I love
Ashley's Bride Guide.
What's that? Well, just the most comprehensive source for Nashville and Middle Tennessee-based weddings there is! No joke, no one is going to help you more along the way than Ashley. Not only does she run a killer, newly-designed and super easy to navigate website, but she is also a very sweet person who has a genuine interest in helping couples have memorable, stress"less" and fabulous weddings! We know first hand how very awesome she is!
Whether you are a newly engaged bride or area vendor, Ashley's Bride Guide is a must-read source. Here's a short list of my personal reasons for loving this site:
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Great Events - I attended a free event hosted by Ashley's Bride Guide and several Nashville vendors in August 2009, where I met tons of lovely brides-to-be as well as our caterer! Fun and informative. Ashley has the DL on all bridal-related events in Nashville, like the Elegance Bridal Gala last summer or the HER Nashville Bridal Brunch that is coming up this Sunday!
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Bride & Vendor Blogs - Looking for real people who are planning weddings? Check out the entire section of wedding blogs! (toot! toot-ing my own horn here. Big Spoon Little Spoon is featured on this page)
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Great Savings - Ashley has a page full of vendors who give discounts for just mentioning Ashley's Bride Guide. How awesome is that?!
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Tons of Inspiration - Just one glance at her new Inspiration Gallery and you'll understand why this is such a helpful source. So many blogs out there have great inspiration posts, but you can't find images and ideas quickly while sorting through hundreds of posts. Inspiration Gallery = Problem solved.
Tell your friends. Tell your friend's mother's engaged niece.
Ashley's Bride Guide should be your first stop on the wedding planning express!
Belmont Mansion
Nashville, TN
Belmont Mansion is actually the first venue we looked at (way back in February). It is a beautiful home - inside and out. The mansion is now a part of Belmont University's campus. I did call them again while we were re-searching this week. Apparently, they have a new website and event coordinator, which is great for them. You can also now purchase packages to suit your wedding and/or reception needs. However, I could not visualize seating 100 to 125 people in the main room comfortably.
Pros: A beautiful, historic home in the heart of Nashville.
Cons: Small interior and limited rooms for use.
The Hermitage
Old Hickory, TN
We live nearby the Hermitage and I honestly haven't been there since I was a child. It is a lovely place and there are lots of affordable options that I feel are budget friendly. I had no problems setting up an appointment to meet with the event coordinator. You can also just drop by for a tour if you'd rather not commit to a weekday meeting.
Pros: Numerous options for ceremony and reception settings.
Cons: You must arrange all rentals through Grand Central Party Rentals. If you are a fan of choices (like we are), this could put a damper on things.
Old Hickory Country Club
Old Hickory, TN
This venue is nice and affordable - your ceremony and reception could take place in one spacious upstairs ballroom or use the patio area for an outdoor ceremony. They have a facebook page with lots of pictures detailing the customization you can do.
Pros: A spacious, mirrored ballroom with a stage and fireplace mantle.
Cons: Easy to miss the entrance and must use their catering.
Rock Castle
Hendersonville, TN
Rock Castle is an interesting-looking historic home (with connections to the Hermitage). It is located right on Old Hickory Lake and the grounds are lovely. All rentals and bookings must go through Grand Central Party Rentals (Kim McLean, who is very nice and helpful).
Pros: A new covered pavilion and historic home right on Old Hickory Lake.
Cons: No use of the house.