Wednesday, November 16, 2011
I have been an avid follower of Jenna Henderson’s photography blog for well over a year now and it’s one of my top picks when I open up my Google reader every morning. Why? Because the wonderful, sweet woman behind jHenderson Studios takes the kind of timeless photos that pull you right into the moment the picture was taken…and she can do that whether she’s shooting on film or using her digital camera. Mega. Talented. We knew, with an amazing photographer like her in our neck of the woods, it was high time we sat down and got to the bottom of film vs. digital photos. For all the brides just starting to figure out what they want their wedding photos to look and feel like, this is the interview to read. Get all your must have answers below!
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ABG: What’s the biggest difference between the look of a film photograph and a digital one?
jHenderson: Digital images tend to be very harsh. With film, it's warmer, smoother, and has much more depth. Digital images are also very easy to have too bright highlights and too dark shadows, but film images are much more dynamic, and usually have detail in both the highlights and shadows. This is key on a wedding day; when a bride is wearing white and a groom is wearing black...all the details are there on film.
ABG: How long have you been shooting weddings/engagement photos on film?
jHenderson: I picked up my film camera for the first time since college in April of 2010. I've been in love with it since, and have been working on shooting more and more film weddings and engagements.
ABG: What kind of bride do you find is most drawn to film vs. digital photos?
jHenderson: Brides who have a real appreciation for good photography and truly see the value in quality images tend to be more attracted to film vs. digital. There’s a 'realness' to film that we just don't get with digital and brides who understand that are drawn to the images. Digital images, for the most part, are heavily post-processed/retouched, even if they don't look it. With film, it's the real deal.
ABG: Are there elements of each kind of style that you like more than the other?
Yes! Each has it's strengths and weaknesses. Digital, for example, allows me to see the image immediately, which is something I can't do with film. However, thanks to the beautiful color and dynamic range that film has to offer, I spend little to zero time doing any kind of post-processing (photoshop) work.
ABG: How has shooting weddings purely by film made you a better photographer?
jHenderson: First of all, it's made me slow down and consider what I'm shooting more. With digital, I tend to shoot without thinking as much as I should about the image; but because I have fewer shots with film (36 images per roll), I have to carefully consider each one - which leaves my clients with stronger images. Also, when I'm shooting digital, I tend to use the screen on the back of my camera and knowing I can "fix it later" as a crutch; film has forced me to shoot smarter and shoot better because it's taken my crutches away. In the end, I have more quality images to give to my clients.
ABG: Do you sometimes do a mix of film and digital when shooting weddings?
jHenderson: Yes. I prefer portraits and details on film, but I still prefer to shoot receptions and night-time images digitally.
ABG: Throughout our interview, you’ve shared some of your film photographs, but what's your favorite film photograph ever taken?
jHenderson: I took this image last summer while on a girls' trip to visit my friend Devon (center) in Portland. We were on a ferry to Victoria, BC and I snapped this without them noticing. I just love how everything is aligned perfectly. It's completely not wedding related, but still my favorite!
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Jenna's favorite film photograph that she's ever taken - it's easy to understand why, it's so serene!
A BIG thanks to Jenna for giving us much sought after advice on film and digital photos and for sharing a few of her many gorgeous photos! Be sure to check out her blog for a look at more of her beautiful work! Follow this link to see more examples of film vs digital.
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Posted by Genna |
Filed under: Photography2 comments »
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
For your out-of-town guests, who are traveling to Nashville for your wedding, where they will be sleep before or after your wedding will be one of the more important things you’ll need to consinder. The price, location, comfort, will all matter as their guest room will contribute to their guest experience.
Navigating the world of hotels and room blocks can be more than a little tricky, especially when you’ve got a million other wedding details on your mind. Luckily for us, Kristen McBryde with Aloft Hotel in Cool Springs, has stopped by to fill us in on all the must have inside information for getting your guests the perfect night’s sleep!
How does a couple go about reserving a block of rooms for their wedding guests?
Call the hotel, ask to speak to the sales manager or individual that works with wedding room block. You will want to know your dates and approximately how many rooms you want to block.
How do room blocks work?
Typically hotels have a limit on the number or rooms you can block for your wedding. Some hotels will require that you pick up a certain number of rooms and you are held financially accountable to picking up 80-85% of the inventory you are requesting to block at the hotel. Some hotels will allow a small room block (usually 15 or less rooms per night) as a courtesy. You will need to ask this up front. Most all hotels will require that you sign some sort of agreement for a discounted room rate. In order to receive a discounted room rate you will need to block a minimum of 10 rooms.
Who is responsible for paying if guests don’t use all of the rooms? Will my credit card be charged?
It depends on the hotel policy. Some hotels will hold you to pick up at least 80-85% of your room block. If you do not, most contracts read that the person signing the contract is responsible. You will need to clarify this with the hotel. Some hotels will allow you to block small number of rooms (usually 15 or less) as a courtesy and not hold you financially accountable
Are there any discounts offered for guests who choose to stay at the hotel in which rooms have been reserved?
Discounts apply when blocking a minimum of 10 rooms or more in a group block. Anything below 10 rooms is usually not eligible for group discounts.
How many rooms should a bride and groom plan on reserving for their guests?
It depends on the circumstances and you will need to answer a couple of questions. Is this a destination wedding where most guests will be traveling from another location? Are the bride’s and groom’s families from different states outside of where the wedding is being held? What percent of your guest list are out of town guests? This is all great information to know prior to calling the hotel to set aside a block of rooms. The more accurate you can be with your room count the more accurate information the hotel will be able to provide.
How far in advance should a couple reserve a block of rooms for their wedding?
This can vary depending on the circumstances. You will need to see if there are any "special events" occurring over the same dates as your wedding weekend. This could not only prevent the hotel from offering you a block of rooms, but it could affect the rates your guests may pay. Typically, assuming there are no "special events", six months is a good time frame to secure your wedding room block with a hotel.
Will the hotel reserve the block of rooms right up until the wedding day, or will they book the rooms that have not been purchased by guests before the day of the wedding?
No, most hotels will provide you with a cut off date that your guests have to book their rooms by a certain dates. This date is usually from two weeks to 30 days prior to your group's arrival. After the cut off date, your guests may still be able to book rooms at the hotel, but the hotel can no longer offer the discounted group rate.
What’s your biggest piece of advice for brides and grooms when it comes to reserving a block of rooms at Aloft?
Call prepared with your preferred dates and number of rooms you are requesting. We understand, due to the social nature of weddings, that the bride cannot guarantee a certain number of rooms will be picked up. However, being prepared with the most up-to-date information you have (as far as guest count, dates, etc) is the best case scenario, as it will allow the hotel to provide you with the most accurate information possible. Do not expect all of your out-of-town guests to stay at the hotel you suggest, some guests will make their own arrangements no matter how easy and how much information you provide for them on the front end. Once you get your expected number of rooms you want to block, you can typically cut that by 20-30%. Also, communicate your expectations from the hotel on the front end that way the hotel has the opportunity to prepare where necessary for anything out of the ordinary or let you know if anything may not be possible.
A HUGE thanks to Kristen for taking the time to walk us through the room block process! Be sure to check out the Aloft website for more gorgeous pictures and booking information.
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Posted by Genna |
Filed under: Grooms, Groomsmen & Tuxedos 1 comment »
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Whether you’ve already planned your wedding and now have a closet full of décor you’ll never use again or are a bride looking to stretch her wedding day budget, the ‘Something Old, Something New’ wedding consignment sale is perfect for you!
Beth Glascock and Meredith Quigley began their business as a way to help both future brides and recent brides cut down on wedding costs and with the launch of Nashville's first wedding consignment sale this weekend in Cool Springs, it’s sure to pay off for everyone involved in a big way! Read on for our interview with Beth for all of the details and must have info!
Can you explain what the Wedding Consignment Sale is for brides who haven't heard of it?
A wedding consignment sale allows individuals to sell those items they have that are wedding related to new brides planning their weddings. Items accepted to be consigned and sold come in many categories: Wedding Gowns, Formal Gowns, Flower Girl Outfits, Wedding Decor, Linens, Crystal, Vintage Items, Jewelry, Veils, Planning Books, Invitations, and more.
Where and when is the sale taking place?
The sale will be located in the old Faccio space in Cool Springs next to Sperry's. The address is: 600 Frazier Drive, Franklin, TN 37067.
This gorgeous pair of heels is one of many wedding related items for sale this weekend!
Does it cost anything to attend the event?
There will be a Preview Sale on Friday, October 21, 2011 from 6pm-8pm. Cost for this event will be $15 and can be paid at the door or through eventbrite. Click here to purchase a ticket online.
The Consignment Sale is on Saturday, October 22, 2011 from 9am - 3pm is free. You can add it to your calendar right here. Starting 1:30pm until 3:00pm some items will be 50% off.
Who should attend this event?
Brides and Grooms first...but really anyone can attend who is looking for great items at a reasonable cost as there will be a variety of items for sale. Also wedding planners might find great items for their collection.
Beth with just two of the dozens of beautiful dresses available for sale.
What can brides and other attendees expect to see/be able to purchase at the sale?
Everything they need for a wedding: wedding gowns, jewelry, shoes, veils, lots and lots of decor, crystal, etc. There are great pictures of items on our Facebook page.
How did you get started in putting together the wedding consignment sale and how long have you been doing it for?
I have been working with wedding vendors for a year now and became interested in wedding gowns and then the cost of decor for weddings. I did some research and mentioned to my business partner that there was a market to help both the recent bride and the future bride with wedding costs. What a great way to recycle and help someone on a budget. This is our first sale and we are very excited. We started working on this in April.
What's your favorite aspect of the sale?
I love the planning piece and making it all come together. This weekend was great as Meredith was getting wonderful items for the goody bags and I was watching the consignors sign up. I am sure we will love setting up the sale this week and making the store come together. I also love seeing what people are selling. It is all very cool and I know at the end of the day two great things happen; someone gets a good deal and someone else gets a little cash while cleaning out a closet.
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An intricately created centerpiece - ready to be placed on your reception table!
What else should we know about the sale?
We will have three vendors during the sale selling items: Flash of Trash and a Little Bit of Sass; Stella and Dot with Kim Wright; and Pampered Chef. There will be 100 goody bags given out during the preview sale and we are gathering items for giveaways.
Thank you Beth for talking with us and filling us in on such an amazing opportunity for Nashville brides!!
You can check out the 'Something Old, Something New' segment on Talk of the Town right here for more information. To all of our local brides and readers out there, be sure to attend the sale this Friday or Saturday, we can already tell it's an event you won't want to miss!
(For recent brides who would like to consign their wedding items: The entry period for consigning your wedding items has been closed, however the event is slated to become a biannual sale, so stay tuned to ABG for future updates!!)
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Posted by Genna |
Filed under: Bridal Shows & Events2 comments »
Monday, September 12, 2011
This Thursday, we are hosting a wedding planning workshop with Kerried Away Couture. {See details and rsvp here.} If you aren't familiar with Kerried Away, we're here to tell you more about this special company.
When it comes to personalizing you wedding, nothing expresses your personality more than your wedding dress and when that dress is custom made for you by a company as talented as Kerried Away Couture, let's just say it can't really get better than that! Kerri Zelenik Burton, owner of Nashville based design shop, Kerried Away Couture, was kind enough to give us the inside info on her business, her passion for creating custom gowns and dress designing for her own wedding last summer. Sit back and settle in because it's time to let yourself get carried away by the beauty and talent of 'Kerried Away Couture'!
How did you get started in weddings?
A photographer learned of Kerried Away’s concept and saw the designs that we offer for everyday wear for women and made the suggestion that I look into working with brides. As I explored this market segment I realized that this was a perfect fit for brides. At the time I was engaged myself and I was having a hard time finding exactly what I wanted so I knew there were others out there struggling with finding the right bridesmaid dress or rehearsal dinner dress that also fit into their budget. Working with brides is now probably 80% of our business.
Beautiful fabric swatches at Kerri's showroom in Murfreesboro.
What do you like most about weddings?
We enjoy how each bride always has a unique idea, detail, or color they want to incorporate in their dresses. Most brides enjoy designing their bridesmaid dresses or a fun party dress that fits their personality – it’s really a fun process for all involved.
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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.
What is your service philosophy?
We want the bride to be happy and we will work to make sure the design process is enjoyable and stress free. With a variety of fabric and design options, we also strive to offer each bride the opportunity to design something unique but within their budget.
What are your strengths compared to others in your category? / Why should a bride hire you?
Our strength lies in the business concept. We are able to offer brides the ability to completely customize a dress and also have fittings with the actual seamstresses that make their dresses. In addition, we do not use rack sizing, instead we actually measure the bride or bridesmaids and do our best to fit their measurements on the top and bottom. We also offer a fitting package that brides and/or bridesmaids can choose to purchase in which we can guarantee a great fit – no need for alterations if they choose this package. We meet with each bride and keep in contact with them through the entire process so there is a personal aspect that we offer as well.
Who are your 5 favorite Nashville wedding vendors – helpfulness, professionalism, style?
There are so many wonderful vendors in Nashville its difficult to choose just a few but below are four that we have had a lot of experience working with and would recommend to anyone. Brides can take advice and recommendations but when it comes down to it the most important thing is that the bride feels comfortable and compatible with her vendors. We love working with -- Planner: Kerry Dunn, No Detail UnDunn; Planner: Tiffani Helms, Creative Design Events; Caterer: A Catered Affair; and Photographer: Divine Images.
Melanie, a designer for Kerried Away Couture, in a beautiful Kerried Away dress!
Who do you recommend when you’re not available/not a fit?
We would recommend Bella Bridesmaid or b.Hughes. Both have a variety dress options and provide great service.
What do you read/watch regularly to stay on top of wedding/event trends?
Ashley’s Bride Guide of course! We also follow the popular entertainment blog Pizzazzerie which has great party design ideas and fun projects. In regards to wedding magazines, we prefer Instyle Weddings. The Knot and Brides.com are also great online resources.
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The ladies of Kerried Away Couture and Paige's Pantry at the grand opening of their joint showroom in May!
What advice would you give to brides on the wedding planning process in general?
Enjoy this time in your life. It goes so quickly and there are times when it can be stressful and a bit busy but you will be so glad in the end if you really try to enjoy it and soak it all up all along the way. Also, choose vendors that you feel you have a good connection to you and your fiancé. Choosing the right vendors can really make all the difference in the entire planning process and ultimately the wedding day.
A BIG thanks to Kerri for giving us a glimpse into dress design. Can we just talk about those stunning bridesmaid dresses for a second?! Gorgeous! For more information on Kerried Away Couture be sure to check out her website right here or visit her showroom in Murfreesboro! And don't forget to mention ABG for a special discount!
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Posted by Genna |
Filed under: Helpful Vendor Interviews!, Attire - Bridal Gowns, Wedding Dresses & Accessories, Bridal Shows & Events, Bridesmaids & Bridal Party, Luxury Nashville Wedding Finds1 comment »
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Flowers add color, beauty and ambience to weddings. When it comes to choosing wedding flowers, getting what you want versus what you can afford is oftentimes one of the hardest decisions a bride has to make during the planning process. Fortunately, if you’re a budget conscious bride who doesn’t want her bouquet to cost more than her dress, we’ve got you covered. Bonnie Colleen, of Belles Fleurs, has stepped in to give brides fantastic advice on keeping your costs low and your flowers gorgeous for the big day!
{All Floral Design showcased below is by Belles Fleurs.}
Photographer: Kate Crafton Photography
Follow nature, shop in season
Bridal magazines tend to show flowers that are not necessarily in season when the issue is on the newsstands. Ask your florist what is available during your wedding month or research before you go to your consultation...this will help you stay within your budget. There are also ways to create the "look" by substituting a higher end flower with the same color of in a less expensive blossom. For example, a peony is uber-lovely and on the pricey side most of the year...by using a few full carnations in the same color and loosening the calyx, you can create a similar and more affordable peony. Of course, if you have your heart set on the real deal, peonies in just "your bridal bouquet "might be the one little splurge you can afford!
Consider more affordable flowers
Filler flowers like baby's breath have been taboo for a while, but we are seeing a new appreciation for this summery, garden or field flower and it’s especially economical because one bunch will go a long way. With so many brides dreaming of vintage, Shabby Chic or country garden weddings it’s easy to create an inexpensive reception table arrangement by using flea market or antique mall purchased jars, bottles and tins, filled with one or two stems of baby's breath and a pop of your wedding color in another posy. For the fall, chrysanthemums have a plethora of varieties to choose from, add a sprig of seeded eucalyptus and wheat for a fresh, long lasting flower idea.
Source: Belles Fleurs via Facebook page
Reduce stress; Be realistic about DIY floral projects
There are so many resources available now for brides to try their hands at some of the more simple ideas for weddings. Sometimes, brides comes to us expressing their interest in only the bridal party bouquets, because they will be attempting to make the reception flowers themselves, however, this is NOT ALWAYS the best idea! Remember, if you are not a creative or "crafty" person, this might be more than you want to tackle by yourself.
Weddings can be stressful for the bride with so many tasks to complete and decisions, decisions, decisions to make! Most brides are working full time, only taking off the week of their wedding. Most of us procrastinate about starting or completing projects, come on, you know you do! Also, make sure that you have plenty of help and don't wait until the last minute. If you decide at the last minute to call your florist for help, they may not be able to accommodate or order additional flowers.
You want your personal flowers to flow and compliment your reception flowers and what better way...let the professionals create the perfect look for you!
Source: Belles Fleurs
DIY what's manageable; Shop around
Today's bride has plenty of places to look for floral or decor for a DIY wedding. Most fresh flower suppliers sell to the public, even if you just want to take a peak at what is available. There are some amazing flowers from around the world; from Holland, South America, New Zealand and Japan to name a few! Local wholesale clubs also feature flower departments where you can find many of these same flowers. Grocery stores are starting to carry a variety of foliage, berries and orchid stems, just make sure that you select fresh stems (bad foliage will be your first clue not to purchase!). For great wedding reception floral décor and accessories, Target, Pier 1, West Elm, Crate &Barrel, Pottery Barn, Trees and Trends, and IKEA are a few of the major stores that constantly change and keep up with the latest trends.
Source: Belles Fleurs via Facebook page
Additional ways to save
We suggest using the altar arrangements (when possible) again during your reception. Most altar arrangements are large and full with beautiful flowers and it seems a waste to not continue enjoying them the rest of your wedding day. After your ceremony, have someone transport them to your reception site and perhaps place on an entry table or if there is room, a buffet table. Plan this with your florist or planner ahead of time so your venue has room for them. Additionally, disposable floral containers are usually low in cost and will not require a rental deposit or rental return fee.
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Photographer: Jason McNeal Photography
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Posted by Genna |
Filed under: Advice & Planning, Florals, Details & Design , DIY & Budget Wed Finds2 comments »
