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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Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Brides have been finding more and more ways to save money while still having the wedding of their dreams. One way that many brides are choosing to cut costs is to buy their wedding dress at a sample sale. You can find a designer dress at a much lower price tag, as long as you are comfortable with the dress possibly being less-than-perfect.
To help you learn what you need to know before considering a pre-owned gown or sample sale, read today's advice from Rhonda Wernick, owner of Nashville's Oakwood Cleaners. Oakwood is the go-to gown care specialist for many of Nashville’s best bridal boutiques.
ABG: Have you seen an increase in brides bringing sample gowns in?
Oakwood Cleaners: We see a plethora of sample gowns. Purchasing a sample is a great way for the bride-to-be to acquire a dress they might not have even looked at before and an effective way for the bridal boutiques to refresh inventory.
ABG: What can brides expect when going to a sample sale?
Oakwood Cleaners: Expect some stains around the arms and the hem where the gowns have made contact with shop floors - the more popular a gown, the dirtier it will be. Watch for tears, snags, and other imperfections that might not be apparent at first glance. Be sure to check all the layers thoroughly to make sure you recognize any existing problems; most will be insignificant, but some might make a difference in cleaning or altering the gown.
ABG: Should stains or tears be cause for concern?
Oakwood Cleaners: Most of it is surface dirt so cleaning it won't cause the gown to lose its luster. These gowns weren't dragged in dirt and aren't as soiled as a gown worn on an actual wedding day - most gowns can be cleaned, modified and altered to hide any signs of damage. Even if a lace gown has a tear, as long as you are aware of what you have purchased, Oakwood (and other experienced gown cleaners) will clean and fix what they can.
A bow on a sample dress that was torn.
ABG: How much can this cost?
Oakwood Cleaners: Cost can vary based on material and layers. The more complicated the gown, the more work that goes into cleaning it. We are more than happy to offer consultations with no obligation so you know how to move forward.
The same sample dress bow, after Oakwood Cleaners fixed it!
ABG: Are there limitations to what can or cannot be fixed? For example, beading or elaborate embroidery on gowns?
Oakwood Cleaners: The gown in these pictures is from a sample sale. In this case, the beadwork is all one piece, so it is easier to clean because we will remove the entire piece, clean the gown, and sew the beading back on. Individual stones set in large prongs on gowns cannot be removed and add to the difficulty of cleaning. Be aware of these details and check with the cleaner you are going to for their opinion.
ABG: How much time should the bride allow between time of purchase, cleaning and alterations?
Oakwood Cleaners: There are two options that brides have when they purchase a dress from a sample sale. First, they can have the dress cleaned and then altered as needed. The other option is to have the modifications and alterations done first, with the cleaning done after the final fitting. To be safe, you should allow 8-12 weeks including tailoring.
ABG: What should brides keep in mind when deciding to purchase a sample gown?
Oakwood Cleaners:
1) First and foremost, you need to know whether the gown can be cleaned. Yes, it almost always can be.
2) You don’t want to buy something that’s more than one size bigger. Altering a gown larger than that can cost more than the gown and also might compromise the way the gown hangs.
3) Ask whether price of the gown includes cleaning or will you have to clean yourself.
4) Ask whether the cleaner specializes in bridal gowns. Know that not every cleaner knows how to clean wedding gowns; there are very few dry cleaners who will take the risk of cleaning something with elaborate work. Oakwood Cleaners uses an environmentally friendly cleaning process that is gentle on delicate fabrics, has no odors and will help insure that your gown looks as good as new.
5) Ask your gown specialist the cost for alterations.
6) Ask yourself if you are willing to trade having a new gown for a good price on a sample gown.
Take Rhonda’s advice and be aware when purchasing a sample gown. Have fun shopping and good luck finding your perfect dress!
All images courtesy of Oakwood Cleaners.
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Posted by Newlywed Sara |
Filed under: Attire - Bridal Gowns, Wedding Dresses & Accessories, DIY & Budget Wed Finds
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Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Vicki will be an expert speaker at tonight's workshop, The Smart Bride. Join us and learn about hiring your cake designer and get a taste for yourself. Here is a bit of eye cake until you can taste for yourself tonight...
Pound, crumble, butter, chocolate, ganache, round, tiered, square, hexagonal... with so many terms and types, it's a wonder a girl is able to make a decision about her wedding cake! Sometimes all we want is a pretty cake that tastes good, one that people will enjoy looking at and that they'll enjoy eating, slice after slice. Signature Cakes by Vicki is one of our favorite bakers who creates beautiful, delicious cake with their years of experience and expertise.
Vicki and Signature Cakes have been baking gorgeous wedding and special event cakes for people in Nashville since 2007 after a stint in catering. Hailing from a family who ran a restaurant, she learned from a young age to bake delicious sweets and cakes, carrying on the practice of wedding coordination and wedding cake making through college. We can be grateful for her long-term passion because now we have her experience, skill, and work as an option for our own weddings.
Cakes of Many Styles
From simple cakes to cakes covered in realistic sugar flowers, to the most beautiful, embellished towering masterpieces, Signature Cakes by Vicki bakes and prepares everything from scratch using quality ingredients. Her Italian meringue buttercream is made from scratch and not from a giant tub of Crisco, and everything right down to the gold paint she uses for the detailing is applied by hand. With Signature Cakes, you get edible works of art that look and taste great.
Photos by Ashlea Terhune
Cleaner, simpler designs are also an option if cakes covered in hand molded ribbons and lace aren't your style.
See more from their wedding cake gallery here.
Groom and Specialty Cakes
Have a specific theme for your wedding or a favorite sports team/TV show? Take a look at the specialty cakes Signature Cakes by Vicki has made. From sneaker replicas to football team mascots to (a personal favorite) a carousel, these cakes may just blow your mind.
For the Star Wars fan, an R2D2 cake or the Millennium Falcon would be a great treat. And who doesn't love Mario Bros.?
ABG Notes: Why hasn't anyone asked Vicki to make a TN Titans cake yet? I'd like to see T-Rac in cake form!
More groom and specialty cakes by Signature Cakes here.
For a closer look at what Signature Cakes by Vicki does, read our interview with Vicki here. When you give Vicki a call about your wedding cake be sure to mention you're an ABG Bride to receive 20% off your cake order and free delivery if you're within the Nashville area.
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Posted by Ashley of Ashley's Bride Guide |
Filed under: Cakes & Catering
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Monday, March 26, 2012
Rhonda Patton continually amazes us with the work she does to transform weddings to meet the bride's vision. Sometimes, photos do not speak enough for the person behind the work. Who is Rhonda? Why does she love to work with wedding design? How has she developed her skill? We asked her all of these questions, but really... her work does speak for itself, the words just explain what isn't seen in the picture.
Her style really speaks to the stylish, modern bride who wants a fresh look - especially if it's something unique! Read on to find out more about Rhonda Patton Weddings and Events; the woman that drives the company and the beautifully transforming work that could make your wedding a dream come true.
About Rhonda Patton Weddings & Events
Main Contact: Rhonda Patton
Blog: rhondapattonweddings.typepad.com
Phone Number: 615-727-4429
Email Address: rpattondesigns{at}gmail{dot}com
Follow on Twitter: @RhondaPatton
Become a Facebook Fan: Rhonda Patton Weddings & Events
Photo by The Collection
How many years have you been in business?
10 years
How did you get started in weddings?
First, I began designing interiors for homes and offices. I branched off into fresh floral design and event design beginning with my first wedding in 2003.
Photos by Townsend Photographers
Photo by The Collection
What do you like most about weddings?
Transformation! I simply love to transform. Weddings are all about transformation.
What’s your favorite wedding photo/video? Why?
I personally do not have a favorite wedding photo or video. I love all of my weddings! I ensure my weddings are not too “contrived” and really strive to help the bride think outside of the box.
Photos by The Collection
What is your service philosophy?
I’m quality driven and believe great customer service is the platform for any business.
What are your strengths compared to others in your category? Why should a bride hire you?
I am not your standard retail florist. As an event designer, I’m capable of ensuring the bride focuses on the total ambiance of her wedding. I custom order Grade A flowers and quality products for each client. I ensure the bride has a signature wedding of her own.
Photo on left by Townsend Photographers; photo on right by Phindy Studios.
What attracts brides to your service/company?
My clients have molded me into the designer I am today! My brides have an affinity for modern design. They like fresh, innovate, contemporary concepts. My brides are stylish and super chic and hire me for my modern style.
What would previous couples say was the main reason they selected your company?
I’ve heard so many times before that I am different. I bring fresh ideas to the table. I try to shy away from contrived “flowers in a vase” look. Every bride is not for me. but for sophisticated, truly modern brides, I am a top contender.
Photo by Kristyn Hogan
Describe the bride/couple that is most attracted to your service/company?
The bride that is most attracted to my company is a real modern bride who wants nothing normal. They like a little tradition but they mainly want fresh, innovative concepts. They want something new and look to me for creativity. I propose unique ideas, concepts and decorative pieces. My inventory is modern and stylish. I’ve been told that my style reminds them of Atlanta, Chicago, California, or New York.
Who are your 5 favorite Nashville wedding vendors – helpfulness, professionalism, style?
Unlike others, I personally do not have favorite vendors. I think vendor selection is based on an array of criteria for that particular bride (personality, budget, style, competency, customer service, cultural competency, reputation, experience, etc.).
Photo by Derek Wayne Lee Photography.
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Posted by Megan |
Filed under: Our Featured Advertisers!, Details, Design & Florals, Luxury Nashville Wedding Finds
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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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