You can view all of the images via Ace Photography's blog in a Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3 series. However, below are Ashley's favorite's from the inspirational shoot. The beauty of such a wonderful inspiration being created in greater Nashville is that you can actually hire this dream team to recreate a similar look for you vs. coveting them from afar!
Inspiration Shoot - Venue: Legacy Farms; Floral Design + Event Styling: Enchanted Florist + Events Plus; Photos: Ace Photography; Loved by: Ashley of ABG
Share your favorite wedding design and decor from 2011 with us, either as a comment below or on our Facebook page. Keep watching for more of our favorites!
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Posted by Megan |
Filed under: Advice & Planning, Details, Design & Florals, Wedding Planners & Coordinators
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Wednesday, December 7, 2011
There are lots of companies in town that offer the necessities for wedding and event rentals - the chairs, linens, silverware, even pitchers for water. But what about when you're an off-the-beaten-path type of bride with a little more eclectic tastes? Where do you go to find the unique items to use for your wedding without having to purchase dozens of jars or vases you'll never use again? Today we'll take a look at two companies in town that offer fun items you can use, from bird cages to candle holders, to antique items for that worn, vintage look.
Picture by Photographix
Southall Eden
For a more worn, French country look to your wedding, and inspiration that comes from Anthropologie or their sister, bridal company BHLDN, Southall Eden has the perfect accessories for you.
Left, picture by Brooke Boling. Right, picture by Michael Howard Photography
Aside from the beautiful milk glass Southall Eden also carries vintage wine crates you can use for stands on the buffet table, old milk cans on which you can stand floral arrangements, and pretty blue glass jars for flowers, among other awesome items.
Specialty lighting and great hanging lanterns are a beautiful touch for a tented wedding area and can distract from the tent frames and other unsightly structural things. They're a beautiful complement to floral arrangements and look even better when hanging over these gorgeous barn wood dining tables, which Southall Eden had specially made for weddings and events.
Picture by Chris Scott (Chris & Adrienne Scott)
You must check out their collection of lanterns and accessories (bird cages, vintage mirrors, and even a giant clock) and, well, everything that's on their site. Currently, off-site rental is not listed on their website but Shannon O'Kelley, owner of Southall Eden, tells us that you can bring rentals off site if your wedding isn't at Southall Eden's farm. Email or call her for details.
Branching Out Floral & Event Design
Another option for the shabby chic bride is Branching Out Floral & Event Design whose furnishings are pretty and more traditionally Southern style wedding decor. My personal favorites? The vintage wash stands that Branching Out recommends for holding beverages. Picture those cute vintage style sodas sitting in ice in these. SO fun!
This refinished antique desk will make a cool guestbook table.
Need a chuppah for your wedding? Maybe some twig, cone shaped aisle markers that are a much prettier alternative to bows or ribbons? Branching Out's rentals are unique and a little less "typical" than other companies and can elevate the look of your dinner tables and ceremony areas.
We're loving these alternative, unique rental options. Rest easy and know that the special look you want your wedding to have is going to be very easy to get thanks to creative companies like Southall Eden and Branching Out.
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Posted by Tabitha |
Filed under: Details, Design & Florals, Luxury Nashville Wedding Finds
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Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Amber Housley has been a part of the ABG family - directly and indirectly - since our beginning. She helped design collateral, marketing, and website banners for us years ago. Over time, she became busier and busier and more in demand. We 'vesupported her growth and knew she was destined for greatness. She made Nashville weddings sweet and delightful, adding a feminine sophisication to weddings all over the city.
While she has always provided a wide variety of services - for brides and businesses - she has just launched her full service design company and we're so happy for her! Her website looks fabulous and we can't wait to see her digital magazine.
You could spend hours on her new website and blog; they are filled with wonderful bridal eye candy. But don't stop there. If you are a vendor friend or past client who would like to congratulate Amber in person or you are a couple looking to learn more about her services, join us at her launch party on Thursday, November 17 at StudioWed. Click here to rsvp.
Event details: Thursday, November 17 from 6-8pm
Location: StudioWed Nashville, 1200 Villa Place, Suite 402, Nashville, TN 37212
We love these shots from Amber's new website!
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Posted by Ashley of Ashley's Bride Guide |
Filed under: Details, Design & Florals
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Monday, October 3, 2011
I recently attended an open house for Regalo Design and had an opporttunity to speak with a lovely engaged couple. They asked what I thought about Regalo Design and other wedding planners. Nashville has a bevy of great wedding planners, which makes choosing the right one a challenge. BUT, I encourage you to take the time to interview a few and find the one that feels right. Ask questions, read their blog, meet them in person and hire the company that meets your specific needs, "gets" your vision and with whom you connect personally.
Regalo Design is one wedding planning company that you should definitely add to your consider list. Sarah and Damon make a great team and offer a unique combination of services, from floral design to custom furntiture and wedding favors. Sarah is very creative and a great problem solver. Damon is a gal's dream handyman and a great complement to the design team. Their company is a one-stop planning solution for many of your wedding needs.
Let's look at some of the specific ways Regalo Design can help you!
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Left: their studio; Right: Damon and Sarah
A husband and wife team, Regalo Design takes care of your planning, florals and decor for your wedding. "Sarah is one person who understands all three aspects," explained Damon, "When you have three seperate vendors for each thing it's hard to get them to fully understand your vision." When it comes to fabrics and draping, Regalo can handle the simple parts but will outsource to specialty lighting companies; aside from that and catering, there isn't much they don't do.
Planning Services
Regalo limits the number of weddings they do each year to make sure they properly focus on each bride. They have several tiers of planning packages from month-of to full-on planning and destination packages. "We are able to JUST be a planner if that's called for but our other services are included for sure." The "other services," Damon was referring to:
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Unlimited emails and phone calls
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Pre-wedding consultations
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Assistance with all of your wedding showers or parties
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Vendor referrals
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Timeline of events
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Coordinate and direct the rehearsal
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Rehearsal dinner and wedding day activities
All this is included whether you get the most basic of packages or if you have added more of their services on.
Budgeting
As a planner, Regalo has established strong working relationships with vendors and wholesalers and will share those incentives and savings with you. For example, the cost of flowers - they buy flowers for your decorations from wholesalers and they offer you the same prices they get, so there are no hidden costs. As Damon told me, when it comes to utilizing a bride's budget, "we specifically divide budget up to what they want, don't overbuy and therefore don't exceed their budget."
Floral Design & Decor
"Anything floral related, we can fully manage," Damon says. Personally, their floral work far exceeds just management - Regalo designs and puts together all the flowers in their weddings from bouquets to centerpieces. Mixed in with their huge assortment of decor pieces, each wedding has its own look with Regalo's distinct flair and touch.
Sarah also sews, so it's not out of the ordinary for her to create custom linens for a bride. Regalo also has a huge inventory of decor items like vases, glass cylinders, votives, candles and other knick knacks that you would normally have to rent elsewhere. There is no extra cost to what you use.
Wooden boxes perfect for a rustic wedding.
Wedding Favors
Regalo Design offers wedding favors through their Wedding Favor Market. From great bridesmaid and groomsmen gifts to all sorts of fun favors your guests will love, the Wedding Favor Market has a ton of options. Because Regalo runs this online store, they know what's available, how soon you can get it and they will be able to tell you how well (or not) it will match your theme.
Peace of Mind
You are always in the loop when you work with Regalo. All couples have access to their own online planning database that Sarah and Damon update as you go through your planning process. The Regalo Planning Center has checklists, contracts, invoices and notes from meetings and phonecalls so if you ever have a moment where you're wondering if you might have forgotten to talk to Regalo about something, you can go in there to check, even if it's the middle of the night!
When your first consultation is complimentary, there's nothing to lose and so much to gain, so definitely give Regalo Design a call. They have tons more photos from weddings and events they've overseen on their website RegaloDesign.com - where you will also find more information on everything they do. You can also read testimonials from Regalo brides on her profile here view pictures or their real weddings in our Inspiration Gallery.
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Posted by Ashley of Ashley's Bride Guide |
Filed under: Our Featured Advertisers!, Details, Design & Florals, Guests, Gifts & Favors, Wedding Planners & Coordinators
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Monday, September 19, 2011
Fall is one of my favorite times of year where the weather is almost perfect and the trees are changing colors and becoming a fiery dance of yellows, reds and oranges, colors that are such a beautiful backdrop for weddings, especially those that are outdoor. As we've mentioned before, Cedarwood has had some stunning weddings both because their venue is great and their design team even more so. We look at a few of their fall themed weddings for inspiration and hopefully you'll be able to find some ideas that catch your eye for your own wedding!
Trick or Treat!
First up is a whimsical, fairy-tale come-to-life Halloween themed wedding. It combined the most fantastic parts of halloween (twinkly lights, bright colors and candy) with the wonders of weddings with beautiful table arrangements and a decked out cake covered in hand-shaped pumpkins, leaves and fall flowers. The matching lanterns hanging over the tables were also a nice touch, adding color from every angle. More from this three-part Halloween Themed Wedding here.
Halloween wedding images by Ace Photography
Orange and Gold
It's hard to not think of UT whenever you hear "orange wedding" here in Nashville. Thankfully, the shades of orange used in this wedding are akin to the orange you see the leaves become in the Fall and are much more pleasant and chic. From the metalic orange monogram to ribbons and flowers, the outdoors flowed into the reception area to create a seamless Fall feel. There are a lot more pictures to be seen - if this is what you envision your wedding day to look like, definitely click here for Part 1 and here for Part 2.
Images by Stephanie Hamlet Photography
Purple and Pink
Some of the more vibrant colors that go well with Fall wedings are the jewel tones like teal and purple. This wedding complements those colors with bright pinks/fucshias to really give pops of color. Using an orchid for a boutonniere is a rather classic look but the contrast of the rich purple against the navy suit lends a more contemporary look and feel. Definitely not for the faint of heart, the purple and bright pink combo isn't as popular as the classic orange/gold/yellow for fall but it's always fun to see and such a treat for all. More from this wedding here.
Images by Rachel Moore Photography
Cedarwood has done tons of gorgeous weddings on their grounds with all sorts of color shemes and themes. Be sure to check out more of Cedarwood's Fall Weddings, or look at our Inspiration Gallery for more great ideas for your wedding! All the best!
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Posted by Tabitha |
Filed under: Details, Design & Florals, Inspiration & Trends, Wedding Venues and Locations
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