A Taste of Paris for Wedding Receptions or Bridal Showers

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

I recently attended an open house at Events at 1418 and the Parisian theme was based on the movie Julie & Julia.  (If you didnt see the movie, it's a film that contrasts the early career of chef Julia Child in Paris and aspiring chef (and Child-fan) Julie.)

Kellie Bryson, owner of Events at 1418,  A Catered Affair and the Bake Shoppe worked with her joint teams to completely transform the space - from decor, desserts and catering - and to create an Ode to Paris evening that inspired Nashville brides and entertained event professionals.  Being the simply girl I am, I asked Emily of Simply Yours Weddings to guest blog today, as her palette is much more sophisticated than mine.  She appreciates fine wine and fancy food so she'll do a much better job describing the delicious details.

Guest Blogger: Emily of Simply Yours Weddings & Etc.

On a night in downtown Nashville, you don't have to look far for food, laughter, and fun.  On this February night, Events at 1418 took us on a trip back in time and across the pond to a Parisian dinner party inspired by the recent film "Julie & Julia". Kellie and her talented team held nothing back as they created an atmosphere of incredible food and drinks as well as a beautiful display of all they have to offer.

From their sweet and accommodating bartending staff to their colorful chefs, down to the beautiful linens and tablescapes, all of it was produced right there within their exposed brick walls! Events at 1418 is a perfect venue for a rehearsal dinner or wedding reception! They literally have everything a planning couple would need right at their fingertips! Plus, they want to make each event extraordinary so they let the creative juices flow resulting in complete event concepts.

Many of the items served were straight out of Julia Child's cookbook (with a special A Catered Affair twist)! My personal favorite was the beef bourguignon. SO good! They served it as an appetizer over french bread, and I could not keep myself from going back for more! They also served many of Julia's dessert recipes, such as apple tarte with cinnamon creme fraiche, chocolate almond cake, and raspberry bavarian, just to name a few! They did such a great job finding sweet ways to incorporate their theme into the decor and the food. I know this would be true for any other event held at this wonderful location for couples just like you!

Of course, a sweet soiree like this one, brings out  tons of fun people to eat, laugh and mingle! Here are a few shots of some of Nashville wedding people Ashley and I ran into!

From Left to Right - Amy Thomas of Swizzle Events, myself, and Rhonda Hendricks of Joe Hendricks Photography!

From L-R Rhonda Hendricks of Joe Hendricks Photography, Dawn Stoika of the The Bake Shoppe, Amy Thomas of Swizzle Events, myself and Ashley!

So brides, if you are still looking for a reception or smaller party event space such as a Bridal Luncheon or a Rehearsal Dinner, look no further than Events at 1418! They will take incredible care of you for your event! 

Thank you to Kellie and the whole team at Events at 1418 for an incredible evening!!

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Posted by Simply Yours Weddings | Filed under: Bridal Showers, Luncheons, Parties, Destination Weds & Honeymoon , Makeup, Hair, Health, Beauty , Photography & Videography, Wedding Planners & Coordinators 1 comment »

Newly engaged? Hire a wedding planner from the start…90% of brides regret not doing so

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Remember the splurge items I talked about in yesterday's post, Research, Prioritize and Trust your Gut? A critical splurge item is a wedding planner. The question of whether you will hire one will come up when you're discussing your budget and going through the list of necessities.

I've met a lot of brides, some who have hired planners and I've spoken to brides who did it all themselves with the help of friends and family. When asked why they decided to brave the planning process and the wedding day itself, the three biggest reasons they gave me were:
 

- Money - a planner was just not in the budget. The brides felt that the amount they would have to pay was better spent on other aspects.

- They just didn't think a planner was worth the investment - some girls felt that what a planner could do, her friends or family members could also do for free.

- How hard could a wedding be? It's a party isn't it? - After all the planning was squared away with every detail confirmed, brides felt they had it all under control and there just wasn't anything left to worry about. What could possibly go wrong?

It came as no surprise that 90% of the brides I spoke to who didn't hire planners said that they should have done so in the first place. The learned that a planner's help would have taken a load off them, and that a wedding isn't "just a party" and that so much goes into it on teh day itself. Which brings us to Why You Should Hire a Wedding Planner/Coordinator. We consulted with three of the industry's professionals, Amy Thomas of Swizzle Events, Kristin Kaplan of Simply Stunning Nashville and Sharon Campbell, wife and right hand person to photographer Jonathon Campbell.

After their years of experience, they told us why they think brides should never underestimate the importance of a wedding planner:

Knowledge and experience - planners know exactly what questions to ask vendors and how to get you the most bang for your buck. Even if your budget is limitless, it's best to get quality vs. paying too much for shabby work and loopholes in contracts. Planners negotiate for you, they will source for options for you and cut down on your work. You can plan and plan but what if something goes wrong?
 

Kristin Kaplan of Simply Stunning Events worked with a bride who, shortly before her wedding realized she'd lost her venue - "Everything was ready to go... the venue had also arranged for the catering and the wedding cake and suddenly the bride received a phone call stating that the venue had lots its license to host events and we'd have to make other arrangements. Within two days, we had another venue lined up, new caterers, a whole new menu and a beautiful wedding cake."

Planners know who to call and what to say. They have contacts and the knowledge to get things done. Sure, something like this doesn't always happen, but wouldn't you prefer to have someone on hand just in case it does?

• Get things done. We got a non-planner vendor’s perspective on the topic.

Sharon Campbell offered this advice. “On the day of, which is imperative, a planner can handle the orchestration of the event. A timeline is critical and a day of planner can help make sure that everyone knows where they are supposed to be and when.  This includes vendors, your bridal party and even family members who may be coming in early for pictures. You have invested a great deal in  your wedding day, why not allot part of that budget so someone that  know how to make your day run smoother and get the most out of everything you paid for?”

I couldn’t agree more!  Why should you (or any guest) be running around to cue the band when it’s time for your first dance?  And no bride wants to deal with the bill while trying to mingle.  The planner is there to make sure you are fed, happy, and ready to go cut your cake when it’s time.  If there’s a problem with the beef tips?  Never you mind, your planner should be the one to deal with it.

Lastly:

• No more stress! Your wedding planner is your problem solver, someone who could resolve conflict, handle emergencies before and during the wedding, all so you can enjoy your own wedding.

Amy Thomas has pulled MacGyver style rescues at weddings with her always-handy emergency kit which came in handy with a bridesmaid dress fiasco.  Once, in the middle of a crazy wedding season, a bride neglected to hire a DJ and called Amy at the 11th hour.  Working her planner know-how, she managed to book a great DJ for the girl.  “The list of real-life examples on why to hire a planner could go on and on.  I’ve helped brides work out awkward family situations, find a venue that allowed DIY catering, plan for disabled members of the wedding party, wrangled bored and cranky flower girls and ring-bearers and, occasionally, saved the wedding cake from the ‘best dog.’”

A lot of newlyweds say they hardly remembered what happened at their wedding.  A bride once told me, “I was too busy worrying about the schedule that I didn’t get to say hi to people.”  Your photographs shouldn’t be the only memories you have after the wedding, you should be able to remember who you got to see and talk to, how much fun you had, what songs you danced to and even how the food tasted!

Hiring a planner for your big day is a worthwhile investment.  Like Amy said to us, the question really isn’t “why should you hire a planner” but really “When will you hire your planner?”

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Posted by Ashley of Ashley's Bride Guide | Filed under: Advice & Planning, Wedding Planners & Coordinators 0 comments »

Exquisite Wedding Finds for Nashville’s Luxe Bride - Signature Events, Inc.

Monday, December 14, 2009

Monday, December 14, 2009

This week, I'd like to highlight some great resources for creating a lavish Nashville wedding. If you're looking to wed like a celeb, this week is for you! Yes, we're in an economic crunch but there are many brides who have saved for this day and are not accepting anything less than their perfect wedding day.

If you are a bride who lives well and plans to wed well - you're going to enjoy this week! Or, if you are a bride on a moderate budget or even a bargain budget but are looking to splurge in a few areas - hopefully you'll find some great wedding goodies this week too.

Disclaimer - a great wedding planner, photographer, cake artist or other wedding vendor can help you create the wedding of your dreams no matter your budget - but many of the resources I will share this week have significant experience, packages, ideas just for opulent weddings.

Meet Signature Events, Inc.

Today I am pleased to introduce our newest advertiser Signature Events, Inc.!

As our newest site sponsor, Signature Events, is generously including a rehearsal dinner planning package ($1,000+ value) exclusively to brides who follow Ashley's Bride Guide and who book Signature Events for their wedding planning package by the end of December. This will afford you a full service wedding planner for two of your most important bridal events. This is a very rare opportunity to not stress at all during your wedding planning, not to mention a great value.

About Signature Events

Karen Kaforey, owner of Signature Events, has overseen weddings that would make the inner-princess in us all just swoon.
 

Signature Events, Inc, has planned weddings in here in Nashville, TN and Seattle, WA and, in the case of a retired Pittsburgh Steeler Jerome Bettis, an amazing wedding in Jamaica. The pictures below are from the InStyle Weddings article which you can read here.
 

Bettis wedding - courtesy of InStyle magazine

Karen helps her brides bring to life the wedding they imagine. From Union Station Hotel to Cheekwood to the Hermitage Hotel, Signature Events, Inc. has left its impression at some of the most elegant venues in Nashville. A fun fact I learned from speaking to Karen is that people spend an average of 200 hours planning their wedding. Wouldn't it be great if you had someone to save you that time and stress? That is why companies like Signature Events, Inc. exist. No bride wants to go through all that planning just to barely enjoy her own wedding, and a good, solid planner is a worthwhile investment. Karen's good, sage advice to the bride-to-be is to "make smart decisions and try not to over-think everything...really enjoy the process."

See what else she has to say.

Why hire a wedding planner?

Planning is a huge undertaking, making it one of the most exciting and emotional times in your life. Our job is to take the stress out of planning and make your wedding a relaxing, fun and memorable time you will treasure always. Having someone with experience working with you will be the best investment you will make.

How long have you been planning weddings?

Signature Events officially started in 2000 but I began planning weddings when I was in college in Boston and continued when I moved to New York City after graduation. When I moved to Nashville I began doing doing this as a full time career.

What packages do you offer?

We customize our wedding planning packages based on each couple’s needs. Our initial consultation is complimentary and a great way to get to know each other.

Our set packages start with the “Exquisite” which is all inclusive with unlimited time.  Next is the “Lush” package which is for the couple who has already begun planning and is in need to direction. Then we have the “Chic” package this allows us to come in and do your weekend timeline and the event logistics.  Last is the “Splendid”, our month of planning package.

All of these will be discussed in detail at our initial meeting to find the package that best meets your needs.

Do you plan destination weddings?

Yes, we love to plan destination weddings and have lots of experience with resorts across the country and have planned out of the country. Many of our brides have loved taking their guests to wonderful locations,  making the wedding weekend a great get  away.

What advice do you have?

Make smart decisions and try not to over think everything, Trust yourself and your wedding coordinator. Together we can create a day and weekend you, your family and friends will always remember. This is a great time in your life, really enjoy the process.

Let Signature Events take care of you and make your wedding day dreams become a reality.

Signature Events, Inc. has been featured in US Weekly, Town and Country and In Style.  To see more of their weddings, visit their blog at signatureweddingsnashville.com.

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Posted by Ashley of Ashley's Bride Guide | Filed under: Luxury Nashville Wedding Finds, Wedding Planners & Coordinators, Wedding Resources 0 comments »

Nashville Wedding Vendor Spotlight: Sasha Souza Events

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Wednesday, October 28, 2009 From the moment I chatted with Suzanne of Sasha Souza Events and said she too loved inspiration boards, I was a fan.  I love pretty and inspiring boards but am not creative in that way.  But, when I saw images of her work, I saw that - not only is she creative, but she can execute on her creativity in a real life way.  Sweet!  The more you learn, the more you'll like about Sasha Souza Events.  Keep reading... My Spotlight on Sasha Souza Events Suzanne Dement (of Sasha Souza), Tennessee Wedding & Event Planner http://www.SashaSouzaEvents.com

 

How did you get started in weddings? I have always had a passion for design. I actually attended college to pursue my bachelor's degree in Interior Design. I ended up changing majors and going down another path. Last year I decided I really wanted to break into the wedding industry and I chose the ABC (Association of Bridal Consultants) for my education. I decided that to be the best, I would need to learn from the best. I began working with Sasha Souza in 2008 by joining her Team I Do program. After working with Sasha I chose to join her team and open an office here in Tennessee. I can see that your interior design background still has a strong and complimentary influence on your style.  Is that what you love most about weddings? I love to see my clients enjoying their "special day" and their guests having a wonderful time. It means so much to help people create memories that will truly last a lifetime! What's your favorite wedding picture and why? I love this collage of my work because it really shows diversity and great uses of color.

What is your service philosophy? The philosophy of Sasha Souza Events is simple, "distinctive & successful events each and every time." What are your strengths compared to others in your category? Why should an engaged couple hire you? We see the big picture of the event and focus on the taste, preferences, and personal style of the client. No stone is left unturned with us. The services afforded to clients are similar to wedding consulting; however, Sasha Souza Events goes one step further. Coordination is only a small portion of the major details handled during the planning process.We create events that are flawless in their design and implementation. Sasha Souza Events is a hybrid company which harmoniously blends both designer and coordination - a new style of event coordinator which seemlessly blends all your desires, ideas, and logistical issues into one stunning and fun party for your guests.

Who are your 5 favorite Nashville wedding vendors' helpfulness, professionalism, style? Maples Cake Bakery (amazing cake design) , Nashville Event Lighting (I LOVE lighting), Fabu Event Decor (great, affordable rentals), Hutton Hotel (fabulous new hotel), and The Hermitage Hotel (sophisticated elegance) You've got a great team of wedding vendors there!  Who do you recommend when you're not available/not a fit? I have to say I adore Mary Alice Sublett with A Delightful Day! What do you read/watch regularly to stay on top of wedding/event trends? I watch very little tv but I de read Modern Bride, Grace Ormonde, and Nashville Lifestyles Weddings. To be completely honest I strive to be a trendsetter instead of a follower. I find that being in the South we tend to stay behind the curve on trends in general...I'm blessed to be able to keep up with "what's hot and new" by having an office and team in Los Angeles, San Fransisco, and Napa. Let's discuss current wedding trends: What trend do you love? I really like lounges.  Although they aren't a new trend, they seem to be a growing one. Guests seem to really enjoy a beautiful lounge area to congregate in. I love lounge areas too!  They are comfortable and chic.  What trend do you hate? I'm really tired of paper lanterns. They have been over used in my opinion. We have used them in the past and we may use them again in the future but I'm really over them right now! Which trend are you glad is gone? Everything being super formal and using proper wedding etiquette. These days it's all about what the bride and groom want. I certainly suggest proper etiquette on certain issues but I prefer a relaxed event mood. No one will condemn you for doing things differently or adding a twist to your wedding! People are letting their true personality shine through in their events now. I totally agree.  As CJ (CJ's Off the Square) says, "there are no rules, only traditions".  I believe that too and am glad to see more folks marching to their own beat.  Which trend are you sad is gone? I don't really miss anything because I love cutting edge trends and new stuff! I appreciate what has been done in the past but I'm more concerned with the future of events and trends! What are your favorite wedding websites? / Neatest wedding find? http://www.swsmag.net http://www.stylemepretty.com http://www.etsy.com Neatest bridal find? http://www.ossaidesign.com  This company makes gorgeous accessories!

What advice do you have for Nashville brides? No matter your budget try to express your style as a couple and let your guests celebrate and rejoice in whatever makes you happy!

Visit the Sasha Souza profile on AshleysBrideGuide.com for more wonderful wedding design pictures and service info.

(Photos courtesy of http://www.allisonrodgers.com) 

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Posted by Ashley of Ashley's Bride Guide | Filed under: Luxury Nashville Wedding Finds, Wedding Planners & Coordinators 0 comments »