Can a wedding based shopping experience be magical???

Should a paperie channel feelings of fairy tails & memories of childhood???

Is it possible for a sweet shoppe to be a whimsical world enveloped in pink???

To all of these I must say YES…and direct your attention to THE DOTTED LINE! The Dotted Line is a gift-shop, paperie, and sweet shop all rolled into one cute, pink, package. They offer everything from custom stationery, to wedding invitations, boutique party favors, and everything to punch your sweet tooth right in the face.

The Dotted Line is owned and operated by the lovely Troy, who was able to answer a few questions about her fabulous business and what she offers to brides and the wedding industry.

You are the owner of The Dotted Line. Give us a brief history of the company and how you fell in love with paper?
The dotted line was started 7 years ago and is 100% based on my personal love of all things paper. I am a visual tactile person and i love to touch and feel the finest paper.

It is my understanding you had a lengthy career in the modeling and fashion world. Has that affected your work and approach in anyway?
I truly believe the two worlds collide and I believe that the paper you send out to your family and friends reflects your personal style as much as the clothing and accessories that you wear.

What type of products do The Dotted Line offer to brides?
Well, of course in my humble opinion, the best invitations and save the dates available!
We start with the printed materials to set the tone for the big day, and then we can carry the trend through programs, place cards, escort cards, gift baskets, favors, bridesmaids gifts and so much more!

What can a bride expect when coming into your shop and searching for wedding invitations or save the dates?
We recommend setting up an appointment and then we can set aside time to focus on all your wants and needs…..maybe sip some champagne or have a cupcake or two?

It is my understanding that you have a Candy Cart, (insanely cool by the way) has this become a popular option for weddings?
Yes, weddings and rehearsal dinners alike! It is really fun to customize it to fit the color of the wedding with the candy and all the packaging and custom tags too.

What type of vendors do you carry?
A wide variety of lines that offer price points that will cover almost any budget. A wide variety that offers different printing methods as well, ie, letterpressing, flat print, thermography or engraved. If you don’t find it in a book, we create it!

Where do you draw your inspiration from?
Oh all things vintage inspired, glittery and girly!

Do you have any quirky things you do while working?
hmmm….. you should ask beth! i think i have noticed i talk to myself as I check things off the list……..and off in my head! I keep a lot up there:)

Where and how can potential clients get a hold of you?
Call us, 615.385.0101, email us: dottedline@bellsouth.net, or web us: dottedlineonline.com

Rolling hills, a red barn, and just a few minutes from quite possible the most dapper of country townships in the South, Franklin, TN…yep, that’s Southall Eden. Southall Eden is about as cool as it gets for those wanting a farm wedding, but still wanting to maintain that chic and modern feel, and not cart your guests back and forth from the backwoods to the boondocks.

Southall Eden is nestled in the Liepers Fork community a stones throw from Franklin and about 30 minutes south of Nashville. Not only is it a fantastic wedding venue and event space, but it also seconds as a paperie where brides and others wanting custom stationery, invitations, and high-end paper goods can come and tickle their fancies. I had the chance to speak with Shannon O’Kelley, the head-honcho over at Southall Eden, and she was gracious enough to answer a few questions about the venue and paperie.

Give us a general overview of the services you offer to brides, as both a wedding venue and paper-designer.
Southall Eden Paperie specializes in custom wedding stationery. Our typical client is the mid- to high end bride who is looking for something completely unique to announce her big day. We work one on one with her to create an invitation that is both personal to the couple and also fits their wedding style, whether it is luxury, modern, vintage, or earthy. We offer complete stationery suites and all accessories from Save the Dates down to favor tags and boxes. All of our design, printing, die cutting, and assembly is done in-house, with gives us the flexibility to meet each couple’s individual needs. We also have a retail line of invitations available at You’re Invited in Belle Meade and Williamson County Weddings in Franklin.

The venue is a 5 acre farm in Leiper’s Fork, just minutes from historic downtown Franklin. In addition to a historic red barn built in 1904, we have a party shed, pavilion, restroom facilities, catering kitchen, and bridal suite. There are several sites on the property for a wedding ceremony and/or reception. We offer all-inclusive wedding packages but also rent out the property a la carte for weddings, rehearsal dinners, and engagement parties, as well as commercial photo shoots, bridal portraits, and engagement photos.

Southall Eden Paperie and Farm is quite the combination.  Why did you decide to offer both services?
I have been designing wedding stationery for about 7 years, but just purchased the farm 2 1/2 years ago. I didn’t purchase it with the intention of hosting events, but after moving here I immediately noticed the demand for farm wedding venues in Leiper’s Fork. A photographer whose client had a last minute conflict with her venue approached me about having the wedding here. We made it happen, and word of mouth kind of took over from there.

Located in the gorgeous Leiper’s Fork Area near Franklin, TN, do you feel being positioned in a slightly more rural area has given you an advantage or disadvantage?
Definitely an advantage! People love this area, and are always happy to bring their out of town guests here to show them how beautiful Tennessee is. We are located just 10 minutes from downtown Franklin and 3 minutes from the village of Leiper’s Fork. Both have great restaurants, shops, and art galleries where guests can entertain themselves when they are not participating in wedding related events.

What has been your biggest obstacle as a wedding venue owner?
Well this is not unique to wedding venues, but I’d have to say the recession! The average Nashville wedding costs about $28,000. While we can throw a nice wedding here for significantly less than that, the fact remains that weddings are expensive. In the past year we’ve seen couples not having as much money to devote to their wedding as couples in past years have, and we have to be creative to throw weddings that are fabulous for budgets that are not

What entices a bride to book Southall Eden?  Is there anything that sets you apart from the local wedding venues?
Most of our couples are laid back people who want a natural outdoor wedding that is beautiful but also comfortable and fun for the guests. We tend to attract a lot of artist and musician types, which we love! Our big red barn is usually a big selling point because of the popularity of barn weddings and the lack of other venues who have that sort of facility.

Are you simply a wedding venue, or do you offer planning and design services?
As of 2011 we now have an on-site planner who plans some of our weddings, but we also work with outside planners as well. And of course we are always delighted to be involved in the design process
for any couples who want it!

When designing wedding invitation and other custom stationary, what can a bride expect from start to finish?
The process begins with an in-person consultation (for local brides) to hear more about the couple, their vision, and other elements they are incorporating into their big day. We also work with brides on a national (and sometimes international) level, and those consultations are done either by phone or email. The second step is the design process, whereby I create a sample based on everything I’ve learned in the consultation. I then meet with the client again to go over the proof and make any necessary changes. Once she is 100% happy, we start production. After the invitations are finished and mailed, we move onto wedding day accessories such as programs, place cards, table numbers, and favors.

Where do you pull your inspiration from when designing wedding invitations?
This usually comes from the client. I always encourage her to bring photos of things she loves, whether its wedding related or not. I also like to find out details about the venue, the tablescape, flowers, bridesmaid dresses, and anything else that is important to the look of the wedding.

Does Southall Eden act as an event space for functions other than weddings?
Yes. This year we are offering a rehearsal dinner package that seems to really appeal to couples who want a formal indoor wedding but still want to give their out of town guests a true Tennesse experience. We also do engagement parties, corporate functions, and music industry events.

As always, I have to ask, do you have any quirkiness or weird habits you’ve noticed while working?
Me???? Never!! I’m totally the most normal person ever. Aren’t all artists???

What are the best ways prospective brides can contact you?
For brides interested in stationery I prefer an email (shannon (at) southalleden.com). For couples interested in the venue I prefer a phone call at 615-775-4080.

Ralph Waldo Emerson once said,”The Earth laughs in flowers.”  I would have to agree, seeing as most oxygen breathing, warm-blooded, well minded human beings can at least offer a smile when the see and/or smell them.  Flowers can warm the heart of even the most destitute of ho-hum pessimists, and may even bring some softies to tears….especially at a wedding!

A wedding florist is an artist.  Their medium organic and absolute.  They turn what nature has provided and make it signature to your wedding decor.  One wedding florist we always enjoy working with is A Village of Flowers.  They have an uncanny ability to take a brides bouquet and arrangements, and have them speak (sometimes scream) who that bride is stylistically and personally.

For those of you searching for a great wedding florist in Nashville look no further than A Village of Flowers.  Lauren Atkinson was kind enough to answer a few questions, and lend some insights to the world of the wedding florist.

How did A Village of Flowers get it’s start?  You guys look like a fun little family!
We very much are a family! A Village of Flowers first began in 1985. The current owners, Melissa and Paul Seykora, acquired the shop in 2003. We have had such a healthy growth over the past several years, and each staff member has arrived at the perfect time to fill a specific need. We are so blessed to have such incredible talent and think they are the absolute best in town, but we may be partial.

Where do you get your inspiration from?
From everywhere and everything! Sometimes the simplest things inspire each of us: Melanie feels inspired by being on her family’s organic dairy farm; Kala is inspired by cool and unique flowers that our fabulous wholesalers often surprise us with; Hayley is inspired by fun containers and anything whimsical; Lydia finds inspiration on relaxing rainy days; and I find inspiration on my grandfather’s flower farm back home.

Do you have any weird or quirky things you do while arranging?
Unbeknownst to us, yes! We were recently made aware that we do have quirky mannerisms while arranging. Last spring, we were approached to have a music video shot in the shop for musical artist, Jewel. The video production team stopped in to watch us design one day so that they could teach our same mannerisms to her. There is a shot in the video where she steps back from the arrangement she is designing and cocks her head, intensely looking the arrangement over. We all started laughing because we realized that is exactly what we do!

What can a bride expect when she comes in for a consultation?
We have the fun part of the wedding planning process – bringing all the details and design elements together to create what that the bride and groom have envisioned for their wedding day. Before the client arrives, we ask a series of questions to the bride or planner to best prep their wedding designer. We identify the style of the bride and groom, their vision for the day, and how we can incorporate their personalities into their wedding. We hope that when the consult is over, they feel as though they have completely visualized their wedding day down to even the tiniest of details.

When is the best time of  the wedding planning process to book your florist?
We only require that you have the venue for both your ceremony and your reception chosen for your wedding before you meet with us. This, along with general style and color scheme, determines a great deal of your wedding design. We love having ample time to meet with brides and work with them on their wedding, but we can also pull together and design a wedding weeks before the big day.

Is there something that differentiates your services from your competitors?
We have an incredible and versatile design team. When we initially talk with the bride, we discuss their personal style and wedding vision. Brides are paired with the designer that will best fit their needs, and because we are very team and family oriented, our couples and planners often come back to us saying that they felt incredibly at ease and welcomed during their consult, as though they were already a part of our family.

Do you have a particular style or approach when assembling a floral design for a wedding?
We typically have the same routine every weekend with weddings. We process flowers on Wednesday and Thursday, begin designing on Friday afternoon, and we complete the design on Saturday morning before the installation. We take pride in spending the time to make sure we’ve paid attention to even the slightest of details, down to the ribbon wrapped around each bouquet. We often design the personal party flowers first, as those are usually the favorite to do!

What kind of challenges are presented when working indoors?
Fitting through doors! You would be surprised how creative we have to get with getting structures and large floral arrangements inside!

What challenges are presented when working outdoors?
Wind and weather. Generally, there is always a backup plan with inclement weather, so a rainy day will not bring us down. But even on a beautiful, sunny day, the wind can really put a hitch in floral designing. We’ve learned that keeping designs low is best in large open fields.

What are your interests outside of work?
Shockingly, I love gardening and entertaining! I suppose I just cannot get away from events and flowers even outside of work! In the summer, we all go out on Melissa and Paul’s boat on the lake and waterski. Anything outdoors!

How can potential clients reach A Village of Flowers?
They are more than welcome to stop by the shop anytime. We are also accessible through phone or email, 615.369.3030 or villageofflowers@aol.com.

These photographs are from the wedding of Cali & Will at The Belle Meade Plantation by the always wonderful Angela Proffitt and designer Jennifer Milam at REAL EVENT STYLE.

What do People Magazine, Martha Stewart Weddings, and TLC have in common? JAY QUALLS…that’s what!!!!

Jay Qualls is the owner and head designer of the premier custom-cake bakery Maples Wedding Cakes in Murfreesboro, TN. Jay has become one of the most recognizable wedding-cake designers on the map, and most recently due to his appearance on TLC’s hits show The Next Great Baker hosted by The Cake Boss himself Buddy Valastro.

Jay has been super busy since his appearance on the show, but he was kind enough to answer a few questions on his way to Alaska  for our ‘Vendors We Love’ Blog Series….because Jay and Maples Wedding Cakes is definitely a vendor we love.

Tell us about Maples Wedding Cakes…what’s the climate like in the shop…who really runs the show?
Well, everything is pretty much the same except for the people stopping by the shop to say hi, ask questions about the show, or to have their picture made. Production has remained the same. It is a bit more difficult to get work done in the studio now I must admit.

What has been your biggest inspiration?
I’m inspired by many things everyday. I suppose my biggest inspiration that keeps me doing what I do is that I always have something to prove to myself. Now it has become challenge to me. How much can I accomplish in this industry? I have some plans up my sleeve that I will share in another interview. I’m inspired by my colleagues, fashion, other cake artists, Nature. Many, many things inspire me.

How do you start the cake design process and how do you take it to the finished product?
Unless it is an original design for display or marketing, the design process all starts with the client and ends with the client. The client ultimately has the final say about design but I try very hard to listen to the client and determine her style. It is my job as an expert in my field to guide the client to a beautiful outcome and not something she is going to look back on 10 or 20 years from now and have remorse.

You were recently on TLC’s The Next Great Baker…what was that experience like and how has it changed your life & business since?
Careful what you wish for! It was a great experience. I didn’t go there to win honestly. I went there for exposure and looking back now to find out what I’m really made of. It was very, very, difficult. It was long hours, hard physical labor in unbelievable situations. It certainly has been a whirlwind for sure. It has given me many opportunities that I would have never gotten without that type of international exposure. I am traveling all over the United States and Canada teaching, lecturing, and demonstrating my craft. All the fans have been amazing and getting to work side by side with some of my cake idols is a dream come true. Crazy!

You have been traveling all over and meeting tons of new people…what is your fondest memory so far?
Hmmm…that is a tough question because there have been so many. I think one of my fondest memories was when I was asked to do an 80th birthday cake for a sweet southern lady from Alabama who was a fan. They drove her all the way to my shop so I could surprise her with her cake. When I was posing with her and her cake, I actually cried that I could touch a woman’s life with a cake after 80 years of her life and all she has seen and as many cakes as she has gotten. She still wanted mine. It was an unforgettable moment for me.

What is your favorite design element and technique…for those who don’t know, whats your trademark?
It is strange, until I did the cake for Martha Stewart Weddings, I never considered myself as someone who could pipe. Piping is a skilled art. After being asked to do that cake I fell in love with it and practiced, practiced, practiced and now it is one of my favorite technique. I’m also known for putting jewels or brooches on my cakes. I’m working on doing them in sugar as well. There are some great techniques that I am working on and going to be doing new designs around them. I love the art of string-work which is piping done with royal icing. It is beautiful and I feel so peaceful when I’m doing it.

Describe your perfect wedding cake?
Wow….that is a tough question. I get asked that question a lot. Hmmm? I’ll answer the best I can as of today because I change my mind everyday…LOL! I would say round, tall, tier’s will be different heights, 2 colors, maybe all white or soft ivory on white…it must have piping for sure. Maybe jewels. Not sure. See…I get lost every time I start to design my vision of the perfect wedding cake. I have too many techniques in my mind to design just one. That is why I like the diversity of designing for clients.

If you could make a cake for any couple…who would it be?
The Royal couple of course and Oprah and Steadman.

When a new client comes to Maples Cakes what can they expect?
They can expect to have a pleasant experience with knowledgeable staff. We make the tasting and design process an experience that hopefully will be a fond memory. They will get to sit in a luxurious beautiful studio with over 50 cakes on display. They will be able to taste at least 5 of our most popular flavors of cake, and our delicious buttercream and white chocolate fondant. We will spend as much time as we need until we get there cake designed. Sometimes they are surprised how quickly it comes together. Most of our cakes are unique designs, but that is usually determined by the client. It makes me feel good when they pick one of my original designs for their wedding.

Is there a Philosophy behind the work at Maples Wedding Cakes?
Martha Stewart has a standard called “Perfectly Perfect”. I have striven over the years to set and maintain a standard of excellence when we produce every single cake that would live up to that expectation. My philosophy is that my ability and skill set should be level with the bride’s expectation. I find that makes for a wonderful working relationship because we are able to do our best work and make our clients happy. Another important element is that I think CAKE SHOULD TASTE GOOD and BE MADE FRESH! Never freeze cake people! Never!

Anything else you would like to say…
Thank you to all of our former clients for allowing us to design their cake and be a part of their lives. Thank you to all my fans who have reached out to me and follow me to see what I’m doing next. Speaking of which….keep your eye on me. I just developed a new company called Jay Qualls Holdings, LLC. Just wait till you see some of the things I have planned. Great things coming this year! Until next time! Eat More Cake! Jay

MAPLES WEDDING CAKES
http://www.maplesweddingcakes.com/

If I could change one thing about my wedding it would’ve been to hire someone that can remove the stress, educate me on proper wedding etiquette, show me the who’s who of wedding vendors, and essentially hold our hands through the process and pat our heads and tell us that everything is going to be ok.  In short, we should have hired a wedding planner

There’s wedding planners, and then there’s Angela Proffitt.  Angela is the mind and muscle behind Elegant Weddings by Angela.  Elegant Wedding’s by Angela is a full service wedding planning firm that specializes in comprehensive wedding and event planning….and when I say comprehensive, I MEAN COM-PRE-HEN-SIVE!

Angela is easily one of the most organized, energetic, and positive people I have ever met, and she is always on point.  She is like the alchemist of Nashville weddings, turning bland to beautiful in the wink of an eye!  For our ‘Vendors We Love’ feature we are proud to have spoken with Angela Proffitt.  She has given us some great insight for brides looking to hire a wedding planner and the process that goes into to planning a fabulous event!

How did you become one of Nashville’s top wedding planners?  How did you get your start?
Providing top customer service, educating, and sharing knowledge with clients and being exceptionally organized. Growing up I knew I always wanted to help people. I wasn’t one of those girls who dreamed of being a wedding planner; I went to college to be in psychology, worked in a mental health institute which was not the right path for me. I really fell into doing weddings through my uncle who was a wedding planner on the Gulf Coast for 35 years. After numerous family and friends asked me to plan their events, I just decided it would be best to start a business and make a living off of something I love doing and I know God put me on this earth to be a wedding planner. With my background in psychology I understand and can relate to a lot of various situations from my mental health days.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve had planning a wedding and how did you overcome it?
Mother Nature. It is something I can’t control. However, it’s all in how you handle the situation when the unexpected happens. The Nashville flood is a perfect example of that. Working with professional, experienced vendors who work together as a team can make anything happen, no matter the situation. We roll up our sleeves, dive in, and do what we need to do to make the event exquisite. I’m writing a book about the behind the scenes of what we do, so stay tuned!

Also, TV shows around weddings have made it very difficult for brides to see what is reality and what is fabrication. Such as what things cost, I spend a lot of my time educating on realistic expectation and cost.

What role does Elegant Weddings By Angela play in the wedding process?
Well I could write an entire 500+ page book for this question alone, but I’ll make this one as short as possible What dictates our involvement is how far along the client is in the planning process when they come to us. Every client is different as to their wants and needs for their event. I specialize in logistics, communication, education, and creativity. My commitment to my clients is to provide them with a unique and incomparable experience.

What can a bride expect when she comes for a consultation?
Expect to identify their wants versus needs and how they would like my company to be involved. The second thing would be education and thirdly their expectations. It’s my job to identify where they are and steer them in the right direction.

In your opinion, what determines when a bride is in need of the services of a wedding planner?
Every bride deserves to be treated like a princess on her wedding day. Every bride needs the guidance whether the wedding is big, small, themed, or destination as education and guidance is invaluable from an experienced planner who lives and breathes weddings day in and day out. Logistics play a huge role in the behind the scenes planning and a bride would feel so much more at ease having a professional lead the communication to all of her vendors so she doesn’t have 45 plus people asking her questions the month of her wedding.

Do you lean towards design, planning, or both?  Is there a clear distinction in the marketplace or have the lines been blurred between the two?
As a planner, I feel I need to see the big picture and be able to identify all of the pieces of the puzzle to fit perfectly to ensure my client is happy with the end result. While I offer a full service wedding planning team; design is one piece of the puzzle. There is not a clear distinction in the marketplace and the lines have been blurred. Brides need to look for a planner that best suits their overall need as planners cannot be compared apples to apples. We all have our own process.

From a planners point of view, where should a bride invest the bulk of her budget?  For example; lighting or location, caterer or cake, decorations or photography?
First and foremost, brides should make a list of priorities based on functionality and necessity versus wants. We customize our client’s budget based on the clients list of priorities, number of guests, and location.

Depending on the time of day and location, lighting is a necessity. For a positive experience the food and the cake must taste good and look good. The décor should reflect the personality of the couple. A good photographer can capture all of this. The biggest mistake I see brides making is allocating too much money for their location and not enough lighting and photography. The biggest question to ask yourself as a bride would be, “Is my location lit appropriately, and do I have a great photographer to capture it appropriately?”

How do you go about choosing vendors with your brides?
Our clients have control over who they wish to hire. As a planner I educate clients on the execution of the big picture to ensure they understand the importance of hiring suitable vendors. The event is much smoother when working with vendors who are experienced professionals in the industry.

Do you have a favorite theme, design, or trend?
My focus is to provide a unique and personalized event for each client so I do not have a favorite theme or design. One of the best components of being a planner is constantly creating new themes and designs. I enjoy creating unique floor plans based around the theme and design, which ties into the big picture of logistics.

While many traditions are overlooked the presence of a traditional wedding cake is something that guests still look for. Incorporating a variety of desserts along with your wedding cake offers your guests variety without confusion.

How can prospective brides contact you?
Connect@AngelaProffitt.com
615.480.7980
www.ElegantWeddingsByAngela.com
www.AngelaProffitt.com new site launching soon
Office: By appt. only
2021 21st Ave South
Enchanted Brides Suite #410
Nashville, TN 37212

The Photos above are of Megan & Joe. A fabulous wedding planned by none other than Angela Proffitt.
To see more images of this wedding please click below.
MEGAN & JOE

If you’re in search of the perfect wedding venue, than look no further than Nashville’s own Historic Cedarwood! Whitney has photographed a ton of weddings here, and for good reason. The grounds are gorgeous, well kept, and there are multitudes of locations and scenery to get new and fresh photographs. Historic Cedarwood also has a knack for getting published, as you can find spreads featuring the venue in almost every blog on the web. If you haven’t done so already, you need to call Linda and schedule a consultation today, I guarantee you won’t be let down!

Linda is the partner and planner for Historic Cedarwood, a superwoman of sorts. That’s why we’re proud to feature her and Historic Cedarwood in this weeks installment of “Vendors We Love”…cause that’s exactly what we do…we LOVE Linda and Cedarwood. She was kind enough to spare a few moments out of her busy schedule to answer a few questions for those brides-to-be, and give an overview of how Historic Cedarwood can help you achieve the perfect ‘dream wedding’.

You are a partner and planner for Historic Cedarwood, how did you find yourself working in the venue business?
Cedarwood partners are family! My sister Karen and brother Nathan and I are all hand-on owners and we each bring unique skills that help make Cedarwood solid. Karen is a master florist whose entire career has been dedicated to floral design, with several celebrity weddings under her belt. Nathan is our facilities and finance manager. My past career in managing travel and celebrity events required skills similar to planning weddings and coordinating large groups. We truly care about our clients and invest ourselves totally into making every Cedarwood wedding reflect our commitment to this business.

What is so special about Cedarwood? What separates it from other wedding venues in town?
We are an insanely creative group of designers who always look for ways to improve the venue and each event. Every year we upgrade the property in some major way and we’re constantly adding items to our inventory of photo props, decor items and vintage collections. Cedarwood brides not only have access to a variety of naturally beautiful spaces for events and photos, they can also use our vast resources in designing and decorating their weddings. We are the creative force behind the beauty – we don’t just own a venue and farm out the services – we make it happen. We are also unique because Cedarwood offers clients and guests variety — brides can create a multitude of styles from black tie to barbecue. The property is dignified and beautiful, yet never stuffy, and we constantly hear how relaxed and refreshed people feel when they are at our historic farm.

When a bride comes for a consultation, what can she expect?
On initial visits, we show how Cedarwood’s various spaces fit together on the property and discuss the site possibilities appropriate to her vision of an ideal wedding and reception. One misconception about our packages is that there’s limited choices, but on the contrary, every wedding is custom designed for each bride. We like to show how unique each Cedarwood wedding is. Our blog does a good job of this too.

Do you offer packages to smaller, more intimate style weddings?
We offer packages starting at 50 guests, perfect for couples who want an intimate wedding with a ‘big wedding’ experience. A unique feature of Cedarwood is that the property can be used in such a way that it never feels “too big” for intimate events. Similarly we can expand by using more of the grounds for larger weddings up to 175 people.

How much planning do you and the venue offer? Is there a need for a wedding planner when a bride chooses your venue?
Cedarwood is a full service, all inclusive wedding venue. Our packages include planning, design and coordination of the wedding and reception. When a Cedarwood bride meets us for her planning appointment, we dive into every aspect of her wedding starting with her style vision and ending with a concise plan covering every detail of the day. Cedarwood is owned by a creative group of planners, stylists and designers — it’s who we are. There’s no need for a bride to hire an outside wedding planner, but if a bride has one, we are happy to collaborate!

Cedarwood offers a few different options as far as on-site locations. Do you offer multiple configurations as to where a ceremony and/or reception can be held?
We have many, and keep thinking of more possibilities! We never want Cedarwood to be static or restricted, so we are open to exploring unique sites. Cedarwood brides love our ‘progressive style’ of entertaining wedding guests by using a variety of site spaces, each with a unique vibe yet conveniently just steps apart. Popular sites include our garden terrace, the outdoor Cathedral setting in our open meadow, the graceful front lawn of our antebellum house, the open-air Flagstone Pavilion, our indoor candlelight setting and the Cedarwood barn. Couples who love old southern settings, nature and the outdoors are drawn to Cedarwood.

As Whitney and I know, Cedarwood is one of the most beautiful places to photograph weddings and bridal sessions. What, do you feel, makes your venue so enticing to photograph?
The variety of natural spaces. In one location, you have manicured flower gardens to wildflower meadows; an expansive green meadow to the wilderness of our nature preserve; a shady lawn with old growth trees to water vistas including a waterfall, creek and beautiful blue lake. We also make a big effort to maintain Cedarwood’s interesting architecture (our historic farm house and red barn!) and we enhance the natural landscapes with unique photo props like lots of signage, chandeliers, a Victorian sofa, vintage metal glider, and bicycle for two. Our newly remodeled bride’s room is now a beautiful place for indoor portraits! Since all of us at Cedarwood are photography addicts, there’s nothing we won’t do to help photographers get great shots!

I love the ‘Red Truck’…how did that beautiful piece of American automative history end up at Cedarwood?
Through a year of searching! Ha. I was on a mission to find a vintage farm truck and specifically a red one that would match our barn. It finally turned up on Ebay, and we had to ship it from Cleveland to Nashville. Worth every penny, our 1950 Chevy truck is probably the most photographed icon at Cedarwood. We also have a vintage Airstream – another piece of Americana – that’s making new history at Cedarwood. A photo of it is featured in the latest issue of Bride’s Magazine!

This is a question I ask everyone, but do you have any weird ticks or crazy habits you have while working?
Actually Karen and I both have a habit of going into a ‘zone’ when we focus on creative work. The sky could be falling and we wouldn’t know. Ha. My husband says I also use ‘body english’ when I’m writing our blog. What’s body english, I asked? His reply, “It’s when you raise your shoulders and eyebrows and start pounding on the keyboard.” Wow, I never knew! LOL.

How can an interested bride get in contact with you?
Linda Wright, Partner and Planner
Cedarwood Weddings
Phone:  615-876-9999  — Mail: info@historiccedarwood.com
Web: www.historiccedarwood.com
Twitter: cedarwoodwed
Facebook: Historic Cedarwood

The photo’s above are from two of Whitney’s wedding at Historic Cedarwood.  To view them in their entirety please click the links below.

Erin and Scott
Beth and Cameron

Being a guy, by nature, I am not genetically inclined to comprehend or recall facts about concealer, lotions, or anything that smells like flowers or ‘happy’ things. Being in the wedding industry and being male, some would say, has put me at a slight disadvantage, especially when it comes to relating to a bride’s cosmetic or beauty needs…but with the advent of the beauty blog, I am here to say I am at a disadvantage no more! I will even one up-that statement, because I am actually friends with with one of the best beauty bloggers around!

I am here to introduce to you the always fabulous Brittainy, who is the author, entrepreneur, and head honcho of the immensely popular and fast growing beauty-blog Britt’s Beauty Bag! There you can find the latest tips & tricks, product reviews, and fantastic give-aways! Brittainy and I have known each other for about 10 years now, and I was so pleased when she agreed to meet up and answer a few questions about the blog, her approach on cosmetics, and some nice tips for those soon to be brides & grooms….ENJOY!

Tell us about Britt’s Beauty Bag?
Brittainy’s Beauty Bag features modern day beauty tips and tricks for the everyday woman (and men sometimes). Brittainy’s Beauty Bag, or BBB as I like to call it, is about enhancing your outer beauty so that your inner confidence (which is most important) shines through.

Give us a quick overview about what it is you do?
I do it all! LOL I am the creator, manager, editor, content supervisor, marketing coordinator etc etc. for all of BBB’s outlets…WHEW!
Currently BBB has it’s own blog, Twitter page & Facebook fan page and I manage ALL of them on a daily basis. I am responsible for researching and coming up with new content, reviewing different products, testing new beauty tips but most importantly I make sure I listen to what my fans want because they are the reason that I do this.

What is your core audience, who are your readers?
Most definitely the ladies! I do occasionally post tips and tricks for men but more women have become fans of the FB page and blog.
I have a wide range of readers that come from all different backgrounds, ethnicity’s and walks of life, from girls who are 12 years old to women who are in their 50′s & 60′s. Brittainy’sBeautyBag is for EVERYONE! LOL

How did you get your start and become a beauty blogger?
About 1 1/2 ago I heard this cool tip on t.v. about how to remove deodorant from your black shirt with the top inside part of a pair of pantyhose, so I tried it and it worked. I thought it was so cool that I had to post it on FB & when I did I got a huge response! I then decided that I would post other little makeup & beauty tips on my FB wall & when I did people loved it. I would post a few things then stop, post a few things then stop & every time I would stop people would say “what happened to the tips? I really loved reading them.” When I realized that I had a following & that people enjoyed what I was doing, I then decided I would do it full time & it’s been the best thing I could have ever done. I call it my therapy!

What advice can you give a bride to prepare for her special day?
Get plenty of rest, drink lots of water and be sure to EXFOLIATE & MOISTURIZE…LOL!
My regular blog readers know that I am a huge stickler when it comes to moisturizing & exfoliating! It makes all the difference in the world. It leaves you with soft & touchable skin, the skin every bride should have! Exfoliate & moisturize your face, body, lips, hands & feet on a regular basis. It does not have to be apart of your nightly routine but you should take the time to fit it in at least 2 to 3 nights a week!
If you visit my blog http://brittsbeautybag.com or my Facebook Fan Page, you can find different products and different ways to exfoliate and moisturize. I even have a recipe on how to make your own exfoliant right in your own kitchen!

Should a bride invest in a make-up artist? Is it safe to use a friend versus a professional?
It’s all about who you trust…I just don’t recommend a bride doing her own makeup the day of her wedding! I think professional make-up artist are great but not always necessary, especially if you are trying to save a buck. If you have seen your friends makeup artistry skills and TRULY feel comfortable with it then sure, go for it, have them do your makeup! However, you really want to make sure that it is someone who is skilled in this area. Even though your friends makeup might look great on her, that doesn’t mean she will do a great job on you. About week or two prior to your wedding I would suggest doing a test run and/or consultation. This will allow you to give clear and concise instructions about how you want to look the day of your wedding & it also gives you time to find another make-up artist just in case you don’t like the results!

Do you have any special wedding day tips for our brides-to-be?
1. EAT! Plan a good breakfast the day of your wedding and pack a few nourishing snacks – but be sure to avoid foods that could cause bloating or an upset stomach. Also, make sure to keep hydrated by limiting caffeine and drinking plenty of water. (Foods to stay away from: spicy, starchy, caffeine filled, sodas & milk and dairy products)!
2. Always remember that less is more. If you don’t normally wear makeup – or none at all- you don’t want to walk down the aisle with a heavily painted face. It won’t seem natural , you won’t be comfortable, and your pictures will reflect that!
3. Create you a rescue kit. This contains all of the items that will help to keep you looking fresh throughout the day. Inside you should have blotting papers to reduce oil build up (Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets $4.99), a blotting powder to reduce shine (Laura Mercier Smooth Focus Pressed Setting Powder $32 Sephora), the lip color that you are wearing, a little pack of tissue & a few mints (no gum)!

I like that you occasionally feature hygiene “improvement” tips for men as well…what can you tell all our grooms out there?
Grooms, put aside your manly pride and treat yourself to a little pampering of your own on the “big day!”

1. I would recommend heading to get a manicure a day or two prior to the wedding. The manicurist will shape, buff, trim your cuticles & exfoliate (you know I like that) your hands leaving your hands clean and groomed. This will help to enhance the look of your wedding band in your close-up hand photos.
2. Grooms should also start a facial skin-care regiment leading up to the day of the wedding. Be sure that you are washing & moisturizing your face on a daily basis & exfoliating at least twice a week (St. Ives Apricot Scrub $5). There are some great men skin care products on the market, you just have to find the one that works best for your skin type.
3. Be sure to shave or trim your goatee, beard or mustache the day of the wedding. This will polish off your look!

What products are you using and/or obsessed with right now?
Oh goodness where do I begin! LOL I could give a you a list a mile long but these are my top three:

1. Crabtree & Evelyn LaSource Hand Recovery from Crabtree & Evelyn $34 ( I use this every night)!
2. C.O Bigelow Mentha Lip Tint from Bath & Body Works $7.99 (LOVE this product)!
3. Tree Hut Shea Sugar Body Scrub from Wal-Mart $7.00 (I use this 2 time per week…the smell is amazing)!

Do you have a go-to product`, something that your are never without?
So I know you asked for 1 product but I have to give you 2 because I use both everyday! They have changed my life! LOL

1.Curel Ultra Healing Body Lotion. $8
I use this product everyday…it has changed the feel of my skin! It is softer and smoother!!
2. Equate Exfoliating Cleansing Towels at Wal-Mart $5.
These are great! They take off all of your makeup and leave your skin feel great! I even use them even if I am not wearing any makeup just freshen up my face and remove the grit and grime of the day.

Do you have anything else to add?
Please visit and subscribe to the blog and become a fan of the Facebook page. BBB has something for everybody and I want people to take full advantage of what Brittainy’s Beauty Bag has to offer!!

There’s something extremely endearing about personalized gifts….mugs and back-packs aside. Something that lets the receiver know you were thinking of them, and them alone. Now lets take that personalized gift and make it hand-made! Looking for wedding party gifts, something to say I love you, or accessorize in an awesome way? Ladies and gents I give to you Ladybug Blessings!

Ladybug Blessings is the custom hand-stamped jewelry brand of the always crafty Kristen Nelson. I was able to catch up with Kristen yesterday for an interview and a little glimpse into her blossoming business. To pick-up some of her amazing pieces please visit her website, facebook, or etsy profile.

How long have you been designing these hand-made crafts & what led you to make custom jewelry?
I started about a year and a half ago when I found myself wanting to buy the hand stamped jewelry and realizing I could do them myself. There is quite a bit of start up cost to purchase all the supplies but I do not regret it. I love making all types of handmade goods and crafts and this was just another way to express myself.

Walk us through your construction process…what inspires you?
Everything! I can see a quote or a picture and I immediately have an idea of a necklace or other craft item. I always have to carry a notebook around with me for me to write down all my ideas in. I wish I had more time to actually work on everything that comes into my head, hopefully one day!

What audience do you mostly cater to, do you have a niche clientele?
I have had lots of people contact me but if I had to pick the most common people who order from me I would say they are between the ages of 30 and 45 and are ordering for their friends or family members. My mother/grandmother necklaces are very popular and I get a lot of repeat orders from that. It is also not uncommon for them to come to order something as a gift and then order one for themselves!

How has your business grown since you started?
I had no idea how it would go when I started but I absolutely love how often people contact me. I really rely on word of mouth and local orders. I love sites like etsy and also have my own blog/website but I find that with hand stamped jewelry and unique items people want to see what they are ordering and have me show them different options before they commit to anything. I like being able to show them different styles, lay things out for them etc. so that they really know what they are getting before they purchase anything. I think my customers enjoy the fact that I am willing to meet with them, have them come to my house etc. so they can truly understand everything before I make anything.

Where do you see the business going in 2 years?
I definitely hope to still be doing this in two years and I plan on growing it. I think now that I have over a year behind me I know that it is something that people enjoy and will continue to buy. So now I need to focus on advertising and growing my business. I also hope to start doing craft fairs and home shows. I have always been worried because most items are custom made but I think having some samples and pictures would do quite well!

Do you have a philosophy, or mission statement your company stands behind?
I do. Not so much a mission statement but a philosophy of how I run my business. I strive to create only items that I would feel comfortable giving as a gift. I am not going to be making things half way. This is why I make sure I solder (seal) all of the jump rings and other items. In addition, if someone is not satisfied with their purchase I am willing to work with the customer to make sure they leave happy and wanting to recommend my company. A business only exists because of others who recommend it and it is important not to forget that.

Is there anything else you would like our readers to know about your company?
In addition to jewelry I also do sewing items including letter shirts, tutu shirts and other unique custom items. You never know what I may come up with!

Mahsa & Michael had a gorgeous fall wedding at Cheekwood Botanical Gardens & Museum of Art. Many of our favorite wedding specialists were involved with the planning and production of their Nashville wedding. We will share Mahsa & Michael’s wedding photography with you shortly, but before then we wanted you to see the set-up of their reception as well as see Mahsa, Michael, their family, and their friends enjoy some amazing food and get on the dance floor.

Thanks to everyone who helped make this such a wonderful event:

Elegant Weddings by Angela
Cheekwood
BBJ Linens
Village of Flowers
Street Tuxedo
F.A.D.D.S. Trolley
FocalPoint Cinematic Weddings
Music City Tents
FABU
Nashville Event Lighting
Blue Nova Drapery
Matchless Limo
Party Patrol

Nashville brides who are looking for a resource to help with planning elegant and completely unique weddings now have a place to turn. WedCandy is a new Nashville weddings blog that showcases high quality wedding ideas along with premiere Nashville wedding vendors.

Some of our photographs were recently used for a feature blog that can be viewed by visiting wedcandy.com.