Friday, February 13, 2009
Meagan and Jerry are newlyweds that I met at the Franklin Bridal Ball last year. They were super hype at the bridal show and I loved their energy and collaborative approach to wedding planning. It was great to meet a groom as interested in their big day as the bride.
We chatted at the show and they told me they were huge fans of ABG!
A few months later, I received the most posh and elegant save the date and wedding invitation. Talk about classy! The invitation alone generated anticipation but I had a date conflict.
So when A Delightful Day posted a sneak peek, my mouth dropped. Everything was spectacular and I was so jealous and disappointed that I couldn't attend. BUT, there are always pictures!! Big kudos to the ladies at A Delightful Day and Gray Photography for helping Meagan and Jerry create and capture the day of their dreams! Congrats to Meagan and Jerry and thank you for sharing your day's details with us. ABG readers - prepare to be amazed and grab your cheat sheet...
About us:
Bride - Meagan of Aqua, TN; Dickson County High School, MTSU and Nashville School of Law
Groom - Jerry of Owosso, Michigan
Our wedding details: November 8, 2008
Ceremony location - West End Church of Christ Nashville, TN
Reception location - Botanic Hall at Cheekwood Botanic Gardens
Guests - 145
Wedding Style: My wedding style Classic, Elegant and Timeless. I like classic and elegant things throughout my everyday life so I wanted the wedding to reflect the same style. I hope that in years to come my kids will be able to look at the photos and not laugh at our hair or outfits. I think the wedding could be reproduced in any time period (give or take). My colors and why I choose them Navy blue and fuchsia. I have always liked navy, pink and white in all types of situations and I think it has a classic look to it. I also did not want the groomsmen to be in the typical tux but in a suit. I like having the wedding party wear one color and have the other color represented in the flowers. I also don't think these colors are overwhelming or trendy.
My theme I don't know if I had an exact theme besides carrying the style throughout. I love the classic look of the silver trumpet vases for the centerpieces and the silver mint julep cups as well. I just don't think you can go wrong with it but everyone has to make their wedding their own!
Wedding wow factor I think that our guests loved the overall look of the reception, the food and they seemed to really notice the details that were evident in how hard we had worked to make this our day.
Favors We did a replica of a favor cake from the cover of Martha Stewart Weddings, the fall 2008 issue. It was a lot more work than we expected to find the boxes and ribbon and then to actually make them. My husband did a lot of work on it which was very sweet. We filled each box with Hershey kisses that said Just Married on the flag. I had really worried about getting the perfect favors, but nothing really suited us. I think this was the best because it was a pre-wedding project that we could do together.
We also gave away matches to light the sparklers with when we left the church. I was so happy to find a company online that could reproduce the design that Sweet Life Designs had created with our names in the sloop font. I am addicted to this font but it was perfect to match our style.
Personal touches We did use “Meagan & Jerry as designed by Sweet Life Designs throughout on the programs, gobo, matches, aisle runner, etc. Also my grandfather used to play Blue Eyes Cryin in the Rain by Willie Nelson for me on his guitar when I was growing up. While most people have probably never heard Willie Nelson at a wedding, it was important for me to have it played at the beginning of the ceremony as my father lit a candle in remembrance of him and my grandmother. In addition, my best guy friend from high school was a bride's fellow and stood on my side. I would not want him anywhere else!
Gift for bridesmaids & groomsmen Bridesmaids - Personalized bags in the wedding colors from Swoozies. I was so excited that they had the exact colors! Also a pearl necklace and pearl drop earrings from Buchanan Ink. Grooms - Coordinating ties for the suits Parents - A replica of the wedding invitation engraved into a silver tray from Amy's Unique Gifts in Brentwood. I really loved this gift because it is a beautiful reminder of the day and all of our roles in it.
Most special moment for me I think it would be the trip down the aisle. I had purposely chosen a church with a long aisle because I wanted to take my time getting down it. I could not believe it was happening but was so happy. Also during the ceremony we had the minister read notes aloud to one another that we had not previously seen. In Jerry's note he referenced an acrostic that I wrote during the first few months we were dating. When he pulled it out of his pocket, I just laughed and laughed because I could not believe that he still had it. It was a great moment. I loved seeing the reception hall for the first time before the guests were let in as well. It took my breath away. It was all that I had dreamed of and worked so hard to plan with Mary Alice. It was gorgeous. It was something I told Mary Alice on the first day we met that I would be most interested in and she made it happen.
For the kids in our bridal party Jerry has two boys and we wanted to include them but not overwhelm them. They each escorted one of our mothers down the aisle and back. It was a good opportunity for them to be included but not have to stand during the entire ceremony.
My Wedding Vendors: Planner: Mary Alice Sublett of A Delightful Day. She helped plan and coordinate everything perfectly!
Cake: Maples Wedding Cakes for the wedding cake and the Sweetest Day for the groom's cake Caterer: Cheekwood. The chef was so fun to work with and really helped us create a great menu that fit the fall atmosphere Photos: Gray Photography. They did our engagement session, bridal portraits and the entire wedding day Video: Nashville Wedding Videos Invitations: Buchanan Ink. I am so grateful to Beth for being patient with me. The invitations were one of the most important aspects to me. I loved them.
Bridal gown: Preownedweddingdresses.com I originally bought a dress that was not ultimately the dress. The dress was one I had found at The Bride Room but did not purchase due to price. When I returned to The Bride Room to purchase a veil, I tried it on again and truly realized my mistake. At that point the wedding was a month away and my only option was to find it online. Somehow I did and it was perfect. The Bride Room is my adopted bridal salon and they were so good to me. I bought my veil and jewelry there before I even had the new dress! I love Stephanie.
Bridesmaid dresses: Ann Taylor. I worried about finding navy dresses that would photograph navy and not black. These dresses were perfect and fit my style to a tee. This was another item that I changed my mind about. Originally the ladies chose a different dress but they didn't buy it because they could tell I was not happy with it. They were right when I called them a week later to change to the Ann Taylor dresses! Suits: Men's Warehouse: Almost all of the men were from out of town and this was the best option
Rings: Village Jewelers DJ: Blake Chaffin of Select Sound was our DJ for the evening. Live Music: Wedding Musicians Company provided the quartet for the ceremony. I loved the quartet and actually waited in the balcony of the church prior to the ceremony just to hear the music!
Decor: Amber Housley of Sweet Life Designs. She also did a fabulous job on our programs, Save the Dates, menus and more
Flowers: Vintage Florals
Transportation: Matchless Limo. We had the white Rolls. It was so glamorous. How I found my vendors I found Mary Alice through ABG! I found Gray Photography by searching online. The rest were found through Mary Alice or reading other local brides' blogs. My favorite vendors Mary Alice of A Delightful Day, Gray Photography and Maples Wedding Cakes. I had a perfect team of vendors but these three stand out above the rest. Mary Alice is a pro and makes you feel like the only bride she has. Gray Photography was amazing. I have gotten so many compliments and have so many pictures to choose from that are gorgeous. They are a great couple. Jay at Maples also works very hard to understand the look of the cake you are going for. Plus I don't think cake could taste any better! My Wedding Rewind: What I would do differently if planning again? Nothing. I would stop every time I felt that it was not fun anymore. The whole process should be fun. When it isn't, just take a break!
Biggest waste of time/money? I had a lot of people who rsvped yes and didn't attend. This left us with empty seats and dinners that had been made and thus paid for. If they would have let me know ahead of time that their plans had changed, I could have consolidated tables. I would have used the saved money for a photo booth or just actually saved a good amount of money. Best value for the service/product Mary Alice Sublett. She was there for me whenever I had a question and did not make me feel awkward for having so many! I don't know how I would have ever done it without her. Also http://www.preownedweddingdresses.com . I bought a Reem Acra dress for a quarter of what I would have paid at a shop. Best find I really like our rehearsal invitations by Pose Prints which I found on ABG. They were so cute! Advice for other Nashville brides Don't feel rushed into making decisions. It is ok to sleep on it for a night or so before making the decision. I am so happy that I changed my mind about a few of my ideas. If you are not comfortable with something or not excited, take that as a sign that it is not the right choice.
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Posted by Ashley of Ashley's Bride Guide |
Filed under: Luxury Nashville Wedding Finds, Real Nashville Brides, Real Nashville Weddings, Wedding Planners & Coordinators
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Monday, February 2, 2009
Monday, February 2, 2009
Last week, Tara of Lavish Event Planning announced a superb concept - a Workshop Series for the DIY Bride - that I just had to share. Whether you are a bride on a budget, determined to make your wedding fabuless or a bride who is super creative and wants to take on a completely you, DIY wedding - these workshops might be for you. Here's the scoop. Contact Tara for more details or to sign up.
The Event Atelier - A Workshop Series for the DIY Bride e·vent: n. Something that takes place; an occurrence. A significant occurrence or happening. at·el·ier: n. A workshop or studio, especially for an artist or designer. Let's face it - in this economy it can be hard to justify the sky rocketing expenses of a wedding. $150 per centerpiece? Really?! $3 per invite for calligraphy? You may feel desperate at the thought of spending so much money! The Event Atelier is a series of workshops for brides who are budget conscious - meaning that whether or not they have the money, they want to be responsible spenders. Or for brides who are on a tight budget and may not be able to bring in a professional in all areas of her wedding. Each workshop is designed to teach you the ins and outs of different DIY subjects. You may choose to take just one workshop or all four. Each workshop covers a different area of expertise. You will feel completely confident taking on these projects! You will be able to chat with industry professionals and ask any questions you may have. DIY doesn't mean home made! DIY means hands on, custom projects that will make your day fabulous and affordable! Hosted by Tara Stouder Milam of Lavish Events Tara began planning events in 2006 after a life altering career change. Officially open for business in 2007, she has been making event dreams a reality ever since. Tara especially loves working with brides on a budget - this is when her creativity really shines! Tara has created The Event Atelier because she believes too much emphasis is placed on how much a bride spends. Your wedding day should focus on your marriage, not the $20,000 decor price tag. She encourages brides to think of other socially responsible options - wouldn't it be better to start your life together with money in the bank? Tara absolutely loves beautiful events - but she tries to replicate those looks in a more budget concious way. She says, "I get absolutely heartbroken when I meet brides who have been disengaged from the true spirit of a wedding by being bombarded by bridal porn at every corner. You do not need to spend a fortune to be happy on your wedding day." The cost per workshop is $50 and includes materials for projects(which you get to keep), light refreshments, and 2 presentations by industry professionals. Come share and receive ideas and have a great time! Workshop #1: March 29th, 2009 Workshop #1 Covers: A short presentation on the do's and don'ts of DIY How the hidden costs in your venue can impact your entire wedding - Lavish Events Project: Creative Calligraphy - learning a creative way to diy hand written calligraphy Designing Save The Dates and Invites - tips and tools from a savvy graphic designer Project: Pocketfold Invitations and Layered Invitations - we will create one of each You will receive a detailed guide with step by step instructions of each project and a written overview of each session. Workshop #2: April 5th, 2009 Workshop #2 Covers: A short presentation on the do's and don'ts of DIY Catering Discussion: diy or not? Creative catering ideas for a budget wedding - Lavish Events Project: Monogrammed Aisle Runner Presentation by a local bridal resource Project: ring bearer pillow & flower girl basket - fresh and creative takes on old classics You will receive a detailed guide with step by step instructions of each project and a written overview of each session. Workshop #3: April 19th, 2009 Workshop #3 Covers: A short presentation on the do's and don'ts of DIY Hiring a Coordinator: Necessity or Unnecessary? - Lavish Events Project: centerpieces - create 2 gorgeous centerpieces without breaking the bank Unique handmade touches for your wedding - Lavish Events Project: make a wedding sign - rustic, modern, old world - it's up to you! You will receive a detailed guide with step by step instructions of each project and a written overview of each session. Workshop #4 April 26th, 2009 Workshop #4 Covers: A short presentation on the do's and don'ts of DIY Bridal party gifts: diy or buy? - Lavish Events Project: bridal hair piece - feathers, crystals, and silk flowers oh my! Schakolad Chocolate Factory - inexpensive favors Project: favor boxes and bags - diy and local resources for purchasing on the cheap. You will receive a detailed guide with step by step instructions of each project and a written overview of each session. Register for the workshops by visiting our website: http://www.theeventatelier.net Lavish Events is a full service event planning & design firm in Nashville, TN. www.mylavishevent.com www.lavishevents.typepad.com
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Posted by Ashley of Ashley's Bride Guide |
Filed under: Advice & Planning, DIY & Budget Wed Finds, Wedding Planners & Coordinators
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Sunday, January 25, 2009
Music City Events was founded by Sarah Williard and is a full service event planning and design firm in Nashville, Tennessee. Music City can orchestrate every aspect of your event from budget management to design and decor. Check out their photo gallery and contact Sarah to discuss your wedding planning needs.
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Posted by Ashley of Ashley's Bride Guide |
Filed under: Wedding Planners & Coordinators
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Friday, January 16, 2009
Most of my favorite Nashville weddings are at the Country Music Hall of Fame. Not only is the venue one of the best representations of Nashville (which guests love) but the venue is spectacular. So, aside from their amazing wedding venue, I like their signed guitar the most. It's totally befitting of the venue and is so very personal and memorable.
Meredith and Mike - thank you so much for taking time to share your Nashville wedding with us! It is breathtaking.
And, special thanks to Helen Morisette of Weddings by Helen for helping make this wedding one to remember!
About us:
Bride -Meredith of Nashville, TN; Harpeth Hall High School
Groom - Mike of Richmond, IN
Our wedding details:
September 6, 2008; 6:30 PM
Ceremony location
First Presbyterian Church, Nashville
Reception location
Country Music Hall of Fame, Downtown Nashville
Guests
215
Wedding Style: My wedding style Timeless, classic style with a touch of Nashville flavor to make it memorable to our guests and unique to the location My colors and why I choose them Fig bridesmaids dresses - it was such a beautiful, rich, elegant color without being too "purple". Shades of greens and ivory for flowers and linens - it ties so well with the fig dresses and neutral colors of the Country Music Hall of Fame. The deep purple throats of the orchids in the bridesmaids bouquets looked like they were just made for the event! My theme Traditional, with some memorable elements. (Bagpipes, family Bible, reception location, guitar signing, etc.) My wedding wow factor Signing the guitar at the reception, a memorable alternative to a guest book that was very unique to Nashville. The reception site itself was also a wow factor as many guests were from out of town. It's such a classic Nashville landmark, plus you get a great view of the downtown skyline whether you're inside or outside. Our guests also commented on how memorable the bagpipes were at the ceremony.
Favors Handmade chocolate guitars - a memorable Nashville treat Personal touches The McDonald family Bible, which was carried into the sanctuary by the bride's brother accompanied by bagpipe music from Steve Snoddy, has recorded family births and marriages since 1831. It originally belonged to the bride's great great grandfather of Charleston, South Carolina. Scripture selections were read by Austine McDonald Fleener, Michelle Theresa Hess, and Lauren Evelyn Melkus. It was also very personal to have the ceremony in the church where I grew up and attended elementary school. The hymn during the ceremony was actually our school hymn.
Gift for bridesmaids & groomsmen Bridesmaids received a monogrammed plush robe Groomsmen received monogrammed cuff links and a cowboy hat (to wear out on the town after the Rehearsal Dinner)
Most special moment for me I'm sure many brides say this, but I can't even describe how special it was to walk down the aisle seeing Mike at the front of the church. It was like everything and everyone else just disappeared, and it just really hit me how excited I am to spend the rest of my life with him as my husband.
My Wedding Vendors: Planner: Weddings by Helen Morisette Cake: Dessert Designs Caterer: SoBro Grill Flowers: English Garden/Terry White Photo: Mary Claire Crow Video: AndyCam Invitations: Buchanan Ink Bridal Gown: Designer: Ulla-Maija Couture; Boutique: Impressions (Atlanta boutique) Bridesmaid Dresses: Priscilla of Boston Tuxes: American Tuxedo Rings: Ascot Diamonds (private jeweler in Atlanta) Music: Groovetown (Eastcoast Entertainment)
How I found my vendors? Most of the vendors were recommendations from friends, particularly weddings that we had attended as guests ourselves. My favorite vendors We were fortunate to have a great experience with all of our vendors. They really made our night perfect! Planner: Helen Morisette (highly recommended, kept us organized and on task) Cake: Leland Riggins - the best cake I've ever had, we received so many compliments from our guests on it. Even months later, some of my friends are still talking about it. Flowers: English Garden/Terry White - he surprised us with a few lilly of the valley in the brides bouquet (it's my favorite, and we didn't think we were going to be able to get it) Photo: Mary Claire Crow- Mary Claire's timing is just impeccable, and I think that's what really makes a photographer talented - capturing those essential moments. My Wedding Rewind: What I would do differently if planning again? There's not much I would have changed, but I still can't believe how quickly the night went by. Every bride wants their wedding to be special and memorable, so you have to think about what that means to you, not necessarily what every magazine or website says. You have to let the whole planning process be an enjoyable, not stressful experience, because it will all be behind you so quickly - and the important thing is the marriage that you're about to enter, not just the night itself. Best value for the service/product Photos and videos - the evening went by so quickly, one of the most important things was to have the great moments captured so that we can see them in pictures. Biggest waste of time or money? I think we realized pretty quickly that you can't focus on every single detail. We knew that it was important to focus on the big things that were important to us, that we want to remember and not get lost in the details. Neatest find? The personal touches were what made the night unique to us. Having some family history in the ceremony (the Bible) and in my jewelry (my earrings were made from my great grandmother's diamond watch), ...and some hometown character made the night very special for everyone.
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Posted by Ashley of Ashley's Bride Guide |
Filed under: Real Nashville Weddings, Wedding Planners & Coordinators
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Monday, January 12, 2009
Monday, January 12, 2009 At Thursday's Enchanted Brides bridal show, I ran into Kristin, a Nashville bride-to-be and owner of Simply Stunning Events. While we email often, it's always great to see a person in person. Of course when she tapped me on my shoulder, I was running my mouth with Amy of Photo Booth Nashville. That's a funny story that I will share in a few weeks. But anyway, it gave me time to catch up with Amy and Kristin. Last month, Kristin shared the first step in wedding planning - selecting a wedding date. If you are newly engaged and haven't selected a date, be sure to read that article first. Now, Kristin has chosen a wedding coordinator to help with her wedding day (exciting!) and is back to share her experience and process in hiring a coordinator for her big day with us. Why does she need a planner when she's a planner? Because Kristin understands what I try to stress to brides - everyone needs a planner. In fact, every bride tells me (after her wedding) that she really wishes that she'd hired a planner vs trying to do everything on her own.
Guest Post: Kristin of Simply Stunning Events is a Nashville, TN-based wedding and event planner who is currently engaged to Brian Kaplan, a Nashville wedding photographer. Once you've picked the date, it's time to get organized! The first vendor you should book is of course your wedding coordinator since she or he can assist you in finding venues, choosing vendors, creating a budget, and much more. Start by checking local wedding websites such as AshleysBrideGuide.com and pick 2-3 coordinators in your budget to sit down with. I highly recommend meeting a planner before you book her/him since you will be working with this person closely for the next year or more and you want to be sure she or he has a great personality and will be a good fit. To help, here is a list of questions you should ask before hiring a wedding coordinator!
1) How long have you been a wedding coordinator?
2) Is this your full-time job or part-time job?
3) What type of formal training have you had?
4) Are you a member of any major bridal or wedding/special event trade associations (ABC, ACPWC, June Wedding, Inc, ISES)?
5) What if you become ill or cannot come to the wedding? Who will stand in for you?
6) Do you accept commissions, kickbacks or professional discounts from any vendors you refer?
7) What is your coordination fee?
8) Will you help design the overall theme, decor and flow of the wedding ceremony & reception?
9) Will you provide me with a detailed budget outline?
10) Are you familiar with the best florists, photographers, caterers, bands, and DJs in my price range?
11) Will you read over the vendor contracts? What are some common traps to look out for?
12) Can you counsel me on etiquette matters and alert me to hot trends on the wedding horizon?
13) Will you create a timeline that tells everyone involved in the planning process what to do and when to do it?
14) For the day of the wedding, will you be willing to oversee the entire event by supervising vendors, troubleshooting emergencies, and soothing nerves? Can you share any anecdotes that required performing above and beyond the call of duty?
Lastly, ask for references, both past clients and other vendors. You want to be sure this isn't someone who decided last week she'd like to try planning weddings since she just planned her own and it was so much fun! (Trust me, planning one's own wedding is very different than running a successful event business).
So are you wondering now whether I hired a coordinator for my own wedding? You bet! Even though I am doing all the planning myself, when it comes to my wedding day I do not want to be worrying whether everything was set up properly, or if the vendors are on time. And it might be tough to cue the processional from the back of the line as the bride. So I hired the wonderful Corinne of Weddings with Reese. I definitely needed someone I could trust to execute my vision, handle any emergencies, keep my-type-A-self from obsessing over all the details. See, even wedding coordinators hire wedding coordinators since we know how valuable they are!
Visit Kristin at Simply Stunning Events Visit Corrine at Weddings with Reese
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Posted by Ashley of Ashley's Bride Guide |
Filed under: Advice & Planning, Real Nashville Brides, Wedding Planners & Coordinators
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