Friday, March 30, 2012
Today is Part 2 of Jessica and Gordie's wedding coverage - we're focusing on the photo booth aspect of their reception!
According to Elaine of Picture This Nashville, Jessica played a big role in customizing her Picture This guest book and as a result, "It's amazing." We agree! Because her guest book turned out so great and everyone enjoyed the photo booth aspect, we wanted to share more photos of just that. Now, you can get a feel for what Picture This Nashville offers.
Why did you decide to hire a photo booth? Did it add to the reception atmosphere?
Picture This Nashville was part of a wedding contest we won – and it was INCREDIBLE! Gordie and I love taking photos and thought it would be a cool touch to the wedding – and it was!
See the Picture This Nashville booth set up right behind the bride and groom.
What does a typical Picture This printout look like?
Below are photos from Jessica and Gordie's own photo booth, with simple photos pages. Of course, the backdrop varies according to the brides choice to where she chooses to place the Picture This computer/camera. Part of the Picture This bonus is being able to place it wherever you want (providing there's an electrical outlet!).
Beyond winning a photo booth with printouts, you were also given options to upgrade your Picture This package?
Yes! And we chose one of their upgrade options to incorporate the photo booth as our guest book and we are so happy we did. Not only do we get a cool message from our family / friends, we also get a photo of them on our day.
We saw everyone from my grandmother to nieces/nephews in the booth enjoying themselves. I think it gave ‘something different’ for our guests to do in-between eating, drinking and dancing.
ABG Notes: Besides capturing fun moments with their guests in Jess and Gordie's guest book, Picture This Nashville also included photos of key moments to make it a true wedding photo album.
All photo booth photos by Picture This Nashville. All other photos by Jonathon Campbell Photography.
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Posted by Megan |
Filed under: Real Nashville Weddings, Reception Entertainment, Photo Booths
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Thursday, March 29, 2012
Jessica and Gordie won the Her Nashville wedding contest last year and their wedding has been featured in many publications, but we were all too happy to feature it ourselves with all the incredible details! We have already spotlighted their board game cake as one of favorites from 2011, but the whole affair is worth seeing.
We hope you enjoy their lovely outdoor ceremony and indoor reception with a game board theme. The theme came from Gordie's proposal with a game of Pictionary!
All photos by Jonathon Campbell Photography.
Jessica + Gordie
Ceremony & Reception Venue ~ Cellar One
Guests ~ 85
Budget
$10,000-$20,000 out of pocket – plus winning the Her Nashville contest
Wedding Team
Venue | Cellar One
Planner | Sarah Willard, Music City Events
Board Game Design | Something Detailed
Photographer | Jonathon Campbell Photography
Photo Booth | Picture This Nashville
Videographer | Truepix Cinematic
Weddings Gown | White Room
Bride's Accessories | Borrowed from family and friends
Groom’s Attire | Groom wore a tux he owned
Groomsmen Attire and Groom’s vest | Street Tuxedo
Bridesmaids Attire | Chosen from various stores (whatever the girls wanted) in different shades of brown
Hair | Lauren Henry from Fierce Salon
Makeup | Katie Russo Makeup
Stationery | Designs in Paper
Ceremony Musicians | Friends
Reception Musicians & Lighting | JD’s Music
Caterer | Chef’s Market
Cake Artist | The Cupcake Collection
Floral Designer | Branching Out
Rentals | The Premiere Event
Guest Accommodations | Hotel Indigo, Hilton Downtown
Event Guidance | Wedding 101
My Wedding Details
How would you describe your style as a couple?
We are pretty laid back and wanted our wedding to be a casual fun celebration that everyone could enjoy. We wanted everything to focus on us celebrating our love and our family / friends that took time out of their busy lives to join in the weekend.
How did you incorporate that style into your wedding?
Since we’re laid back, our friends like to party, and they know we love board games we tried to set an appropriate tone in a number of ways. The groom was the only guy in a tux. We opted to keep the groomsmen in tux pants and matching vests but with differing ties. The bridesmaids were asked to choose a dress that they’d be comfortable in, as long as they kept within our color range.
Jessica’s dad is a huge fan of Maker’s Mark so our signature drink was just that, Maker’s Mark. We also had board games and brainteasers spread around the cocktail area to keep our guests interested while we took our pictures. The Cupcake Collection provided amazing cupcakes on an amazing cupcake stand that was built out of board game boxes like Monopoly, Cranium, with the edible cake topper made to look like the board game Apples-to-Apples.
Our lighting and music was super fun with lanterns hanging over all our tables, up-lighting around the room, and a playlist that included music we handpicked to insure we’d enjoy the music, and our friends got onto the dance floor.
What was the favorite aspect of your wedding?
We are thrilled that we made the conscious choice to have as many of our friends and family involved in the entire weekend as possible. From the rehearsal dinner to the brunch on the day after, it really allowed us to connect with everyone that made the journey to Nashville to see us. On the day of the wedding our favorite aspect was seeing all of the elements we’d planned on and worked hard to assemble come together to be so much fun for our guests. The interactive photo wall that featured pictures of our guests with us over the years, our DJ and the lighting he accomplished, the puzzles, games, and brainteasers spread around the space, and the photo wall were all such a thrill.
Where did you splurge?
Our two biggest splurges were with a photographer and our venue. We wanted to be sure we were comfortable with our photographer, and since we both love photography, we felt it should be a priority for our big day to be captured properly and in a way that suited our taste and style.
Where did you save/DIY?
Winning the Her Nashville contest gave us a bit more leeway in our budget, but we still tried to stay affordable where we could. We created an interactive photo wall in our ‘game lounge’. We also made a lot of the paper items ourselves including menus for the rehearsal dinner with fun puzzles for our guests, and goody bags, and placemats for our brunch.
To continue with our board game theme we looked for a lot of inexpensive board games and old school wooden brainteasers and used them as centerpieces where we couldn’t afford flower centerpieces. For our guest favors Gordie and I took mock-photo booth pictures of ourselves thanking our guests from joining us. We bought frames off eBay and put these photos in them.
Now that the wedding day is over, is there anything about your planning process you feel you could have done differently?
For the most part we were super happy with everything about our wedding! We’d advise that you always read all of the fine print on every single contract that you see so that you understand what all of the costs can be. Also, come up with a detailed photo list and make sure you have enough time scheduled on the day of the event to get all the pictures you want. Make sure that everyone knows where your priorities are.
In one sentence, what words of advice do you have for couples in the midst of their planning?
Keep your wedding theme, goal and budget in mind and as you plan and ask yourself if the things you are incorporating add to the desired end product.
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Posted by Megan |
Filed under: Inspiration & Trends, Real Nashville Weddings, Reception Entertainment, Photo Booths, Wedding Venues and Locations
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Friday, March 23, 2012
More and more couples are moving towards all-in-one venues where they can have their ceremony and reception in the same location. Sometimes, it's because you don't have a church home; other times, it's because you don't want the hassle of moving everyone and everything from one location to another and find it more simple (and often more affordable) to stay in one place.
That's what today's featured couple, Christal and Barrett, decided. Instead of moving between locations, they chose to have their ceremony and reception at aVenue, a wedding location owned by Nashville Event Space. Not only did they host their ceremony at this chic downtown location but they chose to have a round stage, which made their all-in-one approach even more intriguing. So we had to ask, why use a round stage? Laurie Hardman of Nashville Event Space told us that the circular platform appealed to this couple (and others) because it is low to the ground, but still elevated, and allows the family to sit on all sides.
Now that we think about it, we like the round stage approach, mainly because it allows family to sit on both sides, giving everyone a great view of the nuptials. This set-up may not be great for all couples. You might prefer a more traditional set-up. But, regardless of the layout you choose, please know that with a venue like aVenue, you have many options and can simplify your wedding with an all-in-one location.
Christal + Barrett
Date ~ February 12, 2011
Ceremony + Reception Venue ~ aVenue
Guests ~ 130
My Budget
$20,000 – 50,000
Wedding Team
Planner | Laurie Hardman of Randi Events
Photographer | Betsy Limbaugh
Gown & Accessories | b. Hughes
Groom’s Attire / Groomsmen Attire | All of the guys wore their own tuxes if they had them, the other guys rented from Bittner's Formal Wear
Bridesmaids Attire | Bella Bridesmaid
Hair | Miracles-Brittany Muench
Makeup | Lindsey from Mac
Stationery | Designs In Paper
Ceremony + Reception Musicians | Nashville Party Authority
Transportation | We rented a hotel shuttle for our rehearsal dinner, but we just hailed a cab after the wedding, ha! It was great!
Caterer | A Dream Come True Catering
Cake Artist | Dream Cakes
Floral Designer | Mike Wittier - Branches
My Wedding Details
How would you describe your style as a couple?
Classic/ traditional
How did you incorporate that style into your wedding?
Black and white were our only colors and white roses were our only flower. White soft lighting, black tablecloths, etc. It was beautiful!!
We wanted the venue to feel warm and open, and aVenue was exactly that! The open space allowed everyone to be in the same room throughout the night, and the wood floors and exposed brick gave it a comfortable vibe.
We also had a fair amount of out of town guests, and it was important to us that it be easy for everyone to get to and from the wedding. Since aVenue is in downtown Nashville, everyone stayed at hotels down the street and had plenty of sight seeing options. It was the perfect choice for us!
Planner's View on the Bride's Style:
They were so excited about planning there special day but beyond the planning you could see that they truly loved and respected each other. They began to describe the feel and look that they wanted to create, and like many couples they wanted to have relaxed atmosphere where the people that were most important in their lives could come and share in the joy and excitement of this special day.
Christal had a vision of the space being starry and magical and a less traditional ceremony. By having the ceremony and reception in the same location, with very little transition, I felt it was important to keep the guest entertained by something new happening every hour. Barrett and Christal envisioned their guest being welcomed with passed champagne and butler passed canapes.
The room was set in all white with black accents, white roses and lots of candles. A circular stage was set for the ceremony in the middle of the room. Sting lights hanging vertical to create a starry look and draping around the poles to soften the space. As the guest began to arrive the wedding party was staged in the loft. We enclosed the loft with white draping so that the guest would not be able to see the wedding party which would later be pulled back to allow the loft space to be used as part of the reception. After 45 minutes of hors d'oeuvres and champagne, the ceremony was set to begin.
The music rose to get everyone’s attention; from the left side of the venue the groom and his groomsmen came down the stairs. On the right side the bridesmaids. Lastly Christal entered like a fairytale. They said their vows and the ceremony concluded. Now the party began.. They had a more traditional cocktail hour with fruits and imported cheeses and salads and a dinner buffet to follow. The design was clean, simple, and elegant, just like the couple. It fit them perfectly.
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What was the favorite aspect of your wedding?
Oh my goodness, it's so hard to pick just one, but everyone got on the dance floor and partied, which was exactly what we hoped for! At one point in the night we brought out a basket of crazy sunglasses. Everyone put the glasses on and it made for great pictures and some really silly dancing!
Where did you splurge? Where did you save/DIY?
Food and drinks were important to us, so I'd say we splurged on the open bar and plenty of food options. Also, ambiance was a priority for us, so we spent extra on draping, couches, and lighting. Some things that weren't as important to us were having a videographer, table party favors, and programs... We didn't have any of those things and didn't miss them at all.
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Now that the wedding day is over, is there anything about your planning process you feel you could have done differently?
I wouldn't change a single thing! I loved the time of year we did it, the venue, the guests, the food... It was all exactly as we wanted it, and if I had it to do over again, I would do it the same way!
In one sentence, what words of advice do you have for couples in the midst of their planning?
Pick a great wedding planner, if you don't have one already... Our wedding planner made our day happen, and it would have been a mess without her!
Many thanks to Laurie for answering all of our questions and to Betsy for providing the photos! If you would like to book aVenue for your wedding day, make sure to mention that you heard about NES on ABG! And remember, it is a great space for a ceremony/reception combo or for just a reception.
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Posted by Ashley of Ashley's Bride Guide |
Filed under: Inspiration & Trends, Real Nashville Weddings
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Wednesday, March 21, 2012
No one wishes for a rainy wedding day. But with an average of 107 wet days in Nashville, it's bound to happen. (By the way October is the driest month in Nashville.) What are your options? Opt for an indoor venue, even though you heart is set on an outdoor wedding, or pay for a tent (that you may not even use) just in case? The decision is tough. Is there another way to have the outdoor feel that you desire without having to rent a tent? Front Porch Farms has a solution!
Front Porch Farms has seen couples through both sunny and rainy days and co-owner, Kathy, is here to walk us through how she worked with Elvar and Austin to ensure the rain didn't keep their wedding from being beautiful. Sometimes, all you need is the right location to pull a fast one over mother nature!
According to co-owner Kathy: "It rained! And rained and rained! If you want to see what a wedding looks like at Front Porch Farms in the rain then this is a great example. What you will see is a ceremony in the pavilion with a packed house of guests who traveled near and very far. The pavilion was already set for the reception but we improvised and made a ceremony area with the hills as the backdrop. Guests were seated at their tables and did not seem to mind.
Also, there are beautiful shots of the bride, groom, and bridal party on the front porches and lots of fun celebrating.
Yes it rained but it was still beautiful and no one enjoyed it more than the bride herself who didn’t let the weather spoil her day or her joy in marrying the man of her dreams."
ABG notes: The ceremony was moved to the pavilion, one of Front Porch Farm's covered areas (the other being the barn) and it was decorated beautifully.
ABG notes: The covered pavilion is spacious and still gives you a great view of the surrounding, sprawling greenery so you don't have to be cooped up in a stuffy tent to stay dry. Plus, it has a proper floor so you won't have to rent flooring or worry about your heels sinking into grass!
ABG notes: With covered areas that still give you the feel of being outside and at no extra cost, a wedding day at Front Porch Farms should provide that sense of relief to your planning and your budget. The spectacular views won't be obstructed, and when the rain clears, there may be a bonus backdrop for your pictures like this!
Picture by Front Porch Farms
For more beautiful images from this rainy day wedding, photographed by Red Letter Days, visit Front Porch Farm's blog here. Contact Kathy Best at Front Porch Farms for more information on having your wedding at the venue! At a flexible wedding venue like Front Porch Farms, you can have a wonderful wedding, rain or shine.
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Posted by Ashley of Ashley's Bride Guide |
Filed under: Real Nashville Weddings, Wedding Venues and Locations
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Friday, March 16, 2012
My job rocks. I get to look at beautiful weddings from blogs and I get to share my favorites with you. Today's favorite is from Cedarwood, a historic wedding venue known for its designer weddings. The wedding is a beautiful, antique-inspired event from last Fall with really cool details. I'm not sure which I liked more - the vintage photographs and props or the custom signage - but I'm sure you will enjoy it all!
Heidi + Jason
Wedding Date ~ September 23, 2011
Venue ~ Cedarwood
From Cedarwood:
Oh my goodness, how we adore our bride Heidi’s Maggie Sottero “Rhianna Royale“ wedding dress in the delicate color called light gold. No one can illuminate a gorgeous bride and her gown quite like Ace Photography. Seriously, there are so many stunning photos of this bride and her groom Jason at their September 23 Cedarwood wedding, it took three selection sessions just to narrow down our favorites for this post.
Autumn is a glorious time for an outdoor wedding, with warm weather and a touch of fall peeking through the end of summer. Heidi and Jason balanced their romantic pastel-hued wedding with rustic moss, wood, and burlap, as well as autumn-colored accents - including Jason’s southern-chic paisley print bow tie!
Vintage jewelry, bouquet rosary, family heritage photo table, heirloom quilts, and embroidered monogrammed jars of homemade apple butter for guests favors made the wedding personal and unique. A friend of Heidi and Jason gave them original art featuring Cedarwood’s historic house, barn and truck (we love it!) for wedding guests to autograph instead of a traditional guest book — a perfect, steal-worthy idea! Just as original are the custom art-calligraphy chalkboard signs Cedarwood created for Heidi and Jason’s ceremony ‘program,’ seating chart, and bar menus. Kudos to Karen, our resident artist, who keeps raising the bar on Cedarwood‘s custom signs!
Other favorite details from this wedding include Heidi and Jason’s vintage cigar box ring bearer ‘pillow’ – almost as adorable as the little guy himself – and their trio of wedding cheesecakes! There’s so much to enjoy about this beautiful southern soiree! What’s your favorite detail?
I don't know about you but, personally, my favorite detail is the sheer happiness on the happy couple's faces in the pictures. I know, cheesy right? But there's nothing like seeing a bride and groom truly enjoy their day and that's what tends to happen when the Cedarwood team is there to see you through from start to finish.
There are plenty more pictures from Heidi and Jason's big day so check out the complete blog post here. We've got many more beautiful weddings from Cedarwood to feature so definitely look forward to them. Thank you to Ace Photography and Linda at Cedarwood for sharing this beautiful wedding with us, we can't wait to see more!
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Posted by Tabitha |
Filed under: Real Nashville Weddings, Wedding Venues and Locations
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