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.