StudioWed Nashville now has a wedding blog that allows us to keep a pulse on what's happening at their Nashville's wedding planning studio - from events to weddings. One post that caught my eye was the wedding of Kimberly and Rashad. I enjoyed their wedding so much that I wanted to share it with you, especially the wonderful same-day edit video (by McNeal Wedding Films) included below that you must absolutely watch!
By the way, if you haven't visited StudioWed this month, you should! They are a great offline wedding planning resource. Plus, all brides who visit the studio this month will be entered to win a gift from Tiffany and Co. Visit their blog to learn more about the StudioWed giveaway.
We’re so happy to share with you a wedding from a few months ago where several of our StudioWed Nashville Exclusive Vendors worked together to make one gorgeous wedding for bride and groom, Kimberly & Rashad.
Here are the members who were involved in making the day so beautiful:
Dove Wedding Photography – Photography – Dove did such a beautiful job of capturing the love that Kimberly & Rashad radiate. Stunning!
McNeal Wedding Films – Videography – We can’t say enough good things about McNeal and the incredible job they did on the same day edit of the ceremony that was showed at the reception – WOW! It amazes me how they were able to edit all of those video clips during the reception (see the video below)!
Rhonda Patton Designs (RhondaPattonWeddings.com) – Florals – Rhonda made some of the most beautiful floral arrangements for their reception and we just love the bouquets!! She really knows how to make an event so classy.
A Delightful Day Event Planning – Planner – Mary Alice kept the day running smoothly once again! She certainly knows how to keep a bride and groom happy and at ease throughout the wedding planning process and wedding day!
Nashville Audio Visual (NashvilleAudioVisual.com) – Lighting – Chris Jackson made The Hutton look so welcoming and inviting.
Sweet Life Designs Stationery Studio (SweetLifeDesigns.com) – Paper Goods – Amber Housley designed every paper good for Kimberly & Rashad’s wedding & ceremony and everything looked so gorgeous. Her designs certainly know how to capture guest’s attention.
Amy Lynn Larwig – Bridesmaid’s make up – We just love Amy Lynn, she really knows how to make people feel confident and beautiful.
Hindsight is 20/20. Even with all of the planning, it's hard to avoid the "wouldas" and "shoulda's". One way to minimize the regrets is to start with sound advice.
Today, we share a recent conversation held with Donald Yeager of Donald Yeager Photography. Our goal was to find out how you can keep from looking back with regret and really capture the details and memories you want to keep from your wedding day. Bookmark this post and refer to it as you interview wedding photographers and make your wedding photography decisions.
Finding Your Wedding Photographer 101: Expert Q&A with Donald Yeager Photography (www.donaldyeager.com/)
ABG: There are some brides who are a little more in-tune with what they like and know it when they see it. But for those who aren't sure, what's the best way to find and pick their photographer?
Donald Yeager Photography (DYP): In my opinion one of the most important aspects of wedding planning is the choice of a photographer, because once it’s all said and done the photography is what will remain forever to document the emotions and details of the day. That being said, no bride should rush into making this monumentous decision. I’d recommend that to begin, with brides should feel free to immerse themselves in wedding images. Blogs (like ABG, of course), magazines, websites, and et cetera are all excellent places to begin research.
While seeking out images, take actual notes of the images that you have an emotional reaction to (print them, bookmark them, cut them out and keep them in a binder) as this will help you to identify your own personal style. When you have a nice stack, look through them all and find the common denominator. Usually, one type of photography will stand out from the rest, and while most brides will have a bit of a mix, you will see some kind of majority forming in your favorites pile. For example, you may find that the majority of the images you like the best are documentary or photojournalistic in style, such as the first look between the bride and groom or the flower girl and ring bearer flirting. Or, you may be more drawn to images with post-processing artistry, such as added textures or color enhancement.
After you have established what you are drawn to, start seeking out photographers who present images that are harmonious with the style you love and schedule interviews.
So how many photographers should a bride interview? 3? 5?
I don’t believe there is a magic number to how many photographers you should decide you want to meet with. However, if the number is hovering around 10, I’d strongly suggest the bride re-examine her style and how that it is compatible with her selections. It can be really tempting for a bride to meet with ten photographers whose styles differ in hopes of identifying the style of photography she wants, but I find that generally counterproductive. In the least ideal situation, you may could end up hiring a photographer solely based on their personality, but later discover that their style doesn’t quite mesh with what you envisioned. This is an important decision, don’t rush it. It’s good to take time to evaluate, re-evaluate, and even if everything feels right at the meeting, to walk away and think on it before signing a contract.
Hiring: During the decision process, what are questions the bride & groom need to ask? How, from a photographer's perspective, would you like to be "selected" to be their photographer (chemistry? similar hobbies or interests?)
Bridals magazines, websites, and planners will give you an extensive list of specific questions to ask photographers like what coverage entails, packages, second shooter availability, ect. Since this information is widely available, I am going to recommend some different advice. Just spend some time with your photographer and get to know one another on a personal level. This will help you better judge if your personalities are compatible. Remember, you are hiring this person to follow you around on the most important day of your life. Wouldn’t it be better to hang out with someone you get along with and know personally than someone you don’t know at all?
DYP: The bride's family's roots are in Cuba, and she is very proud of that heritage. She used a book that was full of images from her family's native land as a guest book.
From a photographer’s perspective, the same rules hold true. The better I can get to know my clients personally, the more they are willing to show emotion and allow me to authentically capture their wedding. I love when I show up on a wedding day and I really know who my bride and groom truly are. It enables me to better capture each little nuance from the day; from a bride’s tattoo that her father has never seen...
... to the finally crafted homebrew beer that the groom spent months perfecting.
DYP: The bride took hours upon hours to hand-make each program. She wanted everyone's program to be a little different so she meticulously coordinated so that one program would not look identical to another.
ABG: We just love this ABG bag spotted behind the scenes at a Donald Yeager Photography wedding!
Once the contract ink has dried, how can the couple best work with a photographer to get everything in place for the big day and to make sure the wedding day itself is best captured?
I think that communication and honesty are key—if open communication exists from the get go, I feel that the bride and groom will be all the more comfortable with sharing their expectations and desires. If they are working with a wedding coordinator—a wonderful investment for any bride and groom to make—that professional can help facilitate the exchange of expectations. I always ask my couples if there are certain must have shots or locations that they’d like to see, and I’m always honest with them about the realities of timing and will not hesitate to let them know if something is not feasible.
DYP: This is an image of the bride and her son, Justin. We were getting a couple of shots of the bride and groom when all the sudden he wandered over and just wanted a hug from his happily married mother.
I try to be game for anything and everything, because being spontaneous and having fun usually produces the best shots. I also advise my couples to remember to be flexible with their day—know that things may go awry, things may not go to schedule, things might not be perfect—but with flexibility we’ll make sure that the very best moments are captured. Either way, it all comes down to trust and good communication on both ends, and that’s why starting, and keeping—a dialogue from the day we meet until after they marry is absolutely necessary.
The next picture is from after an epic engagement session - Ben and Amanda insisted that we head over to their house so they could make Ben's family world famous lasagna rolls!
Thanks for all of the honest and helpful advice! These are great pictures that examplify how finding the right photographer and establishing a good comaraderie with your photographer can really pay off.
For more gorgeous pics, visit Donald Yeager Photography and view his gallery. You'll also find more of his favorite pictures on his blog.
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!
HerMarti 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!
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
~ BridalGown: 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!
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.
At Ashley’s Bride Guide, we’re always on the lookout for innovative and exciting wedding ideas.
Send us your wedding tips, creative ideas, or your own wedding
photos to share. We’d love to hear from you »
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