Friday, July 23, 2010
You're Invited Gifts, Paper and Events is a one-stop shop for your custom wedding needs. Their Belle Meade event boutique offers wedding planning, event design and custom invitations.
They have a very special, time-sensitive offer for ABG readers: Now through August 10th, ABG readers receive $150 off any wedding consultation package when you mention ABG plus an additional 10% off any event/wedding invitation. Definitely give them a call soon and be sure to mention that you're an ABG bride!
To give you a taste of their work, I am excited to feature a recent photoshoot by You're Invited, captured by Jonathon Campbell Photography. You're Invited's Summer Soiree photo shoot was, put simply, exquisite. The great thing about this Summer Soiree design is you can contact You're Invited and have them plan your bridal shower, bridesmaid luncheon or event and they can recreate the exact look below OR you can use the concept as inspiration. Either way - they can help you from plan to design. It doesnt get much easier than that!
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Stephanie Alexander & Anna Peebles of You're Invited
Guest Blogger: Stephanie Alexander of You're Invited Events - Bridal Luncheon Summer Soiree
The photos capture the perfect bridesmaid's luncheon. Hot pinks and lime greens are a combination I love with the white which really pops against those colors. This invitation was the inspiration for this hot pink and lime green Bridal Shower/Bridesmaid’s Luncheon. Oftentimes, I will take an invitation and use it to help develop the overall look and feel of a party. If you need inspiration for your next party, I encourage you to visit an invitation/stationery store for ideas! Birds are a hot trend right now, in both décor and invitation design.
We packaged the invitations in little white boxes that had been lined in hot pink raffia. I love non-traditional ways of sending a fabulous invitation.
I chose a 60” square table with fuchsia satin linen, and a 48” round table with a lime green linen for the food and beverages. I love using a mixture of square and round tables at parties. I also chose white chiavari chairs. The crisp white really pops against the pinks and the greens. For the 60” square table where guests were seated, we used 4 large green topiaries, a glass pitcher filled with lime slices, wheat grass in ceramic containers and little bird boxes (to continue with our bird theme) and lime green Caspari placemats. In addition, we used monogrammed Pickard china for the placesettings. This Pickard china is extremely popular for bride’s wedding registries. (Rentals were courtesy of Music City Tents & Events).
For this particular arrangement, I used Bells of Ireland, pink larkspur, green curly willow and hot pink dried floral accents. In addition, I filled 8 bud vases with pink sweet peas. I placed these bud vases around the table near each guest’s place setting.
Putting the fresh dogwood blossoms in the jars is brilliant!
I created bird sticks for the dessert shooter glasses. The dessert shooters were strawberries and cream trifle and key lime and cream dessert shots. I wanted to incorporate the pink and green into the food and beverage table as well. I also served sparkling pink punch and rimmed the etched antique glasses with pink sugar. In addition, I utilized glass bird containers in varying heights, and Anna filled them with fresh dogwood blossoms. Another decoration I used on the food and beverage table was wheat grass in wooden boxes. To add another dimension, I added sweet pea stems to the boxes for a pop of pink color.
Dessert shots are a fun, one-serving option
This set up could also be taken indoors, we just happened to have a fabulous day with gorgeous weather but you could create this inside in a beautiful dining area or a screened in porch. A good party can be done indoors or outdoors and as a planner, I always have a back-up plan. If it had rained that day, I had the screened in porch ready to go at the house we shot these pictures at.
Absolutely delightful! Thank you so much for filling us in on the shoot. and thank you to Jonathon Campbell Photography for sharing the pictures with us. What blew me away was the fact that Stephanie did everything herself - the food, the arrangements, the beverages and the dessert. So this set up can be done regardless of your budget and whether you're a D.I.Y. bride or if you have a limitless budge to hire vendors such as You're Invited.
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Posted by Tabitha |
Filed under: Bridal Showers, Luncheons, Parties, Bridesmaids & Bridal Party, Inspiration & Trends, Invitations & Paper Goods, Luxury Wed Finds, Wedding Planners & Coordinators
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Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Let's be real - hardly anyone plays games at bridal showers anymore. And as much as some do enjoy those showers where there's a woman demonstrating cookware, I think we've run out of fun ideas for girly parties. Until now - Stella & Dot is the ultimate shopping experience that comes to you and your girlfriends. This is a fabulous idea for a shower or bachlorette party and it's perfect for the bride who thinks beyond kitchen utensils or lingerie. Not only will you have a blast hanging with your girls, you get to hand pick from a gorgeous selection for necklaces, earrings and bracelets for yourself and your girlfriends!
I was introduced to the jewelry line via an online feature via Opulent Couturier. Loved their website, their collection but really wanted to see it, touch it - that's the only way to tell if it's quality you know. So, weeks ago, I saw the jewelry in person at the Boro Bridal Ball and I was blown away - this is jewelry that's so chic, so pretty! I can safely say that the materials they use to are of great quality. Also, each piece you buy supports Stella & Dot's promise of a sustainable, fair economy to empower women all over the world - I like that!
Stella & Dot was founded by someone already in the thick of the wedding industry - the company was started by Jessica Herrin who was one of the co-founders of The Wedding Channel and she was inspired by (and created Stella & Dot) for strong women like us. This is a fabulous way for you to give your bridesmaids a gift or keepsake and with such an awesome selection you're sure to find one to suit the style of your wedding. Not to mention how at ABG we're all about girl power!
Speaking of girl power and powerful women, those of you coming to the Sex And The City 2 party will have a chance to see the jewelry firsthand and purchase some of the Stella & Dot pieces. And now that we've piqued your curiosity, check out how you can plan your own Stella & Dot party!
All pictures courtesy of Jonathon Campbell Photography
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Posted by Ashley of Ashley's Bride Guide |
Filed under: Attire & Accessories, Bridesmaids & Bridal Party
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Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Sara Marie of Designs by Sara Marie is a bridal couturier, which wikipedia defines as "a couturier is a person involved in the clothing fashion industry who makes original garments to order for private clients". She creates custom bridal gowns and bridesmaid dresses for Nashville brides so you can have EXACTLY what you want - any style or color, sized to your body measurements.
A few weeks ago, Sara Marie collaborated with a Nashville wedding vendors to share some design ideas for your wedding - from custom gowns to beautiful wedding florals.
The custom designs (and overall look) below are nothing short of gorgeous AND just a sampling of what Sara Marie (and crew) can create for your bridal party. Challenge her to design your dream gown or attire for your wedding party - from classic to modern - bright and bold to pretty pastel.
Welcome Guest Blogger - Designs by Sara Marie
Recently a group of vendors got together to do a quaint photo shoot at the Pleasant Hill Mansion at the Governors Club. Photographer Kristen Steele captured this shoot that brings all these wonderful vendors together! The garments that are shown were custom made and designed by Sara Marie, a local dress and fashion designer in the Nashville area. The flowers featured are by Belles Fleurs, Amy Lynn Larwig was the featured makeup artist, and the Necklaces were designed by Sarah Sanborn from P.U.R.E Jewelry.
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This shoot took place at the beautiful Pleasant Hill Mansion at the Governors Club in Nashville. This is the perfect venue for your special event! This lovingly-preserved antebellum mansion was built in 1854 and overlooks the golf course at The Governors Club. This Mansion can be used for an intimate dinner party or a large wedding reception. There is simply no place like it.
Designs by Sara Marie offers custom wedding attire perfect for any occasion! My designs have a wide range of fashion making the attire a great asset for your wedding! Whether you are looking for contemporary, classic, or vintage, I can design a work of art!
Amy Lynn Larwig is a well known make up artist in the Nashville Area specializing in makeup and hair styling for film, print and runway. Her skills are immense, watching her work is like watching a painting come to life!
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Bonnie from Belles Fleurs is truly a remarkable florist. It is a locally owned and operated Tennessee business specializing in custom wedding floral designs. Belles Fleurs will focus on "Your dreams...Your wishes...Your perfect wedding". Every client will receive undivided attention starting with a free consultation! Sarah from P.U.R.E Jewelry designs one of a kind, unique necklaces specifically with the client in mind. Her designs are a mix of vintage and modern, while using a wide variety of materials. They're feminine yet tough and can be worn with a formal gown or a tank top and jeans. You choose.
Enjoy and be fabulous!
Photos are courtesy of Kristen Steele Photography.
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Posted by Designs By Sara Marie |
Filed under: Attire & Accessories, Bridesmaids & Bridal Party, Wedding Resources
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Thursday, March 18, 2010
If you havent yet decided on the dresses for your bridesmaids, here are some great gowns that are available at local bridal salons. These gowns were featured in the Her Nashville/nFocus fashion show and represent the latest in bridesmaid fashion and colors.
Welcome to the ABG e-fashion show, offering all the info you need on styles/salons AND the option to forward lovely dresses straight to your maids...that's even better than a live fashion show!
Here we go:
Dress Designer & Style: Vera Wang Jamie
Description: Cobalt Tissue Organza Cocktail Dress with Criss-Cross Pleated Bodice
Available at b. Hughes Bridal Salon.
I can't believe royal blue {now known as cobalt blue} is back! I so remember this color in the 90s. It's beautiful, bright and bold.
Dress Designer & Style: Vera Wang 19M05
Description: Long Plum V-Neck Chiffon Gown with Silk Charmeuse Trim on Straps & Drop Waist Band
Available at b. Hughes Bridal Salon.
Dress Designer & Style: Lula Kate Pearl
Description: Coctail dress with Sweetheart Neckline and Full Pocketed Skirt in Icing Dupioni
Available at Bella Bridesmaid.
Dress Designer & Style: Vineyard Collection by Priscilla of Boston VC1507
Description: Babydoll Style Cocktail Dress with Empire Bodice; Flounce Detail at Bodice & Ruffle Hem in Watermelon
Available at Bella Bridesmaid.
This is a dress that your bridesmaid will get to wear over and over. She will love you!
Dress Designer & Style: Jenny Yoo Dylan
Description: Emerald Ruffled One Shoulder Eastern Silk Shantung Dress with Ruffle Detail & Slim Pencil Silhouette
Available at Bella Bridesmaid.
Dress Designer & Style: Lula Kate Christy
Description: Cocktail Dress with High Ruffled Collar & Full Pleated Skirt with Pockets in Mint
Available at Bella Bridesmaid.
This was my favorite bridesmaid dress! I absolutely love the color and style. It's fun, flirty and perfect for a spring wedding.
Dress Designer & Style: Jenny Yoo Piper
Description: Scoop Neck Dress with Seamed Bodice & Pleated Tulip Skirt with Side Pockets in Mist
Available at Bella Bridesmaid.
While I don't love the look, I do love the blue!
Dress Designer & Style: Melissa Sweet MS409
Description: Long Aqua V-Neck Crinkle Chiffon Gown with Flower Detailing at Bodice
Available at Bella Bridesmaid.
Dress Designer & Style: Coren Moore Madeline
Description: Long V-Neck A-Line Silk Shantung Gown with Pleated Detail at Bodice in Aubergine
Available at Bella Bridesmaid.
Traditional with a color that pops!
Dress Designer & Style: Priscilla of Boston PB217
Description: Satin Strapless Knee-Length Faux Wrap Dress in Fig with Ruched Band at Waist & Vertical Ruffle
Available at Bella Bridesmaid.
Dress Designer & Style: Vineyard Collection by Priscilla of Boston VC1515
Description: Short Satin Strapless Dress with Diagonally Pleated Bodice & Flower Detailing in Smoky Amethyst
Available at Bella Bridesmaid.
Dress Designer & Style: Lula Kate Meredith
Description: Strapless Cocktail Dress in Aluminum with Ruffle Bodice, Exposed Ruffle Seam & Full Pocketed Skirt
Available at Bella Bridesmaid.
Dress Designer & Style: Queue Sofia
Description: Long Black Silk Satin Gown with Cropped Ruffle Detailing at Neck & Waist, Hand-Sewn Triple Layered Taffeta Flowers to Hem
Available at Bella Bridesmaid.
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Posted by Ashley of Ashley's Bride Guide |
Filed under: Attire & Accessories, Bridesmaids & Bridal Party
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Wednesday, February 10, 2010
I love that weddings bring together friends, sisters - everyone to celebrate. With this in mind, I went on a search for creative ideas for bridal celebrations. When Amy of Swizzle Events responded and shared this unique bridesmaid getaway, I asked her to share it with you...
Swizzle Events, Nashville Wedding & Event Planner
http://www.swizzleevents.com
Bridesmaid luncheons, bridal teas, and bridal brunches are a time to gather your best girls, the ones who have seen you through thick and thin, and celebrate your friendship. Whatever you call it, it’s a tradition that’s as old as time.
So what do you do if you aren’t that traditional bride who loves to visit the tea room? The possibilities are endless! Take a cue from your own favorites. Maybe you'd love a night out on the town or the quiet of a mountain cabin. Perhaps a concert followed by a fusion dinner is more your style.
Maybe you’ll be like Mariska, a recent Nashville bride who traded in the traditional party for a Girlfriend Getaway in the Mountains!
She had a wonderfully large wedding party that included her sister and friends she had made in middle school, high school, college, and church. Here is what she had to say about her unique bridesmaid getaway:
“We went to Blue Ridge, Georgia and stayed in my husband’s aunt’s log cabin in the mountains. The scenery was absolutely beautiful and completely relaxing. I wanted all of my bridesmaids to get to know each other before my big day. I didn’t want them to meet each other for the first time the day of my wedding. It was really nice being able to get away with my bridesmaids for a weekend to have girl time and to discuss wedding details with all of the girls who mean the most to me in my life".
(That's Mariska on the far right. Thanks for sharing your photos Mariska!)
One day, we went into the town (Blue Ridge, GA) and went shopping throughout all the antique stores in town. We ate at a tea room where we all dressed up in hats. So fun! One night we had a bonfire in the backyard of our cabin and had s’mores. We stayed up all night talking by the bonfire and in the jacuzzi outside. It was nice being able to sit and talk outside with the moon and the mountains as our view.
It was a great time for me and my bridesmaids to bond before my big day and for them to get to know each other. Most bridesmaids know the bride for various reasons (sister, childhood friend, college friend, etc) and usually they all don’t know each other. By having a getaway with your bridesmaids, you give them time to get to know each other, which will make your day more special and less awkward for everyone. I had a great time on our trip and made amazing memories with my close friends that will stay with me forever!”
Looking for something a little closer to home? Try a visit to Arrington Vineyards, a gorgeous hillside winery just south of Nashville. They have two tasting rooms and ample seating areas outside complete with picnic tables. You can plan a casual picnic and treat your bridesmaids to a wine tasting and maybe a bottle of wine as a gift. Another fun option is to join them for Music in the Vines beginning weekends in April. You can preorder a picnic dinner from one of their caterers, bring your blankets or chairs and enjoy live music under the stars. You can also rent a private area for larger parties.
Want something more contemporary? How about planning a chic dinner at Virago? With sleek lounge seating and delicious sushi and fusion cuisine, it’s sure to be a hit. Located on Division Street in Nashville, Virago offers a catering menu that you can use to plan your dinner from start to finish or you can simply order from the menu. Looking for something a little more casual? How about the Wildhorse Saloon? You can rent the Riverview Room and enjoy a fabulous dinner. Best kept secret: their private dining room overlooks the river and has a fabulous view. When you’re finished, take the party out to the dance floor and kick up your heels!
This is such an exciting time in your life! As you get ready for the great journey of marriage, remember to take some time and enjoy the remarkable ladies in your life.
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Posted by Swizzle Events |
Filed under: Bridesmaids & Bridal Party
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