We are barely halfway through our list of great Nashville wedding vendors from the big bridal show. There's much more to come and today, we'll highlight more invitations, a few videographers and photographers.
WEDDING INVITATIONS
Customization was the theme with invitation design companies and it's so exciting to see how creative couples are getting, working with designers to come up with something that's uniquely theirs.
Designs In Paper - designsinpaper.com
The birds were part of one couple's wedding theme. DnP created several elements for this couple's wedding - from invites to table numbers.
It's always a pleasure to see Designs In Paper. They are so passionate about what they do! They had so many really cool save the dates and invitations and paper goods for their brides on display and it was hard to pick the ones we loved because, well, we loved almost all of them.
We featured Courtney + David's Nashville wedding recently. This is their rehearsal dinner invitation, which had a BBQ theme. Don't you like the choice of typeface used for this bbq themed invitation? Just perfect.
My favorite is the Nashville/St. Louis save the date, "A Tale of Two Cities" announcement above right.
Izzy and the Bean - IzzyandtheBean.com
What a cute name for a company! I really like stationery that uses nature-inspired line art. It's really simple, yet creates a great depth to the design.
Picture source: Izzyandthebean.blogspot.com
PHOTOGRAPHY
Evin Photography - EvinPhotography.com
Evin of Evin Photography has a really great photography style, capturing the more vibrant side to a bride and her groom. She's got a great demeanor, and is probably really chill and great to work with. It was so much fun seeing her at the show and seeing a special friend of ABG's there helping Evin out as well!
Shanna had just returned from a wedding at some exotic beach resort complete with white sands and azure waters where she photographed a wedding. It says a lot when a couple is willing to have their photographer fly out to their destination and clearly, Shanna does work is worth that investment.
VIDEOGRAPHY
It's nice to see that videography is a popular option with couples. Everything is now produced in a way that you want to watch your video over and over. Videography companies are getting really tech savvy and videos can be accessed online so sharing it with your friends and family is just a simple click of a mouse!
Baughman Media Works - bmediaworks.com
Decked out in their signature red, Baughman Media Works' booth had screen after screen of wedding footage that made me all misty-eyed just watching. They manage to capture the most intimate moments, and get the coolest shots of a wedding day!
First Dance Pictures - FirstDancePictures.com
This was the first time I'd seen First Dance Pictures and when I checked out their videos on their website I really enjoyed what I saw.
Dynamic Video - dynamicvideoweddings.com
ALWAYS a pleasure to see the lovely Jennifer Fritz of Dynamic Video. They had a camera strategically placed at their booth that followed people who stopped or passed by. Sneaky!
AndyCam Weddings - AndyCamWedding.com
We can't forget AndyCam who does both videography and photography for weddings. We really are surrounded by talented vendors and brides are lucky enough to be able to take their pick!
Bridal shows really are great resources for brides. It can get overwhelming but it's really worth the research especially if you're a very hands-on bride. Hopefully our recaps will refresh your memory of the vendors you met that day and you get to work with the ones you like soon!
All images, unless credited, are property of Ashley's Bride Guide.
We're back to share more great finds from the Weddings, the Bridal Show. (If you missed our favorite booths overall, scroll down to Monday and Tuesday's posts for more FABULOUSness.) Today we're talking planners, florists + wedding rentals - many of the must-have resources for your wedding day.
WEDDING PLANNER
Regalo Design - regalodesign.com
Picture Source: Regalo Design
The fabulous Sarah Goude and her team at Regalo Design had, quite possibly, the most chic booth that day. Nothing overwhelming, really attention-grabbing and just stunning. At one glance brides could see she knew a thing or two about flowers and event design. Each bride that stopped by also got a pink beauty queen sash that Sarah hand-glittered (all 1010 of them)!!
Picture source: Regalo Design
WEDDING FLORALS
Branching Out - BranchingOutEventFlorist.com
Using the theme, "chic rustique," Branching Out Event Florist used burlap draping, branches and pillar candles in cool hurricanes. It's amazing how much dimension there is just using lush white flowers.
Look there's a bride in a Regalo sash!
RENTALS + EVENT DECOR
Liberty Party Rental - libertypartyrental.com
Some rental companies these days aren't all just about how many tables, chairs, silverware and how many champagne flutes you want to order. They now provide event design and will come up with creative, really great tablescapes and decor for your wedding.
Our friends at Liberty Party Rental provide tons of resources online and through their event consultants to help you conceptualize and design your dream event. For the show they decked out their section as a swanky, loungey reception set up in an orange and yellow, Fall inspired theme that we loved.
Such a simple but effective idea - weaving a sash through the back of the chiavari chairs instead of the usual bow.
Grand Central Party Rentals - GrandCentralParty.com
Right at the entrance to the hall were some spectacular tablescapes by Grand Central Party rentals. THey had various color schemes set up, from a green-apple inspired table with fall accents to a rich, turqoise and white. One that caught Ashley's eye was a slightly more preppy green, pink and white table which was both sweet and elegant.
Brides in Nashville definitely aren't lacking in options! Bridal shows like these and of course ABG are here to provide those resources so you get exactly what you desire on your wedding day! Happy planning!
Weddings The Bridal Show was a treasure trove of great Nashville wedding resources. While there were many amazing showcases from vendors we know and love (which we will share later this week), there were a few that stood out as our absolute favorites! They caught our attention (which is sometimes hard to do). These 5 wedding resources were creative, new, exciting and would make incredible additions to your Nashville wedding.
My Lady Dye - myladydye.com
Just when you think we've seen all you can do with paper, a young, hip and innovative company like My Lady Dye comes along and shows us there are no limits to creativity. Look at these festive, fun ideas! We love the paper cones, love the circular fan monograms that you can hang or use as table numbers, and all the custom, personalized creations they have. Everything from My Lady Dye is 100% custom and couture.
Place cards, save-the-dates, gift tags... oh my!
Versatile styles unique to each bride.
SunnyBand - sunnyband.com
The smiling gal you see is Sunny who started SunnyBand. Her company specializes in custom headpieces women and brides. If you're boisterous and bubbly just like her you could opt for a grand faux peony piece like she has on to really make a statement, or you can opt for some smaller, more subdued pieces if that's more your style. Whatever it is, SunnyBand is worth checking out for a fun bridal shower theme with your girls or something to change into for the reception, or just to wear whenever!
Fantastic Flipbooks - fantasticflipbooks.com
This booth has had wedding enthusiasts in Nashville all abuzz since the show - what a great favor idea! Get your guests (or yourself) in the costumes and props they provide, start having fun in front of the camera and merely a couple of minutes later, walk away with your own flipbook of everything you just did on camera! The instant production factor is huge! Fantastic Flipbooks will keep your guests entertained for hours and you can join in the fun too!
Gone are the days your bridesmaids have to hike up their pretty dresses and feel about in the dark to go to the restroom. No more port-a-johns at weddings for us! This trailer makes some hotel restrooms look blah with the wood cabinetry and modern sinks. Best part? It's air-conditioned AND has a flat-screen TV in each one!
His 'n hers! I love how you can use your foot to flush this.
The Collection {Wedding Photographers} - thephotographycollection.com
Last but not least, we're excited to give you a sneak peek at The Collection, who made their debut at the bridal show. It's a team of photographers handpicked by Whitney and Peter Carlson (Dove Wedding Photography) to bring a variety of creative, talented photographers to Nashville brides. We are so excited about them joining the wedding community!
Their booth was so welcoming and the beautiful pictures made it feel like you were stepping into a home.
We really felt these vendors stood out as something new for Nashville. But, there are many more bridal show resources to share this week so check back tomorrow and don't forget to visit all these vendors to learn more about what they have in store.
For my Sex and the City party, everything was a go - from the plan, the design, food, dessert, shopping. But there was one thing that was definitely needed that was nearly impossible to get due to the event coinciding with Memorial Day weekend - tables!
Weeks leading up to the event, Kristin of Simply Stunning and I called every party place we knew - hoping that someone could help supply tables for the party. Less than 7 days before the event, Julie of Liberty Party Rentals came through! She not only was able to provide everything we needed but she was happy to and served us with a smile. That meant a lot to me and I am forever thankful.
So, if you are in need of rentals for your wedding or event, consider Liberty Party Rental. They took great care of me and I am sure they will do the same for you.
To save you time in your search, here's my Q&A with Julie of Liberty Party regarding the company, philosphy, inventory, etc.
How did your company get started in weddings?
Weddings are what built Liberty Party Rental into what it is today. The first client of Liberty Party Rental was a bride and groom! As a party & event rental company, we have always offered rental items, such as tables, chairs, tabletop items, dance floors and linens that would be of interest to brides and those assisting in the wedding planning process. We have also provided more “wedding specific” items that are geared directly toward weddings and receptions, such as archways, candelabras, cake plateaus, and cake serving sets. Our inventory is constantly evolving to stay current with the trends.
What do you like most about weddings?
Most brides have never planned a wedding before so it is always fun to see what ideas they have come up with on their own. Brides are passionate about planning their dream wedding and they have a specific vision that is as individual and unique as they are. Keeping that vision in mind, at Liberty Party Rental we know how to turn dreams into reality while still keeping within budget. We also always aim to keep the entire process smooth and as stress-free as possible, because we know how stressful planning such an important day can be!
What is your service philosophy?What are your strengths compared to others in your category? / Why should a bride hire you?
With over 100 years of combined hospitality industry experience, and the largest inventory in middle Tennessee, the Liberty Party Team is proud to help with the rental items for your upcoming wedding celebration. Our team of professionals is comprised of highly resourceful problem solvers with the capabilities to do whatever it takes to fulfill brides’ wedding wishes.
What is your service philosophy? What are your strengths compared to others in your category? / Why should a bride hire you?
With over 100 years of combined hospitality industry experience, and the largest inventory in middle Tennessee, the Liberty Party Team is proud to help with the rental items for your upcoming wedding celebration. Our team of professionals is comprised of highly resourceful problem solvers with the capabilities to do whatever it takes to fulfill brides’ wedding wishes.
If you ask our past brides, they will say that we excel in customer service. Our goal is for each customer to leave Liberty satisfied, not only with their rentals, but also with the overall experience. By providing not only a great selection of rentals but superior customer service, we hope that the bride and groom will recommend us to all of their friends! A quote from one of our brides in May showcases just this, “Now that all the wedding fuss is over, I just wanted to take a second and thank you. You guys were amazing to work with, and I couldn’t have imagined it being as beautiful as it was! You were fantastic, and you better believe I’m telling everyone that I know to go to Liberty Party for anything. Thanks again and God Bless.”
Liberty Party Rental has an extensive new website that not only includes pictures and details on each of their rental items but also hands on tools that brides can keep in their wedding books. From an inspiration photo gallery to a linen chart to event tips, the website is one of the greatest assets for Liberty Party Rental.
Brides can follow up with a visit to the showroom at Liberty Party Rental where they can setup a sample table with their linen, china, glassware, and flatware. Many times brides end up changing their mind on their “rental picks” once they are able to “see it and touch it”! Not only will they be able to see all of the items in person but they also meet their Account Manager face-to-face. We encourage the brides to setup a showroom appointment to ensure that the showroom is available along with their Account Manager.
Another great strength for Liberty Party Rental is that we own all of our rental items that are showcased on the website. We have over 60,000 square feet of warehouse space filled with our inventory here locally in Nashville. This allows us the flexibility with brides so they can increase their order until 24 hours before the scheduled delivery date or decrease numbers 48 hours prior to delivery.
Our resources and your imagination means anything is possible!
What do you read/watch regularly to stay on top of wedding/event trends?
The entire sales team stays on top of the trends by reading the latest bridal magazines and publications, surfing the internet and examining the latest blogs of our peers, attending various industry events and listening to the brides themselves, who often are the most current in wedding styles.
Let’s discuss current wedding trends - What trend do you love?
Mixed seating – using various size tables and incorporating unique lounge seating options as well. We have also enjoyed putting together weddings lately they have utilized a wide array of color schemes. It is sometimes nice to do something a little unexpected.
Lounge seating options and styles
What trend do you hate?
It is not so much a trend, but often inflexibility is a challenge to work with. At Liberty Party Rental, we have many solutions to maintaining the overall concept, while still staying within the budget. For example, many of our customers want chair covers to hide the boring banquet chairs that many venues already have – they immediately assume the only option is to use a chair cover, but they never think to bring in an alternative chair. A majority of our chairs, all wedding reception quality, are more economically priced than the chair cover itself. We always try to have our brides think outside of the box when met with a challenge – design or financial.
Past trends
Trend I’m glad is gone?
All white – white chairs, white table linens, white china.
What are your favorite wedding websites? Neatest wedding find?
Our new site - libertypartyrental.com and ashleysbrideguide.com
For "budget savvy" brides, what's the one thing you think should always make it into a budget?
Linens, or even overlays, can make quite the statement when walking into the room. They can give the room that “pop” of color needed, without pouring money into florals, and also create a uniform look to the room.
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Elegant bursts of color
What's one way brides can save money/be more economical?
Sometimes brides focus on things that guests really would not notice unless it was pointed out to them. For example, a bride could focus her attention on a certain glassware or flatware that is really not within her budget. While the item may add some “wow” to the tablescape, if a more basic glassware line was substituted guests would not necessarily have a different experience or realize that a more cost effective option was used instead.
Clear Tents
Does your company do anything special that a green bride might want to know?
We offer more than just linens, tables and chairs. Lounge seating, outdoor furniture, tabletop décor, tents, and flooring a just a few more items that we rent. Brides can visit our new website to get inspiration and also learn about all of our great products! Be sure to come by our showroom and see firsthand what we have to offer.
When I got married, I had also just started a new job. This isn’t something I recommend, least of all when planning a wedding halfway around the world as well as another wedding here in Nashville two weeks later. Shortly into the 6-month mark, I honestly thought I was going to go insane and the idea of eloping sounded better and better. I’m usually calm, usually a lot less freaked out by stress and I didn’t realize that with all the time I devoted to the planning, I neglected my own wellbeing and had put my Bikram yoga practice on hold. After one particularly arduous day, I had a breakdown and my wonderful fiancé (now husband) said, “Why don’t you go take a yoga class?”
That made such a difference.
Bikram yoga is one of the best things I do for myself on a regular basis and I am excited to be able to share with you today its most wonderful benefits that are going to help you maintain your sanity and (here’s the cherry on top) look and feel awesome for your big day.
Started by Bikram Choudhury and introduced to America in the 1970's, Bikram's Beginner Yoga Class is a sequence of 26 postures put together systematically for optimal benefits. The postures don't change, just your individual practice which gets stronger and deeper with each day. According to their website BikramYoga.com, Bikram yoga (popularly known also as "hot yoga") should always be practiced in a Bikram certified yoga studio by a qualified instructor who has undergone proper, strict training.
Lucky for us, we have an affiliated Bikram studio here in town. Bikram Cool Springs is run by Tennesse native Sandra Lee who has been teaching this yoga since getting certified in 2007. Sandra’s studio has classes everyday taught by her and her team of qualified instructors. "It's never too late, never too bad, and you're never too old or too sick to start from scratch" as Bikram likes to say. People of all ages practice Bikram yoga the world around and its longevity and popularity are due largely to the fact that it has such obvious, long-term benefits. Take it from me, you'll even see results after just a few classes - better posture, better focus and even your clothes fit better! It's pretty amazing!
The Thirty-Something Bride has been practicing BIkram yoga on and off since 2006 and told us, "It's the best 90 minutes a bride (or a groom) can spend on herself. While the heat might sound daunting - or even be a bit overwhelming for your first class, it's actually a wonderful thing! You don't need to be a yoga expect or guru or anything like that. Every class is a "new" class of flexibility and experience, regardless of how long one has practiced. You'll sleep better, eat better (it just happens!), feel better and stress just melts away. It's the best thing a person can do for their entire body, soul and psyche!"**
The 26 postures in a Bikram yoga class in a sequence that works and stretches every part of your body, head to toe, inside and out.
Now doesn't that sound exciting? "The best thing a person can do for their entire body, soul and psyche" pretty much sums up the mental, physical and emotional benefits you could get by treating yourself to a Bikram yoga class. I personally have been practicing Bikram yoga for seven years now, quitting the gym shortly after I started in 2003 and I have never looked back. One of the biggest benefits of this yoga is the mental clarity it brings. It has given me the ability to think clearly and concentrate on the moment instead of being all over the place and that really helped me manage my time better with the two weddings and new job.
Sandra explained why this is a common effect of the class: "You are given 90 minutes to focus on nothing but yourself. The yoga helps you tune in with how your body moves and feels and teaches you to stay in the moment. Even those who are still on their third or fourth class area amazed at what it does for their concentration because they are finally able to sleep well at night and wake up feeling refreshed."
This is also a great way to focus on yourself. "My students sometimes come in to treat themselves to 90 minutes of 'me time' before returning to real life." In the frenzy of wedding planning, it's so easy to lose yourself. We always stress that your wedding day needs to be more than the flowers, food and the guest list and that it needs to be about you so rewarding yourself with Bikram yoga just might be the thing you need to keep things sane!
Know what else is amazing about this yoga? You burn at least 600 calories in one class without the wear and tear you get from high-impact cardio exercise. At approximately 105 degrees fahrenheit (the heat is to aid in the detox and flexibility factor) the sequence of yoga poses you go through in 90 minutes will make you sweat, detox and burn. "Your heart rate is raised and lowered, as if you are doing intervals on a treadmill. You get a workout that will make you stronger, more flexbile, it cleanses your body and it makes you feel better overall. The weight loss part is a bonus." Sandra told me. Don't even worry about being in great shape to start, the point is to do this to get yourself in better overall shape. Sandra stressed that this class is at one level only and you don't need to have any yoga experience to know what you're doing "This is Bikram's Beginner Yoga Class and it's for all levels and all ages. You work to your ability and and the progress comes at the pace that's right for you."
In case you're wondering about how just doing yoga can build any sort of muscle tone, well, you should just take a look at Biikram himself. The man is well into his 60's and is in better shape than some guys half his age!
Bikram Choudhury teaching at one of his seminars. Sandra reassures me that the teachers do not ever stand on you in class.
But like Sandra said, the weight loss is a bonus. As a bride-to-be, it's the stress of planning that can get to you and that can distract you from what's important - you and your fiance and the life upon which you're about to embark together. I could go on and on and on about how great this yoga is but it's best to try it out for yourself. Maybe even bring your fiance and take classes together because it is a wonderful bonding experience and could take your engagement and marriage to an even greater level! Here's a video from Bikram Cool Springs with testimonials from their students. Enjoy, and I really hope you'll give it a shot soon - maybe I'll see you there sometime!
At Ashley’s Bride Guide, we’re always on the lookout for innovative and exciting wedding ideas.
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