Wednesday, February 18, 2015
Minerva’s Closet is an annual shopping event for girls in the Metro-Nashville community that allows them to select a prom dress and accessories free of charge.
This year's event will be held on March 7 at McGavock Comprehensive High School. Dress donations are being accepted now through February 28. Please let your bridesmaids (or recent brides) know about this easy opportunity to help our neighbors.
To donate your dress(es), email Kimya Cole at [email protected].
Also, if you know a young lady in the 11th or 12th grade who may be in need, please share this event with her.
share
Posted by Ashley King |
Filed under: Nashville-Style, Bridal Gowns, Wedding Dresses & Accessories, Bridesmaids & Bridal Party,
0 comments »
Monday, February 16, 2015
Most brides spend much of their time thinking about their wedding dresses before the wedding, but not what happens to it after. For those who do put some thought into the care of their gowns post-wedding usually opt to take dresses to their local dry cleaners.
But did you know that all dress cleaners are not created equal? While some garment cleaning services promise to clean and store wedding dresses properly, many of them don’t take the time to do so thoroughly. Imagine the surprise on a bride’s face when she takes a peek at her dress three years from now and finds it yellowed and dull due to stains and improper storage!
Photo: Association of Wedding Gown Specialists
Nashville’s Oakwood Cleaners gives brides its guarantee that once dresses are cleaned, restored and preserved by them, they’ll still be in great condition years down the road. As a certified wedding gown specialist endorsed by the Association of Bridal Consultants, Oakwood’s claim to fame is its hand cleaning, anti-sugar stain treatment along with its use of acid-free tissue and archival-quality wedding chest storage.
Ready for even better news? After your dress is cleaned and preserved at Oakwood, you’ll receive a written international guarantee that your gown will never be any color but white once you open the box again. And when your daughter is ready to wear, you both can take it to any participating certified wedding gown specialist who will and press your dress free of charge.
To learn more, visit Oakwood Cleaners in person at their Nashville, Hermitage and Franklin/Cool Springs locations or visit oakwoodcleaners.com.
share
Posted by Newlywed Leah |
Filed under: Alterations + Gown Preservation, Advice & Planning, Bridal Gowns, Wedding Dresses & Accessories,
0 comments »
Thursday, January 29, 2015
I felt so accomplished, cared for and catered to at the Enchanted Bridal Show. The venue was fabulous, it was extremely organized and I left extremely happy. Oh, did I mention the fabulous wedding fashion show also? For someone who hasn’t said YES to the dress yet, I got some amazing ideas and will definitely be checking out some of the bridal dress vendors.
If you were not able to make it to this bridal show, definitely check out Part 1 from yesterday and then read below for the rest of my favorite finds.
~~~
Signature Cakes By Vicki: Elegant and classic are the two words I would use to describe Signature Cakes By Vicki. Their display drew me in and I just had to try all of their wonderful samples. Honestly, I had a difficult time deciding which tasting I liked best. But brides, don’t fret, each layer of your cake could be a different flavor! The staff was so personable and really made me feel like a special bride. The booth had so many options, and what they had available was not even all of them! They are definitely worth checking out for your big day!
b. Hughes Bridal: (Ashley adds) This statement necklace was to-die-for!! As Nashvlle's most exclusive, this gown boutique always brings wedding eye candy.
Street Tuxedo: (Ashley adds) We always love seeing at bridal shows. They kept a pulse on the men's fashion scene and are the absolute best place for your groom's tuxedos, no matter where your groomsmen live.
Corner Pub Catering: When it came to food at the Enchanted Bridal Show, Corner Pub Catering was by far my favorite. Their Pineapple BBQ Meatballs were so delicious; I had to have 3 or 4. Debbie and her staff were so friendly and personable. I loved that they were willing to create a bridal menu with you, especially with all of my personal crazy ideas. I walked away from the booth wanting more and imagining them being my caterer’s for our wedding. They have such an eclectic menu and are the sky is the limit with what they can provide for you and your guests!
Wedding 101: Look no further than the Wedding 101 staff to make you feel like the most important bride in the room. I felt immediately loved and welcomed when walking up to their vendor booth. Listening to what their storefront in The Gulch offers, I knew I had to make a stop in the near future. Who can say no to a whole store full of ideas, vendors and inspirations? It’s like a living Pinterest Board. BONUS: they handed us these amazing organization pads that already makes the wedding process seem so much easier to manage. They are a definite must-go before you get heavy into the wedding planning!
Draping Designs: (Ashley adds) Janet and the team at Draping Designs are always one of our favorites. Because they do not have tasty treats, you may overlook them, but if you are a girl who appreciates decor, you will LOVE Draping Designs. Lighting and draping are two often overlooked vendors but they transform spaces and turn a nice looking wedding into one that wows! You will see Janet's work all over wonderful venues like Houston Station.
Audio Video Art: (Ashley adds) With over 200 wedding videos and dozens of reviews on Wedding Wire, Matt of Audio Video Art was all smiles!
2Travel Anywhere: (Ashley adds) This is another overlooked booth because many couples think think they plan their own honeymoon. But Carlie of 2Travel is a honeymoon expert who offers her full travel planning service for free. Less free, better finds? This is a no brainer. If you missed her booth, be sure to give her a call for free help.
The Frosted Affair: They had a chalkboard cake on display – that should say it all! The versatility of The Frosted Affair was the main reason I chose them as my favorite vendor from the Enchanted Bridal Show. While talking with their staff, we were brainstorming all the creative ways to display my cake and all the amazing flavors that I know my guests would be talking about for years to come. I felt that they really wanted to dive right in and make my day special. Plus, their cakes were to die for! They had a ton of flavors to choose from and just great cake and icing combinations. They provide complimentary tastings as well, so they should be one of your stops when picking out the perfect cake!
~~~
The Enchanted Brides show returns this fall! It is a MUST GO if you are newly engaged!
share
Posted by Alex Engaged Bride |
Filed under: Bridal Gowns, Wedding Dresses & Accessories, Cakes & Desserts, Florals, Details & Design , Honeymoon and Post Wedding, Videography,
0 comments »
Wednesday, January 28, 2015
On a cold day in December, while wearing black leggings, a USMC sweatshirt, and no makeup and my hair looking like a birds nest, I was proposed to after coming home from a long morning of Christmas shopping. It was beautiful, intimate and I wouldn’t change the proposal for the world. Let’s just say, Terry Thomas did a fabulous job.
Naturally, after all the phone calls and text messages, I went online and found ALL of the Nashville Wedding Shows coming up in 2015. While jumping for joy, I immediately asked my friend Lindsay to set aside those dates to be my voice of reason when it came to my wedding decisions. The thought of me attending a bridal show and not being on the other side of the vendor table was SO exciting.
Alex and her MOH, Lindsey, who DIY'ed the chalk nametags for her bride, self!
Fast forward to January 18th and I was attending the Enchanted Bridal Show at the Hutton Hotel, as a bride-to-be! I loved the bridal show for several reasons, but my main takeaway was the intimacy of the event. I did not feel overwhelmed, pressured or unprepared as a first time bride! I had the opportunity to meet and build relationships with several bridal vendors that provided a plethora of services. At the end of the event, I truly felt special and that I had received some fantastic advice and leads for my upcoming nuptials.
As amazing as the event was, I have compiled my TOP favorite things about the Enchanted Bridal Show (plus a few of Ashley's) – see below:
Photographix: Who can turn away a beautiful rustic vendor booth? Definitely not me! Photographix had an amazing display of their photo samples, which honestly were breathtaking! BONUS: their linen wedding books. I could just imagine having 1 or 2 of those sitting on my coffee tables post wedding. Also, they had some sexy boudoir pictures on display that I know would make a great groom’s gift for the fiancée! I felt completely comfortable speaking with Ann and Jenn and that’s a PLUS (especially when boudoir shoots are an option).
Twisted Fig Cake Designs: Right when you walked into the large expo room, I was struck by a 5-tiered cake completely covered in rainbow sprinkles, and I mean COMPLETELY covered. They also had 7-tier cake covered in gold EDIBLE glitter. It immediately caught my eye and I just had to try their samples, even if it was 11am. In my opinion, it is never too early for some good cake! Twisted Fig had some amazing samples and after talking with them, they can customize your cake to fit your style.
Chef Penelope’s Catering: While walking around the tables, I turned to my right and noticed another bride breathing out a large puff of smoke. I stopped dead in my tracks and thought, “what is this?” I HAD to check it out. To my surprise it was what Chef Penelope’s Catering called Dragon Popcorn, basically popcorn in dry ice. It was definitely an amazing interactive display. What made the booth even better though was their delectable macaroni and cheese! I kept wanting to go back for more!
Kain and Able Entertainment: I am a firm believer that a wedding is NOT a wedding without an awesome photo booth. Kain and Able Entertainment definitely have a great business, whose main focus is to cater to the bride and help create memories that will last forever. As a bride, we know that the whole wedding day will be gone in a flash, so knowing that you will have some funky and hilarious photo booth pictures to reminisce makes it all worth it. Kain and Able Entertainment provide everything you will need to entertain your guests. BONUS: the pictures serve as a guest book also!
Branching Out (Ashley adds): Beautiful floral designs? Enough said!
Two Fat Men Catering: First off, having salted caramel ice cream at your vendor booth is amazing – props to Two Fat Men Catering. Also, who can turn away a catering business with that name, SO clever! I absolutely loved chatting it up with the lovely ladies at the booth and trying their scrumptious versions of macaroni and cheese. Heads up: their salsa mac and cheese – amazing! Based out of Lebanon, this catering company does not disappoint. I mean, the name of their business says it all!
Simply Done Invites: As I was walking up to the Simply Done vendor area, I honestly thought I was entering a brick and mortar storefront. The display of invitations, save the dates, thank you cards and programs was just heavenly. Owner Bekah was a delight to speak with and I loved that she was ALL about customizing all of your paper needs to fit your style and inspiration for your big day. I am also slightly OCD, so seeing the save the dates, RSVP’s, invitations and thank you cards match was a huge plus for me. She is definitely worth checking out!
Feisty Goat Coffee Roasters (Ashley adds): This company was a great find at the Enchanted Brides bridal show for me. This super cute, newlywed couple knows and loves coffee. They deliver a handcrafted coffee experience for created for fellow coffee lovers. They can serve small and large weddings and even thousand-person events.
Want more great Nashville wedding finds? Click here for Part 2.
share
Posted by Alex Engaged Bride |
Filed under: Bridal Gowns, Wedding Dresses & Accessories,
0 comments »
Thursday, January 22, 2015
If you’ve been reading Ashley's Bride Guide (ABG) for any length of time, you know that Street Tuxedo is one of our favorite local vendors, providing quality menswear rentals to Nashville grooms for nearly 30 years. They offer incredible service, a wide huge variety of current tuxedos in stock, and are able to provide local rentals even if your wedding party doesn’t all live in Nashville. With 4 locations in the Nashville area, the team at the family-owned Street Tuxedo is ready to provide your wedding party with all they need to look incredible on your big day.
Recently, Street Tuxedo joined with The Spoiled Lady, a full service Bridal and formal wear boutique, to open a co-location in Cool Springs and to serve both Nashville brides and grooms at one spot. To learn more about this co-location, check out my interview with Rachael Street below.
How did this shared location with The Spoiled Lady come to be?
Street Tuxedo has been located in Cool Springs for over 10 years now. The Spoiled Lady (TSL) approached us about co-locating in mid 2014. We loved the idea! Dee and the ladies of TSL are awesome, and amazing at what they do. We thought partnering with TSL would be the perfect way to bring another added convenience to our customers. This co-location can be found at 216 Seaboard Lane in Franklin.
Where are your other 3 locations in Nashville?
Our other 3 locations are in Murfreesboro, Green Hills and Berry Hill. They do not have dresses…but are still awesome!!
What are you able to offer to your customers at this co-location?
TSL carries bridal gowns, bridesmaids dresses as well as prom and pageant gowns. All of that paired with the latest in men’s formal wear, we feel, is a win/win for our customers.
How can you differently meet the needs of a couple at this location compared to the stand alone stores?
At this location the bride and groom or prom goers get to see the actual dress paired with the tuxedo/suit. It is extremely helpful when picking the gentlemen’s accessories, for example vest/suspenders and tie combos.
What are your hours at this location?
The winter hours are 10-6 M/F, 10-5 T/W/T and 10-4 on Sat. TSL has select Sunday hours throughout their busy seasons, starting after Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Appointments are appreciated for both TSL and ST but not mandatory.
Is there anything else that you'd like to share with our readers about this special location?
Customers that buy their dress at TSL are given a discount when they rent or purchase from Street Tuxedo…be sure to ask about that!
Photographer: Visions by Valeisha
Rentals: Southern Events
Planner: Jenni Rodgers
Invites: Spoiled Lady
share
Posted by Jenn Dobbins |
Filed under: Bridal Gowns, Wedding Dresses & Accessories, Grooms, Groomsmen & Tuxedos ,
0 comments »
