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Diana Warner Trunk Show

Holiday Open House featuring jewelry designer: Diana Warner

When: Dec 3rd and 4th from 10-7

Where: POSH-Green Hills (located in the HG Hill Center)

What: To find that unique holiday gift(champagne and strawberries will be served)

**Her jewelry would make great attendant gifts**

Check out Diana's website for great jewelry pieces & to learn more about this great designer!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving from Bridal Opulence & OpulentFAVORS.com

Grooms Gifts

It is traditional in many cultures for a bride to give her groom a gift the day of their wedding. I wanted to share my Top 5 Grooms gifts to give the hubby to be!

#5: Leather Wallet-Kenneth Cole New York Pass Case

Photo credit: Kenneth Cole

#4: Spa Gift Certificate-The Den Sports Spa, Franklin Tennessee

#3: Money Clip: Tiffany & Co. The Mall at Green Hills (Ask for Kimberly)

Photo Credit: Tiffany & Co.

#2: Electronics: Have a Techie Fiance? Think Iphone or the New Blackberry Storm

Photo credit: Apple & whoismrsykes.wordpress.com

#1: A Classic Timepiece: Zales Bulova Diamond Collection or Movado Fiero Watch with Diamond Bezel and Black Tonneau Shaped Dial (Model: 0605770)

Photo credit: Zales.com

I hope this sparks some creative gifts!

Weekly Reader Series

I thought I would start sharing some of my weekly reads. I have been an avid reader since I was young. Some months more than others, but I at least read a book per week, most times 3-5 books per month. My love for reading stemmed from seeing my Grandma reading but also my childhood neighbor Mrs. Chestine! Being from a smaller town in Kentucky, community was very important. Picture this...Liberty Street (my childhood address) had Mrs. Chestine (my Mothers Elementary school teacher) as a neighbor, & also Mrs. Brooks (the wife of the Doctor that delivered me...). Not to mention....my families backyard was in plain view of my Mothers childhood home. Can you say, it really does take a village to raise a child!

As a child & up until I went away to college, I would see Mrs. Chestine sitting on her porch reading, she loved Oprah & good literature. One summer day I remember like it was yesterday I was outside & she called me across the street to sit with her. We had a talk that I would never forget, it was about the importance of higher education, reading and being a strong woman. Now to know Mrs. Chestine, she had a very quiet & wise spirit so when she talked....we all listened. Mrs. Chestine passed away a few years ago, however I now have a piece of her legacy in my bedroom & its my reading chair!

So this weeks read that I would like to share is: The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work: A Practical Guide from the Country's Foremost Relationship by John M. Gotten & Nan Silver

This is a great book for couples that are newly engaged, thinking of getting engaged & also married couples. Please be advised that I do not advise reading this book in the place of marriage counseling as I firmly believe in marriage counseling with a Pastor or Spiritual Advisor. This book talks about the importance of open communication in a marriage & will also provide you will great exercises to do with your mate as well as quizzes & checklist. Its wonderful to have a grande wedding, but also take some time to invest in the marriage that will ultimately last a lifetime!

Happy reading!

Bridal Emergency Kit Find!

Now you can indulge in your favorite red wine without worry at your wedding reception!

While doing some website cruising I found this handy dandy Wine Away-Red Wine Stain Emergency Kit!

These are sure to be in my bridal emergency kit! What about yours?

Vendor Spotlight Kathy Ziegler Photography

I had the pleasure of spending some time with Kathy Ziegler of Kathy Ziegler Photography this week! First, a big thank you to Carry Ann of Fresh by CarryAnn for passing along my information to such a great wedding professional!

Kathy is a San Diego & Nashville area wedding photographer. VOTED ‘The Knot 2007 Best of Weddings Pick, her work was a breath of fresh air!

I love photography that is fresh, classic & timeless...not to mention she is a true professional! By the time our meet & greet ended I felt like I'd known her for a while....not to mention she has almost convinced me into getting a puppy! Oh she is a huge animal lover & creates fabulous animal portraits!

Nashville Brides & Readers, I introduce Kathy Ziegler!

• What inspired you to start your own photography business? I’ve always been the photographer of the family & enjoyed shooting people more than ”things”, so when my life was in a vocational transition I decided the time was right to go for it as a business.

• Outside of photography, what are some of your favorite things to do? I’m obsessed with horses & animals in general. I’m enjoying learning natural horsemanship though I’ve had horses all my life.

• What is your favorite moment of a wedding/bridal shoot? I LOVE shooting the romantics & also truly enjoy great, touching toasts & personal vows during the ceremony.

• Where do you find your inspiration? My clients themselves, years of doing this work, viewing people’s work I admire & attending workshops. I am true to my own style, as you have to be to make your own mark, but always stretching & learning.

• Name one thing that you use daily that you can't live without? My computer, but then, without my camera I’d be sunk too=P

• How are your services different from other photographers? Working with natural light as much as possible & creating personal, intimate images that will hopefully stand the test of time. I make sure that the images I deliver are beautifully exposed & color corrected without overdoing it.

• What's your average price (packages) for your wedding shoots? The average tends to be $3900-$4500 for a pretty complete package with a beautiful album & all the most important stuff included.

• Any qualities or words of wisdom that you want to give new brides in selecting a photographer? There are 3 really important factors I think – 1. Do you like their style of photography? 2. Do you click with this person & trust their skills? You have to meet or talk with them to discover this. 3. And is their pricing doable for you? Photography is all you have when the big day is over & you want to love, love, love your pictures & not have regrets!

Take a peek at some of her classy shots!

For consultations please contact:

Kathy Ziegler

Email: info@ktziegler.com

Website: Kathy Ziegler Photography

Telephone: 866.994.4750

Etsy pick of the week

I am a huge fan of Etsy, I have purchased so many "unique" touches for weddings & events. If you are looking for a designer that makes custom labels for gift bags, candy or popcorn bars then look no further than Little Beane Boutique! Little beane has created custom labels for me & they turned out wonderful, so I highly recommend their quality of print work.

Below are a few of my favorites!

** Please note that labels can be printed in a variety of colors, so if you don't see your color palette simply message them & you can request custom designs!**

Custom Candy Labels: Great for a candy bars!

Custom Recipe Cards: Great for Recipe Showers

Be advised: Their store will be closed on December 18th through the end of the year...so order early to beat the rush and get your items on time.

Can you Wu Wu Wu....

Okay, that title is an ol' school song by Jeffrey Osborne...however its a perfect lead in for one of the reality TV shows that I can't stop watching--The Real Housewives of Atlanta!

I have had numerous debates with girlfriends about the stereotypes and drama on the show, however I have my favorites of the Housewives & please believe that Lisa Wu Hartwell is one of my favorites! She is classy, business oriented but will also tell you exactly like it T-I-IS! In reading the numerous blogs about TRHofA, Essence.com has been on top of all the updates of these Southern Georgia Peaches of the ATL! So needless to say I was so excited when they posted nupital pics of Lisa Wu & former Atlanta Falcon Ed Hartwell!

Take a peak at their destination wedding!

Photo Credit: Essence.com

I can't wait to see what happens on the season finale on Tuesday!!!

Southern Charm

If you have not checked out the new blog design for Southern Weddings it is absolutely fabulous! Love the design & its extremely user friendly & very interactive.

Congrats Lara & the gals over at Southern Weddings!!

Freebie from Oprah.com

Oprah started her "Clean up your messy house tour" today with Peter Walsh. During today's show she announced a free offer with Snapsfish.com that I just had to share with you! For the next 48 hours, you can get a free 8" x 11" custom-cover photo book! * Who does not like free stuff!

It was intended to help moms stream line their childrens art work but why not take advantage of this great offer to create a photo book of your wedding, bridal shower, girls night out pictures!

Here is specific information:

* This offer is only good for one standard 20-page 8" x 11" custom-cover photo book per household. Coupon dispersal ends at 11:59 p.m. PST Friday, November 14, 2008. Free photo book must be redeemed by 11:59 p.m. PST Sunday, November 16, 2008. Offer does not include customary shipping and handling changes or additional pages. Offer applies only to mail-order delivery to U.S. customers. Offer cannot be combined with other coupon codes. Coupon cannot be resold or otherwise transferred and is void on the earlier of redemption or the offer end date.

Pass this along to others!

Happy Birthday!

Today is my Mom's birthday & its Veterans Day! So I wanted to do a quick post to wish her a Happy Birthday! I can't say enough about the woman that brought me into this world!

She has the biggest heart & is a truly giving woman! Happy Birthday & Thank you to all the Veterans for your dedication!

Love ya Mama!

Its a wrap?

Not sure if I am late on this information, but thought I would share none the less! Is anyone in the Nashville area familiar with NashvilleWraps?

Nashville Wraps is based in Hendersonville Tennessee & the carry giftwrap, gift bags & a wide assortment of Christmas Gift wrap! Who knew this was right under my nose in Hendersonville??

For more information log on to Nashville Wraps or contact them at 1-800-547-9727

PARIS-Trunk Show

An Event Not to Miss!!!!

Custom jewelry for: Rehearsal Dinner, Wedding Day, Bridesmaids Gifts, Mothers

A personal appearance by Debra Moreland is priceless!Appointments booking quickly so call or email today! 615.297.9899 thebrideroom@comcast.net The Bride Room2209 Bandywood Drive, Suite ANashville, Tennessee 37215

Make it a Happy Meal

More & more brides are starting to include kids in their reception planning. Sure its an added expense, but little ones can be fun & create a fun presense at your reception. The most important thing to remember is to make sure they are very well occupied. Having the children separated in their own area is key, but also supplying a teen, family friend or a company like Green Hills Nannies to keep the fun going & your little guest occupied.

To ensure they have a Happy Meal, serve kid friendly foods like:

• Mini grill cheese sandwiches
• Bite-size pizza
• Bite-size burgers
• Mini cups of gold fish {all kids love goldfish}
• Mac & Cheese
• Juice Boxes
• Fresh baked cookies & Cupcakes w/mini tubs of ice cream
• Chicken fingers
• Rice Krispies treats
• Create a miniture candy bar for your mini guest

Its important to remember to cater to the age of the children that are attending your reception.

Other ways to to keep them entertained:

• Create a DIY crafts
• Hire a clown/balloon artist, magician
• Set up their area to be like a "Kiddie Lounge" with bean bags & kid friendly movies
• Have a gaming challenge with and Xbox, PS3 or Wii (possibly more than one so there is not a line at the game system)
• Board games never go out of style. My favorites are: Chutes & Ladders, Connect Four, Memory, Hungry hungry Hippo, CandyLand, Twister, Jenga

So have fun preparing a extra special area for your little guest & I ensure you it will create a Happy Meal!!!