Wednesday, December 17, 2014
Sometimes the element of surprise in an engagement isn’t the location, but time of day. Sometimes, the best wedding stories begin with an engagement that happens right in the middle of a seemingly ordinary day, smack dab in someone’s living room.
We loved hearing about Sarina and David’s engagement story and we’re happy to share it with you on the blog! So without further adieu, prepare to swoon over this heartfelt engagement story.
Oh! Their engagement photos were taken in Baltimore by their Nashville photographer, Nyk + Cali Wedding Photographers, who flew to Baltimore just to capture this sweet couple.
Sarina & David
Date of proposal: February 1, 2013
Wedding date: May 17, 2014
How did you get engaged? Tell us about your proposal:
David and I were doing long distance at the time. He had just graduated from physical therapy school in Kentucky and he came up to visit me in Baltimore for the week. I was supposed to be on vacation/research time but I had to go into the hospital for a work meeting in the morning the day after he arrived. I was at the hospital all morning and I came back to the apartment to pick David up for lunch.
When I walked into my apartment, he had created a trail of rose petals, candles, and pictures of us leading from the front door to the back of the living room. He was waiting at the end of the trail with a ring. I'm sure he said something sweet, but I don't even remember because I was so excited, and of course I said yes.
I had a feeling that he was going to propose on this trip but I never expected it in the middle of a random afternoon. He said it was the only time he would have been able to surprise me. The cherry on top occurred when we went to dinner that night to celebrate. We were sitting in the restaurant in Baltimore and my parents walked in to join us for dinner! He had told them he was proposing and arranged for them to fly up from Kentucky to be there for our celebration.
What did you enjoy most about being engaged?
Living in the same city! David moved to Baltimore about a month after we got engaged and it was amazing to have him living down the street instead of 4 states away.
What was your wedding style?
Elegant but colorful! We combined cultures and had a fusion Indian-American wedding. We got married at the Omni Hotel in Nashville which naturally lends itself to being very elegant and sophisticated. However, indian weddings are very colorful and fun, so we didn't want to lose any of the vibrancy from my culture. Thankfully, we had some great people help us balance those two ideas.
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Posted by Newlywed Leah |
Filed under: Engagements & Proposals,
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Monday, November 24, 2014
What’s not to love about an engagement story that includes historical context? When we heard about Lacy and Joe’s engagement at Cheekwood Botanical Garden and Museum of Art, we knew we just had to share it. It has all of the elements of a perfect memorable engagement — surprise date, plot twist, after-hours stroll at Cheekwood and a handsome guy down on one knee!
We don’t want to give anything away before you get to read this romantic story for yourself and see this cute engagement session, photographed by Nyk + Cali Wedding Photographers.
So what are you waiting for? Dig in!
Lacy & Joe
Date of proposal: April 3, 2014
Wedding date: Sept. 20, 2014
How did you get engaged? Tell us about your proposal:
It was a Thursday night when Joe picked me up for one of his “surprise” dates. Joe is a hopeless romantic, so this kind of a thing was not uncommon, meaning I had no idea what was in store!
He started the evening off with dinner at Sperry’s Restaurant where he convinced me that the next plan for the night was to see a movie. But when we got in the car, it didn’t take long for me to realize that we were not headed to the movie theater. We rolled into Cheekwood after-hours (you’d think I’d have a clue that something was up… I definitely still didn’t) and I suggested that we go walk down to the Howe Gardens so I could show him the Wemyss/Kerrigan gates. These beautiful iron gates once belonged to my great grandmother, Ellen Wemyss. Joe was one step ahead of me. When we rounded the corner, I saw that flowers and lights decorated the entryway. Joe got down on one knee and asked me to be his bride. I was completely surprised and happily agreed!
You are just married! Congratulations!! Tell us a little about your wedding. Who did you hire to help plan your wedding?
My mother and I planned it all together. We are both designers and when we joined forces, so to speak, we were able to do a lot of fun and creative things. We had two close family friends volunteer to help coordinate the day of the ceremony.
What was your approach to budgeting for your wedding?
We're used it as a guide but had some flexibility
How many wedding guests did you invite? 200
What was your wedding style?
We had a very rustic and industrial feel to our wedding. We had iron marquee signs and Edison bulbs dangling over the bar. We used burlap as table cloths and lace for table runners. Beer was served in mason jars and cokes were enjoyed from glass bottles.
What’s was your most fun purchase/hire?
Our band! The SCAT Springs Band rocked the house that night! Every one was dancing by the end. Also, we chose to eat pie instead of cake. The pies from Papa C’s Pies in Franklin were outstanding!
What did you enjoy most about being engaged?
I couldn’t believe the amount of love and support poured out on us during that time! So many friends offered to host showers and parties in honor of Joe and I. I experienced so many loved ones give of themselves to celebrate us and to help in the process of planing. It has been incredible to see the people in our life offer their gifts and talents to make our special day even more spectacular! We both felt so loved and so honored. Thank you to everyone!
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Posted by Newlywed Leah |
Filed under: Engagements & Proposals, Photography,
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Monday, June 30, 2014
I'm often asked by brides for ideas for their bridal shoots. Usually, their photographers will have some good locations in mind. But sometimes, what they want is right under their noses and they don't realize it. Such is the case with Noah Liff Opera Center. Most seasoned wedding photographers know about the space and have probably shot beautiful weddings there, but may not think of it for bridal shoots.
If you are going for a contemporary, sleek look for engagement, bridal portraits, or even post-wedding shots with the hubby, Noah Liff Opera Center could be the location for you. Rates, details and contact info are below.
Photos: Joe Hendericks Photography (above)
1) What type of portraits can be done/have been done at Noah Liff?
Engagement and bridal shots have been taken here, as well as album covers, magazine features and video work.
2) Why is the space so attractive to photographers and couples?
It has a very sleek, modern look with inside and outdoor areas available for shooting. The glass, chandeliers, and unique look attracts today’s modern and fashion-forward couple.
3) Which areas of the space are best for photos?
The Grand Ragsdale Lobby, the Bettye Johnson Balcony and the outdoors areas are always popular places. The MOST popular place is our Grand Staircase - a beautiful feature of the Noah Liff Opera Center.
Photo: Jonathon Campbell Photography (above)
4) What fees are required to take photos at Noah Liff?
Bridal and engagement shoots are included for clients hosting their wedding and/or reception at the Noah Liff Opera Center. In other cases, the fee is $80 for a two hour session.
5) What should a bride/groom or photographer think about as they consider a Noah Liff bridal shoot?
Most of our popular shooting locations are indoors so it is a great place to consider without worry of weather. Rain, sun, cold or hot weather – you do not have to reschedule anything! We also include the use of our dressing suite, so a bride can dress here without any worry about wrinkles in her gown. If desired, our makeup suite is available too!
6) What should a bride or groom do in order to take photos at the venue?
Please contact Sarah Willard to schedule your photography session at (615) 832-5242 or [email protected].
This article was reprinted from December 2012. Some of the photos have been updated.
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Posted by Ashley King |
Filed under: Engagements & Proposals, Photography, Wedding Venues and Locations,
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Tuesday, February 4, 2014
Valentine's Day is only 10 days away and you want to do something spectacular for your mate. However, you've got two problems - you’re short on time and the creative juices just aren’t flowing. You’re probably here because you’re wondering if the crew at Ashley’s Bride Guide has any suggestions. The answer: Absolutely!
Whether you’re looking to have a romantic evening for two or planning to propose, here are five fun, Nashville-centric ways to do it:
1) Take a B-cycle ride around Centennial Park, downtown Nashville or other locations across the city
For the bike riding enthusiasts, this is one you’ll love: Nashville B-cycle is a bike-sharing program that offers one-hour bike checkouts at different spots throughout Nashville. Find one of the kiosks — located at Centennial Park, The Gulch, 12th South and many other areas throughout the city — and check out a bike in a super-easy process. Take a ride around town and end it with a picnic lunch or dinner.
Photo: Roland's Photography
2) Make a scavenger hunt of your favorite Nashville memories
Instead of simply taking a stroll down memory lane over dinner, get interactive! Give your other half a little challenge full of clues from your favorite moments together — location of your first kiss, where you saw your first concert, the first time you said ‘I love you’ — and take in the Nashville sites while you’re at it!
Not so creative? Try a pre-planned Nashville scavenger hunt, like this one by Stray Boots.
Photo: Stray Boots
3) A romantic dinner at one of the Nashville Originals restaurants
If a romantic evening is not complete without a fabulous dinner, look no further than the Nashville Originals! The Nashville Originals are a group of locally owned restaurants that make it their mission to bring some of the most delectably creative menus to the Music City. This is perfect if your mate is a certified foodie! He or she will have so many option from which to choose — Bound’ry, Caffe Nonna and Flyte World Dining and Wine, just to name a few.
Sambuca offers a Dinner and Dancing package for Valentine's Day that includes a 3-course chef dinner and live music. The rate is $44.95 per person, and it will sell out quickly so contact them soon to reserve your package.
Photo: Sambuca
4) Enjoy a Valentine’s Day concert
One of Nashville’s crown jewels is its hoppin’ music scene! On Valentine’s Day (and the weekend), there are a number of live music events happening throughout the city, from Kenny Rogers with The Nashville Symphony at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center to Emonie Wilkins Valentine Special at Bourbon Street Blues!
Photo: gatv.com
5) A dessert tour throughout the city
Valentine’s Day usually has some sort of sweet treat involved. Instead of just stopping for ice cream, why don’t you wow your significant other with a dessert tour — take your love to all of his or her favorite dessert spots and indulge! You can make a stop at PM for the tempura brownie bites, Jackson’s for the cookie dough egg rolls and Las Paletas for a gourmet popsicle!
Photo: 365nashville.com
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Posted by Newlywed Leah |
Filed under: Engagements & Proposals, Grooms, Groomsmen & Tuxedos ,
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Wednesday, December 18, 2013
Have you purchased an engagement ring but aren't quite sure how to guarantee a perfect proposal? Regalo Design offers proposal tips and proposal planning services to help you with everything you need. Their website provides four proposal 'must dos' and a list of proposal services available to help you plan. These services include brainstorming, arrangement of vendors and day-of proposal coordination.
There's NO reason to stress when you have help from the pros who've thought of everything. They will sit down with you, get to know you and your significant other, and together you can design the proposal of your dreams and hers. Then, once you've decided how to do it, Regalo can help you make it happen!
Read more about their proposal planning services via this link. Then, contact Regalo Design at 615-482-1350 to schedule your free consultation. By the way guys, if you are proposing this holiday, I suggest you contact them ASAP. Just looking out for ya!
(Photo: Kristy Vest Photography)
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Posted by Ashley King |
Filed under: Advice & Planning, Engagements & Proposals, Grooms, Groomsmen & Tuxedos , Wedding Planners & Coordinators,
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