Monday, January 11, 2010
W.O. Smith Music School is a "nonprofit educational institution created for the purpose of making quality music instruction available to talented, interested, deserving children from low income families at the nominal fee of 50 cents a lesson". I've referred people to explore it for your their school-aged Nashville kids because I loved the building (which has a cutesy music note) and their mission.
So, when Latrice of Bridal Opulence called me last week and told me one of her brides was considering it for her wedding reception, I was shocked! How amazing would it be to have your wedding at a downtown venue with great parking, a musical atmosphere (this is Music City) and where your rental fee would help deserving Nashville kids! And, from what I've heard - the rental fee is $1800 and is tax deductible. Be sure to verify during your tour of the venue. (Even if it's not tax deductible, it's still a great venue and cause.)
Her venue tour was last week and I have been on pins and needles, waiting to hear all about it. Here's her informative recap on this must see spot.
Featured Favorite Blog
Bridal Opulence, a Nashville-based Wedding Planning & Design Company
http://bridalopulence.com/
Planning weddings & events has proven to be very enjoyable for me! I love meeting new clients, special event details, flowers, design boards & more recently discovering new & exciting venues. Being in Nashville there are so many amazing event venues, but I really love it when clients have the desire to experiment/trust me and try new venue sites that are "off the radar" for many Nashville brides.
The W.O. Smith Music School, tugs on the heartstrings of a bride that wants a trendy venue but also has a philanthropic heart to give back to the community. The space is modern, flexible, has great natural & event lighting & convenient to downtown Nashville. Since 1984 the W.O. Smith School has introduced thousands of interested and deserving children within the Middle Tennessee area to the world of music.
The school is primarily supported by gifts, grants, arts councils, private & corporate donations.
Contemporary lobby is perfect for an elegant cocktail hour!
The Ira Hunter & Merrydale Woods Recital Hall seats around 150 for a formal reception or cocktails and the lobby capacity accommodates 150, so they have a capacity of 300 when utilizing both spaces.
Image Credit: Iphone day pics & Evening photo
For more information on the W.O. Smith Music School visit their site. If you are musically inclined, be sure to inquire on how you can volunteer your time & give back to the Nashville Community!!
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Posted by Ashley |
Filed under: Wedding Resources
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Monday, January 11, 2010
Jay of Maples Wedding Cakes, was honored to be asked to create this timeless, romantic cake for Martha Stewart magazine. Jay was so excited and humbled by the experience. I'm excited because I know the talent in Nashville - from cake artist to fab photographers - but now Martha knows. Don't sleep on the Nashville wedding industry - we're fierce! Congrats Jay. We're oh-so proud of you.
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Posted by Ashley |
Filed under: Cakes & Catering
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Friday, January 8, 2010
Our first featured wedding of 2010 is one that epitomizes romance and fun all at once.
Thanks Sarah and Brent for letting me feature your wedding and to Phindy Studios for the fantastic pictures!
Our first featured wedding of 2010 is one that epitomizes romance and fun all at once.
Thanks Sarah and Brent for letting me feature your wedding and to Phindy Studios for the fantastic pictures!
(Photos courtesy of Phindy Studios)
Bride - Sarah
Groom - Brent
Ceremony & Reception location - Riverwood Mansion
Guests - 185
Wedding Style:
My wedding style
Timeless and elegant yet simple
My colors and why I choose them
Most of what we did was in shades of green and white. We wanted to compliment the beautiful garden where we were married, which was lush and green in late August with subtle white accents. The girls wore champagne and the boys wore navy suits.
Personal touches
Instead of table numbers, each table was assigned a song title. We picked our favorite love songs as well as a few that would make the guests assigned to that table laugh.
We served Mexican popsicles from Las Paletas for dessert. I’m not a huge fan of wedding cake (although we had a small one just for the photo opp) and Las Paletas are my absolute favorite! Also, I knew we were taking a risk with the potential heat by getting married in Nashville in August. What is better than a refreshing popsicle on a hot summer night in Nashville?!
Wedding wow factor
Our guests loved the photobooth. The photos kept getting funnier and funnier as the night went on.
Favors
We didn’t have typical favors, but the photoboth gave the guests two “photo strips” - one for the guest to keep/take home and one for them to put in our guest book with a note.
We actually put the favor budget toward serving sliders as a “snack” after dancing at the reception. Everyone had worked up an appetite!
Gifts for bridesmaids / Groomsmen
Bathrobes with their names embroidered on them for the bridesmaids and for the groomsmen meat trays/cutting boards with their initials carved in them.
Most special moment for me?
Our first dance was such a perfect moment! Getting all of our friends/family on the dance floor at one time was pretty fun as well.
My Wedding Vendors:
Photographers: Phindy Studios
Dress: Faccio Bridal (the dress was Rivini)
Bridesmaids dresses: Vineyard dresses that I bought at Bella Bridesmaids
Hair & Makeup: Erin Pruitt of Studio BBC
Flowers: East Garden
Ceremony Music: Nashville Chamber Players
Reception Band: Pat Patrick Showband
Photobooth: Photobooth Nashville
Desert: Las Paletas
Invitations: A family friend of my husband has her own company, Curly Girl Design
Programs: Custom-Programs.com
Hotel for out of town guests: Hilton downtown: We had a lot of guests from out of town so it was important for us to have a great hotel where we could host other “events.”
My faves - Highly recommend
Our photographers, Phindy Studios, were very easy to work with, fun and are amazing at what they do!
Hilton Downtown: we hosted a cocktail hour after rehearsal dinner to “welcome” guests the night before our wedding before our guests left as well as a Sunday brunch before our guests left. Everything went smoothly and our guests loved staying at the Hilton.
I loved working with Faccio as well. The ladies there are wonderful! They were very helpful with my dress and so much more.
My Wedding Rewind:
What I would do differently if planning again?
I would have delegated more and taken on less myself. I loved planning but it was a bit stressful.
Biggest waste of time or money?
Based on our contract with our ceremony/reception site, we were to use their catering company. This was nice because we did not have to shop around for a caterer, but, in the end, we were limited in our catering options and our ability to negotiate.
Best value for the service/product?
I bought a sample dress at Faccio. I would not have been able afforded the dress if I had not bought it at such a discount. And, the sample dress was in great condition!
Also, our photographers, Phindy Studios were amazing!
Neatest find
Our programs that doubled as fans: An outdoor ceremony in Nashville in August is asking for some hot guests. So, our programs were also fans to keep guests cool during the ceremony. I looked around at several fan types but only Custom-Programs.com had exactly what I was looking for. I was nervous about ordering programs online, but they turned out perfectly!
Advice for other Nashville brides?
I think every bride should make a promise to herself to, no matter what, enjoy every minute of her wedding day. So much time, effort, details and money goes into the day. Don’t let the stress, anxiety or little things that go wrong distract you from what you have been working so hard to do – enjoy it!
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Posted by Tabitha |
Filed under: Real Nashville Weddings
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Thursday, January 7, 2010
I know that many of you will be heading out to your first bridal show this evening (or some time this month). It’s SOOO exciting. But, before I lose your attention and you get lost in the weddingland, I thought I’d give some general tips based on my plethora of experience. As a show-stalker, I’m kind a guru when it comes to bridal shows.
7 Tips for Success at Nashville Bridal Shows:
1) Set a budget before you start shopping
2) Wear comfy shoes and bring a bottle of water to drink
3) Print 50 info labels that contain your first/last name, email, phone, mailing address - this will save you lots of time when you enter contests, give vendors your info
4) Plan ahead by bringing a shopping list of the vendors that you need and your estimated budget for the category
5) Bring a friend to keep you focused on your objectives - which vendors you need at which budget
6) Bring a camera to capture the ideas you like
7) Bookmark this page so you can easily refer to the tips and bridal show dates
Upcoming Nashville-area bridal shows
So, it’s time for my bi-annual, unofficial “rate and round-up” on the upcoming Nashville bridal shows. I say unofficial because I doubt the show producers would endorse my take on their shows. But, because this is a bride’s guide, I strive to provide a bride’s perspective, which is helpful because there are SO many bridal shows.
Don’t get me wrong, having a lot of bridal shows is great because you get to see great ideas in person and have the opportunity to meet several dozens of vendors without driving all over town. BUT, there are so many that often it’s hard to determine which to attend.
So, I will try my best to give you the scoop on the shows based on the local vendor buzz plus my experience at their last show.
Oh - I also created a bridal show checklist for you. Just print a few copies and take them to easily track your faves. Download here.
Thursday, Jan 7 - Enchanted Brides (5p - 9pm)
Where: Hutton Hotel
Great for: High-end brides seeking luxe bridal vendors
What’s neat: Red-carpet ambiance
Sunday, Jan 10 - Clarksville Brides Wedding and Event Showcase, (12-4pm)
Where: Austin Peay State University Morgan Univ Center Ballroom
Great for: Clarksville, TN / Hopkinsville brides or Nashville-area brides looking for something different; great for all bride budgets
What’s neat: This show is a great find and offers vendors that serve all budgets and the best assortment of all vendor types I’ve ever found. It also has really “nice” vendors. (There is a “snob” factor at some shows that you won’t find here.)
Expect: Optimal ratio of vendors to brides; no waiting in line to speak with vendors; nice glass of champagne/apple cider upon arrival (classy touch last show - hope this year will be the same:); everything you need to plan your Clarksville / Hopkinsville wedding under one roof.
**My favorite “no-lines, great variety” show.
Saturday, Jan 17 - Weddings, The Bridal Show (10a - 4p)
Where: Nashville Convention Center
Great for: All bride budgets; mothers and bridesmaids looking to make a day of bridal vendor shopping
What’s neat: This show is the largest show in the southeast, with rows and rows of vendors. I love this show because it attracts a diverse mix of established and “new” vendors who offer brides the hottest, out-of-the-box ideas and products.
Expect: Lots of walking so wear comfortable shoes! Show can be overwhelming. But, but for the organized and efficient bride, it offers every vendor you need. Be sure to have a game plan so you know what you’re seeking and stick to the plan.
Ashley’s favorite “fun plus fab finds” show.
Saturday, January 23 - Nashville Lifestyles Bridal Event (11a-2p)
Where: The Hermitage Hotel
What: Find out how to make your day unique from the southeast’s renowned event designer, Tara Guerard – who has been featured in InStyle Weddings, Nashville Lifestyles’ Weddings, Town & Country Weddings and Martha Stewart Weddings.
Enjoy lunch from Capitol Grille; Register for fantastic door prizes; Sip Mimosas and sample Big Day bites; Grab a fabulous swag bag
Great for: Brides seeking good mix of luxe ideas and resources
What’s neat: small, boutique-style bridal show at great venue; plus, last year the lunch was fantastic!
Cost: Tickets are $45 in advance, $50 at the door
Expect: I anticipate an intimate group of brides and vendors so you’ll be able to ask a lot of your questions without competing for the vendors time
Sunday, January 31 - Her Nashville Bridal Brunch at (11a-3p)
What: NFocus and Her Cordially Invite You to a Bridal Brunch; A champagne social featuring heavy hors d’oeuvres, an informal bridesmaids fashion show, and exclusive wedding service showcases from Nashville boutiques.
Where: The Noah Liff Opera Center
Great for: Brides seeking good mix of luxe ideas and resources
What’s neat: small, boutique-style bridal show at great venue; plus, last year the lunch was fantastic!
Cost: Tickets are $20 but get 50% off online with my code scbridal50
Expect: I love the venue for this bridal show. If nothing else, if you need a venue for your wedding and are looking for something modern and contemporary - you should check it out. The show was really nice last year and I expect it to be even better this year.
Sunday, Feb 21 - Perfect Wedding Guide (1p-5p)
Where: Frist Center for the Visual Arts
Great for: Brides seeking good mix of luxe and moderate options
What’s neat: small, boutique-style bridal show at great venue
Cost: $10 at door
Expect: I anticipate the show will be similar to Enchanted Brides show but with vendors who cater to a larger range of budgets - from bargain to luxe.
Saturday, Feb 20 - 94FM Fish Bridal Show (11a - 5p)
Where: Opry Mills mall
Cost: Free but be sure to register online
Great for: Budget and moderate brides
Find event details on our Nashville bridal event calendar.
Do you have advice for brides attending their first bridal show? If so, add a comment on this blog.
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Posted by Ashley |
Filed under: Advice & Planning, Bridal Shows & Events
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Wednesday, January 6, 2010
It's easy to see why brides enjoy working with Kristin Kaplan of Simply Stunning Nashville. As soon as she shakes your hand when you first meet her, you're put at ease by her genuine smile and her professional yet cool and laid back demeanor.
My Spotlight on Simply Stunning Nashville
Kristin Kaplan, Nashville, TN wedding and event planner
www.simplystunningnashville.com
How did you get started in weddings?
I've always been fascinated with weddings for as long as I can remember, and first got involved when I helped my older cousin coordinate hers when I was about 18 years old. I found myself tying chair ties, alphabetizing seating cards, helping the bride with her dress, and even lining up the processional without really meaning to. I later learned that planning weddings was an actual job! After graduating college started an internship with a wedding and style company part time and before long, I was hooked!
What do you like most about weddings?
I love the personal nature and emotions that come with each wedding. My job allows me to really get to know a couple and their families and be a part of such a monumental day in their lives. To see the face of a groom just as he sees his bride for the first time, or the look of a father as he dances with his daughter is priceless and always reminds me why I love what I do! Oh and I also love wedding cake.
What's your favorite wedding pic/video and why?
This ceremony photo is one of my favorites from this year because of all the work that went into pulling off an outdoor ceremony that day.
It had been thundering with monsoon-like rain all morning long yet the bride was really insistent that she wanted to try and do the ceremony outside. We started tracking a slight rain break on the Doppler and figured that we might time it perfectly so even though everyone thought we were crazy we went ahead and made it happen outside. The entire time I just kept my fingers crossed and prayed it wouldn’t start raining again but it held off just long enough! I’m still certain there was some divine intervention involved but it was a great feeling that the couple was able to have the ceremony they dreamed of!
What is your service philosophy?
I believe in consistent, detailed service from start to finish. I want all my couples to feel taken care of and supported from the first meeting until after well the honeymoon and know they have a great resource and someone they can trust. I also aim to make the planning process enjoyable! It’s a wedding, it’s supposed to be fun right?
What are your strengths compared to others in your category? Why should a bride hire you?
On a personal level I feel my biggest strength is that I keep it real. I want the planning process to be fun and creative, but I also try to keep all my couples organized, on task, and keep their feet on the ground so to speak. I want every bride to have the wedding they’ve always envisioned but to stay within a budget, and to keep it fun for everyone involved, including the guests!
On a business level, I am a full time professional planner. I do this for a living, not as a hobby or part time gig. This allows me to be available for meetings and correspondence when it’s convenient for the couple and to get things done in a much more timely fashion.
Who are your 5 favorite Nashville wedding vendors – helpfulness, professionalism, style?
Oh gosh, that’s close to impossible to pick just five but here it goes: Hillary Robson with Brocade Designs (florist), Cosmo Creations (DJ), Nashville Event Lighting, 2duce2 Video, and of course my husband, Brian Kaplan Photography.
Who do you recommend when you’re not available/not a fit? (Similar category/style/budget)
I typically recommend Corinne Reese with Weddings with Reese, I know from my own experience that she does great work and she is similarly priced to myself. However I know many other fantastic Nashville planners in a variety of budgets.
What do you read/watch regularly to stay on top of wedding/event trends?
I read all the regular bridal magazines, love Martha Stewart Weddings and Modern Bride and record a few wedding shows on TV such as Say Yes to the Dress, Ace of Cakes, and My Fair Wedding but I also like to look for inspiration in other areas such as fashion and home décor.
Let’s discuss current wedding trends -
What trend do you love?
I love that more couples are splurging on lighting and linens!
(Photo by Evan Baines)
(Photo by McLellan Style)
I feel more than anything else these two items truly can make an event space look spectacular without a huge investment.
What trend do you hate?
There are no trends that I truly “hate”. If a client requests something that is possibly inappropriate or poor etiquette, then I’ll let them know, but I’m open to all styles and ideas.
Trend you’re glad is gone?
There are a few: stiff, portrait style photography, huge poufy gowns, and disposable cameras on the tables. Not only is it expensive to develop the film, but they hardly ever produce decent photos.
Trend you’re sad is gone?
None that I can think of, I think it’s important for trends to come and go because it keeps weddings fresh and exciting.
What are your favorite wedding websites? / Neatest wedding find?
Ashley’s Bride Guide of course! I think it’s the best local website for inspiration, vendors, and overall helpfulness. I also to read dozens of blogs, my favorites include WeddingBee, StyleMePretty, Southern Weddings, and RitzyBee.
Advice for brides?
Truly consider hiring a wedding planner, or at least a day-of coordinator. I hear couples tell me all the time that it was the best investment they made for their wedding. I also hear so many vendors say there is an obvious difference between weddings with a coordinator and weddings without one, the latter tend to be chaotic and poorly thought out. A coordinator will save you time, money, and especially frustration by helping you make the best possible choices and keep everything on budget and running smoothly.
And finally, understand that wedding day perfection is an impossibility. The day should be about the love you share and celebrating that with your family and friends! The unexpected may happen, but that’s what makes each wedding unique and memorable!
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Posted by Ashley |
Filed under: Wedding Resources
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