Friday, September 9, 2011
Meagan and Kristopher were married on a boat! It's not every day that you see a wedding held on a boat in the Tennessee area. We're excited to share their wedding story, as told to us (and photographed) by Jonathon Campbell Photography.
Meagan & Kristopher
Wedding Date ~ October 23, 2010
Ceremony + Reception ~ Pates Ford Marina, Smithville, TN
About The Couple:
Kris and Meagan are such a fun couple. Kristopher, a talented singer-songwriter, is a strong and loveable guy. He is the kind of guy everyone wants to know because he cares about people. Meagan, an up and coming Nashville hairstylist, is a great friend to everyone. They care deeply about each other, their friends, and their families, and always find time for laughter. They are always giggling about something when they are together. They love each other so much. If you are lucky enough to know Meagan and Kris, you will see it by the way Meagan looks at Kris when he sings and the way Kris’s songs are often written just for her.
Describe their theme:
Lake wedding and lakeside reception
Details used to enhance the theme:
Pink and more pink flowers! A huge arch full of flowers covered the spot where ceremony took place on the boat. They had white votive candles and white lanterns for the cake table.
Describe any highlights/special moments of the wedding day:
Meagan bought Kris an amazing Taylor Guitar that he had been coveting forever. He had no idea that she was even giving him a gift.
Wedding Team
Gown: One of two dresses - The Bride Room
Bridesmaids: David’s Bridal
Groomsman: Tommy Bahama
Cake: Sylvia Weinstock (New York)
Photographer: Jonathon Campbell Photography
Florist: All -O- Kasions in Smithville, TN
Transportation: 4 Luxe Houseboats on the lake
Sharon, of Jonathon Campbell Photography, told us that Meagan had two dresses that day! I'm a big fan of her short dress for the reception.
Meagan & Kristopher's wedding day was gorgeous and unique; thank you for sharing, Jonathon Campbell Photography. Be sure to check out more here: jonathoncampbell.com.
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Posted by Bethany |
Filed under: Photography, Real Nashville Weddings0 comments »
Monday, August 15, 2011
The very talented Ace Photography has WOWed us again with Erica and James' Nashville engagement session. We are honored to share photos from their fantastic engagement sesson and look forward to featuring their April wedding.
Erica Camille Carney and James A. Whitaker II
Engagement Date: June 10, 2010
Wedding Date: April 2, 2011
How did you get engaged?
We were at Disney World at Epcot, it was right before the Laser Fireworks show at the end of the night, and James started saying we need to find a good place to stand. I thought it didn’t really matter since it was going to be in the sky but, we eventually found a spot. Then about five minutes before the show James said I talked to your mom, I'm like really what did you all talk about. He said I had to ask her a question, and based on her answer, I have one for you. James got down on one knee opened the ring box and asked "Will you marry me?" I said "Yes I will" and then the fireworks went off! it was amazing.
What's your wedding budget?
$5,000-$10,000
Who did you hire for your wedding team?
Photography I Ace Photography
Videography I Beyond the Still Image
Flowers I Flowers Express, Floral Design bouquets
Groom’s Cake I Amber Tarrant
Wedding Cake I Crumb de la Crumb
Tuxedos I Street Tuxedo
Bridal and Bridesmaid’s Gowns I David’s Bridal
Transportation I Alpha Omega Limousines
Wedding Venue I Celebration of Life Church
Reception Venue I BB Kings Blues Club-Nashville
What's your wedding style?
Classic, Elegant, Minimalist, and Fun
What was it like working with Ace Photography?
They are phenomenal. They meet with you to really connect before the first shoot and they really have a way of making you feel comfortable in front of the camera. They took a gray day in December and made the day look sky blue. They have an unbelievable artistic element and were extremely helpful with all aspects including helping with props. I highly recommend Arline and her team, you will be confident knowing your pictures will be perfect.
Any advice for engaged Nashville couples?
It's your wedding day it should reflect you and your husband to be, breath and enjoy your day!
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Posted by Bethany |
Filed under: Engagements & Proposals, Photography0 comments »
Monday, July 18, 2011
Grant and Miranda's engagement session is a creative dream with props, different locations, and a ton of personality! The photographers at Ace Photography really tuned in to capture Grant and Miranda's fun-loving, adventurous relationship.
There's so much diversity in their scenes. View our favorites from their session and read more about this amazing couple!
Couple: Grant James Thornbury and Miranda Carol Ward
Engagement Date: 11.13.10
Wedding Date: 05.14.11
How did you get engaged?
Grant proposed to me on three different occasions, each special and romantic! The first: moonlit stroll on the beach in Florida. Grant serenaded me with a song he wrote inspired by our love. He read a passage from Song of Solomon (from the Bible) and asked me to be his wife. I didn’t say no, but requested Grant ask again at a later time. We both realized there were aspects of our lives we wanted to mature in before taking that step.
The second: Shakespeare In The Park with chocolate covered strawberries. After watching the play, Grant led me to the pond in front of the Parthenon and asked a second time. Although I wanted to say yes, my response was the same.
The third: road trip to Chattanooga for fine dining. Grant chose Chattanooga because that’s where my family was from. He wanted the two of us to aspire for a marriage like that of my parents (40 years and counting!). Grant took me to my parent’s childhood homes and then to dinner at the most exquisite restaurant either of us had been to, where Grant asked me a third (and what would be the final) time.
Who did you hire for your wedding team?
Music: Notable Occasions
Food: A Catered Affair
Cake: The Bake Shoppe
Flowers: The Enchanted Florist
Make-up: Amy Lynn Larwig
Dress: The White Room
Venue: CJ’s Off The Square
Photographers: Ace Photography
What was your wedding style?
Our overall theme was to bring the inside out, with vintage heirlooms/furniture, silhouettes, and mismatched textures.
What was it like working with Ace Photography?
Before any vender was chosen, including the venue, we booked our photographers. There was never any question; it HAD to be Ace! I (Miranda) had the pleasure of studying bridal portrait photography under Arline Beets and knew what she was capable of. We had exceptionally high expectations and upon viewing our engagement book for the first time, I was so pleased, it brought tears to my eyes. I was so moved, I couldn’t help but hug Arline and thank her tremendously.
Anything else you want to share about your engagement or your wedding day?
Besides the visual aesthetics and intimate atmosphere that CJ’s Off The Square has, they provided so much more. Instead of having to focus on stressful details of the day, everything went better than expected due to the dedicated staff. There wasn’t a detail left untouched from the planning process to the décor. Grant and I are immensely grateful to the team at CJ’s Off The Square because we got to experience our day as we had always dreamt.
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Posted by Bethany |
Filed under: Engagements & Proposals, Photography0 comments »
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Welcome back! We hope you enjoyed your holiday weekend.
Isn't it interesting how a vacation makes you long for the next? And for many of you, your next vacation will be your honeymoon! However, if your schedule only allows for a few days off right after your wedding, consider a minimoon; it's a wonderful idea. My husband and I only had time for a minimoon after our wedding and where did we stay? Aloft in Cool Springs!
Aloft's modern and innovative design is a vision of W Hotels. The sleek and warm environment is just one of the great aspects of the hotel, and they offer one-of-a-kind service. If you want something, chances are you can have it, at any hour! Perfect for a home-away-from-home minimoon for modern brides and grooms.
The contemporary lounge areas are magnificent, and great for getting some fresh air.
One great feature is the 24/7 pantry, Re:Fuel. Any and every snack item you will ever want is stocked fresh in Re:Fuel. You grab what you want, when you want it! Every time you "check out," it's charged right to your room number, so no waiting in lines to pay. I had ice cream late one night during my minimoon. (Yum!) And the best part was we didn't have to go anywhere. They also have a latte machine. Coffee lovers can make all the lattes, espressos, and cappuccinos their hearts desire. Talk about convinence!
A latte machine + snacks = a-mazing!
If your wedding is in the winter, no worries, you can still swim in Aloft's indoor swimming pool! The water is refreshing and you will feel relaxed in no time. It features comfy seating, and Wi-Fi for those who just want to hang out by the pool.
Aloft adds a chic vibe to just hanging out by the pool with this oversized seating area. Perfect for cuddling with your new spouse!
Right beside the pool area, Aloft Cool Springs has a state-of-the-art work-out facility.
The w xyz bar provides beverages and cocktails that you won't want to miss. Happy Hour is always a-buzz at Aloft. Wine, spritzers and speciality drinks are always on the menu!
Aloft features PURE rooms, which are allergy friendly rooms! Now you don't have to worry about sleepy in a 'stuffy' hotel room. Aloft covers every last detail when it comes to your stay with them. From their Facebook page: “A PURE room has all bedding and pillows encased in protective yet comfortable cover that is mold-proof, spore-proof, hypoallergenic, dust and dust mite proof.” I just love how ahead-of-the-game Aloft is in their amenities!
The rooms are, as you guessed it, just like a loft! The entry way, sink, and closet is open into the bedroom area. The bathroom features a space saving sliding door. So great!
Don't forget to turn off the alarm! It's your minimoon!
To book your minimoon, check out Aloft's website below. You won't regret your refreshing, ultra-calming stay with Aloft! Aloft is also great for wedding room blocks for your out of town guests. Contact Kristen McBryde at 615-221-6515 to discuss rooms for your out of town wedding guests.
{Aloft Cool Springs is an ABG advertiser. All photos via Aloft Cool Springs Facebook Like Page.}
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Posted by Bethany |
Filed under: Destination Weds & Honeymoon , Guests, Gifts & Favors, Wedding Resources0 comments »
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Last Thursday, Ashley and I attended Cupcakes and Couture, the showroom opening of Kerried Away Couture and Paige’s Pantry in Murfreesboro. Kerri, a custom dress designer, and Paige, a cake decorating instructor, opened their doors on May 24th and hosted a fabulous launch party on June 16th.
We have LONG supported and LOVED Kerried Away Couture - as an amazing designer, bride and local, female entrepreneur. So, we were elated to celebrate the launch of her store. We thought we were going to see what was in store for Nashville brides but we too got carried away when we realized that her designs are great for brides, bridesmaids, moms, any special occasion AND everyday wear too!
The Couture {Glorious Dresses + Accessories}!
First - How does this custom dress thing work? You start with choosing your fabric and Kerried Away has hundreds of amazing options - from solids to dots and silk to cotton. Then, you choose your dress style, from short to long, strapless to spaghetti strings. It's really simply, yet really fabulous. You can have a custom made dress that fits YOUR measurements, so no altering! For your bridesmaids, you can choose the style and fabric or allow them to choose the style and you choose the fabric. It's totally up to you.
Here are some of our favorite designs that were on display for the evening...
Kerri in a stunning floral print Kerried Away Couture strapless dress.
Melanie, a Kerried Away Couture designer, in a print that Ashley swooned over all night plus the skirt that Ashley MUST have. She couldn't leave until she tried in on, over clothes and all!
Ashley: "This skirt is perfect. I've got to have it..."
"...and I must have these too!"
Kerri creates gorgeous skirts, and dresses, all made to order! Her designs are great for bridesmaids, rehearsal dresses, and every day skirts. We love the versatility of Kerri’s designs!
Kerried Away Couture also has an incredible selection of handmade jewelry for weddings or any special occasion. The jewelry is handmade by her favorite artisans and absolutely stunning. Just like any Kerried Away Couture design, these pieces are great for your bridesmaids or a night out on the town with your fiancé!
The Cupcakes {Celebratory Party}!
In addition to meeting the entire Kerried Away Couture team, we were also introduced to Paige of Paige's Pantry and her team. Paige’s Pantry specializes in cake decorating classes, and sells cake decorating supplies. There are different classes designed for families, children, or just the ladies. Talk about a great treat for your bridesmaids!
Kerri & Ashley
Lane, Marketing Manager & Stylist at Kerried Away Couture, Kerri & Paige
Befitting the occasion, guests were served delectable cupcakes and cookies in the shape of dresses. So cute! Hors d’oeuvres were provided by The Greenery on the Square.
One of our favorites, an Oreo topped cupcake!
Everything was custom, including the wall decor that represents their focus on cake/couture! Love it!
Cakes made by local bakers were on display, along with decorating items for all baking lovers!
Right, Dream Cakes; Left, Robyn's Nest (Showcased bakers work from inspected home kitchens.)
The new guest book? We were all about this cake sign-in!
Party Girls Cupcake Kit! Perfect for a girl's night in!
The whole Kerried Away Couture + Paige’s Pantry Family! Thank you for hosting a great event!
Congratulations, Kerri & Paige! We are so thrilled for you two and cannot wait to see your businesses grow in your new space.
All photos courtesy of Bethany Ann Photography
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Posted by Bethany |
Filed under: Attire - Bridal Gowns, Wedding Dresses & Accessories, Bridesmaids & Bridal Party2 comments »
