Planning Tips & Advice Archive

When planning your dream wedding, no detail is too small or insignificant. Incorporating the bride’s own personal love story into the ceremony, décor and reception can be challenging. Amber Housley explains her solution.

When I first meet with clients, I take the time to get to know their personal style and favorite brands. I have a casual questionnaire I use to help bring out their love story, including special places, meaningful objects or symbols that I can incorporate into the overall wedding invitation suite design. No two weddings are alike in my book, and I strive to make each wedding extremely personal and customize recommendations to each client and their personality.

Amber also has some more specific suggestions. Postcards are all the rage in the marketing world, so why not turn your Save the Dates into fun, functional pieces of art?

Save the Date photo postcards are a great way to showcase one of your favorite engagement photos (or combine many photos for a fun collage) which will result in one less envelope you’ll need to mail!

Postcard “Save the Dates” pack a BIG punch without breaking the bank! Amber also has an array of original ideas that incorporate personal symbols or special memories into the ceremony or reception. No detail is too small or quirky!

One bride was a huge Denver Broncos fan, so I hand glittered small horse statues that mingled in well with the rest of the gold and bright citrus accented flowers on the head table for their reception.

Another client placed a high emphasis on their wedding cake since she was a big dessert and sweets fan. I created a reception “program” that included a diagram of the wedding cake and detailed out each and every cake layer (FunFetti being their personal favorite!).

With a recent June wedding, the fiancée worked in the golf industry and we created an escort card table made of individual golf balls and tees complete with grass and a banner that read: “Time to Tee Off!” I love finding creative ways to incorporate the various design details.

So, whether it’s selecting the appropriate style of invitation or font for your Save the Dates or any other paper good you could possibly imagine, Amber Housley has the creativity to help each couple create a dream wedding with every last detail truly being original, stunning and most importantly…. from the heart.

~Aaron Shirley

To book an appointment with Amber Housley today, email us at Elizabeth@studiowed.net

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There are so many decisions that you have to make before the big wedding day, and to do or not do a first look may be one of them. So we’ve decided to look into this topic along with some advice from two of our lovely StudioWed member photographers for you!

First off, what is a first look? Basically, it is a private moment between the bride and groom before the ceremony and away from all the wedding prep. In most cases, the groom will have his back turned so it’s even more of a surprise! Photographers, Kristyn Hogan and Joe Hendricks assure us that they shoot from afar with long lenses so the couple can take the moment in alone. Then, it’s off to the ceremony and reception after!

There are a lot of questions floating around about the first look. For example, does it ruin the aisle moment or would it help calm some nerves? Kristyn Hogan says, “That moment when you walk down the aisle is just as special as ever,” and that the first look simply allows for a different kind of intimacy. Joe Hendricks loves the idea of a first look because it’s the only time they will be alone long enough to express how they feel about each other the rest of the day.

So should you or shouldn’t you? Whatever you decide, be it the traditional walk down the aisle gaze or the first look, it is your big day. You should celebrate it exactly the way you choose to!

~ Chelsey Gatlin

Newly engaged brides, or brides still looking for THE perfect wedding gown, Modern Trousseau and StudioWed Nashville are collaborating with some fabulous vendors for a one-of-a-kind, personalized bridal event on January 24th!

Prepare to be pampered by Nashville’s finest wedding vendors at this stellar bridal event hosted by Modern Trousseau. Up your wedding IQ & learn how to impress your guests while looking flawless doing it. You’ll get advice from the best in the business who will help you put your wedding planning stress to rest. Best of all, you’ll receive special event-only promotions that will save you a bundle on the big day.

This event is Free, and open to brides, bridesmaids & mothers of the occasion. 

RSVP by JANUARY 23rd

Call 615 733 0155, or email nashville@moderntrousseau.com

StudioWed Nashville | StudioWed Nashville Vendors | Bridal Event | Modern Trousseau |

Join us this Sunday, January 13, for the Enchanted Brides Bridal Show at the Hutton Hotel from Noon to 4PM!  Admission is $12 or $10 if you print this coupon. Brides can pre-register here. Hope to see you there!!

For more information on what to expect, check out this coverage of Enchanted Brides 2012 Bridal Show on Ashley’s Bride Guide or call 615.297.7980!