A Charming, Intimate Rehearsal Dinner at Mere Bulles in Brentwood, TN

Friday, June 17, 2011

Last month, Carmen Fowler and Jim LaBerge allowed us and Alex Bee Photo a sneak peek at their intimate rehearsal dinner at Mere Bulles in Brentwood, TN.  The event was held for 54 of the couple's closest family and friends. Considering our absolute love for this charming location and their exquisite food, it was hard not to dig in; but we managed.

Carmen and Jim mingled with guests at leisure in Mere Bulles’ outside courtyard area while hors d’oeuvres were served.  The dinner began at 6:30. Guests had delectable entrees choices and dessert options. Mere Bulles allowed the couple to mix and match their menu based on what they liked most: Slow Roasted Prime Rib, Seared Atlantic Salmon and Roasted Chicken. For dessert, the couple allowed their guests to choose between Strawberry Split Apart Cake or Chocolate Decadence.

Before, during and after dinner, the bride and groom were toasted many times over by family and friends. All of the guests used this time to reconnect with Jim and Carmen, while giving their sincerest greetings. Jim and Carmen, husband and wife-to-be, were all smiles all evening! 

Carmen and Jim socialized with their family and friends on into the night.

All photos courtesy of Alex Bee Photo

We thank Carmen and Jim for allowing us to document their rehearsal dinner and wish them all the best in their new life together!

If you are struggling to find the right place to host your bridal luncheon, rehearsal dinner or reception, look no further than the charm-filled Mere Bulles Restaurant in Brentwood. The warm and inviting environment of Mere Bulles provided the perfect place for Carmen and Jim to celebrate their upcoming marriage. Learn more about Mere Bulles Restaurant and their superb service at their website: merebulleslibrary.com.

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Posted by Bethany | Filed under: Bridal Showers, Luncheons, Parties, Engagements & Proposals, Wedding Venues and Locations2 comments »

{Sponsor Spotlight} Meet Simply Yours: a Passionate and Personable Nashville Wedding Planner

Monday, June 13, 2011

Are you struggling trying to decide between a few different wedding locations, which florist to use, and and whether or not to splurge on a photographer? Perhaps all you need is a planner guiding the way to wedded bliss. Look no further than Emily from Simply Yours Weddings! She produces consistently fabulous and personalized work for her brides and grooms.

We love Emily because she is truly passionate about serving brides.  It's her ministry and she delights in the opportunity.  She's worked with several ABG brides (including Sara and Krista) and you can ask them about working her.  They will agree that she's a gift.

Please take time to learn more about her and consider her if you havent already hired your wedding planner.

{The lovely Emily}

Photo by Kristyn Hogan

Business Information:

Name: Simply Yours Weddings
Main Contact: Emily Humphries
Phone Number: 615-­427-­5166
Email Address: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Twitter: 1weddingwoman
Facebook fan page: facebook.com/SimplyYoursWeddings
Number of Years in the Business: 4

{Emily caring for her couple}

Left, Photo by Kristyn Hogan; Right, Jamie Clayton Photography

How did you get started in weddings?

I have been a musician my entire life. I have been singing since I can remember and I started piano lessons at the same time I started Kindergarten. So at an early age, I began to be a part of events at my church as well as special events. As I got older, people began asking me to be in their weddings. By the time I was halfway through college, I had been in a ridiculous amount of weddings and had really gotten to know the flow of a wedding day and particularly how to make a ceremony more personal through music, but it run smoothly as well. Playing the piano and singing turned into directing rehearsals and ceremonies. However, it truly wasn’t until it was my turn to plan my wedding that I realized the need for outside help. I had a director who was a friend of our family, but I desperately needed someone to walk with me through my engagement. Even if it was just going behind all the work I had done and affirming it was done and done well. Not to mention… having our director be a friend of our family did not exactly offer an “outside” voice in the midst of a lot of emotion. So very soon after that, I began my journey with Simply Yours Weddings. And its been a non stop adventure ever since!

What do you like most about weddings?

As silly as it sounds… it’s the moment the Bride and Groom come back up the aisle as Husband and Wife. It is such an incredible pleasure of mine to be the first to greet them with a hug and a “Hi, married friends!”

What’s your favorite wedding picture and why?

I love these two images because they go hand in hand. It’s still my favorite for several reasons. Hello, he’s wearing a bow tie, for one. Yay for a Southern gentleman She is also wearing a gardenia in her hair, which complimented the whole look of her Southern loveliness. What I really love about the second photo is knowing that it absolutely monsooned on their wedding day. I mean the bottom dropped out and never stopped. They were supposed to have a garden ceremony at Cheekwood Botanical Gardens and clearly that wasn’t going to happen. We ended up moving both their ceremony and reception inside the museum, and just made it work. But what I loved, is that this couple didn’t miss a beat. They were absolutely glowing when they saw each other for the first time, they’re glowing in all their pictures, even in the pouring rain (thus the umbrella, which is mine, by the way) they were absolutely contagious with joy. And the whole day was just as beautiful as their shining faces.

Photos by Jamie Kuban Photography

What is your service philosophy? The little mantra I use is: “Taking the stress off of you so that your Wedding Day is fun for you too!” All that is to say that I want to be able to help create an environment where you can breathe and you can spend your Wedding Day exactly how you want to. And that goes for all your friends and family members who could help, but also could spend time with you and your fiancé.

{Emily in action}

Photo by Matt Andrews Photography

What are your strengths compared to others in your category? Why should a bride hire you?

Well…. how about I just let one of my former Brides take this one… “Emily was my day of coordinator. I cant say how much you need to have a day of person. The last thing you want to do is worry about is getting everyone in place, when to start the music, and where your shoes are. Emily takes care of all of that. It was so nice to spend the time before the ceremony with my mom and sister getting ready, neither of them was wrapped up in directing people or finding missing items. Not only was Emily immensely important for the ceremony, but the reception as well. She made sure all the reception events happened all on time. We had to be out of our reception hall by 6pm, and Emily made sure we got out of there, and I didn't feel rushed or hurried at all. I was able to relax and enjoy the party. I am so glad that Emily was there for me... She was such great backup for all the decisions I had to make that I was unsure of. Emily has that amazing ability to step up and take charge to make things happen when they need to, but also to be a gentle friend. “-­ Lacey, married 10-­10-­10

Who are your 5 favorite Nashville wedding vendors – helpfulness, professionalism, style?

1) Hillary Robson,­ Brocade Designs -­ There is not enough room on this page for me to talk about Hillary. Her work is exquisite, her drive for design perfection is unmatchable, her heart for Brides is so tremendous, and the way she listens and truly strives to make every event an exact illustration of the Bride and Groom through their design elements is unbelievable. I LOVE when I get a quote from Hillary and I show it to Brides. They gasp and just oohh and ahhh about how its exactly what they wanted, especially the ones who just had no clue, but Hillary helped them figure it out. She’s just an absolute delight. Not to mention, she’s hilarious. She brightens up every wedding set up and tear down. She’s a true gift to our community.

2) Nashville Event Lighting -­ If I could write a “Dear Abi” letter here I would. Abi and Blake and Misty and Dave and just everyone at NEL are SO helpful and wonderful to work with. Not many Brides know exactly what they want when it comes to lighting, or especially how much lighting costs. The NEL team takes a lot of time and intention to be sure and give the clients what they want and then come the wedding weekend, they’re such an incredible part of the vendor team. They demand excellence from themselves and that’s what they give.

3) The Bride Room -­ If I could spend time just sitting in The Bride Room watching them love on Brides in the tender moments of their wedding gown selections, I absolutely would. Charlotte, Amy and Stephanie love NOTHING more than connecting Brides with the right gown. And the Brides can feel it. They feel cared for, they feel their gown is in trustworthy, caring hands, they know they’re in an honest and kind environment that could be a place of insecurity and frustration. The presence of their shop and their warm personalities sending Brides down the aisle in a gown that fits them inside and out is truly priceless.

4) The Bake Shoppe -­ Mmmmmm… oh the Bake Shoppe. That’s generally the way I start a sentence when someone asks me about them =) First of all, their cakes, their icing, their fillings… all absolutely delectable. Second, they can do any cake. I’m completely convinced there’s nothing they can’t do. Third: It doesn’t matter if you meet Kellie, Amy, Dawn or anyone else, you are going to be so well taken care of. They are a company of intention, they are dedicated to making sure everything they put their name on is wonderful. They are a company, no matter what it's for, that I get so excited about working with every time.

5) Stones River Country Club - I need to give a little Murfreesboro representation here. Stones River is a staple in this town for events, but longstanding historical importance does not always guarantee warmth and customer service does it? However, Becca George, who is the catering and events manager at the club invites you into that gorgeous mansion and helps you to feel so at home. I absolutely adore working with her and with their incredible staff. I have done various kinds of events there and whether it’s a fundraiser or a big budget wedding, every one is treated with the same kindness and dedicated service. Also, on a personal note, not all venue event managers are super comfortable with a wedding planners role in an event. I totally understand why this is, but Becca is so open from the beginning of a process. She wants to work together to the benefit of everyone. And not only does that just fill my heart with joy, but it makes our clients feel so confident in their team when they see us working together so well. They are constantly all around why they are the most popular place in the ‘Boro to get married

What do you read/watch regularly to stay on top of wedding/event trends? ABG (duh ) I tend to devour all things from Southern Weddings, I have a slight love affair with Flights of Fancy, and honestly I feel like social media outlets are constant sources of trends and news.

{Emily full of personality on wedding day}

Photo by Zach Goodyear Photography

What trend do you love?

I really love the way brides are finding unique ways to honor their families. Whether this is by restoring a family heirloom so they can use it like their dress or their veil. Or the use of old photographs and not just a few photographs but many, photos depicting decades of love growing in their families.

Photo by Justin Wright

What trend do you most dislike?

Um… how about the trend of not hiring a wedding planner?? Does that work?

Neatest wedding finds?

Building off of the trend that I love, I just found this the other day from the amazing ladies (and fellow ABG vendor) at Cedarwood and photographed by Justin Wright. They used actual family heirloom hats and purses and such as part of their wedding décor and theme. How smart and sweet is that??? The team at Cedarwood never ceases to put out beautiful and inspirational work. Definitely check out their blog. Other inspiration sites I use are Flights of Fancy and Pinterest! If you’re not on pinterest… get ready to be addicted in a hurry.

Tips For "budget savvy" brides:

a) What's the one thing you think should always make it into a budget:

Photography. And a good one at that. I have never met anyone that regretted spending money on a good photographer, but I have met tons of people who regret it deeply that they didn’t.

b) What's one way brides can save money / be more economical without sacrificing her vision?

There are SO many cute things out there you can give away to people as favors, but truly… what ends up happening to half of them? I love some of the favors I’ve gotten over the years, but if having favors are going to be cutting into your ability to feed your guests or have enough chairs or even having the kind of entertainment you want for your reception… just let them go. That’s just one thing I’ve noticed a lot lately because there are SO many DIY and Etsy options that have popped up as great ideas, but have ended up causing $$$ issues in the end.

What would be doing if you did not work in weddings?

I would either be pursuing a career on Broadway or working on designing sets for films and making sure they were historically accurate. That’s actually what I wanted to do when I was in college (both of them) and then clearly their was another plan in the works

Favorite TV show and why?

I’d say it’s a three way tie between So You Think You Can Dance, NCIS and Bones. Why?? I’m an artist at heart. So SYTYCD is one of the most amazing displays of art through dance I have ever seen on TV. But its only on in the summer so… I have a guilty pleasure for crime fighting shows mixed with intense character development. I love to watch people grow in life, so of course I love to watch them grow on TV

Last vacation?

Hm… real vacation? Not just disappear for a couple of days? That would have to be Boston with my husband last August. His sister got married in Buffalo, NY the first week of August and so we hopped on a train and pit stopped in NYC and then on to Boston. It was the best nerdy trip a girl could ask for

{Emily at wedding's end}

Photo by Wooton Photography

What are you reading?

LOL if you could see my night stand… well that’s the thing you can’t see if because its covered in books! But I’m in two book clubs so the books I’m reading right now for those are Switch: How to Change Things When Change is Hard by Chip and Dan Heath (that’s for the business book club I’m in through Sage Wedding Pros) and then my fun book club with some of my wedding community friends are reading a series called The Lineage of Grace by Francine Rivers. Its good stuff

What advice would you give to brides on choosing a florist?

Make sure that they get you. Whether you’re a gal who loves flowers and knows exactly what she wants or whether you’re totally clueless and kind of know what color you like, a good florist should be able to ask the right questions to get at what you want, even if you don’t know it. I know that sounds weird, but I’ve seen it consistently happen with good florists in this town who really care about getting the Bride and her vision while simultaneously being conscious of their budget, even if that’s being honest about what they can and can’t afford.

{When everything is under control, a good planner will be able to enjoy your day too!}

Photo by Wooton Photography

What advice would you give to brides on the wedding planning process in general?

Don’t build a house from the attic down. Lay a firm foundation. What I mean by that is, you need to start with the basics before you go vendor and design crazy. Make a guest list, this will help dictate your venue and your budget. You can’t book a place that holds 150 people because you just love the pictures you can take there and then expect 250 guests to fit in there. Then once your foundation is laid, You can make the frame that will care for your guests: food, a place for them to sit, etc. You wouldn’t want a guest to come over to your house without having walls but you had awesome flowers and pretty favors would you? Once you have your framework, then you can get to decorating. =) Its always best to start slow, be intentional. When you do this, you also build your budget and can keep from making splurges this way.

What is your favorite thing about working with brides (or grooms)?

I think I love the season they’re in. I love watching them figure engagement out. I love watching them learn about their fiancés and their families, for better for worse. And then watching them grow and plan all the way until that moment that I mentioned before… down the aisle as husband and wife… married friends. =) Only other best moment is when they’re about to do their exit from the reception and I get “the face” is what my assistant calls it. You’d know it if you saw it, but it’s the moment where they stop and say “it was so amazing. I’m so glad you were a part of it.” Mmmm its just lovely.

Where can we find you if you’re not working with a bride?

I asked my best friend this question and she said either at a coffee shop or at Target. Both are pretty accurate

{A detail photo from Cedarwood that Emily loves.}

Photo by Justin Wright

What is the biggest misconception about your industry?

That you don’t need a wedding planner. I realize that every Bride and Groom’s personalities and needs are different, therefore what they need from a wedding planner is different. However, I was a Bride not too long ago and I definitely had all of my projects and organization totally under control, but there were two things I needed desperately. 1) Someone outside my family to speak into where we were. I love my Mom but when she asked me about the things I needed to get done, I took it personally and I struggled to ask for her or anyone in my family’s help. I needed someone outside that could step in. 2) I needed someone (and we ultimately had someone) to take care of us on the day of. I wanted to sit and be with my friends and my family. I also wanted them to be with me and to be with my husband. Knowing someone else had everything under control was the biggest gift and relief. In my humble opinion, ALL Brides and Groom’s need (and deserve) that kind of relief.

Thank you so much, Emily, for all your helpful tips and ideas. Be sure to check out her website to find out more about how Emily can make your wedding day truly remarkable.

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Posted by Bethany | Filed under: Our Featured Advertisers!, Wedding Planners & Coordinators, Wedding Resources4 comments »

In Her Shoes: Nashville Bride Shares Her Love Story Video, Experience

Friday, May 27, 2011

Last October, Ashley’s Bride Guide teamed up with Jim of VidSigs to give away a Love Story Engagement Video to one lucky Nashville couple. {Click to see Ashley's VidSig video.}

Now, we're SUPER excited to share the final video and congratulate the winners, Kristin and Kevin!

See their innovative Love Story Engagement Video and determine if a Love Story Video is right for you.

We ask Kristin about working with VidSigs + their Love Story Video:

What was the experience like creating the video?

Kevin and I were really nervous before we shot the video because we didn't know what to expect and were afraid of sounding stupid. With me being such a planner, I wanted to have a script rehearsed, but Kevin was against that. It ended up being better because I think our story is genuine with a touch of humor.

How do you plan to use your video?

Our wedding is at private house, and our guests will mingle inside during cocktail hour. We will reveal the video along with a slide show of photos at our reception for our friends and family to enjoy. It will be a nice surprise and a perfect "thank you" as they all helped us win the video.

Would you recommend making a Love Story Engagement Video to other brides and grooms?

I think it's a very cool way to add something special that wedding guests can enjoy. Also, since I am a photographer, photographs and video are the most important investment I can make for my wedding. I know this video will be something I will love to play at our 50th wedding anniversary! I am so grateful we had the opportunity to create this memory.

How was it working with Jim?

Jim was so easy to work with, and had such a casual approach for the interview that it was easy to be ourselves. Kevin and I were interviewed separately so the video would be a surprise. I love the way he alternated us telling the proposal story so that you hear both sides at once. He was open to our input on the final outcome of the video and made as many changes as we wanted (although the first take was almost perfect).

How is wedding planning coming along?

We starting planning in May 2010 and have about 6 months until the wedding. Because of the ample planning time, I am pretty sure I have assembled the BEST wedding vendors in Nashville. We have Krista Lee as our photographer, who is so talented and positively amazing, Full Frame as our videographer, who convinced me with their Golriz & Devon video that I needed a wedding video, and Crumb de la Crumb, who hands down makes best wedding cake I have ever tasted.

Krista Lee Photography

Krista Lee Photography

We ask Jim of VidSigs about Love Story Videos, his specialty:

What is the cost of a Love Story Engagement Video?

The cost for a video like Kristin and Kevin's will hover around $500, due to the nature of music changes, photo overlays and how long they go to tell the background story of the engagement.

How are your videos different than other love story videos?

My videos are different because that are based on real and organically cultivated conversation between myself and the couple. They tell the story in a pristine, clean-looking environment that really allows the viewer to focus on the story. In the end, I strive to make it move the audience in an emotional way.

What is the turnaround time?

The turnaround should be around two weeks, or depending on how urgently the couple wants it to be finished. In Kristin and Kevin's case, we had well over ten months before their ceremony, so we had a little leeway.

We wish Kristin & Kevin all the best as they finalize their October 22nd wedding details! Be sure to check out VidSigs’ website for more information about creating your own Love Story Engagement Video!

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Posted by Bethany | Filed under: Contests, Giveaways, Specials, Engagements & Proposals, Photography & Videography0 comments »

Metallics, Teal, Purples: Great Color Ideas for Your Bridesmaids Dresses

Monday, May 23, 2011

Bridesmaids’ dresses come in all colors and patterns; however, a few different colors and color palettes are trending right now. Kerri of Kerried Away Couture shared color ideas with us to help you plan your 2011/2012 wedding.

Followell Fotography

Traditional brides keep bridesmaids classic with white, pale blues, pink

More traditional Nashville brides are choosing whites, pale blues and pinks. Prefer a classic wedding?  Consider using white as an accent color, alternating lilac and pale pink bridesmaids’ dresses are a nice choice. Kerri loves these two fabric colors:

Kerri has noticed traditional brides pairing this silvery metallic with pale colors, such as this Antique Blue fabric:

Contemporary brides are loving metallic

Contemporary brides are deciding to go with teals, purples, and grays.  En vogue brides are opting more and more for metallic fabrics to enhance their color palettes, or just using them as the main color inspiration. The Patricia Dress, a Kerried Away Couture design, looks fabulous in a metallic silver on the bridal party pictured below.

Custom bridesmaid dresses by Kerried Away Couture {Followell Fotography}

The white bouquet adds traditional elements to such a modern dress.  {Followell Fotography}

Purple hues work for summer and fall weddings; Teal offers a pop!

Kerri said that purple and plum hues are definitely fashionable for the summer season among contemporary brides. Matching different purples together is a great idea, as long as you add in a neutral gray or silver. A couple of purples to try together are a deep purple like Blackberry on the left, and a more muted plum like the one on the right called Raisin. Kerri suggests adding in gray or metallic silver as an accent color to add depth and cohesion.  Kerri says that a common thread for both modern and traditional brides is metallic. 

Custom bridesmaid dress by Kerried Away Couture

Another very popular color among brides this year is teal. Pair this teal, called Peacock, with a neutral gold metallic, called Aztec Gold, and it will surely wow guests.

Above all else, Kerri says don’t be afraid to mix and match colors and always ask your designer if you have doubts about your color choices. To see more of Kerried Away Couture’s dress designs be sure to check out her website!

Do you have metallic, teal, or purple in your wedding color scheme? If not, what are your wedding colors?

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Posted by Bethany | Filed under: Attire - Bridal Gowns, Wedding Dresses & Accessories0 comments »