North vs. South: A Tale of Two Weddings

Ok everyone, I (Amy) promised that I would start blogging in the New Year...and here I am! Resolution number 1 is being obeyed--so far.

While I was thinking about what to write for my first blog post at Belles Fleurs, an article that our friend Bill Emmetts from Divine Images.net posted definitely caught my eye...

He shared a piece from the Huffington Post about "The End of the Vintage Wedding Trend." http://huff.to/zQ8XKo

Basically, the article explained that vintage weddings along with their mason jars, mismatched furniture and wildflowers are on their way out. Themes are beginning to shift more towards that of the Royal Wedding: sumptuous whites, (crown) jewel tones, sleek metallics and a richness and opulence fit for a Duke and Duchess.

I get it. Really I do. Millions of future brides and future mothers of brides watched this real life fairytale unfold before their very eyes at 3:00 in the morning. The timeless and classic, borderline old Hollywood feel was just begging to be recreated. It's gorgeous...but does it work everywhere?

On a recent trip home to New Jersey, I found myself describing my new job to several of my parents' friends. I immediately started talking about all of our vintage weddings! They are fun and funky and when done right, can have so much personalization and personality. I think I managed to get out the word "burlap" before the suspicious looks started rolling in...

"Mason jars?...wait, like for jam?"

"So, none of the plates match? or the chairs??"

"People actually serve fried chicken and iced tea?"

I couldn't BELIEVE that these classy women had never heard of anything like this before! They know a wedding world of banquet halls, baroque hotel ballrooms and chic restaurants. They know floral sculptures, art installations, ice block initials and rich colors. They know shellfish towers, beef wellington, champagne cocktails and hazelnut dacquoise cake.

They DO NOT know burlap and twine, vintage brooches, milk glass, mustard and gray, mismatched silverware, succulents, collard greens or red velvet cake.

Honestly, it's all about the area that you live in! A vintage wedding might seem strange or out of place in New Jersey, but then again a big "royal" wedding could be too stuffy for Franklin, TN. Our area just begs for the vintage wedding. Look at all of the Antebellum plantations, mansions, and re-vamped factories in the area!

Now back to Jersey. Mason jars and Queen Anne's lace would stick out like a sore thumb in a plush hotel's ballroom. But--gorgeous royal purple rose topiaries, gunmetal linens, stone crab claws and a cake ball sculpture of Rodin's "The Kiss" would be juuuust right (...let me just have that one, ok?).

The bottom line is: both of these wedding styles are great! ...and not going anywhere! I really would love to be able to do a vintage wedding somewhere in New Jersey, though. Any takers?

Anyway, back to work now! I'm ironically about to post pictures to our Facebook page from a VINTAGE WEDDING photo shoot that we did last month. The pictures turned out great! Hope you all enjoy.

XOX

-Amy

Meridith and Nathan- May 29, 2010

Meridith and Nathan, thank you for letting us be a part of your special day! We wish you all the happiness in the world!

Friends and fellow vendors that helped make this day possible:

Church: Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Reception: The Parthenon
Cake: The Bake Shoppe
Catering: A Catered Affair
Wedding Dress: Priscilla of Boston, The Bride Room
Bridesmaid Dresses: Priscilla of Boston from Priscilla of Boston Atlanta
Mother of the Bride Dress, Mother of the Groom Dress, Veil, and Flower Girl Dress: Designs by Sara Marie
Hair: Brides by Mary
Make-Up: Amy Lynn Larwig
Wedding Planner: Sarah Willard of Music City Events
Invitations and Programs: Southall Eden
Lighting: REM Entertainment
Rentals: Classic Party Rentals
Photographer: Jen McDonald Photography
Videography: Baughman Media
Music: The Nashvegas All-Stars

April and Brock- April 1, 2010

April and Brock, we wish you a lifetime of happiness. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your day!

Amazing vendors who helped make this day possible:

Church: The Donelson Fellowship
Cake: Wedding Cake Design
Reception: Two Rivers Mansion
Photographer: J.Michael Photography
Wedding Planner: By Hearts and Hands

Go-City Centric

Looking for a fun way to personalize your wedding? Go “city-centric” and highlight the places and landmarks where you first fell in love and will begin your new lives together as husband and wife! Each city is so unique and bursting with ideas to help couples personalize their big day, while being able to share with guests a bit of your relationship history.

As the owner of Brooklyn-based paperie, Lion in the Sun, Melinda Morris is an expert on wedding trends and has helped many soon-to-be-wed couples utilize the uniqueness of their city in their wedding planning and motif.

Here are a few ways to put the “city-centric” wedding trend to work for you:

- Use an picture of a landmark in your city, such as the Brooklyn Bridge, the Golden Gate Bridge or the Sears Tower on the invitation

- Instead of numbers, name tables after popular neighborhoods in your city

- Use a vintage postcard from your city as a Save the Date

“For so many couples, the city where you live really sets the tone for who you are and your lifestyle,” says Melinda. “Whether it’s where you met or where you live now (or even a combination), using city-centric themes in your wedding is a great way to make guests feel connected to you and the city you love.”

(Reblogged from Premier Bride's Blog)

Ashley and Daniel- October 3, 2009

What a fun wedding to be a part of!

We first met Ashley at a local event and from then on it seemed as if we saw each other all the time. As a VIP Magazine of Williamson County staff member, Ashley is a regular at all the must attend events in Nashville and Williamson County.

Ashley was an absolute pleasure to work with. She is truly sincere and has a smile that will warm your heart!

After months of planning, Ashley wed her soul mate in a romantic ceremony held at St. Phillips Catholic Church in Downtown Franklin.

Ashley was absolutely stunning, carrying a bouquet of ivory roses and hanging green amaranthus. She was joined by four bridesmaids, who wore the most beautiful latte gowns. The bridesmaids carried bouquets made of Charlotte and Black Magic roses as well as red dahlias. A gorgeous combination!

The reception at Monell's at Historic Lillie Belles was held immediately following the ceremony. Monell's is one of our favorite wedding venues, as it offers a beautifully intimate setting. The tables set up in the back yard were adorned with cylinders of varying heights, floating candles, and pomanders of red roses and Mokara orchids.

Guests enjoyed the ambiance, food catered by Monell's, and a mouth watering cake from Sweet Dreams Franklin. It was an amazing evening spent celebrating Ashley and Daniel's love and new life together.

The entire evening was beautifully captured by VIP photographer, Alison Ball.

We had such an enjoyable time working with Ashley and Daniel! We wish them nothing but the best in their life together!

Premier Bride Nashville Magazine 2010

We are super excited about this issue and you should be too! It is chock full of information for any bride and bride to be. Plus, you can find our work all throughout the magazine.

Pick up your copy today or browse the entire magazine online!

The Flood- Help for Displaced Nashville Brides

Premier Bride Nashville has as great listing of wedding professionals who are damage-free and willing to work with you if you wedding has been displaced. Check the listing out online if your venue or other wedding arrangements have been impacted by floods.