Thursday, June 2, 2011
Chris and Cressie got engaged in New Zealand last October after dating long-distance for over five years. And how did he propose? He asked Cressie to change her Facebook status to “engaged”! To celebrate their engagement, they threw a 1950s murder mystery party with a surprise reveal - their wedding date! Jennifer Fox Photography captured the thematic night full of throwback costumes, décor and even food. Enjoy the details as Cressie takes us through her DIY evening.
Chris Lewis + Cressie Teague
Engagement date ~ October 14, 2010
Wedding date ~ June 2, 2012
Our Blog: http://chrisandcressie.com/
Why Hhst an engagement party? Why a themed party?
We got engaged on a trip to New Zealand but because we were so far away no friends or family could join in our celebration and excitement (except on Facebook) so a home town party was in order. We also wanted to officially announce the wedding date at this party and give our two sets of families and friends an opportunity to meet and mingle.
The theme developed out of a previous party I hosted - a 1920's Murder Mystery Birthday Party two years ago. I received rave reviews from my friends in attendance and pictures we posted from the 1920's party went viral; we even won a FREE 1950's Murder Mystery Party from the creator Dinner and a Murder (a wonderful Tennessee company). I was astonished at the support of family and friends who encouraged me to host another mystery party! Our engagement was the perfect catalyst to set the party into motion! As for the 1950's, I adore the fashion of that decade and I grew up singing along to Grease. It was the perfect decade for all of our guests who ranged in age from 25 to 85.
Costumes added to the fun and helped guests connect to the era of the murder mystery game!
Where did you splurge? Where did you save/DIY?
Everything was DIY (are you impressed? Because we are!). The decorations were provided by myself and a few family members. Most of the items were borrowed, like a yellow rotary phone, cookie jars and dollies. I created the placemats out of old records and personalized them with 4-inch circle stickers created on my ink-jet printer. The goodie bags were white lunch bags that I ran through my printer and personalized with our logo. The dessert stands were records that were crazy-glued to $1 candle sticks from Dollar Tree. They were perfect for holding the petit fours. Prizes for Best Costume, Best Performer and Wealthiest Player were created by framing records that were spray painted to mimic the gold albums of recording artists. The table runners were cut from 1950's fabric featuring Elvis, I love Lucy, Betty Crocker and other retro scenes. All of the flowers were created from coffee filters and sprayed with food coloring to match the table runners. Pictures of Bob Hope, Lawrence Welk and other period characters were framed and placed around the house. The restroom was re-named a "Fall Out Shelter" and a personalized "Drive-In" sign was created from foam board and placed beside a flat screen TV that played commercials from the 1950's.
Tell us about the costumes!
I love sewing costumes as a hobby. I design and create sci-fi, Civil War reenactment , and the occasional renaissance fair costumes. So I naturally jumped at the challenge of 1950‘s period costumes for this party. I created my yellow dress along with Chris's plaid jacket, the five "diner-girl" aprons/hats for the servers, 2 poodle skirts and 3 pill box style hats for guests. We asked that guests wear 1950's attire and they did not disappoint. Several guests also made their own costumes and everyone was extremely original.
What was the most important design element for you?
My dress! I love the “Beautiful Blonde Pineapple” dress that Frenchy wore to the prom in Grease and I based my dress off this design. I also added a matching bolero from a dress I saw on the Lawrence Welk show.
Can you believe she made this dress? So beautiful!
Vendors
Venue | Paris Henry County Heritage Center in Paris, Tennessee. It is a historic 1920's Italian Villa turned museum and rental facility. Norma Steele, the director, was so accommodating and a dream to work with.
Murder Mystery Game Creator | dinnerandamurder.com
Decorations | DIY with set-up assistance by Dana Wyatt
Photography | Jennifer Fox Photography. The fantastic Jennifer Fox took all of our pictures, set up the photo booth and even took pictures in the rain in front of the 1956 Chevy. She really captured the fun mood of the party.
Food | My mother, grandmother and aunts provided all of the food. We wanted our guests to feel like they were in a 1950's diner. Period appetizers included stuffed celery, molded jello, popcorn and casseroles. For dinner we served hamburgers, hotdogs, pork loin sandwiches and french fries in baskets with paper liners. Banana splits and other ice cream creations were served with the petit fours and cake for dessert.
Cake | E.W. James & Sons
Petit fours | Peggy Ann Bakery - Huntsville, AL
Invitations | iPhoto/Apple Printing
1956 Chevy | family friends
Big thanks to Cressie for sharing her awesome party with us! The extent of DIY is so impressive! If you're not feeling as creative, test-drive your wedding planner, photographer, and other vendors by planning an engagement party first. We have an extensive list of planners who have enough creativity for you engagement and wedding celebrations.
All images by Jennifer Fox Photography.
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Posted by Megan |
Filed under: DIY & Budget Wed Finds, Engagements & Proposals, Real Nashville Brides
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Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Brides are always asking about upcoming sample sales. What is a sample sale? It's when bridal stores sale the gowns from their floor that they've allowed brides to sample for fitting. Once or twice a year, salons sale these gowns to make space for new inventory. And, if you can catch one of these sales, you are in luck! You can easily save over 50% off the retail price.
It's time for Faccio Bridal's annual summer sample sale! If you've had your eye on a designer gown from Faccio, now is the time to get it for a steal! They have over 50...yes, 50 gowns in their event with prices beginning at $500! The sample sale is June 2nd through June 4th only!
Appointments aren't necessary, so shop VERY early for the best selection!
Sample gown for sale
Gowns will be available by the following designers:
Jim Hjelm, Lazaro, Jim Hjelm Blush, Tara Keely, Judd Waddell, Bliss by Monique Lhuillier, Marisa, La Sposa, Pronovias, Anne Barge, Birnbaum and Bullock and Rivini
Here are a few of the gowns included in the sale. They will sell fast!
ACTUAL GOWNS in SAMPLE SALE
Lazaro
Regularly $4300
Sample $1500*
*Belt sold separately
Anne Barge
Regularly $2550
Sample $950*
*Belt sold separately
Sale hours:
Thursday 11-6, Friday and Saturday 10-4
Helpful tips for the sample sale:
1.) Appointments are not necessary for the sample sale. It is a first come, first serve basis.
2.) Gowns are purchased "as is."
3.) Payment is due in full at the time of purchase, there are no holds on sale merchandise.
4.) All sales are final, no refunds or exchanges.
Please contact Faccio Bridal with any questions! Best of luck in finding THE dress!
615.778.9437
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Posted by Ashley of Ashley's Bride Guide |
Filed under: Bridal Gowns, Men's Attire & Accessories
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Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Most brides are on the lookout for something that sets their wedding apart from everyone else’s. Some choose a unique venue. Some go with an outrageous dress. Some brides are searching for a grand gesture, while others are looking for just a little something to keep their guests talking for months and years to come. One of the most interactive ways to pep up the entertainment at your wedding is a photo booth. Remember, a photo booth should NOT replace a professional photographer, but it's an excellent addition to your wedding.
If you are considering a photo booth for entertainment at your wedding, keep reading to learn more about booths based on our convo with Amy at Photo Booth Nashville
ABG: Are photo booths still popular?
Amy: Yes! We get as many calls today as we did when we opened in 2007 as the first provider of digital photo booths in middle Tennessee from people saying “what a unique idea! I’d never heard of having a photo booth at my wedding until someone told me about a wedding they were at that had one.” Anyone that has seen Photo Booth Nashville at a wedding, party or corporate event can attest that it’s still a great way to preserve memories from the occasion and literally bring people together for some good, clean fun!
Custom graphics with your info + wedding date
ABG: What makes Photo Booth Nashville stand out amongst the crowd?
Amy: Our booths offer a choice of color or black-and-white prints and we offer a wide variety of props if clients choose to include them. It has been our experience that “busy” backgrounds tend to distract the eye from the people in the photos, and they’re typically obscured anyway, so although customized backgrounds are possible we advise against them. From small children to grandma and grandpa, photo booths bring out the creativity in everyone, so gimmicks like special effects on photos have never been necessary in our booths.
ABG: How does Photo Booth Nashville stay on top of the trends/technological advances in the industry?
Amy: We’re the only middle Tennessee photo booth company that belongs to the International Photo Booth Association (americasphotoboothassociation.com). We’re part of a large network that is constantly working together to improve our products and share ideas to make the photo booth experience we provide second-to-none. Many other providers build their photo booths in their garages so they simply don’t have the benefit of collective research & development and product support that we do.
ABG: What should couples ask before signing a contract with a photo booth company? Anything they should be aware of?
Amy: Especially in today’s economy, pricing is very important. We encourage potential clients to ask lots of questions about what is included in their rental. Is their advertised price inclusive of scrapbook, attendant, and high-resolution digital copies of the photos from their event? Many companies advertise a low price then gouge clients as the event approaches with expensive add-ons.
Almost every company advertises unlimited prints like we do, but it’s important to ask about sitting times. Unlimited prints won’t mean much if each sitting takes 4 or 5 minutes. Other questions should include quality of digital copies included (some companies provide only low resolution digital copies and up-sell for print quality discs), what city their booths originate from, and how many booths they own (make sure they have a back-up in the event of equipment failure).
Ask what their booths are made out of – ours are all-steel construction and weigh over 800 lbs. In other words, the size of the check you write is important, but the old adage “you get what you pay for” definitely applies for photo booth rentals. We like to say you can serve McDonald’s hamburgers at your reception and save a lot of money on catering, but you’ll be serving your guests McDonald’s hamburgers.
Guest comment book using their photo booth pics!
With Amy’s advice on how to shop for photo booths, I hope I’ve made your search for something exciting to add to your reception a little shorter. So put on your best smile or silly face, get out there and get creative with Photo Booth Nashville!
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Posted by Lindsey |
Filed under: Advice & Planning, Music + Entertainment
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Friday, May 27, 2011
Last October, Ashley’s Bride Guide teamed up with Jim of VidSigs to give away a Love Story Engagement Video to one lucky Nashville couple. {Click to see Ashley's VidSig video.}
Now, we're SUPER excited to share the final video and congratulate the winners, Kristin and Kevin!
See their innovative Love Story Engagement Video and determine if a Love Story Video is right for you.
We ask Kristin about working with VidSigs + their Love Story Video:
What was the experience like creating the video?
Kevin and I were really nervous before we shot the video because we didn't know what to expect and were afraid of sounding stupid. With me being such a planner, I wanted to have a script rehearsed, but Kevin was against that. It ended up being better because I think our story is genuine with a touch of humor.
How do you plan to use your video?
Our wedding is at private house, and our guests will mingle inside during cocktail hour. We will reveal the video along with a slide show of photos at our reception for our friends and family to enjoy. It will be a nice surprise and a perfect "thank you" as they all helped us win the video.
Would you recommend making a Love Story Engagement Video to other brides and grooms?
I think it's a very cool way to add something special that wedding guests can enjoy. Also, since I am a photographer, photographs and video are the most important investment I can make for my wedding. I know this video will be something I will love to play at our 50th wedding anniversary! I am so grateful we had the opportunity to create this memory.
How was it working with Jim?
Jim was so easy to work with, and had such a casual approach for the interview that it was easy to be ourselves. Kevin and I were interviewed separately so the video would be a surprise. I love the way he alternated us telling the proposal story so that you hear both sides at once. He was open to our input on the final outcome of the video and made as many changes as we wanted (although the first take was almost perfect).
How is wedding planning coming along?
We starting planning in May 2010 and have about 6 months until the wedding. Because of the ample planning time, I am pretty sure I have assembled the BEST wedding vendors in Nashville. We have Krista Lee as our photographer, who is so talented and positively amazing, Full Frame as our videographer, who convinced me with their Golriz & Devon video that I needed a wedding video, and Crumb de la Crumb, who hands down makes best wedding cake I have ever tasted.
Krista Lee Photography
Krista Lee Photography
We ask Jim of VidSigs about Love Story Videos, his specialty:
What is the cost of a Love Story Engagement Video?
The cost for a video like Kristin and Kevin's will hover around $500, due to the nature of music changes, photo overlays and how long they go to tell the background story of the engagement.
How are your videos different than other love story videos?
My videos are different because that are based on real and organically cultivated conversation between myself and the couple. They tell the story in a pristine, clean-looking environment that really allows the viewer to focus on the story. In the end, I strive to make it move the audience in an emotional way.
What is the turnaround time?
The turnaround should be around two weeks, or depending on how urgently the couple wants it to be finished. In Kristin and Kevin's case, we had well over ten months before their ceremony, so we had a little leeway.
We wish Kristin & Kevin all the best as they finalize their October 22nd wedding details! Be sure to check out VidSigs’ website for more information about creating your own Love Story Engagement Video!
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Posted by Bethany |
Filed under: Contests, Giveaways, Specials, Engagements & Proposals, Photography & Videography
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Thursday, May 26, 2011
Today marks exactly a year since I teamed with great Nashville wedding pros to throw a kickin Sex and the City party for Nashville brides and their girlfriends at aLoft Hotel. It was spectacular and I look forward to our next parrtay!! Before the event, I got all dolled up and asked Amy Lynn Lawig, makeup artist, to make me over and asked Jonathon and Sharon of Jonathon Campbell Photography to photograph me.
I usually try to stay out of all pictures, preferring to stay behind the scenes. I rarely even share my pictures. But, a few Nashville photographers have been able to grab pics of me that I like and when that happens, I like to share them with the world:).
My favorite picture!
My glam team:
Amy Lynn Larwig - a top Nashville makeup extraordinaire. She knows I never wear makeup and worked to keep me natural with a glow. Success! I look like myself, only better. She even added lashes, which I almost declined but they made a big difference. She was knowledgeable, complimentary, creative and patient with me.
I felt gorgeous that night and even more fabulous after seeing the work in photos. She does commerical and bridal makeup, so if you need a makeup artist for yourself or your bridesmaids, contact Amy asap. Her calendar fills fast!
Jonathon Campbell Photography - I've always loved their work and I looked forward to the opportunity to give them a test run for your sake 
. Yes - they can make gorgeous women look incredible but I wanted to see what they could do to an gal that hates the camera and photos of herself. Sucess! I LOVE my pictures. I've updated all of my social sites with my new fabulous, model-esque pics. In fact, they almost made me look so good that people who are looking for the "Ashley in the pics" have to do a double take. Photoshopped images rock!!
How does this relate to your wedding planning? As I did, you must find the best wedding pros for your wedding. Communicate your vision, style, priorities (as I did). You should LOVE your makeup, photos as much as I do. Cutting some costs can lead to regrets forever. Bridal makeup and beautiful images go hand in hand.
Also - I had a great team of event planners, caterers, designers and other event professionals that allowed me the time to take these photos BEFORE the event. So instead of running around tryining to do it myself, I was able to have fun. Remember that as you put together your dream team.
I should be on their brochure! "Aloha, Welcome to aLoft..."
I often dream of being served like Cleopatra. A good photographer should be in-tune with your unspoken desires:).
Girl interrupted! Leigh of StudioWed hops in my photo shoot. Only joking - she was invited:).
I really like this photo too; it makes me happy!
Jonathon picked up this (heavy) chair in 90 degree weather, took it onto the hotel's lawn. He was determined to get the perfect shot! I love the color contrasts the photograph affords - greens, blues, pinks.
Same here - lots of great colors!
I had a great time working with Amy Lynn and the Campbells. They are easy going folks (which is important to me) so I felt comfortable the entire time. You should too! Don't settle. Find the best team for your wedding day.
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Posted by Ashley of Ashley's Bride Guide |
Filed under: Makeup, Hair, Health, Beauty , Photography & Videography
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