Friday, August 19, 2016
Today we have a VERY special real wedding... and I say this because it's one of ABG's long-time contributors, Shab's wedding! Many of you may know her from reading her posts - she's offered up some great advice on planning your wedding. Needless to say, she knows the Nashville wedding business like the back of her hand. And this is how she kept her budget in check! We're loving the world and travel theme - mixing Persian and American traditions with their love of nature gave guests an experience like no other. So from the bottom of our hearts, congrats to Shab on a very beautiful wedding - we wish you the very best!
Shabnam Etemadi + Alan Brady
March 20, 2016
The Lodge
200 Guests
Budget | $10,000 - $20,000
Wedding Team
Venue | The Lodge
Day of Coordination | Lottie Brady of Just Lottie’s Weddings
Photographer + Videographer | Bear Wallow Film Co.
Gown | Oleg Cassini
Bride’s Accessories | French Cathedral Veil for Ceremony and Turkish Hair Jewelry for Reception.
Earrings were my something old from my childhood in Iran, Bracelet from my husband that was his grandmother’s--my something borrowed.
The theme for jewelry for the wedding was all Persian Gold.
Men’s Attire | Men’s Wearhouse
Bridesmaids’ Attire | David’s Bridal, Vera Wang
Hair + Makeup | Unique Johnson
Stationery + Invitations | Developed by Bear Wallow Film Co., Printed by Midtown Printing
Calligraphy | Amore Hand Lettering
Program Design | YourLifeStoryDesign on Etsy
Caterer | CJ’s Restaurant & Catering
Cake Artist | Constance Grant
Groom’s Cake | Homestyle Bakery
Floral Designer | Margaret Flowers
Bridal Bouquet | Emma’s Flowers & Gifts
DJ + Photo Booth | F.A.D.D.S. Entertainment
Guest Accommodations | Hampton Inn Suites
How would you describe your style as a couple?
Shabnam: Our style is God, Family, & Travel. We knew we would have a huge wedding because we have a lot of family and friends that are pretty much family. We simply wanted to have a beautiful, but fun wedding, our Big FAT Persian-American wedding.
Where did you get your inspiration?
Shabnam: Our inspiration for style, décor, and colors for our wedding were our personalities mixed with both of our cultures. We have and are still traveling the world together and we love hiking! Our venue focused on nature for us and we chose to have a travel-themed wedding. After all, Alan did propose to me in Venice, Italy.
How did you incorporate that style into your wedding?
Shabnam: We chose favorites, such as purple, gold, and orchids. We wanted a Spring wedding because Persian New Year is always on the first day of Spring representing a new beginning, our marriage. We made sure to have a Persian and American ceremony honoring both of our cultures. We had a Persian “Sofreh Aghd” and we jumped the broom. Combining our 2 cultures with our love for travel & nature was a priority in celebrating our big day.
We fell in love with the Lodge because it is nature-focused by the lake and trees.
What was your (or your guests’) favorite aspect of your wedding?
Shabnam: Our guests all have told us that the cultural component of having a Persian and American ceremony with African traditions were their favorite aspect along with all of the DANCING we did. Everyone told us it was one of the most fun weddings they had attended, which is what we wanted…to dance the night away with our guests!
Where did you splurge? Where did you save/DIY?
Shabnam: We didn’t splurge on one single thing. We budgeted incredibly well with all vendors and décor. I highly recommend attending wedding shows! I won half off a couple of vendors by doing so, which helped balance our budget. We saved on centerpieces/linens. It was more affordable for us to buy them than to rent and to use Etsy for our travel-themed place cards and programs.
Who were your favorite vendors and what made them exceptional?
Shabnam: We were so blessed with so many amazing vendors! One that was with us for our entire wedding process was our photographer & videographer: Bear Wallow Film Co. They did so much for us starting with our engagement photos. We recommend every vendor we used. They were all reliable, professional, and made our day exceptional!
Now that the wedding day is over, is there anything about your planning process you feel you could have done differently?
Shabnam: No. We did the best we could with our crazy schedules. My husband was the best teammate I could have asked for in planning our special day.
In one sentence, what words of advice do you have for couples in the midst of their planning?
Shabnam: Be sure to have a day of coordinator and remember this celebration of love is about you and your soon-to-be husband/wife and no one else.
Thank you for sharing your day with us, Shab!
If you love Shab's wedding, check out Trista + Doug's Art Deco Wedding!
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Posted by Alyssa |
Filed under: Multicultural, African-American weddings, Real Nashville Brides,
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Thursday, August 18, 2016
When it comes to your wedding day, it's THE day you want to make lasting memories. With most weddings, the memories last through photos and video. However, Lyrical Memories adds one more special moment to your wedding day: an original song. We interviewed Paul, the founder and owner of Lyrical Memories to learn more about how they can make your wedding day one-of-a-kind. I dare you not to tear up while watching this video!
My Princess Video HD from [email protected] on Vimeo.
Tell us about Lyrical Memories!
Paul: Lyrical Memories connects professional songwriters with wedding clients and planners to compose totally original music and lyrics to commemorate the event. An original song tells the story of the couple in a unique, heartfelt way that carries a huge emotional impact when presented to the couple and to the surprised guests. Every wedding we have done, the consistent comment is, "That is the coolest thing I have ever seen at a wedding!"
How long have you been in business?
Paul: We officially launched Lyrical Memories in April, 2016 after a year of research and trial runs.
How did you get started in weddings?
Paul: Lyrical Memories was started when I had original songs written for two of my daughters' weddings. The emotional impact of the surprise, the fact their father did this for the bride and groom, and the stunned reaction of the audience told me this idea "had legs".
What's the philosophy behind your company?
Paul: Our tagline says it all, "Transforming Special Moments into Lasting Memories Through Original Music."
What are your strengths compared to others in your category?
Paul: Our strength is our organization combined with the stable of very successful songwriters. Finding songwriters for anyone in Nashville isn't hard. What is hard to find is a company who has multiple writers available depending on the genre of music desired and the documentation in place to assure the job is done on time and you're happy with the song before paying. We manage the process from beginning until the presentation of the song at the wedding or reception.
What attracts brides to your business?
Paul: Its uniqueness. Brides are always looking for ways to make their wedding different and have an emotional impact. Lyrical Memories gets their story told in a way that is remembered and not just through photos and speeches.
Describe the bride who is most attracted to your company.
Paul: The bride most attracted to Lyrical Memories is someone who understands the power of a well-written song to convey their union uniquely and in memorable way. The bride who understands that music can stay with them and their audience much longer than what is said in speech or toast.
How is Lyrical Memories unique to the Father of the Bride?
Paul: While we do contract directly with brides to do these original songs, the fathers seem to be the ideal client. Often they are on the sidelines of wedding planning with mothers and daughters dominating the planning and decision making. A father doing this as a surprise for his daughter and new husband has 100% of the time been a massive hit. Also fathers, who will rarely win the many "discussions" of why are we spending so much on flowers, for example, can see where this not only delivers a powerful message to his daughter, it becomes a lasting keepsake. Something that can last forever compared to those flowers that are dying the next day and are much more expensive that an original song.
How does the process work?
Paul: The song is done in a studio and the recording is often what is played at the event. Alternatively, these songs can be learned by the band in advance, can be done by the songwriter, or could be learned and performed by a talented friend of the family. I've seen each of these methods work wonderfully well.
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If you're looking into unique wedding ideas, then this is it! Contact Lyrical Memories and set up an appointment. Or follow them on Instagram here!
You can always find more of their original work and songs on their website here.
All photos by Kristyn Hogan Photography.
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Posted by Alyssa |
Filed under: Bands, DJs, Music, Unique Wedding Ideas,
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Wednesday, August 17, 2016
Today, Ashley of Smash Studios Photography is sharing Hannah + Brandon's woodsy Tennesee engagement session with us! The cold weather didn't stop this couple from smiling ear to ear for the camera. And with the perfect lake backdrop at Long Hunter State Park, Hannah + Brandon are starting forever off on a good note! Plus, all of Hannah's wardrobe is provided by the boutique she works at - Pink Coconut! That denim dress - I mean....!!!! :) Take a look at their session below:
Hannah + Brandon
Engagement Session | 3.5.16
Shoot Location | Long Hunter State Park
Photographer | Smash Studios Photography
Wedding Date | 9.10.2016
Ceremony/Reception Location | Mallard's Croft
Bride's Wardrobe | Pink Coconut
Tell us about the couple.
Smash Studios: Hannah and Brandon met in high school through mutual friends, and started dating after running into each other a while after graduation. He proposed during a family photo session where Hannah thought they were taking pictures for their Christmas cards!
Hannah and Brandon are the kind of couple you want to be best friends with. My initial meeting with Hannah ended up being almost a 2 hour talk about everything under the sun, and I left feeling like I had a new best friend. Although the couple is getting married in Memphis, they fell in love with Long Hunter State Park and drove up to Nashville for the session-- and it was great!
Can you share any special moments or highlights of the session?
Smash Studios: Hannah and Brandon radiate love, and it shows in their images. They were at ease taking pictures together, and willing to try anything (including standing on a cliff for a shot!)
Did they have any special requests or unique challenges that you had to work together to overcome?
Smash Studios: Luckily we had no rain, but the couple did have a four hour drive! We photographed their session in the winter, so we thought were going to run out of daylight, but we ended up timing it perfectly.
Congrats to Hannah + Brandon!
Check out more of Smash Studios Photography on their website or Instagram page.
If you love this engagement session, then head over to Valerie + John's engagement session for more inspiration!
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Posted by Alyssa |
Filed under: Engagements & Proposals, Photography,
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Tuesday, August 16, 2016
Brides get their time to shine in the spotlight, but on August 30th, it’s all about the groom! That’s right, your local go-to tux and suit shop, Street Tuxedo, is hosting a night just for the gents. From bourbon to beard trims, Street Tuxedo is transforming their Cool Springs location into a groom’s paradise at Groom Night.
Not only can he browse dozens of tuxes from Street Tuxedo at the event, you’ll be signing him up to indulge in a wide selection of food, dessert and drinks from some of the best in Nashville hospitality. And even more local Nashville vendors will be there to help with honeymoon planning, rentals, music and more for your big day. Plus, each groom has the opportunity to grab a bag full of free swag!
Take a look at this fabulous list of vendors participating in the event:
Southern Sky Event Lighting
Board Room Salon
Mill Creek Brewing Co.
2 Travel Anywhere
Frozen Exposure Photography
Snyder Entertainment
Nesting Project
Frosted Affair
Two Fat Men Catering
GreenFinch Floral
Liberty Party Rental
Bella Terra Cigars
Tailgate Nashville
So plan a trip with the guys to Groom Night - you won’t want to miss it! Be sure to RSVP for Groom Night here: http://groomnight.eventbrite.com.
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Posted by Alyssa |
Filed under: Bridal Shows & Events, Grooms, Groomsmen & Tuxedos ,
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Monday, August 15, 2016
The brains behind aVenue at Nashville Event Space + Randi Events helped make Kelsey + Trent's special day one of the most memorable! From colorful and carefully arranged bouquets, to guitar placecard holders, their wedding stayed true to who they are. Self-proclaimed "nerds" at heart, Kelsey and Trent met in college where Kelsey was studying engineering and Trent focused on music. Kelsey just recently defended her PhD thesis - which is quite the feat! Congrats to Kelsey and congrats on an incredible year for these two lovebirds!
Kelsey + Trent
6.3.16
aVenue - Nashville Event Space
125 Guests
$20,000 – 30,000 Budget
Wedding Team:
Photographer | Ian Riley
Planner | Grey Boroff with Randi Events
Rentals | Music City Tents & Events
Linens | LaTavola Linen
Flowers | Lauren Atkinson Designs
Hair + Makeup | The Beauty Hall
Food | G Catering
Cake | Cupcake Collection
Officiant | Ralph Griggs
How did you guys meet?
Kelsey: Trent and I met in Chemistry 101 at Georgia Tech almost 9 years ago. Trent says that he fell in love with me when he heard my laugh. I remember being intrigued by a handsome boy in a baseball cap. We were friends instantly, but he had to ask me out about 20 times before I agreed. For our first date, Trent took me to see “A Fairy Tale Halloween” at the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. It was such a fun and unique date – not your typical date during college! To top it off, he surprised me later that evening by showing up to my dorm with coffee (that he drove 30 min to get), roses and Resse’s cups. We’ve been dating ever since.
Tell us about your engagement!
Kelsey: It started like a typical Friday night in Nashville. I went with friends to see Trent playing a show at Tootsie's downtown. After Tootsie's lost power and lights for a few minutes (a hilarious and unplanned coincidence), the rest of the band took a break and Trent surprised my by playing the song "Can't Wait To Come Home" we wrote together years back. Trent managed to get me up on stage to sing a song with him - without me catching on to the bigger surprise! I was completely oblivious to the fact that our buddy was filming with his phone on Livestream so all of our family could watch the engagement live. I *finally* caught on when Trent sang the first song he ever wrote for me and wouldn't let me get off stage. I started crying like a baby before he even got down on one knee because I was so happy. I said yes and jumped into his arms for a big hug! Hilariously, however, the livestream had cut out right as Trent was getting down on one knee. Our families were left with the ultimate cliff hanger! I had to call everyone and tell them what my answer was because they were all left at the edge of their seats!
What was the vision for your wedding?
Kelsey: Our wedding vision was to create a warm, highly personal event centered around family and friends.
What was your theme and what inspired it?
Kelsey: We jokingly call our theme "industrial romantic" because it was so personal and eclectic we can't easily fit it into a category! I am an material scientist/engineer, Trent is a musician/stunt driver/entertainer, and we are both nerds. We love the industrial look of metallic and gears, but we are also big romantics. The result was a combination of an industrial setting, metallic accents, classical garden floral designs and romantic lighting.
What details were used to create your theme?
Kelsey: The key detail of our ceremony was the gorgeous wooden arch that my brothers made for our wedding. It is beautifully and lovingly crafted, and it symbolizes family - which is the most important thing about our wedding. Rather than having a main accent color, we chose to accent our designs with pops of gold, silver and copper metallics (even my wedding dress had silvery tones!). The gorgeous floral arrangements were designed to look like they had been plucked out of an English rose garden that morning. They were the perfect balance to the industrial elements we chose. My other favorite details were the little things my family made for us: my stepmom made the cute easel place cards and champagne glasses, my mom made our wedding cake, my brother made a slide show of pictures, my niece helped me make all of the jewelry that the bridesmaids wore and having the escort cards held in the guitar strings was Trent's idea :).
Where did you splurge? Where did you save/DIY?
Kelsey: We splurged on our photographer - it was worth it! We also splurged a bit on lighting, but it set the scene and the chandelier was a wonderful focal point. I saved on the bridesmaids jewelry by making it myself (with my niece's help!), as my gift to my bridesmaids. We also saved on cakes by using a wonderful local vendor for cupcakes (Cupcake Collection) and having my mom make a homemade 9" round cake for cutting.
What words of advice do you have for couples in the midst of their planning?
Kelsey: Don't get lost in the details! Remember that this day is a celebration of you joining with the person you love most in the world. Keep your focus on the things that bring you happiness, and let go of anything weighing you down. Hiring a good wedding planner made that possible for us.
Can you share any special moments or highlights from your wedding day?
Kelsey: Dancing at my wedding is something I will never forget-dancing with Trent, dancing with Dad and dancing with friends. The musicians at our wedding happened to be friends of Trent's from playing at the Honkey Tonks downtown. Music is such an integral part of our life together that it felt like a perfect representation of "us."
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your wedding?
Kelsey: Weddings take a lot of work. The fact that our wedding didn't feel like work speaks to the exceptional talent of the vendors we worked with and the awesome behind-the-scenes support of family and friends. Trent and I are grateful for you all. Thank you.
Thank you so much to Kelsey, Grey from Randi Events and Ian Riley for sharing this stunning day with us!
If you love Kelsey + Trent's wedding, then you must also check out Hannah + Dan's Houston Station wedding.
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Posted by Alyssa |
Filed under: Real Nashville Brides, Wedding Planners & Coordinators, Wedding Venues and Locations,
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