Custom Bridal Jewelry - 10% off at Grand Opening December 20

While reviewing the results from the Best of Nashville Weddings survey, I came across a rave review of Adornments, a store opening in The Factory at Franklin, that makes custom jewelry for brides and bridal parties. If you are looking for a unique piece for your wedding day or special jewelry to adorn your wedding party, Adornments might be a great place to start. AND, this weekend - enjoy 10% off at their Grand Opening Party.

Keep in mind - their pieces are custom so their website doesn’t feature their bridal work. But, the sky is the limit.

Monday, November 10, 2008

On Saturday, I hosted a baby shower for my sister. Some might wonder why I am blogging about a baby shower on a wedding website. Well, many of the ideas for baby showers can be used for bridal showers too.

As you plan your Nashville bridal shower (and if you are the bride and you like some of the ideas - feel free to forward this article to your maid of honor), here are some ideas…ESPECIALLY if you are on a budget like we were.

Budget:

Our goal is to plan fabulously fun baby shower for less than $1000. The final spend was $800.

Colors:

We started with a color palette. Initially, we were thinking aqua and red, based on an inspiration board that Jessica aka Ms Fondue shared several months back.

However, after my sister registered, she decided to do the nursery in hot pink and brown (imagine that) so we decided to do the shower around those colors so that she could use many of the decor elements again.

Venue:

We wanted a venue that was free and didn’t require that we use an on-site caterer because we wanted to do a potluck style menu. We also wanted a space that was easily accessible and that could accommodate a large or small guest list (ended up being 50 guests). Hillary of Brocade Design Arts suggested Nashville’s East Park Community Center, which proved to be a GREAT suggestion. She is sooo helpful and always has a great solutions for event problems. The folks at East Park were super easy to work with. The space is free during their normal business hours and is only like $65 after hours. You really can’t beat that. They didn’t have any restrictions, other than no alcohol. Barbara (615-862-8448) is the event coordinator.

Food:

- We relied on the hostesses to provide the food. Our menu consisted of salad, spaghetti, chicken alfredo pasta (which we ordered from Pizza Hut - was horrible, even though it normally isnt), tuna and turkey sandwiches and sliced fruit.

- Drinks - We offered purified water in water pitchers, lemonade and fruit punch from Walmart. We bought simple drinks, placed them in beverage dispensers and added lemons and strawberries to make them a bit more fab.

Decor:

I reached out to Hillary (Brocade Design Arts) to get a few ideas. She added her touch to the shower decor BUT the event wasn’t representative of all that Hillary can do to a space…Now, if I’d hired her for the event planner, it would have been more fab…but I didnt:). Hillary helped with the event styling - by giving me ideas and added her neat touches.

- Lanterns - The ceilings at East Park are like 20 feet high. All of that height was just craving attention. So I bought hot pink lanterns from the Target Dollar Zone and was obsessed with them. Even when I saw the room and the height, I wasnt deterred. So…Hillary and I got really creative. We bought metal weights from Home Depot, added them to the bottom of twine and started throwing them into the air. It was soooo funny! Everyone was running around trying to dodge our flying weights on strings. I am so thankful that Hillary and my friends were so patient with my determination. We eventually got them up and they looked great!

- Floral arrangements / Candles - I bought hot pink pails (Target Dollar Zone), pink votives and small flask vases (IKEA) and Hillary made adorable floral arrangements.

- Pails with goodies - I also took a few of the hot pink pails and filled them with tissue paper and small baby items, like receiving blankets, pacifiers, etc. (You could do these same for your bridal shower - fill the pails with small items for the bride.)

- Stickers - I went to Hobby Lobby and Target and bought all types of letter stickers - all sizes. We placed letters on the linen tables - spelling baby words like cry, mom, dad. We did the same on the pails after decorating them with ribbons.

- Big letters - we carried the letter theme into every aspect of the shower. I bought 15 inch letters form JoAnns Fabric (Cool Springs) and Hillary spray painted them hot pink and added glitter. Super cute! My sister will hang these in her nursery.

- Linen - We rented hot pink and brown overlays from Art Pankcake Rentals and placed them over white tablecloths.

- Balloons - hot pink, orange and light pink bought from Shindigz party store in Green Hills.

Games:

- Hate corny games but these two are always a hit and can be great for brides or babies - 1) Song Remix, Bride/Mom Trivia - email me if you want to know more about these.

Favors:

For favors, I decided to do a sweet stop bar as treats/favors. I made copies of the ultrasound, taped them to treat bags and wrote a special message on each bag from the mom/baby to guests. We then invited the guests to snack off the bar during the shower and to take treat bags home.

Here’s what we placed on the sweet stop bar -

- Publix Cupcakes - I really wanted gourmet cupcakes but our budget didn’t allow for it. So, I went with my next favorite - Publix. I gave the color swatches and they made them pretty, pretty. While I so wanted pineapple with heaven-ganache our budget allowed for chocolate and vanilla:). But, they tasted and looked great and went fast! I didn’t even get one.

We decorated the cupcake stand (Walmart) with wrapping paper and more letter stickers.

- Gourmet Popcorn and Candy Bar by Kernels Gourmet Popcorn

Kernels is a new, Nashville-based, gourmet popcorn company. They are under the radar now but will soon be a Nashville hot spot. They offer popcorn bars and created ours with caramel, cheddar, white cheddar and butter. We also added assorted chocolates (taking advantage of the 75% off Halloween sales!). We tied cute ribbon around the scoopers to add color to small details. Most of the jars can be purchased at Walmart (near kitchen cutlery) or World Market.

Kernel’s event coordinator is Amber Heater and she can be reached at 646.808.5540.

- Chocolate Fountain

I have a small chocolate fountain that I bought last year but never used. I simply bought the chocolate and a medium fruit tray from Publix that consisted of apples, pineapples and strawberries. Most people loved the chocolate fountain - and for a shower, a small fountain will do. But beware - all chocolate is not created the same. I bought chocolate from Party City and it was only $5.99 for 2lbs. When I went to Michaels, it was $16 for 2lbs. The difference - chocolate flavored vs real chocolate. But the real chocolate usually requires a bit more work (aka adding of oil).

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

I attended Nashville’s Hume Fogg High School with Katriesa Waters (now Raines). Katriesa was super sweet and I always loved her style, which was very unique which I appreciated.

Fast forward…Katriesa is now an amazing designer in Atlanta where she offers brides and bridesmaids her signature, vintage style via Olive, her independent fashion label.

I can’t wait until Katriesa’s line is available in Nashville but until then, you can check out her collection online or make a visit to her wedding design studio, Paisley Umbrella, in Atlanta. “Call for an appointment for fittings at the Paisley Umbrella. Choose from Olive’s Signature Silhouettes, and view an array of fabrics. A Bridesmaid Brunch is offered at the Paisley Umbrella as a gift from Olive! This is the perfect time for your girls to meet over Mimosas and sweets, try on their new dresses, and for you to SHOWER THEM!”

What’s great about her collection is 1) she a Nashville native - so you know she rocks, 2) you won’t see anyone in your bridal attire since it’s a small collection and 3) it’s vintage-inspired which is uber-cool and timeless.

Check out this great article on Olive here and see the Olive collection here.

Congratulations Katriesa on your fabulous bridal collection and wedding studio. Couldn’t have happened to a better, more stylish, person.

I hope to visit Paisley on my next visit to Atlanta. This time, we will make it happen:).

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Jewelry designer Diana Warner resides in NYC but choose to debut her bridal collection in Nashville (her hometown). I met her briefly at the Franklin Bridal Ball but followed up to learn a bit more from her today. Here’s my interview with this fashionista.

My interview with Diana Warner

Hi Diana!

I couldn’t wait to let ABG brides and planners know about your breathtaking bridal line to ABG readers.

It’s so great to know that you are from the Nashville metro area! And your sweet grandmother lives right here in Franklin, TN…gotta love our local talent.

OK. Your jewelry can be seen in top fashion magazines, on celebrities and on tv. Your collection is amazing; and I will admit, I was surprised to learn that you’re so young. How did you get started?

I have been making jewelry my whole life- well any art really— since I was a kid I sold painted rocks to the neighbors, spent all my allowance on art supplies. In high school I took art classes as all my extra classes, and when I was 18 I started my 1st company that had a lot to do with art—- and then went to art school— and sorry this is long you can also read my bio for a little more info—-after art school I finally found the guts to make my own art public. Art school really helped with that confidence—and so did my parents— they never really told me something was good if it was not so I was able to learn from my parents (both artists) and develop my own signature look— My love for jewelry came from my mother’s mother who had very little to no toys at her home— just jewelry- so that is what I played with there, and I was there a ton!

So you grew up with baby bling all around…love it! No wonder you are such a trend setter. So, what inspires your style?

I love nature- and women who embrace natural beauty- but I also love love love fine art- paintings- history- I love the Art Deco period and style, I love Modern and Post Modern art as well. I love architecture. As far as designers go I love Oscar De La Renta (whom my factory makes things for!) I love Carolina Herrera and think she is so very classic, Grace Kelly of course- and my mother and grandmothers are very inspirational.

What’s hot in the bridal fashion now?

Trend 1) Blue- I know it sounds strange but that color is really hot.

(photo from Martha Stewart Weddings)

Trend 2) Incorporating items that will last forever i.e. getting dresses your bridesmaids will wear all the time, getting jewelry they will never take off— and making your wedding have little details that are personal to you. For instance my husband and I had a table at our wedding that had pictures of our grandparents and parents weddings all over it. We also had next to the dance floor a seating area that was reserved for “grandparents” that meant they could all sit and watch (did not matter who’s grandparent you were as long as you were old) the dance floor and not feel so removed just because they did not have the energy to dance all night long. We also had a moon walk ( giant game of inflatable twister) for kids— Parents thought it was the most amazing thing ever— any even the adults jumped all night long!

I know that your bridal collection just launched but your everyday collection is stunning and would be great for engagement parties. What are your 5 best sellers?

Our best sellers include the “obligato” necklace which is a charity piece of ours, the Nancy Bracelet ( i love this one) — The Melanie Earrings in gold, the Taryn necklace and the Sarah necklace.

If a bride could only choose one item from your collection, which would you recommend as a must-have for her wedding day?

Um….. I like it all — let me think- you know the Tara Earrings are really nice— found under The Tara Collection online. They are really really romantic. I also love the Floral Bridal earrings for something contemporary.

Tara Earrings, Crystal

What should Nashville brides know about your jewelry/company?

We are southern girls up in NYC that love to dress, meet and work with Southern Brides! It is so refreshing to talk to or work with southern women- especially since we live in NYC full time!

Where can Nashville brides buy your yummy goodies?

All over- since the bridal line is brand new, they can visit Boutique Bella, Posh, or Ivey on Main in Franklin and ask to see the catalog or. But the easiest way to shop is online at Diana Warner Studio.

Thanks for introducing your collection and serving glam seeking brides everywhere!

Custom Cookies to Invite Your Bridal Party

I always think it’s neat to invite your friends to be a part of your wedding celebration. There are many ways to do so but I have recently fallen in love with these edible invitations from Opulent Favors. They grabbed my attention and will certainly be unexpected and unforgettable. What I love most is that they are available for just about any occasion - girls night out or bridal party invitation. Find the occasion and send sweetness!

“Will you be our ringbearer?” cookie

Bridal shower invitation

“Will you be my flowergirl?” cookie

Will you be my bridesmaid?

(Note - maids name can be added to cookie.)

Thursday, July 10, 2008

Planning a wedding is hard enough, but when more than half the wedding party lives out of town, it can be very frustrating too. So I took the bull by the horns and contacted all 8 of our bridesmaids and planned a time for us all to go pick out the bridesmaids dresses. The maid of honor, Nikki, came down from Baltimore, three other sorority friends came from Knoxville, 2 more from Hendersonville and 2 from Nashville. We even had the future ring bearer, Hudson, having his bottle and giving his opinion!!

(Bridesmaids in original dress style from Faccio)

(Kendall and nephew - future ring bearer)

Working with Elizabeth and her staff at Faccio Bridal in Cool Springs TN, we chose a dress we thought would be just perfect….it wasn’t. Mainly because Kendall chose a different wedding gown than we originally thought, but that’s when the fun began. We started pulling dresses off the rack and had some laughs and some no ways and then some sighs when we found our perfect dress.

(Final bridesmaid dress, Jim Hjelm from Faccio)

The girls chose a one shoulder black satin trumpet shaped gown by Jim Hjelm. There is a big bow on the shoulder and since it will be a formal candlelight ceremony, they will also wear opera length black satin gloves. It looks fabulous on them all!!

We also have 3 junior bridesmaids and a flower girl….all of which also live out of town….but as it turned out the original junior bridesmaid dress worked great for them and the flower girl chose a dress with a white bodice and black skirt…really cute.

(Flower girl dress from David’s Bridal)

(Junior Bridesmaid dress from Faccio)

The dresses are gorgeous….but they wouldn’t let me wear one too!! It really was a fun time for all the bridesmaids as well as me. Everyone went from Faccio in Cool Springs to Arzelles in West End to see Kendall in her wedding dress…which she won’t let me send you a picture of yet. Then, we headed lunch. What a morning!!!

(Kendall and crew shopping for bridesmaid dresses - Kendall is tall center)

Monday, July 7, 2008

Most brides appreciate their bridesmaids and strive to find an amazing bridesmaid dress that meets her style and wishes but will flatter her friends and maybe even be reworn. Every bride says “it’s a dress that you can wear again” or it will look great on everyone. But, few dresses really do.

Twobirds Bridesmaids thinks otherwise. I ran across their ad in a recent bridal magazine and it made me curious since I’ve heard it before. Here’s what their website says about their convertible dress:

As you know, I love custom anything. I think a wedding should be a personal expression, a window into the couple’s style and loves. For my wedding, my maids wore Jim Hjelm. I chose the fabric and they chose the style. It worked but it was a bit of work to coordinate. So, the more I learn about this convertible bridesmaid dress, the more I like it.

Here are just a few ways this dress can be worn.

The dress comes in 13 colors and they cost $270 for the calf length version and $290 for the floor length. The site says that they are great for pregnant women (which makes sense) because they are one size fits all - SUPER YAY! Dress alterations can sometimes cost 1/2 the cost of the dress. So, one size fits all (if it really does) is a big stress saver.

You can buy wraps and ties that match the dress color. Every item can be monogrammed with names, wedding dates or even special notes.

I haven’t seen them in person or in real wedding pics but I love the concept! Tell me what you think.

I believe that Bella Bridesmaids carries the convertible dress here in the Nashville area. Contact/visit the bridal salon for more info.