Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Luxe for less at The Bride Room this Sunday!
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!
Monday, November 2, 2009
Saturday, October 31, 2009
My chat with Suzanne Dement of Sasha Souza Events
Suzanne Dement (of Sasha Souza), Tennessee Wedding & Event Planner
http://www.SashaSouzaEvents.com

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!
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
The Bride Room Finds Couture for Nashville Brides!!
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



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



Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Amazing (Custom) Wedding Totes for You, Your Bridal Party
Monday, October 12, 2009
Luxe Finds from Wedding 101's Tuesday Tasting
Here are some of the vendors that participated in the first Wedding 101 Tuesday Tasting. Some might be helpful resources for your wedding.










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.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Highlights from a Country Music Hall of Fame Wedding
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!





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
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Interested in a Hip, Contemporary Nashville Wedding Space?
I've recently learned a lot about their venues and couldn't wait to share all about Nashville Event Space and their incredible portfolio of 7 modern spaces.
WHAT IS NASHVILLE EVENT SPACE?
Nashville Event Space is a unique collection of special event venues. Our parent company, Randi Events, has been in the special events business for over 14 years. Venue Management is just one of the many facets of the company. Each of the venues has been selected by the company owner to offer something new and exciting to the list of wonderful event venues in Nashville. Please note that Randi Events can coordinate special events in any venue of a client̢۪s choosing.

Visit AshleysBrideGuide.com for more of my recap of Nashville Event Space.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Southall Eden Wedding Farm - A Wonderful Franklin Venue
When I arrived, I was happy to chat with so many great wedding vendors. In fact, I planned to stay for 30 minutes, then head to a family event. But, after seeing the farm all dolled up and bumping into some of Nashville’s best wedding vendors - from The Bake Shoppe and Chef’s Market to Swizzle Parties and Bella Weddings - the time flew by. I had a blast and there were treats and neat finds on every turn.
First - Shannon, the farm’s owner, is super creative. She is the lead designer of Southall Eden Paperie, one of my favorite custom invitation lines and her paper goods and creative touches were evident everywhere.
I won’t continue to yap but I do want to say kudos to Shannon and the fabulous team that turned a cute farm into an exquisite and cozy wedding and event space. And a special thanks to Photo Graphix for getting me pics the next day!!! So impressive.









Friday, September 18, 2009
New Urban Hot Spots for Nashville Weddings
I've recently learned a lot about their venues and couldn't wait to share all about Nashville Event Space and their incredible portfolio of 7 modern spaces.
WHAT IS NASHVILLE EVENT SPACE?
Nashville Event Space is a unique collection of special event venues. Our parent company, Randi Events, has been in the special events business for over 14 years. Venue Management is just one of the many facets of the company. Each of the venues has been selected by the company owner to offer something new and exciting to the list of wonderful event venues in Nashville. Please note that Randi Events can coordinate special events in any venue of a client̢۪s choosing.

Visit for more of my recap of Nashville Event Space.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Southall Eden Wedding Farm - Open House Sept 15th

Monday, August 31, 2009
Yummy Wedding Catering at Cannery Bridal Show
Thursday, August 13, 2009
A Catered Affair had a gorgeous food display. I spoke with Amy about their cake truffles. I tried the lemon and it was awesome! Cake truffles are hot, hot, hot! At the time, I didn't know what they were and almost didn't try them. But since the event, I have seen cake truffles everywhere. They look like candy truffles but there is cake inside. They offer a wide assortment of cake flavors. You can match your wedding cake, or offer an assortment of other flavors. These are great for portion control (if you can control yourself:). I think these would be ideal for a bridal shower or dessert bar.

The Clean Plate Club - their food was definitely for the adventurous, which I am not. But, I will say that I loved their presentation and their shrimp cocktail was delicious. It had fish eggs - which I wasnt prepared for - but still loved it.

I had a blast! Brides - hope this gives you great ideas and contacts. Cannery - thanks for letting me be a part of the fabulous night!
Chef's Market - One word - Totally Yummy. Ok - that's two words. These strawberry parfaits are always an event favorite.


Not yummy but still super fun - the Photo Booth Nashville - always fun, always classy

More goodies tomorrow! Don't forget to head to the Elegance Bridal Gala this evening. See you there!
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Deluxe Decor Ideas from Cannery Bridal Show in Nashville
In July, I attended an Open House at the Cannery Ballroom, which is always a treat. Telisha, the event manager is such a cutie and she is so much fun. Brides love her and the Cannery space for weddings. I guess because we all pass the area all the time but The Cannery is an unexpected find in the industrial, warehouse area.
Brocade Design Arts - wow! Everyone knows that I love Hillary. She is so funny and talented. She provided the flowers for my booth (thank you) and simply stunned everyone with her breathtaking wedding floral design.



Nashville Event Lighting (NEL) provided the space bling that made the space sparkle! They are the go-to folks if you want to create an amazing ambiance. Their special lighting touches could be seen throughout the venue.

Gray took all of these amazing pictures and sent them to me to share with you.
Rhonda Patton Weddings created this spectacular tablescape that left brides in awe. How romantic! (See the lighting effect in the background - see NEL was everywhere!)


Monday, August 24, 2009
New Favor Idea for Nashville Bridal Showers

Just like a candy bar, the scent bar would have a tin for filling with scented beads, mini candle, a favor bag with a cute label
As I created my "scented sachets" tin - I thought - no, this isn't a candy bar but it could definitely be a scented favor bar. I told Ashley and a new fun bar was born!

Wedding 101's favor bag includes confetti, travel candle, tin with beads and a label - so cute
I think this would be a great idea for a bridal shower. Maybe you could allow your bridesmaids to create scented tins of their own. The bar would be just as cute and interactive as a candy bar but for zero calories! Plus, the scented sachets would last longer than candy. The only concern is that people might mistake it for candy - so beware!
Wedding 101's scented balls and candles would be a great place to start if you are interested in seeing it in action or buying the supplies. Ashley said they would definitely help you create a scented sachet bar for your wedding. There are like 7 fragrances available. My favorite is the sunshine! You can rent the jars, buy the sachets and even buy coordinating Botanicus travel candles to match.
As you see, Wedding 101 is not only a library of info but also has a retail area too. I'll be hanging out there a lot and I promise, ABG and 101 will collaborate to make planning your Nashville wedding easier and even more fun and fab!

more from Wedding 101 - love these wedding gown, courtesy of Bridal Opulence

also love this table design by classic party rental - how cute are the hanging letters for a shower or fanciful wedding!

Another great bridal vendor - Maples Wedding Cakes - always stunning
You can see more at Wedding 101.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Nashville Bridal Makeup Artists - From Airbrush to Tattoo Covers
1) Amy Lynn Larwig - Brides at my my girls night out raved about her - not sure about airbrush but you can ask
2) "Have you tried Brooke at Wax Nashville? She did airbrush makeup for a bride in McMinnville that we had." - Facebook response from Mary Alice of A Delightful Day
3) "My friend Christin does airbrush - http://www.myspace.com/vote4christin" - Facebook response from Amy of Williamson County Weddings
4) I Do Bridal Makeup by Rockelle - I've chatted with her at several bridal shows. She does airbrush makeup and tattoo coverups!

5) Sherita - I featured Sherita's bridal makeovers on ABG a few months ago after receiving raves from other Nashville brides. Again, not sure about airbrush but she might.


7) Bella Kru - Facebook response by Stephanie at Relish
8) Bridget Pilkington is great! Her number is 615-300-6026. - Twitter response from Whitney of Dove Wedding Photography
Monday, August 10, 2009
Check out these upcoming Nashville bridal events
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
There are some really great bridal events going on this month so brides/vendors - mark your calendars and register, rsvp, etc.

Aug 13: Elegance Bridal Gala - Many of the vendors will be on Talk of the Town at 11am today so be sure to tune in to learn more about the show. I will be attending the gala and I expect great things. I really can't wait to see how they re-think bridal shows. If you see me - please introduce yourself and have fun!

Aug 15: Opening of Wedding 101 - As Nashville's first wedding resource boutique, this is super exciting. I can't make their vendor preview (sorry Ashley and Amy) but I am really going to try my best to make it out on Saturday. But, you should definitely check it out!

Aug 16, 23, 30: Ashley’s Bridal Blog Camp - The bride spaces are filled but there is still space for vendors. Come out and learn all about blogging.

Aug 20: Jim Hjelm Bridesmaid Fashion Show at Faccio Bridal - This should be a fantastic show. My bridesmaids wore Jim Hjelm and I continue to be a big fan of his bridesmaid collection. Faccio has opened the event up to all ABG brides plus 2 guests. So, bring mom and a bridesmaid and come see the show.
Aug 28, 29: Bound Together Premarital Education Workshop - Marie is really talented and her advice is dead-on. She's offering a pre-marital education workshop that you should consider. In fact, an investment in your marriage is more important than anything else!
Monday, August 3, 2009
Love These Wedding Cake Stands!


I found this new website on the A Delightful Day blog. Raise the Cake offers cake stands that you can buy as is or customized based on your color palette.
I love this!
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Luxe Finds from Nashville Bridal Show: More Wonderful Wedding Decor
Diana Toombs, an event consultant that I met at their booth, and team did a fantastic job! They teamed with some of the city’s finest floral designers to create striking tablescapes.

Classic Party’s version of the candy bar buffet

Classic Party Rentals featuring Ilex Florals

Classic Party featuring Oshi Florals - This was one of my favorite tablescapes. ALL of the flowers are fresh/real and it just was so whimsical. I think that sunflowers are such happy flowers and this sunflower table just made me smile. I loved all of the detail and was just a great idea.



Friday, July 24, 2009
Luxe Finds from Nashville Bridal Show: Amazing Decor
Jill and crew have the most amazing inventory and each show, I get to see more and more. Yes - linens are pricey but they create a splendid ambiance.

Rustic wedding theme - the twig backdrop can be replaced with fabric or draping. It’s a great way to set the tone and maybe even cover venue eyesores.

The oh-so popular damask tablescape

Very classic

black plaid - which is very Hamptons / Martha Stewart

featuring Accent TN (florals)


sleek leather bar for rental…

matching leather sofa - would be perfect for a rooftop wedding







