Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Most of you already know to take your treasured bridal gowns to Oakwood Cleaners for cleaning and preserving. But, did you know that Oakwood Cleaners is also a great resource for your bridesmaids and mothers?
When my sister's best friend got married in Atlanta, my sister headed over to Oakwood's White Bride Road location and was measured for free. Their service of maids and moms goes beyond just measurements. Here's an overview of what they offer your bridal party:
1) Complimentary measurements
Let's say your bridesmaids are local. Let them know they can call Oakwood Cleaners in Nashville for an appointment and get their measurements taken for FREE! This is a great option if the dresses are being bought in another city or online. For instance, for my sister's BFF's wedding, all of the bridesmaids dresses were being bought in Atlanta so my sister emailed her Oakwood's measurements to the Atlanta retailer. Super easy. The folks at Oakwood were helpful and pleasant. The dress ended up needing only minor alterations. In contrast, for my wedding, my sister's dress needed a lot of altering following less than accurate measurements.
2) Alterations
Once you receive your dress, schedule an appointment and take your dress back to Oakwood Cleaners for alterations.
Tips: Take your undergarments and wedding day shoes (if dress is long) to get an accurate idea of what alterations are required. Allow at least 4 to 8 weeks for alterations to be completed. Less time might be doable if only straps and hems are needed to be altered. They can also alter your dress after the wedding if you want to convert it to a shorter version.
Left: Oakwood assessing alteration needs. Right: Us at the wedding in Atlanta.
The Atlanta wedding party; Photo by Nadia D Photography.
3) Pressing
Often when you receive your dress from the designer, it will be wrinkled, especially if it's been shipped. Take your gown to Oakwood Cleaners and they can press your dress. Many brides drop off all of the bridesmaid dresses so all of the gowns are pressed.
Photo: The Bride Room
Bridesmaids whose dresses were pressed pre-wedding by Oakwood Cleaners.
Brides, bridesmaids, mother of the bride or groom: Contact the Oakwood Cleaners nearest you to schedule your measurement, alteration appointment or to drop off your dress for pressing or of course cleaning.
Oakwood Cleaners Locations:
4833 Lebanon Pike in Hermitage, Hermitage, TN, (615) 885-1281
73 White Bridge Road, Paddock Place Shopping Center, Nashville, TN (615) 620-6095
2000 Mallory Lane, Suite 170, Cool Springs Market Shopping Plaza, Franklin, TN, (615) 764-0222
share
Posted by Ashley of Ashley's Bride Guide |
Filed under: Alterations + Gown Preservation, Advice & Planning, Attire - Bridal Gowns, Wedding Dresses & Accessories
0 comments »
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
We know it's challenging to decide between venues where you will host your wedding. Every so often, we read bride comments (on Facebook and review sites) and reach out to venues to gather what we think are the top reasons brides love Nashville wedding venues.
After being available as an event space for barely a couple of years, Houston Station has proven to be a popular choice for special events and weddings. We've seen a few weddings there, some of us may have even attended some events in there. So what is it about Houston Station that makes it so popular with people? Here's what some of their brides had to say.
Photo: Matt Andrews Photography
1) Great Staff and Support
Brides and grooms have found that their planning experience was made a lot easier with the help of Elizabeth of Houston Station, who goes above and beyond to make sure everything is set for couples, and that from planning process to wedding day, everyone is stress-free.
"I am still hearing from friends and family how much they enjoyed the set up and atmosphere. The venue is gorgeous and I knew from the minute I walked in there that it was the venue I would pick. Elizabeth [event coordinator] is super professional and personable. I could not have asked for a better experience." - Ashlee, bride
2) No Hidden Costs
Hiring your own vendors can be daunting. Houston Station has a list of recommended vendors with whom they have good relationships but as long as your vendor is licensed/insured, you can use them at Houston Station at no extra cost. You will also not be charged corking fees when you bring in your own alcohol and Houston Station will even provide bar service for you. This open policy is something brides and grooms are so grateful for when it comes to planning because it makes things really easy for them.
3) Unique, Versatile Spaces
With bare brick walls and exposed beams, the main event area in Houston Station is a blank canvas for your vision. This next glowing review is from a mother of the bride who said, "The room with it's wood floors, open beams and brick walls looked fantastic with her vintage theme. However, any theme would look great in the room. It decorates very well and they have everything needed for caterers to set up." The main room has a kitchen and prep area right next to it so there's easy access for your caterers and you won't see them hauling big vats or trash bins through the hall to get where they're going.
Another bride said, "The space itself is gorgeous and very flexible; we were able to fit our vision for our party into this location with plenty of room to spare!"
4) "Bonus" Rooms with Personality - Noteable Blends, Bride & Groom Suites
Speaking of "room to spare," Houston Station offers several spaces separate from the main event hall for various uses. One popular place is the coffee bar, Noteable Blends. Said one mother of the bride, "We used the coffee room for a quiet spot for guests to go visit and watch the video of the bride and groom which was a big hit." (Review here.) When you rent the room for special events, coffee service comes with it and is served by coffee connoisseur and owner, Scott Davis.
The room can be used for cocktail hour while the main room is being flipped, and it's also a great space for more intimate occasions like showers and bridal brunches.
Nothing takes up more time than having to transport yourself and your wedding party from one place to another. The bridal and grooms suites are spacious, furnished rooms in which brides have gotten ready and that relieves them of another point of stress on the wedding day. Said one bride on the bonus rooms, "We were able to use the bride room to get ready and take pictures all day, so I was able to see some of the reception set up...it was flawless, beautiful, and I was completely stress free. Also, Scott with Noteable Blends is just the best. Our guests LOVED having the back room as a little coffee lounge."
Photo: JHenderson Studios
Photo: Amber Beckham Photography
Photo: Matt Andrews Photography
Photo: Houston Station
ABG Notes: This gorgeous couch that sits in Noteable Blends is a wonderful prop for photos! (Photo: Amber Beckham Photography)
Photo: Lane Photography
.
ABG Notes: There are two huge television in the groom's suite which will keep the guys entertained. (Photo: Austin Gros)
ABG Notes: Huge windows bring in lots of natural light, perfect for when getting your makeup done. Houston Station provides furniture, garment racks, and mirrors. (Photo: Austin Gros)
Couples and even their families and guests love Houston Station for its gorgeous weddings and are quick to recommend it to others for the above reasons and more. To find out if they're perfect for you, visit their website here or give them a call about your wedding. Don't forget to tell them that we sent you!
(This article was written by Tabitha and was originally featured April 2012. The info has been updated and shared to educate our current readers.)
share
Posted by Ashley of Ashley's Bride Guide |
Filed under: Wedding Venues and Locations
0 comments »
Monday, June 10, 2013
Did you see Andrew propose to Dana on News Channel 5 last week? If you missed the news story, you can see proposal video here. It was a simple but very sweet proposal, just like Andrew wanted. The proposal was perfectly planned, videoed and photographed with the help of Regalo Design's proposal planning service.
Photos: Scoobie's Photographic Images
Regalo Design learns boyfriend needs help
Regalo Design has planned dozens of proposals. Most grooms find Regalo Design's proposal planning service by searching the internet for proposal ideas. But Andrew's experience was different. His girlfriend Dana saw a Regalo post on Facebook in which they asked if any grooms needed help popping the question. She knew Andrew would appreciate help popping the question and connected Regalo Design to Andrew.
They meet the boyfriend
Andrew met with Damon and Sarah, owners of Regalo Design and shared some of his proposal ideas. The planners wanted to get to know Andrew and Dana, learn about their dates, their likes individually and collectively. They learned that Andrew initially wanted to propose using a Jumbotron at a Predators or Titans game. Not only was this not logistically feasible due to the team's schedules, Damon also knew, based on his research, that most women werent in love with the idea of the Jumbotron proposal.
They brainstorm, agree on perfect proposal idea
Damon recommended another approach. "Let's make sure this is your moment to shine but be sure that it's all about her." With that in mind, the planners continued to brainstorm with Andrew until they landed on a significant date, their second, a picnic at Pinkerton Park in Frankin, TN. This event resonated with Andrew. Yes - some grooms will opt for something more lavish, others more edgy but this approach felt right.
Would a recreated picnic evoke an instant memory for Dana of their history and love? Would it be the kind of moment she would appreciate? Yes!
They coordinate and set up the proposal
After Andrew decided that a picnic would be a perfect way to propose, he let Regalo Design do their magic. After all, they are event planners. This would be no ordinary picnic. Aside from a romantic design, Regalo Design reached out to a Cardboard Films and Scoobie's Photographic Images to ensure that every moment would be videoed and photographed, preserved for the couple forever.
All Andrew had to do was show up, with the ring and Dana of course. Upon arrival, the picnic was set-up and the filming crew were well hid. Andrew proposed, Dana said yes!
Cardboard Films (videographer for couple), Regalo Design (proposal planners), Channel 5 crew and the engaged couple
share
Posted by Ashley of Ashley's Bride Guide |
Filed under: Engagements & Proposals, Grooms, Groomsmen & Tuxedos , Wedding Planners & Coordinators
0 comments »
Friday, June 7, 2013
In 2005 when I was engaged, my then fiance and I met with a wedding planning company and will never forget my experience. The couple was nice but completely ignorant when it came to photographing, or even communicating with African-Americans. They meant well but the comments that they made were so insulting that we were left speechless. (I really wish I remembered the name of that company!) Of course we didnt hire them but it was the beginning of my experiences trying to find African-American wedding pros when such mattered to me.
Don't get me wrong, in most cases, race doesn't matter but in some cases, it does. Take photography. Even today, I ask photographers - are you experienced with photographing the various hues of black people? I've had times when photographers knew their stuff and did an excellent job and others where the project went horribly wrong and I was left with useless photos.
That's why Roland's Photography has been so successful with African-American couples. He not only has the technical skill to photograph the complexion range of the black community but is also culturally aware. With this as his specialty, Roland's Photography is able to consistently deliver images of beautiful black couples.
Learn more about Roland's Photography via my in-depth interview below. All photos by Roland's Photography.
Tell me about your service offering.
Roland’s Photography offers a standard package for all couples which includes an engagement photo session, full wedding day coverage captured by Roland and assistant and a beautiful 38-Page 10x10 storybook album. Most photographer's don't include an engagement session but I am a huge fan of the engagement session, during this session I can get to know the couple a little better. This helps us have a more awesome wedding day together.
In addition, couples can add a bridal portrait session, in either “Rock the Dress” (before the wedding) or “Trash the Dress” (after the wedding).
How many years have you been in business?
Roland’s Photography has been in business for 13 years.
How did you get started in weddings?
My entrance into wedding photography came after my own wedding. I had been working as a photographer in other areas for a couple of years. For our special day, we chose our photographer based on budget. Our number one priority at the time was not necessarily to find the most stunning and creative photographer, but the one who could do the job for our price. We had a beautiful day and I have the woman of my dreams, so, hands down, that was the best part! I did, however, learn some valuable lessons that helped prepare me for where I am today. I discovered the importance of getting to know our clients and building a relationship.
Wedding photography is about so much more than just taking pictures. In order to provide stunning imagery, I need to know what is most important to my clients. I need to know what makes them laugh and what would make them cry! After making the decision to add wedding photography to my services, I explored and researched the industry and found a specific void in the area of photography for and by African-Americans. The lessons from my wedding combined with the findings in my research, inspired me to provide the skill, the product and the service of a professional wedding photography.
What do you like most about weddings?
The thing that I like most about weddings is the experience! Weddings mark a major transition in a couple’s life filled with once in a lifetime moments. As a wedding photographer, I get to be a part of that. I get to share in that joy, all the while helping them savor and treasure those memories for the rest of their lives. Dad may not have cried throughout most of his life, but on that wedding day, as he leads his baby girl down the aisle, he often has a hard time keeping the tears inside. Often, the groom has promised me that he will not cry, but, when he sees his beautiful bride, his breath is taken away…and so is his composure. The laughter & joy from the bride and groom, the smiles of a proud parent and grandparent, the excitement of their closest friends…I get to capture those precious moments!
What’s your favorite pic/wedding video and why?
One of my favorite images is of a couple during their engagement session. I had already been photographing them for a while. They were such a fun and lovable couple and it was easy to get carried away with shooting more and more images. The session was coming to a close, and a serendipitous moment took place. As they embraced, the setting sun glowed between them and “snap” I caught it. It was a moment that was not planned…It just happened, and it was beautiful.
What is your service philosophy?
My service philosophy is to please the client. I endeavor to provide quality service from the very beginning. If, for any reason, a client is not satisfied with their images, then I am not satisfied. I want to make that bride (and the family) smile. Brides trust me for a very important day in their lives and I want to provide the best service possible. My service philosophy is to make the client feel relaxed and comfortable. The more comfortable they are while taking photos, the easier it is for them to forget about the camera and just enjoy their moments together. As a result, the atmosphere is ideal for awesome images. The best photos are those that come naturally.
What are your strengths compared others in your category?
One of my strengths is my experience and ability to adapt. Having been in the wedding industry for this long, I am aware of many of the possible emergencies that arise on a wedding day and I make preparations for those. For any new emergencies, I am able to apply my previous knowledge and photography skills to the situation at hand and switch gears when necessary so that the images arent impacted, even if their schedule changes or the weather doesn’t cooperate.
Another strength is my observation. I have a laid back personality and I tend to spend more time observing what is going on around me. That allows me to capture moments that someone else might not notice.
Describe the bride/couple that is most attracted to your service/company?
The bride that is most attracted to my company is the one who desires to try something new. Even if she says that she doesn’t like taking pictures, she is ready to be stretched a little out of her comfort zone in order to see herself in a whole new light. My brides are often surprised and excited once they see how good they can look in pictures. My grooms are also taken off guard because they are able to see that they, too, can have images that accurately reflect their personality, their manhood and their love for their bride.
It is also my ability to capture the various hues of the African-American woman with beauty and authenticity. Many black brides contact me because they see how I can, not only, capture, but also celebrate their beauty and that excites them. For example, a wedding planning company from Chattanooga called me to consult with their bride that lives in Maryland. She had seen many bridal images, but she desired a photographer that would appreciate her own shade and beauty. She chose me out of all the planner’s recommendations and I was honored!
What attracts brides to your service/company?What would previous couples say was the main reason they selected your company?
Previous clients have said that we made them feel relaxed. They recognized that we cared more about them as a individuals than about how much money they were planning to spend. We took the time to ask and learn about their relationship and their story. In addition, our clients have appreciated that we shoot some traditional imagery with a creative twist, yet we are also willing to take photographs to new levels.
What is the most “now” innovative new product, service, style or other aspect of your industry that brides and grooms might appreciate?
One-on-one personalized service, that caters to the whole person…
It is not just about images anymore. Wedding photography will always be about creating an atmosphere for stunning photography, but even more so, it is also about pouring into and encouraging the couple. I care about the individual persons, so I use things like questionnaires to help me get to know them. I want to find out how to serve them through images, but I also enjoy serving them with a special something, just for them…reminding them that, once this day is over, you have the gift of marriage. That is a lifetime celebration.
How should brides and grooms contact to learn about your wedding services?
Main contact: Emanuel O. Roland, II, owner
Visit our website: weddingsbyroland.com
Call us: 615.242.7907
Email us: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Tweet us: @RolandsPhotos
share
Posted by Ashley of Ashley's Bride Guide |
Filed under: Helpful Vendor Interviews!, Multicultural, African-American weddings, Photography
1 comment »
Thursday, June 6, 2013
The Nashville Zoo has over 12 unique event spaces within the park. The 5 event spaces highlighted below are the most suitable for weddings and receptions (but their other spaces might also work depending on your needs). Events at the Nashville Zoo are completely customized to each couple's vision and needs, allowing you to create your dream wedding onsite.
.jpg)
1. Historic Home
Built in 1810, the Croft Historic Home Lawn is the ideal backdrop for a wedding ceremony. The picturesque scenery engages an expanse of rich history paired with a quaint and intimate setting – perfect for a romantic ceremony.
Capacity: Up to 300
See Chris and Cressie's ceremony at the Zoo's Historic Home.
~~~
2. Botswana Overlook
With a gorgeous view of the African Savannah and the majestic African Elephants, you and your guests will feel like you have traveled to exotic lands. Botswana is a magical spot for any type of gathering including rehearsal dinners.
Ceremonies or wedding receptions at Botswana are only available in conjunction with an additional rental site.
Capacity: 60 ceremony; 60 rehearsal dinner; 75 cocktail reception
.jpg)
~~~
3. Flamingo Lagoon
This space is available after hours and is the perfect event spot for a cocktail party! The landscape is exotic with a dozen of bright pink flamingos frolicking in water pools and grassy islands.
Reception Site Rental - $2000 (Saturday), $1500 (Sunday-Friday) and Includes use of space from 6pm-10pm, 5 bistro tables with black linens, flamingos on exhibit until 9pm.
Capacity: 150 guests
~~~
4. Wild Animal Carousel
For the couple that is young-at-heart, this whimsical setting is sure to fulfill all your wildest dreams. The Wild Animal Carousel is the ideal location for a small reception or cocktail hour. Why not let your guests take a wild spin on a giant anteater or clouded leopard?
Receptions and cocktail hours are only available in conjunction with an additional rental site.
Capacity: 75 cocktail reception; 200 cocktail hour
See Kim & Jason's Wedding at Carousel.
~~~
5. Jungle Terrace Pavilion
This covered 50 x 90 tent is nestled amongst a lush landscape, perfectly situated between the whimsical wild animal carousel and fanciful Jungle Gym. It is the perfect backdrop for an evening outdoor wedding reception.
Capacity: Up to 300
share
Posted by Ashley of Ashley's Bride Guide |
Filed under: Wedding Venues and Locations
1 comment »
