Thursday, September 26, 2013
Textured, floral bouquets remain popular with brides across the nation, as well as Nashville brides. Brides continue to be drawn to these bouquets, which often mix vintage elements with a variety of materials and, of course, flowers!
If this is your style, you will love these gorgeous bouquets, recently designed by Enchanted Florist. If you aren't sure if this is your style, contact Enchanted Florist and they can help you find a style that resonates with you.
That's the beauty of the design team at Enchanted Florist. Unlike many floral design teams, their range is wide and they can design for any bride's style. They will sit with you, get to know you and create the perfect look. In fact, I've never see a style they could not do - classic, French country, rustic or even modern.
This is my favorite of the bunch! Oh how I love it. Photo: Jenny Lindsey Photography
Photo: Brandon Chesbro
Photo: Brandon Chesbro
Photo: Brooke Boling Photography
Photo: Ulmer Studios
Photo: Dove Wedding Photography
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Posted by Ashley of Ashley's Bride Guide |
Filed under: Florals, Details & Design , Inspiration & Trends
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Thursday, September 19, 2013
Nashville's 12th Annual Enchanted Brides Show at Cheekwood was another great opportunity to meet top-notch wedding resources. Listing them all would be a feat, but for those of you who missed some of the booths or were unable to attend, here are my 15 favorites.
1) Arzelle's Bridal - arzellesbridal.com
I swooned when I saw this simple but elegant gown at the Arzelle's booth. Isn't it a beauty? The other gowns were equally exquisite but this Marchesa was my fave. See these gowns and more at their salon on West End.
2) Wedlock Images - wedlockimages.com
Wedlock's photographic style is crisp, sleek and akin to magazine-style. Their work appeals to the edgy, modern bride who is getting married here in Nashville or is taking Wedlock to her destination wedding. It was great listening to co-owner Donice chat about Nashville venues she loves. (Great insight: You may want to talk to photographers before you book your venue!) She also told me about a new, farm venue near Murfreesboro, Events at East 96. Heard of it?
3) Classic Party Rentals - nashville.classicpartyrentals.com
Classic's inventory for Nashville weddings and events is massive. I visited their warehouse one time and they have just about everything you need. This tablescape is just one idea of many that they can help you design.
4) West Meade Wine and Liquor - westmeadewines.com
West Meade was a new find. They offer liquor, beer and wine in cases for weddings and events. This is a great way to save money if you decide on a venue like Houston Station, which allows you to bring in your own beverages.
West Meade also offers a bar registry for those who have everything they need but would appreciate a well-stocked bar! You know who you are. No judging. :)
5) Dulce Desserts - dulcedesserts.com
Juanita! I've known Dulce Dessert's owner and cake artist since I first started in weddings in 2006. (Wow!) She was one of the first wedding pros I met. She's always been sweet to me and her cakes have always been inventive and consistently scrumptious. I can never, and I do mean never, pass by her booth or store without being tempted to indulge. If you have not tasted her cakes, you simply must. Our blog intern Laurie had Dulce cupcakes for her wedding. Without a doubt - she loved them!
6) Designs in Paper - There is no doubt in my mind that owners Steve and Donette can create anything with paper! You really have to meet with them to see some of the previous wedding paper goods. They take pride in creating paper products that are custom to each engaged couple. At the bridal show, they shared many invites that were printed in white ink. You read that right, white ink. This chalkboard flyer will give you an idea of what they can do. They also print on fabric; think burlap looking fabric, for a rustic wedding. Lovely!
7) Capital Theatre - capitoltheatretn.com
This was a new find. The theater is located in Lebanon, TN and can accommodate all bridal events, from showers to receptions. Their spaces are very unique, ranging from an auditorium to an attic.
8) Street Tuxedo - streettuxedo.com
Street Tuxedo keeps a pulse on what's hot for grooms. For outdoor weddings, peach and khaki pair well. Sangria is a fun new color that can add a pop to a classic wedding. Neither of these work for you? Street Tuxedo has hundreds of swatches to match your color palette and several suit/tuxedo styles to complement your groom's style.
9) Geny's Bridal - genysbridal.com
Geny's is a Nashville staple. They offer three floral options: 1) wholesale flowers for floral designers, 2) retail flowers for DIY brides and 3) full service floral design for brides. Geny's recently added bridal gowns to their inventory in order to provide a more one-stop service for brides. They carry several exclusive lines and accessories. I had no clue they launched a bridal boutique. Their gowns are gorgeous!
10) A/P Couture - 615-545-2742
Alain Patterson, the owner and lead designer, creates custom veils for fashion-focused brides.
11) 2Travel Anywhere - 2travelanywhere.com
Carlie's a delight. She is a honeymoon specialist and helps engaged couples plan their honeymoon vacations at no cost to them.
12) Michael's Cafe & Catering - eatatmichaelscafe.com
They had me at banana pudding. I was told it was Michael's grandmother's recipe. Thanks grandma! It was absolutely delicious. Michael also served mac and cheese and BBQ chicken. Assumed southern cuisine? You are correct. And, based on the food they served at the show, they know what they're doing.
13) Elizabeth Jean Photography - elizabethjeanphotography.com
Elizabeth Jean does great work. I discovered her work this summer after seeing photos from a styled photo shoot at the Nashville Zoo (which we will feature very soon). It was great putting a face with her high-quality work. Be sure to visit her website to see her portfolio.
14) Grand Avenue - grandavenueworldwide.com
Transportation for the bridal show attendees was provided by Grand Avenue. It was posh! If you have a large bridal party or family that you want to ensure is easily transported (in style) between your bridal events, Grand Avenue should certainly be on your list.
15) Stay tuned. I'll share it on Friday.
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Posted by Ashley of Ashley's Bride Guide |
Filed under: Bridal Shows & Events, Cakes & Food, Florals, Details & Design , Grooms, Groomsmen & Tuxedos , Honeymoon and Post Wedding, Invitations & Paper Goods, Luxury Nashville Wedding Finds, DJ, Band, Lighting + Transportation, Wedding Resources
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Thursday, September 5, 2013
I met Vicki of Branching Out Floral and Event Design when I first started AshleysBrideGuide.com, in 2006. I had a lot to learn about the industry but one thing I learned fast was that Branching Out was a powerhouse.
The team has grown, in size and inventory, and their work continues to amaze. I don't know how they do it, but even with many years in the industry, they continue to innovate and create designs that brides love year after year.
I know Vicki and am familiar with her work. But it dawned on me that some of you might not be.
Take a few minutes to learn about Vicki via my interview today. If her philosophy and work resonate with you, give her a call to discuss your wedding.
How many years have you been in business? 15 years
How did you get started in weddings?
My mother was an award winning floral designer and also owned a catering company. I watched her design and helped her set up weddings, but never tried it myself.
As my friends’ daughters were beginning to have weddings, they would ask me to design the flowers. As my reputation spread and I was asked to design more weddings, I gave up teaching and began full time in the floral design business.
What do you like most about weddings?
I love working with my brides. They are so excited; it gets me excited as well. I get most excited when a bride has a general idea/theme she wants to achieve and then lets me and my very talented design crew have the freedom to do what we do best…be creative!
What is your service philosophy?
To always give my clients my time and listen to their concerns or questions. To always give my clients more than they paid for or expect. To always be on time on wedding day, so my brides don’t worry. To always be kind, considerate and trustworthy.
What are your strengths compared to others in your category?
The design team at Branching Out has many years of experience designing florals for weddings. We keep up with the latest trends by attending floral and wedding industry trainings. Branching Out is fully licensed and insured.
What attracts brides to your service/company?
Many brides come to us because another bride has referred us, which means we have a very good reputation in the wedding industry.
We are also able to offer our brides a huge inventory of all types of containers and props for their use, so they do not have to purchase a lot of containers and then have the hassle of trying to sell them after the wedding!
Along with that, we return at the end of the wedding and reception and remove all the floral décor. Our brides (and their parents) certainly appreciate the fact that they don’t have to work to breakdown a wedding after they have celebrated all night!
What would previous couples say was the main reason they selected your company?
Creativity, experience at all the venues in town, the convenience of our large inventory of containers and the fact that we do all the work setting up and breaking down their wedding.
Describe the bride/couple that is most attracted to your service/company?
Really all types of brides are attracted to us, as we will design a very small wedding or a very large wedding.
Who are your 5 favorite Nashville wedding vendors?
I don’t think I could possibly choose just 5 vendors. Having worked with SO many over the years, and having such a good relationship with everyone, it would be impossible to rate one over the other.
Does your company do anything special that a green, eco-conscious bride might want to know?
We will work with any charity that would like to have their flowers after the wedding.
To connect with Branching Out Events
Main contact: Vicki Sanders
Visit their website: branchingouteventflorist.com
Call us: 615-915-0043
Email us: vicki at branchingouteventflorist dot com
Tweet us: @NashvilleFlower
Become a Facebook fan: facebook.com/branchingouteventflorist
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Posted by Ashley of Ashley's Bride Guide |
Filed under: Helpful Vendor Interviews!, Florals, Details & Design , Wedding Resources
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Tuesday, August 6, 2013
The attendance at Nashville’s Perfect Wedding Guide bridal show, on Sunday, July 21, was phenomenal! The long check-in line snaked through the lobby of the Nashville Marriott at Vanderbilt, and remained that way for at least the first hour of the show. Brides were chatting with one another and smiling ear to ear. Each one was eager to see what fantastic finds awaited her.
All of this excitement had me wishing that I’d made it out to more bridal shows when I was engaged. It’s so great to spend time with other individuals sharing common interests, especially when it’s something as grandiose as your wedding!
While touring through the vendors’ booth on the first and second floors of the boutique style bridal show, hosted by Lisa Schneider and her team, there were several that caught my eye and had me wishing I was a bride all over again!
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Glitz Bridal had several amazing wedding dresses displayed through out the first and second floors of the Marriott. On the main floor, where Glitz’ booth was located, stood a 1920s era looking model showcasing a gorgeous mermaid wedding gown, vintage hair piece and dazzling jewelry. She was glowing with excitement and brides around the room couldn’t stop eyeing her and raving over her attire.
Southern Events’ booth showcased three different formal table settings. The first had an outdoor picnic feel with brightly colored daisies. The second was very vintage chic with a gorgeous contrast of white table settings on brown wood. The third, probably the most popular, had adorable trendy chevron place settings. It was nice to see such variety in one booth, by one vendor, but with each one still having a hint of southern flare to it.
Regalo Design, as usual, did not disappoint. The romantic candlelit floral display encompassing Regalo’s entire booth had brides waiting in line to speak with Sarah Goude, co-founder. I especially liked the shimmering burnt orange vases used at both their main booth and at a separate display table. They had such a warm feel to them and would be perfect for any fall wedding.
What more can I say about Signature Cakes by Vicki than, “YUM!”
As I walked up to Vicki Nelson’s booth my eyes were immediately locked on to the gorgeous detail of her white on white new classic cake. I was in such a trance that it took me a few moments to realize Ms. Nelson herself was saying hello! I had the opportunity to taste one of her caramel butterscotch cupcakes and it was scrumptious.
Brown’s Florists did a great job displaying multiple arrangements through out the entire venue. Each one illustrated different options that brides might like for their weddings – large and colorful, small and muted color or a combination of both. It was great to see such a variety from one florist spread through out the show.
Creative Crumbs cakes have a sweet and more modern style to them. They are for the sophisticated, yet playful bride, who pins vintage shoes, flower hair pins and mason jar vases to her Pinterest board. At her booth, Abby, owner of Creative Crumbs, had a cupcake station set up where brides could select a cake flavor and add the icing of their choice. This is also a service she offers at wedding receptions. What a fun idea!
Ribbons of Chocolate had a chocolate fondue fountain set up at their booth; always a crowd favorite. After very little resistance, I opted to give it a try. The chocolate was smooth and creamy and such a treat to my pallet. If you’re looking for a sweet treat that will also provide your guests with mild entertainment, then this is something to consider for your wedding reception.
Liberty Party Rental had different styles of table arrangements scattered throughout the venue. I noticed one that was more playful, with bright and cheerful colors and another that was more romantic, with softer colors and darker wood accents. I liked how each of these tables could appeal to brides with different tastes and different ideas for their wedding themes.
Already looking forward to your honeymoon? If so, then 2 Travel Anywhere is ready to help! This adorable booth, set up with chalkboards, rustic frames and suitcases, showcased numerous brochures featuring ideal locations for any couple. If you and your love are ready to feel the sand on your toes and listen to the waves as they crash against the shoreline then make sure to contact this planning vendor.
Best of all, there is no charge when contacting 2 Travel Anywhere with honeymoon planning questions.
Bella Bleu set up a picture perfect aisle right in the middle of their bridal show booth. This display illustrated their event planning capabilities fantastically. From the sample ceremony setting, with rows of chairs and flower petals covering the aisle, to the adorable sweetheart reception table with matching Mr. and Mrs. signs hanging from the bride and groom chairs, Bella Blue considered every detail for their Perfect Wedding Guide booth. To me, this speaks volumes toward the hard work they will put into every detail of an event as precious as a wedding.
Always eager to say hello were the handsomely dressed guys from Street Tuxedo. Their booth showcased an array of available tie and bow tie colors that any bride and groom can choose from to match their desired wedding theme. Also on display, worn by both the employees of Street Tuxedo and the mannequins, were various tuxedos, in shades from light to dark, to help brides get an idea of what Street Tuxedo has to offer. I love browsing through wedding attire on the racks and online, but there’s something awesome about seeing it in action. It really helps to provide a great visual of what it will look like on your wedding day.
There weren’t a large number of vendors, which was great because it wasn’t overwhelming (like some other bridal shows can be). Instead of going back home and digging through business cards and flyers and trying to place faces with names or services, I was able to look fondly at all the vendor names and remember the conversations I had with each one. I overheard a lot of other brides saying how much they liked the smaller bridal show atmosphere for that exact same reason: memorable impressions.
Lisa Schneider and her team did a fantastic job coordinating and showcasing some of Nashville’s local vendors in a bridal show with a boutique feel.
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Posted by Intern Laurie |
Filed under: Bridal Shows & Events, Florals, Details & Design , Grooms, Groomsmen & Tuxedos , Honeymoon and Post Wedding, Inspiration & Trends, Wedding Resources
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Tuesday, July 30, 2013
On Monday, we featured the faux wedding ceremony from The NotWedding bridal showcase. Today we are back with more!
The Reception
The faux wedding ceremony was followed by a first dance and lots of dancing, incliuding the Wobble! We were treated to a very popular dinner buffet, refreshing drinks, champagne toasts, snacks. The entertainment continued with a photo booth, cake cutting and a send off at the end of the night.
In a separate room, bridal show guests had the opportunity to enter the "Tunnel of Love", where we had a chance to meet the vendors who helped with the production of The NotWedding.
The wedding vendors
After taking in the sights, sounds and tastes, we felt it necessary to give special recognition to:
Emily O. Holmes | Emily designed the sweet invitations and RSVPs for this faux wedding.
Regalo Design | Damon and Sarah Goude and their team created the soft and romantic floral and moss backdrop and several gorgeous table centerpieces.
SOULflowers | Jessica Davis Fell arranged an amazing candlelit aisle as well as various table centerpieces through out the reception area.
Stockroom Vintage | Elizabeth Ulrich-Fanguy and her team showcased multiple rustic driftwood table centerpieces and displayed their new mid-century modern pieces in the vendor room.
Go Modern Vintage | Becca and Jessie crafted fun table centerpieces using local brew growlers to hold fresh flowers.
Street Tuxedo | The Street Tuxedo crew made sure the groom, his groomsmen and the ushers were dressed for the occasion in ceremony appropriate tuxedos, complete with custom neckwear by Otis James.
The Bride Room | The Bride Room provided the bride’s breathtaking lace ceremony gown and flirty reception dress, as well as the bridesmaids’ flowing dresses.
Lindsay Coletta | Lindsay Coletta handcrafted the bridal party bouquets and the groom’s party boutonnières, which complemented one another perfectly. She also arranged a sample reception table, set up in the center of the ceremony/reception room.
DJ Dan | DJ Dan provided the music that kept the party dancing well into the night. With a mix of current dance songs, romantic love songs and old rock ‘n’ roll there was something to bring everyone to the dance floor.
The Majestic Photo Booth Company | This one goes without saying – Who doesn’t love a photo booth?! Your booth is always a hit Majestic!
Savor The Flavor | Savor the Flavor cooked and served up some delicious southern cuisine for bridal show attendees to enjoy at The NotWedding reception.
Dales Fried Pies | Dales Fried Pies featured scrumptious fried pies in an assortment of flavors. We tried the apple pie (which was heart shaped) and it was absolutely divine.
Savida Sangria | Savida Sangria was served through out the ceremony and reception as the refreshment of choice.
Creative Crumbs | Abby of Creative Crumbs baked and designed an amazing wedding cake that fit the theme of The NotWedding perfectly.
The NotWedding was an amazing experience and it was great to see so many local vendors working well together. This speaks volumes as to what a friendly atmosphere the Nashville wedding industry is.
Great job to Callie Murray and team on your first Nashville The NotWedding bridal show event – here’s hoping for many more to come!
Lovely photos captured by {Declare} Photography. You can also view our candid photos and videos from the event via our Instagram feed, instagram.com/ashleysbrideguide.com.
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Posted by Intern Laurie |
Filed under: Bridal Shows & Events, Cakes & Food, Florals, Details & Design , Inspiration & Trends, Luxury Nashville Wedding Finds, DJ, Band, Lighting + Transportation, Photo Booth, Photography, Rentals
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