Friday, July 3, 2009

A few months ago, I blogged about Robin and Steven’s engagement session with Phindy Studios.   I was elated to see their wedding, posted on the Simply Stunning blog.  Everything Ive seen from this couple has been breathtaking - from the e-session to their wedding.

Today - I am highlighting this fabulous wedding.  Stephen and Robin - you hired stellar vendors to bring their wedding to life.  Great job and congratulations!

Featured Favorite Blog - Simply Stunning Events, http://simplystunningnashville.blogspot.com

Robin & Stephen were married on May 16th, 2009 at Cheekwood Botanical Gardens with a wet but lovely outdoor ceremony and a reception in Massey Hall. Even though it had been pouring rain most of the day, the sky cleared just enough in the late afternoon to hold the wedding ceremony outside. Here are some of the favorite photos from Phindy Studios who photographed the day!

We had a fantastic team of vendors for this event! The floral design was done by Vicki Sanders with Branching Out Event Florist. Three different centerpieces of varying heights decorated the tables in colors of lilac, deep purple, light green, and bright pink. The brides bouquet consisted of white peonies, lavender roses, purple hydrangea, and white freesia. All the flowers were absolutely gorgeous! The rentals were provided by Music City Tents and Events. The tables were covered in sage green linens surrounded by fruitwood chivari chairs. Dulce Desserts provided a huge variety of desserts and a delicious chocolate and hazelnut cake covered with chocolate ganache.

Visit the Simply Stunning blog for even more from this spectacular wedding.

Dulce Desserts, Lovely Nashville Wedding Cakes

Just the thought of a cake by Dulce Desserts excites many wedding vendors at every bridal show.  You should see us - all trying to get a sample.  In fact, there is something unique about Dulce Desserts, who uses only the finest ingredients for their cakes and desserts.

Thursday, July 2, 2009

Last week, I attended the Her Nashville 1st Year Anniversary Party with Krista and Hillary.  It was held at Terazzo (condo development).  I ran into some fabulous women (and one funny guy - Bruce,  Linda of Belle Meade Plantation’s hubby).   I had a spectacular time celebrating their amazing year of smart articles for Nashville women.  I also enjoyed Chef’s Market and two new finds, Sofia wine and Pink Vodka.

Sofia Wine

I will start with my new fabulous find - Sofia Blanc de Blancs.  All of the women at the party fell in love with this cute can of white wine that quickly became known as an “adult juice box”.  Why?  Because it was a can of wine in a magenta redish can (girlie but not) and an attached straw!  So, all night, everyone was talking about two things - the food (by Chef’s Market) and the juice freakin’ adorable can of wine.  I am not kidding, women were taking cans of wine home by the handful.

As I watched the sensation brewing, I thought - BRIDES!  The can of Sofia would be great for a wedding reception, bridal shower or bachelorette party.  They would also make a cute addition to a bridesmaid gift.

After the event, there were boxes of Sofia remaining (silver boxes) so they let us grab a few more to take home.  Women were staking out the bar, on a mission to get Sofia!

Sofia 4 Pack Mini Blanc de Blancs

X-Rated® Fusion Liqueur aka “Pink Vodka”

I’ve seen the X-Rated® Fusion Liqueur before but never tasted it.  I am not a vodka fan but at the party, they mixed Pink Vodka with lemonade, and it was great!  Again, this would make a great signature drink for a bridal event. They even offer recipes and great party ideas on their website for bachelorette parties.

Chef’s Market

Shannon and crew and Chef’s Market fabulized (my word) the event and made everything pretty in pink.  I especially loved the strawberry parfaits and the unique fondue station.  Not quite sure what it was but it was yummy and oh so pretty.

We ended the night with a tour of the Terazzo condo, overlooking the Nashville skyline.  What a perfect way to end a wonderful night.

Girls Night Out for Nashville Brides - July 23

Are your friends tired of hearing you talk about weddings? This is for you! Join us for a fun (and free) night out with other Nashville brides. Come wind down, meet others who are getting married, share ideas and vent (if you need to). Visit http://engagednashville.eventbrite.com for more info and to get on the guest list.

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

I love the Lauren and Justin’s wedding, which is being featured today!  It’s such a lovely lake wedding and their getaway boat!

Lauren and Justin, thanks for letting me feature your big day. How unique and personal!

Special thanks to Corinne of Weddings with Reese and Sara Gibbs Photo for making this wedding recap possible.

About us:

Justin and I both grew up in Nashville we met through Lauren’s roommate in November 2007. We got engaged in June 2008 and got married in May 2009. We fell for each other pretty fast. We had our dream wedding at Old Hickory lake.

Bride

Lauren of Franklin, TN

Groom

Justin of Brentwood, TN

Our wedding details

May 30, 2009 at 5:30pm

Ceremony and Reception location

Cedar Creek Yacht Club

Guests

250

Wedding Style:

My wedding style

I was say a mix between classic and spring fling and feminine

My colors and why I choose them

Light blue and sage green - I chose them because they were spring colors

My theme

Lake

Wedding wow factor

They loved the DJ and the reception party

Favors

Personalized cups with the bride and grooms name and wedding date

Gift for bridesmaids & groomsmen

Bridesmaids - bathrobes and gold flip flops to dance in later on.
Groomsmen -brown leather flip flops that they all wore for the wedding

Most special moment for me

The ceremony when the minister read letters we wrote to each other and the father-daughter dance

My Wedding Vendors:

Planner- Corinne Reese - Weddings with Reese
Cake - Stephanie Felts - The Sweetest Day
Cater - Cedar Creek Yacht Club
Photo - Sara Gibbs Photography
Music - Spangler Entertainment
Flowers- Belles and Buttercups / Devon Morris
Video - Audio Video Art

My faves
All of the above were perfect!!!!!!!!

How I found my vendors?

I found my vendors through friends and bridal shows.

My Wedding Rewind:

What I would do differently if planning again?

NOTHING

Best value for the service/product

Cakes

Weddings, the Bridal Show - July 12!

Weddings the Bridal Show is the largest and most complete bridal event across the state. It is a must-attend bridal show. I’ll be there and hope to see you too!

Be sure to read my guide to Nashville bridal shows BEFORE you go so you are prepared!

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Upcoming Bridal Events at a Glance:

Cannery Open House - July 1

Weddings, the Bridal Show - July 12

The Unabridged Bride Workshop - July 16

A Girl’s Night Out for Brides - July 23

Cannery Open House - July 1

Please join me in attending the 2nd Annual Open House at the Cannery Ballroom this Wednesday.   I heart the Cannery! It is a great wedding venue and they always have fabulous event vendors at their events, making it a great bridal showcase.  The event is free - you just need to rsvp at canneryopenhouse.weebly.com to get added to the guest list.

And, please be sure to stop by my table to introduce yourself or say hi!

Weddings, the Bridal Show (WTBS) - July 12ABG is giving away tickets to the WTBS! I am looking for 5 brides to act as “bridal reporters” for the upcoming bridal show.  If you want to go the show and think you have what it takes to report back on what’s hot/not, what you loved/hated,  I want to hear from you.  I only have room for 5 brides so contact me asap for more details.  It will be super easy and tons of fun; plus, you will get other perks from ABG in the future.

Visit Weddings, The Bridal Show for more details and register for a $2 off coupon.

The Unabridged Bride Workshop - July 16

This is a workshop for brides that you’ve never seen before!

It’s three hours devoted to setting you, the bride, up for wedding and marriage success!

You’ll hear from: me,  Marie McKinney-Oates of Nashville Marriage Studio, CJ of Williamson County Weddings and Events, and Liza Hippler of Maiden to Married.

 Visit The Unabridged Bride to learn more and to register.

Engaged Nashville: A Girls’ Night Out -  July 23

Sarah, a local bride, came to me and said it would be cool to have a fun night out for Nashville brides, that will allow you to wind down, meet others who are getting married, share ideas and vent (if you need to).  So, together, we’re making it happen!  Sarah and Chelsea are planning it and I am…well, attending and looking forward to the fun:).

Where: Aloft Hotel - the hot spot! (…also a great place for bachelorette and bridal showers so you can check out the space while there!)

When: Thursday, July 23 at 7p

What: A night out for Nashville brides - to connect, share ideas and have fun!  Down South Delights will be catering it (yes - time to step away from the yummy pics online and taste in person) and Aloft is putting together a “complimentary infusion tastings…. 3 infused beverages (pear rum, bubblegum vodka, pineapple chipotle tequila)”.  Ok - so this will definitely be one tasty night.

Who: Any engaged Nashville woman (21+), regardless of where your wedding will take place!

How: RSVP here

And…be sure to save these dates:

Mt. Juliet Elegance Bridal Gala - August 13

Ashley’s Bridal Blog Camp - August 16, 23 and/or 30