Wednesday, January 25, 2012
"People are starting to want something different," mused Vicki Nelson, owner behind Signature Cakes By Vicki. We were talking about her newest cake styles that take cakes beyond just "beautiful." Signature Cakes' Renaissance Cakes are, for lack of a better word, amazing. They aren't cakes that fall in the "budget" realm because the work that goes into one is worthy of the cost. They're not the most expensive cakes ever imagined, but they are serious cakes for brides whose priority is their cake, the couple that wants seriously mind-blowing, spectacular cakes.
And oh yes, they are still delicious.
About the Renaissance Cake Line:
The cultural movement that was the Renaissance is the inspiration for these cakes. Cities in which the Reneissance movement began and spread through are the same ones that conjure images of rolling countryside in France and Italy and impressive historical buildings like the Basilica di San Lorenzo in Florence, Italy.
Hand shaped sugar flowers that look real shouldn't come as much of a surprise where Signature Cakes is concerned. But the hard work doesn't stop at the teeny stamen or veins in the leaves. Look at each tier of these cakes and you'll see tiny dots, lace details, rosettes - everything was painstakingly made and laid on each layer by hand. Enjoy the Renaissance Line in photos and if enjoy what you see, contact Vicki to schedule your tasting.
Cakes: Under the Tuscan Sun + Provencial Landscape
To the left is Under the Tuscan Sun. Vicki explains "the pink is indicative of the soft rose and mauves of the stucco estates and country homes that dot the countryside. The greens represent the lush fields and rolling hills." The cake on the right is called Provencial Landscape. "The flowers on the cake are reminescient of the warm colors of Provence France. The soft Ivory fondant is like the sky at sunset. The brick work, urns, vines, and columns are representative of the architecture in the villages."
Cake: The Venetian Garden Palace
This all white cake with dahlias is called: Venetian Garden Palace. The white is indicative of the pure white Istrian stone used in the building of many of the palaces, including the Palazzo Ducale (also called the Doge's Palace) which was the seat of power for the Venetian Republic for around 700 years.
Cake: Chelsea Garden Morning
The white cake with the multi colored flowers is called: Chelsea Garden Morning. The Chelsea Flower Show Tour is very famous for their beautiful flowers and gardens.
The Classic Cakes
Who needs Sylvia Weinstock or Ron Ben Israel? We have easy access to gloriously designed cakes right here in Nashville. Bear in mind, we're not saying that Signature Cakes By Vicki is gearing towards only making such high-end cakes, that's far from the truth - Vicki is just adding this regal style of design to her repertoire which already spans simple to modern to classic designs. Take a look at these beautiful designs from two recent real Nashville weddings.
Give Signature Cakes by Vicki a call and definitely let her know you're an ABG Bride to receive 20% off your wedding cake plus free delivery anywhere in the Nashville area. For more beautiful cakes in designs that will blow your mind, visit SignatureCakesByVicki.com.
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Posted by Tabitha |
Filed under: Cakes & Catering, Luxury Nashville Wedding Finds
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Thursday, December 22, 2011
Before the wedding, there's one very vital detail every bride and groom have to focus on: Invitations. Gone are the days of boring script on shiny stock with a ribbon tied around it thanks to innovative designers with a love for weddings. Now we're seeing invitations that give guests a preview of what's to come with matching monograms, themes, and colors. We've seen a lot this year and here's today's roundup of our favorite custom invitation designs that we loved.
1) Southern Farm Wedding Style
This festive wedding invitation prepares the guests for an evening of outdoor fun and joy at the wedding. From the string lights to the wild flowers at the bottom, it tells people everything they need to know about the wedding. Plus, I love the song request detail! That's so considerate! More from Elisa and Grant's day here.
Invitation by Southall Eden Paperie. Picture by Brooke Boling
2) Burlap & Bling
Donette from Designs In Paper explained that the couple, Tracy and Chris wanted some bling and and some rustic charm added to their Southern-style wedding. "This suite is just all about the South - we can be relaxed and yet, very refined and elegant all together." Perfectly executed! (More from the wedding here).
Invitation: Designs In Paper; Photos: Left, Kristyn Hogan. Right, Mary Rosenbaum Photographs.
3) DIY Cool
You're probably thinking "Is there anything about this wedding they didn't love?" Truth be told, no. Nothing. Not only are Jamie and Andy one of the coolest couples we've ever had the joy of featuring, but their wedding details were unique and so much fun and their invitations were no different. (More on the details here!)
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Invitations: Emily Keafer; Photos: Pear Image Photography
4) Textured Invites
In my perfect world, all invitations would be printed using letterpress. I am a big fan of Arboreal Paper's work, but this one particular invitation is a favorite because of it's simple lines and typeface. There's something so chic and contemporary about the red orchid outlines on white space!
Design and Photos: Arboreal Paper
5) Music City Themed
For Claudia and William's wedding, Designs in Paper designed this stationery suite that reminds me of the honky-tonks downtown; a culture so quintessential to this city. To match the couple's Nashville themed wedding, they custom-dyed twine in their wedding colors to pull the whole look together. More here.
Design: Designs in Paper; Photos: Ace Photography
6) Fabric Invitations
What will these artistic designers come up with next? These invitations were custom made and printed on handkerchiefs! They're so charming and are such a wonderful keepsake! Be prepared to be wowed by the rest of the wedding here.
Design: Lucky-Luxe; Photo: Leslee Mitchell Photography
7) Classic Romance
From this Great Gatsby inspired wedding, the bride and groom went with a classic damask patterned wedding invitation to match their yellow and white color scheme. One of Sara's favorites, she loves the bright colors of the matching suite of stationery and "how all the pieces are tied together so well." For more from this wedding go here.
Design: Photo: Aerialist Press; Dove Wedding Photography
8) Eco-Friendly
From one of our Green Nashville Wedding posts by iHospitality TN, here are some more gorgeous invitations from Arboreal Paper. What I love with clean lines and letterpress, our blogger Sara loves with eco-friendly goods and services and picked these as one of her favorites. More from this post here.
Design and Photo: Arboreal Paper
9) All About Us
Your wedding is, contrary to what some crazy relatives like to believe, all about you and your groom. For this wedding Designs In Paper acknowledged the couple's ownership of their special day and incorporated a logo that "carried throughout a reception" - the logo was used on all the paper and other elements in the wedding. The look is an updated twist on classic invitations and is so pretty! More wedding details here.
Design: Designs In Paper; Photos: Evin Photography
10) Silhouettes
We love how the Miranda and Grant's silhouettes were used on the invitations and throughout their stationery, complemented by the curved shape of the invitation itself. See this ABG Real Wedding Feature here.
Design + Invite: Southall Eden Paperie; Programs: Williamson Co. Weddings & Events; Photos: Ace Photography
11) Poster Style
"I love this vintage flower graphic because it's not too girly," explained Shannon O'Kelley of Southall Eden when I asked why she liked this invitation. The black and white poster style print on the invitation give it a fun, vintage feel without being all worn or faded and is a style, Shannon says, is becoming more popular as well. More from this vintage farm wedding here.
Design: Southall Eden Paperie; Photos: Memory Snap
It's amazing what you can do for your invitation these days with a combination of a bride and groom's vision and a designer's creativity! These are but some of the fantastic work we've seen and we can't wait for more in the coming year. Check out our list of invitation designers - we're confident you'll find someone to suit your style from this list!
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Posted by Tabitha |
Filed under: Inspiration & Trends, Invitations & Paper Goods, Luxury Nashville Wedding Finds
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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.
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Posted by Tabitha |
Filed under: Details, Design & Florals, Luxury Nashville Wedding Finds
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Thursday, October 27, 2011
Designs in Paper is one of my favorite go-to resources for wedding invitations. I've worked with them since they first arrived on the scene years ago and their work was great then, but it keeps getting more and more creative.
If you have followed any local or national bridal blogs, you're sure to have seen their work. Their custom paper goods have been featured just about everywhere, from Style Me Pretty to international magazines. What stands out about Steve and Donette, at Designs in Paper, is that they simply can't say no to a challenge. Believe me, it's really neat to see how they interact with one another and how their ideas start swirling at the mere mention of a new wedding project.
Here are a few of my favorite creations from Designs in Paper from Nashville weddings this summer. If you are seeking something fabulous for your wedding day - from understated elegance to over-the-top glam, your options are limitless with Designs in Paper.
Great Gatsby Summer Wedding
Here's a great wedding paper suite by Designs in Paper created for a Great Gatsby themed wedding at Cedarwood. As you can see, they designed all of the paper elements - from table numbers and menus to the wedding program.
Read more via this link. Photos by Dove Wedding Photography.
Hello Sunshine
Here's another fun and fabulous Cedarwood wedding with small but incredible details. Designs in Paper took sketches of the barn, house and truck and converted them into their overall design. How's that for a one-of-a-kind guest book poster!
sketched guest book poster that complemented their wedding invitation
custom favor signs
Read more via this link. Photos by Kristyn Hogan.
Inside Out
I love this colorful, vibrant, and elegant wedding! Designs in Paper created lovely invitations along with gorgeous signage to accompany their candy bar and other fun reception details. This also happens to be another fantastic Cedarwood wedding.
Read more via this link. Photos by Souder Photography.
Don't you love their work! Contact Designs in Paper to create a just-for-you paper suite for your wedding day.
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Posted by Ashley of Ashley's Bride Guide |
Filed under: Invitations & Paper Goods, Luxury Nashville Wedding Finds
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Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Ever so often we like to check in with our ABG vendors to see what's new and what's been going on in their world. As we've grown, so have they and it's always fun to see what they're doing now that will benefit you and your wedding planning. We recently featured her son's wedding and talked about some of her new cake designs but haven't properly introduced Vicki Nelson of Signature Cakes by Vicki to you so without further ado, here is today's Sponsor Spotlight.
Contact Information:
Name: Signature Cakes By Vicki
Main Contact: Vicki Nelson
Phone Number: 615-513-2266
Email Address: signaturecakesbyvicki {at} comcast {dot} net
Website: SignatureCakesByVicki.com
How did you get started in weddings and how long have you been decorating cakes?
My grandparents were Italian immigrants and settled 90 miles outside of Boston, Massachusetts. There are wonderful pastry bakeries and amazing family-owned restaurants in the area and so I developed a passion for delectable food and delicious sweets. Before heading off to college, I owned a small Italian restaurant, catered weddings and made wedding cakes. During my college years I continued making wedding cakes and coordinating weddings for extra money.
After my husband and I graduated from college in 1981, we moved to Nashville. I attempted to start a wedding cake business, but Nashville just wasn’t quite ready for me yet. Those were the days that most brides got their wedding cakes at Krogers for $50. So, I went into the corporate world during the onset of the telecommunications software revolution. The corporate world just wasn’t for me. Also, I really wanted to run my own business so I began catering corporate lunches. I would often do event cakes and wedding cakes for particular clients. But, in 2007 I decided to change direction, stop catering and pursue my love of wedding cakes. That’s how Signature Cakes by Vicki was born.
Images by Ashlea Terhune Photography
What do you like most about weddings?
I love the ceremony – the moment when the couple proclaims before God and all those present that they will keep their word, their vows. It gives me chills and makes me cry. Weddings are about marriage, which is the greatest commitment two people can make. Most people think about being in love when they think about a wedding, but I think that falling in love is the easy part. Making a lifetime commitment and keeping it, now that takes work and that’s what marriage is really about. Next, I love the reception. I think it should be a wonderful party with great food, drink, dancing and music. It should be the celebration of a lifetime.
What’s your favorite wedding photo/video and why?
Pictures of cake are wonderful and of course it’s important that the brides can see my work on my website. But, my favorite pictures are ones of the brides and groom’s cutting their cakes. When I see their faces, I see the joy of the moment and I get to be there, even though I wasn’t actually there.
Image by Gray Photography
Images by Chris Weaver
What is your service philosophy?
SERVICE IS EVERYTHING! I don’t care how good a product is, if it isn’t backed up with great customer service – it’s nothing. Once a bride has chosen me to do her wedding cake, I take it from there. I work with her wedding planner and her reception venue from that point on, all the way through wedding day. I communicate with her by way of emails and phone calls. She never has to concern herself again with her wedding cakes. I promise to make sure that her cake(s) are delivered on time, safe, delicious and beautiful, just as it appeared in the full scale drawing that I did on consultation day. But wedding day is not the end. I always follow up after the wedding, because I want to know that she and her guests were pleased on wedding day. I treat every bride like family. Isn’t that how we all want to be treated?
What are your strengths compared to others in your category? Why should a bride hire you?
First, we have a three-fold commitment to our customers.
1. The most beautiful cake that YOU, the customer, can imagine. We make beautiful edible embellishments such as sugar flowers, fruits, fondant ribbons, fabric, bows, birds, shoes and lace. We replicate elements from your dress in hand done piping and molds. We put all those elements together to make a one-of-a-kind, original work of edible art. No one else will ever have your wedding cake.
2. We use the freshest, highest quality ingredients including fresh eggs, butter, cream, raspberries, strawberries, juices, spices, herbs, nuts and various gourmet candies such as Ghriradelli White Chocolate, Lindor Truffles, and Godiva Chocolate, just too mention a few. We combine flavors to make gourmet, original recipes for our cakes and our icings.
3. We provide unparalleled customer service from the initial consultation to our final follow-up after wedding day.
We also have a 5-star 5.0 rating on marthastewartweddings.com with 115 reviews. We have the most reviews in not only Nashville, but Tennessee and all the surrounding states.
Images courtesy of Signature Cakes by Vicki
Who are your 5 favorite Nashville wedding vendors – helpfulness, professionalism, style?
We have many wonderful wedding vendors in Nashville. We have some who have been around a long time and have the reputation that they deserve. We also have some newcomers, who have great potential. My favorite wedding vendors are the ones that brides tell me did a wonderful job on their wedding. Professionalism and quality of service is everything. Instead of giving my personal opinion about who I prefer, I suggest vendors who are members of TWESA (Tennessee Wedding and Events Specialists Association). In order to be a member of TWESA, you must fulfill professional requirements and be of a good reputation in the industry. Furthermore, I suggest brides and grooms choose vendors who have impeccable reviews by independent sources. Remember, anyone can put "accolades" on their own website.
What advice would you give to brides on the wedding planning process in general?
Very few couples today have an unlimited budget for their wedding. Most couples are trying to make their dollars stretch and still have the wedding of their dreams. The first thing you must do is research! I find that many couples make up an arbitrary budget based on what they "think" they should spend on each category such as reception venue, caterer, flowers, cakes, music, invitations, favors, and photography without actually knowing what the average prices are in their area. Going online to do research is great, but honestly, very few websites actually give the exact prices. And remember, it’s imperative that you compare apples to apples.
The best way to get the most amount of information in the shortest time is to go to a bridal show. At the shows, you can ask specific questions of many different vendors in the same category. You can taste their cakes, food and drinks. You can see the work of the photographers and florists. And you can touch their samples of paper, fabric and finery. Bridal Shows narrow down your choices without spending all your time, which can actually be just as valuable to you as your money.
What is the biggest misconception about your industry?
THE biggest misconception in the wedding industry is that all vendors are "created equal." If you are looking for a one-of-a-kind, original, couture wedding cake in gourmet flavors, choose well. Check reviews, reviews, reviews!!! Read independent reviews written by brides, grooms and mothers. I suggest marthastewartweddings.com and weddingwire.com. Someone claiming to be a baker may be someone who took a few cake classes or has only done a few wedding cakes and may not have the expertise to design and bring to life a cake in art. Cake design involves, baking, art, math and engineering. Cakes aren’t magical, they have to be constructed properly in order to transport well and present well. So, make sure you get the best "value" for the price.
The cheapest price is usually not the best choice. Everyone has heard the old adage, "You get what you pay for." Well that saying is still around because it is usually still true. For example, if you hire "Uncle Fred" to do your videography, it will not be a professional, edited, work of art when you get it back from him. Well, unless of course, Uncle Fred is in the videography business. Another example would be if you hired someone who calls themself a "wedding planner" because she just got married last Spring and "knows everything" about planning a wedding. Again, a certified event planner, with years of experience has the expertise and business relationships to help you have the best possible results on wedding day. Remember, there are no "do-overs" on your wedding day.
Image by Meishach Moore Photographers
We are excited to see what else Vicki and her team have in store for us at the upcoming bridal shows. Rumor has it, she'll be launching a few new flavors and some new designs for her cakes! If Signature Cakes by Vicki was your baker for your wedding, we'd love to see the pictures so please do send them to us along with the photographer's name to add to our gallery! For more Signature Cakes by Vicki, visit their website.
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Posted by Tabitha |
Filed under: Our Featured Advertisers!, Cakes & Catering, Luxury Nashville Wedding Finds
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