Friday, June 25, 2010
Did you know that wedding professionals all over Nashville offer exclusive savings for ABG brides? Every week, I update my wedding deals page with new specials that you have to read and mention ABG to receive. These deals allow you to save money with some of the city's top wedding pros. Here are some of those savings...
PLANNER SAVINGS
A Delightful Day Event Planning - With a booking from ABG, brides receive a special gift to help them through them in their planning process!
A Music City Event - Mention ABG when you book your full planning package and receive 50% off your bridal shower or rehearsal dinner planning ($250 value)!
You’re Invited Gifts, Paper and Events - Get $150 off any wedding coordination package through the end of August 2010, if you mention ABG. Or, Get 10% off any event/wedding invitation through the end of August 2010, if you mention ABG.
Simply Stunning Events - Receive 50% off any rehearsal dinner, bridesmaids luncheon, or day-after brunch package when you book a full or partial planning package and mention ABG! (a $150 value).
Signature Events, Inc. - Free rehearsal dinner planning packing for all those that book the top planning package in 2010.
Sasha Souza Events of TN - Mention Ashley's Bride Guide to receive $100 off your next event service.
BRIDAL GOWNs & ACCESSORIES SAVINGS
Designs By Sara Marie - Save 5% off custom designs thru ABG
Kerried Away Couture - Mention Ashley's Bride Guide and receive 10% off dresses for your wedding, including bridesmaid, mother of the bride/groom, or a special dress for your rehearsal dinner.
The White Room - Mention seeing us on ABG and receive 20% off your wedding shoes!!!
CATERING SAVINGS
Down South Delights, LLC - 5% Catering Discount when you mention our ABG promotion upon initial contact
VENUE SAVINGS
Front Porch Farms - For a limited time, we are including a 40x100 tent and tables & chairs (up to 100 guests) with booking. ABG Brides will receive free overnight accommodations with our already value-packed packages.
PHOTOGRAPHY SAVINGS
KRISTYN HOGAN lifestyle photographer - Complimentary Engagement or Bridal Session with your Wedding Collection when you mention Ashley's Bride Guide at booking.
jHenderson Studios - For a limited time "Shoot & Burn Special": $1800 This includes 5 hours coverage and a DVD with full printing rights. Additional hours $200 each. Date must be in 2010 on September 11,12, 17,18,19, 25, 26, or October 1, 2.
Lotus Blossom Photography - Take 20%* off any package when you mention ABG. *excludes a la carte options.
Myrick Studios - Mention ABG and receive $500 off of your package!
WEDDING INVITATION SAVINGS
paperKuts studio - Mention ABG and receive 20% off your order!!!
EVENT STYLING SAVINGS
Opulent Couturier Event Styling & Planning - ABG brides will receive 10% off their event styling or planning services & a custom monogram tote.
View more wedding savings on my exclusive wedding deals page! You can also subscribe to receive newly added savings via RSS by clicking here.
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Posted by Ashley |
Filed under: Wedding Resources
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Thursday, June 24, 2010
Last year, we featured The Thirty Something Bride's dress search. I am sure it was helpful to witness a bride like you as she searched for "the" gown.
Today, Hanna is here to share her gown search. I'm sure you all remember Nashville bride Hanna. She had the super cute engagement session involving her bulldog Bella, and she had the oh-so-chic engagement party at her mother's home. Well, now she's back again to share with us her dress shopping experience.
Know that you are not alone - you too will find the perfect dress! (Disclaimer - ABG does not endorse taking pics at bridal salons. It's against store policy at most stores.)
The Search
It was a Saturday afternoon when my mom and I were discussing my future wedding knowing that the proposal was coming very soon. We both got so excited that we couldn’t wait to go dress shopping! I live in Hillsboro Village, and there are two bridal shops just around the corner from me.
The first shop we popped our head into was Romantic Creations. All the gowns are designed and made by hand there. So, if you’re looking for a “one of a kind" dress, I would recommend it.
We also ventured over to Village Bridal; they always have beautiful dresses in the window that catch my eye. Unfortunately, when you go into the store all of the dresses are in bags, to protect them, which makes it very difficult to see the gowns.
Next, we visited Arzelle’s on West End. They had a nice selection and were very helpful. {I loved the large fitting rooms!} I had an open mind towards any and all dresses and tried on just about every style available. After trying on about 30 gowns, we called it quits for the day. I realized I was not ready to purchase and that I wanted to do some research.
Over the next few weeks, I began looking on the web; this is when I discovered sites such as Ashley’s Bride Guide and Southern Weddings. I browsed through numerous bridal sites, educating myself on all the latest bridal looks and designers. Many of the dresses that I loved were available The White Room in Lebanon so I made an appointment there. I was ready to go back out and try again!
When we arrived, we were greeted by Talen, who is so knowledgeable and sweet. I was surprised by all of their beautiful selections. The room was filled with hundreds of dresses, and I wanted to try them all on! They gave us our space to select dresses but were there in an instant to take it to my fitting room. Once I began to try on the dresses, Talen was outside my fitting room ready to zip me up and pin me in. She asked questions about what I liked or what I didn’t like about the dresses in order to help me decide the “look” for which I was searching.
In the end, it was between two gowns that were completely opposite! It was between a Stephen Yearick Cinderella-esque gown and a Jasmine Couture Mermaid. I felt totally confused, but Talen assured me that this was common and that once I gave it some time, it would come to me. She even sent me an encouraging little note in the mail and thanked me for coming in!
I made some final stops at b. Hughes Bridal, Sugar Drop and The Bride Room, but in the end, decided to make a follow up appointment at The White Room and bring my sister the MOH along. Talen had pulled my two favorite dresses, and I tried them on again. There was no question about it this time. The Stephen Yearick was MY wedding gown! The search was over.
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Posted by Ashley |
Filed under: Attire & Accessories, Real Nashville Brides
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Wednesday, June 23, 2010
For his birthday, your anniversary or wedding day, you could get him a tie, another DVD/video game/golf club/shirt even his favorite bottle of scotch. But let's face it, there's no better gift for your man than YOU! Better yet, beautiful, glamorous pictures of you compiled into an album for him to always enjoy when you're not around.
If that sounds like something you're up for, you'll want to contact Noelle McCoy of McCoy Made and schedule a Boudoir Session with her on July 17th.
If you're wondering what it is, Noelle has written a great post on what a boudoir session is like and how to prep for one:
So... You've been toying around with the idea of having a Boudoir Shoot, huh? Well, know that just about every girl I've worked with has stated, "I NEVER thought I'd be doing this!" In other words, you're not alone! So, I thought that from time to time I'd post an idea of how to prepare for your shoot!
One thing I can't stress enough, is to pay attention to the details and have some fun with your outfits! This is not your everyday photo shoot, so why not bring the spice level up a notch!? I worked with Mrs.B a few months back, and she brought along these FABULOUS red boots! Are they not TOTALLY amazing!??! My jaw dropped when I saw them, for real. I had so much fun at this shoot, and the beautiful Mrs.B's now-hubby LOVED his wedding gift.
I also spoke to Noelle and got a bit more helpful information for you!
How would you describe a boudoir session to a girl who's never seen or done one?
A boudoir session is a romantic, classy, sexy shoot - a supermodel shoot. It’s a personal and private gift for your husband or husband to be. The goal is to create this album that’s a classy piece of art to give to your husband/husband-to-be. It pushes confidence in women and hopefully it’ll be an exciting thing to give to your man. it’s a great way for a woman to come in and celebrate how you are today. I see girls get so excited and they end up wanting more pictures than what they get in their album.
Sounds like fun, I think I'd want to lose a few pounds first or tone up!
A lot of people think they have to lose weight first but you should do it as you are. I'll never make you pose where your least favorite "problem area" is showing. When girls sign up I send them a questionnaire to find out more about what they are comfortable with. There is no nudity - it’s really classy. I encourage girls to really think outside the box and don’t just show up with something simple. You’re never going to do a shoot like this again or at least not very often. Go get the most glamorous eyelashes! Had a girl come in with thigh high patent leather boots - not something she’d normally wear but it was like a fun costume just for the session.
We had a girl whose husband is a guitarist so we used a guitar as a prop.
So anyone can do this?
None of the girls on my blog are professional models, they're girls like you and me. They are brides-to-be or wives. All the girls on the blog have given me their permission to share their pictures but I won't ever show your picture unless you give me permission.
Every single girl who's come in for a session has been like, "I can't believe I'm doing this but I'm so glad I did." They come in really timid but leave really confident - I want girls to feel beautiful when they see their pictures and look as confident as they did when they left the session. I coach them through the poses, and I creat an atmosphere in the studio that's relaxed and so the girls feel comfortable.
To book your Boudoir Session with Noelle, give her a call or send her an email. After you confirm your session with her she will send a document your way with details on what to bring, how to visualize your session and she'll also provide a list of her recommended make up and hair stylists who are closer to her studio.
For more details and some gorgeous boudoir session pics, visit the McCoy Made Blog!
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Posted by Tabitha |
Filed under: Grooms, Guests, Gifts & Favors, Photography & Videography
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Tuesday, June 22, 2010
You really don't need a huge budget to have a great wedding and achieve a classic, elegant look. Melissa and Jake are here to share their wedding day and tips, which include splurging on their photographer of choice - Myrick Studios - and DIYing everything else!
Bride ~ Melissa Haynes (Strei)
Groom ~ Jack Haynes
April 16, 2010 at 6:30 pm
Ceremony ~ Church of the Redeemer
Reception ~ Richland Country Club
Guests: 130
What was your wedding style?
Our goal was to capture modern elegance with the colors, the music, our attire, decorations, etc.
What were your colors? Why did you chose them?
We went with black, scarlet and ivory. We both love those three colors and felt it would help us capture the look we were going for. Although, they might seem a bit heavy for a spring wedding, the colors worked great for our evening wedding.
Did you have a theme? What was it?
We didn't have a specific theme although we wanted to keep a modern yet classically elegant look and feel throughout.
What did you use for inspiration? {magazines? blogs? websites? etc.}
Several bridal websites were a HUGE help when looking for flower bouquet ideas, table decor, hair styles, etc. Wedding Scoop:
What was your budget?
It started out at $10,000. We ended up spending $11,000.
What was your wedding WOW factor? {What did your guests love?}
Honestly, I've heard from almost every guest who attended that they're favorite moment of the day was when Jack surprised me by singing to me at the reception.
What did you give as favors to your guests?
Neither of us felt it was very important, so we decided to save some money and just skip favors.
How did you personalize your wedding?
We were able to get married at the church we attend together, had musicians that were also family members, chose music for the wedding and reception that were meaningful to us in our relationship. . . Since we're both huge football fans, we chose to walk into the reception to the Monday Night Football theme song. We also chose to have stations of heavy appetizers set up at various places around the room rather than a plated dinner. We wanted to keep people moving and mingling.
What did you give your bridesmaids and groomsmen?
I gave my bridesmaids jewelry and Jack gave his men Under Armor fitness gear.
What was your most special moment of the day?
Walking down the aisle to meet my groom and Jack singing to me at the reception.
Did you have kids at your wedding? What did you do for them?
We only had a couple of very well-behaved kids attend, so we really didn't do anything out of the ordinary for them.
Did you Do It Yourself? Or, did you leave it to the professionals?
Because our budget was so small, this was definitely a DIY wedding, and it turned out amazing.
If you did DIY, what was your favorite project? Why?
Jack and I had a great time checking out all of the different reception venues. Amazingly, we almost always agreed completely throughout the whole process.
Wedding Vendors:
Planner: Me!
Cake: We were planning to just serve cheesecake that we bought from Sam's Club (which was amazing, by the way) because neither of us felt like we "had" to do the traditional wedding cake. However, Jack's has an aunt who used to cater, and she made us a beautiful and delicious cake as a gift. So, we had both!
Caterer: Our reception was at the Richland Country Club, and they also catered the food. Although, Jack and I only had time to eat a few bites, everyone raved about the food and beautiful presentation.
Photographer: After doing a ton of searching online and elsewhere, I came across the website for Myrick Studios. I was immediately so impressed by what I saw there. His artistic eye and amazing talent were exactly the type of photography we were hoping to have for our wedding. Myrick was so much fun to work with on the day of the wedding. Not only was he organized and efficient, he also made the time so relaxed and fun. Once we got our pictures back, I was even more elated by our decision to hire him. He captured so many special moments so beautifully. Honestly, they are absolutely incredible. I would recommend him to anyone!
Videographer: This is my one regret. We chose not to spend money on a professional videographer, and I now kind of wish we had. We had a video camera set up at the front of the church; however, it wasn't in an ideal location and missed some of the important things (i.e. walking down the aisle, etc).
Stationery: Our invitations were designed by Rachel Jasper of Rachel Jasper Design. Rachel is a good friend of mine and did the designing as a wedding gift to us. They were gorgeous!
Bridesmaid Dresses: I actually let my 2 bridesmaids pick them out since I wanted them to wear something that they felt comfortable in. They ended up finding a great dress in Indianapolis at a special occasion store there.
Rings: Jack bought my ring at Genesis Diamond in Green Hills. Since he wanted a little more "rugged" looking ring for his, we chose a Tungsten ring for him from an online website. Both were fantastic choices!
Music: My brother played piano for us, my uncle sang as I walked down the aisle and my friend Kyle played violin, guitar and sang. For our reception, we hired Nashville Party Authority to DJ. Blair did a fantastic job setting the right mood for the moment.
Decorations/Detail: We kept the decor in the church quite simple with 2 bouquets on pedestals and some greenery and candles in the windows and across the front. For the reception, we purchased red roses from Import Flowers to use on the tables. We also purchased vases, candles and rocks from Hobby Lobby and black sheer fabric to complete the look.
Bridal Gown: I purchased my gown at The White Room in Lebanon. They were so helpful and accommodating, and I found the dress of my dreams for a great price!
Tuxes: Our tuxes were rented through Men's Wearhouse in Green Hills. We were also very happy with their selection and service.
Accessories: I actually borrowed the pearl necklace I wore from my sister and found some matching earrings to go with it at Kohl's. Yes, I am a great bargain shopper. 
Flowers: Our flowers were designed by Belles and Buttercups. Devon was a joy to work with and saw my vision right from the start. She was also so willing to work within our budget and still help us achieve the look we were going for. The flowers were gorgeous and exactly what I was hoping for.
Transportation: Jack surprised me by borrowing his friend's car for the day. We drove away in an incredible black Aston Martin. Wow!
Gifts: We registered at Bed, Bath and Beyond and also set up a honeymoon registry. They were both fantastic choices. With the honeymoon registry, nearly our entire honeymoon to Cancun was paid for.
Who were your favorites? {the ones you would highly recommend to your best friend}
I have so many. I would most definitely recommend Myrick Studios, Richland Country Club, Belles and Buttercups, The White Room, Rachel Jasper Design and Genesis Diamonds.
Wedding Rewind:
What would you do differently if you could start back at the beginning?
Probably hire a videographer or at least ask a friend that is good with a video camera to shoot
What do you consider the biggest waste of time and/or money?
Honestly, we were so careful with our budget, I really don't feel like any of it was wasted.We printed way too many wedding programs and had a ton left over.
What do you consider the best value for the service and product?
Myrick Studios and Belles and Buttercups
What was the neatest thing you found for your wedding?
My husband.
What was your biggest {and best} splurge?
Again, we were really careful with how we spent our money; however, we did spend quite a bit on the printing of our wedding invitations. The finished product was definitely worth it, though.
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Posted by Ashley |
Filed under: DIY & Budget Wed Finds
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Monday, June 21, 2010
Running a successful business requires good planning and there are few who are better at planning than Mary Alice Sublett of A Delightful Day. Aside from her planning business, she now also runs StudioWed here in Nashville with her associate, Leigh Barker. StudioWed is comprised of some of this city's finest wedding vendors. It's a stellar list includes some of your favorite photographers, stationery designers, makeup artists, videographers, boutiques and local event companies and their one-stop approach to sourcing for vendors is nothing short of a benefit to you and your wedding planning.
What exactly is StudioWed? I'll let Mary Alice herself explain it.
What is the concept behind StudioWed?
The concept behind StudioWed is that brides have one location to come to with pre-screened vendors who you can trust at your fingertips! No more long and crowded bridal shows, but an intimate and modern location where you can have a glass of wine and relax during the wedding planning process. You can save yourself the run around and meet vendors in one location, several meetings in one day, or meetings over a period of time AT YOUR SCHEDULE! We take the headache out of vendor searching and finding out who is reputable, trustworthy, and going to provide you the service you deserve, we've done this process for you!
Leigh & Mary Alice - The brains behind StudioWed Nashville; Photo source: Phindy Studios.
What does StudioWed offer that similar businesses don't?
We offer one on one attention. We are a "by appointment" only studio so that brides can have mine or Leigh's attention at your specified time without interruption and knowing that we are going to be detailed with you about the vendors that will fit your wedding and needs.
Why does a bride need StudioWed?
Not all brides can afford a full service planner that can provide them the guidance for what vendors are best suited for your event and guiding you through this process. We want to educate brides about what vendors can, and do, provide, and we give them the attention they deserve. Without that planners guidance, sometimes brides can be disallusioned with what vendors offer and we certainly aren't going to have a vendor in the studio that we wouldn't personally recommend to our own clients.
Photo source: Phindy Studios
Three of StudioWed's Vendors L-R: Shannon O'Kelley, Southall Eden Paperie; Kristin Kaplan, Simply Stunning Nashville; Amy Lynn Larwig
StudioWed features several vendors in each category
- How did you pick the vendors?
Vendors were picked according to who we personally have worked with, or have been highly recommended to by our fellow vendors in the studio. They are chosen according to their capabilities, price points, personalities, client interaction abilities, and products they offer. If a vendor is in the studio, we would recommend them to any bride.
- How do you maintain cooperation amongst them and minimize competition?
All of the vendors are their own individual. Each of them offer something different to each client and will have personalities that different couples are going to interact best with. We don't see it as competition for them, as we want for them to feel comfortable enough to refer their fellow StudioWed members to clients should they not be available. We are all in this together and there is certainly enough to go around! Each vendor has the best client for them!
Photo source: Phindy Studios
Photo Source: Kristyn Hogan Photography
How do you and your team stay current when it comes to wedding trends?
Being a planning company that runs and owns the StudioWed Nashville, we are able to keep our knowledge up to date with planning conferences, blog reading, our own clients, and educational seminars.
Photo Source: Kristyn Hogan Photography
What are a couple of trends you've seen that you love?
I love that vintage details are being brought into weddings. Many couples use them in such unique ways. Serving your guests with fun luxuries to make an event yours, for instance cigar bars, specialty desserts, favorite snacks of the couples available for their guests, etc. is a great way to incorporate personality and customization to their event. Also, I love brides stepping out of the box with their accessories and even bringing back the "going away" attire!
What are your three favorite bridal resources:
Love Southern Weddings, the magazine and blog. weddingchicks.com, oncewed.com, and Weddings Unveiled magazine is truly for a southern, modern bride!
What goals do you have for StudioWed and its role in the wedding community?
Our goal is to make StudioWed the go to location for brides-to-be in planning their wedding, whether they have a planner or not. We want to be a great resource for brides to provide them the quality vendors that they deserve. We want to have many events in the studio that brides can participate in and get lots of information and resources for their wedding.
Photo Source: Kristyn Hogan Photography
Photo source: Phindy Studios
Any upcoming StudioWed events brides should know about?
We are planning a Weddings Unveiled event in August of this year and are working on setting dates for wedding planning seminars and events. Look for dates on the Nashville bridal calendar soon!
What's your advice for brides?
Always research your vendors!! Take a look at references, follow up with past brides, make sure that you can trust your vendors because there are many out there to choose from which doesn't mean that they're reliable. This will make your process so much simpler and less stressful. You can always look to your planner for this direction!
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Posted by Tabitha |
Filed under: Wedding Resources
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