the wedding scoop

Happy Memorial Day Nashville!

Monday, May 25, 2015

We are thankful for all of those who served and died for our freedom. Here's a list of options for celebrating Memorial Day in Nashville.

Posted by Ashley King | Filed under: 0 comments »

Dallas + Erin’s Wedding Boasts Cheekwood’s Natural Beauty and a Taste of Nashville

Friday, May 22, 2015

Erin and Dallas were able to create an ideal spring wedding with the help of wonderful wedding planners and, of course, the beautiful, natural backdrop of Cheekwood. Going into the wedding planning process, they knew exactly what they wanted to create: an elegant, rustic wedding. Their planners at Firefly Events worked to use what Cheekwood already offered to create a wedding that reflected the personalities of Erin and Dallas. With touches of Nashville and Tennessee, guests were able to enjoy a part of the couple's favorite things. Take a look at the pictures Nyk & Cali Photography captured of the newlyweds!

Wedding Team

Wedding Details

How would you describe your style as a couple?
I don’t know that we have a style exactly. We wanted our wedding to be elegant, rustic, and classic, but most of all fun.

Where did you get your inspiration?
We loved the natural beauty of Cheekwood in the spring with all the tulips blooming, so we really wanted to make choices that did not overwhelm the setting. Our colors were navy, light green, white and coral. Like most brides these days, I used Pinterest to find ideas and looks that we wanted. Firefly Events understood what we were and were not looking for in our wedding, and they were able to narrow down our selections for us so we did not have to do all the initial legwork.

How did you incorporate that style into your wedding?
Basically we came to Samantha and Michelle from Firefly Events with ideas and pictures, and they found a way to make it all work. When you have great planners, they can make any crazy idea work together in a cohesive and flawless manner.

What was your (or your guests’) favorite aspect of your wedding?
It is hard to pick a favorite part, but I think our favorite part was our band, Kansas Bible Company. They are not your typical wedding band, which is exactly what we were looking for in our music. They were so much fun and played such a varied selection of music. We actually saw them play at a beer festival earlier that year and knew we had to have them be a part of our day.
Our guests really liked our dessert buffet. It had a groom’s cake and then lots of desserts from Dulce Desserts as well as some Nashville and TN treats like Goo Goo Clusters, Moon Pies, homemade marshmallows, chocolate bars, and macaroons. There were only a few things left at the end of the night.

Where did you splurge? Where did you save/DIY?
We splurged on our photography and videography. Nyk and Cali were so much more than we could have anticipated. We have hundreds of frame-worthy pictures. We actually went back to Cheekwood about two months after the wedding to take more pictures and some of those are my favorite. The after-session also let us enjoy the wedding day more because we knew we could come back and get those shots that we wanted on another day.

We saved on some of our décor. My mom made all the table runners for the reception. It is very special to have those now because we can use them in our house. Also, my dad made our guest seating chart from old windows and chalkboards.

Who were your favorite vendors and what made them exceptional?
We loved all of our vendors, but a few stood out. We absolutely loved our food. The wonderful people at Chef’s Market came up with a great menu that was beyond delicious. I love to cook and we both love trying all the great restaurants in Nashville. We wanted traditional southern food but with a sophisticated flair. Amie changed our entrée several times until we were over-the-moon happy with it. My dad even called after the wedding to get the recipe for the shrimp and grits. She did not give it to him, haha. While we are talking about food, I have to mention Juanita at Dulce Desserts. Our cake was incredible! Please go taste her cakes!! We recently moved to South Carolina, and I sometimes want to make a trip back to Nashville just for one of her cakes. The orange ginger cake with pistachio butter cream was unique and a guest favorite.

High Tone Entertainment was so easy to work with before our wedding. The string quartet learned one of our favorite songs, “Never Gonna Give You Up,” for us to walk down the aisle. One of our requests was to have some sort of music playing the entire time. They transitioned so well between the ceremony and reception since they were right next to each other. Josh actually listened to all of our requests and the ever-important do not play list. We could have danced until 3:00 in the morning.

Now that the wedding day is over, is there anything about your planning process you feel you could have done differently?
Not a thing!! We loved every second of our wedding, and we would do it again every day if we could. We were very happy to have such wonderful wedding planners to guide us during both the planning process and the big day.

In one sentence, what words of advice do you have for couples in the midst of their planning?
Plan to steal away for a few minutes with just the two of you to take in the day and reflect on how you are starting your lives together.

Posted by Holly Engaged Bride | Filed under: Luxury Nashville Wedding Finds, 0 comments »

Jamaica’s Sandals Ochi Resort Provides Honeymoon Sanctuary With Private Pool

Thursday, May 21, 2015

Our featured resort of the month from our friends at 2Travel Anywhere is Jamaica’s gorgeous Sandals Ochi resort. A private retreat space with a walled courtyard and over 1200 sq. feet of pure luxury, this suite includes a king size bed, sunken bath with dual vanities in the large ensuite, along with a modern lounge area, and a fully-equipped kitchenette. And one of the best features - your own private Roman pool and hot tub, surrounded by gorgeous hand-drawn murals in the vast courtyard. Carlie from 2Travel Anywhere recently booked a getaway for a Nashville couple and you have to see the photos to believe how beautiful this space is!

Scroll down for more details on this fabulous option for your honeymoon or anniversary trip.

Tell us a little bit about the island where the resort is located.

Sandals Ochi is hidden away in Jamaica, Ocho Rios. This location is the perfect getaway for those who want privacy, their own pool, and butler service. There are many things to do in this area if you’d like to venture outside of your private room. You can swim with the dolphins, trek to picture perfect waterfalls, take a zip-lining adventure, and so much more nearby.

What do you love about this resort?

There are so many reasons I love this resort. One of them is that you have 15 dining options to choose from and it is all included in the price. The butler villas at this resort are tucked into the rolling hillside for those who desire a more private setting and also have lots of activities. Beachfront pools, unlimited golf, and greens fees are included. All premium alcohol with entertaining bartenders who make your favorite cocktails (no tipping allowed at any of the bars and restaurants). This is the largest Sandals Resort property to meet and mingle with others or find a private, quiet area.

This resort is for…

The couple who want to stay at an all inclusive, all adults resort with so much more to do than just hit the beach, and for those who want several dining options all included in the price.

What are some features of the resort that will really appeal to couples?

There truly is something for everyone at this resort, but one of the #1 things that appeals to most engaged couples is the superb Butler Rooms. This resort has Butler rooms in every price range. The Sandals butler service provides guests staying in top tiered suites with the best personalized attention. Upon your arrival, you will be greeted by your butler and provided with a private cell phone to cater to your every request. Want a snack brought to you? Call your butler! Want to enjoy a romantic dinner or lunch in your room or next to the private pool? Call your butler! Have breakfast in bed every day if you wish. Have someone unpack your luggage, iron your clothes, and literally take care of any needs you may have while staying. With 15 dining options, it can be overwhelming to decide what to eat, so your butler will take you to a nice private table set up for the two of you with menu items that you enjoy. Anything you wish, ask your butler! Their full time job is to make sure you have the honeymoon of your dreams.

Is there any other information you think is important for our readers to know?

Sandals Resorts is one of the leaders for honeymoon destination and there is a reason why. They know how to make sure the two of you have the most unforgettable experience. You are free to spend the days doing exactly as you please - you can lounge all day or do as much as you wish because at Sandals it is all included. You can put your wallet in the safe upon arrival, relax, and focus on each other. Sandals only has king bed suites so it is a couples resort and adults only. Right now they have great promotions including up to 65% off and 1 free night!

If this vacation paradise sounds like it’s for you, be sure to contact Carlie to see how she can help you plan your trip with no hassles! She can be reached at 615-512-7764, or by email at [email protected]. To see more fantastic photos, visit her website at 2travelanywhere.com.

Posted by Jenn Dobbins | Filed under: Destination Weds & Honeymoon , Honeymoon and Post Wedding, 0 comments »

Which Nashville Bridal Show Should You Attend? We Ask Two Engaged Brides.

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

Starting this month, several bridal shows that you should consider will be taking place in the Nashville area. You will probably want to attend them all, but let's face it: who has the time? While I've been attending them ALL just about every year and have my favorites, I thought it might be helpful to hear from currently engaged gals who attended many shows in 2014/2015. Here's what Shab and Alex had to say:

Shab and her bridal party at Here Come the Brides show in February 2015

The Not Wedding / The Big Fake Wedding - next show May 28, 2015

Shab: I love the uniqueness of this show! It ties with Here Comes the Brides as my favorite. I attended it in November 2014. You don't have to use your imagination here because they lay it all out for you as if it's the bride and groom's big day! It was so personable and gave me and my matron of honor great ideas for my special day, especially the spoken word used during the ceremony. The food, the vendors, the music, and the venue were all extraordinary to witness! #DIYBride #ModernBride #LuxuryBride

(See our full recap of The Big Fake Wedding here.)

Perfect Wedding Guide - next show Aug 2, 2015

Shab: I attended this show in February 2015. It had any type of vendor you could imagine! I pre-registered and got gift cards to symbolizeit.com. I would not rate it as my favorite show, but I think all brides should attend because of the various types of vendors that attend. #LuxuryBride

Alex: I attended in winter 2015. I absolutely loved the enormous array of vendors, from venue to catering to photography to bridal registries. I was truly able to find out so much information about my upcoming wedding and I had a blast with my family and friends. This show did not disappoint, as I explored so many different options to make my day as perfect as it can be.

I definitely would have had more of a "game plan" going into the PWG show. I was not one of the first 100 brides there, so carrying all of the information gathered from vendor booths was a struggle.

I would recommend the newly engaged bride to attend the PWG show, as the vendors are truly from all over Nashville and you can get a good taste of how to budget for your upcoming wedding. Any style of wedding, whether it be luxury, DIY, or rustic, will find TONS of vendors to fit your needs.

The Pink Bride - Alex and Shab did not attend.

Enchanted Brides

Shab: I attended this show in September 2014 and it was mine and my fiancé's first one together! This is actually where we found our venue! I recommend this show because the autumn one was smaller and allowed for brides and grooms to be able to talk with vendors more than at a larger show. It offered vendors of all budgets and showed how the Parthenon can be transformed into a fun venue. #BudgetBride #LuxuryBride

Alex: I attended in winter 2015. My favorite part of the Enchanted Brides Show was the atmosphere. It was an intimate setting and gave me the opportunity to build relationships with some potential vendors and ask some serious questions of them as well. It really helped me figure out exactly what I want at my wedding, just by having real conversations and being in a space that allowed that.

I honestly wouldn't have done anything differently. The fashion show was fabulous, the catering vendors were wonderful, and I enjoyed each and every booth.
I would recommend this wedding to the DIY, rustic and budget bride. Why? Because you have so many options and each of the vendors were willing to adapt to your wedding and style.

(See Alex's recap of the Enchanted Brides show here.)

Here Come the Brides

Shab: This one is tied as my favorite because my bridal party attended with me and made all the fun! The amount of prizes they give away was enough to get me to the door early. I love the competition during the fashion show and the type of vendors they offer are great for on-the-budget brides like me! This is where I won a photo booth and found my photographer/videographer and I also won half-off their packages! This show seemed to offer a lot of vendors that were newer in the wedding business, but did have experienced ones there, too, allowing diversity to the bride's choice. #BudgetBride #Variety #PRIZESGALORE

Alex: I attended in winter 2015. My favorite part about the Here Come The Brides show was the fashion show. I loved all of the games they played and how they interacted with the crowd. They also had some amazing giveaways! The show was definitely interactive and I enjoyed being with other brides and hearing their stories as well.

I would recommend not being there right at the beginning. The ballroom at The Factory is beautiful, but it was extremely crowded. It was so packed that I felt like I was not able to truly talk to vendors until halfway through the event.

I would recommend the budget or DIY bride to the Here Comes The Bride Show. Each vendor was extremely budget friendly and seemed like they really wanted to take part in your wedding experience. This show also had a plethora of small businesses, so you can really get that individual attention to help make your day special.

(See Shab's full recap of the show here.)

Posted by Ashley King | Filed under: 0 comments »

Oakwood Cleaners Shares Three Things To Do With Your Dress After Your Wedding

Tuesday, May 19, 2015

Whether your wedding dress continues to hang in a very visible spot in your home as a monument to your wedding day or it’s stashed in your closet taking up a lot of space, it’s likely you’ve wondered a time or two what you should do with your dress post-wedding.

Here’s the thing: You have options. Here are three:

1) Preserve it. If you want to keep your wedding dress as an heirloom or pass it down to your daughter one day, it’s best to give it a little TLC. This means having it cleaned, pressed, and preserved by professionals who specialize in gown care, such as Oakwood Cleaners on White Bridge Road.

2) Sell it or gift it. If you no longer want to keep your dress, there’s the option of giving it away to a friend or someone who needs a wedding dress, or selling it online.

Don't plan to hang on to your gown? Click here to learn more about how to properly buy or sell a pre-owned wedding dress or check out preownedweddingdresses.com or fabulousfrocksbridal.com/nashville.

3) Convert it. For some brides, getting one wear out of their wedding dress is not enough. If you’re that type, you can have your wedding dress cleaned and converted into an everyday wear piece, from a bustier to a tea-length, less formal dress, giving new life to the gown you love so much.

We heard the cutest story from Oakwood Cleaners. A grandma opted to have her wedding gown cleaned and then converted it into small pieces to give as keepsakes to her children. Love that!

What will you do with your wedding dress after your wedding? We’re curious to hear! Write your responses in the comment section below.

Posted by Newlywed Leah | Filed under: Advice & Planning, Bridal Gowns, Wedding Dresses & Accessories, 0 comments »

« previous entries

Search Blog by Topic:

Find Your Wedding Pro Team:

fabulous sponsors

Upcoming Events

See all upcoming events »

Say Hello!

At Ashley’s Bride Guide, we’re always on the lookout for innovative and exciting wedding ideas. Send us your wedding tips, creative ideas, or your own wedding photos to share.
We’d love to hear from you »