Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Aleesha was one of the first Nashville brides to register on ABG and also attended our 27 Dresses event. Aleesha got married this past weekend! Rhonda Patton Weddings was the event florist and was there to capture many of Aleesha's amazing details. These aren't the official wedding pics, but I simply couldn't wait to share...
Guest Post: Rhonda Patton Weddings is a Nashville-based, event floral designer.
I am so excited that Roderick and Aleesha tied the knot yesterday. They are such a beautiful couple and I absolutely loved working with them. Roderick and Aleesha are such a classy couple and their wedding was a perfect reflection of their personality. So here's the 411...
Roderick and Aleesha tied the knot at the Hilton Garden Inn ballroom with an inspiration by Tiffany theme. This theme was perfect being that the ballroom is chocolate and blue...and a little bit of bling to top it off made this wedding "AB FAB" (absolutely fabulous)!!!!
The staff was amazing and I especially want to give a shot out to Larry Manghane and his staff. Larry is the director of sales and was extremely pleasant to work with. Not only did Larry keep everything in check but the bubbly wedding planner, Mary Natalie Hester of Weddings by Mary Natalie was there to make sure everything was executed in a timely fashion. Natalie was hilarious... I just loved working with her. She was such a sweetie and is truly a passionate planner with 10+ years in the industry, she didn't miss a beat. Photographer Tara Harper captured some amazing photos of Rod and Aleesha. I can't wait to see them!!!
The total WOW FACTOR of the night was a Tiffany boxed shaped wedding cake by the impeccable designer of Tea & Co.
The bride's bouquet was an elegant array of cream roses accented with crystals tied with cream midori ribbon with a crystal embellishments.
The bouquet was a nice compliment to her dress and did not overpower the detail of the dress.
The centerpiece was composed of hydrangeas and roses to accent the chocolate iridescent pin tuck linens from Southern Events. The tables were accented with Tiffany blue boxed favors and blush pink menu cards.
I love the color palette of Tiffany blue, cream, chocolate and blush pink as the accent color. The bridesmaid wore duponi silk chocolate and carried a pink rose bouquet.
This wedding was personalized with personalized rhinestone letters on each favor box and customized hanging "J's" from the mirrored areas. The bride and groomed loved these "J's" specially customized by Rhonda Patton Weddings and better yet...they can add them to their home decor.
The cocktail bar was stunning- consisting of raw shrimp and various dipping sauces. Such a classy way to display your dipping sauces...
Aleesha and Roderick marveled their guest with such classy elements. I truly wish them the best. Best wishes to Mr. & Mrs. Jones. (Contact Rhonda Patton Weddings for photo credits and for a consultation.)
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Posted by Ashley |
Filed under: Details, Design & Florals, Real Nashville Weddings
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Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Tuesday, April 28, 2008
Meet Michele of Casual Elegance Photography. She is based in Clarksville, TN but serves engaged couples all over the Greater Nashville area and will travel for destination weddings (as you can tell from the photos pictured below). Contact Michele to learn more about her wedding photography services.
How did you get started in weddings? I started a photography business after my wedding photos cost an arm and a leg with the end result being nothing short of unsatisfying. Then a dear friend asked me to photograph her wedding.
What do you like most about weddings? The union of two people...I could not wait to get married, it is the most awesome experience. What's your favorite wedding pic/video and why? The black and white photo with the red roses in the sand to me captures the pure romantic feel of a father giving away his daughter.
What is your service philosophy? Best price that will work for you...not me, Best quality and above all, best customer service. What are your strengths compared to others in your category? / Why should a bride hire you? I promise to do anything it takes to make your day special...anything! Who are your 5 favorite Nashville wedding vendors in terms of helpfulness, professionalism, style? AshleysBrideGuide.com, A Magical Affair, A Delightful Day and Pursuit Video Who do you recommend when you're not available/not a fit? Well, when it comes to style, it's not up to me, it is up to the bride and what vision she wants for her wedding day. If that still doesn't work, I will recommend a fellow photographer, but luckily that has not happened yet. What do you read/watch regularly to stay on top of wedding/event trends? WE, Lifetime Weddings, The Knot.com, AshleysBrideGuide.com, Brides.com, "Say Yes to the Dress", Rich Bride Poor Bride (my favorite). Let's discuss current wedding trends. What are your brides requesting? All of my brides to date pretty much want the same style, relaxed candid shots capturing emotions, very unposed and carefree.
That's an amazing picture! So, which trend are you lovin' now?? I am totally loving the idea of DVD-Invites that you featured in this article. Which trend do you hate? Studio shots...I am not a fan of fake backgrounds and overly posed shots. Which trend are you glad is gone? That's hard to answer, because everyone has their own style. My past trend could be another bride's favorite. But if I had to narrow it down, I would say 80's poof.
Which trend are you kind of sad to see go? Not in all case, but in some, I am noticing that the bride wants the wedding pics shot before the ceremony, removing the element of surprise from the grooms face when he sees her for the first time. Good point. I hadn't thought about that. I did the ole' school way - didn't see my beau until the ceremony which worked. But, we did get a lot of the non-couple pics done before the wedding - like with my girls. I diverge... Advice for brides? No matter how much planning and down to the minute preparation you have, something will always go wrong, but do not let it ruin your day. Just remember that no matter what happens, Your wedding day is about you and the groom and no one else. At the end of it all, you will still be man and wife.
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Posted by Ashley |
Filed under: Photography & Videography, Wedding Resources
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Monday, April 28, 2008
I'm completely obsessed with a new book on weddings, Style Your Dream Wedding. It's a great way to find your bride style and determine "your look" for each category - flowers, cake, etc. I know you'll love this book too!
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Monday, April 28, 2008
Monday, April 28, 2008
On Saturday, I attended the Murfreesboro Bridal Show at Oaklands Historic House Museum and had a blast! I'll admit, I thought it would be an in and out show, not because I didn't think there was talent in M-boro (there's ton) but because I knew it was going to be really small. But, quantity doesn't equal quality, which I quickly realized! The show was very cute, the folks at Oaklands did a great job and have a great wedding venue. And, EVERYONE was really friendly (which should be a given but it inst). Some of Greater Nashville's top bridal pros were there and I met some new vendors that you should add to your list. While there were some great vendors that I didnt meet (I'll be honest - this list isnt comprehensive because I spent more time chatting with some than others b/c I am kind of chatty) - here are the ones that stood out:
Gambill Photography - I'll share more about Angie Gambill later but this chick rocks. I love her work (as do brides - I hear it all the time) and she's so much fun. You really have to meet her and go to her studio to see her amazing walls of talent but check out her site and stay tuned as I will feature Angie very soon. But believe me, everything she touches is fab - from her booth and studio to her wedding pics.
Maples Wedding Cakes - Yes, you've heard me rave about Jay at Maples before but this guy never ceases to amaze me. His cakes not only are stunning but they taste mighty good too. Usually, when I attend shows, I am "caked out" before I get to Jay's booth. But, b/c he was the only cake booth there, I got to sample three flavors - strawberry, sour cream almond and orange dreamsicle. Loved them all and still cant really say which is my fave. Cakes should be fab and fresh. Meet him and you'll agree - amazing inside and out.
The Write Impression (615-217-2109)- I finally met Susan, the owner of this super-chic paper and gifts store in M-boro. I visited the store a few weeks ago. I was so excited, I didn't even get a chance to look through her TRU wedding invitation book...Just another reason to visit the store again! Embassy Suites Murfreesboro - This new hotel will be a wedding venue option very soon! It is scheduled to open in September. Contact them to learn more. Julie's Bartending (615-579-3456) - Julie kept me refreshed and told me all about her services. Finding professional bartenders can be challenging. But, Julie is affordable and licensed and seemed like she would take great care with wedding guests.
Brian Peters of Private Chef (615-337-9175) - Aside from this incredible display of fruit, which immediately caught my eye, this guy was really nice and professional. He introduced himself, told me all about his culinary experience and then asked if he could prepare a plate for me. Of course - that's why I come to these events (only half-kidding). His seafood alfredo was unbelievable. It had real chicken and shrimp and I couldn't get enough. Plus he's uber-affordable. Nicole's Elegant Events - I like Nicole so much. She's an up and coming, Nashville-area wedding planner. Her booth was decorated in eggplant and green - the fab colors this year so she's clearly got the trends down. I stood in her booth and laughed 4ever. She was excited about her new website launch so be sure to check out her photo gallery. She'll be sharing more on her weddings with us soon.
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Posted by Ashley |
Filed under: Cakes & Catering, Photography & Videography
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Thursday, April 24, 2008
Friday, April 25, 2008
I'm completely obsessed with a new book on weddings, Style Your Dream Wedding. I am going to try my best to express what makes it amazing......but really, there are no words.
I am literally taking the book everywhere and showing it to everyone - from Stephanie and Rebecca of Relish Invitations to Mindy of Ever After Weddings. Yesterday, I hung out with Latrice of Bridal Opulence and couldn't wait to show her. Verdict - everyone loves it too!
While this book has simply stunning photography (see above), what makes this book amazing is that it 1) it is comprehensive - it covers ideas for every category - wedding dresses, stationery, reception, etc. and 2) it is organized by bride style.
Bride style is really what makes this book spectacular. According to the author, Susie Coehl , there are 6 bride styles: Fanciful, Contemporary, Beach, Exotic, Classic and Countryside. Going forward, I'll use her categories as I describe weddings, because it's so accurate. (Thanks Susie!)
I think that everyone involved in weddings should have this book - from planners and brides to florists and photographers - everyone! It is a great book to have at every consultation with brides because it helps the bride determine her bride style, which can be referenced throughout the planning process. Every bride should buy (or at least borrow:) the book because you can take it to your consultations to help direct every vendor. Once they know your style, it's easier to design your day.
To start, you should take a few minutes to determine your bride style by taking the quiz here. Once you know your style, you can flip through the book and find great ideas based on your style.
From the quiz, I learned that I was a fanciful bride with a small touch of contemporary. Once you learn your style, take the book to your appointments and use it as a guide and inspiration for every aspect of your big day. I promise, the book will help you organize your thoughts.
Oh - and when you buy the book, click here to do so - that way, I can make like 50 cents off your purchase. Hey - I'm promoting it, my time is worth something. No seriously, it is by far the best book i have ever seen in helping you think through your style and then getting visuals for each component of your day. I could probably blog about it everyday until July and still have plenty to cover. But, I won't. Get yours and Enjoy!
I will be giving a copy of this amazing book to one lucky person at the Relish Launch Party. Plus, I will have one copy on hand for those who like to see/touch before they buy. If you are a bride interested in attending, contact me. Invited planners - be sure to rsvp.
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Posted by Ashley |
Filed under: Advice & Planning, Inspiration & Trends
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