Tuesday, July 27, 2010
I'm sure there's some sort of psychological study somewhere that proves that our good childhood memories remain familar and continue to attract us. It might be grandma's cooking, or a certain smell or the great times we had playing with our friends. For Marti and Justin, an engaged Nashville couple, things came full circle when these childhood friends finally (at the hands of their mutual friends) got together. Today's real engagement is evidence that sometimes, you just need to look at what's around you to find joy.
Marti and Justin just exchanged vows this Saturday and we want to wish them both all the best in their new life together! P.S: We can't wait to see the wedding pics!
An ABG Couple's Engagement Story!
Her Marti Bryson
Lebanon, TN
Him Justin Latimer
Mt. Juliet, TN
How did you meet?
We have known each other since we were 5 or 6. We went to the same school until high school. After college I moved away for about 5 years when I came back Justin was attending the church I had grown up at. It was then that mutual friends began trying to set us up. We finally gave in!
The Proposal
Where? The Grand Canyon
When? February 16, 2010
How? We had gone to Las Vegas for the week, Justin rented a truck and we drove up to the Easter Rim of the Grand Canyon. We were walking around and Justin sat down on a huge rock that was sitting close to the edge with an amazing view. I sat down beside him, we were talking and the next thing I know he was asking...and he had the ring!
Did you enjoy your engagement photo session?
Yes! To be honest I was not looking forward to it, I do not really like to take pictures. But we both had a blast, it was so hot, and I think I swallowed 3 mosquitoes but we still had so much fun. Mike made it very laid back and casual...it was like we were just all hanging out. I loved all of the pictures, we were very pleased!
What matters most as you plan your wedding?
That at the end of the day on July 24th me and Justin are married and will be spending the rest of our lives together!
Has any decision triggered a meltdown in your wed planning process?
Small wedding or big wedding? I had a hard time deciding. But me and Justin are blessed with so many great friends and family that we love and we wanted everyone to be there!
What has been your major couple disagreement and what have you done to compromise?
DJ or Band? Justin wants a dj and I want a band. Haha we still haven't decided!
What's the one must-have for your wedding day? His? Hers?
I want it out at my parents house where I grew up...and I want no RAIN! Not much to ask for huh?
Your wedding details...
- style-I like things that are different but very simple. I love simple!
- colors-Shamrock green, Navy and White
- venue-My parents house, they live on the lake.
- vendors we've hired to date-Well...you would need to talk to my mom!
What do you most look forward to after marriage?
Duh...the honeymoon! And after that...coming home every night and knowing Justin is going to be there!
Any words of wisdom for newly-engaged couples?
Just have fun with it. Involve your family and when people want to help let them help!
What a great engagement session! Their story is a testament to how great pictures are possible when the photographer puts you at ease. Thanks so much to Myrick Studios for sharing these photos with us. So fun!
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Posted by Ashley |
Filed under: Engagements & Proposals, Photography & Videography
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Monday, July 19, 2010
I'm delighted to share a wonderful Nashville wedding accompanied by two incredible wedding specials!
A few weeks ago, jHenderson Photography and CJ's Off the Square each reached out to me to share their individual summer specials. Ironically, I'd just received Andy and Jen's wedding to feature that took place at CJ's photographed by JHenderson. How seredipitous ! I love when things come together just right! So, instead of just falling in love with the garden wedding (as I did) and the wow photos, you can have your own garden wedding photographed by a killer photographer and SAVE SAVE SAVE!! Yes - you can thank me (and them) later.
First - the specials, then the wedding
1) JHenderson Photography's "Shoot & Burn" package is available for select September wedding dates. For only $1,800, the package includes 5 hours of coverage and a DVD with full printing rights. You're not limited to just five hours either - each additional hour is $200. Your date must fall on September 11,12, 17,18,19, 25, 26, or October 1, 2 this year. Definitely contact Jenna by visiting jHenderson Studios online.
2) CJ's off the Square's Summer Special - I'm a bit tardy sharing this special (that technically ended on 7/15) but I am HOPING that the lovely ladies at CJs will extend the offer to ABG brides that contact them this week. Contact them asap and save $500 off your rehearsal dinner and even more off your wedding( $1000 on Saturdays or $1500 off Sunday – Friday).
Romance After the Storm - Andy & Jen Tie the Knot at CJ's Off the Square
To give you a better glimpse into jHenderson's amazing photography (she makes it all look so gorgeous) please know that Andy and Jen's Tennessee wedding took place a little bit after the flood hit us in May. Considering the destruction the water made in parts of Franklin, TN, it was such a blessing for our bride and groom, Jen and Andy still had a wonderful wedding at CJ's Off the Square was barely touched and they still managed to have a beautiful wedding day !
Enjoy!
Bride ~ Jennifer Lynn Carroll
Groom ~ Richard Andrew Holtzclaw (Andy)
Saturday May 8th, 2010
Location ~ CJ's Off the Square, Franklin, TN
120 Guests
What was your wedding style?
Definitely Romantic.
What were your colors and why did you choose them?
Black and Champagne. These colors are classic, simple and romantic.
Did you have a theme? What was it?
Romantic. Our wedding was in the evening, so we wanted lots of candles and outdoor lighting to enhance the romantic feeling.
What did you use for inspiration?
The Knot.com, Bride Magazines (Ashley’s Bride Guide being on of them) and photo albums displayed at CJ’s, as well as their blog.
Wedding Scoop:
What was your budget?
$20,000
What was your wedding WOW factor?
Our guests raved about the food provided by Bistro To-Go. We are still getting compliments on the food 2 months later.
What did you give as favors to your guests?
Golf tees (my husband is a golf lover), koozies and match books. Each item had a silly little saying and our names and date engraved on them.
How did you personalize your wedding?
We used music to personalize our day. We made our own song list for the wedding and reception. We love to dance and have parties whenever possible. It was important to us to really throw a great party for our friends and family. The music selection was a huge part of that. We really wanted the music to reflect our personalities.
What did you give your bridesmaids and groomsmen?
The bridesmaids received a jeweled, personalized compact purse mirror and a personalized jewelry pouch. The groomsmen received a travel cooler filled with their favorite 12 pack of beer.
What was your most special moment of the day?
Wow! There were a lot of those, but I would definitely say it was the moment I stood at the isle and saw my husband looking at me with that look that every girl dreams of. It was perfect!
Did you have kids at your wedding? What did you do for them?
We did have kids at our wedding. They enjoyed feeding the fish in the fish pond at CJ’s Off the Square. They also love to dance, so they all danced their little hearts out at the reception. They had a great time!
Did you Do It Yourself? Or, did you leave it to the professionals?
We did the planning ourselves. Thankfully we had Amy (wedding coordinator with CJ’s) to provide us with vendor referrals and suggestions. This was a huge help! There are so many wedding vendors out there it’s difficult to know where to begin.
If you did DIY, what was your favorite project? Why?
My favorite project was a fabric note board (3x10) given to us as a gift at one of our showers by very close friends. We used it at the wedding to display photos of us with our friends and families and sweet little love notes written on napkins that my husband and I wrote to each other early in our relationship while having dinner at a local restaurant one night. It was a big hit!
Wedding Vendors:
~ Planner: Amy Parman (Wedding Coordinator at CJ’s Off the Square)
~ Cake(s): Maples Cakes
~ Caterer: Bistro To-Go
~ Photographer: jHenderson Studios
~ Stationery: Williamson County Weddings
~ Bridesmaid Dresses: Faccio Bridal
~ Rings: Shane Company
~ Music: Jason Middleton
~ Decorations/Detail: Southern Events
~ Bridal Gown: Faccio Bridal
~ Tuxes: Men’s Warehouse
~ Accessories: Antiques at the Factory
~ Flowers: Enchanted Florist
~ Transportation: AllStar Limo
~ Gifts: Wedding Depot
~ Who were your favorites? {the ones you would highly recommend to your best friend} Bistro To-Go, jHenderson Photography, Maples Cakes, Jason Middleton, CJ’s Off the Square and Enchanted Florist.
Wedding Rewind:
What would you do differently if you could start back at the beginning?
I would have started the planning process sooner. We decided to get married one year after being engaged so that we wouldn’t feel rushed. We chose our venue one month after being engaged. We were so excited to get the most important item out of the way, we took 5 more months off. We didn’t start planning until 6 months before our wedding. A year seems like a long time, but in retrospect it really isn’t when planning a wedding. It was, literally, the shortest year of my life.
What do you consider the biggest waste of time and/or money?
The limo service. We had an after party and spent the night at the Marriott in Cool Springs, which is about 5 to 7 minutes from CJ’s. Not to mention the mishaps by the limo service. We definitely would not incur this expense if we had it to do over again.
What do you consider the best value for the service and product?
jHenderson Photography. Her prices are competitive and she offers individual packages depending on your needs. You definitely get the most bang for your buck. Best of all her photos are beautiful!
What was the neatest thing you found for your wedding? CJ’s Off the Square. The most important thing to us was to find a venue that we could have our wedding and reception at and that was beautiful and different at the same time. CJ’s provided all those aspects for us. It is quaint and cozy and we truly felt at home.
What was your biggest {and best} splurge? CJ’s and jHenderson Photography.
Absolutely beautiful! We hope you like what you see. Definitely check out more of jHenderson Studio's work and don't forget to ask her about Shoot & Burn! Thank you Jen & Andy for sharing your wedding with us we wish you all the best!
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Posted by Ashley |
Filed under: Photography & Videography, Real Nashville Weddings
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Thursday, July 1, 2010
While some girls at our Sex and the City party were being pampered, others were getting in on the entertainment and shopping. If you are a bridesmaid planning a bridal shower, girl planning a shindig or a bride planning a wedding - here are more resources and ideas to consider for your fun bash.
The Entertainment
Photo Booth Nashville provided great laughs for everyone. It was so much fun to see girls get in to the booth giggling and come out full-on laughing and just having a fantastic time taking pictures. If you have a party - PBN is fun in a box and will add a twist to any event - from weddings to corporate functions.
There was plenty to do with my Sex & The City Trivia (which was so much fun by the way). I created a bingo style ice breaker and all of the participants were eligible to win FABULOUS prizes. I also dug deep for SATC trivia. It was funny watching the girls who were true SATC fans vs the ones who clearly just came for a great party who knew NOTHING about SATC. Ha!
While music was spun in the courtyard by DJ Dan Co, the line grew longer and longer as partygoers waited for their tarot card reading Readings by LeMai offers tarot and numerology readings based on your birthday or name. I knew her booth would be a hit! She even does event numerology to help couples choose "successful wedding dates". There was a line for her services ALL night, surprising for those in the Bible Belt.
Readings by Lemai offers tarot card, astrology and numerology readings.
More partygoers having fun!
The Shopping: Bridal Services
Of course being a bridal resource guide, there were some great resources for Nashville brides. Studio Wed, our main event sponsor, hosted a suite for Nashville brides. All brides in attendance were invited to SW and are now entered to win the diamond necklace pictured below. If you were not able to attend, it's not too late to enter the contest. Simply book an appointment with SW this month and you could win the diamond necklace. (Studio Wed is a wedding planning studio so you must still be hiring wedding vendors to be eligible for the contest.)
The most envious aspect of the party for me was looking through Sandals & Beaches brochures. From destination weddings and honeymoons, offered by Sandals, to girls getways and family fun offered by Beaches - this booth made me want to book a flight to escape! I had no clue they had so many options for brides, girlfriends, couples. If you are a destination bride - be sure to contact A Delightful Day, Sandals Specialist - to learn about their Martha Stewart Collection. It's incredible! Not engaged, grab your girls and getaway to Beaches!
Suddenly I want to grab my sunglasses, flip flops and bathing suit and head to the beach!
Kerried Away Couture was a very popular booth at party, especially for brides seeking one-of-a-kind bridesmaid dresses for their bridal party or rehearsal dinner dresses. What we love about Kerri's designs is that her dresses and outfits are so cute they're really versatile and can be worn for any occasion after the wedding!
McNeal Wedding Films showcased their top-notch wedding films on a super sleek iPad.
McCoy Made introduced brides and women to their sexy boudoir photography options. Boudoir photos are a great gift for the man in your life OR yourself! Hey - your body usually doesnt get any better so take those fun pictures NOW and have them to cherish for a lifetime. Plus, boudoir photo sessions are a fun activity for a girls night out.
More Nashville shopping ideas tomorrow!
Photos courtesy of Jonathon Campbell Photography and Kristyn Hogan Lifestyle Photographer.
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Posted by Ashley |
Filed under: Photography & Videography, Wedding Resources
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Wednesday, June 23, 2010
For his birthday, your anniversary or wedding day, you could get him a tie, another DVD/video game/golf club/shirt even his favorite bottle of scotch. But let's face it, there's no better gift for your man than YOU! Better yet, beautiful, glamorous pictures of you compiled into an album for him to always enjoy when you're not around.
If that sounds like something you're up for, you'll want to contact Noelle McCoy of McCoy Made and schedule a Boudoir Session with her on July 17th.
If you're wondering what it is, Noelle has written a great post on what a boudoir session is like and how to prep for one:
So... You've been toying around with the idea of having a Boudoir Shoot, huh? Well, know that just about every girl I've worked with has stated, "I NEVER thought I'd be doing this!" In other words, you're not alone! So, I thought that from time to time I'd post an idea of how to prepare for your shoot!
One thing I can't stress enough, is to pay attention to the details and have some fun with your outfits! This is not your everyday photo shoot, so why not bring the spice level up a notch!? I worked with Mrs.B a few months back, and she brought along these FABULOUS red boots! Are they not TOTALLY amazing!??! My jaw dropped when I saw them, for real. I had so much fun at this shoot, and the beautiful Mrs.B's now-hubby LOVED his wedding gift.
I also spoke to Noelle and got a bit more helpful information for you!
How would you describe a boudoir session to a girl who's never seen or done one?
A boudoir session is a romantic, classy, sexy shoot - a supermodel shoot. It’s a personal and private gift for your husband or husband to be. The goal is to create this album that’s a classy piece of art to give to your husband/husband-to-be. It pushes confidence in women and hopefully it’ll be an exciting thing to give to your man. it’s a great way for a woman to come in and celebrate how you are today. I see girls get so excited and they end up wanting more pictures than what they get in their album.
Sounds like fun, I think I'd want to lose a few pounds first or tone up!
A lot of people think they have to lose weight first but you should do it as you are. I'll never make you pose where your least favorite "problem area" is showing. When girls sign up I send them a questionnaire to find out more about what they are comfortable with. There is no nudity - it’s really classy. I encourage girls to really think outside the box and don’t just show up with something simple. You’re never going to do a shoot like this again or at least not very often. Go get the most glamorous eyelashes! Had a girl come in with thigh high patent leather boots - not something she’d normally wear but it was like a fun costume just for the session.
We had a girl whose husband is a guitarist so we used a guitar as a prop.
So anyone can do this?
None of the girls on my blog are professional models, they're girls like you and me. They are brides-to-be or wives. All the girls on the blog have given me their permission to share their pictures but I won't ever show your picture unless you give me permission.
Every single girl who's come in for a session has been like, "I can't believe I'm doing this but I'm so glad I did." They come in really timid but leave really confident - I want girls to feel beautiful when they see their pictures and look as confident as they did when they left the session. I coach them through the poses, and I creat an atmosphere in the studio that's relaxed and so the girls feel comfortable.
To book your Boudoir Session with Noelle, give her a call or send her an email. After you confirm your session with her she will send a document your way with details on what to bring, how to visualize your session and she'll also provide a list of her recommended make up and hair stylists who are closer to her studio.
For more details and some gorgeous boudoir session pics, visit the McCoy Made Blog!
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Posted by Tabitha |
Filed under: Grooms, Guests, Gifts & Favors, Photography & Videography
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Monday, June 14, 2010
We hear stories about how people fell in love at first sight and just knew they were with "the one." For others, things fall into place at a wonderful yet different pace -- and those stories are just as fun to hear.
Today's featured couple, Erin and Blake of White House, TN share their dating/engagement story and some of their favorite engagement pictures, courtesy of Lotus Blossom Photography, Nashville wedding photographers.
Her
Erin Sellards, White House, TN
Him
Blake Webster, White House, TN
How did you meet?
Blake and I met through mutual friends in high school in the spring of 2005. My two best friends were dating his two best friends at the time. We were both single and were always around each other due to our friends. It definitely wasn’t love at first sight for us, unfortunately. It took a little while for us to come around, but we eventually did. We have been inseparable ever since!
How did you know this was “it?” Did you talk about it a lot? Or was it just understood from day one?
I think it took us both a little while to realize that we were meant to spend the rest of our lives together. In the beginning of our relationship, we took things slow and just had fun. Probably a couple of years into our relationship, we started talking about our future, including marriage. We knew that we would wait a couple of years because we were so young at the time. We moved in together in the summer of 2008, and bought our first house together in the summer of 2009. Soon after buying our house, I brought home Bella, our sweet little Malti-poo. We both love her more than we ever thought we could love a little furball like her! We both knew that it wouldn’t be long before we would begin planning the rest of our future together. And I didn’t have to wait very long!!
The Proposal
· Where? Opryland Hotel
· When? August 8, 2009
· How?
Blake told me that he wanted to take me out to one of our favorite restaurants, Old Hickory Steakhouse. I told him that it was too much, since we were not celebrating anything particular and that we should eat somewhere a little less expensive. He convinced me that we deserved to have special night together, so I agreed. We ate an AMAZING dinner and had a lot of fun together! Before we left, Blake excused himself and when he came back he said he was ready to go, that his stomach was hurting. Poor guy!! A few steps out of the restaurant, Blake tells me that he left his card in the restaurant. I started to become annoyed because he had left his card at another restaurant that same week, but I told him we would go back and get it. I turned around and saw a crowd of people, our family and closest friends. Completely shocked and confused, I turned to Blake. He is down on his knee. He puts the ring on my finger and asks me to marry him. I was so shocked and embarrassed to have all of these people staring at me, I apparently slapped his arm and walked away! I finally realize that “this did just happen” and go over to our family and friends! After about ten minutes of jumping up and down and adoring my ring, I walk over to Blake and tell him that I would love to marry him!
Did you enjoy your engagement picture session? Why? Is there anything of significance you could share with us about the session?
We could not have been more AMAZED with Amber and John! They made us feel so comfortable. We had so much fun with them, more than we could have ever expected! We were so pleased with how our images turned out. We loved how we had a variety of styles to choose from as well. I told Blake that I was sad that our session with Amber and John was over and that I needed to find another reason to need professional photographs so that we could see them again! Amber was so professional, extremely personal, quick to answer questions and to get us our images… I could go on for days! We loved them!
What matters most as you plan your wedding? Life together?
We are so excited to take these next steps in our lives! We just want to have fun and enjoy every second of every experience we are given.
Was there a decision that may have triggered a meltdown in your wedding planning process?
We began planning for our wedding almost immediately after we were engaged. A few months into planning, we realized that we would be so much happier (and a LOT less stressed) to have a destination wedding, just the two of us. We decided to get married while on our honeymoon in St. Lucia. We are so excited, and so happy to not have the stress of planning the wedding we had originally expected!
Couples disagree. Let's keep it real and help other engaged couples not kill one another! What has been your major couple disagreement and what have you done to compromise?
Blake and I disagree on many different issues- in daily life, and dealing with our wedding. Blake is an early bird, I am a night owl. I LOVE details, Blake likes simplicity. Blake is more traditional, I like to mix things up a bit. Although we do disagree on a few things, we feel like we balance each other out. We have become pretty good at accepting each other’s flaws and embracing them. We just truly want to make each other happy and so far we are doing a great job!
What do you most look forward to after marriage?
We look forward to seeing where life takes us. We hope to start a family soon and enjoy all of life’s adventures with the people we love!
Any words of wisdom for newly-engaged couples?
This time is about you and your partner and learning what works for the both of you. There are so many things you will learn about each other, even if you think you already know everything there is to know! Tell your fiancé you love them every chance you get and make every memory last! You only get to live these moments once!
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Posted by Tabitha |
Filed under: Engagements & Proposals, Photography & Videography, Real Nashville Brides
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