Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Welcome back! We hope you enjoyed your holiday weekend.
Isn't it interesting how a vacation makes you long for the next? And for many of you, your next vacation will be your honeymoon! However, if your schedule only allows for a few days off right after your wedding, consider a minimoon; it's a wonderful idea. My husband and I only had time for a minimoon after our wedding and where did we stay? Aloft in Cool Springs!
Aloft's modern and innovative design is a vision of W Hotels. The sleek and warm environment is just one of the great aspects of the hotel, and they offer one-of-a-kind service. If you want something, chances are you can have it, at any hour! Perfect for a home-away-from-home minimoon for modern brides and grooms.
The contemporary lounge areas are magnificent, and great for getting some fresh air.
One great feature is the 24/7 pantry, Re:Fuel. Any and every snack item you will ever want is stocked fresh in Re:Fuel. You grab what you want, when you want it! Every time you "check out," it's charged right to your room number, so no waiting in lines to pay. I had ice cream late one night during my minimoon. (Yum!) And the best part was we didn't have to go anywhere. They also have a latte machine. Coffee lovers can make all the lattes, espressos, and cappuccinos their hearts desire. Talk about convinence!
A latte machine + snacks = a-mazing!
If your wedding is in the winter, no worries, you can still swim in Aloft's indoor swimming pool! The water is refreshing and you will feel relaxed in no time. It features comfy seating, and Wi-Fi for those who just want to hang out by the pool.
Aloft adds a chic vibe to just hanging out by the pool with this oversized seating area. Perfect for cuddling with your new spouse!
Right beside the pool area, Aloft Cool Springs has a state-of-the-art work-out facility.
The w xyz bar provides beverages and cocktails that you won't want to miss. Happy Hour is always a-buzz at Aloft. Wine, spritzers and speciality drinks are always on the menu!
Aloft features PURE rooms, which are allergy friendly rooms! Now you don't have to worry about sleepy in a 'stuffy' hotel room. Aloft covers every last detail when it comes to your stay with them. From their Facebook page: “A PURE room has all bedding and pillows encased in protective yet comfortable cover that is mold-proof, spore-proof, hypoallergenic, dust and dust mite proof.” I just love how ahead-of-the-game Aloft is in their amenities!
The rooms are, as you guessed it, just like a loft! The entry way, sink, and closet is open into the bedroom area. The bathroom features a space saving sliding door. So great!
Don't forget to turn off the alarm! It's your minimoon!
To book your minimoon, check out Aloft's website below. You won't regret your refreshing, ultra-calming stay with Aloft! Aloft is also great for wedding room blocks for your out of town guests. Contact Kristen McBryde at 615-221-6515 to discuss rooms for your out of town wedding guests.
{Aloft Cool Springs is an ABG advertiser. All photos via Aloft Cool Springs Facebook Like Page.}
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Posted by Bethany |
Filed under: Destination Weds & Honeymoon , Guests, Gifts & Favors, Wedding Resources,
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Monday, May 2, 2011
Your wedding could possible be the biggest family reunion of your life! Your family, traveling from miles away, will delight in every other family member they see. And, while you are running around taking care of last minute details, they will be reconnecting with other guests, often having impromptu mini-parties whenever they see family and friends.
Many brides and grooms don't even think about all of the reuniting that takes place before and after their actual ceremony/reception. But, your family, especially out of town famiiy, will treat your wedding as a vacation. So the hotel you select for guest accommodations will really will matter.
For my wedding, I wanted a place that had a casual meeting area and breakfast/snacks so my guests could hang out and eat conveniently. You may have other priorities. But as you consider what's important - from location to price point - check out one of our website sponsors, Aloft Hotel. We love their hotel! It's right off Interstate 65 in Franklin (behind Cool Springs mall), is super chic and ultra modern with great mingling spaces, modern rooms and free wifi.
Learn more in our helpful Q+A with Aloft Hotel...
Venue Information:
Name: Aloft Nashville Cool Springs
Address: 7109 South Springs Drive
, Franklin, TN 37067
Contact: Kristyn McBride
Telephone: 615-221-6515
Website: AloftHotels.com/coolsprings
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/aloftnashville
Facebook fan page: Facebook.com/AloftCoolSprings
About The Venue
We are Urban Cool in Unexpected Places. As a vision of W Hotels, Aloft is all about free flowing energy, fresh sensibilities and an active social scene. Urban-inspired design, accessible technology and an anything goes attitude, adds a new twist to the hotel category, while specialty cocktails, a cutting edge playlist and the happening vibe of the WXYZ bar adds extra sizzle.
The Bar/Lounge area in the lobby is a wonderful conversational area.
Year hotel built: September 2008
Your motto/philosophy: Live Life Aloft
Payment options accepted: MC, VI, DS, AX, Travelers Check, DC
What type of room(s) are available?
Loft Style rooms with one king bed or two queen beds
King Loft
Queen Loft
How far in advance should a bride book your venue? 3 -6 months out
When is the initial deposit/final payment due?
3 days prior with credit card guarantee for rental, at the time of check out for sleeping rooms
What makes your venue so unique? What do you pride yourself on?
Effervescent, energetic and alive are three words that embody the spirit of Aloft, from our overall attitude to our A-list atmosphere. Aloft is making travel fresh and fun, with a modern bold design, bright social spaces and a spirit of adventure, attracting individuals that want unique experiences. Our atmosphere is uniquely Aloft where sight sound and scent all synch up to create a distinct look and feel for the pulse of the day and the beat of the night.
Image by Jonathon Campbell
Be sure to let Aloft Hotel know you're an ABG Bride who's planning her wedding when you call them to talk to them about the hotel. It's a cool, funky little space and we think just great for parties and even showers. Can't wait to see more wedding related events there!
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Posted by Ashley King |
Filed under: Helpful Vendor Interviews!, Guests, Gifts & Favors, Wedding Resources,
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Friday, April 29, 2011
Local wedding design company Regalo Design not only has florals, decor and planning on its repertoire but now can proudly add wedding and party favors to that list! Regalo is now offering a huge slew of wedding and party favors via their website and we can't wait to see ABG Brides include them in their weddings. Here are some of our favorites.
You can't really go wrong with consumables or edible favors. A slightly healthier option than candy or chocolates would be Regalo's line of coffee and tea which features great tea making accessories and even honey you can give your guests in teeny jars. These honeypots, complete with wooden dipper, would serve as a fun reminder of your wedding each time your guests reach for honey.
Left: "Meant to Bee" honey pot. Right: "Packed with Gra-TEA-tude" individual tea packs. Such cute names!
If you're packaging your own favors (say, candy you ordered from somewhere or personalized M&M's) Regalo's Favor shop has containers you can use and personalize. A less messy alternative to the candy bufet is to give your guests candy in these jars with personalized labels.
Another container for candy would be these mini tins also with personalizable labels and a see-through lid so you can even use colored candy for an extra punch.
While we're on the topic of personalizing your favors, they also carry a ton of personalizable goodies. These fans are perfect for a hot summer wedding, especially if you're getting married in Nashville anytime between June through August! These travel coffee mugs would be a super favor to take home or, just so you don't spend too much, would also make a nice gift for your bridal party.
What's nifty is the favors are also categorized by seasons so you can easily figure out which are great for spring, summer, fall or winter weddings. The seashell placecard holders are, obviously, for the summer and they can double up as decorative favors for your guests. These would be great for a wedding by the beach or at a resort.
As someone who got married in the middle of July, I really could have used these pretty sandalwood fans. They'll provide relief, they're really pretty and could make for some fun pictures of your guests!
The women and baking enthusiasts will love you for giving them a maple leaf cookie cutter right in time for holiday party season!
For more formal weddings, these fleur-de-lis place card holders can become your guests' photo holders when they take them home.
From Asian inspired to eco-friendly, Western (like the margarita mix above) to table decor, Regalo's favor site features tons of these great Kate Aspen favors. Bonus: if you're not certain if the favor works for your wedding, the fabulous Sarah Goude of Regalo Design will be there to help you figure out how to use them and work them into your decor, or to figure out if it will work with your theme. Click here to see the rest of the items and be sure to visit Regalo Design's site for more of what they could do for your wedding!
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Posted by Tabitha |
Filed under: Guests, Gifts & Favors,
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Monday, April 25, 2011
As a recent bride {married April 2, 2011} and a former bridesmaid (7 times!), finding the right gift for my maids was one of the toughest things I’ve done. The main thing I wanted to avoid?? Something they would never use again.
Between the Internet and local Nashville stores, there are plenty of options. Etsy has been a great resource during our wedding, so I started there. I found these clutches in the Etsy Eclu shop. You can choose the fabrics for the inside & outside, choose the accessory and for $7 you can get a personalized note inscribed on the inside.
Another great option is Neela Bags (NeelaBags.com). They carry reusable bags that are adorable and great for the environment! There are many different patterns and sizes to choose from, and the price is just right!
A great local shop is Social Graces (SocialGracesOnline.com). The shop is in Hillsboro Village and they carry beautiful stationary and gifts. Their collection of paper, with the option to personalize, is a fantastic gift that will be used months after the wedding is over.
Images via Social Graces
The job of a bridesmaid is not an easy one, so a great gift is to pamper your maids with a mani/pedi day! Not only will they love it, this gift also allows for you as the bride to spend some extra time with your best girl friends! Nashville has many wonderful salons and prices start at $15-20 per service.
Local spa Escape in Belle Meade offers group sessions for brides and bridesmaids.
After lots of debate, I have finally picked what to give my girls! Coach has a line of wristlets that cost between $49 - $99. Luckily for Nashville brides, we have a Coach outlet just outside of town in Lebanon. They sell the same wristlets for $39 and there are always sales. I ended up paying around $30/each for beautiful wristlets that I know my girls will love!
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Posted by Newlywed Sara |
Filed under: Bridesmaids & Bridal Party, Guests, Gifts & Favors,
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Tuesday, March 15, 2011
As you know, our site is 99% focused on great Nashville wedding finds. BUT, we always enjoy sharing super cute options for your wedding day, whether they are Nashville-based or not. Here are some of our favorite finds over the last few months. Who knows, they might be just what you were seeking!
Image courtesy of Lotus Blossom Photography
Custom Figurines of Yourself:
Instead of just a regular old bride and groom cake topper that looks nothing like you, how about a custom made figurine with with your faces? My Face Figurines (myfacefigurines.com.au) will take your images and customize the figurines to look just like you. You can have them standing or posed in various positions like dancing, or like in the picture above, carrying the bride over the threshold! Even though they're in Australia, they do indeed ship to the U.S! I think they are adorable.
Inspirational Accessories for your Bridesmaids
If you're surrounded by friends who continue to inspire and motivate and you'd like to tell them just how awesome they are, Pure Designs for Living (PureDesignsForLiving.com) has a couple of gift ideas. They have a collection of bracelets called "I am" bracelets have inspiration words such as "Beautiful" or "Blessed" carved into silver that would make awesome gifts. You can even pair those with the "I am" series of candles which also have powerful words on the candle lids. The candles are made of soy in California and come in various scents with each message.
Need guest book ideas? Pure Design also has Blessings Boxes which are a nifty and decorative way to store all the sweet notes and blessings from your guests. It comes with a pen, scented candle, two bracelets and instructions and sits in a nice wooden box you can leave on your guest book table.
Return The Bridesmaids Dresses After
Before you think we're asking you to pull one of those "keep the tags on, return it after the party's over" scams, we're not. RentARunway.com lets choose a dress from their huge inventory of designers and styles, schedule the delivery dates and you keep the dresses for four to eight days. When you're done, just send it back!
They have everything from dresses that you can wear for your rehearsal dinner to bridesmaids dress and with designer names like Badgley Mischka, Diane Von Furstenberg, Tibi and Missoni (to name a few) this also resolves the issue of what the girls are going to do with the dresses after.
Creative Guest Book Ideas
We've seen type writers for guest books, Tabitha used a big Chinese scroll, some couples use polaroids to create an album - people are getting more and more creative in guest book ideas that won't just sit on a shelf and collect dust. Aside from the Blessings Box we just mentioned, Meredith Zeller has a shop on Etsy (Etsy.com/ZellerZazzles)that sells a thumb/finger print guest board customized just for you. You can pick the colors of the stamp pads for your guests and she provides the art. So nifty! She also has some
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Image courtesy of ZellerZazzles
Colored Unity Sand
Choose from an assortment of colors and personalize the jar in which you pour your unity sand to have as a decorative keepsake from your wedding ceremony. SandsationalSparkle.com also has a ton of accessories and wedding decor items from cake toppers to toasting glasses to favors. You can also visit StudioWed Nashville (Edgehill Village area), an official retailer of the specialty sand.
Vibrant colors for a Spring or Summer wedding
A little more subdued.
If you found some really fun items for your wedding online we'd love to know what they are too so please leave them in the comments! We hope these ideas are useful and give you a clearer idea of what's available out there.
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Posted by Ashley King |
Filed under: Bridesmaids & Bridal Party, Guests, Gifts & Favors, Wedding Resources,
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