Thursday, November 18, 2010
The White Room in Lebanon, TN has a huge range of bridal gowns and accessories, and what Nashville brides love about their selection is the range not just in styles but prices. The White Room owner Melanie sent us some new gowns they have that brides are just in love with from Pronovias, one of the lines The White Room carries.
Adela from the Fashion Collection
Brides, I am told, like Pronovias for its moderate pricing and quality material. "The gowns have great construction to them - they have a built-in corset so girls don't have to worry about strapless gowns shifting or falling off" said Melanie. Personally, that's a plus. I still have images of brides pausing to hike up their dress for fear of having a wardrobe malfunction so a built-in corset to secure the gown to your body is a great idea that lots of well-made gowns should have.
Left: Galante Right: Formentera
Famosa - A more Grecian style of gown.
Feria - Melanie pointed out that this one is very much like what Carrie Bradshaw wore in her first attempt to marry Big in the SATC movie.
Unlike most non-custom-made gowns, Pronovias manufactures the gowns in Spain where the beadwork and lace are different and have more of a unique look. Melanie added, "All the dresses have great boning, the lines on the gowns and the cuts of the gowns are made really well."
Lacier and frilled gowns. Left: Agosto Right: Fina
Alison - the one-shoulder strap is SO fun!
Left: Ferma Right: Festin
The White Room has plenty more gowns by Pronovias to suit your tastes. These are just few of the favorites Melanie wanted to share. We'll have more new gowns from The White Room again pretty soon so definitely check back! In the meantime, visit The White Room's blog for more bridal gown trends and to see the full line of what each store carries, visit their website.
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Posted by Tabitha |
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Wednesday, November 17, 2010
This is my favorite time of year - everyone's having holiday parties! Mark your calendar for December 1st and join me and Ashley at the Southall Eden {an events venue} Holiday Open House! It'll be a good opportunity for you to see the venue fully decorated, meet some wedding vendors and to see the place for yourself especially if you're planning for a barn/country style wedding. Plus, you could win $1,000 off the cost of the barn rental fee for either your wedding or rehearsal dinner!
To qualify to win, you must first click here to register and R.S.V.P. for the Open House. Be sure to include your name and your fiance's name. Then all you do next is attend the Holiday Open House to see if your name was drawn! For more details on the giveaway and the open house, visit Southall Eden's blog.
We'll see you on December 1st!
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Posted by Tabitha |
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Thursday, November 11, 2010
If you're not hungry, you might just be by the time you're done reading today's Vendor Spotlight! I know I'm craving some yummy desserts and wishing there was a table covered in delightful finger foods right now! Caterer spotlights are always fun to do - they tend to have such fun answers, great perspective on weddings (since they see it all unfold from start to finish) and I like learning about their own favorites when it comes to food. Hope you enjoy this post as much as I enjoyed writing it!
Meet Nashville Wedding Caterer Down South Delights
Contact Info
Name: Down South Delights,LLC
Main Contact: Rita Rowland
Phone Number: (615) 513-9147 & (270) 784-8385 for Kentucky brides
Email Address: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Number of Years in the business: 7 years
How did you get started in weddings? I've actually worked in the wedding industry most of my life. My family owned 5 flower boutiques when I was younger and my first job was catering assistant at a reception venue. I knew when I finished college and culinary school that the wedding industry would be Down South Delights primary focus.
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What do you like most about weddings? I love the excitement of the reception, also the enthusiasm couples have for planning their menus. The details and original elements that each couple adds to their day is always something that I remember from each wedding. Creating original, unique displays for each reception is one of the exciting elements I love in addition to the creative menus with offer clients.
What is your service philosophy? Down South Delights specializes in creating elegant memorable experiences that express your personal style. We are committed to providing impeccable service and hand prepared cuisine that exceeds your expectations.
What are your strengths compared to others in your category? Why should a bride hire you? Versatility - Our staff has such a wide range of food knowledge that we can create anything that a couple envisions or requests. A large number of local chefs and caterers from upscale establishments have called upon us to handle their receptions because of the endless selections we can offer our clients. I've had couples that want to integrate both of their cultures into the menus and we've created a complimenting menu that showcases dishes without clashing or seeming mismatched.
What is your specialty? While our name implies that we specialize in southern cuisine we really do not have a particular specialty. Family style dinners have definitely gained popularity this year and we have had a great time with this new trend. We really try to make everyday favorites pop and add exciting elements. Whether you are looking for an old fashioned southern inspired menu or very modern haute cuisine we can definitely accommodate.
Do you provide bar service? We do not have a liquor license so the client must provide their own alcohol.
Who are your 5 favorite Nashville wedding vendors – helpfulness, professionalism, style?
*Knestrick by Design (KnestrickByDesign.com): Jim and his team create some of the most fabulous floral creations with such an attention every detail. He is so versatile and he has endless options.
*Liberty Party Rental: They are very professional and always there for any last minute orders. They are super helpful to all of our brides and very informative about assisting with sizes, room layouts, and the setup team is amazing!
* Dulce Desserts (DulceDesserts.com): The cake is too die for! The real buttercream is amazingly decadent and I love their designs.
*King Jewelers (Kings1912.com): They are so very patient and have the most elegant, classic selection in town! My mother gave me a beautiful loose stone my grandfather purchased in Tunisia during WWII as the primary stone. My fiancé's mother manages Diamond's International in St. Croix so she sent us an array of accent diamonds to work with. The jewelers at King's were able to create a masterpiece with the visions we brought to the meeting. My ring is beyond perfect and I recommend them to everyone for a custom engagement ring.
*One Source Weddings (OneSourceWeddings.net): She is my primary go to for reception decor. They have options for all budgets and the draping/lighting packages are a great deal. They can take ANY venue and totally transform it.
Who do you recommend when you’re not available/not a fit? Martha Stamps Catering (Formerly Martha's at the Plantation) & Lillie Belle's. Both companies have excellent food, creative menus, and creative displays.
What do you read/watch regularly to stay on top of wedding/event/food trends? Town & Country Weddings- The epitome of wedding style. Blogs: RuffledBlog.com 100layercake.com classicbride.blogspot.com I always look to Fauchon located in NYC & Paris for inspiration and trendsetting. They create some of the most awe inspiring food and displays in the world! They are the Louis Vuitton of the food world and really set the standard in trends for the catering and pastry world. Every May we attend the National Assoc. of Specialty Food's annual Fancy Food Show in Chicago.
Are there currently any popular menu items or dining styles that you’ve seen or even would like to see? For smaller receptions under 100 guests I absolutely love elaborate course dinners.
What is your favorite dish to serve at a wedding/event? Cooking is our passion at Down South Delights so it's really tough to narrow it down to just a dish! Personally, I absolutely love creating sweets and confections. So it is always great when a bride orders very detailed desserts or chocolates. Recently, we did a customized sweet and savory popcorn station for guests to take as favors. We made mint chocolate oreo, dulce de leche, white chocolate raspberry cheesecake, Balsamic with Sea Salt, and sundried tomato popcorns.
What food trend do you dislike? I am a true cupcake aficionado! So I absolutely despise the trend of gooping on 2 pounds of icing on a cupcake. Icing is the best part, but lately it's getting totally out of control. When your cupcake topples over from the frosting, maybe less is more!
Trend I’m glad is gone? Fruits & Vegetables carved into animals, flowers, etc. It's just so 1980's and something I wish would go away forever.
Trend I’m sad is gone? I love comfort foods, but I also miss very styled ornate little hors d' oeuvres. They are super time consuming, but the end product is so beautiful.
What are your favorite wedding websites? / Neatest wedding find? Neatest wedding find- wildflowerlinens.com - super luxe linens and they will even custom create linens for your reception. Favorite websites- ABG of course. The site has been so instrumental in the growth and marketing of our business that I tell all vendors that it's a must for success in the Nashville market.
For "budget savvy" brides: what's the one thing you think should always make it into a budget. Every bride should always have a great photographer. This is one of the main things I would not skimp on no matter what. Besides personal recollection, the photos are your main keepsake from the big day. Hiring a licensed/insured catering company is also a must.
What's one way brides can save money/be more economical? The new DIY aspect is really a great way to save and also add unique personal touches to your big day. A really great way to do this is favors. Whether it is a family member creating a cherished cookie recipe packaged in cute adorned bags or adding custom tags to pre-packaged favors this is a great way to save.
Does your company do anything special that a green bride might want to know? Yes! My fiancé is actually a real estate developer that focuses on eco friendly projects. Several years ago he implemented a great system at our facility. We recycle over 75% percent of our trash, have a compost program that benefits local farmers/growers, and we've revamped the kitchen to utilize natural lighting. I am also happy to offer our green brides an alternative to plastic or china that is totally biodegradable.
What's been going on with you lately? Tell us about your last vacation? New Orleans- I visit there at least twice a year. It's such a great location for any foodie and I always get tons of inspiration after each visit. During my last visit in July we actually attended 2 weddings, very large ornate weddings! Going to a wedding ceremony at St. Louis Cathederal for 600 guests was a once in a lifetime experience that totally blew me away!
What advice would you give to brides on the wedding planning process in general? Hire a great planner is the first thing I tell all of my clients. Even just a day of planner so that on your big day you are not worried about vendors, setup, lighting candles, etc. Also, I tell all of our clients to enjoy choosing your vendors. This is one of the most exciting elements of the planning process so have a great time doing it and do not stress if it takes time to find the perfect fit for a particular vendor. I know that is point is said a lot, but make sure you connect with your vendors. You will be working with these people for at least several months so you need to make sure that it will be an enjoyable experience!
See more mouth-watering food and pictures from events they have decorated and catered at Down South Delight's website. When you give Rita a call, be sure to let her know that you're an ABG Bride!!
All photographs courtesy of Down South Delights.
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Posted by Tabitha |
Filed under: Cakes & Catering2 comments »
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
REMINDER - The Little Black Dress Revue and StudioWed's Open House are both tonight! You will not want to miss either.
Yesterday we shared some of the venues that, as a community, almost everyone agreed were their favorites. Today, for Part 2 of that list, are some more modern, urban venues that lots of you had tweeted you loved as well!
Photo courtesy of Donald Yeager Photography
Cannery Ballroom
You may know this venue as a place to see bands and artists perform. But some of the prettiest weddings and photo shoots have taken place there from this Tiffany Blue inspired wedding to Opulent Couturier's Eco Friendly Wedding Inspiration. Gorgeous!
Contact: Chris Cobb, Special Events Plus
Telephone: 615-469-7392
Website: MercyLounge.com/SpecialEvents
E-mail: info @ specialeventsplus.com
Capacity: 300 (for banquet style)
Cost: $2,500+ (Includes table/chair rental, does not include bartender/clean up or set up service. Contact for more details)
Pictures courtesy of Gray Photography + The Cannery Ballroom
Houston Station
So far we have yet to see a wedding at Houston Station look anything less than fantastic. From the Red & Orange inspired wedding we posted recently to the photoshoot organized by Swizzle Events and our fabulous vendors, Houston Station looks like a great location for any style of wedding you choose.
Contact:Jeff Thornhill
615-228-7649
Website: EventsNashville.net/Houston
E-Mail: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Capacity: Banquet - up to 340
Cocktails - 450
Cost: (Open vendor policy, call for cost)
Photo courtesy of Jonathon Campbell Photography
Photograph courtesy of Jonathon Campbell Photography via Swizzle Events
Aerial
Contact: Deanna Bruton
Phone: 615-707-2923
Website: AerialNashville.com
Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Capacity: Seated dinner: 150. Cocktail reception/buffet: 200
Photo courtesy of ImageTrick.com via Simply Stunning Events
Photo courtesy of McLellan Style
Photo courtesy of The Photographix
Marathon Village
Whenever someone asks if I know of any places in Nashville that are truly lofts, warehouses that have not lost their original construction, and the first place I think of is Marathon Village. Now the factory is home to photography studios, artists, a radio station and a 3,000 square foot event room where fun weddings like the Anthropologie-inspired wedding was. Remember that one? It's still one of our favorites.
Contact: Cindy Peterson
Telephone: 615-327-1010
Website: MarathonVillage.com
Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Capacity: 225
Cost: $1250 ($250 refundable deposit. Does not include tables and chairs that they can provide)
Photo courtesy of ChrisandAdrienneScott.com
Video by Full Frame Digital Cinema (fullframecinema.com)
Thanks to everyone for your responses on Twitter and Facebook - we appreciate that this community of brides-to-be, current brides and wedding professionals are quick to respond and chime in! We hope you find this list of venues useful in your search for your perfect location and when you contact them, please tell them that you saw them on Ashley's Bride Guide!
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Posted by Tabitha |
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Monday, November 8, 2010
Urban, loft-like, warehouse-y, modern... call them what you will but the fact is, these blank-canvas-like spaces are fast becoming the venue of choice for Nashville's cosmopolitan brides and grooms. We recently tweeted and asked on Facebook what your favorite modern venues are and based on the answers, it's hard to pick just one! So we thought we'd share them all with you, in no particular order.
Events @ 1418
Rooftop deck with a stunning view of downtown Nashville, a whole building to yourself - what's not to love? From the same team that brings us delicious wedding catering from A Catered Affair and beautiful cakes from The Bake Shoppe, Events @ 1418 has housed cool weddings and events aplenty. Check out the pictures from this fun Murder Mystery Party from earlier this year.
Contact: Kellie Bryson
Telephone: 615-321-3294
Website: MainEventPro.com
E-mail: Kellie @ maineventpro.com
Spectacular view of downtown Nashville
Nashville Event Space
Talk about a blank canvas! Nashville Event Space has two main locations for your wedding/event, aVenue and Cellar One. Both are just waiting to be decorated to suit your vision and it's pretty amazing what some couples have come up with for their special day. I could try to convince you of how awesome your wedding could look in their space, but I'll let the pictures in this chic, urban Nashville wedding do the talking.
Contact: Mindy Dees, Sales Manager
Telephone: 615-497-6802
Website: NashvilleEventSpace.com
E-Mail: Mindy @ RandiEvents.com
aVenue
Capacity:
-
Cocktail Style (Soft Seating) - 500 using main level and loft. For smaller events, main level only may be used
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Fully seated - 250 using main level and loft
Rental Cost: $2,750+ (Call for details)
Cellar One
Capacity -
Cocktail Style (Soft Seating) - 250 guests
Fully Seated - 130 guests in main room, additional 50 if using long bar area
Courtyard -125 standing, 75 fully seated for ceremonies
Rental Cost: Call Mindy for details
One Eleven
One Eleven is best known for their rooftop deck with great views of the Titans stadium, Broadway and downtown Nashville. They have a glass-enclosed penthouse, and one great thing about it is, it's within walking distance of tons of downtown hotels. Here is a real wedding we featured with a really fun, hot pink theme in two parts. Click here for pink wedding part 1 and here for pink wedding part 2.
Contact: Falon Veit
Telephone: 615-695-5222
Website: OneEleven.com
E-mail: falon @ eventlogistics.com
Capacity: 300 ppl
Cost: $2500 (including rentals - call Falon for more details)
We know you guys sent in a few more of your favorites (thanks, by the way!) so don't worry if your favorite venue didn't make the list today, we'll have more of our roundup of Nashville's Favorite Modern Venues tomorrow so be sure to check back!
Love one of these locations for your wedding? Give them a call and please remember to let them know you found them on ABG!
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Posted by Tabitha |
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