Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Today is our last day of Sex and the City recaps...but I've saved the most delicious for last - I promise!
Last week, we shared our party's vision, decor, details, entertainment and shopping. Today, we'll give you the scoop on the delicious treats - from dessert and food to great party favors!
The Food: Delicious Treats
Because the women at the party appreciate the finer things in life, it was only appropriate that the food we had looked and tasted good as well. Our vendors always come through for us and when they said they'd bring us fabulous food, they definitely delivered! A Catered Affair had a full-on Asian stir-fry station and served the chicken with fried rice in cute Chinese takeout boxes.
A fun stir fry station would be perfect for a wedding or event!
A Catered Affair also provided really chic dessert shots! Served on individual spoons, they're visually appealing, rather unique and easy to manage so people don't have their hands full of stuff when trying to eat!
Dessert Shots by A Catered Affair
Down South Delights covered the heavy hors d'ouevres part of the fare, with tons of options both savory and sweet. I had at least one, if not two of each of the bite sized morsels starting with the Inside Out Sushi with hoisin scallion dipping sauce. The dipping sauce also tasted great on the Chinois chicken spring rolls. One bite of the Hamptons style mini lobster rolls and I instantly knew those would be perfect for a posh garden style party. Very tasty. You can't go wrong with the mini gourmet flatbread pizzas and they ended everything on a slightly sweeter note with the brie and almond wontons with black raspberry sauce.
WIth the savory comes the sweet. Down South Delights brought us some fabulous Sex & The City themed desserts like pink champagne truffles, mini mimosa parfait, layered gelees and cosmopolitan mousse, plus my favorite, French macarons. A great mix of flavors and colors, it really made the buffet table festive.
You can't have a Sex & the City Party without serving cupcakes! The show is what put cupcakes back into trendy vocabulary in the first place! So in celebration, Crumb de la Crumb brought chocolate cupcakes with pink buttercream frosting and to accompany the cupcakes, little petit four style cakes!
The cake did not last very long!
Kernels Southern Gourmet Popcorn provided a fun and tastty popcorn bar, a unique alternative to the ever popular candy bar. Kernel's gave partygoers flavored, specialty popcorn for us to scoop and pack into our individual bags.
The Swag: Bags full of goodies
Our local vendors were so generous with everything they gave us. There were two types of goodie bags we gave out that night, one for our brides-to-be that had swag to celebrate their upcoming wedding, and those for the fabulous women who came to celebrate SATC.
There were so many great items and I'll list our super swag run-down because these items would make great wedding favors, ideas, or overall gifts for yourself or your friends!
Opulent Couturier - monogrammed drinking glasses, something that would make great wedding favors. Everyone marveled at this cute (and affordable for favors) glasses.
Swizzle Events - as a wedding planner, Amy knows great wedding favors. She created swizzle sticks and added her business card. You could do something similar OR call her to help with your favors or wedding planning in general!
McNeal Wedding Films + AshleysBrideGuide.com (ABG) - we partnered to create the CUTEST "I'm a Carrie..." buttons that were available for each character, all guests! We also cr
Relish + AshleysBrideGuide.com (ABG) - we partnered to create custom ABG/Flood 2010 tnotes and the proceeds benefit the Red Cross. If you like them, you can order your own for thank you notes, Nashville wedding invitations, etc.
Nico and Lala - VERY popular! This fab girl design team gave every guest a super cute luggage tag that said 'Honeymoon Bound" or was a pink and green gingham print pretty version. I love mine!
Chef's Market - boxes of truffles, good for a OOT gift basket or favors
TruLu Couture - Louise offered brides a sample of her new veil and bridal accessories collection.
Kiehl's - samples + coupon for in store shopping
Sandals Honeymoon Travel - bath salts to get us in a tranquil mood and thinking of sandy beaches
Bikram Cool Springs - complimentary yoga class - You need to relax girl! If you attended the party - be sure to use your coupon!
PaperKuts Studio - 20% off coupon + magnets in a wide array or colors and can be matched to your wedding colors
Kerried Away Couture - mini tape measures, one of my favorites, to help measure your bridesmaids!
Olive and Sinclair - locally made artisan chocolate which were all the rave!
ABG's SATC buttons - Designer luggage tags from Nico and Lala - Magnets from Paperkuts Studio, Truffles from Chef's Market - Chocolate bars from Olive and Sinclair + Nashville tnotes by Relish from ABG - Monogrammed glass from Opulent Couturier
The Giveaways: Our guests got hooked up!
The party's giveaways were even more over the top than some of the swag! Jonathon Campbell Photography gave away an amazing bar set - complete with martini glasses, alcohol and shakers that I wanted to steal. Kristyn Hogan lifestyle photographer and McCoy Made hooked 2 brides up with free lifestyle sessions, valued at well over $500+. Then Stella and Dot, Nala Style, J. Bangs Salon and J. Nichelle Hair Artistry treated winning partygoers to jewelry, accessories, hair cuts and manicures. Unreal! The list really went on and on. We gave away thousands of dollars in prizes. Yes - we treat our partygoers well! We love to pass on our goodies to others. Hope you got in on the fun. If not, be sure to join us next time!
If you missed our SATC party - we hope these recaps help you create an ultimate list of Nashville wedding/event resources or goodies to treat yourself any day of the week!
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Posted by Ashley of Ashley's Bride Guide |
Filed under: Cakes & Catering, Wedding Resources
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Tuesday, July 6, 2010
I am very excited to announce that StudioWed (our site sponsor) is giving away the diamond necklace below! Yes, it's gorgeous and Tabitha and I want it, but it's for a special Nashville bride. Here's how you can win the necklace.
How does the studio work?
StudioWed is a (free service) wedding planning studio.
You make an appointment with Leigh or Mary Alice (the lovely owners) and share details about your wedding. They listen and help you find great wedding vendors based on your style, budget. Their goal is to help you create the wedding day of a lifetime! And, when you visit this month only, your visit qualifies you for an entry in the diamond necklace contest.
StudioWed Nashville Diamond Necklace Giveaway
Here's all you have to do to enter the giveaway for the beautiful bling:
1) Be a Nashville bride or planning a Nashville wedding
2) Have wedding vendors that you still need to hire. If you've already hired all of your vendors, the Studio will not be as beneficial so the contest is open to brides who are still hiring wedding professionals.
3) Contact StudioWed (615.739.5477 or leigh at studiowed dot net) now to schedule your "diamond giveaway" appointment. Your appointment must be between July 7 and July 31.
4) Visit the Studio and get entered to win the necklace!
Nashville brides - this is THE time to check out StudioWed. Get complimentary wedding planning help, meet great professionals and maybe win some diamonds! If you are not a bride, please spread the word via Facebook + Twitter so your brides can win the bling!
(If you attended our SATC party as a StudioWed brides, your name has automatically been entered into the drawing for this beautiful diamond necklace. Because many of you weren't able to participate at that time StudioWed is extending the drawing til July 31st to give all Nashville brides a chance to win. All you have to do is call StudioWed and make your appointment to see Leigh and Mary Alice and let them connect you with some of the best wedding vendors in town!)
Good luck! We're already jealous:).
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Posted by Ashley of Ashley's Bride Guide |
Filed under: Contests, Giveaways, Specials, Luxury Wed Finds, Wedding Resources
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Friday, July 2, 2010
The stage was set for the year's most fabulous party - the details, the lights and all the hard work and planning came together. When all the ladies got to the party, we had even more for them to do than just sit pretty and sip on cocktails! There was so much shopping and who doesn't love that! Yesterday we recapped our great bridal options, today it's all about what women loved at our party in terms of everyday goodies from Nashville female entrepreneurs with great clothes, jewelry, clothes and accessories. There was something for everyone!
The Shopping: Pretty Paper
It was hard to decide where to start. For example, stationery companies, You're Invited, Paperkuts Studios and Relish showcased wonderful stationery options for personal stationery, wedding invitations, parties and showers. With such pretty paper options, it was a great way for everyone to see, touch and even purchase!
Relish allows you to build your own super cute stationery online.
Located in Belle Meade - You're Invited is a one stop spot for gifts and stationery.
Paperkuts Studio is located off Lebanon Road and has a plethora of fun paper goods. They also sell a great line of ethnic items that includes African American and Hispanic stationery. Photo courtesy of Nashville LIfestyles Magazine (who were there to party with us! Thanks for coming ladies!)
The Shopping: Fabulous Nashville Women's Clothes, Jewelry and Accessories
Val's Boutique had a huge rack full of the cutest little dresses and blouses! Girls were able to shop for the latest fashions. I was so busy I didnt get to check out the selection but I plan to!!! Hopefully Val still has the first dress on the rack. I love it!
Ginger, the owner of Nala Style is so chic! She travels to LA all the time to bring Nashville ladies the hottest in jewelry and shoes. You wont see these styles anywhere else locally. From the most delicate earrings to the boldest statement necklaces, these statement pieces take any outfit to a whole new level.
Those of us looking to update out wardrobes also got to choose fun purses, hair accessories and dresses. Nala Style had a huge selection of bags and clutches.
We're still so in love with Stella & Dot which has some of the prettiest, eye-catching accessories. Best part? Stella & Dot stylist Kim Wright was on site to help girls fine the piece that was right for them.
The Shopping: Sustainable Indulgence for Us & Mother Earth
Eco-friendly products don't always guarantee "pretty" things. Changing all that is iHospitality whose owner, Ashley, believes that there's beauty in sustainability that won't take away from the overall fabulous look of your event. Her "Simple Sets" product line is great for eco brides (or event planning women) who want disposable products that are kinder to Mother Earth.
Maintaining intimacy is fun; maintaining intimacy with some fun products makes it even more enjoyable. Girls had a blast picking through products from Pure Romance whose lotions and oils looked delightfully exciting (and naughty!)
Our last shopping vendor was Thistle Farms, which you MUST know about. We'll feature them on ABG in a few weeks (after my tour of their farm) but for now, take a few moments to check them out. They have a great story/cause and an even better line of body products. They are Nashville based (yippee) and all about empowering women.
That's it for today but we're not even close to being done so check back next week for the yummy treats and swag! Photos courtesy of Jonathon Campbell Photography and Kristyn Hogan lifestyle photographer.
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Posted by Ashley of Ashley's Bride Guide |
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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 of Ashley's Bride Guide |
Filed under: Photography & Videography, Wedding Resources
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Tuesday, June 29, 2010
This week is all about Sex...and the City! Last month, we hosted a Girls Night Out to celebrate the debut of the second Sex and City movie. Yesterday, I shared the party's vision, location and overall look. Today, I'll give you the scoop on some of the behind the scenes party elements that are vital to ensure everything is fabulously in line with your event ambiance.
Photos courtesy of Kristyn Hogan, lifestyle photographer, Nashville Lifestyles and Jonathon Campbell Photography.
THE DECOR DETAILS: Event Signage
Relish designed the event flyer based on the movie poster. It was two sided and was postcard size so it was very affordable to print, like $10 for several hundred!
Southall Eden Paperie created the onsite event signage which included event programs, signs and food/drink cards. The signage wowed everyone! My mom kept running around asking - who did the signs? They were incredible! I loved them. The signage alone set the tone even before the rest of the party decor was added.
Southall Eden Paperie created the event program...
I sent Shannon, lead designer at Southall, the content for the event program. With no input from me - she designed the most incredible programs. They were better than I imagined. She choose the paper (shiny shimmering gray), font (fun yet contemporary in black and pink), layout/size "purseable".
...drink and food menus...
...themed satc quote signs + vendor table signs...
... and directional signage.
If you are creating an affair to remember, these are the details that will make your luxe affair a signature event. Amazing and well thought event signage says "you didnt miss a beat" in ensuring your wedding guests are informed regarding locations, directions, food options, etc. Southall can create everything you need - from your save the date and invitations to restroom signs in your signature font.
THE DECOR DETAILS: Florals
For the florals, I turned to my girl Hillary of Brocade Designs. Hillary and Jen of Reveal Event Style worked together to create beautiful florals in shoes - so sexy! The party didnt need a lot of florals because the space itself is so colorful and captivating, so I asked for just a few simple but stunning pieces.
THE DECOR DETAILS: Specialty Event Lighting
Lighting, lighting, lighting - it's so important! Nashville Event Lighting (NEL) added girly gobo (lighting design effects) to floors and walls. They also added hot pink lighting throughout the event. Lighting makes a big difference and can completely change the ambiance or feel of an event. The best events are well lighted events. You may not think it makes a difference but it does.
If you are on the fence about lighting, visit NEL and let them show you the difference between how your cake will look to your guests and in pictures with lighting vs without. Or, how much better your photography will be with well thought lighting.
NEL let me choose the gobo lighting design that I wanted on the floor! You could choose your own design or have them create one based on your wedding monogram.
Up-lighting at pool area and around seating area by NEL
NEL also offers hanging lanterns, willow lanterns and paper lanterns to accessorize your event.
NEL specialty lighting made the party pop and venue shine at night.
THE DECOR DETAILS: Linen and other Rentals
Another small detail that adds major wow is linen. There is a big difference between basic polycotton white and dazzling textured black. When you are looking to create an event that wows - specialty linen is a great way to achieve that extra oomph. Connie Duglin Specialty Linen was our choice because they are easy to work with and have an incredible selection. They provided all of our event linen.
Specialty linen by Connie Duglin, Tables rented from Liberty Party Rentals
I'm closing today's recap (of course there will be more from the SATC party tomorrow) with a company that really came through for my event - Liberty Party Rentals. Julie and crew made the event possible. Because my party fell on a holiday week, many of the rental companies didnt have what I needed or were too busy to respond. Not Liberty. Julie was busy but Kristin of Simply Stunning Events kept calling her (thank you!) until what we desperately needed was secured. I rented an unsexy Uhaul truck and my dad went and picked up the tables for our event. Without Liberty, I dont know what we would have done. They were willing to offer whatever we needed. I highly recommend them because they came through at the last minute, providing service with a smile!
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Posted by Ashley of Ashley's Bride Guide |
Filed under: Details, Design & Florals, Wedding Resources
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