AshleysBrideGuide.com

Favorite Nashville Bridal Shower and Bridesmaid Luncheon Venues

cassandra — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 08:12:15 +0000

This is a post to forward this post to your maid of honor!

When you think about a traditional bridal shower, I'm sure you probably picture a bunch of ladies all sitting around in a circle, chatting & snacking & tittering, while the bride opens her gifts. I know I do. But, who said you have to be traditional? Who said you had to have your bridal shower at your fiance's mother's sister's house? That sounds a little complicated, if you ask me. And, really, who wants to clean up after a bridal shower? There's food to be dealt with {who's taking what? what's being thrown away?} and wrapping paper to be dealt with eventually. Then, you have to wash dishes! {I hate washing dishes. Don't you?}. Plus,your bridal events should all be fabulous and easy for everyone to enjoy - from hostess to hosted.

In order to quell your new desire to have your bridal shower elsewhere, I have a few ideas for you. I'm sure one of them will be right up your alley. These venues range from modern to chic to intimate, which is sure to make your mind swirl with so much inspiration that you won't know what to do with yourself!

Have you visited this little gem? It is boasts a modern atmosphere with fun, popular music pumped in through the speakers and bright, energetic colors that help to brighten any mood. If you are bride that wants to be remembered and has many unique aspects planned for your big day, I recommend this facility. They have different, versatile spaces [both inside and outside] that can be used for any sort of occasion - like a bridal shower! [If interested, contact Kristin McBryde at 615.435.8700.]

Monell's at Historic Lillie Belle's

Military Bride Plans DIY Nashville Wedding in 100 Days!

cassandra — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 08:14:34 +0000

3.2 months. 14.2 weeks. 100 days. 2400 hours. 144,000 minutes. 8,640,000 seconds. And, it all comes down to one moment. The moment you walk down the aisle to the one you love, the one to whom you are going to pledge the rest of your life. Could you plan your wedding in that short amount of time? Nashville newlywed Amber did, and she wrote about her journey on the blog aptly named 100 Days to Plan a Wedding.

Thoroughly impressed by this concept and her hard work, I think it only right to share with you Amber's inspirations and reflections for her wedding day. Not only did she plan a wedding in 100 days, but she also did it on a budget! {Brides, start taking notes!}

1. What was your biggest splurge that you thought was well worth it?

Photography! It was the one think I was willing to blow my budget on. Once the flowers are dead and the cake is stale, the photos are all we have to remember our big day. I was so blessed to find Matt Vietti and his creative eye! {you can read about her decision here & here}

2. What did you think was the biggest waste of your money?

Nothing. We were very frugal and thought out all our purchases. {be sure to check out her budget recaps}

3. What was your favorite Do-It-Yourself project?

The Paper Poms! They were very time consuming, but they were a lot of fun to do with my mom, and my various friends and family who stopped in and helped make one.

Fabulous venue for the budget-conscious Nashville bride

Ashley — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 06:46:29 +0000

Fabulous venue for the budget-conscious Nashville bride

Brides and wedding planners - you must check out FrontPorch Farms. This venue is affordable, cozy and brand new (as far as wedding venues). This will be a popular spot for weddings. Don't let the address fool you, it's only 40 mins from Nashville and well worth the drive. This venue is a steal and it will not last, I promise.

Traveling Couple: Tennessee Engagement Session, North Carolina Destination Wedding

Ashley — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 06:22:19 +0000

I love this couple's engagement session. You probably remember me featuring it last summer. I love it because the two look like a jewelry ad - so perfect, so in love. While they look like models, they aren't. They are real and were recently married in North Carolina.

I was happy to see their lovely wedding pictures shared by their photographer so I wanted to be sure to share them with you. Whether you're getting married in Nashville or having a destination wedding, I'm sure you'll enjoy!

Featured Favorite Blog
Myrick Studios, a Nashville-based Photography Company
http://www.myrickstudios.com

I love to meet a couple that really enjoys having a good time and enjoys being with one another. Meet Chris & Claire Schmidt.. I actually met these guys through Facebook! We communicated via email for a while because they were planning a destination wedding in North Carolina while trying to move to Little Rock Arkansas. These guys decided to come to Nashville to do their engagement session and they were just too cute because they were so nervous about their shoot together! Well, as you can see, they were total naturals in front of the camera.. and it was a total pleasure to capture their love for one another through my lens...

Chris & Claire actually met in Memphis...so they just HAD to have a picture with Elvis in it!

Visit Myrick Studios for more from this red, romantic wedding.

Like Your Wedding Dress? Love Your Wedding Cake! Part 2

cassandra — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 05:46:13 +0000

Yesterday, I shared The Bake Shoppe's gown-inspired cakes from Weddings: The Bridal Show. If you didn't see the post, you should! Today, I've got two more cakes to show you, and I know you won't be disappointed.

Their fourth cake, another The Cotton Bride by Chris Kole bridal gown (Style # B1051), was a completely different feel than the other Cotton Bride gown. This one would be great for a classic bride. With just the slightest bit of sparkle, you could make the jewelry/attire the focal point or the bouquet you'll be holding as you walk down the aisle.

For the cake, the cake designers focused on the folds of the dress' bodice and the embellishment at the waist, which I LOVE. You can see in the sketch how intricate and precise the design is on the cake. It is definitely a reflection of the dress' most notable feature.

The final product is practically identical to the sketch and reflects the personality of the dress perfectly. In fact, had I not known it was based on a cake, I would have loved it just the same if not more. Gotta admit - this is one fabulous cake.

Join Me at StudioWed Nashville - Opening Today!!

Ashley — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 06:31:16 +0000

Join Me at StudioWed Nashville - Opening Today!!

The wait is over. Join me today at StudioWed Nashville, in Edgehill! It's the ultimate experience for Nashville brides.

Found Your Perfect Bridal Gown? Design Perfect Cake to Complement!

cassandra — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 06:16:34 +0000

Every so often there comes a trend where you just have to stop and stare in awe. Some times you stop and stare because you can't believe someone did that. And, some times you stop and stare because you love it and want it in your wedding!

At Weddings: The Bridal Show, I had one of those moments, and it was fabulous. But I was warned.

Ashley had told me before the show, "be sure to check out The Bake Shoppe" and I'm glad I did. They'd worked with Arzelle's Bridal to find the five most popular wedding dresses. From there, The Bake Shopped used the gowns for inspiration to give Nashville brides and idea of how you can take your dream gown and use it to inspire your wedding cake!

We got the exclusive and are elated to share the entire, delicious process with you - from the gown and the sketch - to the final, inspired cake.

First up - An Alvina Valenta bridal gown (Style # 9609). This gown is perfect for the bride who wants to add drama to her wedding. It is ideal for a night wedding with candlelight surrounding the bride and her groom. The sash is a perfect touch to add just the tiniest bit of romance.

In the sketch below, you can see how the cake designer picked the sash as the focal point. It drapes down the cake just as the sash drapes down the dress.

You've seen the dress and the design; now, see the final product. It is a beautiful cake that accents the high point of the dress without overtly pointing it out!

Delighted to Introduce Tabitha, Our New Blogger

tabitha — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 06:04:50 +0000

Delighted to Introduce Tabitha, Our New Blogger!!

Today, I am overjoyed to formally introduce Tabitha. Tabitha exudes style and class, loves weddings and is fashion forward. That makes her a great contribution to ABG. Please take a moment to learn more about her....

More Finds from Nashville’s Weddings, the Bridal Show: The Bridal Fashions!

tabitha — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 07:58:51 +0000

You know what they say: Save the best for last! Today's bridal show recap is on the great bridal gowns we got to see. From designer gowns to custom dresses, the brides were dazzled by the beautiful dresses that were there.

Designs by Sara Marie

Bridal gowns, bridesmaids dresses and even dresses for mom, Designs by Sara Marie makes picking a wedding dress so much easier for you if you just can't find THE gown. She even makes accessories!

Weddings, the Bridal Show: More Great Finds and Inspiring Ideas

tabitha — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 05:47:10 +0000

Bridal shows are a great way to get to know the best kept secrets in the wedding industry. Here are some of the booths we saw that we thought had unique concepts on typical decorating ideas.

Bella Aeris

Located in Green Hills in Nashville, Bella Aeris specializes in illuminated flowers.

This is such an unexpected and different way of using lighting and florals for wedding decor. I picture these as part of a centerpiece, or to light up a gift or seating card table. Bella Aeris is run by the nicest couple, Ann and Mark. Check out their website at bellaaeris.com for a bigger gallery of their work.

Designs in Paper

This is a lovely local, custom stationery company. I liked their display where the invitations almost floated in view and weren't impeded by booth walls or laying flat on tables. Look at the menagerie on this one! Perfect for shower invitations or a themed wedding, maybe at the zoo!

Visit them online at www.designsinpaper.com