Friday, January 13, 2012
We love Kerried Away Couture; the fresh, custom designs from Kerri are always a treat to see, which is why we were all too happy to share this wedding with you. Allison hired Kerri to create more than just her bridesmaids dresses and fabric pins, Kerri also designed the sash for Allison dress and her hairpiece.
More than just wedding gowns and bridesmaids' dresses, Kerried Away Couture specializes in taking your fashion design and creating a custom piece just for you. The three-step process includes you choosing the style, fabric, and adding your details. You could create a special occasion dress or skirt for your rehearsal dinner, a New Years Eve party, engagement party, or finally help your mother choose the fit and cut that will flatter her on your wedding day.
Kerri explains Allison's design process, which may help other brides see that their vision can, in fact, come to life:
"Allison visited us in our showroom months before her wedding with various photos of dresses she liked. She knew she wanted a 1920-30s look to the dress so we worked with her to design the perfect bridesmaid dresses that were within her budget. Allison went with a navy silk blend that is very pretty and is more budget friendly than the 100% silk. The final design featured a one shoulder gathered bodice and waist band and was actually a compilation of a variety of dress style ideas that she had brought with her to her first consultation."
"The handmade brooches were a nice touch to the classic dress design and she took it one step further by having us make her a hair pin that mimicked the brooch designs to pull everything together. We had such a great time working with Allison and her bridesmaids and were so happy she entrusted us to help with her wedding day."
Allison + RJ
Wedding Date ~ August 6, 2011
Ceremony ~ Sunken Garden at Centennial Park
Reception ~ Big Band Dance at Centennial Park
Guests ~ 25 at Ceremony (plus many passersby that stopped to watch!)
50 at the following Reception
Budget
Less than $10,000
Wedding Team
Planner | Bride and Groom (We did it all ourselves!!)
Photographer | Alex Embry - Photos by Alex
Bridal Gown | White One by Pronovias (bought online), oyster color
Bride's Sash | Designed by Bride, Custom made by Kerried Away Couture
Bride's Shoes | Steve Madden (I’ve had them forever! They are my favorite!)
Bride's Accessories | Earrings from Charming Charlies, Hairpiece by Kerried Away Couture
Reception dress | Sue Wong Ivory Ostrich Feather Flapper dress (bought on Ebay)
Groom’s Attire | Groom’s Seersucker suit from Jos. A Bank
Groomsmen Attire | Suits from Overstock.com
Bridesmaids Attire | Design inspired by Bride, Custom made by Kerried Away Couture
Hair + Makeup | Natalie Armstrong, Bride’s sister
Stationery | Designed by bride/groom at Mixbook.com (We had a Groupon!!)
Ceremony Musicians | Halfbrass
Reception Musicians | Big Band Dance at Centennial Park (FREE Event)
Transportation | Black 1939 Packard from NashvilleWeddingCars.com
Caterer | Allison Armstrong (bride), Nina Armstrong (bride’s mother), and Betty Malone (bride’s aunt)
Cake Artist | Gigi’s Cupcakes
Floral Designer | Melanie at A Village of Flowers
Guest Accommodations | Holiday Inn Vanderbilt
Wedding Details
How would you describe your style as a couple?
Classic, easy going, fun, and family focused.
How did you incorporate that style into your wedding?
We had a 1930’s southern theme. We kept our ceremony low key with only immediate family and the wedding party present. We then used our grandparents’ milk glass serving dishes at the reception and had old black and white photos of them sitting around on the tables for décor. It was very important to us to have them be a part of our special day even though they could only be there in spirit.
We expressed our easy going side by having a public park venue where we knew many passersby would stop and watch from afar if they felt so inclined (and believe me they did!) and then utilizing the FREE Big Band Dance they have in Centennial Park on Saturday nights as our reception venue/entertainment. Everyone had a great time dancing, sitting in their lawn chairs, or relaxing watching others dance!
What was the favorite aspect of your wedding?
Oh my, we loved it all!! I guess if I had to pick one thing it would be Halfbrass playing “In the Mood” marching us, the wedding party, and all ceremony guests out of the ceremony site and through the street to the reception site. The guests seemed to thoroughly enjoy the peanut butter cup cupcakes from Gigi’s, the Mexican glass bottled cokes (out of my grandfather’s original Coca-Cola ice chest), and most of all the handmade lips, mustaches, and other dress up items with instant photos for the guestbook.
Where did you splurge?
Photography, but it was worth every penny! Alex is an awesome photographer and VERY reasonable compared to others that we received quotes from. She will be our photographer for years to come!
Where did you save/DIY?
We did everything ourselves but make the dresses and the cupcakes! I bought my dresses online (from other individuals, not vendors) and got them for half the price of retail! We made all of the food.
Now that the wedding day is over, is there anything about your planning process you feel you could have done differently?
We should have assigned duties to our wedding party for setting up the reception. Our friends and family worked so hard, but we could have had more time to visit with them if it would have been more organized.
In one sentence, what words of advice do you have for couples in the midst of their planning?
Don’t get caught up in having the absolute perfect day, if something goes wrong, “Oh well” the important thing is that you and your spouse are together and, just think, you will have something to look back and laugh at for years to come.
Thank you to Allison and RJ for sharing their intimate day with us - we loved all of the details. And thank you to Kerri of Kerried Away Couture for explaining your design and custom creation process through Allison's wedding!
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Posted by Megan |
Filed under: Attire - Bridal Gowns, Wedding Dresses & Accessories, Real Nashville Weddings
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Thursday, January 12, 2012
Over the next few weeks, we will share amazing finds from Nashville-area bridal shows. With so much bridal candy, it's hard to stay focused and stay smart but here's the trick - you must create a budget and do it now - before you hire anyone or buy anything.
Creating a wedding budget is one thing that most brides avoid. I hear so many brides say they haven't created a budget but they are hiring wedding vendors - that's like shopping for a car and you have no idea whether you can afford a Corolla or a Lexus. Before you read another bridal magazine, attend a bridal show or sign a single vendor contract - do the following:
1) Determine what can you afford to spend
Determine how much you and your fiance can comfortably spend on your wedding and honeymoon. Chat candidly because a lot of folks go into big debt planning a wedding and have no money for the important stuff. Imagine the problems that arise in the long run.
There was a bride who went to buy invitations and had no clue how much she could spend. So, she fell in love with a gorgeous wedding invitation that cost $10 per invitation. Days later, the very disappointed and embarrassed bride returned to the vendor and said, "What do you have for $2 per invitation?". At that point, she couldn't be happy with any invitation in her budget. Don't stress yourself out by looking at Oscar de la Renta gowns when you're on a David's Bridal budget.
You can find great wedding goodies in your budget but you will always be disappointed with you start outside your budget.
2) Assess what family can comfortably and willingly contribute
If others are helping you finance your wedding, ask them early on how much they are comfortable contributing to your wedding budget. Have a honest conversation with them so everyone is on the same page and there are no surprises that could spoil your day, or your relationship. If you are not comfortable discussing money with them, get the courage because the longer you wait, the more potential problems. In fact, if you cant candidly discuss the financial aspect of the wedding with them, do not depend on their contribution as you plan. Believe me, if its hard to discuss money at the beginning stages, it will be even harder and to ask the week of your wedding after you have signed contracts based on their contribution.
Ask now, don't assume and everyone will be happier in the long run. I know this first hand! I knew a bride whose aunt was paying for her wedding. It was like 2 months before the date and she still didn't know how much she had available. Every time she hired a vendor, her aunt (the financier) was disappointed. Because the bride didn't really know and was afraid to ask, there was a lot of stress.
3) Allocate your budget based on what's important to you
Once you have a final budget, write a list of all the major items you'll need for your big day. Rank each item in order of priority.
My list looked something like this: #1 Dress, #2 Cake, #3 Photos, #4 Invitations, #5 Incredible reception venue, #6 Solid ceremony venue, #7 Seated dinner...#48 Wedding shoes, #49 Favors, #50 Transportation, #51 Out of town guest baskets...and so on.
Once you compare your budget to your priorities, it becomes easier to determine how much to spend on each item. Start with what's most important to you because no bride can have everything. Some of my girlfriends decided that photos were #1 and so instead of hiring a photographer and a videographer, they put all of their photo/video budget together and hired a killer photographer. Others realized that videography was the only way to capture audio and special moments in action so they reduce their spend in other areas to ensure they had the budget.
Many brides wait until the last minute to hire a wedding planner and then try to scrape up money to hire someone for partial coordination when they really needed someone to help from start to finish, which would have saved them lots of stress and probably some money too. Bottom line - budget is critical! Set your immediately and stick to it.
Here's a tip - a good wedding planner is one vendor that you can not forgo. Nearly 90% of the brides that I feature in my Real Nashville Wedding stories say that they wish they'd hired a planner OR their planner was the vendor they couldn't live without. And, a planner can help you create and stick to your budget. They have the experience and know how to set and maximize budgets.
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Posted by Ashley of Ashley's Bride Guide |
Filed under: Advice & Planning
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Wednesday, January 11, 2012
You're engaged, you may or may not have found your venue and picked your date, but there's another matter that may be weighing on your mind a little - your gown. What are you going to wear? Where do you start? Where do you go and what do you do when you get there? Today, we ask Melanie, owner of The White Room, some questions to help you keep things in mind when you start on your quest for your dream dress.
Where does the bride start when it comes to wedding gown shopping?
It is important to start your hunt for the perfect gown as soon as you get the ring - and in some cases, even before that (if you anticipate a short engagement and know your date but still waiting on the ring - this is very common - don't stress, we are here to help).
The style of your wedding gown can sometimes set the tone for your entire wedding. Most brides begin by looking at designers' websites and magazines to get an idea of what look they are drawn to. It is ok if the bride would rather start by seeing them in person. (It is our job to help them find the perfect look and they are welcome to come in to either store any time.)
Pictures by Sara Rose Photography and Kreslyn Faye Photography
Would you recommend making an appointment?
Although appointments are not required, we do strongly suggest them. With a small boutique, it is difficult to have enough fitting rooms and staff available at all times to accommodate numerous brides. The White Room offers four bridal fitting rooms in each location and reserves appointments first. We do try to work with every customer that may stop in, but you can be sure to have a fitting room and consultant to work solely with you if you call ahead to schedule something.
ABG Notes: Intricate details from some beautiful gowns at The White Room
ABG Notes: A real Nashville bride wearing a gown by Jasmine, from The White Room. (Picture by Kristyn Hogan)
How much time should a bride devote to dress shopping?
This differs for each bride. Some customers purchase the first gown they try on, while others come back for a second visit to confirm it is "the one." With our trained consultants, an appointment is sure to be relaxed and very productive. In most 2 hour appointments, we not only find the perfect wedding gown, but attempt to nail down a bridesmaid look for your attendants. The most important thing to remember is relax, enjoy your experience, and when you have found the gown for you - say yes and DO NOT continue to confuse and overwhelm yourself by looking at more styles and designers. Be confident in your choice and move on to the next step in planning.
What should she bring/wear to her appointment?
Most importantly we ask our brides to bring an open mind. We are always so excited to start with a new customer and enjoy working with them to find the perfect look!! The White Room offers shoes, slips, and undergarments for our brides to use while trying on sample gowns. We do not require this and of course each customer is welcome to bring anything they feel is necessary in their try-on process.
ABG Notes: Another real Nashville bride wearing a ruched gown from Casablanca. (Picture by Joe Hendricks Photography)
ABG Notes: Lots of styles to look at when you're at The White Room!
Should she bring friends? How many?
We suggest you bring no more than three. Bring the closest friend/family member(s) whose opinion you value and who knows you well and with whom you want to share the experience of buying your gown. Bringing more than three others can take the focus off of you. Again we are a small boutique and with large crowds you may become overwhelmed and frustrated. We want to help you stay calm and enjoy your experience.
How much time should be allowed between ordering the dress, receiving it, and having it altered?
Ordering a wedding gown takes roughly between 4 and 6 months. There are ways to RUSH order a gown if necessary, but this may cause the cost to go up on the gown. The White Room offers preferred seamstresses in both boutiques that will meet with you in the location in which you purchased your gown. The seamstresses prefer to do your alterations appointments 6-8 weeks prior to your wedding/portrait date. Of course we schedule appointments within the 6 week frame if needed due to weight loss, etc.
ABG: Thanks so much Melanie! Ladies we hope this gives you a little bit more encouragement and insight into wedding gown shopping. They've also shared more tips on their blog here. Visit The White Room's website to see the designers they carry at each of their locations and don't hesitate to give them a call and let them know you're an ABG bride who is looking for her dress! Happy shopping!
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Posted by Tabitha |
Filed under: Advice & Planning, Attire - Bridal Gowns, Wedding Dresses & Accessories
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Tuesday, January 10, 2012
StudioWed Nashville is a wonderful wedding planning studio that helps you in person with your bridal and wedding planning needs. Ever so often, they share incredible inspiration boards via their blog, which might get your creative juices flowing as you plan your own Nashville wedding. We loved them and thought you would too. Enjoy their latest inspiration boards and visit their blog for more ideas.
Their first board below is inspired by the books Eloise, a little girl who "lives at the Plaza," as in the Plaza Hotel in New York City. From the illustrations of the book, StudioWed drew together this lovely pink and black, almost French chic inspiration board.
From top left, clockwise: roses with striped ribbon, black poodle, silk flower bouquet, striped suite, pink and yellow blooms, black striped straws, pretty pink wedding, raspberry chocolate cake, frothy gown, bridal bouquet, pink-tinted gown, plaza print, raspberry dessert shots, striped cake, Eloise by Kay Thompson, printable suite by MS, macarons, a wedding in Paris, tall round cakes, pink wedding with striped details, French dessert tray.
Their next board is just as romantic, taking on a holiday feel with snow and winter and using snowflakes as a muse for decor and design. Don't let any flurries stop you from having a gorgeous wedding!
From clockwise, top left: red dress, chic Christmas colors, pretty sleeved dress, estate rings, winter engagement pics, tiffany proposal, pretty oval ring, “marry me” snowflake, sterling ring boxes, “milk glass” cake, holiday proposal, dreamy wedding reception, gold sparkle earrings, ornament favor.
Want more ideas? Attend their open house tonight or register for their Inspired Bride Event this Sunday, January 15 at Houston Station. There will be wedding vendors to suit your every wedding planning need. Plus, as an ABG bride you receive $10 off the ticket price with code "ABGBride." Bring your fiance with you and enjoy an interactive bridal show experience that StudioWed Nashville promises is unlike any typical bridal show.
Before you go, don't forget to read Ashley's advice on how to be best prepared for a bridal show here.
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Posted by Tabitha |
Filed under: Our Featured Advertisers!, Inspiration & Trends, Wedding Resources
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Monday, January 9, 2012
This weekend, The Inspired Bride event will take place at Houston Station, one of Events Nashville's venues. If you haven't secured your wedding ceremony/reception location, this is a location to consider and this event on Sunday would make a perfect time to check out the space ,while meeting wonderful Nashville wedding vendors. And for brides who are willing to be flexible, Houston Station is offering 15% off Friday or Sunday wedding dates!
There are many reasons why I love Houston Station. While it's off the beaten path, its downtown location makes it an easy drive from most parts of greater Nashville. Once you walk inside, you fall in love with the limitless options. You definitely have to see the space yourself to rule it in or out, but here's my Q+A with the folks at Events Nashville, who manage Houston Station, along with some great pictures that to give you a peek into the space.
Photo: Matt Andrews Photography; Full wedding featured here.
Photos: Contact Houston Station for details
Quick Info About Events Nashville:
Main Contact: Elizabeth Gilbreath
Phone Number: 615.242.1916
Email: elizabeth {at} eventsnashville {dot} net
Learn more via their website: www.eventsnashville.net
Become a Facebook Fan: Houston Station
Follow them on Twitter: @HStationEvents
My Q+A with Events Nashville on Houston Station
The Events Nashville team manages Houston Station and the Ambrose House - our discussion here focused on Houston Station.
How many years have you been in business?
Events Nashville launched in 2008 and the Houston Station event venue opened in 2009.
What do you like most about weddings?
The chance to support each family on such a joyous day—seeing the mother of the bride relax and take her shoes off—You made it!
Photo: Krista Lee Photography
What’s your favorite wedding photo/video and why?
The bride pretending to stab the groom with the wedding cake knife. Brides and grooms, families and guests seem to feel laid back and comfortable having fun at Houston Station.
What is your service philosophy?
Houston Station is a tremendously flexible historic space—each bride and groom have their own special and unique wedding and reception experience. Historic venue spaces, wide open vendor policies, and our capable Events Nashville professionals support every bride and groom on their big day.
What are your strengths compared to others in your category? Why should a bride hire you?
Events Nashville sponsors wide open vendor policies and freedom of choice. Not only is this liberating for the bride and groom, but huge savings are provided, especially for food and alcohol budget items, compared to most other venues. Besides a warm and authentic historic ambiance, Houston Station has a convenient in-town location, great load-in access for vendors, full service valet parking, and ample professional support. And for hourly entertainment, we feature the train!
Who are your 5 favorite Nashville wedding vendors—helpfulness, professionalism, style?
Clean Plate Club, Monica Holmes—Super creative Planning and Catering
Southern Events for furniture and linens—Terrific value and service
PMC Valet—Great support at the front of the house
Noteable Blends—Rhythmic and melodic coffees Nashville
Nashville Event Lighting—Over-the-top ambiance on a budget
Photos: Jonathon Campbell Photography
Update: I goofed! The original title stated that the discount applies to Fri and Sat weddings but it only applies to Fri and Sun weddings.
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Posted by Ashley of Ashley's Bride Guide |
Filed under: Our Featured Advertisers!, Wedding Venues and Locations
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