Monday, May 24, 2010
When you envision your wedding and you're picking your style, be sure to include your wedding stationery in that game plan. Your invitations are the first glimpse into your ultimate wedding vision. Is your wedding going to be formal? Casual? Country chic? Modern? Your guests see your invites way before they see the location and theme so start telling your extraordinary story right away! A great custom-designed is a great way to show off your couple personality.
One of our Nashville custom designers is Shannon O'Kelley, owner of Southall Eden Paperie. Shannon is a creative force whose work is sure to blow you away. (She designed our fabulous Sex and the City party program, which you will see Thursday. We're still swooning over it!)
Be it modern, classic, pop-art, fun and whimsical Southall Eden Paperie manages to capture the spirit of a couple's wedding vision on paper. I tapped into Shannon's know-how to find out first-hand the wedding invitation trends that are hot now. Here are some of her favorites (and now ours!)...
Earth-friendly papers: Eco-chic is cool, not to mention it fits perfectly with the "Anthropologie-esque" wedding craze. The photos will likely be an invitation on seeded paper that can be planted and grow into wild flowers, an ensemble made of kraft paper that is actually colored instead of just the standard brown, and/or an invitation made out of paper that is made of junk mail.
Wildflower/seeded recycled paper invitations are a wonderful way for your guests to remember your wedding day!
Lovely hues between blue and green: Teal, aqua, turquoise, and all their color wheel neighbors are in demand this season.
A simple teal is complemented by the rich reds, followed by an elegant peacock-inspirecd pocket invitation
Blue's such a beautiful color and every shade it comes in has such a different tone!
Line art: Brides are drawn to invitations with line art because they are elegantly simple and classy, and also because it has the vintage feel that is very popular right now.
So what did you think? Aren't those just so pretty? I love how this last one is printed on paper that looks like bark. It has such a wonderful, subtle pattern to is and I just it! So these are just a few of what Southall Eden does, I hope it's enough to whet your appetite for some great stationery.
If there are any Southall Eden brides out there we would love to see pictures of what you worked together to come up with! As for us, we'll keep bringing these trends and inspirational ideas to you
Lovely photos courtesy of Jonathon Campbell Photography.
share
Posted by Tabitha |
Filed under: Inspiration & Trends, Invitations & Paper Goods, Luxury Wed Finds
1 comment »
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Here's a Thursday Treat for you, especially those of you who share my love for cakes both delicious and beautiful. If you saw our feature on bridal show favorites last week and drooled over the masterpieces by Signature Cakes by Vicki, then this is the post for you.
Today we get a glimpse into the mind of Vicki herself who shared with me her thoughts on the latest wedding cake trends in Nashville and what she has observed from other renowned bakers. You might recall the fantastic peacock cake as well as some other masterpieces by Vicki which are just... you know what? I'll just let you read it for yourself.
Photo source: Signature Cakes by Vicki
Originality is what's hot in wedding cakes, from sashes to bows
According to Vicki, exclusivity and originality are important, meaning brides want the style of their cake to be unique to them. Vicki is well known for her intricate cake drawings when she meets with a bride. She takes the time to listen while helping the bride to envision her dream cake and therefore visually create it on paper. “Every bride has an image in their head and it is my goal to get that image out of the bride,” said Vicki. It amazes me every time when I see her cake drawings how incredibly talented she is.
The use of fabric, sashes, ruched ruffles, bows, edible jewelry, and broaches on wedding cakes are also appearing more, but fabric is the most popular. Cake decorators are utilizing fabric to enhance the cake with designs to match the wedding dress. As Vicki mentioned, “When a client comes who is interested in this particular trend, I ask them to send digital photos of their dress, not so much the scroll work, but specifics to the dress like lace and patterns.”
Cakes: The Bake Shoppe; Picture Source: Kristyn Hogan Photography
A return to simplicity
Brides are also asking for “simple and elegant” when they are describing their wedding cake. The question that comes to mind is what does “simple and elegant” mean to each bride. Does simple mean cost efficient or simple detail? “Is simple the trend or is it because it’s just convenient for the baker? Brides are very cost conscious and I want to be able to give them the wedding cake they desire at an affordable price, and no two cakes are ever the same, “states Vicki.
Picture Source: Signature Cakes By Vicki
Flowers are still a big favorite
As Vicki and I discussed wedding cake trends around the country, she found that flowers, whether real or sugar paste overall are a bridal favorite! Most of her brides ask for some kind of flowers on their cakes. Below, famous cake decorators Ron Ben-Israel, Lori Blethen, Christopher Garren, and Sylvia Weinstock still incorporate the use of flowers, fabric, and jewelry to design these wedding cakes.
Left - right: Cakes by Christopher Garren (Letthemeatcake.net), Sylvia Weinstock (SylviaWeinstock.com) and Lori Blethen (Wildflowersbylori.com)
An impressively tall cake by Ron Ben-Israel (Ronbenisrael.com)
We all love originality! So, if you are looking for that “WOW” factor in your wedding cake, give Signature Cakes by Vicki a call! For more information, visit http://www.signaturecakesbyvicki.com.
share
Posted by Ashley |
Filed under: Cakes & Catering, Inspiration & Trends
0 comments »
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Let's face it, we love weddings. This site wouldn't exist if not for the fact that Ashley, me and the ABG team just love the whole kit and kaboodle of weddings from planning to the big day itself. I get teary eyed when the bride has her first dance with her groom or dad, I laugh and cheer when the bouquet is tossed, I've even come to love the lighting of the unity candle!! Traditions are wonderful, but sometimes it's fun to mix things up a little and put your own personal spin on things.
Today we hand the baton over to Nashville wedding planner, Sarah Willard, as she shares ways Nashville brides can add fun twists to their wedding ceremony.
Guest Blogger: Sarah Willard - A Music City Event
Weddings are steeped in tradition. Some are still eagerly embraced: the couple exchange rings as a symbol of their love and fidelity. Some traditions entice and annoy brides at the same time: the Bride and Groom cannot see each other prior to the wedding. Some are swiftly being carried away: the bridesmaids wear matching dresses (and yes, I have to say: thank goodness!). Some are quickly becoming a new tradition: slideshows of the couple growing up!Every bride has her idea of what traditions she does does not want. And every one of them wants something special and unique. It is always fun to incorporate new ideas even when – or maybe especially when - they are actually old!
A few fun traditions from around the world to think about as you plan your ceremony:
In Japan, purple is the color of love and a young bride may choose to wear an elaborately-embroidered silk kimono covered in purple iris-flowers.
Make this tradition your own - which conveniently falls into a very popular color right now! Use purple as a main color and pair it will bold yellows for the summer, or rich auburns for fall. Use irises in your centerpieces to incorporate a little about where you come from. Considering the Iris has been Tennessee's state flower since 1933, you can also give a little shout out to the lovely state we live in.
In Scandinavian customs, fiddlers and horns accompany the wedding precession to the church. Have trumpeters or other musicians lead the procession down the aisle.
Source: http://www.ingebretsens.com
The familiar English tradition of a throwing petals before the bride as she walked to the church – or her groom – invoked a happiness for the bride for her new life.
Photo source: A Music City Event
One of the most simple yet elegant of ceremonies is the Moravian Wedding Ritual. The bridal couple together lights one large candle. The flame is passed along to the guest, each of whom has been given their own candle. Each guest lights the candle of the one beside them until the entire room is aglow. This is a wonderful way to include your family and friends. I recommend doing this at the end of the ceremony – then you recess awash in candlelight!
Instead of using a traditional guestbook, that you most likely will not look at after the wedding, think "outside of the book" for your guests!
Big ticket items right now include a framed photo of you and your fiance with a wide mat for guests to sign, a vintage poster board with your wedding date and names, or a scrapbook with places to insert instant photos of guests. Why not go a little further and have a Wedding Guest Note Tree? Decorate the branches to reflect your taste and style - jewels, orchids, or moss are great touches and instantly transform the feel of the tree. Have your guest write a note on provided papers. Have fun with your note's shape, doves (traditional symbols of love, happiness, and harmony) are my favorite.
Photo Source: Jonathon Campbell Photography
Eastern European weddings set themselves apart from all others with music, song and dance. Weddings are a time to celebrate, to look forward with hope and courage and love. Weddings in Eastern Europe, as everywhere, symbolize the human spirit as nothing else can. Violins and lively gypsy music fill the air as colorful costumes twirl across the dance floor in a never-ending kaleidoscope of joy and happiness for all the world to witness. This could be excellent entertainment for your guests during dinner!
Source: http://www.krisallan.com
Whatever you choose – or do not choose – to do, be sure that it reflects you and your fiance. It is your wedding after all!
Happy planning!
Sarah Willard
Thanks Sarah! For more great twists on wedding ceremonies you can visit A Music CIty Events' blog or Wedding Nouveau, another blog we LOVE for multi-cultural ideas.
We'd also love to hear from those of you who have incorporated any fun twists in your weddings - share it in comments!
share
Posted by A Music City Event |
Filed under: Advice & Planning, Inspiration & Trends, Wedding Planners & Coordinators
0 comments »
Friday, April 2, 2010
Every year, there are a few weddings that I simply fall in love with. This Nashville wedding was submitted by Cedarwood (venue, planning and design) and McCoy Made (photography). It is truly one of my favorites of all time. I've drooled over the few pictures that have surfaced for months, eagerly awaiting the full release so that I could share the details and the amazing images with you. The floral design is breathtaking, the details are spectacular and the orgiinality is refreshing.
So that you know - my taste is very contemporary and I have an affinity for color - rich, bold, eye-catching. What I love may not be what you love and I'm ok with that. But, this is one wedding you've got to check out! Whether you love the rich, jewel-toned colors with peacock feathers or not - one thing is for certain - this bride and groom created a signature wedding. And, that's exactly what you should do! Dare to be different.
Hope this wedding gets inspires your wedding planning weekend.
Laura and Josh’s Southern Exotic Outdoor Wedding, as told by Cedarwood:
Every element of Laura Cumbee and Josh Blaisdell’s September 26 Cedarwood wedding was an explosion of color and sensational style.
Laura’s vision for their wedding: A mix of southern elegance and global flair with lots of color, rich, warm light, very intimate yet “big” with over-the-top, exotic styling. The design team at Cedarwood mixed gilded, flower laden candle chandeliers, branches, exotic flowers, birds, nests and layered fabrics for this glamorous décor. Think “The Great Gatsby” meets “Moulin Rouge.”
Surroundings were all southern charm at Cedarwood, an antebellum farm estate and historic home built in 1835. The front lawn rope swing, rolling green meadows and vintage barn provided backdrops for the celebration. Cedarwood's signature Mason jar candle lanterns hanging from old growth trees throughout the property created an enchanting atmosphere to match the brilliance of the reception in the covered Pavilion. Definitely dazzling!
Laura turned to Wedding Paper Divas to custom design her colorful wedding invitations, and she personally designed and created wedding programs, artistic table cards and favor CD covers in coordinated colors with charming bird motifs. Laura’s mom, Suzanne, with help from her middle school students, made colorful paper origami cranes to symbolize marriage attributes of patience and understanding and to shower Laura and Josh with happiness and prosperity on their wedding day.
Another DIY project was the carved wood reception table numbers, which hung from the floral tablescapes designed by Cedarwood.A wedding day rain forecast compelled Laura and Josh to implement “Plan B” and their garden ceremony was moved under a grand white high peak tent (fortunately the skies cleared in the afternoon and guests got to enjoy wonderful weather when they arrived at Cedarwood.) The altar change gave Cedarwood designers the opportunity to creatively push the envelope. Their on-site florists created a lush fresh flower garland to decorate the center pole and ceremony seating was set up “in the round.” It was as unique as Laura and Josh and a perfect compliment to their dramatic wedding style.
Laura wore a Maggie Sottero wedding gown and custom made jewelry, a gift from her Maid of Honor. After cutting their exotic wedding cake and sharing donuts donned with a whimsical cake topper (a tribute to the policeman groom), Laura and Josh left their Cedarwood celebration in Matchless Limo’s classic blue Jaguar. Destination: After party at The Flying Saucer. Beautiful, brilliant day!
Vendors
Wedding design and florist: Cedarwood
Wedding planning: Cedarwood
Venue: Cedarwood
Photography: McCoy Made
Cake: Patty Cakes
Limo: Matchless Limo
Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas
Music: Music City DJ
Tent Rental: Grand Central Party
Linens: Cedarwood and Connie Duglin
Wedding Dress Designer: Maggie Sottero
Hair and Makeup: Salon FX
After Party: Flying Saucer
share
Posted by Cedarwood |
Filed under: Details, Design & Florals, Inspiration & Trends, Real Nashville Weddings, Wedding Resources
2 comments »
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Are you looking for a creative way to celebrate your impending nuptials with your girls? Maybe seeking a unique rehearsal dinner idea? Have you thought about a murder mystery party? If not, you should. This is a great idea that has tremendous potential in the Nashville area and is available at Events@1418.
Back in December, Events 1418 was asked by a group to create a fun and intimate Christmas party. When Kellie, owner of Events 1418, told me about it, I thought it would be a great idea for Nashville brides. Why not do something different? I think a murder mystery party would be an interactive way to have friends mingle. And, the best part is - you just show up! Events 1418 and A Catered Affair took care of the food, venue, party planning. They even participated!!
To make the murder mystery more thrilling, they set it in the 1920s, which provided for some awesome costuming.
(Above: The team of A Catered Affair who facilitated the activities and played along.)
Just imagine all the possibilities! Imagine all the fun you and your girls could have! Or, if you want to do a Jack & Jill style party, this is perfect! You could get your whole bridal party involved - not just the ladies! What a great spot for a rehearsal dinner as well. It'd be a great way to relax the night before your wedding!
.jpg)
There are also endless possibilities for your paper goods. Just think of it - the invitations, the menu cards, the clues for your guests, etc. Sounds like it would be a great party with good food!
I love it!
Photos from Phindy Studios.
share
Posted by Ashley |
Filed under: Inspiration & Trends, Luxury Wed Finds, Wedding Resources
0 comments »
