Thursday, March 4, 2010
Rarely am I excited to make the drive to Goodlettsville (I can sense those of you who commute everyday rolling your eyes - sorry!) but last Thursday was an exception. Rush-hour traffic be damned, I happily drove to the Chef's Market Bridal Tasting Event. I made it there with ten minutes to spare and already a good crowd had arrived, eagerly waiting for the party to get started. Everyone, including me, was eyeing the dishes being set out on the yellow and green themed stations.
Paper cones with kettle chips make a great snack during cocktail hour, or even through the night.
Marquee lighting by Nashville Event Lighting
In true Chef's Market fashion, the entire area was decorated impeccably with paper cranes hanging from wooden branches, creative use of birdcages and really simple centerpieces of votives and clusters of moss. Nothing invasive, and it allowed for people to have good conversation over food.
Pictures courtesy of Donald Yeager Photography
Decadent brownies, mini cupcakes (orange sherbert, chocolate with marshmallows and strawberry) on the dessert table
Paper cranes - Such an effortless and easy DIY decorating idea.
Everything was really colorful and vibrant and, as usual, tasted fantastic. Because the food was really festive the serving platters were kept simple - round panes of glass sitting on moss-filled glass containers that were decorative but didn't steal the show from the fare.
A circular buffet table keeps the line flowing. Non-conventional serving platters and chaffing dishes aren't intrusive and are easier on the eyes!
We chowed down on little strawberry fields salads, tiny cones of orzo or quinoa, a scrumptious assortment of mini burgers (I had three cheeseburgers but they're mini so that's ok right?) and guests could choose between pan-fried chicken and mac' n cheese topped with a pepper jelly, or braised shortribs with a shiitake slaw.
Ashley had two servings of the chicken and mac and several mini burgers too. She's a very picky eater but wasn't shy at all!
Bite-sized food makes it easier for guests to mingle and eat at the same time. No unwieldy large plates or heavy silverware clattering all over!
This tasting was a good opportunity for brides to see Chef's Market showcase their cullinary and event design skills. Everything was set up as if you were at a reception from start to finish - they even had a wooden cart set up with goodie bags for guests to to take on their way out!
A fun alternative to a table for your favors
Brides who came got to chat with the creative minds at Chef's Market and the other wedding industry folk who attended. Ashley and I certainly had fun, and it's always nice to see what else Chef's Market can come up with. Tastings and open houses are events that aren't to be missed. They really provide insight into how companies operate, and it gives you a better feel for the vendor you are considering so keep checking our bridal events page for more of these to help with your planning!
share
Posted by Tabitha |
Filed under: Cakes & Catering
1 comment »
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
b. Hughes Bridal has launched a new blog that is perfect for the bride looking for a luxury gown for less. Perhaps there's a fabulous gown that you've been eyeing but it just wasnt in the budget OR maybe you love a particular designer and would die for any stunning gown from their collection.
Whatever the case - check this blog regularly or visit the b. Hughes bridal salon for a larger inventory of sample gowns now available for sale!
According to b. Hughes, this blog is "dedicated to the gowns that we have put on sample sale. We have other gowns available from these designers that are not listed on this site. Please contact us via email: bhughesbridalformal@gmail.com for inquiries or questions. All gowns are sampled in size 10 unless otherwise stated."
Here's a sampling...
Badgley Mischka Ginger Gown
Strapless fitted and flared gown of rouched pearl silk satin chiffon horizontally draped with beaded midriff accent and full skirt
I want this Badgley Mischka Ginger Gown!!! Simple sexy elegance.
Badgley Mischka Audrey Gown
Narrow A-line princess gown of pearl Italian silk satin, with scoop neck, cap sleeves, empire bodice of net covered in three dimensional organza flowers with skirt of silk satin and detachable chiffon train bordered in three dimensional flowers.
I really like the back of this gown, very feminine, romantic and dainty.
Good luck finding your dream gown for less! Visit the store for more great sample sale gowns. Tell Allison I sent you - she'll take great care of you.
share
Posted by Ashley |
Filed under: Attire & Accessories, Luxury Wed Finds
0 comments »
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Featured Blogger: Dawn of Premier W.E.D.
This wedding has wonderful Southern charm! The bride and groom clearly knew what they wanted going into the design of their wedding. The orange in the florals paired with the wood "vases" and rustic color scheme look splendid for a fall wedding. It looks especially pleasant in contrast with the burnt red barn in the background. The cowboy boots are also a great touch to their Southern wedding!
Jesscia Lachiver and Dane Hale were married on a gorgeous day in October. We were a last minute hire for the couple and spent a short 3 months helping them wrap up their details and design. Jessica is a beautifully creative person herself and had wonderful ideas for her wedding. Southall Eden Farm was their location for both ceremony and reception.
Photography: Photographix
Flowers: Caprice with Enchanted Florist. {She is well known for her branch work and southern charm style. Her designs fit this wedding perfectly.}
Lighting: Nashville Event Lightiing
Band: Bueller (80's throwback band)
Photos provided by Photographix
share
Posted by Premier W.E.D. |
Filed under: Real Nashville Weddings
0 comments »
Monday, March 1, 2010
We are so excited, no, THRILLED to announce that StudioWed Nashville is now open! StudioWed is the official sponsor of our new, very snazzy website, and we could hardly wait for their studio to officially open its doors to us and all the brides in Music City. Even better, the space will soon become the ABG team's official work {hang out} space!
Located at Edgehill Studios, StudioWed is an exclusive collection of Nashville wedding vendors representing the finest wedding professionals in the Middle Tennessee area. According to their owners, Mary Alice and Leigh, "This is a hip and revolutionary concept in local and destination weddings in Nashville; a stylish and sophisticated planning studio where Nashville's best wedding vendors come to you. Meet with a photographer over coffee in the morning and enjoy a glass as you chat with a florist in the afternoon. Best of all, there is no cost to you as a bride to use StudioWed's services, so you can feel free to spend an entire day--- or as many as you need--- planning your big day!"
Come see StudioWed for yourself and see why team ABG loves being there. Stop by tonight for some after-work cocktails and hors d'ouevres (my favorite kind of after-work activity) to celebrate their official opening! Even if you have plans, just come before/after and hang out with us, the wonderful girls from StudioWed and their terrific vendors.
Open House Details
Date: TODAY!
Time: 5:00 - 9:00PM
Who: All Nashville brides {plus guest} and Nashville wedding pros
Where: 1200 Villa Place, #402 (Edgehill Village across from Dulce Desserts) in Nashville; Parking is available along the street and lot.
We really hope you can make it tonight since we'll all be there. But, you can also stop by any day this week to meet the owners, check out the vendors and studio. Call 615.739.5477 for more info or to set up a complimentary appointment.
share
Posted by Tabitha |
Filed under: Bridal Shows & Events
1 comment »
Friday, February 26, 2010
Hey Nashville - Happy Friday! There's a lot going on this weekend but I wanted to kick-start the weekend being your first source of inspiration:).
I'll be honest - I wasn't sure about the whole peacock wedding trend. I know that it is hugely popular (just like the color gray) so I'm giving it a shot and will say that it is starting to grow on me! But, since Tabitha really likes the peacock theme so I'm going to let her share some of her peacock wedding finds...The verdict is still out for me but what do you think?
The best color inspiration can, more often than not, be found in nature. Flora and fauna have such natural beauty to entice and enrapture. The peacock is one of the most decorated and brilliant animals, and it's no wonder we're seeing more and more weddings using the peacock's signature jewel tones for a theme.
Last year we featured an earthy, DIY bride who chose a peacock scheme to her wedding day, outfitting the bridesmaids in rich, purple dresses with feathers in their hair. She incorporated the various colors of the peacock's plume into her decor and bouquet.
Are you a peacock-loving bride? If so, we've found some great peacock ideas for you! For example, these custom wedding invitations by Southall Eden Paperie will really set the state for the rest of your wedding.
At January's bridal show, we stood in awe gazing upon this peacock cake by Signature Cakes by Vicki. Looks almost too fantastic to eat!!
Use peacock feathers and tones to lend some opulence to an evening reception.
Also at January's bridal show was this tablescape by Accent Designs by Keven Warner (accenttn.com) with the peacock feather tucked into the napkin folds. I'm sure there will be guests who would love to keep a few of those to decorate their homes!
There are so many great ways to make the peacock your muse and I hope these pictures give you some great ideas for your wedding!
We hope to see you at the Country Music Hall of Fame or the Her Bridal Brunch. Thank you to Nashville photographers Kristyn Hogan lifestyle photography and Hannahelaine Photography for the pictures.
share
Posted by Tabitha |
Filed under: Details, Design & Florals
2 comments »
