Totally Cheating!

This has been a helluva week at work, so I am falling behind on the blogging. I want to "re-blog" this post about finding the perfect florist. I promise new brides it is HELPFUL!


How to Pick the perfect Florist:

Word of mouth is always your safest bet. If the florist's service and work comes highly recommended, chances are they will do a good job for you. Do your research by going to bridal shows and looking at online pictures from your store's website. Make appointments to visit at least 3 different florists.

When you visit each florist, look at pictures of their previous work and look around their shop.

* Do you like the arrangements that you see in the shop's displays?
* Do the flowers in the pictures look fresh or are the petal edges brown?
* Are the pictures dated or are they following the current trends?
* Is the designer willing to work with you or are they telling you that your idea won't work?
* Make sure you speak to the florist that will do your arrangements.
* Do you feel comfortable with your florist?
* Is your florist paying attention to you while you're talking and does he/she seem interested?

When To Book Your Florist

6 months before your wedding is a good time to start your search. Book your florist approximately 4 months before your wedding date.

What To Bring To An Appointment

* Pictures of flowers and arrangements that you like (magazine clippings or websites)
* Picture of your wedding gown - swatches of material from your bridesmaids gowns - if available, a picture of your reception room
* If you are supplying the containers for arrangements, bring those too.
* Bring quotes you've gotten from other florists.
* Bring a list of all the flowers and arrangements you need and who they are for, so that the florist can label corsages, boutonnieres and bouquets, with names or titles. Example: on a bouquet a stapled piece of paper reads "maid of honour". This way everyone gets the right flowers.

Questions To Ask The Florist

* When viewing photos of past work, ask if the flowers where arranged by the same person that is doing your arrangements.
* After giving your florist your ideas, ask for their opinion or ideas. You don't have to take their advice but at least take the time to listen. You never know, you might like their ideas better then your own.
* Is there a delivery charge?
* Is there a setup fee?
* Do they have rental supplies?
* Do they need a map for the different delivery locations?
* Can you change your order if you have another idea? What's the cut off date for new ideas?
* What times will the flowers be delivered to each location? This question can be asked 1 month before your wedding.
* Will the florist transport ceremony decorations to the reception location? Is there a fee?
* Can they make a sample of your bouquet and centrepiece? Some florists will, some won't.
* Will they write you up an itemized quote? Some won't in fear that you will bring it to other florists for a better deal.
* Are the flowers you've chosen in season? What flowers are in season for your date?
* You're on a tight budget, can the florist work with a mixture of silk and fresh flowers?
* Are there any additional or hidden costs?
* Is the florist familiar with your reception and ceremony locations?
* 1 month before your wedding date, call the florist and ask them if they can get the type and color of flower you wanted?


Things To Keep In Mind

If your wedding date is around the time of a flower giving holiday (mother's day, valentine's,etc) you're going to pay more for your flowers. The florist will also be very busy during this time and you can't expect to be the centre of attention. Meet and speak to the person that will be making your flower arrangements.

If you choose flowers that are not in season and have to be shipped, you're looking at a bigger expense and you don't know what effect the shipping will cause on your flowers.

Not just here to hold your flowers!

I have blogged about choosing attendants before (read here), but I just want to share that with the newly engaged.

Choosing Your Attendants
Your attendants do a lot more than just stand next to you on the day of the wedding, now is the time to get them involved. You may opt to have 0 attendants at all, especially if you're having a casual event, most choose between 2 and 12 members of the bridal party.

Look over these lists of responsibilities for bridesmaids and groomsmen before you make your final choices. If they live nearby, its nice to ask someone in person, but a phone call is fine for those who live far away.

Now get to plannin'

Budget this in!

Who is paying?

It used to be that the bride’s father pretty much paid for everything. These days it’s far more likely to be a family affair with the bride, groom and both sets of parents chipping in to create one wedding fund.

Will you need to compromise your ideas?

Taking a cue from either set of parents is great. Just be sure they don’t think this means they have a much bigger say in your wedding plans than you want. It’s hard to say you want workmates rather than relatives on the guest list if it’s your parents’ cash you are spending.

Is going it alone an option?

It’s becoming increasingly common for couples to pay for their own wedding, using their own money – and it’s the only way to ensure complete freedom of choice. If the cash isn’t readily available, seek advice about saving and cost-effective borrowing.

Budget planning

Lots of couples do pay for their own wedding and it’s perfectly possible to have an amazing wedding on just about any budget. You simply need to start organizing from the word go.

Start saving

Saving 10-20% of every pay check during your engagement should be your aim. Try a few cost-cutting measures every month like taking a packed lunch to work, staying in with friends rather than eating out, and delaying major purchases or expensive outings until after the wedding.

A wedding account

Whether or not you are receiving parental contributions, a separate wedding account is a good idea since it will make tracking what comes in, what goes out and what’s left to play with much simpler. Agree at the outset how much you will each contribute to the fund, taking into account your differing salaries and any other debts you may have.

Get financial advice

If you need help with the wedding fund and are thinking about a loan, get advice on the best way of borrowing. A small loan may be worthwhile, providing you can pay it back without being in debt for years to come – not even your wedding is worth that! And forget putting wedding expenses on a credit card; it’s expensive and is usually a recipe for financial misery.

Do it yourself

Think carefully about whether you can do some things yourself rather than employing others to do them: check out craigslist for wedding bargains – new and ‘once-loved’; look out for sample sales at your local wedding dress shop; get on to your PC and design your own invitations, thank-you cards or seating plan.

How will you spend the cash?

50% - Venue and catering: food, beverages and tips
3% - Ceremony officiant
10% - Music
10% - Photographer
10% - Flowers
10% - Bridal gown and groom’s attire
3% - Invitations
4% - Transportation

Venue for you!

Probably the first thing you should reserve is your wedding venue, or venues. Here is a list of some of my favorite venues in Middle Tennessee, and a few that I have found along the way that may fit your individual wedding needs!

Venue Type: Rustic, exposed brick walls and a blank canvas:

• Marathon Village-Capacity: 225 Cost: $1250 (note lots of stairs NO elevator)
  
• Cannery Ballroom-Capacity: 300 (for banquet style) Cost: $2,500+
• Houston Station-Capacity: Banquet - up to 340, Cocktails - 450, Cost: call for pricing
• Aerial- Capacity seated dinner: 150. Cocktail reception/buffet: 200

Venue Type: Chic skyline views

• Events @ 1418- Capacity standing reception: 120 seated dinner parties: 100 roof top: 50
• Nashville Event Space- This includes all 7 of their venues- aVenue, Cellar One, Market Street Emporium, Riverside Flat, Terrazzo, Craft Studio, e/spaces
• One Eleven- Capacity: 300 ppl Cost: $2500 (including rental)
• DUREGO- Very large space, blank canvas! Call for more details
  

Venue Type: Down on the Farm

• Front Porch Farms-Capacity for 250 guest, please call for pricing
• Cajun Farms-Capacity is large, call for more info
• The Barber House- Capacity for 200 rental starts at $1,000-$1,350

Venue Type: Home sweet Home

• The Red House-Capacity for 100 seated, 150 cocktail style rental prices start at $1,500
• Rose Mont Mansion- Capacity for 200, rental start at $600!!!!!

Does this make me look fat?

How many times have you asked this question in a fitting room to a sweet friend who said "no, you look great" LIAR, LIAR pants on FIRE! I had the self esteem booster of a life time this weekend, I went and tried on a Bridesmaid Dress for a my BFF's wedding that is in April (2 weeks after my due date). Ladies, let me tell you NEVER, NEVER try on a dress for a wedding when you are 27 weeks pregnant, it is not the uplifting experience your emotions need. The dress is beautiful, me in it, well that is another story. Since I was there by myself, I had to wait 5 minutes or so for the lady to zip me up each time I tried on a dress. While I stood there bewildered by my figure, I couldn't help but notice how many BRIDES were trying on dresses that were NOT right for their shape, but had family or friends saying "NO YOU LOOK GREAT", again LIAR, LIAR pants on FIRE!

Ladies if there is one time in your life you need to GET REAL with the REAL YOU, it is when you try on a wedding dress. We are all unique in size and shape, and for that there are 1,000's of dresses for just your shape alone!

Here are some tips to help you find the right dress for YOU, and YOU ONLY!

• Ball Gowns
  

  Ball gowns work for:

  Thin and tall brides, triangle or rectangle figures, slight pear shaped figure, slim hourglass figures.

  If you are tall and slim with a well balanced shape, a classic ball gown can work great. If your figure is less than perfect, try a less defined waist or a less full skirt with perhaps some ruching to soften the look
  

  Ball gowns won't work for:

  Petite figure, pronounced pear-shaped figure or larger hourglasses.

  While often recommended to disguise a pear shape, this is only true of the hips are just slightly wider than the shoulders, those with larger hips will find it disguises nothing but emphasizes the hips instead. These are statement dresses and can overwhelm small brides.

• A-Lines (most popular style)
  
  

  A-Line will work for:

  Petite or full-figured brides, short waists

  The simple lines of an a-line dress can make a small bride look taller and a full figured brides one slimmer. It is also flattering for the pear-shaped, especially with a lower waistline.

  A-Line won't work for:

  Thick waists, hourglass figures.

  If your waistline is large, the dress will end up looking straight - effectively losing the a-line that gives it it's name, and will emphasize your waist. While hourglass figures can wear a-line dresses, they will not be making the most of their curves if they do.

• Empire Waist Line
  
  

  Empire line works for:

  Petite figures, larger waist, small bust

  Brides who don't want a figure-hugging dress should consider an empire line. It is good to conceal a larger waist. Tends to elongate the body, giving an appearance of being taller.

  Empire line won't work for:

  Curvy, pear-shaped or full figures.

  Tends not to work with a larger bust, and the line of the skirt emphasizes larger hips.

• Column or Sheath Dresses
  

  Column dresses work for:

  Slim, tall brides, rectangle and triangle body shapes

  Column dresses have a very sleek modern look and can be stunning.

  Column dresses won't work for:

  Curvy, pear-shaped or full figures. Short brides.

  A column dress hides nothing - it follows the body contours, wherever they are! They can make a short slim bride seem insignificant, especially if the groom is tall.

• Mermaid or Trumpet Dresses
  
  

  Mermaid dresses work for:

  Slim but curvy or hourglass figures

  Very good on an hourglass figure, showing off the curves of the body to perfection.

  Mermaid dresses won't work for:

  Pear-shaped or full figures. Curves need to be in proportion and a waist which is noticeably smaller than the hips or shoulders is essential for this style.

Bottom Line ladies, take your overly honest mother, your blunt friends, and the people who's option you trust and admire. Also BE HONEST WITH YOURSELF, you know what your body looks like better than anyone else.

Congratulations on your Engagement! Now what?

Now what you ask? Well here are a few helpful links to get you started on the road to Marital BLISS!

Set that Date:

Before you take one step towards a bridal shop, bridal show, or "dream location" set a date. You can be flexiable, but have a date "range" in mind before you leave the house. You want to get married on 11-11-11? Good luck, those date have long been booked up. Why set the date before you leave? Easy, you are going to need LOTS of vendors, and their availability, and venue availability will differ from place to place.

Bridal Shows:

1. Wedding Planning Boot Camp by Ashley at Ashley's Bride Guide.
2. Nashville Woman's Magazine is champagne social featuring heavy hors d'oeuvres and a fashion show introducing you to the best in the business
3. Studio Wed is that one stop shop in Franklin It houses an exclusive collection of Nashville’s finest wedding professionals available to you in a fun and modern studio. They are having an open house January 11th.
   
4. Enchanted Brides semi-annual show Thursday January 6th @ Hutton Hotel.
5. Weddings the Bridal show (this is the biggie) will take place January 16th at the Nashville Convention Center.
   

Trunk Shows:

1. Lazaro Bridal Trunk Show Fri, Jan 14 - Sat, Jan 15 , 2011 10-4pm @ Faccio Bridal
2. Jim Hijelm Trunk Show Thu, Jan 14 - Sat, Jan 15 , 2011 11-6pm @ Faccio Bridal
3. Bridal Warehouse is having a ton of trunk shows in the upcoming weeks, check them out HERE

Helpful Link's I love:

1. Jessica always has WONDERFUL tips and tricks at The Budget Savvy Bride
2. Louise will always make you laugh even when you feel defeated by the planning process. Check her out at the 30-something Bride
3. You need a photographer? Of course you do. Then you need to check our Joe Hendricks, he is a not only SUPER talented, but he and his wife Rhonda are a pleasure to work with.
4. Honeymoon deals? Check out my list of killer deals here
   

Happy Planning! If it all becomes to much, take a break, this is suppose to be fun!!!! I am always available to help or answer any of your wedding questions, or give a vendor reference.

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!