Wednesday, May 9, 2012
As a bride, when you consider your seemingly endless “to do” list, a mellow, back porch wedding vibe appears nearly impossible. But Celeste Morris, owner of catering service, Mrs. J’s Baking and Catering, will prove you wrong in a second, especially when gushing over her family style food option! Sprinkled by vintage, Southern charm, my conversation with Celeste sparkled as she happily explained the beautiful ways that family style food creates a family style environment!
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Can you tell me about the family style dining option for a wedding?
Family style encompasses several things. Instead of wedding guests lining up at a buffet, they’re given tableside service, and rather than individual entrees, meals are brought out in bowls or platters, which guests pass amongst themselves. The ultimate goal and typical response from the family option is that people come to know each other, talking and laughing in a more intimate ambiance. The vibe that’s produced is similar to a feeling you might get at a holiday gathering or family reunion as everyone is brought together in a laid back environment.
What do you offer for those who select the family style option?
We can just about make any entrée or side family style. When it’s time for the meal, everyone sits at tables where salads are already arranged and prepared as the first course alongside baskets of rolls. As the meal gets started, 1-2 foods are brought out on platters to be passed around amongst the guests, who are always welcome to request seconds!
What type of couple/wedding style is the family option great for?
The family style option doesn’t fit with a super upscale, fine dining experience. Most couples are aiming toward a vintage or southern style wedding. While there’s always china and silver, the environment is still laid back compared to other atmospheres. Oftentimes, country or farm tables are incorporated into the reception style, perfect for venues such as Front Porch Farms, where we’ve done weddings outdoors, polished with porch swings and pavilions. The family style works for the couples that want to offer a casual, good feeling experience for their guests—almost a breath of fresh air from their day-to-day lives while providing them a chance to get to know the other guests who love the couple as much as they do.
We know that you love focusing on how food brings people together for an event. Can you tell us how the family option brings a special focus on food compared to the other options?
The family style option provides a more intimate experience than other options that might be slightly more awkward. Everything feels approachable—the people beside you, the people at other tables, everyone is sharing food, so you’re naturally breaking the ice with your neighbors, which adds even more love to the wedding air. With a buffet, there’s sort of a drudgery in getting in line, especially for the people toward the end, but with the family style, this isn’t a concern in the least, because there’s no delay. Everyone is served food at same time by an individual server for each table.
Is the family style option more expensive than others?
There are two things to consider when thinking about the family style and cost. First, you must think about how many entrees and how many sides you’re looking to have, because everything needs a platter or bowl. You can always rent bowls and platters for the catering services to use, and this isn’t usually too pricey. The second thing is, depending on how many tables your guests fill, you might need a couple of additional servers than you would under other options. All in all, going family style is very doable with little cost difference, and undeniably worth every penny!
Where noted, photos by Jonathon Campbell Photography
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Wednesday, May 2, 2012
We all love Kerri with Kerried Away Couture, who customizes dresses for all members of the bridal party around a plethora of events: rehearsal dinners, showers, the wedding ceremony, etc. Her design allows you to create the perfect dress for any occasion! We asked Kerri about fabric selections for brides - which fabrics fit which wedding styles, and as always, she offered her lovely voice to the subject! Read on to see what she had to say; she’s your girl for custom-made dresses!
Custom Kerried Away bridesmaid dresses for a fun, outdoor wedding. Photo by Joy Chambers Photography.
Photo above by Followell Fotography; photo below by Attanasio Photography.
Which colors/patterns we'll be seeing on bridesmaid dresses over the next year?
All shades of blue from light blue to navy are very popular with our brides getting married in 2012. Pale to bright yellow is becoming more popular as well which we didn’t see much of until meeting with brides for 2012 weddings. We are also seeing a trend of many brides choosing a color for the bridesmaid dresses that will make for nice neck ties, bows ties, and pocket squares. At Kerried Away we have recently added the option of ties and pocket squares which is perfect for brides who want to carry the color palette over to the groomsmen.
Are there any types of fabrics/styles that you would recommend for different seasons (winter vs summer weddings)?
The great thing about Dupioni Silk and Silk Shantung is that both are great year around. Taffeta is beautiful for fall and winter weddings but can also be used year around. Velvet is not widely used but adds an attractive element to a winter wedding and should be reserved for late November through January. Lastly, Cotton is great for casual weddings held in the spring through fall.
In regards to style, most are great for just about any time of the year. Adding wraps or bolero’s to the bridesmaid dresses for winter weddings would be something to think about. Darker colors, jewel tones, and metallic’s are very appropriate for fall and winter weddings although some of these such as black, navy, and silver are great year around.
Are there any specific fabrics that are becoming increasingly popular for bridesmaid dresses?
The raw silk we use has been very popular. We haven’t really seen as much of a trend in fabric as we have in color and style. At Kerried Away there are a many fabric options including Silk Taffeta, 100% Dupioni Silk, Silk Faille, Silk Shantung, Silk Blend, Velvet, and Cotton.
Photos by Attanasio Photography
In regards to wedding styles, does the length of a dress correspond with the vibe of the wedding? How do you determine the length of the dress based on the formality of the event?
When choosing bridesmaid dresses it is important to consider the location, how formal the wedding will be, and the gown the bride will wear herself. If you are considering a more casual outdoor wedding cotton fabric or even printed fabric might be a great option. You might also mixed a solids with coordinatig prints. For outdoor weddings consider the weather as well. You probably wouldn't want to have the girls wear long sleeves for a beach or summer wedding but during a late fall wedding, sleeves could be just perfect. If you want all your girls to wear silk during your outdoor wedding consider picking a fabrci and letting the girls pick their own style.
For more formal weddings you can choose to go knee length or floor length, but the dresses should probably be a silk or taffeta rather than cotton. If your invitation says black tie, you should really consider floor length dresses for your bridesmaids. For more semi formal weddings we have alot of clients right now dressing up their knee length bridesmaid dresses with crystal brooches and belts that we make in house at Kerried Away. The great thing about adding a touch like this is that it make a fantastic gift from the bride and the girls can actually wear it again later.
Lastly, as you choose bridesmaid dresses you really should consider the brides gown as well. The bridesmaid dresses should never be longer than the brides gown so if a bride doesn't have a train, the bridesmaids shouldn't either. Also, you will want the dresses to compliment the brides gown not match the gown. Whether you know exactly what you want or are just getting started, Kerried Away is always happy to offer suggestions and assistance as brides look for the perfect bridesmaid dresses.
Re-wearable designs! Photo by Joy Chambers Photography
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Kerri at her wedding last summer with her bridesmaids in their custom designed dresses (made by Kerri of course)! Photo courtesy of Divine Images.
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Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Because every couple is different from the last, JHenderson Studios doesn’t limit you to specific sessions, but instead allows you to customize your own packages based on what you want! One of those session that JHenderson offers is a bridal portrait session. Bridal portraits are a southern tradition and these sessions add to those special memories. Not familar with bridal portraits? We asked Jenna to tell us all about bridal portraits and how they can complement your wedding package.
What is a bridal portrait photogrphy session?
JHenderson Studios: A bridal portrait is a photograph of a bride wearing her wedding gown that was taken prior to the wedding in a separate photo session. Traditionally, the photograph is enlarged and framed and put on display at the wedding reception.
From your experience, how common is it for a bride to have a portrait done?
JHenderson Studios: It's a tradition that is becoming less and less popular. Sometimes, when clients plan a bridal portrait, it is at the request of their mothers!
What purpose does a bridal portrait serve?
JHenderson Studios: Traditionally, bridal portraits were used as wedding announcements in the local newspapers (announcing the newly married couple), but engagement photos and/or a photo of the bride and groom are more common photography sessions today. Bridal sessions give brides an opportunity to have a formal portrait of themselves in their wedding gown, without the rush and hustle of a wedding day.
When should a bride have her bridal portrait taken in regards to her wedding timeline?
JHenderson Studios: Several factors can determine when bridal sessions are scheduled. If you've ordered your dress, you need to make sure you allow plenty of time for it to come in and alterations to be made. If you're planning on having a photo on display at the wedding reception, you need to communicate with your photographer and make sure you have plenty of time to choose and order a print or canvas and have it framed prior to the wedding. Usually, my clients will schedule their session 1 to 2 months before their wedding.
What are some ways a bride can prepare for her bridal portrait? Do you recommend this being a trial run for her hair and make-up?
JHenderson Studios: The first step for a bridal portrait is the location. I suggest my clients think of somewhere other than their wedding venue that might be significant to them...perhaps the campus of the college they attended, or the church in which their parents were married. It's also important to make a plan for hair and make-up; a bridal session provides an excellent opportunity for a trial run. Brides often overlook getting a bouquet for their session, but having flowers can really pull it all together.
What about the wedding dress? How is it kept clean and new when the bridal portrait is being taken?
JHenderson Studios: Of course, we want to keep them as clean as possible, but it doesn't always require that the dress never touch the ground. I've had clients bring sheets to keep underneath their dress, and if you're going out in the middle of a field on a farm, this might be helpful, but if you're staying indoors, it's unnecessary and can slow your session down. Sometimes, dresses do get a little dirty, but typically it's only the underneath edges, which will never really show up in pictures or on the wedding day, and it can always be cleaned prior to your wedding. The best thing to do to keep your dress clean is to pick it up when you walk, and be sure your hands are clean.
What are some fun things you’re seeing brides do in their bridal portraits?
JHenderson Studios: I've had a handful of clients who elected to have their bridal session after the wedding. This gives us so much more freedom, because we don't have the worry of keeping the dress clean!
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Thursday, April 26, 2012
As a bride with your personal flares and fancies, you can have a one of a kind dress to match your one of a kind love story, beautifully stitched around your style and heart with every detail customized to perfection. Nestled in Hillsboro Village, owner of Romantic Creations, Maria Elena strives to reflect your spirit as a bride from beginning to end in the dress design, creating a magical piece specifically fashioned for your unforgettable moment. After talking with Maria, I quickly found that she combines her captivating passion with her years of expertise and joyfully creates the dream dress that you’ve always envisioned yourself wearing. This woman is enchanting, and each of her dresses reflects her sincere love and radiance for the astounding work she does.
Many years ago, we featured Beth and Ravi's wedding and it became our most popular wedding feature of the year, due to the couple's intimate wedding. But one aspect that fellow brides also loved was Beth's custom bridal gown, a Romantic Creations design. We've been a fan of Maria's since then and jumped at the opportunity to learn more about the talented, gracious woman.
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All Photos: Angela Disrud Photography
Can you tell me a little bit about the background of Romantic Creations?
Maria: I have been in the business of customizing wedding dresses here in Nashville for about 26 years. In 1994, I decided to open up my own store (in Hillsboro Village), putting me in retail for 18 years, now. Romantic Creations has been quite popular since I started out here; it spread by word of mouth with little advertisement, so I’ve found that many Nashville brides love the customizing option. I’ve been designing all my life, and it makes me happy to offer my own collection to brides!
How did you come into the business of designing dresses?
Maria: Well, when I was 5 years old, I started making dresses for my dolls, which I still love to do from time to time. Then when I reached 11, I made my first real dress for myself. I continued and began making dresses for my close friends, too. Then, when I was 15, I made my first dress for a bride—she was a friend of mine and I was a bridesmaid. It’s been the only job I’ve had since. Truly, I have a sincere love for making dresses that’s been present from the beginning. In fact, growing up, I often upset people unintentionally when they wanted my company, because all I really wanted to do was sew and make dresses.
Also, I am originally from Colombia, and in South American culture, it’s tradition for a bride to have nearly everything custom made. While that option is exclusive here in American culture, in Colombia, it is simply an aspect of the event. With that said, when I’m creating wedding dresses, I’m fulfilling part of who I am and part of where I come from.
What’s the most important part of the process for you when a bride is having her wedding dress customized?
I walk the bride through everything, and consider doing that the most important part of my business. It’s her day—her dress. From the time that I sketch the design, to selecting the fabric, to adding details, I am developing a trusting relationship with her.
What type of bride is the customized dress option great for? Do you see commonalities amongst the brides you serve?
Maria: All styles of brides come to me for their dream dress; each with their own distinctive fashion seeking the perfect silhouette that flatters both their form and vision for their big day chooses the customized option. A customize designed gown is perfect for brides who want something that no one else has—something that only they will walk down the aisle wearing, uniquely fashioned for their wedding.
About how much time is required in order to create a customized wedding dress?
Maria: Well, that would depend on the style and fabric. I would say that brides come to me anywhere from a year to three months prior to their wedding.
Is there a price range for your wedding dresses?
Maria: My prices range from $1600 to $5,000 with a guarantee you’ll leave Romantic Creations with the perfect dress.
Can you tell me some of your favorite details you’ve use in your customized wedding dresses?
Maria: Naturally, I always love the romantic styles. I love all things lace, and appreciate the finest fabrics from around world. All of my fabrics are high quality; nothing is synthetic. It’s important to me to let brides breathe in their dresses. I can do both traditional and contemporary dresses, but I always love the dreamy look.
Are there some particular things a bride should know when considering having her wedding dress custom made?
Maria: A bride needs to be sure that she is comfortable with the person she is working with and confident about her selection. When I see a bride who is hesitant about having a dress custom made, I always encourage her to wait a bit longer. Also, I advise brides not to come to me too early, because styles and preferences may change; 1 year is usually the soonest that I recommend and, to trust that I can bring their vision of their dream gown to life. Designing is an art form that I love and I feel privileged to be a part of their wedding celebration.
Romantic Creations is located at 2131 Belcourt Ave, Nashville, TN 37212 in Hillsboro Village. Maria can be reached at 615-292-1535.
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Thursday, April 5, 2012
Spring is here! We all know that when flowers bloom and the sun comes out, the wedding world thrives, bringing a warm joy amongst your guests as they look forward to your special day. I spoke with Rita from Down South Delights regarding reception menus to go along with this glorious weather. In our lovely conversation, she let me in on some trends and fun tips for brides to embrace with the sunshine!
Enjoy a southern-style brunch board! Yum! Perfect for a mid-morning wedding or late night snack.
What are fun menu ideas for a spring/summer wedding?
Rita of Down South Delights: People incorporate more fresh items for their spring/summer wedding receptions than they typically would during the colder months. We see a lot of fresh vegetables, fruits, and salads as opposed to heavier selections. There’s also a trend of bright, colorful foods, as well!
Go Italian with tomatoes, cheese, and vinaigrette.
Are there ways a bride should incorporate her theme into her reception menu for spring/summer?
We usually avoid encouraging a bride to color coordinate her menu; it’s complicated to match food, and it’s not as big of a deal as other details, but bright colors for spring/summer are always a hit, along with lighter portion options. For instance, if you’re doing an outdoor reception, many people enjoy a modern, tea inspired vibe with selections like finger sandwiches and fruit.
Not your typical fruit skewers...Mix it up with strawberries and cheese or watermelon and scallop ceviche.
How is a menu for a spring/summer wedding influenced by the location?
If the wedding is outside, people typically stay away from heavy meals and choose light hors d'oeuvres instead, possibly as a brunch. We see things like colored lemonade and grilled meats—upscale picnic food that can fall under a backyard or garden theme. Indoor receptions, however, still maintain full meals as they do throughout the rest of the year.
Lots of drink choices: standard lemonade with fresh fruit (color it for more fun!), DSD's popular fruit tea, and more.
What do guests love to see on the menu for a spring/summer wedding?
People love homey foods that taste like a picnic—fried chicken, gourmet BBQ, pasta salad, fruits, fresh vegetables—things like that; people go for anything that makes them want to be outside!
Who can pass up corn on the cob?! It's the perfect picnic-style food choice.
Is there a difference in price of food during this season compared to the fall or winter months?
People usually spend a little more money in the spring because wedding dates are in the premium. They’re willing to pay more in order to claim what they want as soon as possible, since more people get married during the spring and summer.
Tea time smoked salmon canapes - you can be that fancy.
How can a bride have fun with her spring/summer reception menu?
I love to see people use selections from the Farmer’s Market that look fresh and pretty. The brightly colored food is always a hit with us because we’re able to embellish them in the table design more creativity. Also, we offer fun options like a watermelon bar, a create your own soda bar, and an ice cream sundae buffet—all perfect for a sunshine wedding reception!
All images courtesy of Down South Delights.
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