Thursday, August 4, 2016
Creativity knows no bounds with Nashville florist, Alina of Petals & Fields. From flower garlands to flower crowns, Alina can create the floral wedding of your dreams. Hailing from Sacramento, CA, Petals & Fields brings all the trends of the west coast to the third coast! Here's more from the fabulous florist herself:
Tell us about your company.
Alina: Petals & Fields Wedding & Event Florist branched out to Nashville, TN from a family owned florist business in Sacramento, CA. I want every bride to experience beauty like they've never seen before for their wedding day. This is why creativity & connecting with couples for their big day is a huge passion of mine.
How long have you been in business?
Alina: The flagship Petals & Fields branch in Sacramento has been in business since 2006. We're looking forward to many more years in Nashville, TN!
How did you get started in weddings?
Alina: I had been asked by many friends to be the florist for their wedding. It grew from there as other clients referred me to new brides. And nothing excites me more than to knowing my work is highly appreciated from my clients!
What's the philosophy behind your company?
Alina: As the founder of Petals & Fields, I did not want to start this wedding business unless I was certain it would bless the brides. I want to go above and beyond to make sure every last detail is worth it for the bride. Petals & Fields also supports local non-profits such as "Meal of Hope". I really enjoy making beautiful floral arrangements for their weekly dinner for the homeless in downtown Nashville.
What are your strengths compared to others in your category?
Alina: I'd like to say I have a love for people & passion to create. I have a positive spirit & love keeping in touch with and maintaining friendships with my clients after the wedding. I basically enjoy turning clients into friends quickly!
Here's a recent review from a bride on my Facebook page:
"Ali truly went above and beyond for my wedding. Not only did she create BEAUTIFUL arrangements- she did it at an incredible price. She also traveled all the way to the venue and arranged the flowers by hand the day before the wedding."
Describe the bride who is most attracted to your company.
Alina: The bride who can dream with me and help create a vision for the big day.
We're so glad Alina shared more of her story with ABG! And she's even offering an exclusive deal! If you mention Ashley's Bride Guide to Petals & Fields, you will receive a special offer as well as a free wedding consultation!
Follow Alina on Instagram @petalsandfields or contact her at [email protected].
All photos provided by Petals & Fields.
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Posted by Alyssa |
Filed under: Florals, Details & Design ,
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Wednesday, August 3, 2016
Today's engagement shoot post by Mandy Owens Photography is a special one. Ashley and Ryan were married two years ago and they're beautiful downtown Nashville engagement photos truly stand the test of time. We've not only asked Ashley to share her engagemnt session, but asked her to give us some wedding planning advice. You'll hear all the dos and don'ts from a real bride. Plus, you'll get to learn about her sweet engagement story (involving her maltese!).
How did you get engaged? Tell us about your proposal.
Ashley: Ryan proposed to me with the assistance of my maltese, Copper. I walked into the backyard and he had taken Copper to get a new collar with the words, "will you marry me" engraved on the tag. It was the sweetest proposal because he incorporated my sweet dog into the moment. Of course I said, "yes!".
How many guests attended your wedding? Where did it take place?
Ashley: We had around 200-250 people in attendance. We got married at Sweet Seasons Event Barn in Valley Head, Alabama. Sweet Seasons is a sheep farm and they have weddings in the field, with the sheep in the background!
What style were you going for in your engagement photos?
Ashley: Our style was city chic with country charm. I went to college at Belmont University in Nashville, TN and the city holds such a special place in my heart. Nashville has so many hidden gems for great pictures and it was so much fun running around Nashville to capture our engagement! We had our pics made in front of the Johnny Cash walk, in various spots downtown and then of course in downtown Franklin for sweet tea and IveyCake! Nashville is really important to both of us and we are so thankful our pictures showcase our love for Music City.
What was it like working with your photographer?
Ashley: Working with Mandy was like working with an old friend. She treated you as if she had known you forever and made you feel completely comfortable in front of her lens. She spent so much time working on the perfect spots for us to shoot and just made our day so much fun.
What advice would you give readers who are engaged?
Ashley: My advice would be to slow down and enjoy the moment. The wedding planning is a lot of fun but it is also stressful and it's important to take time for you and your soon to be husband.
Is there anything else you'd like to share with ABG readers?
Ashley: Have fun with wedding planning and remember to not stress the small stuff! At the end of the (wedding) day, you are completely surrounded by people you love and who love you and you are walking down the aisle to your best friend. If there is anything that would be most important to me, it would be choosing a photographer. I would have nobody but Mandy Owens at our wedding!
Thank you for sharing this beautiful session, Mandy!
All photos by Mandy Owens Photography.
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Posted by Alyssa |
Filed under: Advice & Planning, Engagements & Proposals, Photography,
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Tuesday, August 2, 2016
Mark off Sunday, August 21st in your iCal now, because GranDale Manor is hosting an Open House! Now you can tour the grounds and see the gorgeous refurbished antique details, gleaming chandeliers in every room and the back porch beneath lush greenery!
Plus, you'll be able to meet these lovely Nashville vendors face to face:
Chef Penelope's Catering
Darby Cards
Local Honey Salon
Liberty Party Rental
Premier Entertainment
RED Spirits & Wine
Laurel & Leaf
Baked in Nashville
Frozen Exposure
And I am thrilled to announce that ABG is also a sponsor for the event!
Please RSVP to [email protected]. Hope to see you there - don't be a stranger, I'd love to say hi and meet you! :)
Follow GranDale Manor on Instagram for the latest scoop and visit our Events Page for more Nashville wedding events!
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Posted by Alyssa |
Filed under: Bridal Shows & Events, Wedding Venues and Locations, Wedding Style - Classic,
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Monday, August 1, 2016
Long Hollow Gardens is one of my new favorite venues! I was thrilled when Anjeanette Illustration Photography submitted Courtney + James' wedding. Courtney + James have traveled throughout the US and Europe for their careers and both found their way back in their home state of Tennessee. Elements of European style mixed with Southern culture were sprinkled throughout the gorgeous garden wedding. And with the cool summer breeze flowing through the greenhouse doors, the wedding guests enjoyed visually stunning decor while celebrating the newlyweds.
Courtney Rogers + James Perrin
Wedding Date | June 18, 2016
Guest Count | 116
Ceremony + Reception Locations | Long Hollow Gardens & Nursery
Day-of Coordinator | Corinna Lindsey Weddings
Photographer | Anjeanette Illustration Photography
Cake | The Rolling Pin
Caterer | Bacon and Caviar
Florist | Rosebuds East
Gown | Hayley Paige
Tux + Groomsmen Attire | Men's Wearhouse
Bridesmaid Dresses | David's Bridal
Ceremony + Reception Music | Jocelyn Hartley, Cello; Justin Hudson, Acoustic Spanish Guitar; Joe Clemons, DJ
Rentals: Southern Events
Hair + Makeup | Chrissy Yoder with Amy Lynn Larwig & Associates
Officiant - Emily Nourse
Tell us about the couple!
Anjeanette: Courtney and James are both native Tennesseans. James went to college in Kansas City, where he obtained his Bachelor of Fine Arts, and then continued his studies at Boston University where he obtained a Master of Fine Arts. He has spent time in Italy, interning with the Peggy Guggenheim Collection and exhibiting his own art show in Venice. He is presently represented by Tinney Contemporary in Nashville. Courtney graduated with a Bachelor of Science from Belmont University and then went to Knoxville for a law degree. She then clerked at the federal court in Knoxville before moving to New York City to work as a corporate restructuring attorney. Family brought James and Courtney back to Tennessee, where James opened a therapeutic skincare business with his parents, Perrin Naturals. Courtney moved back to Nashville to be close to her parents, continuing her legal practice in Nashville. James and Courtney met at Germantown Cafe almost two years ago, uniting over a love of long discussions, art and travel. James proposed on Christmas Eve, tucking away the ring in a book of poetry.
Tell us about the couple's vision.
Anjeanette: Courtney and James wanted a ceremony that was a mixture of traditional vows with personalized contemporary vows. For the day as a whole, they wanted to be surrounded by loved ones and to have a visually beautiful wedding, with lots of flowers and personal touches for the guests.
What was their theme and what inspired it?
Anjeanette: The theme was never really classified, per se, but it was inspired by Courtney's love for the French rustic aesthetic, James's love of candlelight, and their mutual love of nature and plants. They chose to have a unique modern greenhouse & garden, ceremony in the round with delicate rose blooms and peonies bouquets. The reception was held in a lush glass top greenhouse with succulent decor and rustic chic accents.
Can you share any special moments or highlights of their wedding day?
Anjeanette: James and Courtney most enjoyed being surrounded by loved ones. James's nephew, Charles, had been in a bad motorcycle accident several months earlier. It was unclear whether he would be able to attend, but he attended! Many of James's and Courtney's friends live far away. To have friends travel from all over the places -- including Chicago, Denver, New York City, Vermont, and the UK, among other destinations -- made them feel very blessed.
Did they have any special requests or unique challenges that you had to work together to overcome (ie rain, etc)?
Anjeanette: Intially there was concern about the heat index, however during the ceremony light breezes floated in and the sunlight made for a rich golden cocktail hour with plenty of fresh cold drinks like ginger mules!
Thank you so much Anjeanette for sharing Courtney + James' gorgeous wedding photos!
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Posted by Alyssa |
Filed under: Wedding Venues and Locations, Wedding Style - Garden, Outdoor,
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Friday, July 29, 2016
When it comes to makeup, I tend to only have 1-2 tricks up my sleeve in my day to day routine. And when I say tricks, I mean alternating eyeshadow and lip colors… But with 16 years of experience, Nashville hair and makeup artist Kara Gaylor knows all the tricks of the trade. And if you're like me, Kara's a great person to help you out in this area! Not only is she an exceptional choice to hire for your wedding hair and makeup, but she can even do lash extensions! How amazing would it be to wake up on your wedding day with a lush full set of eyelashes? Plus, she can even teach you how to do your everyday makeup and make the most out of your makeup bag! Check out our interview with Kara below - and make sure you read until the end for a special giveaway!
Photo by Tyler Sharpe
Photos by Leslee Mitchell
Tell us about your company!
Kara: I am an independent stylist in Nashville, TN offering a full range of services to cover all your beauty needs. Everything from custom hair color & haircuts, makeup tutorials, on-location hair & makeup styling for events, weddings and photo shoots, and most recently eyelash extensions.
How long have you been in business? How did you get started in weddings?
Kara: I started as a freelance makeup artist out of college, and kept getting asked if I did hair as well. A few years later I attended the Aveda Institue in Atlanta, and have been doing both hair and makeup ever since. I've been working in the beauty industry for over 16 years.
When I was first getting started as a freelance makeup artist years ago, weddings were some of my first jobs that came through friend referrals. Over time it snowballed into more and more referrals, clients that are wedding planners referring me to brides, and relationships with other vendors that I've made. It's a huge part of my overall business.
Photo by Jordan Short
What's the philosophy behind your company? What are your strengths?
Kara: I strive to enhance people's natural beauty, and show them how to work with their features and strengths instead of fighting against it to achieve a particular look. I like to think that I see in others what they do not see in themselves and I help bring that out.
Being an independent stylist allows me to have more of a personal connection to each client. I've been told that I listen well and pay close attention to detail. I want everyone in my chair to feel important and special.
What attracts brides to your business?
Kara: My aesthetic of "enhanced natural" really connects with a lot of brides. I'm not about heavy contouring, airbrushing, etc. Not that there is anything wrong with that, but in my opinion, it has a time and a place and is not for everyone. A bride should look and feel like herself, especially on her wedding day. My goal is to bring out her most beautiful self. I think what I hear most often from brides that find me is, "you have a soft, natural aesthetic, and all your work looks like a real person, not an overly made-up face of makeup."
Photo by Leslee Mitchell
What is the most innovative new trend in your industry?
Kara: I'd have to say eyelash extensions for sure! They can really enhance your eyes without mascara, and last longer than a temporary false lash.
Tell us more about Lash Extensions! What all is involved in the process?
Kara: I think my favorite thing about them is the ease it provides. You wake up with your eyes already done without the need for mascara or any other eye makeup.
The process is a very detailed one. A synthetic eyelash is one-by-one adhered to each individual natural lash. There is a range of lengths, thicknesses and curls, so it is completely custom to each person. They last on average about 6 weeks and will shed as your natural lashes shed. A fill is recommended about every 3 weeks to account for the different stages of the lash growth cycle. I think that there is a lot of assumption out there that lash extensions all end up looking way too long and spidery. They don't have to, and that is certainly not my goal. I approach this the same way I do hair and makeup styling -- enhancing their look while keeping the health and integrity of their natural lashes intact.
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Thank you so much for sharing your story and philosophy behind your business, Kara! And I have some more great news...
Photos by Leslee Mitchell
Kara is gracious enough to offer an ABG exclusive GIVEAWAY of FREE LASH EXTENSIONS to one lucky ABG reader! (A $200 value!)
Here's how to enter:
1) Follow @karagaylor_stylist and @ashleysbrideguide on Instagram
2) Like the giveaway posts on @karagaylor_stylist and @ashleysbrideguide Instagram pages.
3) Tag a friend in the comments on either Instagram post to complete your entry.
Contest starts now through Monday, August 1st. Winner will be chosen and announced on Tuesday, August 2nd. Good luck!
Bonus for ALL ABG readers, Kara is offering 10% off lash extensions when you book an August appointment now through Wednesday, August 15th! Contact her now at [email protected].
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Posted by Alyssa |
Filed under: Contests, Giveaways, Specials, Makeup, Hair, Health, Beauty ,
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