Thursday, September 30, 2010
I love love love getting questions from brides and lately they've been really good ones too! Today's bride Q&A features three emails I've received for showers, invitations and bathrooms! It's never a dull moment and I love helping you find solutions to your questions so keep the emails coming!
Halloween themed bridal shower for an engaged couple
Question from bride's friend: "I'm throwing a couples shower that will be Oct 30th. Due to a last minute change in venue (it was going to be at a sports park with volleyball games and burgers not it is going to be a someones home), I'm back at square one for planning. The bride is wanting the couples shower to be a Halloween costume party as well. Do you have any post or resources that comment on how to bring the two together. I'm out of creative ideas."
Answer: I directed her question to Sarah Goude of Regalo Design, one quick thinking planner...
Have each couple who is invited, dress up like a Hollywood couple. Additionally, you can have them dress as a famous music duo or things that go together such as ketchup and mustard or salt & pepper. However, if you want it to be “relationship oriented” as in a “couple’s shower”, I would suggest just sticking to celebrity or Hollywood couples. Have fun this Halloween and get creative with your couples shower.
For the rest of Sarah's answer, visit the Regalo Design Blog!
Ashley adds: Be sure to also check out hostessblog.com. It's THE ultimate source for party inspiration. I found these cute Halloween decor ideas for your party's inspiration.
http://www.hostessblog.com/2010/09/diy-happy-halloween-dessert-table/
Port-o-potty to rent
Question from Annie, an ABG bride: Do you have any recommendations for companies we can hire that rent out portable (port-a-potty) units for weddings? We are doing a wedding at a farm and need to rent a few. What are your recommendations?
Answer: Thanks to Twitter and our always proactive bridal community, we got Annie her answers and it looks like there are several options in town for mobile restrooms!
Kellie Bryson of The Bake Shoppe said, "Stewarts in Murfreesboro has a whole portable toilet division. I use them whenever I need that service. They also have good pricing on the toilet trailer. Because they have a service, they can pump themselves so that saves some. They have regular ones that have handwashing option as well. Sounds like I know too much about potties." Shannon Murphree Bates of Chef's Market recommended Music City Tents & Events (MusicCityTents.com) and Mary Alice Sublet of A Delightful Day suggested giving Classic Party Rentals (ClassicPartyRentals.com).
Beverly Rader King recommended Southern Events restroom trailer. This would be our choice too!
Affordable custom wedding Invitations
This is more so a review (and a great review at that!) from one of our ABG brides. Allyson loved her experience with Prim and Paper and sent us an email raving about this local stationery vendor. We love when brides are pleased and just had to share her enthusiasm with you.
"Just wanted to share with you the a-maz-ing paper vendor for my wedding, who I haven't seen featured here (or anywhere else) before: Prim and Paper in downtown Franklin. I found them because Melissa, the owner, goes to my parents' church; she must be the best-kept secret in the business because I've never seen her on these blogs!
I had to give her a shout-out because pretty much everything she does is custom, and her prices are incredible. Our save-the-date postcards cost less than a dollar each, and they included several pictures from our engagement session! I'm in the process of creating my invitations with her now, and she has just been phenomenal showing me all the options and keeping the price within my budget. She also doesn't limit you to lots of restrictive rules about how many invites you have to order...for instance, I'm ordering normal invitations for in-town guests, and pocket-fold invites for out-of-town guests because they need more information. Melissa is totally willing to do this, and will order whatever random amount of each that you want. Since she puts the invites together on her own, she doesn't have to charge you a ton like some invitation companies who order already-made invitations for you do."
Allyson's Save the Date
Allyson said, "I found Prim and Paper through my mom. I picked my design by flipping through tons of books with examples of invitations that Melissa has designed before. I saw the tree design on another invitation, but wanted to change the colors of the tree and the invitation itself, and the type of paper it was printed on. I also wanted to make it a pocket-fold for out-of-town guests. We did a bunch of proofs with several different variations of colors and design with the tree, different fonts, etc. until we ended up with the final product. It turned out really well! Also I should mention that Melissa has another lady working at the shop named Tracy who's also fantastic."
Tracy and Melissa of Prim and Paper were so nice to answer my questions when I asked them a bit more about Allyson and her experience with them. They said that thanks to her organization and flexibility and fun personality. They were able to create her invitation within the time frame she needed them and were able to stick to her budget. Allyson's invitations were "cocoa with a burnt sugar backer and her invite was done on an ecru linen card stock. She liked the tree motif and the subtle earth colors were perfect for her November wedding. She chose thermography printing for the invite only, which saved time and money."
LOVE the pockets on these invitations! Photos courtesy of Kristen Steele Photography (KristenSteelPhotoraphy.com)
Thanks so much for sharing Allyson! We wish you all the best. Thanks also to Prim and Paper (PrimandPaper.net - website coming soon!) for sharing your pictures. For more invitations and examples of their work, you can visit Prim and Paper on Facebook (facebook.com/primandpaper), or stop by their shop at 400 Main Street in the heart of Historic Downtown Franklin.
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Posted by Ashley of Ashley's Bride Guide |
Filed under: Advice & Planning, Bridal Showers, Luncheons, Parties, Invitations & Paper Goods, Luxury Wed Finds
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Thursday, August 19, 2010
We are barely halfway through our list of great Nashville wedding vendors from the big bridal show. There's much more to come and today, we'll highlight more invitations, a few videographers and photographers.
WEDDING INVITATIONS
Customization was the theme with invitation design companies and it's so exciting to see how creative couples are getting, working with designers to come up with something that's uniquely theirs.
Designs In Paper - designsinpaper.com
The birds were part of one couple's wedding theme. DnP created several elements for this couple's wedding - from invites to table numbers.
It's always a pleasure to see Designs In Paper. They are so passionate about what they do! They had so many really cool save the dates and invitations and paper goods for their brides on display and it was hard to pick the ones we loved because, well, we loved almost all of them.
We featured Courtney + David's Nashville wedding recently. This is their rehearsal dinner invitation, which had a BBQ theme. Don't you like the choice of typeface used for this bbq themed invitation? Just perfect.
My favorite is the Nashville/St. Louis save the date, "A Tale of Two Cities" announcement above right.
Izzy and the Bean - IzzyandtheBean.com
What a cute name for a company! I really like stationery that uses nature-inspired line art. It's really simple, yet creates a great depth to the design.
Picture source: Izzyandthebean.blogspot.com
PHOTOGRAPHY
Evin Photography - EvinPhotography.com
Evin of Evin Photography has a really great photography style, capturing the more vibrant side to a bride and her groom. She's got a great demeanor, and is probably really chill and great to work with. It was so much fun seeing her at the show and seeing a special friend of ABG's there helping Evin out as well!
The Budget Savvy Bride and Evin!
Shanna Mahoney Photography - ShannaMahoneyPhotography.com
Shanna had just returned from a wedding at some exotic beach resort complete with white sands and azure waters where she photographed a wedding. It says a lot when a couple is willing to have their photographer fly out to their destination and clearly, Shanna does work is worth that investment.
VIDEOGRAPHY
It's nice to see that videography is a popular option with couples. Everything is now produced in a way that you want to watch your video over and over. Videography companies are getting really tech savvy and videos can be accessed online so sharing it with your friends and family is just a simple click of a mouse!
Baughman Media Works - bmediaworks.com
Decked out in their signature red, Baughman Media Works' booth had screen after screen of wedding footage that made me all misty-eyed just watching. They manage to capture the most intimate moments, and get the coolest shots of a wedding day!
First Dance Pictures - FirstDancePictures.com
This was the first time I'd seen First Dance Pictures and when I checked out their videos on their website I really enjoyed what I saw.
Dynamic Video - dynamicvideoweddings.com
ALWAYS a pleasure to see the lovely Jennifer Fritz of Dynamic Video. They had a camera strategically placed at their booth that followed people who stopped or passed by. Sneaky!
AndyCam Weddings - AndyCamWedding.com
We can't forget AndyCam who does both videography and photography for weddings. We really are surrounded by talented vendors and brides are lucky enough to be able to take their pick!
Bridal shows really are great resources for brides. It can get overwhelming but it's really worth the research especially if you're a very hands-on bride. Hopefully our recaps will refresh your memory of the vendors you met that day and you get to work with the ones you like soon!
All images, unless credited, are property of Ashley's Bride Guide.
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Posted by Tabitha |
Filed under: Invitations & Paper Goods, Wedding Resources
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Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Weddings The Bridal Show was a treasure trove of great Nashville wedding resources. While there were many amazing showcases from vendors we know and love (which we will share later this week), there were a few that stood out as our absolute favorites! They caught our attention (which is sometimes hard to do). These 5 wedding resources were creative, new, exciting and would make incredible additions to your Nashville wedding.
My Lady Dye - myladydye.com
Just when you think we've seen all you can do with paper, a young, hip and innovative company like My Lady Dye comes along and shows us there are no limits to creativity. Look at these festive, fun ideas! We love the paper cones, love the circular fan monograms that you can hang or use as table numbers, and all the custom, personalized creations they have. Everything from My Lady Dye is 100% custom and couture.
Place cards, save-the-dates, gift tags... oh my!
Versatile styles unique to each bride.
SunnyBand - sunnyband.com
The smiling gal you see is Sunny who started SunnyBand. Her company specializes in custom headpieces women and brides. If you're boisterous and bubbly just like her you could opt for a grand faux peony piece like she has on to really make a statement, or you can opt for some smaller, more subdued pieces if that's more your style. Whatever it is, SunnyBand is worth checking out for a fun bridal shower theme with your girls or something to change into for the reception, or just to wear whenever!
Fantastic Flipbooks - fantasticflipbooks.com
This booth has had wedding enthusiasts in Nashville all abuzz since the show - what a great favor idea! Get your guests (or yourself) in the costumes and props they provide, start having fun in front of the camera and merely a couple of minutes later, walk away with your own flipbook of everything you just did on camera! The instant production factor is huge! Fantastic Flipbooks will keep your guests entertained for hours and you can join in the fun too!
Southern Events Restroom Trailer - southerneventsonline.com
Gone are the days your bridesmaids have to hike up their pretty dresses and feel about in the dark to go to the restroom. No more port-a-johns at weddings for us! This trailer makes some hotel restrooms look blah with the wood cabinetry and modern sinks. Best part? It's air-conditioned AND has a flat-screen TV in each one!
His 'n hers! I love how you can use your foot to flush this.
The Collection {Wedding Photographers} - thephotographycollection.com
Last but not least, we're excited to give you a sneak peek at The Collection, who made their debut at the bridal show. It's a team of photographers handpicked by Whitney and Peter Carlson (Dove Wedding Photography) to bring a variety of creative, talented photographers to Nashville brides. We are so excited about them joining the wedding community!
Their booth was so welcoming and the beautiful pictures made it feel like you were stepping into a home.
We really felt these vendors stood out as something new for Nashville. But, there are many more bridal show resources to share this week so check back tomorrow and don't forget to visit all these vendors to learn more about what they have in store.
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Posted by Tabitha |
Filed under: Invitations & Paper Goods, Luxury Wed Finds, Wedding Resources
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Friday, July 23, 2010
You're Invited Gifts, Paper and Events is a one-stop shop for your custom wedding needs. Their Belle Meade event boutique offers wedding planning, event design and custom invitations.
They have a very special, time-sensitive offer for ABG readers: Now through August 10th, ABG readers receive $150 off any wedding consultation package when you mention ABG plus an additional 10% off any event/wedding invitation. Definitely give them a call soon and be sure to mention that you're an ABG bride!
To give you a taste of their work, I am excited to feature a recent photoshoot by You're Invited, captured by Jonathon Campbell Photography. You're Invited's Summer Soiree photo shoot was, put simply, exquisite. The great thing about this Summer Soiree design is you can contact You're Invited and have them plan your bridal shower, bridesmaid luncheon or event and they can recreate the exact look below OR you can use the concept as inspiration. Either way - they can help you from plan to design. It doesnt get much easier than that!
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Stephanie Alexander & Anna Peebles of You're Invited
Guest Blogger: Stephanie Alexander of You're Invited Events - Bridal Luncheon Summer Soiree
The photos capture the perfect bridesmaid's luncheon. Hot pinks and lime greens are a combination I love with the white which really pops against those colors. This invitation was the inspiration for this hot pink and lime green Bridal Shower/Bridesmaid’s Luncheon. Oftentimes, I will take an invitation and use it to help develop the overall look and feel of a party. If you need inspiration for your next party, I encourage you to visit an invitation/stationery store for ideas! Birds are a hot trend right now, in both décor and invitation design.
We packaged the invitations in little white boxes that had been lined in hot pink raffia. I love non-traditional ways of sending a fabulous invitation.
I chose a 60” square table with fuchsia satin linen, and a 48” round table with a lime green linen for the food and beverages. I love using a mixture of square and round tables at parties. I also chose white chiavari chairs. The crisp white really pops against the pinks and the greens. For the 60” square table where guests were seated, we used 4 large green topiaries, a glass pitcher filled with lime slices, wheat grass in ceramic containers and little bird boxes (to continue with our bird theme) and lime green Caspari placemats. In addition, we used monogrammed Pickard china for the placesettings. This Pickard china is extremely popular for bride’s wedding registries. (Rentals were courtesy of Music City Tents & Events).
For this particular arrangement, I used Bells of Ireland, pink larkspur, green curly willow and hot pink dried floral accents. In addition, I filled 8 bud vases with pink sweet peas. I placed these bud vases around the table near each guest’s place setting.
Putting the fresh dogwood blossoms in the jars is brilliant!
I created bird sticks for the dessert shooter glasses. The dessert shooters were strawberries and cream trifle and key lime and cream dessert shots. I wanted to incorporate the pink and green into the food and beverage table as well. I also served sparkling pink punch and rimmed the etched antique glasses with pink sugar. In addition, I utilized glass bird containers in varying heights, and Anna filled them with fresh dogwood blossoms. Another decoration I used on the food and beverage table was wheat grass in wooden boxes. To add another dimension, I added sweet pea stems to the boxes for a pop of pink color.
Dessert shots are a fun, one-serving option
This set up could also be taken indoors, we just happened to have a fabulous day with gorgeous weather but you could create this inside in a beautiful dining area or a screened in porch. A good party can be done indoors or outdoors and as a planner, I always have a back-up plan. If it had rained that day, I had the screened in porch ready to go at the house we shot these pictures at.
Absolutely delightful! Thank you so much for filling us in on the shoot. and thank you to Jonathon Campbell Photography for sharing the pictures with us. What blew me away was the fact that Stephanie did everything herself - the food, the arrangements, the beverages and the dessert. So this set up can be done regardless of your budget and whether you're a D.I.Y. bride or if you have a limitless budge to hire vendors such as You're Invited.
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Posted by Tabitha |
Filed under: Bridal Showers, Luncheons, Parties, Bridesmaids & Bridal Party, Inspiration & Trends, Invitations & Paper Goods, Luxury Wed Finds, Wedding Planners & Coordinators
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Friday, July 16, 2010
Kim Washington who owns and runs Paperkuts Studio. I love working with Kim! She has great energy and even better stationery:). I often like to visit her studio just to check out what's new. Last time, I purchased super cute personalized notecards from but she also carries gifts and many wedding stationery lines. You can browse her site for a list of stationery companies Paperkuts carries, browse the selections online and then meet with her to browse stationery catalogs and touch and see the myriad of wedding and personal stationery options.
With her years of experience, she will work with you to make sure that your invitations are exactly what you desire. She also is one of the few stationers around who carries hard-to-find, African American, Hispanic / multicultural stationery.
Spotlight on Paperkuts Studio
Number of years in the business:
Nine
How did you get started in weddings?
My original goal was to become a wedding planner. Event planning was part of a previous job, and who doesn’t love a wedding? From there, I feel in love with stationery-the rest is history!!
What do you like most about weddings?
What I love most about weddings is the moment when the bride & groom see one another for the first time. Oh, and when they recite vows! Also, any other moment that comes around!!
What’s your favorite wedding pic/video and why?
I love any and every picture of anything paper related. It is very hard to pick just one!!
Direction card from Birchcraft Studios
An assortment of wedding invitations from Pioneer Color
What is your service philosophy?
My service philosophy is simple: The Golden Rule. I believe it is an honor for someone to choose to purchase their stationery from paperKuts studio. Therefore, I want them to be in an environment that is comfortable, no pressure to purchase, informative and fun!
What are your strengths compared to others in your category? Why should a bride hire you?
As I stated earlier, I feel honored that a bride/groom decided to visit the studio, even if they don’t purchase from me. I want them to leave feeling that they had a great experience.
Who are your 5 favorite Nashville wedding vendors – helpfulness, professionalism, style?
Because I am one of the many important steps in planning a wedding, I really don’t get to work with a lot of other vendors. I have met so many great wedding professionals and have much respect for the work they do, it is hard to narrow it down!
Who do you recommend when you’re not available/not a fit?
If there is something that I don’t carry or cannot complete for a bride, I never hesitate to recommend other stationery vendors.
What do you read/watch regularly to stay on top of wedding/event trends?
I love to keep up with the latest trends in the wedding world! I read Stationery Trends, Greetings, any Bridal Magazine or show. I also love to read the many great wedding blogs that are out there, as well as, other stationery vendor’s sites.
Fun announcement cards
Classic wedding invitations from Your Invitation Place
Let’s discuss current wedding trends -
What trend do you love?
Stationery is ever evolving and so are the options. Currently, I am in love with Pattern Mixing and some of my favorites come from Bella Ink Designs, a new vendor that I acquired from the National Stationery Show. I’m also loving color-lavender; purple & chocolate are really hot.
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Bridal shower and matching thank you cards from Bella Ink
What trend do you hate?
I love all things paper!
Trend I’m glad is gone?
I believe that nothing really leaves in stationery, just evolves. It so depends on the bride and groom and their personal taste.
What are your favorite wedding websites?/ Neatest wedding find?
I often go to invitationbox/weddingpaperdivas/finestationery.com to search for items that I may not carry when assisting a customer. For all things wedding, Ashley’s Bride Guide, of course!
What's one way Brides can save money/be more economical or something to that affect
Stationery, of course!!! In planning, 2-3% of your budget should be on paper. All of the craft stores carry beautiful DIY invites, along with a coupon, you can save a ton! If you don’t feel comfortable with the printing process, paperKuts studio will be more that happy to print the info for you.
What are you reading or what was the last thing you read?
I’m obsessed with the whole “Twilight” series. I’ve read all of the books and even went to the midnight showing of “Eclipse”!! It’s all about love!
Just Married card by Kemse & Company
All the invitations featured are by just some of the lines carried by Paperkuts Studio. For more invitation options or to get in touch with Kim, visit Paperkuts website!
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Posted by Ashley of Ashley's Bride Guide |
Filed under: Invitations & Paper Goods
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