Sunday, February 3, 2008

Here are the final highlights from my 27 Dresses, Nashville bridal event. Plus, Wes sent the final video just in time!

The Photography:

All of the pics I’ve shared this week were captured by two super gals - April and Michele. Check out their websites to learn more. But, I’ll tell ya - they are both very professional, punctual and great to work w/. In fact, they jumped right in to help out with the event, going beyond their “expertise”. I saw April making lemonade and Michele stuffing swag bags. This may not mean anything to you now, but wait until your big day. You’ll appreciate a photographer who is willing to do double duty - from photography to keeping the flower girl and ring bearer focused long enough to get down the aisle:)

Harmony Designs Photography - April

Casual Elegance - Michele

The Videography

Pursuit Video - Wes came out to support the Nashville bridal event with only a day’s notice! He was such a good sport and did a great job editing out my chatting (and Michele’s).

Thanks to all of the vendors and brides who came out.

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

The Wedding Album

One of the my favorite parts in the process of photographing a wedding is opening up a box that contains a clients wedding album! After all of our work photographing the wedding, editing the images, helping a client choose their images, and then designing the album, it is a wonderful sense of accomplishment to see the final product! It is a completed work of art which a bride will be able to someday show her children and grandchildren. How amazing is that?!

In the world we live in, there are so many more choices for the final product than ever before. Traditional matted albums can now come in metallic or wood covers with fun pages that fold out. You can have a thin coffee table book that looks like it was bought at Barnes & Noble. The most popular albums available now are thick albums with large images mounted onto each page. Most of the time, these albums incorporate graphic design, to help the story of the day unfold as each page is turned. Every wedding photographer will offer albums from different companies and different styles. When you talk with your wedding photographer, he/she will be able to show you the different options they offer and help you decide which one will work best for you.

Our goal at Dove is to make each book personal and to reflect the style of the bride and groom. Here are a few examples of pages from Jennifer & Matt’s album. The pages are going to be printed on thick linen textured paper and be bound with a leather cover. I love how this has the feel of an old book. Even though the design is modern and unique, it is classic and will really stand the test of time. If you look closely, you will see text throughout the book that reflects their vows.

You can see the rest of the album by clicking here: www.doveweddingphotography.com/JenniferMattAlbum

Whitney Carlson
Owner, Dove Wedding Photography
www.doveweddingphotography.com

Thursday, January 17, 2008

In addition to Selah Style and Events who I blogged about yesterday, I wanted to share a few other vendors that I thought were great. I’ll tell you more about them later, but here’s a quick run-down.

1) You’re Invited - 931-216-7368 - No website as of yet but I have asked Rebecca to send me some pics of her work and I’ll share them when I get them. Great talent, very custom and something for every budget. Plus, while based in Clarksville, Rebecca works in Nashville so she could easily meet Nashville brides in the ‘ville. (Pictured below is Rebecca (right) and Jennifer & Marsha (sis and mom).

2) Invitations by Jennifer - Jennifer has so much experience and it shows. She knows weddings and paper. Aside from having a huge inventory of paper and gifts, she is easy going and really interested in helping brides find the best invitation for their budget. I learned a lot just chatting with her for 5 minutes. She’s a pro and has the gorgeous paper to prove it! That’s Jennifer below with all her goodies. I was in heaven in her booth wanted to get married all over again.

3) Yvonne Chamberlain Photography - Yvonne and team were awesome! It was like meeting old friends. Their photography drew me into their booth but their personalities kept me there. Her site doesnt do the best job at showing her work but what she displayed at the bridal show was remarkable. They also have a neat photo album guest book - ask about it when you call.

4) Joan of Art Photography - Their pics jumped off the canvas. I promise you…the colors were vivid and fantastic. Visit their site for more.

Thursday, January 10, 2008

As promised, here are more “Top 20″ vendors from Saturday’s bridal show. Today’s focus is planners and photographers. (If you missed the first 5 - view yesterday’s post.)

• A Delightful Day - wedding planner with tons of style and terrific talent. I’m her BFF…big fan forever.

• Selah Style and Events - adorable concept and Kat is one chic chick. She can do everything and she makes house calls! Her wedding planning services fit ANY budget. (You know you need the help. So now what’s your excuse?)

• Harmony Designs Photography - This is my girl and she rocks. She was looking good and showing off her amazing photography.

• Evin Photography - Great gal with great skills. Her crew was so cool that I just had to take a pic. Plus I love her work.

• Dove Photography - Another team that does extraordinary work that brides love. Ask Amber of A Delightful Day if you need a recommendation. Her wedding pics are simply amazing. I actually took a picture with Whitney of Dove at the show but I looked awful! Sorry Whit, I couldnt post that one. Maybe next show Shana of Harlow Hair can hook up my makeup and hair so I am prepared for pics. Just check out Dove’s site for a gallery or beautiful pics.

• Studio Momenti Photography - I didnt get a chance to speak with them, just admired their work from afar.

Like yesterday, check them out and tell me your favorite.

Monday, December 31, 2007

On Saturday, I attended the Bridesedge.com bridal show and thought I would recap for those who were unable to attend.

If you are a bride seeking a bargain or looking to plan a million dollar wedding on a $20K or less budget - this show was a must-attend! It offered a great assortment of budget-friendly, Nashville wedding vendors. It was not crowded so it was easy to chat one-on-one with your vendor of interest. The vendors were very nice and welcoming, perhaps because they weren’t exhausted from chatting with thousands of brides:) Everyone was smiling and friendly… how refreshing!

Here’s the best of what you missed:

Cakes by Shara - This was my favorite treat of the day! Simply cute, cute, cute! Loads of talent. Check out this custom cake designer, who’s big on style and taste.

(These cookies and mini cakes are great for bridal showers!)

Amber Leaf Events - What drew me to their booth was the extraordinary table setting pictured below. It was simply breathtaking and would leave your guests speechless. After drooling over the table, the owner told me more about the venue. Amber Leaf is an all-in-one venue that can accomodate up to 250/300 guests for wedding ceremonies and receptions. They can handle everything you need - from decorating to catering to the rehearsal dinner. Love it! I can’t wait to see the venue in person but it sounds like a great option for a bride seeking to minimize her stress. It is located in Gallatin, which isn’t a bad drive.

Myrick Studios - Not quite an option for the budget bride but absolutely stunning work. His images remind me of a fairy tale because they seem to pretty to be real - wow! Mike is a Nashville wedding photographer filled with talent. He looks like a cuter, younger version George Michael and has a laid-back personality. (Your bridesmaids will appreciate him as eye candy:) Visit his site and see for yourself. *Disclaimer - If you are a budget bride looking to splurge - check him out; otherwise, don’t tempt yourself. (Hey - dont want you going in debt for your wedding…but if you have to, this is one splurge item.)

Silver Strings - Linda of Silver Strings had the biggest personality of the day! She welcomed me into her booth and kept me laughing. She is a wedding musician and she seems to love what she does. One thing that really stood out is Linda’s willingness to work with her brides. If she doesn’t know “your favorite” song, she will learn it. That’s rare!

Frozen Moments Photography - Kay is another great photographer with an awesome personality. This guys seems to really “get” photography. And, his wife is really sweet so I am sure they will take great care of your wedding party/parents.

Hampshire Photography - A relatively newcomer but a great value! He offers three packages under $1000. Since he is a newbie, he is willing to work with his brides to ensure they get great pictures without blowing their budgets.

Dream Cakes Bakery - Olivia is the owner of this home-based business. She was the first booth I visited and her cake reminded me of a grandmother’s - simple yet tasty. Her cakes are a great value and she offers a wide range of unique flavors. Her ”Cookies and Cream” and “Elvis” cakes sound yummy. (Schedule a tasting and please invite me!) That’s Olivia with her wonderful cake pictured below. (She wasn’t expecting me to include her in the picture!)

Larrivieres On The Square - This caterer offered the best white chocolate bread pudding ever. I am not a fan of bread pudding but I couldn’t get enough of theirs. While I still can’t pronounce their name, I know it must be French for “yummy”.

Some of the vendors highlighted above are great for budget brides, others are appropriate for all budgets. Check them out and see what you like and what works for you.

Remember, with MyWeddingSecretary.com - you never miss anything going on in Nashville that involves weddings!