Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Everyone has an opinion when it comes to wedding gowns and what you should wear. "No, no, white will wash you out, go with ivory" or "Ivory is too (whatever) go with a really, really white dress!" How do you pick? Where do you start and what is the difference between white, diamond white, winter white, cream, or ivory?
Event designers, surprisingly, get the "ivory vs white" question a lot as brides try to decide whether their dress color will impact their wedding design. My wedding dress was ivory and I felt compelled to use ivory everywhere instead of white. I found that ivory accessories were harder to find and often cost more. So, I was elated to see that Rhonda Patton of Rhonda Patton Weddings and Event Design tackled the whole ivory and white quandry via her very helpful wedding blog. Here's what she shared...
Image: The Collection
Rhonda Patton: I tend to have the biggest debate with brides over the color WHITE versus IVORY. Does it really matter?
Yes, it does matter!
The differences between ivory, cream, or white is highly significant when it comes to the subject of wedding gowns and flowers. Ivory should not be viewed upon as another shade of white like eggshell, diamond white, off-white, cream, or ecru - whatever that is! In terms of color, WHITE is stark white, pristine and mixes no shades of any other color - like pure white milk.
Let's examine gowns from one of my favorite bridal gown designers, AMSALE.
White gown by Amsale
IVORY has a slight tint of yellow or cream. Cream tends toward the warm, off-white tends towards the cool. Cream tends to be palely yellow with some sand tones. Off-white tends to use grays and browns as tones.
Diamond white gown by Amsale
Most women love wearing the unsullied color called white for their wedding gown. However, a huge number of women are opting for ivory shades of wedding gowns.
Ivory gown by Amsale
As per old wives tale, white is the color for virgin brides but it holds little relevance in today’s world. Whether you want white or ivory is totally a personal choice. The ultimate decision should rest on your skin tone (warm versus cool). For example, white can show off the paleness of your skin. However, some brides believe that white can be too austere. Ivory, having a touch of cream can actually be flattering to pale complexions.
Left to right: White, ivory and cream
The better choice for lighter skin tones is an ivory or antique white. Women with medium to dark-toned skin can often pull off a diamond white beautifully. Bright whites on darker skin tones are stunning!
Side Note: I've opted to wear white on my wedding day!
In regards to flowers, they are available in white, cream, or ivory. Some flowers work well with all three colors, (i.e. calla lilies and hydrangeas). Flowers that are available in stark white (roses, gladiolus, carnations, gardenias, paperwhites, stephanotis, stock).
Your florist can help determine what type and which shade of flower works best. In conclusion, white/cream/ivory does matter and it's important you convey the color or provide a color swatch in advance to your wedding vendors.
For more great planning and wedding inspiration visit Rhonda's website at RhondaPattonWeddings.com.
share
Posted by Ashley of Ashley's Bride Guide |
Filed under: Advice & Planning, Details, Design & Florals
0 comments »
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Today's roundup features more favorites from the year - more beautiful work today in flowers, specifically bouquets. The colors would make a rainbow jealous! Check out these gorgeous arrangements put together by the deft, skilled hands of our favorite florists and crafty friends. Enjoy!
Photo by Ace Photography. Loved and designed by Cedarwood Weddings.
1) Special Touches
If you look carefully at this seemingly classic bouquet by the design team at Cedarwood (yup! Not just a venue!) you might notice the tufts of antique lace tucked into the peonies, ranunculus, and roses. Brilliant.
2) Simply Enchanting
Enchanted Florist lives up to their name with very mesmerizing, consistently beautiful bouquets. We asked Caprice to send us a few of her personal favorites and we have to say the anemone bouquet (below left) is absolutely stunning with the vivid, purple and green centers surrounded by the soft, white petals. The bouquet on the right is just so soft, dreamy, and vintage - beautiful!
Left: Photo by The Collection. Right: Photo by Ace Photography. Loved and submitted by Caprice of Enchanted Florist.
3) Tres Chic
This loose, Tuscany inspired bouquet looks like they just picked wild flowers and tied them together for a dreamy, natural look. (By Cedarwood).
Photo by Kristyn Hogan. Loved and submitted by Cedarwood
4) Pop of Color
Yellows and whites make for such fun, warm bouquets like this very full, round arrangement also by Cedarwood.
Photo by Brandon Chesbro. Loved and submitted by Cedarwood.
5) Absolutely Unique
This succulent bouquet from Miranda and Grant's wedding (here) reflected the couple's unique personality and style and is kind of arrangement I hope we see more of in 2012.
Photo by Ace Photography. Bouquet by Enchanted Florist. Loved by Megan and Tabitha of ABG
7) Do-It-Yourself Beauty
There wasn't really anything about this wedding we didn't love. The bouquets were hand made by the bride, Jamie, using fabric and are just so cool! See the rest of the wedding details here.
Photo by Pear Image Photography. Bouquet by the bride. Loved by Megan of ABG.
8) Back in Black
While I do love flowers, it's always really cool to see what floral designers can do to kick things up a notch. This next bouquet is unlike anything I've seen before and I would love to see a brides take on this style for a wedding - it's adventurous, it's edgy, and so darned cool. More from the shoot here.
Inspiration Shoot + Photos by Hartz Photographic. Bouquet by Brocade Designs. Loved by Tabitha of ABG.
9) True Blue
More anemones and a beautiful, elegant all-white bouquet for the bride. This is one of Sara's favorites from this Nashville bride's destination wedding in Savannah, GA.
Photo by Lotus Blossom Photography. Loved by Sara of ABG
10) Falling for Fuchsia
The vibrancy of this next bouquet is not to be ignored. Fuchsias, purples, and lavenders are clustered together for a rustic yet chic look for a statement bouquet by Cedarwood. As Sara said "I love the bright colors of this bouquet and how it stands out so well in pictures." See the rest of the beautiful details here.
Photo by The Collection. Floral design by Cedarwood. Loved by Sarah of ABG
10) Red Hot
There's something so sexy about rich reds and blacks. This next bouquet made by GreenFinch Floral Design has black magic roses and red roses with feather accents - VERY awesome.
Photo by Karen Alisa Photography. Floral design by GreenFinch Floral Design. Loved by Sara of ABG
Truth be told, it was hard to just pick a few. Be sure to check out our gallery for more awe-inspiring pictures of floral design and bouquets by our local designers - they're quite breathtaking. Again, if you have any of your own to share, please do send us the pictures on our Facebook page because we firmly believe you can't have too much inspiration!
share
Posted by Tabitha |
Filed under: Details, Design & Florals
0 comments »
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
As we continue our trek back through Nashville's 2011 weddings, we bring you the favorite designs and decor as submitted by the Ashley's Bride Guide staff and participating members of the Nashville bridal community. The only thing we regret is that we could only choose a few! Enjoy the ones we have the space to share.
1) Movie Theme at Carnton Plantation
A large percentage of the weddings we see here in Nashville have a Southern twist to them. It's definitely fun to see weddings, like this one from A Delightful Day/StudioWed, in which the couple puts personal touches to their Southern venue with a movie theme! As Kelly Stack says, "I loved the quirky quality of her details, the fabulous ribbon-bedecked biscuit bar and cake buffet, the open-air layout of her Carnton Plantation reception, the long rectangular tables and fruitwood folding chairs, the fabulous mix-and-match florals in vases by Brocade Design Arts, and the Southern cooking by A Dream Come True was heavenly."
Planner: A Delightful Day Event Planning; Photos: The Collection, Erin Lee; Loved by: StudioWed
2) Mason Jar Love
I love, love mixing antique china plates and mason jars, especially for an outdoor wedding; so of course, I had to choose this one! The bride and groom actually own a decor business, which created easy access to vintage decorations, and according to Cali, they toasted each other with Mason Jar wine glasses!
Decor: Not Too Shabby Designs; Photos: Cali Ashton Photography; Loved by: Meg of ABG
3) Creative Fall Colors
ABG Blogger Sara loves all of these fall color options, especially those that vary from the typical red/brown/orange palate. More on the inspiration here.
Fall Inspiration: Historic Cedarwood; Photos: Rachel Moore Photography; Loved by: Sara of ABG
4) Eclectic Circus Theme
My first thought when I saw this wedding, it's cooky - in a good, fun way! Marathon Village is love for many indie, eclectic brides and this one takes the cake. From the ring bearers coming down the aisle in a circus wagon, to the elephant centerpieces, cotton candy, balloons, even the cake looked like a three ring circus! The overall theme was well displayed, but in no way tacky.
DIY Design by Bride & Family; Photos: Photography by Susie; Loved by: Meg of ABG
5) Eco-Friendly Options
Sara said that she really likes "the idea of such amazing decorations being eco-friendly since a lot of decorations for a wedding are just tossed at the end of the day." We all agree, which is why we love the green posts by Ashley of iHospitality. More eco-friendly decor options from the extensive decor inventory at Cedarwood.
Decor: Historic Cedarwood; Photo: Dove Wedding Photography; Loved by: Sara of ABG
6) Destination - Island of Ocean Blues
As a nod to our brides that marry elsewhere but take Nashville vendors with them, here is a beach side wedding that Kelly with StudioWed sent over. "Mary Alice & Leigh RAVED about this gorgeous wedding for months after it happened! The two of them flew to Fishers Island in New York (a "beautiful relic of a bygone era!") for this gorgeous summer wedding." -Kelly
Planner: A Delightful Day Event Planning; Photos: McLellan Style; Loved by: StudioWed
7) Victorian Elegance
I am always impressed or intrigued by photos from Ace Photography, which is why I constantly follow their blog. This elegance of this wedding in a Victorian home really is stunning.
Venue: Top O' Woodland; Photos: Ace Photography; Loved by: Meg of ABG
8) Parisian Style
Sara loved this post because it displays all of the different options that brides have when they wed at Cedarwood. We all love this shoot that Kristyn did of French tablescapes - so romantic!
Inspiration Shoot: Historic Cedarwood; Photo: Kristyn Hogan; Loved by: Sara of ABG & Team
9) Backyard Wedding
When you hear "Backyard Wedding" it usually brings to mind a simple affair, perhaps thrown together at the last minute, but this is anything but that image. Doug and Lea actually built the pavilion below just for their wedding. It was an intimate wedding in regards to who they invited - only those with whom they had lasting friendships. The moment I saw the wedding, I fell in love and had to share! (Be sure to check out Joe Hendricks' blog to see more photos - including their rose pinata!)
Planner: Weddings by Mary Natalie; Photos: Joe Hendricks Photography; Loved by: Meg of ABG
10) A Wedding for All Seasons
This summer, the folks at Main Event Productions assembled a dream team of wedding pros for the open house of their new venue, Legacy Farms. The result was pure deliciousness and bridal eye candy! To demonstrate the diversity of the venue and its many options for the Tennessee bride, the design and decor pros styled each area with a different seasonal theme. You can view all of the images via Ace Photography's blog in a Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3 series. However, below are Ashley's favorite's from the inspirational shoot. The beauty of such a wonderful inspiration being created in greater Nashville is that you can actually hire this dream team to recreate a similar look for you vs. coveting them from afar!
Inspiration Shoot - Venue: Legacy Farms; Floral Design + Event Styling: Enchanted Florist + Events Plus; Photos: Ace Photography; Loved by: Ashley of ABG
Share your favorite wedding design and decor from 2011 with us, either as a comment below or on our Facebook page. Keep watching for more of our favorites!
share
Posted by Megan |
Filed under: Advice & Planning, Details, Design & Florals, Wedding Planners & Coordinators
0 comments »
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
There are lots of companies in town that offer the necessities for wedding and event rentals - the chairs, linens, silverware, even pitchers for water. But what about when you're an off-the-beaten-path type of bride with a little more eclectic tastes? Where do you go to find the unique items to use for your wedding without having to purchase dozens of jars or vases you'll never use again? Today we'll take a look at two companies in town that offer fun items you can use, from bird cages to candle holders, to antique items for that worn, vintage look.
Picture by Photographix
Southall Eden
For a more worn, French country look to your wedding, and inspiration that comes from Anthropologie or their sister, bridal company BHLDN, Southall Eden has the perfect accessories for you.
Left, picture by Brooke Boling. Right, picture by Michael Howard Photography
Aside from the beautiful milk glass Southall Eden also carries vintage wine crates you can use for stands on the buffet table, old milk cans on which you can stand floral arrangements, and pretty blue glass jars for flowers, among other awesome items.
Specialty lighting and great hanging lanterns are a beautiful touch for a tented wedding area and can distract from the tent frames and other unsightly structural things. They're a beautiful complement to floral arrangements and look even better when hanging over these gorgeous barn wood dining tables, which Southall Eden had specially made for weddings and events.
Picture by Chris Scott (Chris & Adrienne Scott)
You must check out their collection of lanterns and accessories (bird cages, vintage mirrors, and even a giant clock) and, well, everything that's on their site. Currently, off-site rental is not listed on their website but Shannon O'Kelley, owner of Southall Eden, tells us that you can bring rentals off site if your wedding isn't at Southall Eden's farm. Email or call her for details.
Branching Out Floral & Event Design
Another option for the shabby chic bride is Branching Out Floral & Event Design whose furnishings are pretty and more traditionally Southern style wedding decor. My personal favorites? The vintage wash stands that Branching Out recommends for holding beverages. Picture those cute vintage style sodas sitting in ice in these. SO fun!
This refinished antique desk will make a cool guestbook table.
Need a chuppah for your wedding? Maybe some twig, cone shaped aisle markers that are a much prettier alternative to bows or ribbons? Branching Out's rentals are unique and a little less "typical" than other companies and can elevate the look of your dinner tables and ceremony areas.
We're loving these alternative, unique rental options. Rest easy and know that the special look you want your wedding to have is going to be very easy to get thanks to creative companies like Southall Eden and Branching Out.
share
Posted by Tabitha |
Filed under: Details, Design & Florals, Luxury Nashville Wedding Finds
3 comments »
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Amber Housley has been a part of the ABG family - directly and indirectly - since our beginning. She helped design collateral, marketing, and website banners for us years ago. Over time, she became busier and busier and more in demand. We 'vesupported her growth and knew she was destined for greatness. She made Nashville weddings sweet and delightful, adding a feminine sophisication to weddings all over the city.
While she has always provided a wide variety of services - for brides and businesses - she has just launched her full service design company and we're so happy for her! Her website looks fabulous and we can't wait to see her digital magazine.
You could spend hours on her new website and blog; they are filled with wonderful bridal eye candy. But don't stop there. If you are a vendor friend or past client who would like to congratulate Amber in person or you are a couple looking to learn more about her services, join us at her launch party on Thursday, November 17 at StudioWed. Click here to rsvp.
Event details: Thursday, November 17 from 6-8pm
Location: StudioWed Nashville, 1200 Villa Place, Suite 402, Nashville, TN 37212
We love these shots from Amber's new website!
share
Posted by Ashley of Ashley's Bride Guide |
Filed under: Details, Design & Florals
3 comments »
