Something New...

Have you ever dreamed of your perfect wedding (duh, of course you have). Have you ever pictured yourself in a beautiful BLACK wedding dress?  I'm sorry did you say Black?  Yes, I did.  Black Wedding Dresses are the newest trend for 2012.  You can thank the likes of Vera Wang the goddess of Wedding dresses, and her "through the looking glass theme."   Maybe she stole the idea from "Carrie Bradshaw" aka Sarah Jessica Parker who wore a dark dress in her 1997 wedding to Farris Buller's Matthew Broderick.  Just so you know even SJP regrets not wearing a shade of white. 

I blame the Kardashians, why? They seem to be responsible for putting a dark tone on wedded bliss in late 2011. (Insert eye roll).

Something Old...

What is hot for 2012?  Vintage Themes seem to be everywhere, why? It all starts with Hollywood. Most celebrities are embracing old-Hollywood style and that is crossing over to brides embracing vintage everything. Brides are bringing back just about everything from the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s except the puffy sleeved wedding gown.

Start raiding your local Goodwill now!  These are table setting, and decoration gold mines!!!!   Start scanning your mother and Grandmothers wedding albums for inspiration.  You can even incorporate these pictures into your wedding decor. :)

Go ahead Channel your inner Jackie O.!

Here is a fun speakeasy themed board: (click to enlarge)

source songketaffairs

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year to the newly engaged!  Congratulations on your engagement.  There is really no other time like this in your life, so try not to let the pressures of an engagement steal the sweetness of the next several/few months. 

Speaking of stress, have you started to budget for your big day?  Daunting isn't it?  Again, you can do this, and guess what you can do this on a BUDGET and still have a fabulous wedding.  Make a list, what are the 3 things I absolutely will NOT compromise?  Music, Caterer, photography, DJ, flowers, etc.  Everyones list is different, that is why this is YOUR day.  Best of luck, and please contact me if you would like help with your big day :)

Happy Planning...

Need a little budget inspiration?  Check out this $2000 wedding from this beautiful bride.

'Chute' me to the moon

 
What an exciting weekend?!?!  I ate more Turkey than one person should, and had my fare share of pie, and stuffing.  Time to detox until Christmas.  I also made it onto Pinterest this weekend, and I don't mean I got off the waiting list, I mean one of you savvy smart brides to be posted a picture from my wedding and  I have had LOTS of inquires about the lovely parachute that was hung from the ceiling during our reception.

Good News: The Parachute, and black drapes are alive and well.
Bad News: You have to live, or want to get married near Springfield, TN.  The venue we rented for our wedding owns the parachute, they are "The Center."   They rent out all their items ala carte style, so the drapes and parachute were two items we took advantage of.  
 
How can you get your hands on a parachute? You might try and see if your local Armory or Air National Guard have "retired" parachutes in storage you could rent or borrow.  They hung the parachute with string on each line of the "chute" The venue was a gym before it was transformed into a wedding reception venue!  

Please message me and let me know if I can help you plan your big day in any way.  And keep checking my Wedding Board on Pinterest for more FUN Wedding finds :)

Jammy Grammy!

Do you have a grandmother or family relative that LOVES to make canned preserves?  Bribe, and beg them into whipping up these cute little favors?  You can even talk that girl friend with the 6 month old into saving all her baby food jars so you can use them! 

Aren't these precious?!

Re-Vision



I have become slightly obsessed with My Fair Wedding, David Tutera is a GENUS and I wish I had a pinkie nail of his creativity. Have you read his book? "The Big White Book of Weddings" Buy it here

Brides to be sign up HERE to be on the show and have an unforgettable day!

Davids Weddings are the grandest, and the most amazing look through his weddings HERE

Here is a Tip from David on how to give a Toast:

Who goes 1st?

1. Bride’s parents (typically, the father of the bride will give the toast)

2. Groom’s parents (note: if the groom’s parents are hosting, then they should go first)

3. Best man and maid of honor or matron of honor
4. Bride and groom

Remember: toasts do not equal speeches! Each toast should be kept short and sweet, preferably under three minutes and absolutely no more than five. ✽ The toasts themselves should include, in this order: a welcome, a thank-you, and a special heartfelt sentiment.

Pinterest helps you plan your wedding!

Have you discovered Pinterest yet?  I like to refer to it as a time warp.  You will spent HOURS in there before you know it. What the heck is it?

from the website:  Pinterest lets you organize and share all the beautiful things you find on the web. People use pinboards to plan their weddings, decorate their homes, and organize their favorite recipes.

I have started a Pinterest site, and invite you to take a peek at my wedding board, I have crammed lots of great ideas for your big day on there!  So sign up, log in, and ENJOY!

Country Royalty!

Have you seen or heard of Fontanel?  It is the 27,00 sqft Mansion formerly owned by Barbara Mandrell.  It is located just north of Nashville and hides perfectly in the woods.  You may have heard of Mansion tours and the Concert series, but did you know you can get married out there too? 
They have Multiple rooms to choose from, they have the Mansion with various rooms, The Studio Gallery which is like a giant blank slate, and then they have the Woods Amphitheatre that they use for their outdoor concert series.

Specs on the Mansion:

• Can accommodate 120-136 guest for a seated dinner
• Can accommodate 150 for a standing cocktail reception

Specs on the Studio Gallery:

• Can accommodate 200 seated guest for dinner

Specs on the Woods (outdoor amphitheatre)

• The sky's the limit on your guest count!

Breakdown: From what I can tell you can have access to their inventory of tables and chairs, on-site venue supervisor, housekeeping before and after the event, Parking Attendants or Valet Service for groups over 100 people, and on-site Shuttle Service from the parking area to and from the Mansion.
Catches: You have to use their caterer and other recommended vendors so you can spend $$$ quick
They have no prices listed on their website, but you can call 615-876-4636 for more info or email them at info@fontanelmansion.com

The very talent Joe Hendricks shot the photos above, and captured a wedding here recently check them/him out HERE

Do Over!

I have been asked 100 times by other brides and curious people what I would change about my wedding day.  To be honest, I loved my wedding, it was my perfect day that I put together in 100 days, but it was a HUGE affair, and I feel I short changed my guest by not speaking to half of them. 

That being said, if I could do it all over again, I would elope, save the $ take a fabulous vacation and have a great party when I got back.  

Feel like doing the same but are short on cash, You can do it right here in Nashville

The Rhinestone Wedding Chapel is in the heart of music row. It is all things Nashville and fabulous.  Check them out ceremony's start at $200, you can even have Elvis as your officiant!!!

Day of Coordination!

Still need a day of Coordinator for 2011?  Fall dates are filling up quickly.  If you are still looking for a Coordinator for the day of your wedding let me know ASAP. 

Need a client testimony?  Let me know and I can refer you to previous clients and Happy Brides!  

email me at hoolihan04@Yahoo.com