Dear Monique, You've done it again...

Trinity by Monique Lhuillier

Dear Monique,

Since we haven't written you a love letter lately, we thought that this would be the perfect opportunity. Our newest arrival is such a lovely addition and we are, once again, in awe! She has already made brides swoon and tear and we are loving the perfect pallet it provides for a slew of fabulous accessories.... Market is a few short weeks away and we are simply bursting to see what comes next! Until then....

xoxo,

The Bride Room

Open House Recap + Photos!!!!!

Finally have a chance to give you the post you've been waiting for :) :) Then we promise, we'll move on to more real weddings and Fall Market (!!!!) and all those other fun things coming up!!

There are no words - no number of words, no words that are adequate enough, no words that seem sufficient right now as we try to recap last week's Open House + Fashion Show.....there are so many people to thank. We were beyond thrilled to host the event and open our doors, but truly it takes a village :) :)

Most of you probably remember the torrential rain that Nashville had the entire week....it broke just in time for our event, but apparently you might have shown up anyway. :) :) It seems Plan B and C were just not enough...we're pretty sure we landed somewhere around Plan G because of the GENIUS TEAM at Big Events Wedding. If you missed the mini speech, here's what you need to know: hire a planner because all of the details that come with an alternate plan were taken care of! And the show went on......and it was fabulous!!!!

We have finally sorted through the photographic evidence and selected a few faves. Enjoy the images below...we truly have the privilege of working with the most talented designers ever....

Melissa Sweet

Priscilla of Boston

Monique Lhuillier

PLATINUM

Vineyard Collection

Amsale

Toni Federici

Note the fabulous details of jewels and baubles....Our precious Debra Moreland of PARIS generously donated pieces of her collection, as well as new friends from San Fransisco, Lindsie + her team at Cocktail Bling....All too much gorgeousness :) Love it all!

And lastly, to all the amazing wedding professionals who joined the fun and made the event happen and made it all worthwhile. Each of them are the best of the best and we are incredibly proud to have partnered with them...please support them as premiere wedding vendors and as local businesses!

Big Events Wedding | Wedding + Event Planning

Music City Tents and Events | Event Rentals

Kristen Winston Catering | Wedding & Event Catering

Techworks | Sound & Lighting

Social Graces | Custom Paper Suite

Visual Elements | Draping

Street Tuxedo | Menswear

Dessert Designs | Wedding Cake

J.Bangs Salon | Hair & Make Up

McNeal Video | Wedding Videography

{McNeal Video also did a great blog about the event and will be posting video coverage (not yet, but soon!)...so you can relive the magic [wink] and also see the amazing work Lynette and her team do!!!!}

Monkees of Nashville | Select Shoes

*Phew* A big thanks to our guests who took so many great photos for us!!!! If you have any you'd like to share, feel free to email us at thebrideroom@comcast.net...so fun!

Lastly - if you didn't make the show, you might have followed along here via Twitter....It has to be said that some of Nashville's best and most Twitter-tastic girls joined the fun....sweet Ashley of Ashley's Bride Guide and Latrice of Bridal Opulence...these girls tweeted all night....Love the community that modern technology can foster!

Thanks, girls, for all the love and support!!!! Til next time....cheers!!!

Monique at the Emmys!

The Emmys came just in time Sunday night to cap off a full week of fashion for us...first Fall Fashion Week in New York, then the Open House + Fashion Show here at The Bride Room....fabulous fashion everywhere!!! Love it all!!!

Couldn't resist tweeting during the red carpet -- a little underwhelming this year, right?!? All except for a few standouts, who just so happen to be wearing a lovely little designer we call our own....the divine Ms Lhuillier..... Check out these ethereal and dreamy confections she sent to the show...*sigh*...what lucky, lucky girls.... :)

Drew Barrymore

Mila Kunis

Winner Toni Collette

Hope you enjoy :) :)

Stay tuned...we're still compiling thoughts and photos for one great big post about Thursday night....Happy Tuesday!

Happy Weekend!!!

Checking in on a gloomy Saturday morning .... we really just wanted to post all day long yesterday and tell you all about the Open House + Fashion Show but our Trunk Show is keeping us incredibly busy (totally a good thing!!!)... :) :)

Sweet friend Elizabeth of Monkees did a recap of Thursday evening on her blog (and what a darling blog it is!) ....so we thought we'd share.....check it out here....

And without her permission ;) we swiped a few photos so you can see them ....can't wait to post more...we couldn't be more proud of our designers and models!

Carla in Melissa Sweet

Michelle in Monique Lhuillier

(don't think we can sleep right now!)

Open House + Fashion Show recap, part 1 of ....so many :) :)

In short: Big Events Wedding is AMAZING!

There are so many things to say, so many people to thank, so many stories to tell and dresses to share, but...it's late, and we have a FABULOUS Trunk Show the next two days....so forgive us if we are a little brief tonight and save the good stuff for a different (clearer?) post.... :) :)

Just HAD to share a few snapshots that we've lifted from some Twitter pages....

Pre-show fun:

the models lined up & models with charlotte of the bride room :)

Cecily by Amsale (top) + PL290 by Platinum

Our designers provided the gowns but the fine folks at Street Tuxedo provided the other eye candy...er, menswear team....Lipscomb Students who just happen to rock tuxedos like it's their jobs :) :) They were very sweet and Street's tuxes were GORGEOUS! They are your experts for your groom/groomsmens/dads....

Stay tuned for so much more......you'll love it, promise!! :) :)

PS:: If you took photos tonight, we would love to see them! thebrideroom@comcast.net.....

PSS:: If you want to come to the Trunk Show this weekend, we have definitely transitioned to appointment-only mode :) :) Please call or email to see what/if anything is available :) Can't wait!

PSSS:::Market is officially less than a month away! Get out! What a month!!!!!!!

It's Here!!!! It's Here!!!!!!

Who's excited?!?!?!!? Can't believe we're less than 24 hours away from the big event!!!

We are literally in the store styling the looks, fitting models, prepping goodie bags....basically just having the BEST TIME EVER!!! :) :) :)

These beauties arrived in store today and you will see them tomorrow on the runway!!! RSVP here (are you tired of that quite yet!?!? :) :) ) and come see the amazing dresses and jewelry and hair goods.....Rain or Shine....we're in the business of rain bringing good luck, right?!?!?! :)

Can't wait to see you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Featured Friend: Big Events Wedding!

So you've heard us go on and on about the Open House and Fashion Show (have you RSVP'ed yet?)....We keep saying it's going to be FABULOUS - and you'll have to trust us! In honor of our 2-days-til-the-big-event (oh, please...you all know you have countdowns til YOUR big days!!!), we thought we would do a little Q & A with the fine folks at Big Events Wedding, who is co-sponsoring this fabulous fall fashionable affair!

How long have you been in business?
Over 11 years

Who IS Big Events, and who does what?
Martha Greenwood, Denise Sikes and Malcolm Greenwood
Martha is the wedding planner who handles décor and floral design. Denise is the wedding planner who handles logistics, budgeting, details and directing of the weddings. Malcolm is the production manager and handles venue relations, audio/visual, lighting and technical aspects of the events.

How would you describe a typical Big Events Wedding?
As our slogan implies "Personalized Planning and Elegant Design" are the principles that we strive to instill in every wedding. We are a full-service wedding planning company, and we are fully involved in every aspect of the wedding and reception. A Big Events Wedding is one that totally reflects the bride, her dreams and desires while at the same time remaining stress-free so the bride may thoroughly enjoy this most important day.

Is there a most memorable moment of the 2009 weddings?
We really can't pick just one! Even though we've been planning weddings for over 11 years and have had the pleasure of working with over 200 brides we still love the process involved with each wedding. Getting to know the brides and their families as we plan their special day is an honor that we relish with each new bride.

What are you most looking forward to in 2010?
We'll be working with an amazing group of brides! We love a challenge, and we love making each wedding unique. We're excited to be establishing new trends with a fresh take on décor and design.

In your spare time, what do you do?
Speaking for myself, Martha, I enjoy painting with oils which is another creative outlet. And I'm finding it ties back into the way I view colors and design.

What is your vision for the Open House + Fashion Show?
We're excited to be able to showcase a small sampling of what we bring to each Big Event Wedding and to introduce some of our vendors to the brides here in Nashville. We're also looking forward to meeting many of the brides and their guests.

Big Events Wedding is located at 613 Bradley Court, Suite A | Franklin, Tennessee 37067

Phone: 615.371.1223 | Email: info@bigeventswedding.com

Featured Friend : Street Tuxedo

In preparation for next week's Open House + Fashion Show, we are delighted to introduce you to the fine Nashville wedding vendors who have graciously partnered with us to make this event a night to remember ....

Today's featured friend is Street Tuxedo, the family-owned business...they are your go-to tux shop for the best looking groomsmen in town! :)

How long have you been in business? 25 Years this year...we are very excited about that!

Who IS Street Tuxedo and who does what? Street Tuxedo is a local tuxedo shop owned by the "Street" family. Mark Street - owner and founder of the business, Dick Thompson - director of operations, John Street - owner and head of the Murfreesboro location, and then there is me, Rachael, I run the Green Hills location and keep the boys in check. ;)

Are you seeing trends or themes in colors? Gray tuxedos are a newest trend this year. Tan suits with a bright colored ties are popular for summer weddings. But most of the weddings we have done lately are sticking to the classics such as "White Tie" and "Tails", White dinner jacket with self-tie bows, and Classic black tuxes with black neck ties.

Who is your favorite designer right now? Joseph Abboud is one of the top designers of our collections, it's the groom's favorite because of its comfortable feel and elegant look.
If you had one piece of advice regarding formal menswear for the bride, what

would it be? Add a personal touch that will show off your personality.... remember that it's all about you on your big day! We have some grooms that provide ties for the groomsmen as gifts, rather than renting a tie. We have also had special requests to have custom ties made by our in-store designer "Otis James"...Remember to always be mindful in your formalwear selection, you definitely don’t want to look back at your wedding photos 20 years from now and regret that "light blue tuxedo".

In your spare time, what do you do? In my spare time I make diaper/tote bags... I deal with such manly stuff all day that I find it refreshing to make girly bags when I get a free minute

What is your vision for the Open House + Fashion Show? To showcase Street Tuxedo's newest location and to celebrate our identity as a small business and in that spirit, thank our customers for shopping locally.

Street Tuxedo is located at 2209 Bandywood Drive - in the same courtyard as yours truly! :)

They also have locations in Murfreesboro and Cool Springs. They are providing Menswear for the Fashion Show next Thursday!!!

This Weekend!! Augusta Jones Trunk Show!!!

Girls! Girls! A weekend not to miss!! The Augusta Jones dresses have been trickling in and they are just gorgeous!!! They are fresh and funky and ethereal...and just beautiful!!!

We have a few appointments left for the weekend, so please call or email for your time today!

Featured Friend : Social Graces

In preparation for next week's Open House + Fashion Show, we are delighted to introduce you to the fine Nashville wedding vendors who have graciously partnered with us to make this event a night to remember ....

Today's featured friend, Social Graces, is generously donating the entire paper suite for the event. Creative Director Erin Pfister took a minute from her day to chat about the ever wonderful paper business.....We particularly love her advice to brides - enjoy!

How long have you been in business?
Social Graces was originally opened in 2000, but was sold to two new owners, Rebecca Climer and Teresa Palmer, last August.

Who IS Social Graces, and who does what?
Owners Rebecca Climer and Teresa Palmer each have corporate jobs that require their full attention, but always find time to work on weekends or in their spare time.

Erin Pfister is the Creative Director who oversees the merchandising, buying, advertising and offers custom design to customers.

Darby Kemp has been with Social Graces for over 4 years as a salesperson & buyer while attending Belmont. Her knowledge of all products & skills with bridal orders is unmatchable.

Amanda Moore, Cori LeCain, Laura Hutchinson, and Sterling Scott are salespeople who strive to provide the best customer service.

Are you seeing trends or themes in design?
Dark colors, like brown paired with tiffany blue, cream or gold. Another big trend is folders instead of the traditional inner and outer envelopes. There are a few lines that offer great flexibility in the use of pre-cut folders and inserts that can be customized with a little imagination.

Who is your favorite collection right now?
We have two favorites that we picked up at the New York Stationery Show this spring...Dauphine Press and Elum. Both are amazing letterpressed collections that are sure to fit either a traditional or more contemporary wedding theme.

If you had one piece of advice regarding stationery for the bride, what would it be?
Take your time in choosing the perfect stationery. Invitations are the first impression of the wedding and, for some invitees, the bride and groom themselves. They create a sense of expectation for those who receive them and, when they are well chosen, give an inkling about the style and personality of the couple. No element of the wedding celebration should be considered in isolation, so the invitations should be consistent with the overall tone of the wedding. It’s important to remember, too, that the invitations and other wedding correspondence are among the few tangible reminders of the wedding. Brides should begin to look for their wedding stationery as soon as the date and general theme are set. With the vast array of options that are available, it’s best to allow plenty of time for consideration. One visit to the stationer can yield dozens of equally attractive options.

In your spare time, what do you do?
Travel, spend time with friends, take Spanish and run. I love all things design - am always seeking inspiration from design blogs, magazines, and traveling to keep my mind full of new ideas.

What is your vision for the Open House + Fashion Show?
We hope to see many new faces that will see the importance of creating an overall look & theme for their wedding....from the dress to the invitations and decor. We can offer stationery suites in a variety of styles and price ranges to meet the desires of our customers. We strive to offer the best customer service and want to build relationships with people who come to us not only for their wedding needs, but for any gift or paper need in the future.

owners Teresa + Rebecca

Social Graces is located in the heart of Hillsboro Village at 1704 21st Ave South .
P: 615-383-1911 | E: nashville@socialgracesonline.com

Mark Your Calendar!

Hey ladies...happy Friday...happy long and holiday weekend! Hope you are planning a relaxing and wonderful weekend with friends and family!

There is so much going on around here and we want to make sure you have all the info you need...here is a brief overview of the upcoming events...let us know if you have any questions or would like to make an appointment!!

Friday + Saturday, September 11 + 12

Augusta Jones Trunk Show

Styles have already started arriving for this show and sweet treats will be on hand...Appointments appreciated and already booking - let us know if you would like to come see these fab designs, like Penelope, below.

Thursday, September 17

Open House + Fashion Show - co-produced by Big Events Wedding

We know - you're probably thinking what more could we possibly say about this event!?! (HA! Just wait!!!!) Delicious and satisfying and you just won't be able to get enough -- and that is just the dresses!!! ;) Need evidence? Check out the fab Amsale gown below!!! Cocktails and hors d'oeuvres begin at 6:30 and fashion show promptly at 7. RSVP here....can't wait to see you!

Friday, September 18 + 19

Priscilla of Boston | Melissa Sweet | Vineyard Collection | PLATINUM Trunk Show

Looking forward to an un-believable combined Trunk Show featuring the Priscilla of Boston Group.....See the Platinum gown below?!? Girls, you need to call or email now, as Friday there are some appointments left and Saturday is almost completely booked (as in, we are taking appointments as early as 8am and 4pm and later)....We are more than happy to book appointments to accommodate you, but it is definitely shaping up to be an appointment-only weekend....LOVES it!!!!

And let's be clear that NYC is not off our radar :) :) Fall Market is October 17-20 .....you know what that means...real time blogging from NYC- the runways - the Martha Stewart Party - and on and on...

OH this post makes us SO happy - who is lucky enough to have their next two weeks at work look like this : trunk show, cupcakes, fashion show, open house, more cupcakes, lots of sweet brides and friends, cupcakes, dresses, fun, fun fun!!!!!!!! *Pinch us* !

{Of course, because we are compulsive about sharing the goods with you, be sure and check the blog regularly the next couple of weeks and join the fun on Twitter! Follow us here!}

Happy Labor Day from the girls who know there are *certain* white dresses that can, in fact, be worn after this weekend ;)

XOXOXO

Sneek Peak....

So we've promised ourselves we won't ruin all the surprises for the upcoming Open House and Fashion show, but this one *must* be shared!!!

This beauty arrived in store this week and you can bet your pretty little bottom dollar that you'll be seeing her on the runway ....*sigh* .... Is this forreal? Are we doing a fashion show this fabulous with gowns this gorgeous!?!!?!? DYING OVER HERE!!!

RSVP here ..... for the best, most fabulous and memorable Thursday night of 2009!!!