Monday, July 29, 2013
The NotWedding took place on July 18 at The Cannery Ballroom and was a bridal show like no other. Unlike the traditional bridal show, with booths, The NotWedding was a mock wedding that showcased the work of the participating, Nashville wedding vendors. Vendors were handpicked, given inspiration boards (as a bride would) and asked to work together to coordinate a wedding for 200 engaged couples who would serve as guests. It was ingenious and breathtaking.
We were invited as guests to see what this dream team of wedding pros could do.
The ceremony
After checking in as guests at the doors of The Cannery Ballroom, we were kindly escorted to the second floor by a couple of ushers, sharply dressed by Street Tuxedo.
The moment the elevator doors opened, we were immersed in the intimate surroundings. For a moment or two, it was easy to forget that everything was for show, and the bride and groom weren’t really tying the knot (after all, they were already married).
This was the start of a fine production by Callie Murray and her team at Nashville’s The NotWedding bridal show.
The atmosphere was richly adorned with bohemian chic decor, thanks to not one but four floral designers, and rentals from Stockroom Vintage. The rustic table settings, the vintage centerpieces, the candlelit aisle and the floral and moss backdrop all enhanced the feeling that love and happiness were in the air (fake wedding or not).
We were asked to take our seats, the room quieted and the music began.
The groom, Zack, was dressed in a soft grey tuxedo and stood patiently beside the officiant. He gazed down the aisle, as he awaited his bride. His groomsmen accompanied him.
As the bridal party began their progression, we watched the bridesmaids pass by in their gray, knee-length dresses that flowed gracefully with each step. All eyes were on the bride, Rhain, as she entered the room. She was radiant and her lace wedding gown was a perfect complement to the romantic feel of the entire evening. Each breathtaking dress was provided by The Bride Room.
The couple stood happily, smiling at one another, as they listening to the officiant give a humorous, yet touching, ceremony in rhyme!
The ceremony was sealed with a kiss and the bride and groom made their exit, accompanied by cheers and smiles from the audience.
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.
For all list of participating vendors, visit The NotWedding website.
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Posted by Intern Laurie |
Filed under: Bridal Shows & Events, Bridesmaids & Bridal Party, Florals, Details & Design , Grooms, Groomsmen & Tuxedos , Inspiration & Trends, Invitations & Paper Goods, Luxury Nashville Wedding Finds, Photography,
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Thursday, July 18, 2013
Whether your wedding is indoor or outdoor, you won't beat Nashville's summer heat. Fans are a fun and practical way to keep guests (a bit) cooler while serving as a ceremony program. It's too late for all of you July brides, but I spoke with Kim of PaperKuts Studio and she assured me that 4 weeks is all that's needed for late August and September weddings. If you are a 2014 bride, even better!
My favorite is the scalloped edge fan; it's so southern and dainty and would be great for an outdoor wedding at CJ's Off the Square, Cedarwood, Carnton Plantation, Mint Springs Farm, or Southall Eden Farm.
Call Kim if you'd like more info at 615.885.0231 to get prices and options for the program fans or other stationery needs.
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Posted by Ashley King |
Filed under: Inspiration & Trends, Invitations & Paper Goods,
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Wednesday, June 26, 2013
paperKuts Studio, a Nashville invitation boutique, has just added the fun and fabulous DynaSmiles stationery line. DynaSmiles specializes in stationery featuring colorful character illustrations for women of color.
Bridal Shower ~ Couple's Bridal Shower ~ Baby Shower ~ Couple's Baby Shower ~ Graduation ~ Birthday Parties
The DynaSmiles line has invitations for weddings, baby, birthdays, graduations and other social events. While the invitations can be ordered directly, I always recommend that you meet with a local stationer and order from a pro because you can see and feel the products and receive one-on-one help on wording, etiquette. Often, pros can even show you a proof so that you know exactly what you are getting and can correct any errors.
paperKuts is a home-based retail store located in the East Nashville area and offers a no pressure, helpful environment that ABG brides have appreciated. Contact paperKuts' owner Kim directly to schedule an appointment to see the DynaSmiles line or other chic invitation lines. Phone: 615.885.0231 or email.
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Posted by Ashley King |
Filed under: Bridal Showers, Luncheons, Parties, Invitations & Paper Goods, Multicultural, African-American weddings,
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Thursday, May 2, 2013
Caitlyn and Alex created their own wedding invitations but knew that for their actual wedding day, they wanted paper goods that were out-of-the box creative, something they knew that couldnt do by themselves. They reached out to Marianne of Quad Deuce Design and shared that they wanted to incorporate the Nashville skyline in their look. From there, Marianne go to know the couple, learned a bit about them as a couple, their love story and sense of style. Together, they collaborated until Marianne created more than Caitlyn even knew was possible!
Caitlyn and Alex's Custom Paper Collection
"Caitlyn & Alex are from opposite ends of the country; she from LA, he from NYC (hence the "NY *heart* LA" logo). They met in Nashville and decided to marry and build their lives here. When Caitlyn contacted me, she had already designed, printed and mailed her own invitations, a simple, modern design featuring the Nashville skyline. Her request of me was to create the rest of the stationery for their wedding, including programs, welcome sign, escort cards, signs, mad libs cards, etc. to coordinate with their modern, classy and swanky theme. I was delighted, as her style very closely matches my own. We began the design process in early June, and by the time of the wedding in September, we had literally "branded" her wedding. ~ Marianne (designer)
Quad Deuce Design created a 6-page booklet style wedding program that included details on how they met, bridal party details, meanings of wedding traditions, and more. The program also was the first peek at the couple's NYLA logo, created by Marianne.
Caitlyn asked Quad Deuce Design to create a welcome sign to greet her wedding guests. Marianne decided to create a permanent piece that would serve as a keepsake. She created a laser cut liece and placed it in a floating frame.
During cocktail hour, guests were given a fun MadLib style card that served as well wishes for the couple. They also learned more about the couple via a his/her card with quick facts.
Quad Deuce Design created a very unique way to direct guests to their table. While it looks like a shimmery poster of the Nashville skyline, it actually is compromised of individual squares, each containing a guest's name. On the back of the square is the assigned table number.
Caitlyn wrote a welcome note for each table that introduced each person at the table so guests got to know one another. (What a great idea!) The welcome note was included in the table setting along with the menu card.
Quad Deuce designed the table numbers that were wrapped around vases.
Caitlyn and Alex professed early on that they were not creative folks, although they greatly appreciated creativity. They allowed Quad Deuce full range, even as far as allow Marianne to name their signature drink, "The Decadent Davies."
After the reception, the party continued across the street. Quad Deuce Design created a directional card and a sign directing guests to grab a coozie for the after party!
"Marianne is a creative genius. My favorite comment from our wedding was from my husband: "Wow, our wedding isn't just classy - it's branded." Marianne designed a whole modern stationery suite that truly was unique to us and really did give our wedding a cohesive, swanky, "branded" feel. She designed amazing signs, menus, special details, escort cards, programs, thank yous and more. The overall effect was stunning. We loved it so much we made a scrapbook of just our stationery. We will definitely be showing off her work for a long time! ~ Caitlyn (bride)
About Quad Deuce Design
Quad Deuce Design specializes in custom invitations and stationery. No two designs are alike, as Marianne tailors every detail to her clients' and their specific event. She takes a limited number of weddings each year in order to give each couple the time and attention they deserve. Please feel free to contact Marianne either by phone (615-474-9517) or email ([email protected]) with any inquiries.
To learn more about the their wedding day paper and branding, visit the two-part feature on Quad Deuce Design. To see their beautiful wedding photos, visit Caitlyn and Alex's wedding as featured on the McCoy Made blog.
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Posted by Ashley King |
Filed under: Destination Nashville Weddings!, Nashville-Style, Invitations & Paper Goods, Luxury Nashville Wedding Finds,
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Monday, October 22, 2012
StudioWed, Nashville's wedding planning studio, recently featured Buchanan Ink on their blog. If you are not familiar with them, Buchanan Ink is a great retailer to consider as they offer elegant wedding invitations, classic bridal accessories, and unique monogrammed gifts. They are conveniently located on West End, near Arzelle's Bridal Boutique, which makes it an easy place to visit during your lunch hour!
I visited Buchanan Ink's Facebook page to see some of their wedding related gifts and invitations and included some of my favorite finds below.
Love what you see? Visit their website buchananink.com, email [email protected], or call 615.329.0766 to schedule an appointment.
bridal shower luncheon invitation
Nashville-style rehearsal dinner invitation, table number
guest name card, menu
fun, memorable game
monogrammed trays, phone cases and cupcake bands
invitation in a tube
envelopments invitation
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Posted by Ashley King |
Filed under: Invitations & Paper Goods, Wedding Resources,
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