Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Join us, and the Nashville wedding community, to help brides and grooms with life threatening illnesses. The launch party is tonight and is a great opportunity for brides, grooms, wedding pros and anyone in Middle Tennessee to learn more about ways to volunteer or donate.
Wish Upon a Wedding Nashville Launch Party - Granting Worry-free Weddings to Brides/Grooms with Life Threatening Conditions
Date: May 18
Location: Wedding 101, The Factory in Franklin
Event Goal: Learn about organization, donate or sign up to volunteer your time, resources
Wish Upon A Wedding is the world's first wish granting organization that grants weddings and civil union ceremonies to couples facing life-threatening medical conditions. Bridal blogger Krista Dial, who is on the Nashville board for Wish Upon a Wedding, extended the invite our way to this free event. Because of our very active and very capable wedding community, as well as access to some of the country's best healthcare organizations, Wish Upon A Wedding has begun its Nashville chapter and we hope to show our support starting with this launch party.
I asked Krista what WUW's presence in Nashville means for our city, "If there is a couple who desperately wants to get married, but due to serious illness or life-altering circumstances, they cannot, we want to come together as professionals in the wedding/event service and healthcare industry, put our talents together as a community to help those couples have their dream weddings." What is really encouraging is that the feedback Krista has received just by talking to people about the organization has been very positive - everyone knows someone who has either overcome and survived or been the victim of a terminal illness or disease. Whether you're a bride, a planner, a baker or a photographer, there is a way for us all to help and this Launch Party on May 18th is a great way to meet like-minded, good-hearted people like yourselves.
Everyone is welcome to join the party, and it's free, just R.S.V.P. at EventBrite.com. Even if you aren't able to attend, please do help spread the word. For more details check out Wish Upon A Wedding Nashville's Facebook Page.
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Posted by Ashley of Ashley's Bride Guide |
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Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Ashley and I were so honored to receive an invitation in the mail to The Bride Room's 10th Anniversary party and fashion show at Houston Station. The Bride Room has a special place in my heart because I bought my wedding gown from them. Personally, they were great to work with, and I know tons of Nashville brides feel the same. It was a beautiful evening celebrated by brides and Nashville's wedding professionals who all came up to show their love and support, and we thought we'd share some of the night's highlights with you today.
The Bride Room-10th Anniversary Party from McNeal Wedding Films on Vimeo.
Delectible sweets from The Bake Shoppe
Nashville stationery designer Arboreal Paper (who did the party invitations) had her exquisite work on display.
The wall of orchids and doilies (all done by hand no less) by Brocade Designs. The decor for the evening was stunning, only outdone by the dresses. Starting with our (and mostly Ashley's) favorite, Nadine by Amsale.
ASHLEY'S FAVORITE DRESS...
"I found my dream bridal gown! I'm in LOVE with this dress!! Love the pockets, the neckline and the sophisticated yet sweet swag!" ~Ashley
The entire evening was pretty magical, each dress as amazing as the next. It really showed the wide selection of styles and dresses The Bride Room carries to fit any height or body style. From long, classic styles to crowd favorites like Nadine, to short and really fun dresses, you'll find what your heart desires there! The bridesmaids dresses were so pretty as well so your bridal party won't be left in your gown's dust. Here are a few highlights from the show.
All bridesmaids dresses by Amsale
Left: Blakely by Amsale. Right: Clara by Amsale
Left: Trish by Vineyard Collection. Right: Krista by Amsale
Left: Tulip top & skirt by Monique Lhuillier. Right: Carter by Vineyard Collection
How much fun would it be to change into these midway through your reception to dance the night away? SO darling! (Left: Sam by Melissa Sweet. Right: Jules top and Jules bottom by Monique Lhullier)
Pretty rosettes that add texture to the sweetest dresses!
(Left: Bijou by Amsale. Right: Bruges by Reverie/Melissa Sweet)
There were so many beautiful dresses all of which you can see in the video of the party taken by McNeal Wedding Films, who were there to capture every moment from start to finish. Thank you also to Donald Yeager Photography who was there to take all these pictures!
Congratulations on 10 fantastic years to Charlotte, Stephanie and Amy of The Bride Room. We're all SO proud of you!
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Posted by Tabitha |
Filed under: Bridal Gowns, Men's Attire & Accessories, Bridesmaids & Bridal Party
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Monday, May 16, 2011
Anytime I need help with an ABG event, Sarah of Music City Events, is always the first to lend a hand. I know she's busy but she's always excited to not only help but jump in and tackle my to-do list. To me, that demonstrates a true passion for wedding and event planning and her excitement thrills me. With her, no request is too big or small and I think that's important when you hire an event planner. For Sarah, planning is more than a career, it's a delight.
If you are seeking a wedding planner or dont think you need one, keep reading. I'd like to give you some insight into Sarah, her company, her personality and service philosophy. From full-service to day-of planning. large scale to DIY, Sarah's done it all which is why she's among our hand-picked planners and a great choice for your big day.
Tyler Andrews Photography
Contact Info
Name: Music City Events
Main Contact: Sarah Willard
Phone Number: 615-727-3903
Email Address: sarah at aMusicCityEvent dot com
Twitter: twitter.com/MusicCityEvents
Facebook fan page: facebook.com/MusicCityEvents
Number of Years in the Business:
I had to add this up: 8 years in July! Wow!
How did you get started in weddings?
Two of my friends became engaged and I was the Maid of Honor- so the natural planner in me kicked into high gear. I started scouring the internet for the right vendors, bought wedding magazines by the score and threw myself into learning trends and diy projects. It's all I did with both of them for a solid 12 months! 
When their weddings were over I had all this information and was still soaring from the successful events, and offered to help an acquaintance plan her wedding. I vividly remember sitting at my computer at midnight researching for this girl that I barely knew when the proverbial light bulb clicked. I love this. My father owns his own company so I gave him a call and picked his brain on the ups and downs, highs and lows and the "what needs to be done". I got my certification, threw myself into the entire process whole heartedly and here I am!
What do you like most about weddings?
They are pure joy. Yes, there are stressful moments and tons of details and tons of vendors involved in each wedding (on average, 16) but they are so joyful. At this point in a bride's life, this is the biggest thing. THE biggest thing. To be part of that is incredible. I love the bond that it creates between my brides and myself.
What’s your favorite wedding pic/video and why?
It is hard to choose one favorite photograph - especially if you are trying to tell a story! It takes more than one, which is why a compilation is so lovely. This compilation is from LRS's wedding in January 2010. It's been over a year and I still adore it! You can tell in an instance what the feel of her wedding was meant to be. That is what a photo should tell you - the story of the day. These photographs were captured in a beautiful way and pieced together so you could know the story too. From the vintage typewriter to the old library books to the 1920's venue - you know this bride is old-school classic and a romantic at heart!
Jonathon Campbell Photography
What is your service philosophy?
Each bride is different, and therefore so is each wedding. When we work with a bride I work with them. I strive to ensure that their wedding looks and feels like them. I dislike doing the same thing over and over again and I am always looking for innovative ways to layout a reception or to give a popular decor item a little oomph. Guests should be enticed and excited from the moment they receive their invite in the mail. Every detail is finely tuned and executed and it is all done with style!
What are your strengths compared to others in your category? Why should a bride hire you?
Instead of touting myself, I thought I would offer up the words of actual brides. These three lovelies are a previous bride, a current bride and a bride that is in the industry!!
"Sarah wanted to make our wedding as much about us as it could possibly be. Whether it was that extra phone call freaking out over a vendor or the budget, there is always a friendly, non-panicked voice on the line which will go that extra mile to make sure your event turns out brilliantly. Sarah has a great sense of how to capture your vision and make it into something truly amazing. Strengths- friendly (not pretentious), great vendor relationships (always knows who to call), not afraid to take charge, very easy to work with, very organized, easy to get a hold of, and wants to find the best vendors for you within your price range (and already knows who these people are)." ~ Meridith, married May 2010
"Sarah is the real deal. She doesn't fluff, she's fun, flexible, doesn't overcharge, and is completely understanding. Sarah W. spends an extensive amount of time getting to know her clients and extends herself to make each bride feel like her wedding will be the event of her dreams. She incorporates creativity and keeps expectations realistic. My fiancé loves the fact that when Sarah touches base with a new vendor decision, she offers up choices that fit our style and budget, never misleading us. Honestly, being a bride is easy with Sarah as your right hand woman!" ~Sarah P. who married her Love in January 2011
"Sarah's ability to creatively embrace challenges and problem solve on the spot, while keeping cool under pressure is a rare and wonderful trait in this business. Sarah embraced our modest budget, constantly evaluated how to get the biggest bang for our buck, and always worked on creative ways to maximize our day." ~ Jessica, marrying May 2011
Krista Lee Photography
Tyler Andrews Photography
Left: A beautiful wedding Sarah helped put together at the Parthenon. (Images from A Music City Event)
Right: A happy couple after their outdoor ceremony. (image from Scott Hammaker Photography)
Who are your 5 favorite Nashville wedding vendors – helpfulness, professionalism, style?
~ Belles Fleurs Designs is just simply fantastic. I love working with Bonnie and her assistant Anastasia. They rock! There is nothing that Bonnie cannot create - and I've thrown her some curves! She is punctual, has wonderful style and always works within my clients budgets, suggesting the proper flowers that will work for them.
~ Jessica Sneed: Noah Liff Opera Center is an amazing facility nestled in the West End area. Jessica is one of the best people I've ever had the pleasure of working with. She works tirelessly for the couples who are marrying in her building and she's a planner's dream come true. The venue itself is breathtaking with spectacular architecture. It was built with events in mind and can hold both the ceremony and reception!
~ Hamilton Bartending Services is another favorite. They are always available when I call on them, Jesse is a treasure trove of information and always provides me with correct numbers for anything I need (even if he's not working that event!) regarding the bar and all that it requires.
~ Gregory Byerline is a favorite photographer of mine. I love his style, I love his presentation and I love how passionate he is about his work. He has a different take than most (not all, but most) photographers in Nashville and I like different. He is extremely professional and very quick to respond. Gotta love that!
~ Dulce Desserts (DulceDesserts.com) has some deliiiiicious cakes! Juanita can rock your socks when it comes to her designs and the flavors of her cakes. Have you seen her butter cream cake? They look like fondant! So smooth! Juanita loves what she does and excels in it. She is also one to give brides plenty of options, and that is something a bride needs and appreciates these days.
What do you read/watch regularly to stay on top of wedding/event trends?
Believe it or not, one of my faves is Architectural Digest. I do read wedding sites, blogs and magazines such as Brides, the Knot and Weddings Unveiled. But there is something about inspiration that comes from the "odd" source! It just seems to thrive and connect with the bride. I look for inspiration based on each individual client. I never look "wholesale" for several brides at once. I base a couples' wedding on them, and that is how it should be. I have a goal to never have a "stamp" look to any of my events. I do not want industry peeps to see an event that I designed and think "oh right, she always does that". I like to creatively think inside, outside, on top of, below and beside that box!
McCoy Made
Gregory Byerline Photography
What are your favorite wedding websites? / Neatest wedding find?
I love Pocket Full of Dreams. I like staying fresh by looking at overseas blogs and sites. They have a different take! I also like Elizabeth Anne Designs.
For "budget savvy" brides: what's the one thing you think should always make it into a budget?
You should always allot part of your budget for lighting and nice/personal invitations. The invitation is the first thing your guests see and it really sets the tone for your wedding and (let's face it) whether or not they will even attend. If it grabs their attention - they will not want to miss the rest! Lighting is also essential for your reception, at the very least. It completes a room and adds so much to the ambience and feel of the evening. It can take guests from a relaxed dinner setting to a No-One-Can-Stay-Off-the-Dance-Floor setting in a twinkle!
Where can we find you if you’re not working with a bride?
When I am not with a bride you can find me zipping around town with my awesome kiddo, Michael. He's such a precocious 6 year old and we are all the time going from swim lessons to soccer practices and games to the Frist or the Zoo or wherever! He loves what I do and likes to hear about the weddings and the "princesses".
JenM Photography
For more information on A Music City Events visit their website at MusicCityEvent.com or give Sarah a call to see how she can help you put your wedding together!
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Posted by Ashley of Ashley's Bride Guide |
Filed under: Wedding Planners & Coordinators
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Friday, May 13, 2011
Drumroll....Stephanie and Justin's engagement pictures received the most votes in our Spring 2011 Facebook Engagement contest! And based on the huge number of votes they received, it's no wonder they have a guest list of 330 people! Thanks to their photographer, Sara E Rose Photography, the two were able to tell their beautiful love story via their engagement photos, which do an amazing job chronicling their history and is a great idea!
Enjoy their sweet love story and the details of their quickly approaching wedding day.
Stephanie Lewis + Justin Hayden
Engagement date ~ February 12, 2010
Wedding date ~ June 18, 2011
How did you meet:
We met in the NICU at Baptist Hospital. I was a premature sick baby and he was a orange jaundice baby. We were there together even though I was born two months before him. Justin says this is where I fell in love with him. That I saw this tan hot baby with cool shades on and that I have been in love with him ever since. I don’t really remember it being like that but he swears by it. He says he had amazing “game” even then. We then happened to attend St. Edward’s together, K-8th grade. I don’t really remember him until the second grade. We were both in Mrs. Clinard’s class and I had a huge crush on him. In the third grade, he asked me to be his girlfriend and made me a valentine that said, “I love you and I hope you love me too”. Aww- so sweet! We were best friends all through grade school. We then attended high school together. We never dated, always dated other people but remained great friends. We always had a strong opinion on who the other one dated. People always told us that we would end up getting married but we never really believed them. It wasn’t until he went to Iraq that everything changed. Before Justin went to Iraq, he called my mother (which is like his second mother) and told her he thought he was in love with me and had to tell me before he went away. He did not get the chance to tell me before he left, but he let me know as soon as he got home. We wrote letters to one another and still stayed in close contact while he was away. They say distance makes the heart grow fonder. I also realized while he was away that I loved him more than a friend. So, as soon as he got home from Iraq we started dating... and the rest is history! I feel like our whole lives have led up to this and that we are truly soulmates. He is my best friend, my past, my present, and will be my future.
This is the reason why I really love our engagement photos. They are not of us just standing by a random tree but they tell our love story. We went to our grade school and took photos. We took some by our lockers, in our 5th grade classroom, library, etc. He even sported his 8th grade football championship jersey- GO SAINTS!!! I would highly recommend to any engaged couple to let the photos tell your story! They are so much more meaningful and special. Sara Rose did an amazing job of capturing our story!
Tell me about your proposal:
Justin called me and told me that when I got home he had a small surprise to kick off my birthday weekend. He told me to come inside and sit on the couch, with my eyes closed. He then put in my lap the cutest yellow lab puppy (she is now the grown yellow lab in the pictures). I was so surprised and excited! Justin told me that the collar she had on belonged to his childhood family dog. I thought it was cool but didn't pay too much attention to the collar! He kept talking about the collar and finally he took the ring off the collar and got on one knee. I never even noticed the ring! I We named the puppy Lucy; we both love the Beatles and so we thought since she came with a beautiful diamond ring we would name her after the song "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds".
Who have you hired for your wedding team?
Wedding venue I Church of the Assumption
Photographer I Sara E Rose Photography - I would recommend Sara Rose to anyone and everyone! Not only is her work beautiful but she is so wonderful to work with. I was a bridesmaid in a wedding she shot and I loved her from the start. I asked for her card and once I saw her work and price- it was a done deal! She is fun, prompt, genuinely cares, and most importantly wants you to LOVE your photos! I cannot wait for the wedding pictures!.
Bride’s Dress I The White Room Too
Bridesmaids’ Dresses I The White Room Too
Groom's Attire I Men's Warehouse
Floral Designer I Phillipe Chadwick of Chadwicks. Phillipe is friend of ours since kindergarten! He is just getting started in the wedding business and does beautiful work. We feel so fortunate to have him as a friend and florist!
Rentals I Classic Party Rentals
Invitations I Target and then got them printed at Quick Print.
Reception Venue I The Fleming Center at The Cathedral of the Incarnation
Lighting I Nashville Audio Visual
Caterer I Ribbons of Chocolate Catering - so yummy and amazing price! Pam Hogancamp (owner) is so sweet and helpful!
Cake I Sam's Confection Connection - We cannot wait to eat this cake!!! The wedding cake will be strawberry cake with cream cheese icing.
Groom's Cake I A surprise for the groom!
Videography I Pureform Media, Brendan Donohue
Music / DJ I The Mad Dog Company. We are also having a friend, Shane McAnally, who is a very talented songwriter and singer perform a song.
I can honestly say, that all of my vendors have been so easy to work with and very helpful!
What's your wedding style? Traditional with a twist
What's your wedding budget? $20,000; We are inviting about 330 guests.
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Posted by Ashley of Ashley's Bride Guide |
Filed under: Engagements & Proposals, Real Nashville Brides
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Thursday, May 12, 2011
Today's couple received the second most Facebook votes in our contest. So, not only are they our runner up, but we really liked their photos too, especially Meg {ABG's community manager}! Photographed by Wendy C. Photography, Becky and Mike are adorable! They did a fantastic job choosing great photo locations and Wendy truly captured their deep love connection + chemistry.
Mike Jarrell + Becky Aguiar
Engagement date ~ December 24, 2010
Wedding date ~ December 10, 2011
Our Blog: http://mikeandbecky.blog.com
How did you get engaged?
(I told him no holiday/birthday proposals but what girl is going to say “No, propose on another day” when her man has bling in her face on Christmas Eve? Not me!)
We got engaged after the Christmas Eve service at my hometown church in Louisville, KY. Our church lobby was decorated for Christmas and we decided to get our family picture taken in front of one of the trees. Mike took the picture of me and my family. Then my mom suggested that Mike and I get a picture together. He walked over, wearing his LARGE winter coat, and turned to smile at the camera. I asked him to take off his coat because I didn’t want him to wear it in our picture. He said he wanted to keep it on and I said “Fine, you’re going to look stupid in this picture”. About that time my mom said “smile” and I smiled and he got down on one knee. I honestly have no idea what he said in his little “Will You Marry Me” speech because I was so surprised (aren’t I the worst woman ever?!) but I saw the ring and freaked out. YES! YES! YES! It was so special to have my family there and to have pictures of the actual moment to show friends and family.
Who have you hired for your wedding team?
Wedding Ceremony I Eastland Baptist Church
Wedding Reception I The Belmont Mansion
Photographer I Wendy C. Photography (AMAZING lady and photographer! Love her). The site she put together for us to share with our friends and family is: BeckyandMike.WendyCPhotography.com
DJ I Irwin Entertainment
Baker I Doing a dessert table so we’re not getting a huge cake. Just a bunch of little things from a local store. I have one in mind but need to taste test (YUM!) before I commit.
Floral Design I Ruth’s Flowers (we are only getting flowers as bouquets for me and my bridesmaids…the church and reception hall are already pretty well decorated for Christmas and adding anything else would be overkill…or so I think.)
Caterer I NO IDEA! I have a small budget for this so it’s been tricky so far.
What's your wedding style?
The ceremony is going to be very small. We’re only inviting about 100 people so the style will be intimate and romantic. The wedding will be at 6pm so there will be tons of candles and rose peals. The reception will be a little different. Since we’re having our reception at The Belmont Mansion, we’ve decided to have a Williamsburg/Victorian reception to go along with the art and decor. We will be decorating with fruit, flowers and candles. The Belmont Mansion will be decorated with garland for Christmas so we’ll be using bold colors (purple, blue, teal, gold) to help incorporate the garland but not make the event feel like a Christmas event.
What's your wedding budget?
Small. Is that the correct answer? We are trying to do the wedding and reception for under $6,000. It has been a challenge but its fun to shop around and get a great deal.
Anything else you want to share?
We just got our Save the Dates together this week. I should have a copy of our invites to share sometime in August if you’re interested. We have a friend of ours who is a graphic designer creating them and who also created our Save the Dates. Our invitations will use a purple graphic element (also used on our Save the Dates) and will be very simple. We are using purple as our color since that is what the girls will be wearing. Lapis to be exact.
Our personal blog is: mikeandbecky.blog.com. We created this blog to keep our friends up-to-date on our planning and decisions…and talk about our dogs. (Sorry, we are THOSE people) Since we’re only inviting 100 people to the wedding a lot of our friends aren’t able to come to our big day. We set this up in hopes that people could read this and know what was going on with our planning. It also helps communicate some of our decisions to our friends and family since the majority of them don’t live in our state.
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Posted by Ashley of Ashley's Bride Guide |
Filed under: Engagements & Proposals, Real Nashville Brides
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