Friday, October 14, 2011
ABG Welcomes Jenn Cady Design Photography to our team of Nashville wedding resources!!
If you dream of wedding photos that you will cherish for a lifetime, Jenn Cady Design Photography should be one of the first places you look. Jenn has assembled a dream team to help capture your day with quality and that special touch that even stars come calling for (check out her galleries that include Thompson Square, Jessie James, and so many more).
We love Jenn for her work in wedding photography and her ability to make a bride into a star through her images; but, interestingly enough, this star expertise comes from remarkable experience with Miss America. Not only has Jenn photographed Miss America and Miss America’s Outstanding Teen, but she has also been a sponsor of pageant competitors. Mostly through this work, she has been featured in many national magazines, including full page spreads of her work. Pretty impressive, right? Oh, I forgot to mention, she was also crowned Miss West Virginia in 1994. Now, Brides, don’t you want someone who can capture you like a supermodel?
About Jenn Cady Design Photography:
Company Name: Jenn Cady Design Photography
Main Contact: Jenn Cady, Jarrett Gaza, Tina Biship (Studio Coordinator)
Phone Number: 615-265-8806
Email Address: info {at} jenncady {dot} com
Website: http://jcgweddingphotography.com
Twitter: @JennCady
Like their Facebook fan page: Jenn-Cady-Design-Photography
How many years have you been in business?
5 years as a professional photographer
How did you get started in weddings?
I was a professional Wedding Coordinator at a private club for two years before becoming a Wedding Photographer. My profession as a wedding coordinator introduced me to the wedding industry and I quickly became a specialist of the wedding experience and flow of the wedding celebration. I can bring distinguished artistry and credible experience to your day. Master Photographer Jarrett Gaza, team member and mentor of Jenn, has been an Elite Entertainment photographer for over 25 years and has photographed stars along the lines of Carrie Underwood, George Strait and Tim McGraw. Jarrett and I have teamed up together to shoot creative weddings that have a unique and “star quality” flare.
What do you like most about weddings?
We love taking the couple’s unique vision and fusing it into a composition that will last that couple a lifetime of memories. We make each and every wedding event personal and we love finding that “wow” factor in every wedding or photo shoot. We love when the couple opts to do the “First Look”. We find this moment to be without words and best described through the emotions captured by our lens.
What's your favorite wedding picture and why?
We love this picture of a bride just walking the church isle before her ceremony in anticipation of the “first look”. It was an amazing moment where the light hit her back perfectly. It is just a simple but BEAUTIFUL picture.
What is your service philosophy?
A photographer must record the emotional content of this special day along with the ritual of events. We love to grasp and capture the unseen moments by most and create a visual montage that reflects your individual personality as a couple.
We truly have a passion for what we do and we find so much joy in it. There is nothing more gratifying than the rite of passage of a wedding day and we could hardly call it just another day at the office. We are simply there for YOU!
What are your strengths compared to others in your category? Why should a bride hire you?
With a unique combination of a highly experienced team, artistry, skill and anticipation, we have a very unique gift of telling your story through our lens. Plus, we really like to have fun and bring out your best with an unobtrusive approach in documenting your moment. Expect a treasured collection of images that will bring the essence of your wedding day to life, for you and your family for generations to come.
Who are your 5 favorite Nashville wedding vendors - helpfulness, professionalism, style?
We love working with:
Studio157 (studioonefiftyseven.com)
Faboo Cakes (faboocakes.com)
The BIG TO DO (hair - facebook.com/pages/The-BIG-TO-DO/241082177327)
Regalo Design (http://www.regalodesign.com)
Opryland Hotel (GaylordOpryland.com)
For beautiful wedding photos that you will love for a lifetime, contact Jenn Cady Design Photography today at http://jcgweddingphotography.com. And, if you book now, you will get a Formal Bridal Session for FREE! Just remember to mention ABG when you first contact Jenn Cady Design Photography.
All photos courtesy of Jenn Cady Design Photography.
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Posted by Newlywed Sara |
Filed under: Our Featured Advertisers!, Photography
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Friday, October 7, 2011
Nashville is home to some of the best photographers in the business. With so many options, it can be hard to stand out. But Myrick Cowart of Myrick Studios has found a way. One look at his photos will help you understand why so many Nashville couples hire him as one of their most trusted vendors for their big day. His laid back but fun personality keeps his couples relaxed, while he turns their wedding day memories into a work of art. (Note - Our readers receive $500 off of your package. Just mention ABG when you first contact Myrick Studios.)
About Myrick Studios:
Company Name: Myrick Studios
Main Contact: Myrick Cowart
Phone Number: 615-586-2642
Email Address: myrick {at} myrickstudios {dot} com
Website: www.myrickstudios.com
Twitter: @myrickstudios
Facebook fan page: facebook.com/myrickstudios
Number of years in the business:
Almost 7 years
How did you get started in weddings?
I started off just shooting friends and family with my Mom’s point-and-shoot camera. I finally went out and bought a real camera, shot my first wedding and fell in love with it.
What do you like most about weddings?
Shooting a wedding is a total adrenaline rush for me. I am a total romantic at heart and I love being a part of someone’s story and getting caught up in the whole thing. Plus, I love going to parties and being around people, so it’s the perfect job for me.
What’s your favorite wedding picture to take and why?
My favorite moment of weddings to shoot is the father/daughter dance. I have a 9-year-old daughter and I always imagine what that is going to be like for me. I also love the first dance between the bride and the groom because I love to dance.
What is your service philosophy?
I really want to make sure that the brides that I work with are happy. I am extremely laid back but I can also take charge when I need to. I offer a standard package to my clients, but if someone says that they have a certain budget, and they want certain things, I will try to work with them to customize it towards their budget. And my goal is to always try to be done with the photos by the time a couple returns from their honeymoon.
What are your strengths compared to others in your category? Why should a bride hire you?
Personality wise, I love to have fun and make people laugh. I put people at ease and help them relax and have fun while I am photographing them. I really enjoy capturing the fun moments along with the tender ones that happen throughout the day.
I also use many different types of lighting, which I really enjoy. The lighting can really make things pop and change the look of a photo. I do not use a camera flash in most of my reception images - I like to use off-camera lighting when I can. I am able to tailor the lighting and style of the photo to the couple and the vibe they are going for.
Who are your 5 favorite Nashville wedding vendors – helpfulness, professionalism, style?
2Duce2 Videography – Eugene & Heather Brown (2duce2.com)
CJ’s Off The Square (cjsoffthesquare.com)
Cheekwood Botanical Gardens (cheekwood.org)
Schermerhorn Symphony Center (nashvillesymphony.org)
Belle Meade Plantation (bellemeadeplantation.com)
What is your favorite thing about working with brides (and grooms)?
Every bride and groom that I’ve worked with have become my friends. I make new friends every single week - its what I love about my job. I get to be with them on their special day and then continue having a relationship with them after the wedding is over.
Where can we find you when you’re not working with a bride/groom?
At home hanging out with my kids (and editing lots of photos).
Follow his blog at http://blog.mikecowart.com to see more of his incredible portfolio. To book Myrick Studios for your next wedding or event, visit their website at http://www.myrickstudios.com. Remember, our readers receive $500 off of your package. Just mention ABG when you first contact Myrick Studios.
All photos courtesy of Myrick Studios.
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Posted by Newlywed Sara |
Filed under: Our Featured Advertisers!, Photography, Wedding Resources
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Monday, October 3, 2011
I recently attended an open house for Regalo Design and had an opporttunity to speak with a lovely engaged couple. They asked what I thought about Regalo Design and other wedding planners. Nashville has a bevy of great wedding planners, which makes choosing the right one a challenge. BUT, I encourage you to take the time to interview a few and find the one that feels right. Ask questions, read their blog, meet them in person and hire the company that meets your specific needs, "gets" your vision and with whom you connect personally.
Regalo Design is one wedding planning company that you should definitely add to your consider list. Sarah and Damon make a great team and offer a unique combination of services, from floral design to custom furntiture and wedding favors. Sarah is very creative and a great problem solver. Damon is a gal's dream handyman and a great complement to the design team. Their company is a one-stop planning solution for many of your wedding needs.
Let's look at some of the specific ways Regalo Design can help you!
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Left: their studio; Right: Damon and Sarah
A husband and wife team, Regalo Design takes care of your planning, florals and decor for your wedding. "Sarah is one person who understands all three aspects," explained Damon, "When you have three seperate vendors for each thing it's hard to get them to fully understand your vision." When it comes to fabrics and draping, Regalo can handle the simple parts but will outsource to specialty lighting companies; aside from that and catering, there isn't much they don't do.
Planning Services
Regalo limits the number of weddings they do each year to make sure they properly focus on each bride. They have several tiers of planning packages from month-of to full-on planning and destination packages. "We are able to JUST be a planner if that's called for but our other services are included for sure." The "other services," Damon was referring to:
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Unlimited emails and phone calls
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Pre-wedding consultations
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Assistance with all of your wedding showers or parties
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Vendor referrals
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Timeline of events
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Coordinate and direct the rehearsal
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Rehearsal dinner and wedding day activities
All this is included whether you get the most basic of packages or if you have added more of their services on.
Budgeting
As a planner, Regalo has established strong working relationships with vendors and wholesalers and will share those incentives and savings with you. For example, the cost of flowers - they buy flowers for your decorations from wholesalers and they offer you the same prices they get, so there are no hidden costs. As Damon told me, when it comes to utilizing a bride's budget, "we specifically divide budget up to what they want, don't overbuy and therefore don't exceed their budget."
Floral Design & Decor
"Anything floral related, we can fully manage," Damon says. Personally, their floral work far exceeds just management - Regalo designs and puts together all the flowers in their weddings from bouquets to centerpieces. Mixed in with their huge assortment of decor pieces, each wedding has its own look with Regalo's distinct flair and touch.
Sarah also sews, so it's not out of the ordinary for her to create custom linens for a bride. Regalo also has a huge inventory of decor items like vases, glass cylinders, votives, candles and other knick knacks that you would normally have to rent elsewhere. There is no extra cost to what you use.
Wooden boxes perfect for a rustic wedding.
Wedding Favors
Regalo Design offers wedding favors through their Wedding Favor Market. From great bridesmaid and groomsmen gifts to all sorts of fun favors your guests will love, the Wedding Favor Market has a ton of options. Because Regalo runs this online store, they know what's available, how soon you can get it and they will be able to tell you how well (or not) it will match your theme.
Peace of Mind
You are always in the loop when you work with Regalo. All couples have access to their own online planning database that Sarah and Damon update as you go through your planning process. The Regalo Planning Center has checklists, contracts, invoices and notes from meetings and phonecalls so if you ever have a moment where you're wondering if you might have forgotten to talk to Regalo about something, you can go in there to check, even if it's the middle of the night!
When your first consultation is complimentary, there's nothing to lose and so much to gain, so definitely give Regalo Design a call. They have tons more photos from weddings and events they've overseen on their website RegaloDesign.com - where you will also find more information on everything they do. You can also read testimonials from Regalo brides on her profile here view pictures or their real weddings in our Inspiration Gallery.
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Posted by Ashley of Ashley's Bride Guide |
Filed under: Our Featured Advertisers!, Details, Design & Florals, Guests, Gifts & Favors, Wedding Planners & Coordinators
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Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Ever so often we like to check in with our ABG vendors to see what's new and what's been going on in their world. As we've grown, so have they and it's always fun to see what they're doing now that will benefit you and your wedding planning. We recently featured her son's wedding and talked about some of her new cake designs but haven't properly introduced Vicki Nelson of Signature Cakes by Vicki to you so without further ado, here is today's Sponsor Spotlight.
Contact Information:
Name: Signature Cakes By Vicki
Main Contact: Vicki Nelson
Phone Number: 615-513-2266
Email Address: signaturecakesbyvicki {at} comcast {dot} net
Website: SignatureCakesByVicki.com
How did you get started in weddings and how long have you been decorating cakes?
My grandparents were Italian immigrants and settled 90 miles outside of Boston, Massachusetts. There are wonderful pastry bakeries and amazing family-owned restaurants in the area and so I developed a passion for delectable food and delicious sweets. Before heading off to college, I owned a small Italian restaurant, catered weddings and made wedding cakes. During my college years I continued making wedding cakes and coordinating weddings for extra money.
After my husband and I graduated from college in 1981, we moved to Nashville. I attempted to start a wedding cake business, but Nashville just wasn’t quite ready for me yet. Those were the days that most brides got their wedding cakes at Krogers for $50. So, I went into the corporate world during the onset of the telecommunications software revolution. The corporate world just wasn’t for me. Also, I really wanted to run my own business so I began catering corporate lunches. I would often do event cakes and wedding cakes for particular clients. But, in 2007 I decided to change direction, stop catering and pursue my love of wedding cakes. That’s how Signature Cakes by Vicki was born.
Images by Ashlea Terhune Photography
What do you like most about weddings?
I love the ceremony – the moment when the couple proclaims before God and all those present that they will keep their word, their vows. It gives me chills and makes me cry. Weddings are about marriage, which is the greatest commitment two people can make. Most people think about being in love when they think about a wedding, but I think that falling in love is the easy part. Making a lifetime commitment and keeping it, now that takes work and that’s what marriage is really about. Next, I love the reception. I think it should be a wonderful party with great food, drink, dancing and music. It should be the celebration of a lifetime.
What’s your favorite wedding photo/video and why?
Pictures of cake are wonderful and of course it’s important that the brides can see my work on my website. But, my favorite pictures are ones of the brides and groom’s cutting their cakes. When I see their faces, I see the joy of the moment and I get to be there, even though I wasn’t actually there.
Image by Gray Photography
Images by Chris Weaver
What is your service philosophy?
SERVICE IS EVERYTHING! I don’t care how good a product is, if it isn’t backed up with great customer service – it’s nothing. Once a bride has chosen me to do her wedding cake, I take it from there. I work with her wedding planner and her reception venue from that point on, all the way through wedding day. I communicate with her by way of emails and phone calls. She never has to concern herself again with her wedding cakes. I promise to make sure that her cake(s) are delivered on time, safe, delicious and beautiful, just as it appeared in the full scale drawing that I did on consultation day. But wedding day is not the end. I always follow up after the wedding, because I want to know that she and her guests were pleased on wedding day. I treat every bride like family. Isn’t that how we all want to be treated?
What are your strengths compared to others in your category? Why should a bride hire you?
First, we have a three-fold commitment to our customers.
1. The most beautiful cake that YOU, the customer, can imagine. We make beautiful edible embellishments such as sugar flowers, fruits, fondant ribbons, fabric, bows, birds, shoes and lace. We replicate elements from your dress in hand done piping and molds. We put all those elements together to make a one-of-a-kind, original work of edible art. No one else will ever have your wedding cake.
2. We use the freshest, highest quality ingredients including fresh eggs, butter, cream, raspberries, strawberries, juices, spices, herbs, nuts and various gourmet candies such as Ghriradelli White Chocolate, Lindor Truffles, and Godiva Chocolate, just too mention a few. We combine flavors to make gourmet, original recipes for our cakes and our icings.
3. We provide unparalleled customer service from the initial consultation to our final follow-up after wedding day.
We also have a 5-star 5.0 rating on marthastewartweddings.com with 115 reviews. We have the most reviews in not only Nashville, but Tennessee and all the surrounding states.
Images courtesy of Signature Cakes by Vicki
Who are your 5 favorite Nashville wedding vendors – helpfulness, professionalism, style?
We have many wonderful wedding vendors in Nashville. We have some who have been around a long time and have the reputation that they deserve. We also have some newcomers, who have great potential. My favorite wedding vendors are the ones that brides tell me did a wonderful job on their wedding. Professionalism and quality of service is everything. Instead of giving my personal opinion about who I prefer, I suggest vendors who are members of TWESA (Tennessee Wedding and Events Specialists Association). In order to be a member of TWESA, you must fulfill professional requirements and be of a good reputation in the industry. Furthermore, I suggest brides and grooms choose vendors who have impeccable reviews by independent sources. Remember, anyone can put "accolades" on their own website.
What advice would you give to brides on the wedding planning process in general?
Very few couples today have an unlimited budget for their wedding. Most couples are trying to make their dollars stretch and still have the wedding of their dreams. The first thing you must do is research! I find that many couples make up an arbitrary budget based on what they "think" they should spend on each category such as reception venue, caterer, flowers, cakes, music, invitations, favors, and photography without actually knowing what the average prices are in their area. Going online to do research is great, but honestly, very few websites actually give the exact prices. And remember, it’s imperative that you compare apples to apples.
The best way to get the most amount of information in the shortest time is to go to a bridal show. At the shows, you can ask specific questions of many different vendors in the same category. You can taste their cakes, food and drinks. You can see the work of the photographers and florists. And you can touch their samples of paper, fabric and finery. Bridal Shows narrow down your choices without spending all your time, which can actually be just as valuable to you as your money.
What is the biggest misconception about your industry?
THE biggest misconception in the wedding industry is that all vendors are "created equal." If you are looking for a one-of-a-kind, original, couture wedding cake in gourmet flavors, choose well. Check reviews, reviews, reviews!!! Read independent reviews written by brides, grooms and mothers. I suggest marthastewartweddings.com and weddingwire.com. Someone claiming to be a baker may be someone who took a few cake classes or has only done a few wedding cakes and may not have the expertise to design and bring to life a cake in art. Cake design involves, baking, art, math and engineering. Cakes aren’t magical, they have to be constructed properly in order to transport well and present well. So, make sure you get the best "value" for the price.
The cheapest price is usually not the best choice. Everyone has heard the old adage, "You get what you pay for." Well that saying is still around because it is usually still true. For example, if you hire "Uncle Fred" to do your videography, it will not be a professional, edited, work of art when you get it back from him. Well, unless of course, Uncle Fred is in the videography business. Another example would be if you hired someone who calls themself a "wedding planner" because she just got married last Spring and "knows everything" about planning a wedding. Again, a certified event planner, with years of experience has the expertise and business relationships to help you have the best possible results on wedding day. Remember, there are no "do-overs" on your wedding day.
Image by Meishach Moore Photographers
We are excited to see what else Vicki and her team have in store for us at the upcoming bridal shows. Rumor has it, she'll be launching a few new flavors and some new designs for her cakes! If Signature Cakes by Vicki was your baker for your wedding, we'd love to see the pictures so please do send them to us along with the photographer's name to add to our gallery! For more Signature Cakes by Vicki, visit their website.
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Posted by Tabitha |
Filed under: Our Featured Advertisers!, Cakes & Food, Luxury Nashville Wedding Finds
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Monday, September 12, 2011
This Thursday, we are hosting a wedding planning workshop with Kerried Away Couture. {See details and rsvp here.} If you aren't familiar with Kerried Away, we're here to tell you more about this special company.
When it comes to personalizing you wedding, nothing expresses your personality more than your wedding dress and when that dress is custom made for you by a company as talented as Kerried Away Couture, let's just say it can't really get better than that! Kerri Zelenik Burton, owner of Nashville based design shop, Kerried Away Couture, was kind enough to give us the inside info on her business, her passion for creating custom gowns and dress designing for her own wedding last summer. Sit back and settle in because it's time to let yourself get carried away by the beauty and talent of 'Kerried Away Couture'!
How did you get started in weddings?
A photographer learned of Kerried Away’s concept and saw the designs that we offer for everyday wear for women and made the suggestion that I look into working with brides. As I explored this market segment I realized that this was a perfect fit for brides. At the time I was engaged myself and I was having a hard time finding exactly what I wanted so I knew there were others out there struggling with finding the right bridesmaid dress or rehearsal dinner dress that also fit into their budget. Working with brides is now probably 80% of our business.
Beautiful fabric swatches at Kerri's showroom in Murfreesboro.
What do you like most about weddings?
We enjoy how each bride always has a unique idea, detail, or color they want to incorporate in their dresses. Most brides enjoy designing their bridesmaid dresses or a fun party dress that fits their personality – it’s really a fun process for all involved.
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Kerri at her wedding last summer with her bridesmaids in their custom designed dresses (made by Kerri of course)! Photo courtesy of Divine Images.
What is your service philosophy?
We want the bride to be happy and we will work to make sure the design process is enjoyable and stress free. With a variety of fabric and design options, we also strive to offer each bride the opportunity to design something unique but within their budget.
What are your strengths compared to others in your category? / Why should a bride hire you?
Our strength lies in the business concept. We are able to offer brides the ability to completely customize a dress and also have fittings with the actual seamstresses that make their dresses. In addition, we do not use rack sizing, instead we actually measure the bride or bridesmaids and do our best to fit their measurements on the top and bottom. We also offer a fitting package that brides and/or bridesmaids can choose to purchase in which we can guarantee a great fit – no need for alterations if they choose this package. We meet with each bride and keep in contact with them through the entire process so there is a personal aspect that we offer as well.
Who are your 5 favorite Nashville wedding vendors – helpfulness, professionalism, style?
There are so many wonderful vendors in Nashville its difficult to choose just a few but below are four that we have had a lot of experience working with and would recommend to anyone. Brides can take advice and recommendations but when it comes down to it the most important thing is that the bride feels comfortable and compatible with her vendors. We love working with -- Planner: Kerry Dunn, No Detail UnDunn; Planner: Tiffani Helms, Creative Design Events; Caterer: A Catered Affair; and Photographer: Divine Images.
Melanie, a designer for Kerried Away Couture, in a beautiful Kerried Away dress!
Who do you recommend when you’re not available/not a fit?
We would recommend Bella Bridesmaid or b.Hughes. Both have a variety dress options and provide great service.
What do you read/watch regularly to stay on top of wedding/event trends?
Ashley’s Bride Guide of course! We also follow the popular entertainment blog Pizzazzerie which has great party design ideas and fun projects. In regards to wedding magazines, we prefer Instyle Weddings. The Knot and Brides.com are also great online resources.
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The ladies of Kerried Away Couture and Paige's Pantry at the grand opening of their joint showroom in May!
What advice would you give to brides on the wedding planning process in general?
Enjoy this time in your life. It goes so quickly and there are times when it can be stressful and a bit busy but you will be so glad in the end if you really try to enjoy it and soak it all up all along the way. Also, choose vendors that you feel you have a good connection to you and your fiancé. Choosing the right vendors can really make all the difference in the entire planning process and ultimately the wedding day.
A BIG thanks to Kerri for giving us a glimpse into dress design. Can we just talk about those stunning bridesmaid dresses for a second?! Gorgeous! For more information on Kerried Away Couture be sure to check out her website right here or visit her showroom in Murfreesboro! And don't forget to mention ABG for a special discount!
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Posted by Genna |
Filed under: Our Featured Advertisers!, Attire - Bridal Gowns, Wedding Dresses & Accessories, Bridal Shows & Events, Bridesmaids & Bridal Party, Luxury Nashville Wedding Finds
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