Wedding Venue you can wright off?!

Not in a bad way...on your taxes!! At the end of the year we are all looking to save a little cheese on our taxes.

The W.O. Smith School in Nashville is a lovely, lovely, venue, and I have the pleasure of coordinating a wedding there in April of 2011. The Bride and her Groom are VERY musical so the W.O. Smith School was a prefect fit! Add to that the W.O. Smith School is 100% non-profit so you can write off every check you send to them!

Here is great list of features from the W.O. Smith school.

• The contemporary lobby is perfect for an elegant cocktail hour
• Main Recital venue seats around 150 for a formal reception
• Large capacity of 300 when utilizing both lobby and recital hall
  
• Venue rental runs $1800
• Tables on-site!
  
• You can set up Friday before your event
• Ample parking for your guest
• Located in the heart of downtown
• Kitchen off recital hall for caterer to use
  

Need a manly ring?

There is a new-ish trend in mens wedding bans that forgo diamonds and are more "macho" and "understated" A lot of men are going to comfort-fit Tungsten bands for their left hand bling.

That is GREAT news for you brides. Tungsten is A LOT less $$$$ than your traditional white or yellow gold. Not to mention they are WAY more durable. The downside, if your beloved was ever hurt, they would have to remove his finger before they could get the ring off. That stuff is powerful and can not be cut!

Here is where I got Mr. D's ring and I mean it was OVERNIGHT for $99 flat! No tax, no shipping fees. He has forcefully worn it for over a year! LOL

http://www.tungstenovernight.com/

Go Big, or Go home!

I mean if you're going to spend in the upwards of 15K-25K on a wedding you might as well do it right! Right?!?! Treat your friends and family to some of the finest things Tennessee has to offer!

I found this cute, cute, cute little place in East Tennessee that I thought I would share with you.


Blackberry Farm is...

One of America's most celebrated intimate luxury hotels beckons discerning guests who aspire to escape modern-day frenzy and slip into a Blackberry state of mind. Situated on a pastoral 4,200-acre estate in the Great Smoky Mountains, Blackberry Farm will show you the many reasons why the 2004 Zagat Survey rated our property as the #1 Small Hotel in America.

Drop in pay them a visit the next time you are headed out to Gatlinburg, you never know you might just be able to WOW 20 of your closest friends at his beautiful hotel.

New Girl in town!

Well she isn't new to town, but she is new to the wedding world. My Friend Kristyn Walker has decided to turn her hobby for taking great photos into a full blown photography business that includes, engagements, weddings, lifestyles, maternity, etc. AND SHE IS GREAT AT IT!

Kristyn is also a frugal find at just $100 for a one hour session. That one hour session also gets you 10-15 edited pictures, and a disc of all edited pictures.

Kristyn is super sweet and I know you will enjoy working with her.

Check out her work HERE

No STUNTS!

My mind is focused on family, out of town guest, driving to my in-laws, FOOD, and Shopping. So my wedding inspiration is lacking this week. I thought I would share this "Debbie-Downer" Story with you all, on how you can be Thankful and Graceful under the worst of circumstances.

Wishing you all a safe and Happy Thanksgiving!

Bride-to-be moves on after tragic prank:

A few weeks before her wedding day, Rachelle Friedman went out for her bachelorette party with some close friends last May. After a night out on the town, the group went to the home of Rachelle's best friend.

The friend playfully pushed Rachelle into the swimming pool — something they'd done to each other many times before — but this time the bride-to-be landed on her head, paralyzing her from her chest down.

In the ensuing six months, Rachelle has worked to adjust to her new reality. Despite the odds and the tragic turn her life has taken, she is "doing awesome," Friedman says in a Monday interview with the "Today" show. She credits her family and her fiancé, Chris Chapman — who says in the segment that the wedding is still on: "I never once thought about leaving her or this situation." As for the friend, whose name Rachelle wants to keep from the press, Rachelle says, "I'm absolutely best friends with the girl…. Blaming her would be ridiculous."

NON-Wedding post!

I have to share our good news! D and I found out Monday morning that we are having a baby GIRL! That's right, I get to help plan a wedding for my very own daughter in about 2 or so decades!!! We are really excited, and really anxious to get started on her nursery.

I have been thinking long and hard on a theme, and would love any suggestions. This is harder than coming up with a wedding theme! LOL

How Rude!

I am going to vent just a little bit in this post so prepare yourself.....

I had the privilege of working with a wonderful couple this weekend. I was there to do their day of coordinating and all that goes with that! The couple was great, their friends, and family, were wonderful. The band however was NOT so wonderful, I will omit their name for fear of litigation, but let me get to the point of my HOW RUDE post.


Brides, when you you hire a vendor, they are NOW contracted to work for you upon the day and time you specify. They have to adhere to the guidelines of their contract as well as the rules and regulations placed by the venue. I can NOT stress how important it is to get things in writing. A vendor can't change their mind, and ideas unless you didn't get it in writing.

The band hired for this gig was very unprofessional and made MANY demands, and had spouses, and teenage children CRASH this couples reception. There were underage children drinking at this reception that were "guest" of the band. There was nothing in the contract that stated they were allowed to add their own "guest" to a reception they were NOT paying for. This has just burned me alive ALL WEEKEND!!! I politely had to excuse the underage guest and spouses from the venue, after all it would have fallen back on my couple if any damages, or harm had come from their attendance.


Before you hire ANY vendor ask for referrals, ask friends, reach out to anyone in the industry. This will help insure one last thing to worry about on your big day.

Veterans and Weddings

What do these two things have in common? More than you realize. Many Brides have to plan, re-plan, delay, or cancel their nuptials while their brave soldiers fight for our freedom. As an Army wife myself I have seen first hand how you have to plan a wedding around the Military. Read that story here.

If you are a Military Bride please reach out to Brides Across America and Glitz Bridal here in Nashville. They are giving FREE WEDDING DRESSES to military brides to be.

I encourage you to all read this heart warming story from the Tennessean yesterday. It makes me smile to see people do such great things for our Troops and their families. After-all they are the reason we are free in the land of the Brave, to Marry who we want, plus they looks so darn Handsome in those dress blues ;)

Hair-cessories!

Chinnylulu is having a fabulous fall sale and giving 20% off if you use the coupon code fall2010.

Check out their fun Hair-cessories for brides, bridesmaids, and even the kiddos.

1.1.11

What is that you ask? Well that is the first day of 2011 silly. Wouldn't that be a cool day to tie the knot? Renew your vows? Or get married at midnight? I think so. How cool is that date? Also, in case you need to be convinced 1.1.11 falls on a Saturday, you're welcome! :)

Here are some cool things to incorporate for a 1.1.11 wedding bash!

• Book like, yesterday I am sure this is a popular date. I am talking vendors, sites, etc.
• You can have a classy all white affair since this is the dead of winter.
• Get some great deal on Christmas lights, ornaments, etc.
• SNOW, SNOW, SNOW
• You can wear one of those fancy white faux fur shoulder wraps.
• Mother Nature will set your backdrop for you, and save you tons of $$$
  

They aren't just your Bridesmaids....

One thing I frequently run into on wedding days is the aloofness of the Bridal Party. Much of this isn't their fault, it is just poor communication. When you ask someone to be a Bridesmaid, or Groomsman, they also take on a silent role as dress holder (while you pee), car loader (all those gifts), clean-up crew (unless you hire one), and the list goes on, and on. So when you pick a member of your bridal party, pick with care, and make sure they understand they aren't just expected to look cute in a dress/tux, their duty truly is to the Bride and Groom.

Here is a helpful list of things you as a Bride or Groom may not think of: (this is just a list of DAY OF duties) this doesn't include all those showers, and events that lead up to the big day!

• Assist the bride in getting into her dress and makeup

• Ask if the bride needs anything (food, water, etc) all the way up till the time she is walking down the aisle. She will really appreciate it!

• Assist the other bridesmaids on where to go and timing, especially if they show up late.

• Help make sure the bride has privacy if she needs some quiet time before the ceremony.

• Be the witness in the signing of the marriage license which is an honor!

• Groomsmen assist ushers to seat the guests to their seats, and be social prior to the wedding.
  

• Take some deep breaths and walk slow when you walk down the aisle since it is common to speed up. If a groomsman walks down the aisle with you, make him refrain from talking or fooling around.

• Always look for the unexpected since it is common for the most uncommon things to happen (i.e, something falling down at the alter). If you are close enough, fix what needs to be fixed so the bride, groom and their families can focus on the ceremony.

• If you are single, make sure to mingle and have a great time at the party! It is mandatory to catch the bridal bouquet :)

• If you are with your partner, make sure to dance and socialize since it means a lot to the bride and groom (when they have time to sit down) to see their friends having and creating a good time for themselves and the other guests.

• Last, but not least, Provide moral support and be a great listener throughout the process since it is a very wonderful and "positively" stressful time for your friend. You can really make the difference!

Weddings + Halloween =?

I think it sounds fun, and festive. I know D would have jumped all over that if I had offered it as a choice for our Big Day. You can have a LOT of fun with a Halloween themed wedding, and you can even get your guest in on the fun with Costumes and such. In a world that is Twi-Hard obsessed I think we will see more of these "theme" weddings in the near future.

Here are some fun things you can use to Customize your Halloween Weddings:

• Signature Cocktail (Spooky)

• Costumes for Guest

• DJ or Band in Costume

• Easy Color Scheme and Floral arrangements using Pumpkins and other fall foliage.

Here are some fun, fun photos from the Web of Halloween Inspired Nuptials.

Little Black Dress

The Little Black Dress Revue is a cocktail party designed as an actual party for couples to experience what their wedding day can be like. Instead of visiting 30-40 vendors in an 8x8 space at bridal shows, see these vendors in action!

What is it?
An exclusive cocktail party for brides ...
grab your groom or your girls and join us!

Tuesday, November 9th
6:30 - 9:30
Noah Liff Opera Center
3622 Redmon Drive, Nashville, TN 37209
Directions

Register Here!

Enjoy a night out on the town!

Savor delicious hors d'oeuvres and scrumptious desserts
while enjoying Little Black Dress cocktails and local brews
with music by a live band, so bring your dancing shoes!
Prepare to party with the best wedding vendors in Nashville!

One Bride will win hella swag worth $5,000!!!!

Experience first hand what your wedding day could be like!

Red Red, House!

I have the luxury of working in beautiful Franklin, and the other day I was driving through town and spotted a place I have never noticed before. I spied The Red House, since it was closed I went back to my office and looked them up online. Here is what I found.

"The Red House is a unique yet affordable venue that is perfect for your big day! The trendy décor of this 130 year old home is accented with rock and roll memorabilia that gives your event a chic style with southern charm. Definitely Historic on the outside and Modern on the inside, The Red House will make a lasting impression on your guests. Our venue coordinator will gladly assist you with planning your big day. We are located just 1 block from the square in downtown Historic Franklin."

A few Important details:
>It accommodates up to 150ppl with a cocktail style set-up.
>It accommodates up to 100ppl with dinner style seating.
>event can flow outdoors with use of grounds & porches
>large area available for addition of tent
>Prices start at $1,500 for Saturday event
>free parking for 100 guests


For all booking inquiries, contact Ellen Easterling or Laura Hill
615.435.3503 or 615.973.3503

another Happy Couple ties the Knot!

Lookey, Lookey, I had the pleasure of Coordinating Shelly & Kevin's fall wedding and wanted to share the photos that the VERY talented Joe Hendricks took to document this fabulous couple.

Check out the Blog post HERE

I still have a few Fall Dates left if you need a last minute Day-of Coordinator email me ASAP! Or go ahead and book your 2011 dates!

Faboosh!

These necklaces are fabulous, I need one for every month, or letter I hold dear to my heart. Brides think how cute these would be for your Bridesmaids. Albeit keep up the good work and I'll keep shopping!!!

Just a quick note, you have to register with the site to buy anything. I know odd, but anything for fashion!

Pumpkin Picking!

Wanna incorporate Pumpkins in your fall wedding? Look at these clever folks, and this little inspiration board I threw together!

Rural Venue! For SUPER cheap!

Most of you Nashville brides may have your heart set on Belmont Mansion, Two Rivers Mansion, or one of the other 100 mansions that are scattered all around our great city, but what if I told you that you can have your wedding at a Nashville style Mansion for a fraction of the price? The only thing you have to sacrifice is the zip code?

Have your attention? Good, here is Rose Mont Mansion, built circa 1842 and located in beautiful rural Gallatin, TN. Wanna know the best part? You can get married here for ONLY $600. Wipe your lip, you read that right $600, you can have a house, the grounds and the Reception Hall. Wanna have a rehearsal add $100 to the price. Don't believe me? Read it for yourself HERE

Rose Mont is not only affordable they also have tables, 10 60" tables to be exact, and 200 White folding chairs. You can set them up yourself for just a rental fee, or have them do it for a small price (worth it to me!)

Take the beautiful drive out to Rose Mont and see it for yourself. There are plenty of Hotels, and eateries in Gallatin for your guest and their needs, heck any town with a Wal-Mart is a WIN in my book!

Photographer Alert!

I had the pleasure of working with a great team this weekend. I worked with Joe Hendricks of Joe Hendricks Photography and his lovely wife Rhonda as we married off The new Mr. and Mrs. Breedlove in Nashvegas. I was impressed with Joe and Rhonda from the rehearsal all the way through the reception. Rhonda and Joe set their detailed eye on everything to ensure the perfect shot! Joe is the man behind the camera, but Rhonda is the lady with the lights, woman's eye, and Joe's right hand woman. These two are a pleasure to work with, so I recommend you check them out for your big day, family shoot, or childrens photos.

Check out their great website here! and I look forward to working with them again!

Origami Wedding!

Do you love paper cuts? Who doesn't! If you are a big Origami person or just overly artistic I beg you to do this, invite me, so I can sit there with my mouth wide-open and bask in your awesomeness! This Artistic wedding is so amazing and personal I just LOVE it, and I love Shelby for turning me onto it! Check it out for yourself here at hostessblog.com

Where did she go?

I have been MIA lately as a blogger, and a wedding guru. Why? Well, we have had lots going on in the DeForest house. We have moved into a house that we had to redo top too bottom. I have been traveling LOTS for work lately, but somehow D and I managed to squeeze in some time to visit friends in NYC for our 1 year anniversary, and the baptism of their sweet twins. D is the Godfather (say it like Brando)! Our 1st year of marriage has been more than I could have ever prayed and hoped for!!! I am truly blessed.

We also have learned some news about our own little family. We are expecting a bundle of joy in early April (no fools)! I guess this is what happens when you move, have no TV, kitchen appliances, or counter tops for a functioning kitchen. LOL I have added some 1st anniversary pics for your viewing pleasure, and I promise to get back on the wedding bandwagon PRONTO!

Have a great day!

The top tier of our cake made the trip
really it was just as good as it was 365 days ago
Dave loved it too!
There is a baby the size of peach in there!
Dave and the Twins

It takes a Village!

Check out this cute, fun site I landed on! Brides Village is a great site to get discounts on favors, accessories, garters, table toppers, cake toppers, wedding party gifts and so much more! Check them out HERE!

Honeymoonin'

Looking for a few Honeymoon ideas? Frugal ideas? I have a few recommendations and helpful hints for you as you plan that big get away!!!

>St. Lucia and Barbados are a tranquil get away and Almond Resorts is offering killer deals starting at $100pp per night!!!!!!

Check then out HERE

>Jamaica without all the hustle and bustle? Ok, check out Half Moon beach, it is ideal for a get away , honeymoon, or day cruise. Cabins start at $65 a night!!!!

Check them out here

>Cancun? this all inclusive go to can be a little more upscale than Spring Break if you let it. I have had several friends stay on these properties and they LOVED it!

Check them out here

>Gatlinburg or bust? Check out this cabin rental that is nestled in the Tennessee wilderness, they are offering 20% off most rentals right now.

Check them out here

>Georgia on your mind? I have personally stayed in this house, although its a little big for just the two of you,it is ideal for family getaways, and vacations. It has a private pool, hot tub, game room, projector TV, and all the bells and whistles you can imagine. It is also on top of a bluff in the middle of the beautiful Georgia Mountains.

Check them out here


A few more links:
>Never underestimate the power of the Rental by Owner VRBO.COM offers great deals world wide (check out the deals you can get in Hawaii!)

>McCoy Custom Travel offers killer deals from the US to Fiji

New Venue Alert!

I am coordinating a FABULOUS wedding for Bride to be Lynn and groom Aaron in late April, the two of them turned me onto a new Venue in the heart of Nashville. It is called "Houston Station" it is near Greer Stadium and gives rustic a new name. Think Cannery Ballroom, or City Hall (R.I.P), but more intimate and affordable.

A few Facts about Houston Station:
>Seats up to 250 guest (300 standing)
>Hardwood floors, and exposed brick are a break from the standard hotel ballroom
>The space is large and flexible
>Open policy allows you to use your own vendors at no extra charge!
>Part of Events Nashville

Come look at Houston Station. You won't be disappointed.
Contact jeff@eventsnashville.net for more info!

So Sassy!!!

Have you heard of Sassy Stitches? You haven't? Where the heck have you been? Any-hoo!
The local ladies of Sassy Stitches will embroider anything that will sit still. You bring it to them, you buy it from them either way. They will monogram it to fit all your needs.

Look them up for great wedding shower favors, bridesmaid gifts, That new monogrammed last name on a make-u bag, travel bag, or gasp DIAPER BAG, or burp cloth.


Check out their website here, and call them today, I guarantee you won't find a better deal anywhere, not even at that overpriced mall Kiosk!! Hurry Today monogramming starts at $5 for up to 7 letters and $1 for every additional letter. If you buy the item from them they will monogram it for free.

Good Cause, Cheap Dresses!

Saw this on News 2 thought I should share ASAP!!!

Brides against Breast Cancer:

Brides-to-be gathered in Nashville to purchase discounted wedding gowns and help support the fight against breast cancer.

For the second year, the nationwide Brides Against Breast Cancer dress sale was in Nashville Saturday through Monday at the Airport Marriot.

Bride-to-be Stephanie Lichtman saved on a designer wedding gown, while donating to the Making Memories Breast Cancer Foundation.

"It's a great cause they fact that they're donating all the proceeds to breast cancer awareness is wonderful," Lichtman told News 2.

The dresses are donated by top designers, bridal stores and individuals.

"It's just a round about positive situation," said Crystal Hargrove, who donated a dress. "My aunt is a breast cancer survivor and I wanted to do something in honor of her."

Lindsay Bonaccorso also donated a dress to the cause.

"I ended up having two dresses and I couldn't sleep at night and I needed to give this one away for such a great fundraiser," Bonaccorso said.

Senior Tour Director Barbara Raskins told News 2, the proceeds from the event go to helping those suffering from terminal cancer and educating women about the disease.

"We do this work all year and sensitize young women who are about to get married to the treat of breast cancer, and urge them at the same time they say, ‘I do,' to the guy to say, ‘I do to self examination,'" Raskins said.

The dress sale continues through Monday, Sept. 13, 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.

ATTENTION SPRING BRIDES

The Bridal Show's are coming, the bridal show's are coming!!!

>Enchanted Brides at Cheekwood Botanical Gardens Sunday September 12th, 2010


>Franklin Bridal Show and Expo Sunday September 26th, 2010 (also my 1st anniversary GOOD DAY!!)

Puppies and Weddings!

The Tennessean posted this a while back for all you animal lovers. Check it out!


Involving Your Pet in the Big Day

Getting married involves a lot more than just saying “I do.” And recently, we find increasingly, pet-loving couples are including their pets in their wedding day activities. Couples who are very close to their pet, whether it be a dog, cat, ferret or bird, want them involved just as much as family and friends.

If you’re thinking of including your pet in your nuptials, there’s a lot to think about. To start, make a list of things to consider before having your pet participate. Answering questions like these can make your decision a bit easier:

1. Will the wedding venue allow pets?
2. Does your pet have the right social skills to be around a crowd of people?
3. Is your pet easily excitable and prone to barking or making noise?
4. Would your pet beg for food at the reception or jump on tables?
5. How will you handle your pet should he have an accident or act out during the wedding?

Having these challenges mapped out ahead of time will give you some peace of mind come the big day. If you do choose to have your “best friend” involved in the wedding, whether he’s dressed up and walking down the aisle or just sitting in the front row as an attendant, here are some helpful tips on making sure he is comfortable and secure.

1. Appoint someone you trust to be in charge of your pet during the wedding. Give this person your pet’s leash or a favorite toy to ensure your pet feels at home.
2. Practice with your pet. You rehearse for the wedding, right? Why not rehearse with your pet, too? If you plan on dressing up your pet in a costume such as a tux or frilly dress, make sure your pet is comfortable in the outfit and knows how it will feel to walk down the aisle in character.
3. Inform your attendants ahead of time that your pet will be included. Having everyone on the same page can help your guests and wedding party better prepare in case something goes awry.
4. Always be flexible. So many things are unpredictable when it comes to weddings, the weather, for example. The same goes with pets. Even after lots of practice, you can never be sure what to expect. If you give yourself some wiggle room when it comes to your pet’s participation, you can save yourself both time and trouble.

If you’re still unsure, talk to other couples who have been through the same situation. Sometimes advice from others can help you determine whether it’s appropriate to have your pet involved. Being prepared can help ensure your day is full of lasting memories from the inception to the reception. And including your pet can bring so much joy—not to mention some priceless photographs!

DIY Garland

This fun, frilly, flirty, Garland from Frolic! seems like breeze to make for your special day. String garland on Chairs down the aisle, on your seated tables at the reception, or string them from banisters and hearths!

Click HERE for your step by step guide!

Fall Wedding tips!

Today is September 1st, and my mind automatically shifts to all things FALL, Football, leaves, cider, pumpkins, and so on. Fall is my favorite season BY FAR, and it has become the 'it' season for weddings over the past few years. Wanna save $$$ for you big fall soiree? Here are some tips!!


>Pillage the farmer's market for pounds of materials to deck the halls for next to nothing. Look for corn stalks (perfect for entryways and arches), wheat bundles, dried Chinese lantern branches, mini-gourds and full sized pumpkins. And don't forget hay bales, barrels of woody fruit, like apples and pears, pots full of mums, and nuts in the shell or loose acorns.

>Groups of simple votive candles in mason jars look perfect grouped together in arrangements, too. Loop wire around the rims and fashion a handle, and you can dangle these rustic lanterns from tree branches and rafters.

>Plenty of brides prefer casual blooms for their autumn weddings, like brightly-colored Gerber daisies or sunflowers. You'll spend more on flame or burgundy-colored mini calla lilies with black magic roses and hypericun berries, and even surprising glam touches, like rooster-feather collars.

>Pile heaps of royal-looking pears, grapes or apples on footed bowls (try sugaring the fruit; it's an easy DIY project), and combine with long, trailing satin ribbons in cinnamon, gold or scarlet. Tuck in a few roses, for romance.

>Autumn-scented pillar candles can be a good choice too, as long as you don't overwhelm the food or use too many scents.

Tea Poetry

How cute are these easy DIY favors? The gals at DIYweddings.com never cesase to amaze. Check out these sweet Tea bag favors with the attached poem, that would help cozy up any fall or winter wedding guest!!!

Tea Poetry
"If you are cold, tea will warm you;
If you are too heated, it will cool you;
If you are depressed, it will cheer you;
If you are exhausted, it will calm you."
-William Gladstone