Friday, May 27, 2011
Vineyard Inspired Tablescapes
In contrast to our casual family style photo shoot, Rex Bradford Jones, caterer, of Abner's Attic, was inspired to bring out his best Wedgewood china and silver, not to mention antique tables and chairs. Even though All Occasions Party Rentals does not carry these luxury items in stock, they do have the ability to procure luxury items for the bride who has the budget for them.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
A Vineyard Inspired Wedding at Castleton Farms
This vineyard inspired shoot took place at Castleton Farms, which is situated on 108 acres of rolling hillside in Loudon, TN. This shoot was designed for the bride who dreams of a classic, elegant, chic wedding.
A sumptuous satin mermaid gown with a cathedral veil from White Lace & Promises was the perfect choice for the formality of the affair. Our bride wore a veil for the "ceremony", but Montage Salon fashioned her reception headpiece out of feathers & grapes, in keeping with our vineyard inspiration.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Vintage Farm Wedding Inspiration Video
We've been blogging for a couple of weeks about all the creative design ideas our vendors created & captured on film for our "wedding" at The Reserve at Bluebird Hill. Tammy Akard, of Sweet T.E.A. Productions also captured the set up, details and spirit of the day in this short film. Kelly Kneiser, sister-in-law of Dixie Pixel's Tara Kneiser, provides the lovely music.
Thanks to the following vendors for donating their time, talents & creativity. Their work speaks for itself, don't you think?
Monday, May 23, 2011
Vintage Details Make the Difference
The Happy Envelope's table numbers, place cards & menu cards instructed guests to Sit, Love and Eat.
The antique typewriter font on the paper items was inspired by the vintage working typewriter at the “guestbook” table, where participating vendors played guest by typing out their well wishes for the model bride and groom.
Bryan Allen Photography
Bryan Allen Photography
This table was also accessorized with caramel apple favors, the perfect ending to a day on the farm.
Bryan Allen Photography
Friday, May 20, 2011
Family Style Dining Can be High Style
Rex Bradford Jones, of Abner's Attic, demonstrated that family style dining doesn’t have to be boring. Elegantly presented entrées and sides were served in an array of serving pieces, including antique metal and stoneware. A few of his tasty and artistic menu items are shown below.
Herbed Toasted Rounds
Roasted Red Pepper Bisque & Tender Rosebud Asparagus Shoots
Top Round of Beef Seasoned in Yeast Potato Rolls
Basil Crème Spinach
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Tablescape in Rustic Elegance
White Table decorated our extra long banquet tables with a jute and burlap inspired linen. The color and texture contrasted beautifully with elegant fruitwood chivaris from All Occasions Party Rentals and apple green satin cushions.
All Occasions Party Rentals and Samuel Franklin Floral & Home beautifully decorated with inexpensive heirlooms and vintage inspired items that can be found around many homes, flea markets and antique shops. Samuel Franklin used flowers as accents, rather than the focal point.
All Occasions Party Rentals and Samuel Franklin Floral & Home beautifully decorated with inexpensive heirlooms and vintage inspired items that can be found around many homes, flea markets and antique shops. Samuel Franklin used flowers as accents, rather than the focal point.
Bryan Allen Photography
Bryan Allen Photography
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
The Perfect Ending's Wedding Dress Inspired Chandelier Cake
Inspired by the vintage wedding theme and wedding dress, Cheryl McMillan, of The Perfect Ending, designed the wedding cake as a suspended pink antique chandelier, complete with lace appliqués. Cheryl has trained with the top cake artists in New York City and this cake was the perfect combination of accomplished artistry, antique elegance and country chic.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
The Reserve at Bluebird Hill
Our first photo shoot was at The Reserve at Bluebird Hill, a charming event venue on a working horse farm, in Lenoir City, just past the Knox County line. This wedding was designed for the bride who wants a rustic, vintage, country chic wedding with an emphasis on friends and family.
We required the special help of the farm’s go to gentle horse, Jordy, for our novice equestrian bride. Catharyn wore a custom designed two piece dress with a lace overlay bodice and a voluminous tulle skirt. The frothy pink dress by White Orchid Bridal photographed beautifully in the breeze and was accessorized with cowboy boots, which added to the country princess charm.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Wedding Inspiration from the Bridal Suite
The vendor members of The Bridal Suite spent a couple of gorgeous spring like days in February staging two very different inspirational photo shoots. This project was the brainchild of Tammy Akard, of Sweet Tea Productions. She suggested one of her former brides, Catharyn Kaye as our "bride."
Catharyn was totally up for everything she was asked to do. What a trooper! She's not a professional model, but those of us who worked with her for two days think she missed her calling.
This is a sneak peak at some of the photos taken by Bryan Allen Photo, Dixie Pixel & Waldorf Photographic Art. Check back over the next few days for great wedding ideas from our fabulous wedding vendors, as well as entertaining videos by Sweet Tea Productions.
Friday, May 6, 2011
Royally Inspired Trend - Two Receptions
William and Kate had an hors d' oeuvres reception for 600+ guests following their wedding, then an afternoon of down time before coming back for their "intimate" evening reception with 300+ of their closest friends.
Two dresses is becoming a more and more common occurrence at weddings, but two receptions? Depending on your guest list and wedding vision, it can actually work in your favor.
The easiest way to cut wedding costs is to cut the guest list. If you envision an elegant reception with lavisih centerpieces and a plated dinner, but your budget doesn't allow for it, consider having a daytime wedding with a simple reception for extended family, business acquaintances, neighbors, etc.
Venue space is expensive, but if you are getting married in a church, this reception could take place in the fellowship hall. Serve light hors d' oeuvres and pay a little extra for the ceremony musician to provide cocktail music.
After a getaway, go to your home or hotel for some down time before your second reception with your closest friends and family members. You can then afford the elaborate linens, flowers & entrees you envisioned, because you are only feeding a small fraction of your guest list.
Better yet, you've celebrated your wedding all day long and had a nap in the process! Do you think this is a trend which will catch on?
Happy Planning,
Sonya
Two dresses is becoming a more and more common occurrence at weddings, but two receptions? Depending on your guest list and wedding vision, it can actually work in your favor.
The easiest way to cut wedding costs is to cut the guest list. If you envision an elegant reception with lavisih centerpieces and a plated dinner, but your budget doesn't allow for it, consider having a daytime wedding with a simple reception for extended family, business acquaintances, neighbors, etc.
Venue space is expensive, but if you are getting married in a church, this reception could take place in the fellowship hall. Serve light hors d' oeuvres and pay a little extra for the ceremony musician to provide cocktail music.
After a getaway, go to your home or hotel for some down time before your second reception with your closest friends and family members. You can then afford the elaborate linens, flowers & entrees you envisioned, because you are only feeding a small fraction of your guest list.
Better yet, you've celebrated your wedding all day long and had a nap in the process! Do you think this is a trend which will catch on?
Happy Planning,
Sonya
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Royally Inspired Trend - The Getaway Car
Other than the wedding gown and Kate's walk down the aisle, the couple's getaway in the convertible adorned with balloons & signs was my favorite part of the day. It was such a fun and happy statement.
A limo does provide an element of safety for a bride and groom who have imbibed at their reception, but most people are looking for ways to trim unneccessary budget items so they can splurge where it counts. Try to identify a friend, neighbor or family member with a rare, sporty or colorful car who will either loan you the car or drive you away at the end of the evening. It will be a fun surprise for your guests, as well as a great "the end" photo for your wedding album.
Do you think we'll see a return to decorated cars?
Happy Planning,
Sonya
A limo does provide an element of safety for a bride and groom who have imbibed at their reception, but most people are looking for ways to trim unneccessary budget items so they can splurge where it counts. Try to identify a friend, neighbor or family member with a rare, sporty or colorful car who will either loan you the car or drive you away at the end of the evening. It will be a fun surprise for your guests, as well as a great "the end" photo for your wedding album.
Do you think we'll see a return to decorated cars?
Happy Planning,
Sonya
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Royally Inspired Trend - The Wedding Cake is Back!
Other the wedding gown, and of course the bride and groom, the wedding cake is the most iconic wedding symbol. They've gone from being white cake with white icing to limitless flavors with intricate designs. In spite of all that, bridal selections have recently trended toward simple white cakes, cupcakes and even pies. While all of these may have a place, don't even get me started on wedding cobbler.
The royal wedding cake may herald a return to cake grandeur. This is a gorgeous cake, but it is a reflection of William and Kate's wedding. Cheryl McMillan of The Perfect Ending, is more than capable of re-creating this cake, but she would much rather design one based on your wedding. Check out the one below, photographed by Dixie Pixel. These roses are all hand made. Do you prefer fresh or sugar flowers on cakes?
Happy Planning,
Sonya
The royal wedding cake may herald a return to cake grandeur. This is a gorgeous cake, but it is a reflection of William and Kate's wedding. Cheryl McMillan of The Perfect Ending, is more than capable of re-creating this cake, but she would much rather design one based on your wedding. Check out the one below, photographed by Dixie Pixel. These roses are all hand made. Do you prefer fresh or sugar flowers on cakes?
Sonya
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Royally Inspired Trend - Return to the Ceremony
In recent years, more and more couples have come to view the wedding ceremony as something to get through before they can party. All but the most devout couples keep it as short and sweet as possible. Will the combination of simplistic beauty and pageantry of the royal wedding change that?
I predict:
What do you think? Will couples put more emphasis on their ceremonies?
Happy Planning,
Sonya
- An upswing in calls to churches in the coming weeks - especially those with long center aisles!
- More thought put into selecting ceremony music, especially the processional & recessional
- Trees as ceremony & reception decor
What do you think? Will couples put more emphasis on their ceremonies?
Happy Planning,
Sonya
Monday, May 2, 2011
How Much Do I Love the Royal Wedding Gown? Let Me Count the Ways
Wedding style changed last Friday, just as surely as it did when Diana emerged from her glass coach 30 years ago. When Kate Middleton climbed into the back seat of a Rolls Royce and her fitted lace bodice with long lace sleeves was revealed, I was ecstatic. When she climbed out at the church and I saw the entire dress, I'm pretty sure I audibly gasped. Both she and the gown were exquisite.
Very few modern brides choose veils similar to Kate's, if they wear one at all. Kate's penchant for fascinators may even the playing field, but I do feel we'll see more brides wearing traditional romantic veils and covering their faces on their walk down the aisle.
Happly Planning,
Sonya
Very few modern brides choose veils similar to Kate's, if they wear one at all. Kate's penchant for fascinators may even the playing field, but I do feel we'll see more brides wearing traditional romantic veils and covering their faces on their walk down the aisle.
Happly Planning,
Sonya
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