Friday, February 20, 2009
Quick reminder - the Murfreesboro Bridal Show is Saturday and the Williamson County Weddings & Events Invitation Showcase are both on Sunday. I am going to the invitation showcase. If you are a bride, need invitations and want to go with me, just email me and we can coordinate.
I always enjoy the Clarksville Brides Wedding and Event Showcase. Here are some of my favorite finds from January's show. They might be good options as you shop for vendors. It doesn't matter whether you are Clarksville or Nashville based because most of the vendors travel across Middle TN. In general, if you love 'em, hire 'em...before they are all booked.
Turning Point 8
A really neat find was Turning Point 8, an acoustic duet that performs all types of music - from Celtic to Classic to Renaissance - on a hammered dulcimer. I wasn't familiar with the instrument but the sound was spectacular. If you are looking for live music that's memorable for your ceremony or other celebrations, they offer a free music consultation - 931-801-0251 or [email protected]
Visions by Debra
Debra, a Clarksville wedding planner, created this pebble seating chart to give brides ideas for their wedding day - pretty neat
I Do Special Occasion Makeup (idobridalmakeup.net)
Rockelle, of I Do Special Occasion Makeup, offers specialty makeup, including custom blended airbrush makeup - all the rave in Hollywood. Her makeup always looks fantastic so I have asked her to do a trial run on me so I can share my makeover with you.
Yvonne Chamberlain Photography
Yvonne and Tami (in the pic) do wonderful work so there was no wonder why their booth was busy, busy. Check out their website too see their wedding portfolio.
They recently debuted their Boudoir Photography service and dates are filling up fast. Contact them (931-553-8010) to learn more but it's all about personal and intimate photography for your groom that he "unwraps on your wedding day" as the ultimate gift for his eyes only. The next boudoir sessions are 2/21, 3/21 and 4/18.
The Cake Artist
Contact: 270-522-8901, vchlupsa{at}bellsouth{dot}net
Wedlocks
Wedlocks offers on-site hair and makeup artistry. Not only do they have a cute business name but their work was awesome! Talk about gorgeous wedding hair! Plus, some of their work has been featured on The Knot. Contact Christine Smith of Wedlocks at 410-402-3646 or [email protected].
The Bride's Boutique
I loved this bridesmaid dress by The Bride's Boutique. The style is flirty and fun and the color is perfect for Spring. And, the color - tangerine paprika - is so hot this year in fashion.
Joan of Art Photography
While I really like The Bride's Boutique, I was drooling over recent photos of their bridal photo shoot, done by Joan of Art Photography, another great wedding photography option. Joan is too funny super talented. Anyway, I am sure you'll love some of these great gowns too.
The Bride's Boutique also sponsored the fashion show so if you want to see more bridal fashion, check it out here. Or, view the Something Blue Bridal Shoppe fashion show here.
Turning Point Productions (turningpointproductions.com)
Turning Point Productions is a a premier Middle TN wedding videography company. I am sure they also did the videography for the fashion show (which you can see above). They video lots of Nashville weddings, like the Indian wedding video that I featured a few weeks ago.
Spangler Entertainment (spanglerentertainment.com)
It was great to meet the folks at Spangler Entertainment (wedding DJs, musicians).
McCoy Studio
...and to finally got to meet Mark and Noelle of McCoy Studio! They are actually based in Franklin, TN but serve the Middle TN area. Their work is spectacular. If you like them, call them ASAP because I met a mom on Sunday whose daughter really wanted McCoy but her date was booked. The bride was so disappointed and her mom was at the show trying to find another photographer.
share
Posted by Ashley King |
Filed under: Bridal Gowns, Wedding Dresses & Accessories, Bridal Shows & Events, Photography,
0 comments »
Thursday, February 19, 2009
I am starting a "Featured Favorite Blog", where I visit other local blogs and feature must-see articles that I think you will really enjoy.
In my search, I stumbled across this amazing wedding on A Delightful Day's blog. Not only was it unbelievable, I was elated to see that many Nashville-area vendors were a part of the wedding team.
A lot of brides don't realize the important of hiring the best vendors for you, for your wedding day or that most vendors will consider traveling (especially within a radius of Nashville) to make your day great.
Here's the first featured blog...
Featured Favorite Blog - A Delightful Day, Nashville Wedding & Event Planners http://www.ADelightfulDay.com
I had such a delight to work with such a beautiful couple as Kate Medley and Nathan McGregor of McMinnville, Tennessee. I had never ventured to this quaint part of Tennessee, about an hour from Nashville, but on December 6th we were a part of the wedding to be at in McMinnville. Hundreds of guests turned out at the Central Church of Christ to celebrate the love of Nathan and Kate in a beautiful candlelit ceremony followed by a fun reception of music, food, and friends at the McMinnville Country Club. Kate was so delicately involved in every detail and was able to soak in everything she had planned over months with our assistance. Enjoy the beautiful shots by the talented Dawn Winton Photography, which is based on McMinnville, but will travel to Nashville. Also, documenting the day in their always timeless style was McNeal Video of Mt. Juliet. I can't wait to see the video all finished!
As Kate was slipping into her beautiful ivory, taffeta gown that was purchased in Nashville at B. Hughes, the bridesmaids did their best to keep her emotionally all together. Kate couldn't believe that after all of the planning, this day was finally here. It flies by!
The ceremony was beautifully decorated with tons of pillar and votive candles on the altar and in the windows for a candelit ceremony, flanked by all white florals and greenery by the wonderfully talented local shop of All-o-k-sions florals in McMinnville. Standing at the altar were all of Nathan and Kate's closest friends who you could just tell love the two of them together. Because Kate had so many girlfriends from her sorority, 4 of her sorority sisters acted as the program attendants and flower girls, each carrying a bowl of either white or red rose petals. Two followed down each of the aisles and lead the way for the bride. This was such a special role for the 4 of them and it meant so much to Kate that they were involved in some way.
The beautiful white and silver themed elements for the country club decor was created by the wonderfully talented Dale from Southern Traditions, a local decor and specialty gift items boutique in town. It was amazing to see the transformation of that country club from when I had seen it months prior to the makeover that Dale gave it.
The first dance and the father daughter dance kicked off the fun that was provided by a wonderfully talented local band to McMinnville, who also play at venues here in Nashville, called The Joe Harvey Band. They were a blast!! We couldn't get them to stop and let the bride and groom depart. Course, Nate and Kate didn't want to either!
The cake, a red velvet depiction of presents, was made by a local cake decorator in the area.
The all important groom's cake was designed by Nashville's The French Confection. Being the big UT fan that Nate is, we went through so much getting Smokey to the reception site. From his travels in the back of my Highlander to McMinnville, to finding a location to keep him cool, to repairing his running face paint, Nate was totally surprised.
Nathan and Kate, we were thrilled to be a part of such a love filled day! I truly don't think I have met a couple more in love than the two of you! We wish you both many, many years of love, laughter, and joy and thanks again for allowing us to witness your beginning as husband and wife. ~ Mary Alice Nashville Event Planner A Delightful Day Event Planning
share
Posted by Ashley King |
Filed under: Real Nashville Weddings,
0 comments »
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
CJ's off the Square isn't for every bride but for the bride looking to have an intimate, romantic, outdoor affair - it's perfect! Its staff is top-notch is all about customer service. Plus, they can provide not just a great venue but everything you need to make your event perfect. Check out my interview with CJs off the Square and their current $1000 off promotion.
share
Posted by Ashley King |
Filed under: Wedding Resources, Wedding Venues and Locations,
0 comments »
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
If you haven't decided on a wedding venue, great news! Here are some great updates that might help you decide. Hot New Venues: 1) One Eleven, a Nashville Rooftop Venue
One of the hottest options for Nashville brides, that didn't exist when I got married, is rooftop venues! Rooftops are ideal for Nashville's modern brides who want to share our wonderful city skyline with their wedding guests. Places like One Eleven, located a block from Nashville's Riverfront, is a rooftop venue that is perfect and it's blank canvas allows you to turn the space into your own. I visited the space a few months ago and you can view my real rooftop pictures here. Contact Aaron, my always friendly contact, to learn more - 615.695.5229. 2) Loveless Barn - a Special Event Hall
Loveless, a Nashville favorite dining spot, now offers Loveless Barn, an elaborate barn designed exclusively for Nashville's special events. The barn opened just last month and their website is super informative, where you need to see if it's the spot for you. Nashville plus southern cuisine = a great and I went to coffee with Phindy Studios and they reminded me about this new spot. We're going to lunch there in a few weeks and I can't wait to enjoy the food and the hope to see the space. 3) Hutton Hotel, 4-star hotel offers ballroom for Nashville brides
As Nashville's newest downtown hotel, Hutton Hotel is great for Nashville brides b/c it's super new (so none of your friends have never been married there), it has a huge ballroom, is 4-star hotel and has a "carbon-neutral option". I haven't seen it and haven't even spoken with a single contact at the hotel BUT the rooms are delicious!
Special Promotions on Great Wedding Venues! 1) Heavenly Hitch - $5000 package for an outdoor wedding
Yes - this spot "seems" far away from the Nashville-area, but after more investigation, I learned it's not. And,the folks at Heavenly Hitch have announced an even better deal for Nashville brides on a budget (and their planners): Heavenly Weddings and Reception special package for the bride on on budget. This package has all the amenities for an outdoor wedding and reception for up to 100 guest. Venue 4 hours, 1 hour for rehearsal, catering with 8 appetizers and 3 tier cake and grooms cake, tables with linens and chairs for $5000 and tax is included. Contact Debbra at 615-888-3040 or go to web site Heavenlyhitch.com In fact, after I announced Heavenly Hitch, I received an email from a very happy mom whose daughter recently got married at Heavenly Hitch. "Debbra was wonderful to work with from the very beginning. She would make suggestions and never complained or acted frustrated if the bride and groom didn't want any particular suggestion. Kandi and Jon were so impressed with her when they arrived a week before the wedding. They had no complaints or disappointments because she was so particular to have everything the way they wanted. We had about 100 guests, quite a few from out of town. There were so many compliments on the low level of stress and we attribute that to Debbra. There were no last minute things that were undone. Kandi told me recently that it was her dream wedding and reception and was so pleased that Debbra was the wedding planner." 2) CJ's off the Square - $1000 off facility fee for limited time only!
If you are having a small, intimate (aka - not an option for large weddings over 130 or so) - CJ's off the Square is a delightful option for your wedding! CJ's is a garden and gallery venue located in Franklin, TN. Their team offers superb customer service and brides love them and I know why -- CJ's team is fun, creative and personable, making wedding planning like you're planning with close friends. But the big news is - they are having a HUGE sale on all remaining 2009 spring/summer wedding dates at CJ's Off the Square. Save $1000 off the facility fee for Friday, Saturday or Sunday This is for a limited time only. Offer applies to wedding rates only and is valid on wedding dates through August 31, 2009. Give them a call - these are going to book up fast! You can find more info on CJ's of the Square Weddings here. 615.216.7576 Save $1000 off the facility fee for any available Friday, Saturday or Sunday. Fridays and Sundays are now $1500 and Saturdays are $2250. This is for a limited time only. 3) Cedarwood - $1,000 off Friday and Sunday
Linda of Cedarwood contacted me regarding theor all-inclusive "Perfect Little Wedding" packages, which offer $1,000 off Friday and Sunday dates through the rest of the year. Cedarwood offers "one stop shopping" for designer weddings. Everything is included except photography and the officiant (and we can provide these if asked!) Every wedding element is designed according to our client's style and specifications, and our packages can be customized to suit specific needs. Three price categories accommodate different budgets, but all deliver great quality and ease of planning a perfect wedding. Cedarwood's owners draw from 20 years experience in wedding design and event management. We are passionate about helping design personally beautiful weddings! They have a great wedding blog that I love to follow. Contact Linda at [email protected].
share
Posted by Ashley King |
Filed under: Wedding Resources,
0 comments »
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Until recently, the groom's wedding band paled in comparison to the bride's. Jewelers gave brides all the love. But, men's bands are getting an upgrade! Nashville-based custom jeweler, Adornments, has "a new line of wood inlaid titanium rings! They're made by a local artist, Charlie Thompson and available exclusively through Adornments. He uses all sorts of wood, local and exotic, for his inlaid rings and also makes plain titanium rings. They make really nice, unusual wedding rings, or could be great for any special occasion. Titanium is also extremely durable. He can do custom orders, to fit any style, and has an amazingly fast turnover rate of about one week!"
So, if you want a ring that's as unique expression as your love and your wedding style, contact Adornments. They also create custom bridal jewelry for brides, bridesmaids and bridal gifts.
share
Posted by Ashley King |
Filed under: Bridal Gowns, Wedding Dresses & Accessories,
0 comments »
