Thursday, February 2, 2012
Happy February!
Ashley with iHospitality, here to give you a monthly dose of all things green in Nashville. As I began making a checklist for my own upcoming wedding, I thought it would be cool to share some green tips that can easily be incorporated into your big day..
1) Choose vendors that give back
Many vendors are starting to give a percentage of their sales to local charities or environment groups. Why not sleep easy knowing your wedding made a positive footprint in the world?!
Catalyst Weddings & Events is a wedding planning service that works with brides on ways they can contribute to charitable organizations with their wedding.
Celladora Wedding Photography donates a portion of their wedding photography profits to the charity Water.org (Picture courtesy of Celladora Photography)
2) Reduce your guests' travel
It is always great to choose a location where you can have your ceremony and reception in one place (like Houston Station, Cedarwood, or Nashville City Club) or at least in close proximity to the majority of your guests, cutting down on un-needed transportation. If a combo location is not an option, consider a location where guests can walk to their hotel after your reception. If you reception isn't centrally located, inquire with the venue and see if they offer a complimentary shuttle to transport your guests in bulk to their hotel or to the airport for departure (Sheraton Music City and Holiday Inn Express have complimentary shuttle service to airport).
The downtown Nashville Hilton is centrally located to lots of fun activities and great wedding venues for your guests' convenience. (Picture courtesy of Hilton Nashville Downtown)
3) Eliminate flowers by using props to decorate your tables or recycle your flowers
Centerpieces do not have to always be flowers: candles and lanterns are a great alternative to cut flowers. Live plants can also compliment your guest tables. Remember, the first goal is always to reduce your impact on the environment. You will always have options that still fall inline with your wedding decor. If you must have cut flowers, make sure to offer your centerpieces to guests at the end of night instead of tossing them in the trash.
Tissue poms made from recycled paper and tons of other recycle/used items became centerpieces in this eco-friendly wedding. (See more here. Picture courtesy of LaPhotographie)
The hand-made fabric bouquets from this Nashville wedding means no extra costs on flowers that will just wither. (Picture by Pear Image Photography)
Venues like Cedarwood use salvaged, recycled materials to achieve the looks of their beautiful weddings. (Picture by Cedarwood)
4) Consider locally grown and in season food
Always request a local, seasonal menu when working with your caterer or venue. This supports your local community and allows you to receive natural, fresh ingredients. Also, make sure to work out a plan with your coordinator or venue to donate any unused food to your local food bank or shelter.
For a comprehensive list of Ashley's food recommendations go here.
Local restaurants and chefs like Jeremy Barlow of tayst and Local Kitchen Catering provide great food made from local ingredients. (Pictures by tayst)
Perl Catering uses locally sourced ingredients, decreasing and limiting the carbon footprint and keeping your wedding catering delicious and eco-friendly. (Pictures by Perl Catering)
5) Serve your beverages in bulk
It is always great to serve up your beverages in large containers. This helps to eliminate massive amounts of packaging and single use bottles. The less items in the trash, the better.
Caterers like Chef's Market have the means to serve drinks in decor-friendly containers that hold enough for everyone.
Rental items (such as these from Southall Eden) can take the place of bottled drinks to cut down on trash.
This quick checklist is great to reference through out your planning process. Going green does not have to be a hassle but a fun way to set your wedding apart, while making a difference.
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Posted by Green Nashville Weds |
Filed under: Advice & Planning, Eco-Friendly Weddings
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Wednesday, February 1, 2012
When we feature a certain wedding vendor or venue, we base much of our information on our visit to the venue and what we loved at the location. It's one thing to appreciate a venue on a visit or even enjoy the pretty pictures featured on their blog but what do brides like you think about the venue? Why did they select it from all of the other options for their big day? And, what was their opinion after their wedding took place?
Every few weeks, we're going to delve a little deeper and ask brides and wedding venues WHY brides booked their location. There is so much to consider and maybe their decision making process will help you.
Today we ask Kathy Best, owner of Front Porch Farms why, exactly, brides have selected her beautiful farm venue for their wedding day.
Picture by Erin - The Collection
From your experience, why do brides love Front Porch Farms?
It's the perfect “at home” wedding without it being at their home! It’s also a great destination wedding for Tennessee: Southern charm and romance in a beautiful outdoor setting away from the traffic and noise of the city but still close enough to be convenient. Brides know whether their guests are coming from down the road or across the country, when they get here it’s all worth it. We make everyone feel at home because it IS home!
(Picture by The Collection)
Picture by Shots by Cheyenne
ABG Notes: Chill on the porch and take in the gorgeous view (Picture by The Collection)
ABG Notes: Even if it rains, Front Porch Farms has you (literally) covered and it will still look good. (Picture by Red Letter Days)
ABG Notes: It's like a playground for photographers with tons of backdrops and structures to make pictures interesting. (Picture by Phindy Studios)
What would you describe the feel of Front Porch Farms is?
Front Porch Farms is not a venue but an “experience.” A couple who were recently married here told me this and I have to agree! Maybe it’s because we live here or maybe it’s the couples but each wedding day, Brian and I feel as if someone in our family is getting married in our home and everyone is our house guests. Whether a bride and groom’s style is glamorous, simple elegance, vintage, or country chic – one thing is universal, their day is truly romantic and incredibly intimate. Maybe the best word to describe our weddings is “comfortable.” Couples feel at home expressing themselves and their love for each other and their guests enjoy a large dose of Southern Hospitality.
What is something brides have said they just absolutely love about having their wedding at Front Porch Farms?
So many brides have reviewed us on WeddingWire, complimenting us on our "guidance, sensitivity to budget and the bride's vision," "calm and accommodating manner the team brought together last-minute details," "gorgeous venue and great ideas to make things special," "genuine desire to make couples happy and amazing design skills," "warmth and professionalism," and "flawless decor, stellar imagination and creativity." Brides and their families have commented that working with FPF has far surpassed their expectations, that so many guests say that it has been the best wedding they've ever attended, and remarked on the "rental items and inventory that are unbelievable and a great value." They like being "treated like family or an old friend" and love the laid-back atmosphere, beautiful location, and top-tier venue "setting straight out of a storybook!" We love our clients!!
What is it you love that you think brides will/do love as well?
The first thing people say when they get here is “Wow, what a view!” Even photos can’t capture the panoramic beauty. We are only 30 minutes West of Nashville but it’s like you have gone to East Tennessee mountains. We have 32+ acres next to untouched property around us and photographers can take full advantage of it. I love seeing romantic “first looks” and photos shot among the stunning with the trees, pastures, arbors, pond, and barns.
The other thing that couples love is our fun approach to weddings. During the day, groomsmen can fish, swim, play horseshoes and other outdoor games or watch sports in the guesthouse. We offer guests lemonade or tea when they arrive and they also have the opportunity to play outdoor games, relax in the porch swings and rockers or later use our fully-functioning outdoor fireplace to roast marshmallows. It’s all part of the experience.
Picture by The Collection
Picture by The Collection
Picture by Shots by Cheyenne
What made you decide you wanted to host weddings at your home?
When a friend asked me about hosting weddings here, I have to admit it started out as a way of making a little extra money by combining my love of flea market decorating with my experience with events from the music industry. It quickly evolved into an obsession for me and a lifestyle change for both of us. Nothing could happen without Brian (yes I admitted it honey). He builds farm tables, props and custom arbors (not to mention keeps everything running here) and I invite couples into our home every week whether it’s to tour, plan or get married.
People always ask us why and how we do it. My answer is we get to see couples fall in love with our place the way we did when we found it and got married here. It’s a renewed appreciation for what we have built here and for each other. You can’t stay mad at each other long when so much love is around. It’s the best marriage counseling ever!
What is one thing about the farm that you wish more brides took advantage of?
Brian and I love being creative and while we have a ton of props and décor already, we are always wanting to do something unique. We'd love to have more brides work with us to create a truly customized, personal one-of-a-kind event! One item in particular is the small farm tables Brian has made for couples to have their wedding guests sign {a la guest book} and then serve as their sweetheart table for the reception and later a family heirloom. He’s also made arbors, wooden boxes, chalk boards – you have an idea and budget and he can do it. There are unlimited opportunities for special details and customization.
Ashley adds: The ABG team has been to Front Porch Farms and fell in love just like many of the brides that chose to wed at Front Porch. We were a bit apprehensive that it would be worth the drive when we mapped it but we walked away and concluded: 1) The drive is really easy and actually enjoyable and 2) This venue is definitely worth the drive! If they're a great fit for you and your vision, definitely make the drive. It's a must-see venue and isn't as far as you might thing. Give them a call and be sure to let them know you're an ABG reader.
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Posted by Tabitha |
Filed under: Wedding Venues and Locations
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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.
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Posted by Ashley of Ashley's Bride Guide |
Filed under: Advice & Planning, Details, Design & Florals
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Monday, January 30, 2012
I am super excited to introduce the Nashville bridal community to our newest blogger, our Spring intern, Betsy. According to Betsy, "My love for weddings began as a child while watching my mom tie loopy bows, arrange elegant flowers, encourage nervous brides, and comfort happy-teared mothers. Holding her hand, I walked many aisles with my mom, enchanted by the weddings she had planned and the princesses of brides she had befriended. Each time I entered a new fairy land. Though these days are long past, few things make my heart do somersaults like a wedding. As a junior at Belmont University, majoring in English Writing, I couldn't devise an internship more perfect than writing for Ashley's Bride Guide. Truly, it's a joy to share in the magic of the wedding world!"
Betsy is a delight; she's super spunky and the sweetest girl you will meet. If you see her at Sunday's bridal show or out and about, please say hello. Until then, enjoy her first interview with Sarah of Noah Liff Opera Center...
Betsy - ABG writing intern!
PLEASE NOTE - the event below has been cancelled.
I had the pleasure of speaking with Sarah Willard from the Noah Liff Opera Center, a Nashville wedding + event venue, to learn more about their fundraising event, “Rubies and Ruffles,” which you won’t want to miss!
What is the Rubies and Ruffles event?
The event is a fundraiser for Wish Upon a Wedding, the first non-profit wedding wish organization in the world, which recently opened a branch in Nashville. Through fundraising and linking arms with area vendors, Wish Upon a Wedding collects money and resources to grant wedding wishes for couples facing terminal illnesses and extreme life-altering circumstances. After an application process, a couple is selected for a free of charge, wedding of their dreams. This event, Rubies and Ruffles, is a fundraiser to help raise awareness and money for Wish Upon a Wedding, which will serve chosen couples in the area.
When does the Rubies and Ruffles event take place?
Rubies and Ruffles is taking place from 6pm to 9pm on February 18, 2012.
Who is hosting the event?
The Noah Liff Opera Center is hosting Rubies and Ruffles. The Noah Liff Opera Center is located about 12 minutes from Green Hills and 10 minutes from the downtown area at address: 3622 Redmon Street, Nashville, TN, 37209. You can learn more about Noah Liff Opera for weddings and events at noahliffoperacenter.com.
Who can attend Rubies and Ruffles?
Anyone is welcome to attend this event!
How do you go about purchasing a ticket?
Tickets can be purchased online at the following website: http://wishuponaweddingnashville.eventbrite.com/
How much does it cost to attend?
There are three varying costs: general admission is $100, per couple $150, and a table of ten is $75 per person.
Any details pertaining to how the evening will unfold?
Rubies and Ruffles is a cocktail/black tie event. This elegant evening includes a delicious dinner, dessert, music, and even dancing, all flawless for a Valentine’s weekend celebration! There will even be some surprise guests to polish the night off!
How can the community participate?
Your presence at this event is key for it being a success! You’re also encouraged to donate through the Noah Liff Opera Center website or through the Wish Upon a Wedding website. Many brides and grooms, for instance, have found a special joy in granting donations to Wish Upon a Wedding in honor of their names newly joined together.
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Posted by Betsy-Intern |
Filed under: Bridal Shows & Events
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Friday, January 27, 2012
We love when photographer friends share unique and Nashville stamped weddings with us. What says Nashville more than a local indie roots band and a historic, southern venue? This wedding has both! Plus, the bride, Rachel is a photographer herself! She photographed Cali Ashton's wedding and Cali returned the favor. These two gals did great justice to each other's special days. We are just too happy to share Rachel's day. Thanks to Nyk, Cali's husband, for emailing everything over. Nyk had some great things to say about the wedding...
"All the groomsmen and Brett are in a band called Apache Relay; they are on tour all the time and are doing fairly well. Photography was one of the most important parts of their wedding and Rachel spent a TON of time making sure we had an awesome shot list. They also did a bridal/groomal session a few days before the wedding so that their pictures weren't rushed. It was a really fun wedding, both the dads were funny and outgoing (we love the pic of them pulling out their pockets!)."
Enjoy Brett and Rachel's special day! Complete with personal touches, a vintage wedding dress, a southern home venue, and lots of local vendors.
Brett + Rachel
Date ~ August 6, 2011
Ceremony + Reception Venue ~ The Sam Davis Home
Guests ~ A whoppin' 425
Rachel's blog: blog.rachelwilliamsonphotography.com
Budget
Initially $15,000, but it grew with the # of guests we invited!
Wedding Team
Planner | Fran Dunne, a lady from our home church
Photographer | Cali Ashton Photography
Videographer | Truepix Weddings
Gown & Accessories | My dress was a vintage early 1900's graduation dress I got from a antique shop and had altered
Groom’s attire/ groomsmen attire | Billy Reid
Bridesmaids' attire | Custom designed and made by Tatyana Merryman
Hair and Makeup | Stephanie Russell
Stationery | Design from printablepress.com and printed through greenerprinter.com
Ceremony musicians | Our friends, Jessie Parker, Kellen Wenrich, and Jonathan Anderson
Reception Musicians | Our own iPod playlist
Transportation | Brett's Subaru!
Caterer | Jim 'N Nick's
Cake Artist | Fiddle Cakes
Floral Designer | A Village of Flowers for the bridal party and church friends for the decor
How would you describe your style as a couple?
Classic, vintage, eclectic, natural, quirky
How did you incorporate that style into your wedding?
We chose an outdoor venue, historic home, a non-traditional wedding dress, wood cuts and wildflowers, etc.
What was the favorite aspect of your wedding?
The fact that we could've had rain or blazing heat, but God gave us a miracle of perfect weather and a beautiful day!
Where did you splurge?
Shipping my invitations was pricey! But everything just adds up fast!
Where did you save/DIY?
We saved by having an iPod playlist instead of a DJ; my dress was only $230 + alteration; and we also chose the most affordable tables and chairs. We had friends from our church help out by working day of and had friends do the decor and flowers.
Now that the wedding day is over, is there anything about your planning process you feel you could have done differently?
We would have invited a smaller number of guests to cut down on cost! And not stressed as much on the little things.
Thank you guys for sharing your friendship with us and this great wedding! Such a lovely day!
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Posted by Megan |
Filed under: Photography, Real Nashville Weddings
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