Monday, August 25, 2014
Life can get very busy, especially when it comes to wedding events and all of the time that goes into planning such memorable, once-in-a-lifetime occasions. Thankfully, we have a new planning service in Nashville that specializes in the event that takes the most time to plan (other than the wedding of course!)…The Bachelorette Party!
Social Bliss Events (SBE) promises to give each bride an unforgettable weekend that features only the trendiest hotspots in our fair city; from that hard to get reservation at the best local restaurants, to a VIP experience at some of Nashville’s most popular sites, Social Bliss Events takes care of it all.
Staff of Social Bliss Events
All featured SBE Bachelorette Party photos are from Facebook
We interview Sarah Patton, founder of Social Bliss Events:
Why did you decide to start Social Bliss Events?
SBE was started when I realized there was an absolute NEED for bachelorette curation. With over five years of experience in the event planning industry, this was not solely a money making venture but rather a way for me to express my creativity and provide knowledge about the city I call home. I’m a girl. I know what girls want for their “last fling before the ring”, and I can tell you exactly where to find all of the fun-filled activities.
What does this service entail?
Social Bliss Events is a full-service bachelorette planning company. We offer our clients the weekend of a lifetime. We are far from your normal cookie-cutter, pick your pre-designated package type of company. Everything is completely customized!
We coordinate the entire weekend so the bachelorette party can relax, hang with their friends and enjoy everything Nashville has to offer.
We start with a bridal profile to find out more about the bride-to-be, her likes and dislikes. Then we filter her interests and build out recommendations based on budget and time.
We offer 3 packages that range in price and experience.
1. DIY Bachelorette
2. Worry-free Bachelorette
3. Blissful Bachelorette
Who would benefit from this service?
Anyone involved with planning a bachelorette party. Our bachelorette knowledge is perfect for out-of-towners who have never visited Nashville or have only been here a few times. You tell us exactly what you want, and we’ll make it happen. We know all the fun spots! However, those who live in Nashville utilize our knowledge and connections as well. Many girls wait until the last minute to make dinner reservations or can’t find anything to do on Saturday night because everything is booked. We have developed great relationships with local establishments, and have had to call in last minute favors a time or two. We have connections that many find priceless.
Anything else you'd like the readers to know?
I’m slightly obsessed with Nashville, and our desire is to showcase the ENTIRE city. Most people come to Nashville to visit Broadway and the honky-tonks, but this city has so much more to offer. With over 10 years of Nashville-living, our team knows the city inside and out. We know the swankiest hotels, menus that will make your taste buds salivate, the nighttime hot spots, and we’re full of ideas to make your weekend one you can’t stop talking about. Did we mention that we ALWAYS inform our clients of what’s happening around town during their stay? We give them the option to incorporate Nashville the same way the locals do.
SBE takes PRIDE in what we do. We test out each restaurant, venue, hotel, etc. before sending our clients there. If we wouldn’t frequent the establishment, then we wouldn’t dare send you. All of our Nashville recommendations have been tested and SBE-APPROVED!
No two bachelorette parties are the same! It’s 2014. Bachelorette parties have moved from a one-night shindig to weekend extravaganzas. Your time spent with your closest girlfriends should be memorable. The MOH shouldn’t be worrying about how to get from point A to point B, what restaurant will take reservations AND split the bill, or have to sacrifice packing cute outfits because she needs to transport decorations.
At Social Bliss Events, we completely remove the stress for all parties involved. Whether you’re the MOH and overwhelmed with planning an unforgettable party for your bestie or the bride-to-be who swears she wants nothing to do with coordinating outfits, we step in and assist with ALL aspects of the bachelorette weekend. You can choose the hands-off approach and let us plan every detail, or you have the option of picking our brain for tips and suggestions.
Bachelorette Party Tips from Social Bliss Events:
1. Make it about the bride-to-be! Even if she wants to go bowling dressed in 80’s attire (while it may not be YOUR idea of fun) this is HER weekend!
2. Take charge! Have you ever tried to get 10 girls flying in from all across the United Sates to give you their itinerary? If not, you’re in for a treat! It’s a process to make sure everyone knows what is going on and how much each activity will cost. However, someone (most likely the MOH) has to step up to the plate and organize the weekend. If this sounds daunting, contact us! :)
3. Plan in advance! The earlier you book reservations, the better! We recommend booking hotels a couple months in advance, shortly followed by dining reservations and extracurricular activities (pole dancing, photographers, t-shirts, koozies, etc.). The sooner you get everything ordered and finalized, the better! Don’t wait until the last minute and have to call us to bail you out! Of course, we’ll help you out because we want everyone to experience an AMAZING time in Nashville -- but avoid raising your blood pressure!
Three easy ways to connect with Social Bliss Events:
Website: Social Bliss Events online
Phone: (615) 236-6407
Facebook: facebook.com/socialblissevents
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Posted by Newlywed Heather |
Filed under: Bridal Showers, Luncheons, Parties, Bridesmaids & Bridal Party, Luxury Nashville Wedding Finds
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Friday, August 15, 2014
Natalie and Bryce wanted to keep their wedding personal. Inviting only 100 of their closest friends and family to their Nashville destination wedding at Riverwood Mansion allowed them to share their big day with the people they care about most.
Weaving romance throughout the ceremony and reception was also important to the couple and the gorgeous images from Lane Photography certainly exude the soft, candlelit, romantic feel that the bride and groom were hoping to achieve.
After reading about their details, I know you’ll enjoy the images from Natalie and Bryce’s dreamy, intimate wedding day as much as I did…
Natalie & Bryce Patric
Wedding Date: August 4th, 2013
Ceremony & Reception Venue: Riverwood Mansion
Guests (#): Approx 100
Budget: $20,000 - $30,000
Wedding Team
Planner | Kimberly Lanius (Provided by Riverwood)
Photographer | Lane Photography
Videographer | Nate McKay/ McKay Brothers Productions
Gown | Tara Keely & Lazaro / Christianne Brunelle Couture in Montreal, Quebec
Bride’s Accessories | Veil, belt and earrings from Christianne Brunelle Couture
Men’s Attire | Men’s Wearhouse
Bridesmaids’ Attire | Henkaa convertible dresses
Hair & Makeup | Sherita Leslie
Stationery | Wedding Paper Divas.
Program | Written on a large chalkboard
Caterer | A Catered Affair
Cake Artist | The Bake Shoppe
Floral Designer | Enchanted Florist and Rosebuds East
Ceremony Musicians | Russell Davis/Wedding Musicians Company. Josh Wheeler and Reagan Beavers.
Reception Musicians | DJ Chris Faulk
Rentals & Lighting | Provided by Riverwood
Transportation| Limos.com
Wedding Details
How would you describe your style as a couple?
Personal, romantic and sincere
How did you incorporate that style into your wedding?
To keep our wedding personal and sincere we were very adamant about keeping our guest count low. We wanted to share our day with our closest family and friends! The venue itself was absolutely stunning and all the candles and beautiful décor provided by the mansion created the romantic feel we were going for.
What was your (or your guests’) favorite aspect of your wedding?
Our favorite aspect was being able to keep all parts of the day sincerely about God and people. One example, which was an unplanned moment, was having many of our family and friends join in on the song ‘Lord I Need You’ led by two of our friends during our sand ceremony. Scott, one of our photographers, later shared with us how much he enjoyed that moment as well. It was beautiful!
Where did you splurge? Where did you save/DIY?
We splurged on the venue and our photographers, both were worth it! Riverwood offered all-inclusive packages that helped with long distance wedding planning.
We saved on the floral aspect of our centerpieces. We didn’t want to spend an arm and a leg on our centerpieces, so we decided to use the options provided by Riverwood. I was able to find a little flower shop (Rosebuds East) in Nashville where I purchased dark pink rose petals for a great price!!
We also saved by using a chalkboard to display our program instead of individually handing them out.
Our candy table was also DIY. Bryce and his best man were in charge of the candy table, and did a great job at picking out the candy in the specific colors we needed. I had several awesome friends come in early on the day of the wedding to set it up, as well as set up the rose petals for the centerpieces.
Lastly, my maid of honor created the tags for our candy table and the seating chart. They were perfect!
Now that the wedding day is over, is there anything about your planning process you feel you could have done differently?
We both would've loved to have been in Nashville for the planning process. Bryce and I were in a long distance relationship, I was in Ontario, Canada and Bryce was in Cleveland, TN. I was finishing up school and Bryce was working full time, so the majority of our planning was done long distance. We don’t recommend it but it was our only option. Thankfully we had the help of Bryce’s parents who lived in Nashville and his sister who found the venue for us! I was able to visit the venue with my mother-in-law and we booked it on the spot. My mom, maid of honor and bridesmaids were a huge help with planning all the events on the Canadian side of things.
In one sentence, what words of advice do you have for couples in the midst of their planning?
We would say to constantly remind yourselves that your marriage is more important than your wedding.
To view more wonderful images from Natalie and Bryce's wedding, click to see the full wedding feature via Lane Photography.
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Posted by Newlywed Heather |
Filed under: Multicultural, African-American weddings, Real Nashville Weddings
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Monday, August 11, 2014
When my husband and I were planning our wedding, giving our guests one heck of a fun, memorable party was one of our main goals. One way we went about doing this was choosing to have a live band for our entertainment. And let me tell you, it was one of THE BEST wedding decisions we ever made. Our guests still rave about it over a year later!
I know that a live band is not for everyone and for every budget, but if budget does allow and you are thinking about hiring a band to entertain your guests for the evening, you'll want to make sure you ask all the right questions to ensure you're getting the best band for your reception – and most importantly, one that will keep the dance floor packed all night!
We sat down with Blue Tone Music & Entertainment, (who are experts in choosing the right wedding band because they represent some of Nashville’s most popular ones!) to discuss some of the questions you should ask before signing on the dotted line:
Do they play a wide range of music?
You and your fiancé may absolutely love country, and only country, but your guests want to hear everything from “Friends in Low Places” to “My Way” and “Livin’ On a Prayer.” Make sure the band is versatile enough to entertain all tastes!
What instruments are included in the price?
Most bands have at least five pieces: piano, guitar, bass guitar, drums and a vocalist. While these five pieces can definitely translate into a great band, adding horns (saxophone, trumpet, trombone, etc.) can really add a special element to the evening – a really fun element! Just make sure when you speak with the band, you know what instruments are included in the price. If they don’t include an instrument that you want, just ask! More than likely it can be added.
How many hours will the band play?
Most receptions last three to four hours, in turn, most bands are contracted to play for three to four hours. If you are planning a reception that will be longer than four hours, make sure to ask the band about their hourly policy. In most cases, they will be happy to accommodate for as long as you need them for an extra fee.
These questions are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to making the decision on which band to hire. If you have more questions or are considering hiring a live band for your reception, be sure to give Blue Tone Music & Entertainment a call at (615) 352-6358 or visit their website at bluetonemusicusa.com to get the planning process underway!
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Posted by Newlywed Heather |
Filed under: Advice & Planning, Bands, DJs, Music
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Thursday, August 7, 2014
I’m about to use a curse word and most of you won’t like it. Budget. Ok, now that that’s out of the way, let’s discuss one of the main reasons you should NOT skimp on your photographer when deciding on how you will be spending those precious dollars in your wedding budget.
I know (oh, I know) how easy it is to get carried away with certain details when planning your wedding. And believe me, I understand that sometimes you just NEED ten-thousand twinkling bistro lights or that specialty linen flown all of the way from Italy, but do you know else you need? A seasoned, professional photographer that will know to capture all of those beautiful décor elements that you spent a year dreaming about.
One of our past attendees at our Smart Bride Workshop posed the question, “Should a bride ever consider hiring a student photographer to save money?” Erin, of The Collection, gave her some advice. Erin believes that while you MAY possibly luck out by getting a student photographer that actually knows that they’re doing, doing so is a big risk. If you don't care whether or not your photos are of good quality and are creative or whether or not you ever even get them, then you can take that risk. But, if photography is important to you, a seasoned professional with years of experience capturing weddings is absolutely invaluable. She also believes that photography, or anything that is vital to your wedding day/memory, is not where you should skimp, be it photos, videos, food, etc. A general guideline is: whatever is a top priority for you is worth the investment.
All photos by The Collection
We agree - 100 percent! When it comes down to it, memories will fade but your wedding photos will last forever. Please hire a photographer worthy of making those beautiful memories ones that you are proud to show off for years and years to come. It is SO worth it!
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Posted by Newlywed Heather |
Filed under: Advice & Planning, Photography
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Wednesday, July 30, 2014
With so much to think about when wedding planning, many brides forget how incredibly important good lighting is – it can truly make or break an event! No one believes this more than the folks over at Southern Sky.
As part of the Houston Station Event, Art and Music Community, Southern Sky Lighting’s pros are experts in giving events the “wow-factor” by working one-on-one with brides to create the perfect ambiance for their big day.
From ceremonies to receptions, Southern Sky provides a plethora of options to help you make your day personal and unique.
Common services include:
· Mood lighting that transforms the room with your chosen wedding colors.
· Pin-spot lighting, which highlights floral centerpieces and your wedding cake (this little-known lighting trick makes SUCH an impact!).
· Dance floor lighting that moves to the beat of the music – talk about getting the party started!
· Custom-designed gobo lighting that will cast you and your new husbands initials on a chosen wall or dance floor.
Give Southern Sky a call at (615) 477-3533 to start designing your custom event!
Photos: Southern Sky's Facebook page
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Posted by Newlywed Heather |
Filed under: Lighting
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