Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Check out this amazing wedding story, as told to me by Ashley, a Nashville newlywed. Her photographer was Dove Wedding Photography so you know the pics are 2-die-4. I also love her simply elegant cake!
My Wedding Story:
Bride - Ashley McKinney; Groom - Jordan Allen; both of Murfreesboro, TN
My Wedding Details
Date: July 28, 2007 at 7:00pm
Ceremony location: North Boulevard Church of Christ
Reception location: Stones River Country Club
# guests: 250-300
My Wedding Style
Timeless, classic and elegant
My wedding colors and why I chose them?
It was a black and ivory wedding, very appropriate for the 7:00 pm wedding. Think candlelight. Our accent color was a celadon green; sort of a bright celery color. I chose the black and ivory because it is so classic and chic. It was straight-laced with a romantic, candle lit experience. I didn’t want the colors to be something I would look back and say, “What was I thinking?!” or for people to look at the pictures and tell what decade the wedding was. That’s where we got classic.
My wedding theme?
Well, we had a lot of monogrammed things, which I love! I don’t think brides should use their married monograms before the wedding so
I made sure that on my wedding day, there was plenty of our combined monogram.
My wedding wow factor?
Our guests loved the intricate details of everything from the aisle runner (of course monogrammed) to the hotel guest baskets. Our favors went over very well also. The kids table was a hit for those who utilized them.
My wedding favors?
I had antique candy jars filled with a variety of colors of candy. Since everything was pretty much black and ivory, this was my chance to be cutesy in a classic way. Guests had mini black with white polka dot bags to fill with the candy selection of their choice.
My personal touches?
The hotel guest baskets had monogrammed notes; we had a monogrammed aisle runner (Ivory with black AAJ); monogrammed guest book, which was on a monogrammed table runner (a gift from the florist); our cake was monogrammed; and the stickers to enclose the favor bags were monogrammed.
We also had our Christian faith incorporated into the ceremony. Our minister began the ceremony by sharing our testimonies with the guests. He then shared our stories of how the Lord led us to one another. We chose to not have a unity candle, and we took communion as we knelt at the altar.
My gifts:
Bridesmaids: black and green Swarovski necklace and earring sets; Groomsmen: monogrammed cuff links; Jr. Bridesmaids, Attendants, and Flower Girls: pearl necklaces and bracelets, personalized notepads. Ring bearer: harmonica.
Most special moment:
Walking toward Jordan. I was so nervous of all the people looking at me. I didn’t know if I was to look at them or what. Then the best advice was given: The moment is about the bride and groom. Don’t think about all those people. This is about you and him. It’s your moment. So I watched him as I was escorted by my father to the end of the aisle. It was beautiful. My heart was beating so fast yet it was such at peace.
For the kids:
At the reception, we had kids tables. The tables were child-sized with chairs to fit. On the table we had white butcher paper for them to draw on and color. Their centerpieces were colorful metal pales filled with crayons and fruit roll ups. We also had color sheets and puzzles for the kids to have as entertainment. The children also had their own buffet, which was located near their table. The buffet boasted chicken fingers and french fries with fresh fruit.
My Wedding Vendors
Planner: I planned the event myself! I loved every stressful minute of it! I did get assistance from a cousin, who is a coordinator in Atlanta, GA.
Photo: Dove Wedding Photography… VERY creative and professional.
Cake: The Bake Shoppe in Nashville, TN
Invitations: This was our invitation from The American Wedding. I saw it in ModernBride.
Dress: My dress was purchased at The White Room in Lebanon, TN. I saw the dress on theknot.com and fell in love. I wanted to wait and see what else was out there, but nothing compared! My mom and I spent 5 Saturdays looking around Nashville and Murfreesboro, and nothing was as good as the gown I had seen online. I did a search and found that only The White Room carried this particular designer. We went for a Bellissimo Couture trunk show, and met the dress designer. We purchased the dress the same day. The bridesmaids and flower girl dresses were Bill Levkoff, also purchased from The White Room.
Rings: I got Jordan’s ring from Blue Nile. He purchased my ring from Bell Jewelers in Murfreesboro.
Music: Our piano player was William Richardson from Murfreesboro. Our violinist was Susan Daniels, also from Murfreesboro.
Food: We used the caterer at the Stones River Country Club. Great job!
Flowers: Tom’s Florist in Smyrna, TN, and they were great! I met with Becky (the owner) for a total of about 10 hours to plan the flowers and arrangements. They were there the entire day of the wedding… they delivered and set up. It was exactly what we wanted!!
My faves:
- DEFINITELY Dove Wedding Photography. I realize how blessed we were with Whitney and her team when I look at others’ pictures. The talent that Dove has is evident throughout all 1700 wedding pictures.
- Stones River Country Club
- The White Room, Lebanon, TN
- William Richardson, pianist and Susan Daniels, violinist
My Wedding Rewind
What would I do differently?
I would not be so adamant about some things and that would allow more time and finances for others.
Best value for the service/product?
My fave vendors deserved all that we paid. I would definitely not choose another photographer, ever!
Neatest find?
Etiquette!! I loved reading about what to do depending on the time and setting of the wedding. I loved it so much that I have helped with planning and solely coordinated others’ weddings since my own. I love to share what I’ve learned with others!! Weddings are a VERY special event, nothing to be taken lightly.
