New Bridal Luxury Section on AshleysBrideGuide.com

Thanks for following my specialty blog, focused on Nashville's luxury bridal finds.

This blog now has a new home on the new site (launched today!).

Please visit the new website and bookmark the luxury bridal page.

Hope you enjoy the new website.  Please spread the word.

Save the Date: Wedding Planning Workshop - Feb 11

Visit http://yievents.blogspot.com for more info

Nashville Wedding Gifts as Unique as You

When it comes to the truly unique gifts that will showcase your impeccable taste - think locally.  Before you trudge down that beaten path to yet another chain store to find that needle in the generic haystack, consider some treasures in your backyard!

Ash Blue - gifts with timeless style and craftsmanship.

Even though they’re new to the neighborhood, Ash Blue may have well been the reason the shopping plaza is called Fashion Square.  Established in 2003 by Susannah and Zulu Scott-Barnes, Ash Blue carries the finest gifts from all over the world.  No really, Zulu travels all the way to South Africa for great finds all the time.

It’s not just gifts for the home, but gifts for yourself as well.  They have gorgeous handcrafted jewelry, hats and stationery.  This is a fern leaf necklace by one of the designers they feature, Mani Design, and would be perfect to wear to your rehearsal dinner.

From silverware to china sets, there’s a style to match your tastes whether it’s classic or more contemporary.  These number dishes would be great to add to your bridal registry.

See more local wedding registry ideas at AshleysBrideGuide.com

Delicious Wedding Cakes & Tasty Fillings

Ever been to The Bake Shoppe in Nashville?  If you are getting married and havent found a cake artist, you should check them out.

For the Nashville bride seeking something custom, they are a great option.  The Bake Shoppe has been in Nashville for a long time and are quite established in the business.  They offer basic, designer and custom cakes.  All their cakes are very well designed but with the custom cakes -  the sky’s the limit.

They will do multiple consults with you to create the cake of your dreams. Designs themselves have become a lot more elaborate - lots and lots of mini, hand formed flowers, pearls, hand shaped sugar flowers, just very very intricate designs.  The more labor-intensive the cake, the more unique.

See more of The Bake Shoppe's cakes and trends on AshleysBrideGuide.com.

Delicious Finds at b. Hughes Bridal Formal

When I went to the b. Hughes Bridal Formal store for their open house, I was blown away.  The most spectacular aspect of the night were the gowns - just being able to touch and feel and see all these amazing gowns from top designers.  Beautiful, exquisite gowns by Vera Wang, Badgley Mischka, Oscar de la Renta and Romona Keveza line the walls.  For the most classical tastes to the brides with a discerning eye, b. Hughes is as “deluxe” as they come.This gown caught my eye.

It was my first time to the boutique and it was a pleasant surprise to see a second floor with even more gowns.

For more from my wonderful evening at b. Hughes Bridal, visit AshleysBrideGuide.com.

Custom Wedding Invitations that Wow

I reached out to Shannon of Southall Eden Paperie,  who specializes in unique, custom wedding stationery, to see what was ultra hot in Nashville wedding invitations.

Here are some of my favorites among her collection.

Visit AshleysBrideGuide.com for more wedding paper bling!

My Spotlight on Signature Events, a Nashville Wedding Planning Company

Karen Kaforey, owner of Signature Events, has overseen weddings that would make the inner-princess in us all just swoon.

Signature Events, Inc, has planned weddings in here in Nashville, TN and Seattle, WA and, in the case of a retired Pittsburgh Steeler Jerome Bettis, an amazing wedding in Jamaica. The pictures below are from the InStyle Weddings article which you can read here.

Why hire a wedding planner?
Planning is a huge undertaking, making it one of the most exciting and emotional times in your life. Our job is to take the stress out of planning and make your wedding a relaxing, fun and memorable time you will treasure always. Having someone with experience working with you will be the best investment you will make.

Visit AshleysBrideGuide.com for more of my interview with Signature Events, Inc.

CJ's off the Square, romantic garden venue for Nashville weddings

Emily Humphries of Simply Yours Weddings, Etc. did a wonderful recap of our night at CJ's off the Square. It gave us a taste of everything that CJs has to offer. Check it out...


Tucked perfectly into the historic district of downtown Franklin, Tennessee sits the beautiful CJ’s off the Square! CJ Dickson and her amazing team hosted an Open House event for brides and vendors to see the goodness that CJ’s has to offer.

So why attend an open house like this one? There are so many great things about these types of events as a bride, but there are a few reasons in particular that stood out to me as I observed and interacted with brides at CJ’s that night. First of all, for couples that are getting married at CJ’s off the Square, they were able to see exactly what a full swing event looks like. How fun to be able to picture your own event whether you had already booked with CJ’s or not! If brides that were present saw any details set up that they loved and thought might work for their special day, Amy Parman of Williamson County Weddings and Events was on hand as another “hostess with the mostest” to talk through these possibilities and details! (CJ’s off the Square is a division of Williamson County Weddings and Events, but they partner with other planners as well! They are so amazing!)
Another really great thing about Open House events for brides is that you get to meet and mingle with tons of vendors all at once as well as sample their incredible work! From the minute you arrived at CJ’s, you were met by the friendly valet service from Viva Valet (rollsroycelimostransportation.com).
Then, walking into the entrance, one of CJ’s friendly staff greeted each guest! They also entered into a drawing for a free night stay at the Cool Springs Marriot AND for a chance at a free engagement session with Hartz Photographic!

Visit AshleysBrideGuide.com for more from the CJ's off the Square open house.

Wonderful Engagement Party at Franklin's Governor's Club

Hanna is a Nashville bride whose engagement photos were captured by McLellan Style.  Hanna worked with Rachel Jasper Designs to create invitations for her engagement party.

Of course I checked it out + loved...

{invitation - Rachel Jasper Design; engagement photos - McLellan Style - mclellanstyle.com}

Last week, Hanna shared pictures from that lovely engagement party.  That's where Hartz Photographic step in.  They were there to capture every moment of Hanna and Bobby's engagement party.  Here's a little background, provided by Hanna.

On November 7th my mom, Kennan Thomas, hosted my engagement party at her home in Governor's Club. This was a nerve wreaking day for myself & my fiancé Bobby because this was the first time for our parents, family & friends to meet, so we wanted it to be perfect! 

Visit AshleysBrideGuide.com to see more of Hanna's engagement party.

Love this Vera Wang "Diane" Gown from Bride Magazine!

If you're like me, you're loving the Vera Wang "Diane" Gown that graces the new Brides Magazine.  B. Hughes Bridal is the only bridal salon in Tennessee that carries it!! 

They also carry this Vera Wang bridesmaid gown that I have literally drooled over.  Do I want my bridesmaids to be that fab? 

Luxe for less at The Bride Room this Sunday!

I am super excited about the first ever, sample sale this Sunday (11/22) at The Bride Room here in Nashville.  Instead of paraphrasing and getting something wrong - go to their bridal blog and get ALL of the details. 

This is the weekend to get the couture gown of your dreams for less.  They are offering the deepest discounts EVER and it will be bride mania so stop by the store now, find your fave and then claim yours.

They also have a special arrangement with Oakwood Cleaners to clean, alter your bridal gown.  No excuses...head over to their blog to learn more.

You only need to remember these numbers - 11/22/11 - Nov 22 at 11am - Be there sharp to save!

Seeking Couture? Join Me for an Evening of Opulence

www.bhughesbridalformal.com

My chat with Suzanne Dement of Sasha Souza Events

My Spotlight on Sasha Souza Events
Suzanne Dement (of Sasha Souza), Tennessee Wedding & Event Planner
http://www.SashaSouzaEvents.com

 

How did you get started in weddings? 

I have always had a passion for design. I actually attended college to pursue my bachelor's degree in Interior Design. I ended up changing majors and going down another path. Last year I decided I really wanted to break into the wedding industry and I chose the ABC (Association of Bridal Consultants) for my education. I decided that to be the best, I would need to learn from the best. I began working with Sasha Souza in 2008 by joining her Team I Do program. After working with Sasha I chose to join her team and open an office here in Tennessee.

I can see that your interior design background still has a strong and complimentary influence on your style.  Is that what you love most about weddings? 

I love to see my clients enjoying their "special day" and their guests having a wonderful time. It means so much to help people create memories that will truly last a lifetime!

What’s your favorite wedding picture and why? 

I love this collage of my work because it really shows diversity and great uses of color.

What is your service philosophy?

The philosophy of Sasha Souza Events is simple, "distinctive & successful events each and every time."

What are your strengths compared to others in your category? Why should an engaged couple hire you?

We see the big picture of the event and focus on the taste, preferences, and personal style of the client. No stone is left unturned with us. The services afforded to clients are similar to wedding consulting; however, Sasha Souza Events goes one step further. Coordination is only a small portion of the major details handled during the planning process.We create events that are flawless in their design and implementation.
Sasha Souza Events is a hybrid company which harmoniously blends both designer and coordination - a new style of event coordinator which seamlessly blends all your desires, ideas, and logistical issues into one stunning and fun party for your guests.

Who are your 5 favorite Nashville wedding vendors – helpfulness, professionalism, style?

Maples Cake Bakery (amazing cake design) , Nashville Event Lighting (I LOVE lighting), Fabu Event Decor (great, affordable rentals), Hutton Hotel (fabulous new hotel), and The Hermitage Hotel (sophisticated elegance)

You've got a great team of wedding vendors there!  Who do you recommend when you’re not available/not a fit?

I have to say I adore Mary Alice Sublett with A Delightful Day!

What do you read/watch regularly to stay on top of wedding/event trends?

I watch very little tv but I de read Modern Bride, Grace Ormonde, and Nashville Lifestyles Weddings. To be completely honest I strive to be a trendsetter instead of a follower. I find that being in the South we tend to stay behind the curve on trends in general...I'm blessed to be able to keep up with "what's hot and new" by having an office and team in Los Angeles, San Fransisco, and Napa.

Let’s discuss current wedding trends:

What trend do you love?

I really like lounges.  Although they aren't a new trend, they seem to be a growing one. Guests seem to really enjoy a beautiful lounge area to congregate in.

I love lounge areas too!  They are comfortable and chic.  What trend do you hate?

I'm really tired of paper lanterns. They have been over used in my opinion. We have used them in the past and we may use them again in the future but I'm really over them right now!

Which trend are you glad is gone?

Everything being super formal and using proper wedding etiquette. These days it's all about what the bride and groom want. I certainly suggest proper etiquette on certain issues but I prefer a relaxed event mood. No one will condemn you for doing things differently or adding a twist to your wedding! People are letting their true personality shine through in their events now.

I totally agree.  As CJ (CJ's Off the Square) says, "there are no rules, only traditions".  I believe that too and am glad to see more folks marching to their own beat.  Which trend are you sad is gone?

I don't really miss anything because I love cutting edge trends and new stuff! I appreciate what has been done in the past but I'm more concerned with the future of events and trends!

What are your favorite wedding websites? / Neatest wedding find?
www.swsmag.net
www.stylemepretty.com
www.etsy.com

Neatest bridal find?
www.ossaidesign.com  This company makes gorgeous accessories!

What advice do you have for Nashville brides?
No matter your budget try to express your style as a couple and let your guests celebrate and rejoice in whatever makes you happy!

Visit the Sasha Souza profile on AshleysBrideGuide.com for more wonderful wedding design pictures and service info.

(Photos courtesy of www.allisonrodgers.com)  

The Bride Room Finds Couture for Nashville Brides!!

If you haven’t followed the Twitter messages (aka tweets) from The Bride Room this week, you’re missing virtual coverage of the 2010 Bridal Market NYC!  This is “the event” for bridal gowns, accessories, shoes, etc.

Here are my favorite tweets from The Bride Room this weekend.  Follow their Twitter timeline @thebrideroom or check out The Bride Room blog for more.

I am excited to see their finds because I know they will be ordered amazing bridal gowns and more for Nashville brides for 2010!

Disclaimer - Twitter requires abbreviated language that takes time to get learn.  If the below makes no sense, just enjoy the pictures and contact The Bride Room regarding specific designers/collections that you like:)

Bridal Gown Tweets:
You’ve got to see this remarkable video covering the collection from platinum for Priscilla of Boston. @TheBrideRoom says - True True :: RT @StacGetMarried : Fantastic collection from platinum for pricilla of boston…great end to the day! http://twitvid.com/95946

I LOVE plum for weddings so of course I am drooling over this Priscilla of Boston gown.  @TheBrideRoom says - RT @MarthaWeddings: Bridal Market - Priscilla of Boston (Part 2) http://ow.ly/15VBHH

@TheBrideRoom says - the finale…no one does it like Monique (Lhuillier)! http://twitpic.com/m0q9o

 Here’s another great video covering Amsale (one of my favorite bridal gown designers!).  @TheBrideRoom says - omg omg omg! RT @StacGetMarried: Finale @amsale show!!! LOVE LOVE! http://twitvid.com/C1092

Bridal Shoes, Jewelry, Accessories
@TheBrideRoom says - Shoe clips!!! Fabulous!!! @hautebride we love ‘em!! http://twitpic.com/m25gr

@TheBrideRoom says - stacked bracelets? yes, we’ll take 3, thankyouverymuch :: http://twitpic.com/m24p2

@TheBrideRoom says - http://twitpic.com/m248l omg amazing hair ornaments at @hautebride !!!!!

@TheBrideRoom says - http://twitpic.com/m248l omg amazing hair ornaments at @hautebride !!!!!

Amazing (Custom) Wedding Totes for You, Your Bridal Party

Wedding Chicks Couture offers lovely wedding totes, bridal party tees and even wedding signs.  Everything is fab!

Luxe Finds from Wedding 101's Tuesday Tasting

If you aren’t familiar with Wedding 101 (wedding101.net) , it is a new wedding planning boutique located in the Franklin Factory.  One Tuesday a month, they host an evening for brides to meet their preferred wedding vendors in an intimate setting where you can sample their goods, review their portfolio and discuss your wedding, their services one-on-one.

Here are some of the vendors that participated in the first Wedding 101 Tuesday Tasting.  Some might be helpful resources for your wedding.

Photos below are courtesy of Joe Hendricks Photography

Rhonda of Joe Hendricks Photography was there with great wedding photos on display.

Ashley and Amy of Wedding 101 are pictured above along with 2 signature drinks - Key Lime Pie Martini and Apple Martini - provided by VIP Bartending (vipbartendingservice.com).  VIP Bartending can provide bar staff for your bridal event or can provide consultation to help you create a signature wedding drink, select and buy beverages for your event, etc.  They will be the featured speaker at the next Tuesday Tasting.  See more info below.

Maples Wedding Cake served Sour Cream Almond cake, my favorite!

Menu Maker (menumakercatering.com) provided fruit, cheese and crackers.  They had super yummy bruschetta!

Note - below are my pictures from my cell phone (not professional pics).

 Tasting Menu Maker grits and shrimp station.  It was incredible!  I kept going back for more hoping they wouldn’t remember I’d already sampled:).

Table linen, rentals by Southern Events (southerneventsonline.com).

Don’t you LOVE this floral chandelier?  It’s a stunning focal point by Jimm Wright Designs (jimmwright.com).

Table centerpiece also by Jimm Wright Florals

Be sure to check out Wedding 101’s next Tuesday Tasting on October 13th, from 6 until 8.  The event will feature “Signature Drinks”. V.I.P Bartending Service and Jan Bo’s “On The Rocks” will be mixing-up some tasty samples and offering suggestions for your unique cocktail. We will also feature Chef Penelope’s Catering, Designs in Paper, Mint & Sage Photography, Bridal Opulence, Premier Designs, Brocade Design Arts, Dessert Designs, Classic Party Rentals, Street Tuxedo, Olia Zavozina, and ReMax Realty. You are sure to be educated and inspired!

The event is FREE to those planning an event, Call 615.791.9771 or email “info at wedding101 dot net” to RSVP.

Highlights from a Country Music Hall of Fame Wedding

Kristin of Simply Stunning Events just got MARRIED!  If you have followed ABG, you have enjoyed reading “When the Planner Plans” a regular post on ABG by Kristin sharing her wedding planning experience.

As such, this was truly an ABG wedding that I couldn’t wait to happen! She hired the best wedding team and as amazing wedding photographer (one of the best) I knew it would be well planned, well organized and well designed.  In fact, I have been stalking her vendor’s blogs, waiting for pics or video of her wedding to surface and they have!

When Kristin returns/settles into married life, she’ll give us her full recap but until then…I’ll share sneak peeks, courtesy of her amazing wedding photograper and videographer - McLellan Style and 2Duce2 Videography.  Also, be sure to visit Brocade Design Arts, who did an incredible job on the wedding floral and design and invitation featured below!

For more blogs on Kristin’s wedding, visit:
Photographer - highlight pics are available at McLellan Style
Videographer - teaser video is available from 2Duce2 Videography
Bridal attire - Faccio Bridal 
Bride’s blog - Simply Stunning Events
Enjoy!

Wonderful florals by Brocade Design

 

 Brocade also designed the wedding invitations

 Love this centerpiece by Brocade.

Cake by Maples Wedding Cakes

Again, these are just the teaser pics.
For more blogs on Kristin’s wedding, visit:
Photographer - highlight pics are available at McLellan Style
Videographer - teaser video is available from 2Duce2 Videography
Bridal attire - Faccio Bridal 
Bride’s blog - Simply Stunning Events