The Pink Book - The Knoxville Blog

7 Ways to Get the Most From Your Bridal Show Trip

2009-01-07T17:46:00.000-08:00

Kara and I both have the bridal show on our minds this week! I thought what better to post about this week than the bridal show and how to make the most of it! We will be at the bridal show so make sure to stop by the Panache Productions booth and say hi! I'm really excited to meet all of you! Now on to the tips...

Pre-register online – Saves you time and money! You will get $2.00 off for everyone you bring with you and you will save time by filling out your info ahead of time. You can pre-register at the Knoxville Premier Bridal Show website.
Make a game plan – Sometime before the day of the show sit down with your fiancé and figure out exactly what you still need for your wedding. If you already have a photographer you can skip the photographers and spend more time with the florists. But don’t write your game plan with a chisel in stone – if you see something that you might be interested in that isn’t on your list go check it out. Bridal shows are meant to open your eyes to all the possibilities for your wedding.
Pre-print contest entries – Buy a pack of address labels and print your contact info and wedding date on them. A lot of vendors offer contests or special deals for signing up with them and writing your name, address and wedding date 50 times can get really old fast!
Pre-printing labels will give you more time to ask questions and meet more vendors and save you from writer’s cramp.
Wear comfortable shoes! – Concrete floors, lots of walking and standing – need I say any more?
Bring friends – Bridal shows offer some amazing eye candy in the form of amazing centerpieces, gorgeous couture gowns and row after row of highly talented photographers and their beautiful portfolios. It can become overwhelming (and budget-busting) quickly and having a friend to pull you back down to earth is a must.
Bring a notepad and pen – No matter how great your memory may be you need bring a notepad and pen to take notes when meeting with all the different vendors.
Ask questions – Don’t be afraid to ask questions. A lot of brides walk around picking up all the literature and never slowing down to ask questions and meet with the actual vendors. When you get home and dump your huge bag of goodies on the floor how are you going to know the difference between photographer A and B and C, D, E? If you don’t want to ask a lot of questions at the show ask to setup an appointment with the vendor to meet sometime the week after the show.

Happy planning,

If you have any wedding planning questions, comments or suggestions please e-mail me at pinkprokristyn@gmail.com and I will be happy to help you! You can also check out my *almost* daily blog at panacheconsulting.blogspot.com for more great wedding planning tips!

Knoxville Premier Bridal Show This Sunday!

2009-01-07T09:44:00.000-08:00

I cannot believe it is time again for our January bridal show! We have so much fun in store for you this year- I hope you can all make it!

Here is the scoop:

Sunday, January 11th, 2009
Knoxville Convention Center
11-5
Ticket Information

Over 100 vendors! Samples! Ideas! The Newest Trends! Fashion Shows! FREE Pink Book! Hot off- the -presses Premier Bride magazine! Cash prizes! SO much more!

I have talked to several of the vendors this week and they are all so excited about the show and have all said that they are most looking forward to meeting all of you lovely brides! So tell me brides, what are you most looking forward to about the bridal show? (is it the fashion show, seeing all the vendors, a particular vendor, or my favorite, the yummy cake samples! or something else?) Leave me a comment and let me know what you are most excited about and one lucky bride will win this fabulous bride hat!

I cannot wait until the show!

xoxo

The Best Kept Secret in Town

2009-01-05T09:39:00.000-08:00

Looking for a great wedding photographer in Knoxville? One of the best kept secrets in town is slowly getting out to brides. Mustapha Moussa Photography has been building a great reputation among the brides that he has worked with and the wedding vendors that he has made a connection with.

Mustapha and Brandi Moussa are a husband and wife team whose unique experience and special attention provide every bride an exceptionally pleasant, one-of-a-kind experience on her most special day. They both really care about each of the brides they work with and do everything in their power to see the brides vision and bring it to fruition.

If you pick up a copy of Knoxville Premier Bride magazine you will be able to see some of Mustapha Moussa Photography's work. Also, if you attend the Knoxville Bridal Show on January 11th, 2009 you will also get to see their work and meet them too.

Since the word has been getting out about how well Mustapha Moussa Photogaphy takes care of their brides and the quality of photos that the brides get for what she is paying, they are booking up really quickly. So, to be sure and get your date reserved you will want to get in touch with Mustapha or Brandi ASAP. Don't miss out on the best kept secret in town!!

Definitely check out Mustapha's website at http://www.mustaphamoussa.com/ to find out more information about their work and for all of their contact information.

On-site Coordinators and Wedding Planners

2008-12-17T11:45:00.000-08:00

A lot of brides believe that if their venue comes with a coordinator they don’t need a wedding consultant. This is not the case. The duties of the on-site coordinator and an independent wedding consultant are very different.

There are several differences in an on-site coordinator and a wedding consultant but the most important is who each one is employed by. The on-site coordinator is employed by the venue and will put its best interests first – the independent wedding consultant is employed by you, the bride, and will put your best interests first.

The on-site coordinator is also unlikely to help with the other aspects of your wedding –

vendor recommendations
budget guidance
creating time lines for your entire day
review of the other vendor contracts

They also won’t be at the church lining up your wedding party and getting you down the aisle.

On-site coordinators are definitely an incredible asset to your wedding team but they shouldn’t be seen as a replacement to a wedding consultant.

Happy planning,

If you have any wedding planning questions, comments or suggestions please e-mail me at pinkprokristyn@gmail.com and I will be happy to help you! You can also check out my *almost* daily blog at panacheconsulting.blogspot.com for more great wedding planning tips!

The Conclusion of My Operation Boot Camp Experience

2008-12-12T06:35:00.000-08:00

WHOA! Where did the time go!!?? I am sorry I seemed to have disappeared over the last few weeks but with the holidays and a mini-vacation last weekend I just lost track of time! These last four weeks of camp have just flown by at the speed of light. I can't believe my three months is over!

Words cannot describe how this program has changed me, inside and out. I've become more positive about what I can achieve and how I feel. Every time I've felt like I wanted to quit, someone was there to give me the little or BIG push I needed. Whenever I felt down or disappointed about my performance, an instructor was there with an encouraging word. I can't begin to form appropriate words of gratitude and thanks I feel for all the instructors... you all put up with me when I was NOT a fun person to be around. When I said I couldn't, you told me I CAN! I am so grateful for each one of you getting up and coming to Boot Camp to lead our workouts because you wanted us to succeed. It's a powerful thing to know that there was a group of people rooting for me and wanting me to reach MY goals. What you guys do is an incredible inspiration and I can only hope that your positivity has rubbed off on me in a small way. I'm not the best at showing it (because there were definitely times when I hated that someone was telling me that I COULD go harder or run faster than I was) but I truly appreciate every effort you made to help me improve, make progress, and reach my goals. You all are truly amazing people and you are making differences in people's lives every day!

Physically, I've lost 2 dress sizes and am fitting into clothes I haven't worn in over a year!
There are shirts that I wore years ago that I couldn't fit into before OBC if only because my arms had gotten so chunky and flabby. I see real muscle definition in my arms but at the same time their size has shrunk significantly! My arms now fit into sleeves that used to be too tight with ease. I see and feel the strength I've gained in my legs and my stomach has gotten flatter and stronger. I can do a number of situps and pushups I never thought it possible to do. In my time at boot camp I have shaved over 4.5 minutes off my mile time! Talk about amazing!

I cannot fully express my gratitude to Kellie Vogel and her awesome staff of instructors. I appreciated this opportunity more than you could ever know. You've helped me find strength I never knew was within me and helped me reach some challenging goals. Because my fiancé and I are paying for our entire wedding ourselves, I don't know if it would have been possible for me to enroll in Boot Camp if it weren't for this contest. I feel so very lucky to have had this opportunity and to have made the progress that I have. You've all helped me to create healthy eating habits, have given me the drive and determination to continue on in my quest to get in shape and be the healthy, radiant bride I want to be on my wedding day come May! I have nothing but wonderful things to say about this program and it will definitely hold a special place in my heart because I know that you have sparked the desire in me to lead a healthier, happier lifestyle. I hope that I can take all the knowledge you've given me and apply it to my life in a regular, consistent way so that I never lose what I have gained through this program. Thank you all again for everything you've done for me- I'll never be able to thank you enough!!

HOOOAH!

Kay's Wedding Videography

2008-12-11T10:01:00.000-08:00

This past week I met up with Kay from Kay’s Wedding Videography. Kay and her husband Steven have been filming weddings “officially” for six years. When she says she loves weddings you can tell that she truly means it. She even admitted that when at weddings and even as she is working on the video afterwards she always cries. She truly cares about her clients and feels a connection with all of her brides. Just from talking with them or watching their videos, you can tell that they put a lot of heart into their work and their customers say they can see that come through in the final product.

Videography is often something that brides and grooms neglect to put in their original budget thinking of it only as a luxury item. However, it is such a great way to capture your special day the way no other vendor can. Recently, Kay heard from a bride who’s wedding she videotaped five years ago saying she still watches her wedding video.

The great thing about Kay’s Wedding Videography is that they have five and sometimes even six cameras set up getting shots of your wedding from every angle. They also give you bonus footage in the “behind the scenes” section with outtakes from the day and the rehearsal. Some brides even have them come to the rehearsal dinner the night before to get the toasts on tape. Kay had a bride this past summer call after receiving her video that was so excited and said that watching the tape is like seeing herself and her husband in a movie.

Brides can go through and customize their package as well as pick the music that they would like in the wedding video. Kay says that one of her favorite things about working with brides and grooms is that after the wedding they get a chance to come home and rest from the wedding and about the time they are recovered she sends them their video. She says that it is like sending them a present and the couples are always thrilled to see the video of their day and are amazed at the moments that Kay and Steven were able to catch on tape. One Knoxville bride did not even realize it but as she was taking pictures before the wedding she was spinning her groom’s wedding band on her thumb under her bouquet and loved getting to see it all on her video.

Hiring a videographer for your wedding is a great way to capture the moments of your big day and if you are looking for a videographer for your Knoxville or destination wedding (they travel!) be sure and give Kay’s Wedding Videography a call.

Making the Cut - Creating Your Guest List

2008-12-03T06:01:00.000-08:00

Creating your guest list is probably one of the hardest tasks you will encounter while planning your wedding. It seems as though it should be as simple as making a list of all your family and friends and sending the invites. But what it really comes down to is your budget.

The guest count of your wedding affects the cost more than any other part of your wedding. The quickest way to cut some of your wedding costs is to cut the guest list.

So how do you decide who doesn’t make the cut?

The List

The easiest way to start is to have everyone (you, your fiancé, your parents and his parents) make their own list including everyone that they would want to invite. To make things easier down the road try to put the list in order of absolute must invites first and work your way to would be nice to invites last.

Once you have your lists you will need to merge them and delete the duplicates. If everyone puts their lists in a spreadsheet it will make the process a lot easier than trying to do it by hand.
Now comes the tough part. When you make cuts you need to make sure you cut classes of people and not just individuals. By that I mean you can’t invite only one or two co-workers and not the rest of your co-workers (unless of course you work in a really large office).

So where are the easiest places to make cuts quickly?

Dates – unless a single guest is in a serious relationship you are not obligated to let them bring a date
Co-workers – unless they are good friends don’t feel like you have to invite your office
Second and Third Cousins – if you stop the guest list with first cousins you can quickly cut from your list
People you Don’t Know – tell you parents that you prefer that only their friends that you actually know be invited to the wedding

The B-List

The B-list can be a great way to include more people in your wedding that didn’t make the initial cut because of budget or space – if it is done correctly. Of course you don’t want the people on the B-list to know that they are on the B-list so you will need to allow for extra time to mail your invitations. You need to give at least a two week window for RSVPs to be returned so you will need to mail your A-list invitations at least four weeks before the RSVP deadline.

The Numbers Game

You have narrowed you list to fit your budget so now all you have to do is order the invites right? Wait! Your budget isn’t the only consideration on how big your guest list can be. If you have already booked your location (or have the perfect one in mind) you will need to make sure your list doesn’t exceed the maximum number of people it can hold.

Unless you are pretty sure everyone you invite will attend it is safe to invite slightly more guests than your space will allow. 10 percent over is usually a safe number of extra invites. So if your space can hold 150 people you can invite 165.

Keeping it Together

When you finally get down to your actual list you will need a way to keep it all organized. There is no wrong way of staying organized unless it doesn’t work for you. The easiest way to make updates would be to keep it on your computer in a spreadsheet.

Make sure you keep a printed guest list as well so if your computer crashes you will still have this very important list available.

Happy planning,

If you have any wedding planning questions, comments or suggestions please e-mail me at pinkprokristyn@gmail.com and I will be happy to help you! You can also check out my *almost* daily blog at panacheconsulting.blogspot.com for more great wedding planning tips!

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-11-26T06:00:00.000-08:00

It is very easy to get caught up in the craziness of planning your wedding and lose sight of what it is really about. If you haven't taken a break from your planning since he popped the question (or you popped the question) take the rest of the week off and enjoy the time with your fiance, family and friends.

Happy Thanksgiving!

If you have any wedding planning questions, comments or suggestions please e-mail me at pinkprokristyn@gmail.com and I will be happy to help you! You can also check out my *almost* daily blog at panacheconsulting.blogspot.com for more great wedding planning tips!

Operation Boot Camp- Month 3, Week 1!

2008-11-20T06:46:00.000-08:00

So I am almost done with week 1 of this third month of Operation Boot Camp! This week I have definitely been able to feel the improvements I've made in all areas of fitness. During our workouts, I've been able to run faster, run longer, do more pushups and do them faster, do more situps and do them faster, I've really noticed my endurance take a turn for the better. It's a truly great feeling. We had a workout on Tuesday where we did alot of running, lots of sprints back and forth between sets of cones- and I really felt like I gave 110% that day. I pushed harder than I have before- I knew I've always had it in me but hadn't really achieved that level of intensity yet in my boot camp experience. I truly felt like I left it all out on the field that day- and it felt good. One of my instructors even commented on how high I kicked up my gears that day. It made me proud and I want to keep that level of intensity as much as possible.

My goals for this month are to get down under 8:30 for my mile time. I did 9:17 at the end of month 2, taking 2 minutes off my previous time, so I think that 8:30 is realistic enough. Then, I also want to lose some more inches and hopefully drop down another dress size by the end of the month. This could be tough because this camp falls in the middle of the holidays. With Thanksgiving next week, office holiday parties and Christmas rapidly approaching, I hope I can stick to my meal plan as much as possible. Last night I had a date night with my fiance and splurged a little bit at dinner. I but myself in the "Encouragement Bin" and honestly, I felt even better after finishing encouragement. I've decided that I'm going to put myself in Encouragement every day this month, to help me further in achieving my goals. It might just be that little extra push I need to reach them. :) Wish me luck!

8 Ways to Green Your Wedding

2008-11-19T12:35:00.000-08:00

8 Ways to Make your Wedding a Little Greener

Going green seems to be on everyone’s minds these days. Whether you are a hard core greener or just try to remember to recycle your junk mail here are some great tips to green your wedding a little and even help out some other charities along the way.

Choose Local - Using local resources can benefit in a number of ways. You'll be saving on transportation of both goods and people and you'll also be supporting small businesses and your local community.

New-to-You Gowns - Purchasing a gown secondhand can benefit in more ways than you might think. By purchasing secondhand you will reduce the use of fuels used to create a new gown and lessen the demand on overseas labor. But you can also donate to a very worthy cause by purchasing your gown from a Brides Against Breast Cancer trunk show which is run by Making Memories. They feature not only secondhand gowns but also brand new designer gowns and samples from the designers and bridal salons. The proceeds from the shows go to fulfill the wishes of terminal breast cancer patients.

Maids can Help Too! - Your bridesmaids can donate their gowns to The Glass Slipper Project or Fairy Godmothers Inc. which give the gowns to underprivileged teens who can't afford prom dresses. And let’s face it no matter how awesome your maids think the dresses are they probably aren’t going to wear them again.

Go Recycled - E-invites are not socially acceptable for an event as special as a wedding so your next best bet would be to opt for recycled paper or paper that is made from an alternative fiber, such as bamboo.

Pick Organic - This one is pretty simple -- ask your florist (or find one that already does) to use organic flowers for your bouquets and arrangements.

Reuse - Bridesmaids' bouquets can double as reception centerpieces and the flowers used to decorate the church can also be used at your reception. Not only will you save money and the environment -- it will also help your event look more polished by bringing the same elements from ceremony to reception.

Paperless Seating - A new trend in escort cards is also another way to go green. More and more brides are finding alternatives to the cards -- rocks with hand painted names and table numbers or small potted saplings with the names on the pot can serve not only as escort cards but also great favors.

Choose a Pro - A wedding consultant can be a huge asset to planning your green wedding. They will save you time by recommending vendors that match your green wedding style and sharing their vast knowledge of wedding planning.

Happy planning,

If you have any wedding planning questions, comments or suggestions please e-mail me at pinkprokristyn@gmail.com and I will be happy to help you! You can also check out my *almost* daily blog at panacheconsulting.blogspot.com for more great wedding planning tips!

Advantages of having multiple photographers from the same studio

2008-11-17T04:53:00.000-08:00

Many clients that I meet with haven't considered the benefits to having more than one photographer document their wedding until I show them a few albums. Regardless of which level my clients choose, I actually include one to two seasoned photographers assisting me and who have shot beside me for over two years. They have been mentored in my style and approach and know exactly where to be and when. When documenting the story of your day, there are so many moments that are unfolding simultaneously it would be impossible to capture them all with just one photographer. I like to coordinate where each photographer will be and the angles I want to capture.

I also like to be very unobtrusive and during the ceremony so it also means less running around to capture the angles I want. One example may be when the bride is walking down the aisle, I may capture her as she is approaching while another photographer captures her from behind and a third captures the groom's reaction as he sees her in her dress for the first time.

First dance is another great example of how we may have one photographer capturing the entire scene with the bride and groom surrounded by their guests and the expanse of the ballroom while I may be capturing the emotion with close up images.

Here are just a few more examples...

When looking for the right studio, find out if they offer multiple photographers and ask to see samples of their work and level of experience. After all, your wedding day only happens once and you shouldn't miss one moment of it being captured!

Operation Boot Camp- Month 2 Completed!!

2008-11-14T07:09:00.000-08:00

When I told my fiancé last night that I was nervous about my last day of my 2nd month of Boot Camp- he was completely floored at the fact that I was already done with month 2! I feel the same way- I can't believe I've been doing this for 2 months... 8 weeks! I've got 4 weeks left- it's just crazy! You know they say time flies when you're having fun! ;)

I am definitely starting to see more visible results from working out. My tummy is getting less 'soft' and I can feel the muscle definition in there! I've recently been able to wear button-up shirts that I couldn't fit into for months- my arms have gotten much smaller! Before I couldn't even get my arms into some of these clothes, but now they fit with a little room- it's a great feeling! When I brush my hair in the morning I like that I can see muscle tone in my arms- it's pretty exciting! I find myself pulling up my jeans alot during the day because they are so loose! I'm becoming alot more confident about how I look and feel- and that is worth so so much to me.

Here's my month 2 results! I'm so incredibly happy with them!

PT TEST

PUSH-UPS
First Test: 48 Final Test: 39

FACILITATED PUSH-UPS
(ON KNEES)
First Test: / Final Test: 15

SIT UPS
First Test: 33 Final Test: 28

DIPS
First Test: 25 Final Test: 42

FACILITATED DIPS
(BENT KNEES)
First Test: 35 Final Test: 12

MILE TIME
First Test: 13:46 Month 2: 11:19 Final Test: 9:17

You might notice that I went down in some areas of pushups/situps/dips- please believe me, I AM getting stronger. BUT- I realized that before, my form was not the best- and if you don't have good form you are only cheating yourself. Today when I did each of these exercises, I tried to make sure I did every pushup, sit-up, or dip with the best form I could muster. It's no surprise that my numbers went down instead of up, because doing these exercises the right way is much more challenging and therefore much better for you! One thing I am SO very proud of is my mile time. I couldn't remember my month 2 time this morning, I thought it had been higher than it actually was. But- I still took 2 minutes off of my mile time just this month! Since I started Boot Camp, I have taken over 4.5 minutes off my mile time! It's an incredible feeling. I am so very excited about going on for yet another month of Boot Camp- and of course I will keep you all updated on how it goes!

The iPod Wedding - Please Don't!

2008-11-12T09:00:00.000-08:00

I am on my way back from Newport Beach, CA and the Association of Bridal Consultants Annual Conference! I'm going to confess that I'm actually writing this the Friday before I leave so I'm going to say that I had a blast! I will give a recap and share all the great stuff I learned when I get back! Now on to our regularly scheduled post!

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Planning a wedding and coming in at your budget is hard and sometimes cuts are necessary. One place that I urge you not to make that cut is with your reception entertainment.

I'm sure you have heard of the new trend of using an iPod as the DJ at your wedding. In theory this sounds like a great idea. You have complete control at a great price. In practice this usually turns into a disaster.

Your DJ or band isn't there just to play music and sit back. A talented musician will know how to read the floor and choose the right songs to keep people dancing or to get them dancing in the first place.

You may have control over what exactly is on the play list but not so much when it plays - unless of course you have someone who will sit with the iPod the entire time and play the right songs at the right time, and only if they know how to make that distinction. If you hire a professional you will still have control over what songs are played with your must-play and your absolutely-under-no-circumstances-play-these lists.

I have seen weddings done with an iPod and those with DJs and there is no comparison. Yes, some danced at the iPod weddings but there were far fewer of them and the dancing died much earlier than at the receptions with a DJ. Please consider it long and hard before turning your reception over to a computer.

Happy planning,

If you have any wedding planning questions, comments or suggestions please e-mail me at pinkprokristyn@gmail.com and I will be happy to help you! You can also check out my *almost* daily blog at panacheconsulting.blogspot.com for more great wedding planning tips!

Special Offer for Pink Book Readers!

2008-11-11T11:19:00.001-08:00

We have posted about Kate Aspen favors before so you may already know how adorable and unique (not to mention affordable) these favors are. We have a a special offer for our readers for the month of November...10% Off!!

Here are a few of my personal favorites below. Look around on the website and you are sure to find something that will complement your wedding or shower theme perfectly!

1. "Olive You!" Glass LOVE Oil Bottle in Signature Tuscan Box
2. “Have a Blast!” Biodegradable, Celebratory Wedding Poppers
3. "Set Sail" Frosted Glass Sailboat Tealight Holders
4. 'Mint to Be' Bride and Groom Slide Mint Tins with Heart Mints
5. “Icing on the Cake” Winter Wedding-Cake Candle
6. "Have a Ball!" Stainless-Steel Melon Baller
7. Petite Merlot Wine Glass Gel Candle with Heart Charm
8. "Love is Brewing" Teapot Timer in Classic Retro Gift Box

kodak moments

2008-11-11T08:22:00.000-08:00

We booked a photographer! His full-time job is working as a mechanic. But his work as a photographer is phenomenal! His name is Randy Sartin (http://rssartin.blogspot.com/ and http://www.sartinphoto.com/). We are getting Package 1, which is $900 and includes him and a second photographer, plus a CD with all the photos and a full copyright release for you (which is exactly what we wanted), but he also has other packages. He has only done five weddings, but he has also done portraits and other events. He just posted his wedding work on his site this week. Take a look! :)

Operation Boot Camp- Month 2 Week 4!!!

2008-11-10T06:01:00.000-08:00

So I am in my last week of my 2nd month of Operation Boot Camp! I can't believe how fast time has gone by. I am totally amazed at how much stronger I am and at the changes my body is going through. Today we did Rifle Run- one of the hardest workouts I've done so far! We ran around the park with a jump rope holding our arms above our heads- it takes alot of coordination, strength and perseverance to keep your arms up the whole time! Running up hills, down hills, sprinting with your arms above your head!! You don't realize how much pumping your arms helps you run until you're not allowed to use them! It was a tough day but the amazing instructors were there to encourage us throughout the whole thing. My shins hurt a bit while trying to run up the hills and I had to take a few little breaks to stretch it out but overall I am happy with what I did this morning. I finished out the run strong- and I'm proud of that!

After Boot Camp, Instructor Courtney treated us to Starbucks coffee! Thanks Courtney!! It was great to get to sit and chat with some of my fellow boot-campers since I haven't gotten a chance to know many of them yet. I sat next to Jennie Andrews- a Knoxville photographer who is also on her 2nd month of Boot Camp! It was great talking to Jennie- and she is a FABULOUS photographer! Check out her work here and be sure to visit her blog!

I can't believe I'm almost done with month 2!!! Boot Camp has been such an incredible experience thus far- I'm so excited about our 'graduation' party on Friday!! I didn't get to attend the last one because I had to go out of town so I'm really looking forward to celebrating all the hard work we've been doing over this last month. Of course I'll keep you updated- stay tuned for more updates about Operation Boot Camp!! :)

Yummy! Wedding Cakes

2008-11-05T12:26:00.000-08:00

I have had a crazy sweet tooth these past couple of days (maybe a Halloween thing?) so I thought to get my mind off of it I would write about wedding cakes!

Finding You Perfect Cake Match

There are several places to look for a great cake baker. If a spectacular design is important to you, finding a specialty cake baker will be your best bet. Keep in mind that this will probably be the most expensive option. You will also want to talk to them early on in the planning process because they tend to book quickly.

If design isn’t your number one priority there are a lot of other great options; that will probably help your budget out as well.

Ask your caterer if they have a pastry chef on staff or have a particular baker that they work with frequently. Caterers are a great source; if you use their baker you may be able to avoid the cake cutting fee.

Another source to try would be the venue where you will be having your reception. Ask if they have a pastry chef on staff and schedule a tasting. An advantage of using the site’s chef is you can avoid the cake cutting fee. If you bring in an outside cake you may have to pay $1-$5+ per slice.

Your local bakery or grocery store is also a great place to try. They may not have the style that you are looking for but if it is the same place you have been going to for years it may not matter.

I strongly suggest not using a friend or family member unless they have experience in making wedding cakes. Transporting and stacking a cake is a job best left to the pros. If you really love their recipe you can ask an experienced baker to replicate it for you and let your friend or family member enjoy your wedding without the stress of ensuring the safety of your cake.

We have some really amazing cake bakers in Knoxville (trust me I think I have tried them all!) but they do book quickly. If you have a particular one in mind it wouldn’t hurt to call them early in your planning but you should be safe booking as close as three or four months out.

I will go into designing and putting your cake together in a later post so this won’t turn into a book.

Happy planning,

If you have any wedding planning questions, comments or suggestions please e-mail me at pinkprokristyn@gmail.com and I will be happy to help you! You can also check out my *almost* daily blog at panacheconsulting.blogspot.com for more great wedding planning tips!

:: Pretty cake pic *theknot* ::

Operation Boot Camp- Month 2 Week 3!

2008-11-03T08:49:00.000-08:00

So I'm officially half way through my boot camp experience. I can't believe I've been doing this for 6 whole weeks... getting up at 5 AM? I never thought it'd happen. It's definitely not getting easier. At this point for me I am finding it harder and harder to stick to the meal plan. After eating good for so long, I am craving something bad for me! I've tried to keep straying to a minimum- only on free days- but it's still really hard!

One thing I am seeing more clearly is how my eating and drinking habits effect the way my body functions. Over the weekend, I took my free-day a little too far... it kind of turned into a 'free weekend' instead. My fiancé and I celebrated Halloween, and went to some parties to watch the game and celebrate our friends' birthdays. Chips and dip, pizza, alcohol... ohhhh it was bad. I felt pretty guilty about it afterwards... but the thing that felt worst was how I felt this morning at boot camp! I got a bad cramp in my leg and it hurt to do most of the exercises we did today. I know it's because I didn't treat myself well this weekend. I definitely didn't get enough water and I ate a bunch of junk.

I know I need to be taking better care of myself... it's just something I've never been that good at. I always start out with good intentions but eventually fall off track along the way. It's a constant battle to remember to do everything I need to do to keep myself well. Eat well, get plenty of sleep, get exercise, drink enough water, take my vitamins, take anti-inflammatories to reduce swelling, take ibuprofen for pain, ice the areas that hurt... seriously, that's alot of stuff to do every day- not to mention all the stuff I do on a given day anyway. I know if I want to continue to see results that I need to do all of these things in order to keep myself healthy along the way, but it gets a little overwhelming.

Luckily my weekend was out-of-the-ordinary and I don't usually get as tempted to stray as I did this weekend. I've got 6 more weeks to work this all out- I need to get these habits developed and stable before it's all over so I can keep myself well even after boot camp is over. I really want to make the 2nd half count!! I guess I need a good kick in the pants.

Simple Moments

2008-11-02T17:13:00.000-08:00

Sometimes the simplest moments in the story of a wedding turn out to be the most memorable. Those moments that you cannot always anticipate or the unexpected surprises make for some of the best images.

I don't like to approach documenting a wedding from a cookie cutter perspective with a fixed shot list. I quiet the mind, don't analyze, stay completely in the moment, always alert to what is happening around me and looking for those little moments that happen in between the bigger moments which allows me to capture the authenticity of your wedding.

All of these little moments are stitched together to create the fabric of your wedding day as well as your life. Don't stress if things don't always follow a set itinerary. Go with the flow and be open to the little unexpected moments.

Children in Your Wedding Party

2008-10-29T11:58:00.000-07:00

My post is a little late today because my husband and I took our daughter to get her first hair cut today! (I know the picture is horrible but I forgot my real camera and had to use my phone!)

So in honor of her first hair cut I thought I would do my post on children in the wedding party.

I love including children in weddings. Yes, they are very unpredictable - who knows whether they will actually make it down the aisle. But I think the unpredictable things they do add that much more to your wedding.

My daughter is 16 months and was in her uncle's wedding last month. At the rehearsal she had a hard time walking down the aisle and even cried the whole way down the second time through. Needless to say we were a little nervous about how she would do on the wedding day with all the people around. Not only did she do a perfect job, she blew kisses to everyone the whole way down the aisle!

It's moments like those that make me recommend including children in your wedding party. Even if they end up crying the whole way down they will probably look adorable doing it!

Here are some tips on choosing the kids that will help make your day so special:

Flower girls and ring bearers - typically between the ages of 3 and 7 but if you are brave you can go younger (like my sister-in-law did with my daughter) If you want to include a younger child I definitely recommend that you have an older child escort them down the aisle. Also be warned that a younger child is more likely to decide that they don't want to walk down the aisle when the time comes.

Junior bridesmaids and ushers - girls and boys between the ages of 8 and 14. The girls would wear similar dresses to the ones your bridesmaids are wearing and walk down the aisle after the bridesmaids and before the flower girls. The boys would wear the same style tux the groomsmen are wearing and walk down the aisle with the groomsmen.

Pages - Although pages are far less common in today's weddings you can include them if you are having a very formal and large wedding. You would also need a large train on your wedding dress. The pages are two young boys that would hold your train as you walk down the aisle.

Remember whether you include children in your wedding party or not, no wedding is ever perfect. It's usually the little mistakes that make the day so much more special.

Happy planning,

If you have any wedding planning questions, comments or suggestions please e-mail me at pinkprokristyn@gmail.com and I will be happy to help you! You can also check out my blog at panacheconsulting.blogspot.com for more great wedding planning tips!

Come to our Pink Party Tomorrow Night!

2008-10-29T11:15:00.000-07:00

Good Day Ladies!

Just a reminder that we are hosting a Pink Party tomorrow night at the Holiday Inn Cedar Bluff. The party starts at 6:00 and will last until about 8:00.

Margie over at the Holiday Inn Cedar Bluff has planned a fabulous dinner for you, including a signature Pink Champagne, which I am most excited about! Sugarbuzz Bakery has baked us a Delicious cake and there will be a panel of experts available to answer any and all of your wedding planning questions.

Brides bring a bridesmaid or your mother (or future MIL ) and join us for this fabulous evening! You will walk away with a goody bag filled with fun stuff, including a Pink Perks packet representing over 25 coupons from local wedding vendors. And the guest of honor for the evening is the newest Knoxville Pink Book, hot of the presses, free to every bride that attends before it has even hit the streets!

So come join me and other Knoxville brides and celebrate your upcoming nuptials!

xoxo

p.s.- leave a comment on my blog from last Monday for your chance to win a free PinkBook.com T-shirt at the party!

Operation Boot Camp- Month 2 Week 2!

2008-10-28T10:27:00.000-07:00

Being a veteran at Boot Camp has its ups and downs. At times I feel like I should be stronger or better than the newer people, but I realize it's all about personal ability, not comparison with others! I know I'm making improvements and that's what's important! Alot of times, they modify the exercises to make it a little tougher on the vets- which is good because it's more challenging but bad because it's hard! :) Sometimes I feel like I'm still at newbie level since I didn't run as much during my last month- I feel like I'm still building up my endurance and stamina and can't keep up with the other vets. There are newbies who show me up every day! But like I said it's about personal improvement, not being 'better' than someone else.

The BIG plus to being a vet is the 'free day' for our meal plans!! We get one day 'off' from our diets where we can eat something off plan or have a drink- I used mine on Saturday for tailgating! It's a pretty sweet deal- and rewarding to have something you've been wanting but have denied yourself during the week.

I also really love encouraging the new campers. I never really got into encouraging my peers in the first month but I can tell the new folks appreciate it when you cheer for them. I know I did when I was in their shoes! Speaking of shoes, my foot is doing alot better! It does get a little sore when I do alot of jumping but otherwise it's been great! It's been surprising at how challenging the workouts are, even in my 2nd month. I'm excited to see what kind of results i have at the end of this month!! :)

How to Pick Your Perfect Wedding Date

2008-10-22T08:42:00.000-07:00

Picking your wedding date seems pretty straight forward at first glance but when you sit down to consider all the variables it can actually become quite complicated.

You may be thinking "How hard can it be to choose a date? We want a spring wedding so we will get married the second weekend in April or our anniversary is October 7 so we will get married on October 7." Now if having your wedding on your anniversary or the second weekend in April is the most important thing to you then your solution is simple. However, if the location you love or officiant that you must have isn't available on those dates what will you do then?

Figure Out Your Number 1

The first thing you should do is figure out what is the absolute most important thing about your wedding day. Is it the location? The officiant? The specific time of year?

Once you determine what is most important to you, you will be able to find out what dates will work best and narrow from there. Let’s say you have found the perfect reception location and as long as you are married there nothing else matters. You should make this your first call and find out what dates they have available. You can then narrow down further by choosing the second most important thing on your list.

Which Month and Which Day of the Week?

Yes, you can get married on a Saturday in June but you will probably pay more and you will definitely need to start planning a lot further in advance. November thru March are usually the slowest wedding months and vendors will often offer their services at a discount.

So you still want a June wedding? If you opt for a non-Saturday wedding you can also often save some of your budget. I would still plan early because some vendors may not take more than one wedding per week no matter what day it is on.

Holidays, Holidays

There are pros and cons to planning your wedding on a holiday. Guests may appreciate not having to take extra days off of work and family may already be in town. On the other hand many guests may be annoyed that their normal holiday plans will have to be tossed out for your wedding.

A holiday wedding can also be a problem when booking hotels and air fare which usually go up around the holidays.

A Valentine's Wedding

Oh how romantic, a Valentine's day wedding! While it may be a romantic day to get married, it can be a real budget buster. Flower prices can easily triple causing your flower budget to fly out the window. And even though February is considered a slow month for weddings and usually a good time for discounts, February 14 will not get you discounts and may even add more to your services.

If it is a must for you to be married on Valentine's Day make sure to provide extra planning time and money.

Happy planning,

If you have any wedding planning questions, comments or suggestions please e-mail me at pinkprokristyn@gmail.com and I will be happy to help you! You can also check out my blog at panacheconsulting.blogspot.com for more great wedding planning tips!

Your Custom Ceremony could WIN you a FREE PinkBook.com T-Shirt!

2008-10-20T08:23:00.000-07:00

Pink Lady Anna recently attended her cousin's wedding in Nashville and afterwards she couldn't stop talking about how the ceremony was the most beautiful she had ever attended. Why was it so beautiful? It was obvious to everyone in attendance how much the bride and groom loved each other and their family. Through out the entire wedding and reception, the family, their faith and their love were honoured. Members of the wedding party, family members, and friends joined together to form a choir of about 12 people that sang during the ceremony. The bride herself sang a song to her father at the reception. The mother's poured a different color sand into a vase as a symbol of the two families becoming one. So much emphasis is placed on the reception, I want to know what you are doing to personalize your ceremony? Do you have a close friend reading your favorite love poem? Is your favorite aunt playing the piano or singing? Are you and your groom writing personalized vows?

Leave your comments on this blog telling me what you are doing to personalize your ceremony, then attend our Pink Party on October 30th at the Holiday Inn Cedar Bluff and my top 5 favorite comments will get a FREE PinkBook.com "I Do" t-shirt.

xoxo

Operation Boot Camp- Month 2!!!

2008-10-20T07:18:00.000-07:00

So I got to run my mile this morning- the first time I've run in two weeks! I was really happy with myself. My goal with running was to be able to run the whole mile without stopping and I did! It was so great! Instructor Holly ran beside me the whole time. I got pretty tired and I would have been perfectly happy to stop and walk but I just kept on pushing through it. Every time I felt like I wanted to walk I just pushed on through and thought about something else. I felt sooooo good after it was over- it's been over a year and a half since I've run a mile without stopping so I was really proud of myself. Even better- I took almost 2.5 minutes off my time! My first run was 13:46 and my run this morning was 11:19!! I was really happy with it and am trying to figure out what time I should shoot for as my goal for the end of this month! I'm thinking of setting a goal of under 10 minutes... think it's realistic? Now that I'm able to run again I can start practicing my mile more! :)

It was also really cool to see the new folks come in today to start their first month. I remember how encouraging it was to have the instructors and vets while doing my PT test- and it was fun to encourage someone else! I am not the most positive-thinking person in the world... I tend to be my own worst enemy. So it's something I've been working on, and something that Boot Camp is definitely helping me with. I'm just trying to remember not to say 'I can't'
and instead say 'I can' and 'I will.' I'll be keeping you updated as I head through my 2nd month!! :)

Engagement Sessions

2008-10-19T20:21:00.000-07:00

While it extremely important to invest in professional photography for your wedding day, an engagement session prior to your wedding is also a good investment. It’s a great way for you to get to know your photographer better and feel more comfortable with them in front of the camera, which makes your wedding day less stressful. It is also equally important for your photographer to get to know you and to see how you and your fiancé interact and which angles are your best. After seeing the wonderful photographs that you will no doubt have from your engagement session, you will feel much more confident knowing that you are in good hands and your wedding images will be spectacular.

Mark your Calendars!

2008-10-17T07:03:00.001-07:00

Happy Friday!

I just wanted to make sure everyone is aware that some of the Pink Ladies will be at Crescent Bend on Sunday, October 26th for their annual "A Taste of Crescent Bend" event. Stop by and tour the gardens, talk with some of my favorite wedding vendors and come see us. We'll have some cool I Do decal stickers and invitations to our exclusive Pink Party coming up on Thursday October 30th (I'll blog more about that next week, but click here to RSVP), as well as Premier Bride magazines.

Event Details:

A Taste of Crescent Bend
House & Gardens

“An Open House for Special Events”
Sunday October 26, 2008 1pm-4pm

RSVP by October 21, 2008 at (865) 255-1834

Should be an enjoyable day!

xoxo

Operation Boot Camp- Month 1 Completed!! :)

2008-10-17T05:35:00.000-07:00

So today was the last day of Operation Boot Camp for the month!!! Like I said, I don't have clearance to run until Monday, but I completed the other categories and I have to say I am really proud of my accomplishments!!

Here's my results:

PT TEST

PUSH-UPS
First Test: 14 Final Test: 48

FACILITATED PUSH-UPS
(ON KNEES)
First Test: 13 Final Test: /

SIT UPS
First Test: 16 Final Test: 33

DIPS
First Test: 10 Final Test: 25

FACILITATED DIPS
(BENT KNEES)
First Test: 13 Final Test: 35

MILE TIME
First Test: 13:46 Final Test: Running on Monday

I am so proud of myself- I more than doubled all of my exercises- it's a GREAT feeling. I'm so thankful for this opportunity- Boot Camp has been a wonderful experience thus far!! The staff and fellow campers make such a great environment for helping you achieve your fitness goals- and it works!! I'm already down a dress size, and hope to drop a couple more before I'm done. I can not say enough about the amazing staff- they have been so encouraging and motivating, especially with me facing an injury that could have kept me from reaching my goals. They've worked with me through it all!! I'm happy to say my foot is feeling much better now and I am excited to come back fresh on Monday for Month 2!! :)

Week 4- Mid Week

2008-10-15T07:50:00.001-07:00

So I am halfway through my final week of my first month of Operation Boot Camp!! I can't believe it's already been 4 weeks! It seems like just yesterday my lungs were exploding as I struggled to run the mile. I was so weak when I first started- I can't believe how far I've come! On Friday, we're going to be completing our final PT test- which will measure my results in the different areas as compared to my first PT test! I can't wait to see how much I've improved!! :)

I am still on a 'no running' order until Monday, so I won't be doing the mile portion of my PT test on Friday. Assuming that I get the OK to start running again, I will use my Monday mile time as my final PT test mile time. I'll let you know how I do!!! It's incredible to see how much my body has changed already. I want my arms and back to look FABULOUS in my wedding gown and I know I'm already on my way there!! :)

I am SO excited about starting my 2nd month next week!

Why You Need a Wedding Planner

2008-10-15T06:00:00.000-07:00

A wedding planner (or consultant or coordinator) wears many different hats. She is an advisor, financial planner, supervisor, mediator, and friend. A planner is an incredible asset to have on your wedding team.

Full Service or Day of Coordination
A full service planner can help you plan everything from the engagement party to the honeymoon. They can be as involved as designing every detail or simply help guide you to the best choices for your wedding. You can think of them as a personal assistant for all things wedding.

If you have done (or prefer to do) all of the planning on your own you can still benefit from hiring a wedding planner or in this case a wedding coordinator for the day of your wedding. A day of coordinator will meet with you once or twice before your wedding to go over all the details and will direct the rehearsal. On the wedding day she will serve as the point of contact for all vendors and ensure that everything goes smoothly so you can enjoy your day.

Why You Can Afford a Wedding Planner
Wedding planners were once seen as a luxury that only the rich and famous could afford to have. Yes, wedding planners do add one more thing to your budget but they often save you money on other parts of your budget. A planner will be able to guide you to creative alternatives to something that you love that is out of your price range and can prevent you from making costly mistakes that can ruin your budget. Vendors are usually more willing to throw in extras for a bride that is working with a planner. The planner represents more brides (and future business) where a bride alone is usually a onetime client.

But Do I Really Need a Wedding Planner?
Yes, you do. I am not saying you can’t plan your wedding on your own but you can get so much more out of the entire process if you use a wedding planner. Planning a wedding is a very time consuming process. Friends, family, fiancés, and jobs can also be very time consuming. It is hard to dedicate the time that you need to plan your wedding without neglecting one or all of the others. A wedding planner will save you that precious time. She knows which vendors to recommend so you don’t waste time looking at the wrong ones for you; she knows what will and will not work for favors, centerpieces, invitations, etc. A planner will take care of all the most time consuming parts of the wedding – the research, phone calls – so that you can actually enjoy your engagement, your friends, your family, and your fiancé!

Although I do suggest every bride hire a wedding planner; it is almost a necessity if you are planning any of the following types of weddings:
• Destination wedding
• Large weddings with 200+ guests
• Home weddings

Happy planning,

If you have any wedding planning questions, comments or suggestions please e-mail me at pinkprokristyn@gmail.com and I will be happy to help you! You can also check out my blog for more great wedding planning tips!

Operation Boot Camp- I finished week 3!!!

2008-10-10T07:20:00.001-07:00

So I have finished my third week of Boot Camp! I can't believe that it's been 3 whole weeks already! I'm a quarter of the way through my entire season, and I am already seeing such great improvements. Like I said, I've already lost a dress size, and although I didn't measure myself before I started, I can tell I've definitely lost major inches all over my body. It's a great feeling and I am definitely excited to see what kind of results I have at the end of my 3 months!

As you know, I am nursing an injury in my left foot. I have been ordered by my doctor to not run or jump for 2 weeks in order to let it rest. I understand that cardio is an important part of the workouts but I'm basically banned from doing the typical exercises that we do for cardio: running and jumping! Basically, I have no choice. If I did choose to run, I would most likely hurt myself worse and I would be forced to take a break from Boot Camp completely. I don't want that to happen, so no matter how much I wish I could fully participate, I have to hold back for the sake of healing. But I am still out there every day doing what I am able to do without hurting myself. I still sweat, my heart still pumps hard, and I still feel like I'm getting a workout. It's encouraging when the instructors tell me that I'm doing a good job despite my injury.

On Monday, I got sent home from Boot Camp because we were doing a workout that consisted of nothing but running. Kelly let me know that this was the case and since I hadn't seen the doctor yet we decided it was best if I skipped the workout. To be honest, I cried the whole drive home. I was SO upset at the thought of having to quit or take a break. When I saw the doctor and he told me I had tendinitis, I cried the whole way home- worried that the instructors would tell me I had to take my 2 week sentence off. But they allowed me to continue to come, and that's awesome. I do my best with what I've got right now- it might not be up to everyone's standards, but I am trying my hardest while trying to keep myself from getting hurt. And that's enough for me. :)

hello ladies!

2008-10-08T16:00:00.000-07:00

Oh my goodness! I promise you guys I have not fallen off the face of the earth! I haven't been on here in ages...and I am SO sorry! Life has been coming at me full-force, and that means less time for my fun, not-so-important activities. I will say that mine and Kyle's wedding plans are kind of at a stand-still. We have crossed this path many times, and I hate it, but we're young and broke, basically. Haha. His unit has a 90% chance of getting deployed next year, and if that happens, we will get married before he gets deployed. I sincerely hope it doesn't come down to that, though. I would much rather wait it out...no matter how long it takes...then to have to deal with him being in Afghanistan for a year.

Alright, enough about me...I recently found out about a fabulous reception site! I couldn't find a picture of it online, but it's called Cherokee Mills. It's a former textile mill at Sutherland and Concord. It is actually this huge building with a ton of offices. But I recently went to a reception there, and they have an amazing patio and (I think) a little bit of indoor space you can use as well. I don't know prices or anything, and they're not even up and running yet. They're still figuring out what businesses will have offices in there and such. But it's definitely something to consider!

Well, that's all I've got for now. Hopefully, I'll be back soon. :)

My Pink Pro Introduction!

2008-10-08T06:00:00.000-07:00

Hello ladies! I am the newest Pink Pro and I am so excited to be part of the Pink Book family!

Now, a little intro… My name is Kristyn and I am a wife, mom, daughter, and a wedding consultant. I was born in Boston, MA and spent the first half of my life there. I have lived in Knoxville for the other half and I have even picked up a slight southern accent! My husband, Corey, and I are real high school sweethearts! We met in the sixth grade and dated from the eighth grade, all the way through high school, and eventually got married. We have a beautiful one year old little girl named Ashlyn. She is a complete Daddy's girl and spoiled rotten by all our friends and family!

Now for the wedding consultant side of me... I am a proud member of the Association of Bridal Consultants. My consulting company is Panache Productions and we are a full service wedding consulting and design company. I love weddings but my true passion is helping my brides bring their dream wedding to life.

I will be posting every Wednesday and would love to answer any questions you may have about weddings and wedding planning. Please e-mail me at PinkProKristyn@gmail.com with any questions, comments, or suggestions that you may have.

I am getting some pictures done with Meggie Velasco next week. I will post one when I get them back so you can put a face with the words!

Happy planning,

Operation Boot Camp- Week 3

2008-10-07T05:31:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone!! I hope you're ready for some more exciting Boot Camp stories! I went yesterday to get my foot checked out and my doctor told me that it's a sprain or tendonitis. He suggested that I use the R.I.C.E. method to heal:

Rest- get as much rest as possible, stay off my feet when I can.
Ice/ibuprofen- ice my foot twice a day if possible. Take ibuprofen as needed for pain.
Compress- wrap my foot/ankle in an ace bandage to stabilize my ankle.
Elevate- keep my foot elevated when I am not using it. This helps reduce swelling.

My doctor also gave me an anti-inflammatory to help with swelling and pain. He then suggested that I keep from doing strenuous activity like running and jumping for around 2 weeks. I was so disheartened when he told me this!! I have been trying really hard to keep up with the group as much as possible and this is slowing me down- literally! Luckily I feel okay when I walk and the instructors at boot camp have given me modified exercises to do so that I don't have to take 2 weeks off completely. I wouldn't want to stop now that I'm getting the hang of getting up and going every morning. AND because I'm already seeing such great results- I'd hate to lose the muscle I've gained in the last 2 1/2 weeks, not to mention I've already lost a dress size! I felt amazing when I went shopping on Friday and bought a dress that was a whole size smaller than the ones I'd worn recently! It's a great feeling and like I said, I just couldn't quit now and risk falling off track while I heal.

Tomorrow is a day off- I can't believe I'm already half way through week 3!! For anyone who's interested Thursday, October 9 is Bring A Friend Day at Operation Boot Camp!
We will be meeting at 5:30 AM at Lakeshore Park off the Northshore Drive Entrance. If you'd like to come, leave a comment with your email and we can get someone to get in touch with you about it! I'll be there and I'm bringing my fiancé so he can see what I go through every day!! :) I'll let you know how that goes!

I paid for a photographer, so why don't I own the images?

2008-10-05T20:19:00.000-07:00

As the creator of the images, your photographer owns the copyrights to those images. In most cases when you hire a professional photographer for your wedding, it doesn't necessarily mean you will receive the copyrights to all of the images. If you feel it is important for you to own the rights, be sure to ask your photographer if he or she offers the option to purchase the copyrights and how long they will retain the images. Some photographers may offer the rights included in their overall package, others may offer the rights for an additional fee while some do not offer the purchase of the rights at all. Be aware however, if you do purchase the rights and take a DVD of your wedding images to a drug store or supermarket lab to produce prints, the quality of the printing and paper will not compare to those provided by your photographer. The prints made by a professional photographer are carefully adjusted for perfect color balance and clarity, then sent to a professional lab using the highest standards for the best print quality possible.

Custom Made Veils Make Great Heirlooms!

2008-10-03T10:23:00.000-07:00

Last week I had the chance to sit down with Colleen Moore with White Orchid Bridal. Colleen has been designing and creating one-of-a-kind wedding accessories in Knoxville for over four years now. She got started in the bridal accessory world by doing what it was she loved most, ballet. Colleen has been taking ballet lessons since she was a little girl and went on to study classical ballet at Western Michigan University.
She began sewing ballet costumes complete with headpieces and in college had a friend who was getting married ask if she would make a headpiece for her wedding. Colleen made the headpiece and has not stopped since.
After working from her home for four years, this past June Colleen opened a storefront on Central Ave. The store itself is something in every brides dream, an all white shop with some of the most beautiful and unique accessories. Everything in Colleen's shop is either a vintage item that she has found and made new or an original piece by either herself or one of her two jewelry designers, Tracy Kramer and Jyl Walker.

Colleen's custom headpieces are all designed with her brides in mind. She prefers to use vintage materials for their quality and hand gathers every veil as opposed to the usual machine gathered veils. As you speak with Colleen you can really see her creativity come out because she is really passionate about her work. When I asked her why she does what she does she had a response that I could resonate with, she said “in a world of cheap, manufactured junk this is a place where you can get an heirloom.” From handmade jewelry pieces to one-of-a-kind ring bearer pillow, White Orchid has something unique for every bride.

So before you make any of your bridal accessory purchases, stop by and see what Colleen has available.

Operation Boot Camp- Week 2, Day 5

2008-10-03T07:15:00.000-07:00

I've made it through my 2nd week of Boot Camp!! Hooray! That means I'm half way through my first month, and a sixth of the way through my three months! I have to say that I am completely blown away by the changes my body is experiencing already after just two weeks!! My clothes are already starting to fit more loosely and I can see inches melting off. It truly is amazing!

Unfortunately my foot is still bothering me pretty badly so I haven't even been able to work out at my fullest potential. Even though I'm doing modified exercises most of the time, I'm still seeing results- visible ones and physical ones. My arms, my core and my legs are all building muscle that I never knew possible. I'm sad that my foot is giving me so much trouble- since it's been going on for over a week, I'm going to go visit a doctor tomorrow and get it checked out. I don't want to hurt myself any further, so I really need to figure out if there's a serious problem that would keep me from continuing right now. If there's a hairline or stress fracture in there I would have to take some time off from camp to let myself heal. Cross your fingers for me because I don't want to quit now!

I did get in a little trouble for having a few cocktails with my girlfriends last night- I was put in the 'encouragement' bin. When you stray from the meal plan, are late to the park, or miss a workout, the instructors give you 'encouragement.' Alcohol is prohibited during Boot Camp because it slows your metabolism and your body's ability to burn fat. If you drink any alcohol- you get encouragement! Encouragement is usually an extra, extended chunk of time to exercise to make up for your boot camp sins. Running laps, pushups, situps, jumping jacks etc... which is no fun when you've already busted your butt for 45 minutes solid!! Lucky for me, we ran a little late in our workout so I got out of it- whew! But I definitely don't want to make a habit of ending up in the encouragement bin.

Well, that's my update for the end of the week! Over the weekend I'll be resting my foot, getting it checked out, and trying to do some low-impact exercise like a pilates DVD or something. Hope everyone has a great weekend! Stay tuned for more updates for Operation Boot Camp! :)

Fabulous Favors!

2008-09-29T10:51:00.000-07:00

I have an exciting new website to share with you ladies today!

Kate Aspen sells wedding (and any occasion) favors that are so cute and so creative - best of all - they are extremely affordable. The prices of course are based on how many you order, but they are all less than $3.00 apiece.

A few of my favorites are below - it was very difficult to choose only a few for this collage, so check these out and then browse the website - I am willing to bet that you will find something that complements the theme of your wedding perfectly!

Operation Boot Camp- Week 2, Day 1

2008-09-29T06:17:00.000-07:00

I was so proud on Friday when I finished my last workout of my first week! It felt incredible!! I definitely felt the burn all weekend, too- we worked our arms alot and they are still a little sore even now!

I was feeling ambitious on Saturday so I decided to go to an optional workout- I was glad that I did it but I managed to do something bad to my left foot... it's been hurting ever since. Sunday, I could barely walk around my apartment without being in pain! And of course today we did lots of jump-jump-jumping at boot camp... with jump ropes of course! Normally I'd have been all about a workout like this, but today with my poor little foot hurting it was really hard for me to do any jumping. Luckily the instructors at boot camp helped me figure out some alternate exercises to do while everyone was jumping rope. Even though I wasn't doing the same workout as everyone else, I still worked up a darn good sweat! I know I could have done alot better if my foot wasn't bothering me so much. I've been told that the best thing for me to do about my first boot camp induced injury is to ice it for around 15 minutes a few times throughout the day. Also to take some ibuprofen and I will probably get an ace bandage to wrap around it because it seems like a good idea... right? I just hope my foot gets better soon- I don't want it to stand in the way of my goals and my workouts!!

Have any of you hit a snag along the way as you were trying to reach your goals?

Operation Boot Camp- Day 4

2008-09-25T06:06:00.000-07:00

Owwww.... I am SORE!! I'll catch you up on how things have been since Monday...

On Monday, the instructors told us that if our tennis shoes were more than 6 months old, it was probably time to get a new pair. I really had to think about how long I'd had my current pair of sneakers- and I realized I'd had them for a year and 9 months!! That's WAY too long. No wonder my feet, ankles, and shins hurt me so much! So I went out that day and bought myself a new pair of kicks... and boy am I glad that I did! I bought these sweet babies- New Balance W992GL. They are SO comfortable and are really helping with my stability. I figured since I was lucky enough to win the chance to participate in boot camp for 3 months, I could afford to get some shoes that would help me feel my best. I definitely recommend investing in a good pair of running shoes!

I've been keeping a good log of everything I eat and the thing the instructors stress most is drinking WATER! I am trying every day to drink more than the day before. It's good for your body, digestion, and your muscles! The only problem is I end up heading for the ladies' room every 30 minutes!! TMI... I'm sorry! :)

Tuesday was our first day of regular workouts- it was crazy! We did circuit training-type stuff, with different stations where we did different exercises. It was rough! I was already sore from Monday, and the hardest thing for me was getting up off the ground after being down for push-ups, sit-ups or whatever we were doing! My legs and booty hurt the worst!

Wednesday was an off-day. We didn't meet for camp in the morning and it was nice to sleep in a bit! However, on days we don't have camp, we are required to complete homework! Yep, that's right! Gotta keep our muscles working even on our days off. Homework consists of a combination of a few different exercises like sit-ups, push-ups, running, lunges, squats- whatever you want to do. I'm not a good self-motivator but I forced myself to do some of my 'homework' throughout the day. I broke it up between breakfast, lunch, and dinner- it was a little easier for me that way! It was definitely tough because my legs hurt so bad that I was walking around like a mummy or something! I felt like a 60-year-old woman trying to walk down or up the steps at my apartment... but you know what they say- 'No Pain, No Gain!'

This morning it was back to camp! Another intense workout- lots of running drills. My heart felt like it was going to explode out of my chest! I had to take a break because I started to feel woozy- but everyone was so encouraging! After I got some water in my system I went back and continued the workout as best I could. The instructors and the other 'bootcampers' in my group were all really supportive and commended me for coming back out there- so that was really great. Everyone at boot camp is there for a common goal- to push themselves and get fit and healthy! It's not competitive- if anything, you're only competing with yourself to make yourself better. None of us would be out there busting our bums if we didn't want to succeed- and so we want our fellow bootcampers to succeed as well!

I'm starting to feel a little less sore, although my booty is still hurtin' pretty bad!! But I'm excited for tomorrow to wrap up my first week of camp! I can already tell my body feels so much better (minus the soreness). It's good to know I'm actually using all those muscles I've neglected for so long!! If you have any questions about my experiences, feel free to email me at PinkBrideJessica {at} gmail {dot} com. :)

Operation Boot Camp- Day 1!

2008-09-22T06:49:00.000-07:00

I woke up to my blaring alarm at 4:30 this morning. That's right- 4:30 AM!! I wanted to make sure I was decently awake before I drove on over to the site where Boot Camp takes place- Lakeshore Park. However, in my sleepy haze I got lost in Lakeshore Park and thought I was going to be late! Luckily I found my way there by 5:20 where I was greeted by Kellie Vogel- owner and instructor of Operation Boot Camp, as well as some other bright-eyed, bushy-tailed OBC instructors! I'm guessing that getting up so early gets easier over time, but I felt like I was dragging big time!

We had a orientation meeting where the instructors went over the details of the program. We were given a Log Book to track our progress- we're supposed to write down what we eat during the day, keep a tally of the water we drink, and write about our exercise for each day as well. Then it was time to start the workout!

We did a quick warm up of jogging, jumping jacks, pushups, squats, and running in place. Then it was time to do our first P.T. test to see what level we are on. We started by running a mile- can I just tell you, I'm NOT a runner. A quarter of the way through (if that) I felt like my lungs were going to explode and my legs started cramping- I had to walk for much of the mile. I have to admit, it made me feel so terrible. I was 2nd to last by the time I finished. I need to get to a point where I can push through the pain to keep on going. All the instructors told us to keep a positive attitude as much as possible- and I'd really like to do that, but it's something that's always been hard for me. My mile time ended up being 13:49- I thought you could walk a mile faster than that? I don't know how it took me so long!! I know that I'm just starting out, but I also know I need alot of improvement! I know it will get easier over time and it's something I'm going to have to stick to if I want to see those results!

After the run was over, we tested our pushups, situps, and dips- and then it was over! I can't tell you how glad I was for it to be over!! I actually felt pretty good after it was over, my body feels good after using it! It really was a hard day for me but if anything it made me want to do better, so I don't feel embarrassed about how slow I am! I have a feeling that going to Boot Camp every morning is going to be something that I love and dread at the same time. :)

So we can compare my end-of-the-month test with my initial test, I will give you my results:

Push-ups: 14
Facilitated push-ups: (on your knees) 13
Sit-ups: 16
Dips: 10
Facilitated dips: (knees bent) 13
Run time: 13:46

I've decided that I just need to keep thinking about my wedding dress as I'm feeling the burn- that's all I want, is to look beautiful in my dress!! :) I'll keep you updated as things progress!

Why hire a local photographer for your destination wedding?

2008-09-21T18:14:00.000-07:00

Many of my clients decide to tie the knot at a beautiful destination resort or somewhere exotic. So why bring your photographer along as opposed to hiring the staff photographer at the resort? Typically, the staff photographer at the resort does not have the experience or expertise that an independent professional photographer has. In addition, they most likely will not spend as much time with you or take as many photographs. After your wedding, you will never see the resort photographer again. I like to build a long term relationship with my clients and I spend a tremendous amount of time with them after the wedding selecting and designing the perfect album that they will have the rest of their lives.

If you are considering a destination wedding, think carefully before going with a "cookie-cutter package" that may include their staff photographer and consider the importance of having your own personal photographer who will capture every detail and every moment. Many professional photographers will only charge travel and accommodations in addition to their fee.

My introduction! :)

2008-09-19T08:41:00.001-07:00

Hey there all you Knoxville brides!! I am the newest bride here at the Pink Book Knoxville- Pink Bride Jessica!

I am the lucky (and extremely grateful) winner of the Operation Bootcamp membership! You can read my story below! I have really been needing something to get me started on the road to health and happiness and I think Operation Bootcamp is going to be the ticket to my success!

I am starting Bootcamp on Monday, Sep. 22! That's only a few days away! Kinda makes me want to eat a bunch of fried, fast food this weekend to get it out of my system before I start the program! :) As all Knoxvillians know- it's Football Time in Tennessee! Will my love for tailgating food and cold beverages while watching the game getting into the way of my success! What's a girl to do? Well, from what I hear, the trainers at Operation Bootcamp can help with that too! I'm going to have to keep a record of all that I eat so that they can tell me what I'm doing right and what I'm doing wrong. I think this will be a great help for me!

I have to admit, I've got a mixture of emotion about this program! I'm excited to really start something good, while at the same time I am completely terrified that I won't be good at it, or I'll want to quit. But the key to seeing results is to find something good and stick to it! You all will have to cheer me on during this process, I'd love the extra support!

Well, check back here Monday for my review of my first day at bootcamp! I hope I'm not too sore to blog ! :) Have a great weekend everyone!

The Pink Ladies Go to the Martha Show!

2008-09-14T17:18:00.001-07:00

Our own Pink Ladies have been invited to be in the audience for Martha Stewart's show all about Blogging! PL Jessica entered our blog and Martha chose The Pink Book Bloggers to attend the show!

The show is Wednesday, September 17 at 11am Central, 10am Eastern. Be sure to tune in and see what Martha has to say about the wonderful world of Bloggers! Keep an eye on the audience, you may just see Pink Ladies!!

If you catch the show, enter here! We wil send a PinkBook.com t-shirt (see below) to 5 entries, and every entry will receive a pink "I DO" window decal!

Operation Boot Camp Winner....

2008-09-12T12:44:00.000-07:00

We have chosen a very deserving bride to win our 3 month Operation Boot Camp give away!

"When I graduated from college last year, I was in the best shape I had ever been in. I was working out nearly every day. I was eating well. I was on a high- it was great to be at a “happy weight.” Then I graduated. I lost my free gym membership to my college gym facility, therefore I stopped working out. Then the unthinkable happened… I got a job. A real, GROWNUP job. So I started my 9-5 gig. I felt like I had more money than I knew what to do with. I got to go out to eat more, I got to buy more clothes. But as time went on… I noticed I was buying bigger clothes. Larger sizes. Flow-ier tops. Bustier bras. I was spending less time doing physical activity. Sitting at a desk all day is pretty sedentary. With my new 9-5 gig came some 25+ lbs over the course of a year. And here I am, one year (and a few months) later, in skin that I don’t recognize anymore.
I need something that will get me back into those good habits I used to have, especially now that my wedding is rapidly approaching! I’ve been dress hunting multiple times, only to leave feeling sad because I just don’t feel like me- not because of the dresses but because of my weight. I want to get back to my “happy weight” again and I think Operation Bootcamp would REALLY help me! "

Congratulations Pink Bride Jessica! I am looking forward to reading about your experience along the way as well as learning about your wedding plans.

Stay tuned for Pink Bride Jessica's updates as she starts Operation Boot Camp in October! Maybe she will inspire us all to join her in November...

xoxo

Wedding Wonderland: Lea Ann Belter Trunk Show!

2008-09-05T09:44:00.000-07:00

Hello ladies! I just wanted to let you know about the exciting event coming up at Wedding Wonderland this weekend. They are hosting the Lea Ann Belter Trunk Show on Friday and Saturday, September 5th and 6th, from 10am - 6pm.

Be sure and call because this event is by appointment only, this will be a great event to attend if you are still looking for the perfect gown! Lea Ann Belter is known for her handmade, high quality garments. Her dresses are Canadian-made, insuring that she has full control over each of her designs. Because Lea Ann is in full creative control, she is capable of customizing your gown exactly as you desire. Lea Ann Belter gowns are exclusive to Wedding Wonderland in the Knoxville area. That means that you are sure to get a gown as unique as you are!

Wedding Wonderland also has the Fall Sale going on through this weekend. Be sure and ask them how you can receive 15% off your Bridesmaids' Order!

Call 865-588-8432 to schedule your appointment for this weekend!

Hope you can check it out!

XOXO

Get in Shape for Your Big Day!

2008-09-04T07:29:00.000-07:00

Are you a bride-to-be that really wants to get in shape for your wedding or do you know a deserving bride that would be willing to work hard to get fit before their big day? If so, then I have a great opportunity for you.

Operation Boot Camp of Knoxville has been meeting at Lakeshore Park every morning for a year now. The owner, Kellie Vogel, along with the other wonderful instructors are dedicated to helping others lead healthier more active lives. Several of us here at The Pink Book participated in the July boot camp and had a wonderful experience.

What does a month at boot camp look like you might ask? Well, you will head to Lakeshore Park bright and early every morning (Monday – Friday) ready to work. The amazing instructors at Operation Boot Camp will first look over your booklet where you record all of the food that was consumed the previous day as well as your reaction to the previous day’s work out. You will then participate in 45 minute work-out in which you will exert all of the energy you can muster up. After that, you will go home covered in grass and dirt to take a shower and spend your day feeling a little sore and very proud of yourself as you eat six small protein enriched meals and get ready to go back and do it again.

If this sounds hard that is because it is, however, it is one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever had. You will do things that you never thought you were capable of and you will feel better than you have since you were a kid.

As brides, I know that you all want to look your very best on your wedding day. Operation Boot Camp is a great program that will help you get in great shape for your big day. However, with Operation Boot Camp, not only will you be shaping up for your wedding you will also be taking steps towards a healthier lifestyle.

I am excited to announce that The Pink Book.com is giving away three free months of boot camp for a deserving bride that is willing to work REALLY hard and follow the boot camp program. If you feel you are deserving of a great opportunity like this and ready and willing to work then send us your story and tell us why. We will be accepting stories until Wednesday, September 10th and will announce the winner on Friday the 12th.

To apply you must be able to start boot camp next month and get to Lakeshore Park every morning for the three months. You must also be willing to be interviewed by a local magazine that will track you progress and become a Pink Bride and blog with us about your progress in boot camp and all your wedding plans.

Please email me your stories! I can’t wait to give one lucky reader the chance to improve the way she looks, feels and lives!

Plan early!

2008-08-30T19:53:00.000-07:00

Once that big moment has arrived and you have said YES, don't wait to begin your plans. It's never too early to start looking for that perfect dress, a beautiful venue, your florist and certainly your photographer. Of course it depends on the length of your engagement, but many of the best photographers begin booking 12 to 18 months in advance, so it's in your best interest to retain your photographer early. Try to interview at least three photographers if you can, so that you can get an idea of different styles and talent. Remember that you will be spending one of the most important days of your life with this person so you want to be sure that they make you feel comfortable and at ease. Don't settle or compromise...the images from your wedding day will be with you the rest of your life and you should consider your photographs and your album an important investment.

The Perfect Shot: Waldorf Photographic Art

2008-08-22T18:12:00.000-07:00

When everything else in life fades with time, what are those things that remain with us, the things that we truly value? The things that stay young inside of us, fresh in our minds though we age? These things are the moments in our lives surrounded by friends and family. This day that you have anxiously awaited since childhood will pass in a blur. The important moments, the small details, all of the preparations that go into your special day need to be preserved and remembered just as they happened.

The best images are not staged or posed but reflect the true essence and authenticity of the moment. Sometimes it is the moments that you do not anticipate that turn out to be the most memorable.

The photographer you choose should understand the importance of authenticity in images and capture images which are inspired by the influence of art and beauty.

I was honored that The Pink Book.com asked me to post my suggestions and thoughts regarding wedding photography each week. Going forward, I will be posting tips and suggestions as well as answering any questions you may have about all the aspects of wedding photography relative to the bride and groom. Check back each week for new ideas, some you may never have thought about!

The Perfect Shot : Steven Bridges Photography

2008-08-06T12:11:00.000-07:00

During the time I have known Steven Bridges, I have realized how kind of a person he is. I can only imagine how well he handles working with brides and their families. He has a wonderful personality and is so easy to work with! He is sure to make the bride & groom's wishes come true while not interrupting their big day!

Favorite Color: Green

Favorite Animal: I like most mammals but especially dogs.

Favorite Ice Cream: Chick-fil-A vanilla or Strawberry CheeseQuake from DQ. YUM! YUM!

Your idea of the perfect lazy day: Playing on the lake and/or scuba diving

Q: What goal do you have for every wedding?

A: To capture those genuine and intimate moments between the wedding couple and their guest. In the end, to have a collection of images that tell a visual story of their wedding weekend.

Q: How did you get started?

A: I began my photography career after quitting the football team during my senior year of high school. At that point I decided that photography was my calling and it would be my career. I began working for the local paper shooting sports. Following high school, I attended Arkansas State University. While attending school, I won the ACMA Photographer of the Year award two years in a row and was published internationally. After receiving my BS in Photojournalism, I took a job as a staff photographer at a newspaper. Eventually I ended up in Knoxville, TN were I continue to shoot editorial and commercial assignments along with weddings.

Q: Have you won any photography awards?

A: I won several awards from my daily work as a staff newspaper photographer. Recently I placed 17th in the Wedding Photojournalist Association (WPJA) Top Photographers for 2007. The WPJA's contest is an international competition.

www.SBPhotos.com

Hope you enjoyed this week's Perfect Shot: Steven Bridges Photography! Check back daily for updates on Knoxville's Pink Book blog!

XOXO

Operation Boot Camp Final Day

2008-07-25T09:03:00.000-07:00

I woke up this morning feeling really sad. Today is the last day of my 30 day Boot Camp and this experience has been wonderful for me. I started this wanting to lose weight and what I got from it was so much more than that. I am a mom of a 4 year old little boy and a 1 year old baby girl, a wife to a fabulous husband and a business owner. You can imagine that my life is hectic (I love every minute of it!) and for so long I have put myself last on my "to-do" list. It has been a year since Millie was born and I still haven't lost my "baby weight" or any of the bad eating habits I developed while pregnant. Several months back I read an article in the newspaper about Operation Boot Camp and we put them on our list of people to call for our bridal shows, but it never crossed my mind that it would be something I would want to do. About a month and a half ago, a girl in my office said that she wanted to to do it and about that same time, one of our sales reps had scheduled a meeting with the owner to talk about her advertising with us. The owner invited us to bring a friend day so we could try it out and let me tell you, it was tough! We decided to sign up for the next session and now, here I am a month later a better person than when I started. I say a better person because I am happier. I am stronger. I am healthier. I would have never been able to accomplish any of what I accomplished on my own. I didn't realize I could do the things that I could do. It is obvious that the owner, Kellie Vogel , is so invested in each of us and really cares about us reaching our final fitness goals, even after the program is over. She and the other instructors were right there doing the workouts with us, teaching us proper form, and pushing us to get out of our comfort zone. They educated us on how to eat in real life, sent us emails everyday encouraging us and I am so grateful to all of them.

Please visit http://www.operationbootcamp.com/ or email me any questions you have about the program. There were people in our session in high school all the way up to early 50's with varying fitness goals. Seriously, ranging from super skinny people who wanted to be fit or tone up to extremely over weight people, and everything in between. I think this program is perfect for brides (or grooms) to be. Operation Boot Camp is the perfect outlet to relieve your wedding planning stress, and not to mention, help you look fabulous in your wedding dress!

Okay, so I won't keep you waiting anymore, here are my top 5 measurable successes:

1. I have lost 11 pounds since the day I started.
2. I am wearing 1 size smaller in my jeans
3. I shaved a minute and a half off the time it took me to run 1 mile.
4. I can now do 30 push ups on my toes in one minute (when I started, I could barely do 1 of these)
5. I have WAY better eating habits

So check out the website, email me, whatever it takes to get up the courage, but sign up for Operation Boot Camp and get ready to feel fabulous about yourself!

XOXO

Operation Boot Camp: Day 3

2008-07-03T06:30:00.000-07:00

Yesterday's work out was hard for me, I'm not going to lie. I'm not very good at sit ups and scissors and row boats (I could go on), but my body feels like it is getting leaner and stronger all ready. Today is Day 4 and I am a little nervous because we won't have a work out at the park with the instructors again until Monday, which I will have to miss because I will be out of town. I have "homework assignments" that I have to do, but I really hope that everyone around me will encourage me to do them and I hope that I can stay focused and push myself during them. The Instructors talk a lot about getting past your comfort zone and I definitely tend to stay there when I work out alone.

We are supposed to have 3 goals ready today and after I get them approved by The Instructors, I will post them and keep you up to date on my success.

Wish me luck... with the long weekend off, I fear Day 4 will be rough.

Operation Boot Camp

2008-07-02T06:42:00.000-07:00

It is 6:40 and I am up, getting ready to walk out the door to do grueling exercises with instructors yelling at me to do my best, why, because I am committed to getting healthy (and losing 35 pounds, but they tell me that won't happen in 30 days, but I have high hopes). I am going to track my results as we go, this is Day 3 so stay tuned for more details...

The Perfect Shot : Ambler Brown STAR Photographer

2008-06-30T10:11:00.000-07:00

This week's photographer for The Perfect Shot is, Ambler Brown. Ambler has three children, so he is definitely a family man. He has a lot of experience as a photographer and really knows how to make the bride and her family feel comfortable while at the same time being very professional. This ability to balance makes him a great photographer!

Favorite Color: BROWN
Favorite Animal: Man’s best friend, mine is named “Midnight” Favorite Ice Cream: Peppermint
Your idea of the perfect lazy day: Hiking in the woods
The goal you have for each wedding: To create a “WOW factor” and deliver more than the bride is expecting.

Q: A brief history of how you got started
A: My best friend when I lived in Paducah, KY from 1989-1994 was a Professional Photographer. I met Mary Jane Murphy, a wedding/portrait photographer from Etowah in April, 2006. She shared her story and I made up my mind right then, “I can do this!” Of course it’s more complicated than that, but Mary Jane was my inspiration and catalyst who prompted me to dive in. I joined the local, state and national Professional Photographer’s Associations and haven’t looked back. I photographed 23 weddings in 2007 and had great fun at every one of them. It didn’t hurt that my first wedding was a destination wedding on the beach in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida and my oldest daughter was my assistant. We had a blast working together!

Q: What is your rate range?
A: Packages start at $1,000 and go up depending upon time, album(s), print packages desired etc.

Check out some of these great pictures by Ambler Brown!

Be sure and visit his website www.amblerbrown.com! Be sure to check out Ambler Brown's Pink Perk!

Location, Location, Location!

2008-06-04T12:48:00.000-07:00

Hey Brides,
Who is having trouble deciding on a location? Boy, we sure are. Every place we go to or call is out of our budget. We did find one place that we both LOVE, Twin Cedar Farm, but it's still a tad pricey. We've gone from the backyard to the Smokies, and we even briefly considered the courthouse. Where are you all planning on tying the knot?

Wedding Maps

2008-06-04T06:48:00.001-07:00

Do you have a lot of out-of-town guests coming in for your wedding? Well, I came across a really neat website that may help your guests & save you money!
The website is www.weddingmapper.com, and it allows you to make a FREE wedding map for your guests! What is a wedding map you may ask? Well, it is an interactive and personalized guide to your wedding that shows your guests and even your vendors where everything is taking place for the weekend! Guests will be able to view your map online & you can even make a cute map to print out and send with your invites! Here are some of the tips wedding mapper suggests to help you out while you create your map...

1. Play Local Tour Guide- feature your favorite restaurants, local attractions, spas, parks, and other favorite spots on your wedding map so your guests can enjoy the time around the wedding. It helps to add a personal touch to your map and also shows guests why your wedding location is special to you!

2. Add Photos to your map- this will help make the map look more fun & will make guests more familiar with the area!

3. Don't add too many markers- if you have too many markers on your map, it may overwhelm your guests- so keep it simple!

Hope you enjoy this fun little resource, let me know what you think!

XOXO

The Perfect Shot : V.F. Digital Photography

2008-05-29T08:21:00.000-07:00

Earlier this year, I had the pleasure of having a booth next to Valerie Foley at the Anderson Rental bridal show. As I watched Valerie interact with brides and their families, it was clear to see that she would go out of her way to meet the needs of every individual couple. Valerie is so down-to-earth and really provides a breath of fresh air, which is much needed on your wedding day! Keep reading to find out more about this great Knoxville photographer!

Name: Valerie Foley of V.F. Digital Photography

Favorite Color: Watermelon

Animal: My dog George

Ice Cream: anything with caramel in it

Perfect lazy day: sand in my toes, sounds of the waves and and really great book.

Q: What is your goal for every wedding?

A: I want for my brides to know me ahead of time so they don't have to "think" about or "worry" about the photographer on their wedding day, there is enough that most couples are still working hard on all the way up until the minute they walk down the aisle and if I can take one thing off their minds so they can enjoy the day better that is one big goal I have. My other goal of course is to get really great, natural, classic, timeless photographs for them to have for a lifetime.

Q: How did you get into photography?

A: I have loved taking pictures since I was a teenager, but went into operational management for almost 10 years, and didn't take the leap into my dream career until a little over four years ago. We moved our family here to the Knoxville area two years ago and I immediately starting working hard to get the photography business up and running. Doing anything from volunteering to some local newspapers to get to know people and get my name out there. I volunteer for The Smoky Mountain Animal Care Foundation (in Blount County) as their official photographer. I also have worked as a correspondent to The Daily Times in Maryville and The Knoxville Journal.
This year things have really picked up and now I'm working doing what I love best, I'd say 80-90 percent of my business is weddings.

Q: What is your price range?

A: My price range is anywhere from $750 for a short and sweet Gatlinburg type ceremony all the way up to $3500 for 8 hours, albums, disc, and a bunch of other goodies. My average wedding currently is $2000.

Be sure & check out V F Digital Photography's May Pink Perk. Valerie is offering a free engagement session with the purchase of a diamond or ruby package! This Pink Perk is good until May 31st!

See you next Thursday for next week's Perfect Shot!

XOXO

The Floral Side of Things

2008-05-25T19:08:00.000-07:00

I have actually started a second job working with a wedding florist, Lisa Foster Design. Needless to say, I love it! But it has definitely made me rethink what kind of flowers I want. I originally said that I wanted pink and orange carnations, and that was it. But now I've changed my mind a few times. :)

Here is what I'm planning on as of now:

I love this bridal bouquet from Knottie KathMarried. It's a mix of kermit poms and orange and pink roses.
This is the boutonniere from the same wedding, and I really like it.
This is another option for the bridal bouquet from Knottie JTM06. I like the idea of having a few ivory roses in the bridal bouquet to set it apart.
This is the bridesmaid bouquet from both weddings.
This is the bouquet ribbon that was used in Knottie KathMarried's wedding, and I love the color!

Granted, this is just what I have right now. My mind is bound to change multiple times before I finally make a decision. Where have you ladies gotten inspiration for your flowers?

Vendor List

2008-05-23T04:18:00.001-07:00

Alright, this post will be a short one. We have hardly made any decisions in this area. We are such slackers! :)

Photographer: Sullivan Photography
Videographer: undecided
Caterer: if we use one, it will be TD Barbecue. You can't beat $4.73 a person, and their food is incredible!
Rehearsal Dinner: undecided on the venue, and we haven't decided if we want to go to a restaurant or use a caterer.
Ceremony Venue: undecided
Reception Venue: undecided, but we're hoping to do the ceremony and the reception in the same place.
Florist: maybe Lisa Foster Design, or maybe one of my co-workers that does flowers. We're not sure yet.
Wedding Cake: undecided
Groom's Cake: possibly Kyle's sister
DJ: one of our friends
Honeymoon: We're hoping to go to a Sandals resort.

I'm sure I'm probably forgetting something, but this is what we have so far.

Have a great weekend! :)

Check back for my next post on The Floral Side of Things.

The Perfect Shot: Photography by Sabrina

2008-05-22T14:04:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I had the chance to sit down with Sabrina Dowdy, and I had such a great time. Sabrina is so warm and she made me feel so comfortable. I am sure she makes brides & their families feel that way too! While I was talking with Sabrina I noticed a sign hanging on the wall that read, "Love What You Do". I thought the sign was so appropriate because it is so obvious that Sabrina truly does love photographing weddings! So, if you are looking for a photographer that is both affordable & talented- PLK says give Sabrina Dowdy a call!

Name: Sabrina Dowdy

Favorite Color: Blue

Animal: Her dog Teddy

Ice Cream: Rocky Road

Perfect lazy day: Camping & watching sunsets from her boat

Years of Experience: 22 years

Rate Range: $1, 000– $4,500

Q: What is your goal for every wedding?

A: To capture every detail so the bride & groom will always have memories that tell the story of their wedding day

Q: How did you get into photography?

A: One day a friend took pictures I had made to a modeling agency & the agency asked me to do work for them.

Q: What are some of the reasons you enjoy

wedding photography?

A: I get so excited when I know I have done my best to capture a moment in time that we can never get back. I love photographing people in a natural way so you can see their personalities come through. I enjoy going far beyond my clients’ expectations.

http://www.photographybysabrina.com/

Be sure & check out Photography by Sabrina's May Pink Perk. Sabrina is offering new brides a $100 discount on packages! This Pink Perk is good until May 31st!

See you next Thursday for next week's Perfect Shot!

XOXO

The Perfect Shot

2008-05-21T11:31:00.000-07:00

The decisions you make while planning a wedding are all important but few are as important as choosing a photographer. Remember that these photos are the only thing that will help you re-tell the story of your wedding day. Photography is not an area you will want to cut corners on and you should plan a larger budget for this service. When brides make the mistake of not hiring a full-time professional photographer for their big day, they usually regret this decision. While choosing a "weekend photographer", or a friend of the family to take pictures may save some you some cash upfront, you may pay for it in the long run. Professional wedding photographers have experience, equipment, knowledge, and artistic ability. They are a guarantee that you will have beautiful pictures that truly capture your wedding day. The wedding day will fly by, but the pictures taken by your professional photographer will last forever!

Questions to ask when choosing a photographer...

What is your photographic style?

May we see some albums of weddings you’ve done?

Will you personally be taking the photos at our wedding? If not, may we meet the person who will be and view their work?

Do you work with an assistant and if so, what is his or her role?

Will you have back-up equipment in case there’s a problem?

If you get sick, who will photograph our wedding?

Do you shoot digitally or film? If digitally, may I view my proofs online or do you provide a CD or contact sheet? If film, how soon can I expect to see my proofs?

Will we be able to purchase our negatives?

When is the balance due?

What is your cancellation policy?

Will you be doing any other weddings the same day as mine?

Starting tomorrow, I will be featuring a local photographer every Thursday on The Knoxville Pink Book Blog. Be sure to check in each week for a chance to get to know some of the areas best wedding photographers! Up tomorrow is Photography by Sabrina!

XOXO

Planning Checklist #1

2008-05-19T22:14:00.000-07:00

Hey ladies! Sorry I've been slacking...life has been super busy! :)

Here is checklist number one...I will periodically post new ones to give you an idea of how far along I am in the planning.

According to the handy Pink Book, the following should be done at least a year prior to your wedding day:

Select a wedding date. check!
Consult fiancé and parents on budget and financial support. check!
Set budget and number of guests. check! (to a certain extent)
Decide type of wedding: informal or formal. check!
Choose and secure the ceremony location.
Choose and book officiant.
Choose and secure the reception location.
Buy wedding rings.
Book wedding consultant, if applicable. We are not applicable!

Granted, we do have some things done that don't need to be done until later on, we are slacking, especially on choosing locations. How far along are you girls in your planning process? Talk to me, I am all about this stuff!

Catch my next post, Vendor List, within the next day or two.

Trash the Dress

2008-05-19T10:01:00.000-07:00

What does a bride do with her wedding dress after her big day has come & gone? Well, it used to be that most would stuff their dress into a plastic bag and place it in their closet. The closet is where it would hang, forgotten & unused, until the next move or until the bride had a daughter of her own who would use it (No- not for her wedding, for dress up). However, this trend is changing. There is a new trend for brides called "trash the dress", and it is sweeping the country. The concept of "trash the dress" is a simple one. Brides today are slipping back into their dresses after their wedding day and taking artistic photos or videos without having to worry about getting dirty. Many brides feel like this allows them to take photos that really capture who they are, and it looks like they have fun doing it!

Bob Franklin, a local videographer, did his own trash the dress session with a local bride- Check it out!

Untitled from Bob Franklin on Vimeo.

What do you think about trash the dress? We would love to hear your opinions about this concept! If you are a photographer, we would love for you to post some of your own trash the dress pictures & links, ideas & thoughts!

XOXO

Wedding Hair

2008-05-15T10:18:00.000-07:00

This weekend I was browsing through pictures of Jenna Bush's wedding, and I fell in love with her hair. I thought her hair looked so beautiful- so simple & understated! It got me thinking about hairstyles for brides. There are so many options and so many things to consider! You will want to think about your dress style because you don't your hair and dress competing. A half-up half-down look is great for a strapless or halter dress. If you have a lot of detail on the neckline or back of your dress an up-do would be great. This way, you won't hide all the gorgeous details of your dress! You will also want to consider the style of your wedding, and the location. The overall feel of the wedding can inspire your hairstyle, and you want to make sure that you take proper precautions if you are getting married in the summer heat! Be sure and talk about all these things with your stylist before to work out the details. Check out some of these great hair-dos!

1. Jenna Bush has a very natural look. This half-up half-down look is perfect for outdoor
weddings & the flowers add a great touch!
2. This hair style is great for curly hair. She has her curls swept into a low bun.
3. Headband or tiaras are great for long wavy curls & give a very modern and glamorous look!
4. Update a classic bun by having it sit on one side. This is sophisticated look with a fun twist!
5. This is a beautiful up-do with loose curls pulled back & accented with flowers and a simple veil.
6. This is a chic look for girls with short hair! The headband gives you more volume for a 60's mod feel!

I called Salon Visage in Knoxville to find out some more helpful tips for all you brides. They told me that you should make sure and have your hair done no more than 4 hours before the ceremony. Especially if you have an outdoor or summer wedding because humidity can ruin your do. They also recommend a trial session for both hair & make-up. This way you can work with the stylist to make sure your hair looks just like you imagine on your special day! Do take note that these trials cost the full amount- so keep that in mind when you are planning your budget. They also recommend washing your hair the night before if you are planning on getting an up-do because the natural oil helps your hair stay in place!

A shampoo, blow-dry & style costs $25
Up-do's range from $50 t0 $75
At their studio (their wonderful, but less experienced stylists) up-dos are $39
Make-up application is $50 (and this $50 can go towards the bare mineral products they use if you want to purchase some that day!!)

I would love for you to share any hair & beauty tips you have! What kind of hair-style are you planning on having for your wedding? Can't wait to hear!

XOXO

About Our Wedding

2008-05-10T22:55:00.000-07:00

Date: We are getting married next June and we did have a date set in stone, but now we're debating possibly moving to a Friday instead of a Saturday (weekdays can save a lot of money!).

Number of Guests: (Hopefully) 100 or less.

Budget: As cheap as possible without looking cheap.

Style: We're having a summer outdoor wedding with a country style.

Inspiration Board:

Brown tuxes all around!
This is my dress. It's a great ivory tea length Galina and I love it! (It's discontinued, though, so it may be difficult to find).
I'm thinking this will be the color of the bridesmaid dresses. I love the style, but I'm not sure if I want the dresses to be pink.
This just totally suits the wedding style, don't you think? I love it!
If we need a tent, this is how I want it to look. Soooo beautiful!
The orange color of our wedding...I haven't decided what kind of flowers yet, though.
And here's something similar to the pink color of our wedding. The bridesmaid dress more closely resembles what I'm going for, though.
You can't have a country wedding without Mason jars! We'll be using the quart sized Masons for the floral centerpieces and the pint sized Masons to hold votives that will also be on the tables.

There is lots more to come, so stay tuned! :)

Next post: Planning Checklist #1

Picking the Perfect Date....

2008-05-08T09:14:00.000-07:00

I recently had a friend get engaged, and her wedding date is set for March 14, 2009. Why is this significant? Well, her fiancé was a math major in college and it just so happens that March 14 (or 3.14) is Pi day! This is a perfect example of picking a date that is special for you and your fiancé. Here are some tips to help you pick the perfect date for you…

Don’t plan your wedding on or around a major holiday. Especially if you are getting married in a house of worship, you will want to make sure to avoid religious holidays. Scheduling your wedding during a three-day weekend would be a great idea because it allows out-of-town guests extra travel time.

Holiday	2008	2009	2010
MLK Jr Day -- 3rd Monday in January	Jan 21	Jan 19	Jan 18
Presidents Day -- 3rd Monday in February	Feb 18	Feb 16	Feb 15
Mothers Day -- 2nd Sunday in May	May 11	May 10	May 9
Memorial Day -- Last Monday in May	May 26	May 25	May 31
Fathers Day -- 3rd Sunday in June	Jun 15	Jun 21	Jun 20
Labor Day -- 1st Monday in September	Sep 1	Sep 7	Sep 6
Columbus Day -- 2nd Monday in October	Oct 13	Oct 12	Oct 11
Thanksgiving -- 4th Thursday in November	Nov 27	Nov 26	Nov 25
Good Friday -- 2 days before Easter	Mar 21	Apr 10	Apr 2
Easter Sunday -- March or April	Mar 23	Apr 12	April 4

Planning an outdoor wedding and concerned about the weather? Check out the The Farmer’s Almanac. This book takes solar activity, among other things, to predict weather. It's not perfect - reliability is somewhere around 75 percent. But it is more reliable than using weather averages.

Do you already have a date set? How did you pick it? Let me know if you have a special story about how you picked your wedding date, or if you know someone who does!

XOXO

The Proposal!

2008-05-02T12:17:00.000-07:00

Okay, now comes the fun part. I get to tell you how Kyle proposed to me!

The day he proposed (April 17, 2007) was an unusual day for me. It was the spring semester of my senior year of high school, and I was skipping school to go to a seminar-type thing my boss at Chick-fil-A (a different store than the one I work at now) had chosen me to go to with him. So, I went, and it was pretty cool. I learned some things. Then, afterward, my boss asked if I wanted to meet him and some of the other owners/opearators at the Salsarita's by West Town. I agreed, and I was supposed to follow behind him in my car because at this point, I wasn't very familiar with getting around West Knoxville. Needless to say, traffic got the best of me following behind my boss's car, and I somehow magically wound up in Blount County. I called Kyle, and we decided that I would just skip lunch at Salsarita's and go to Kyle's house, since he hadn't left for work yet. So, off I went to Kyle's, and we just hung out for a while. He was on the computer and I was sitting in his lap, when all of a sudden, he looked at me and said "You know I love you, right?" I nervously replied, "Yes, and I love you, too." Then he did it..."Will you marry me?" I think I screamed somewhere deep down inside me and I said "Are you serious?" He said yes, and then I said "Absolutely!"

P.S. The original ring was a plastic ring that costs $0.25 from CiCi's Pizza. Not only was it the only ring he had, but it was an inside joke. A group of us had gone there after church one Sunday night and us three girls discovered this lovely machine that had all kinds of plastic rings in it (and they were only a quarter a piece!). Me and one of the girls whose boyfriend was also there with us got matching rings and decided to "propose" to Kyle and her boyfriend. Instead, they wound up being mean, and we decided we would give them the matching rings as "consolation prizes" and tell them that we were breaking up with them. Here are some pictures of the plastic ring:

That's not the crazy part; the part that caused the uproar in our families is the fact that we had only been dating for a month and a half. However, we had known each other (and dated...very, very briefly) prior to this. Since the proposal had happened so out-of-the-blue, Kyle had not been able to ask my father for permission, and my dad found out about it through a text message, which obviously and rightfully so caused a lot of hurt. (Note: I would not normally do this! The only reason he found out this way is because I had been told that one of my friends (that is extremely talkative) knew about it and I was certain that she would get to my dad before I could).

Anyway, time for the SECOND proposal. Yes, the one with the real, diamond ring! Kyle let me pick it out, and it was actually the very first one I tried on. He told me that the price didn't matter, he just wanted me to have the ring I wanted. So, I picked it out and he bought it, etc. Then, on June 3 (I think?) we were hanging out at his parents' house again. He had been teasing me periodically with the diamond ring because he had had it for a while, he was just trying to concoct some amazing plan to give it to me. BUT, he really wanted me to have it, so he just skipped his amazing plan (Elizabethtown is my favorite movie and I love the map that Claire makes for Drew. He was going to make a map that took me on a scavenger hunt of sorts that eventually led me to some location where he would be, ready to propose) and proposed to me that night. He told me to turn around where I was facing away from him, so I did. Then he told me to turn back around, and there he was on both knees in the floor, shaking like crazy. It was sooo cute! Now, here are some pictures of the diamond ring:

Now let me pose a question to you Knoxville brides-to-be...has anyone been proposed to with either a silly ring or no ring at all and then proposed to again with the real thing? How did it go? Did you get to pick out your ring? Let me know...I love this stuff!

Oh, and don't forget to check back soon for my next post...About Our Wedding. I'm way excited to get to post an inspiration board because I have become totally addicted to Snapfish (as if you couldn't tell from the two collages in just this post alone).

Enjoy your Friday night!

Introduction

2008-05-02T10:07:00.000-07:00

Hi ya'll! I am so excited to be able to blog here with Pink Lady Kara and share my wedding planning process with all of you! Let me start off by telling you a little about myself, and a little about my fiancé, Kyle.
Me: I am 19 years old and a full-time college student with a major in Marketing. However, my career goal is something in the wedding industry. Once I get some money saved up, I'm going to join the Association of Bridal Consultants and do their Core Home Study Program to become a real wedding planner (!). Basically, I am loving every second of planning our wedding! I currently work at Chick-fil-A, and though I haven't worked there long at all, I am desperately trying to find a job that will help me get experience in the wedding industry.

Kyle: He is also 19 years old, but a few months older than me. He's a full-time college student with a major in Civil Engineering Technology (basically, he wants to be a Construction Manager). Kyle is also in the Army Reserves, and I'm crossing my fingers that he doesn't ever get deployed! He currently works at The Home Depot in hopes of gaining some experience in the construction industry.

Both of us: We both live in his parents' house. I moved in last August, and obviously, he's been living there since his family moved here. We both teach Childrens' Church at our church on Sunday mornings, and while it's really challenging, it can be fun, too. We love watching movies, eating out (which really gets us in trouble), and being silly (i.e. tickling, being giggly, etc.). Basically we're really crazy kids, but we're even crazier about each other.

Next post: The Proposal!

Pink Book On WBIR

2008-05-01T13:10:00.000-07:00

Don't miss Pink Lady Lauryn on WBIR's Style show Friday, May 2 at 4:00 pm. Be sure to watch for some fabulous bridal shower ideas, upcoming bridal events and give-aways!

The Pink Ladies have been talking all week about bridal showers and Pink Guy Mike showed us a hilarious look at showers from the guys perspective. Be sure to read their blog and then watch Pink Lady Lauryn tomorrow at 4:00.

xoxo

One of Knoxville's Best Kept Secrets...

2008-04-23T09:23:00.000-07:00

Before you head to Atlanta, or another big city, to find your dress you need to check out Juliette Atelier Bridal Couture. The owner, Julie King, is wonderful! She is so down-to-earth, funny, and makes you feel so comfortable! She wants every bride to have a special experience while shopping for their dress, not a stressful one. This is why Julie offers by appointment only. She says, "it is in order to provide exclusive (one-on-one) service which I think every bride deserves."

Don't let the name of the shop & the appointment only process intimidate you! This is not one of those shops where you are being pressured by sales people to buy. Julie makes sure that you are relaxed and puts no pressure on you at all, and will even offer you refreshments. She is happy to help you try on dresses until you find the one for you, even if that means trying on every dress in the store!

Juliette Atelier Bridal Couture will be having Open House the 1st and 3rd weekends in May (May 3rd 4th, 17th and 18th) . During Open House you do not have to make an appointment!
The shop will be open on Fridays 1:00 - 7:00 pm & Saturday 11:00am - 7:00pm

You may be thinking now, there is no way I could afford a couture dress- that is not true! She has dresses for a wide range of budgets:

Enzoani is a European line & their dresses range from $800 - $1500.

Tara Keely is a beautiful line from New York. These dresses range from $2,000 - $2,500.

Jim Helm is a line you may be more familiar with. This is another great line from New York. The dresses range from $2,500- $4,000.

Peter Langner is a gorgeous line from Italy. This is a very upscale line, and Juliette Atelier Bridal Couture is the ONLY shop in the south that carries it! The dresses range from $4,000- $8,000.

They are located in Jefferson Plaza at Corner of Kingston Pike and Sherlake
They are next to Ben Franklin Motors & across the street from Franklin Square
If you want to Mapquest it, their address is:
101 Sherlake Lane Suite 105 Knoxville, TN 37922

For questions or to schedule an appointment Call:
865-776-0798
Or Email Julie at:
julietteatelier@yahoo.com

Juliette Atelier Bridal Couture is going to be featured on The Style Show Tuesday, April 28th. The show starts at 4:00 and is on Channel 10 WBIR. Be sure to tune in!
XOXO

The Winner is....

2008-04-23T09:04:00.000-07:00

Mallory!

Thank you all so much for sharing your wonderful proposal stories- I really enjoyed getting to read all of them! After reading them all, I chose Mallory to win the $100 gift certificate to Fleming's Steakhouse! I thought the proposal was so sweet & thoughtful! Here is her story:

As living with my fiance for two years and dating for three, I expected him to propose, but had no idea that it was happening when he said the four little words. It was Valentines Day of this year. He came home from work a little early because we had plans to go out for dinner. He got dressed then asked me if I wanted my Valentines Day gift then or wait until dinner. I said I wanted it then because I am one that cannot wait for things like this. I get too excited. He said okay and led me into our room and went to his chest of drawers. He pulled out a little book. I thought to myself, oh how cute, he bought me a book of love quotes or something. He handed it to me and said he wrote the first entry. I looked down to see that it was a Journal, which is weird because I don't think I ever wrote in a journal before. But anyway, I opened it up and on the first page he wrote my name and the date; 2/14/2008. Then I flipped the page and a big hole was cut through most of the pages for the ring and above he wrote a message. He wrote Since the first day I met you, I knew I wanted to spend the rest of my life with you...Will you marry me? I was so excited I didn't even get the ring out and dropped the book to hug him. He laughed at me and said "You know there is a ring in there?" I thought his proposal was special.

Congratulations Mallory! Please e-mail me so I can get your gift certificate to you!

XOXO

Find YOUR wedding style!

2008-04-18T09:38:00.000-07:00

The first thing to do when planning your wedding, is decide on the style or theme. Since you have SO many choices to make, finding your style can really help to make decisions easier. I was watching the Today Show the other morning, and they featured wedding stylist Susie Coelho. Susie has created a quiz to help you find your own bridal style! I took the quiz myself, and I was in between a Garden & Countryside. The main wedding styles are Classic, Classic Holiday, Contemporary, Beach, Countryside, Garden, Fanciful or Exotic-sometimes brides (like me!) are a combination of two. The quiz is a lot of fun and I hope it helps to give you some direction!

Which wedding styles do some of your fav celebs have?

CLASSIC-Lady Diana Marries Prince Charles wedding at London's St. Paul's Cathedral. This was one of the most Classic weddings of all time!

FANCIFUL-The Oscar-winning actress and country music star wed in their hometown of Sydney, Australia. Kidman wore a floor-length Balenciaga gown, and arrived at the cliff-top church in a limo with her father.

COUNTRYSIDE-Kevin Costner and his wife Christine Baumgartner are pictured during their private wedding at his ranch in Aspen, Colorado.

GARDEN-Rebecca Romijn and Jerry O'Connell were married in an intimate ceremony in Los Angeles

Did you take the quiz? Do you have any Celebrity wedding inspirations? I want to hear it all! Leave me a post so I can hear about your wedding style!

XOXO

Your proposal story could win you a FAB dinner for you and your hubby-to-be!

2008-04-16T13:29:00.000-07:00

This week, Pink Lady Jessica got engaged! When I saw the pictures of Jessica and her ring, I noticed she had an extra glow about her! Her pictures are proof that happiness just radiates from you when you're engaged, and this inspired me. I decided to give away a romantic dinner to the bride-to-be with the best proposal story! I have enjoyed getting to know Keith McDaniel, Director of Private Dining at Fleming's Steakhouse, and he generously gave me a $100 gift certificate to give to the winner! And let me tell you, the winner will be in for a treat! My husband and I went to Fleming's for Valentine's Day and I have never eaten such good food or received such good service!

Fleming's is also a great place for rehearsal dinners! You can choose from one of the three set dinner menus - "Chardonnay," "Zinfandel" and "Merlot" or you can even work with their private party experts to customize your own menu, either for a full dinner, or wine-tasting party with hors d'oeuvres, which would be super fun for a bridesmaid luncheon or even a fun bridal shower!

So ladies, let me hear your proposal stories! You may be the winner of the wonderful dinner at Fleming's Steakhouse!

xoxo

The Perfect Touch for Your Outdoor Wedding...

2008-04-14T07:24:00.001-07:00

The perfect touch for an outdoor wedding is a tent! Tents can be a great addition to an outdoor wedding for many reasons. Not only can they greatly enhance the appearance of your wedding, they can also greatly increase the comfort of the wedding ceremony or reception by sheltering you and your guests from the elements, and bugs. The type and size of tent you select will depend upon your intended use and your available space. Your cost will depend mainly upon the size and type of tent selected. Be sure to explain the factors that will affect your selection, i.e. number of guests, number of tables, etc. to the tent rental company so they can assist you in selecting the proper size. Most tent companies offer options when it comes to tent accessories. For example you may have lighting choices, sidewalls, draping inside the tent, air conditioning or heating, and even a dance floor. Here are some questions you may want to ask your rental company...

What are the costs and what exactly is included? Some companies include setup and tear down in their costs while others do not. Some charge an additional "drying" charge should it rain while the tent is up at your event. Some charge extra for weekend delivery.

Are the tents deodorized? The musty smell of mildew does little to enhance the appeal of a delicious meal.

How early will they set up? There have been instances when the tent was still going up while the guests were arriving which left no time for the caterer or band to set up the area prior to guest arrival. Not a good thing...

When will they tear down? Be sure to allow sufficient time for your guests and suppliers to leave before the tent comes down. Having a bunch of workers standing around waiting for your guests to leave is quite tacky.

Is the company insured? Hey, mistakes do happen. Be sure there is available compensation if the tent installation damages something (or someone) at your event.

Want a tent for your wedding?
Anderson Rentals, Rentals Rentals, All Occasion Party Rentals, & Campbell Tent Rentals are some of the local rental places, so check them out!

What do you ladies think about tents? Are you going to have one at your wedding? Tell me what you think!

XOXO

Become a Pink Book Bride!

2008-04-07T11:02:00.000-07:00

Hello Ladies! Currently it is only me, Pink Lady Kara, blogging in Knoxville and we are looking for some Pink Brides to join me! Let me know if this is something you are interested in. Email us and we will send you the guidelines and an application! Hurry and apply, we only have a few spots for Knoxville Brides! Here are some details...

What are we looking for in a Pink Bride?

We are looking for enthusiastic, outgoing and well-spoken brides with general knowledge of the internet and blogging.

Pink Bride Blogs should:

1. Be entertaining and well written

2. Have their own unique personality and wedding style

3. Share personal experiences and ideas

4. LOTS of pictures of ideas, the wedding planning process, and ultimately the wedding day

5. Detail any DIY projects and research about vendors/products

6. Blog posts should involve and engage the audience

7. Updated often (a minimum of

2-3 blogs per week)

Can't wait to hear from you!

XOXO

The Envelope Please!

2008-04-07T10:51:00.000-07:00

Pink Lady Anna and I had a hard time choosing a winner. There were so many funny and sweet stories that we ended up choosing a few of our favorites and drawing out of a hat! The winner of our Chattanooga weekend is...jessica sieber! We loved your story of showing up on the first day of school in matching outfits! Jessica, send us an email with your mailing address and we will send you your hotel and Aquarium passes. Enjoy!!

Good Buy

2008-04-04T09:54:00.000-07:00

I had to run to Target (by West Town) last night to pick up a couple things and was drawn to the dollar zone, as usual. Well, they have some cute, white bride caps, bachelorette party necklaces, etc. Of course, they are only a dollar, so don't expect high quality, but for the price, you can't beat it. If you have a fun night coming up, you should check it out and see if they have what you are looking for!

An Event to Remember...

2008-03-31T12:46:00.000-07:00

Hello ladies! This past weekend I attended a bridal show at Anderson Rentals. It was a great event, with 41 vendors. There was a cake tasting & floral design contest! The winners were Sweet Celebrations (cake) and The Flower Shop (flowers). Here are some of the fun things I found at the show...

1.Rosa's Catering (featured in People Magazine) 2.Newly engaged couple- Sarah Boring & Matt White 3. Beautiful floral design 4. Hair by Toni Michaels Salon 5. Barn Event Center of the Smokies 6. Cute bridesmaid bouquets 7. Invitations available at Dandy-Lions 8. Personalized wedding gear by Five Sassy Sister's 9. Engaged couple- Pamela Fohl & Chad Toomey 10. Cupcakes by Sweet Celebrations 11. Debe Anderson the event coordinator 12. Dandy-lions: bridal registry 13. Longaberger Baskets 14. Twin cedar Farms wedding facility and horsedrawn carriages with bride Sara Francis

XOXO

Win a Weekend in Chattanooga

2008-03-31T07:30:00.000-07:00

Hi Ladies!

I know that choosing the attendants for your big day is an important decision for you. However,if you're like me, one of those decisions is a no-brainer - your Maid of Honor! My real life BFF/MOH is Pink Lady Anna in Nashville!
We had a great time last week visiting the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga - and it made us think about all of you brides-to-be!
So...leave a comment for PL Anna or me and tell us about your best friend/maid of honor. We want to hear a funny, sweet, or special story about you two. The one comment that we like best on either blog will receive... (drumroll please)...a Chattanooga Weekend! Two tickets to the Tennessee Aquarium and a one-night stay for two at the oh-so-ritzy Chattanoogan Hotel! You can bring along your BFF or your hubby-to-be to visit what I think is one of the coolest cities in our beautiful Volunteer State.

We will post the winner on 4-7-08 (Monday morning) - so good luck! Can't wait to hear from you!

Accessories a necessity? Get The Groom's Perspective

2008-03-26T12:26:00.000-07:00

Hello ladies! Check out what Pink Guy Mike has to say about a bride's accessories on her special day in his post, Accessories: The Groom's Perspective. Pink Guy Mike offers some great tips and insight from the guy's perspective. Be sure to watch for his posts every Wednesday, and don't forget to stop by his own personal blog The Groom's Truth!

XOXO

Painting the Town Pink

2008-03-25T12:33:00.000-07:00

What are you doing this weekend? I'll be at Anderson Rentals in Alcoa for their bridal fair. I spoke to Debe Campbell the event coordinator with Anderson Rentals yesterday and she said that there will be 41 vendors on site. Brides will be able to judge a cake tasting contest and a floral design contest. So we should all have a good time (as long as you share some cake with me)!

We will also be at Dillard's in West Town for their in store bridal event.

Check my calendar of events for details and make plans to come out and see us!

xoxo

Yoga is HOT

2008-03-24T07:49:00.000-07:00

Are you looking for a fun way to relax and drops some lbs before your big day? Well, I have been hearing a lot of great things about the new fitness trend- hot yoga. I have a few friends that have tried it out, and they absolutely love it! Hot yoga is said to extend the ability of the ligaments, tendons and muscles. It also is great for releasing toxins, improving flexibility and range of motion, increasing the chances of weight loss, developing muscle tone, and building the immune system.

Today I talked to the director of the Knoxville Yoga Center, and he said they offer hot yoga (also referred to as fitness yoga) classes every Thursday at 5:45. However, he said that if you are new to yoga it is important to learn the basic positions before trying out one of the hot yoga classes. The KYC offers free introduction classes every 1st Saturday of the month at noon. There is also a 10 hour weekend workshop April 4-6 that costs $185.

Some tips for beginners...
1. Wear comfortable workout clothing that allows you to move and stretch freely with knees preferred bare.
2. Avoid excessive jewelry and any perfumes/cologne.
3. Recommended not to eat a large meal 2-3 hours before class.
If you are looking for some cute yoga gear, lululemon athletica offers amazing clothes for the gym or everyday wear. Their fashions (pictured above) have been featured in Vogue, People Magazine, Shape Magazine, and the Boston Globe. The pants can run from around $80 to $180, but they last forever and look great! They would also be a great gift for bridesmaids!

What do you ladies think about hot yoga? Have any of you taken a class before, are you going to try it out? Let me know what you think!

XOXO

Shout Out from Pink Lady Karen

2008-03-21T09:44:00.000-07:00

Thanks Pink Lady Karen for choosing Meggie Velasco as your first featured photographer. We Knoxvillians are proud to call her one of our own! Check out PLK's post and then head over to ThePinkBook.com to check out some other FAB Knoxville photographers.

Happy Easter weekend!

XOXO

The Groom's Truth

2008-03-19T10:54:00.000-07:00

Hey ladies, have you ever wondered what your groom is REALLY thinking? Well do I have a treat for you! We found a blogging groom who is going to provide us a little insight into the oh so hilarious minds of all your future hubbies. Check our blog every Wednesday to see what Pink Guy Mike has to say. Can't waiting until Wednesday each week? Check out his personal blog The Groom's Truth. I am already addicted!

Trunk Show This Weekend!

2008-03-18T15:16:00.000-07:00

Knoxville Brides are in for a treat this weekend! Wedding Wonderland is the only bridal salon in TN to carry The Angelina Bridal Couture Line. The company is based out of Florida and all of their gowns are hand made. Brides can sketch out their own design or take the basic style and add beading or swap tops and bottoms, basically customize your wedding gown exactly the way you want it. What bride wouldn't want a wedding gown that is uniquely yours! And best of all the gowns start at around $1200 and max out about $2,000. For a couture line that is custom made, the prices are incredible!

Check out the details on our calendar of events and call Wedding Wonderland today to schedule your appointment. You'll get personal attention from an Angelina representative and a Wedding Wonderland consultant.

Going Green

2008-03-17T12:30:00.000-07:00

Happy Saint Patrick's Day to all you Knoxville brides! With all the hype about Going Green, I want to know, are any of you considering any eco-friendly options for your special day?

I called around town and chatted with some of Knoxville's finest wedding vendors and they had some fabulous tips on how you can stay GREEN on your wedding day.

We all know that wedding invitations are the first impression your guests will have of your wedding. Why not make a statement that says you and your groom are on board with taking care of this beautiful Earth we live on. Cranes and Carlson Craft have collaborated and come out with a new line of eco-friendly invitations called Chloe B. I spoke to Kathy Walker, owner of The Stovall Collection here in Knoxville and she said there are several styles to choose from and as far as price, it will be similar to their other lines.

Local photographer, Valerie Foley, had some great tips for Going Green on your wedding day. My favorite was giving seed packets or trees from The National Arbor Day Foundation as favors.

Another good tip is to check with your caterer to see if they can get the produce for your wedding day from a local farmer.

Whatever you do, remember, no act is too small. Every step we take towards Going Green is worth the effort.

Have an eco-friendly tip? Please leave me a comment and share with other Knoxville Brides so together we can Go Green!

Want to see a Fabulously Green inspiration board? Check out Pink Lady Jessica's post from today. What do you think? Is green going to be dressing your wedding day?

Inspiration Boards

2008-03-14T07:49:00.000-07:00

Last week Pink Lady Claire, posted on Inspiration Boards. I think they are a great way to help you narrow down all those ideas you've been dreaming of. They are also really helpful when trying to come up with an overall feel for your wedding, not to mention really fun to make! Do you ladies like the idea of inspiration boards? Are you creating your own? Go ahead and try! Here are some really fun inspiration boards that can help you get started...

Inspiration Boards from Snippet & Ink

I want to see some of the beautiful inspiration boards all you Knoxville brides are creating! Email me, Pink Lady Kara, with your very own! Next week I will post my favorite, so be sure to check back!

XOXO

Home Sweet Home Part II

2008-03-12T12:30:00.000-07:00

I just got back from chatting with Angie Cody & Terri Kerr with Realty Executives and I asked them what advice they had for Knox brides considering buying a home right now and they said, "the Knoxville market is ripe; rates are great and inventory is plentiful, now is a great time to take the plunge"!

I know you have been dreaming of being carried over the threshold of your very own home, well it's time to turn your dreams into reality! Get out there and find the perfect nest for you and your new hubby!

xoxo

Home Sweet Home

2008-03-12T09:13:00.000-07:00

I've got a meeting today with a real estate agent and that got me thinking...how many of you are in the process of buying your first home?

Here are some great tips if you are buying your first home, or even if you're just dreaming of buying your first home!

I'd love to here where you and your new husband will be living after you say I Do.

Great PERK for attendant gifts!

2008-03-10T23:30:00.000-07:00

Last week I stopped by the most adorable little shop in Bearden Center called Personally Yours. I was chatting with the owner, Carol Ann, and couldn't get over all the super cute items she has! All I could think about was getting some pictures so I could share them with you all, but I didn't have my camera. So , I sent my Super Assistant back today and she got lots of great pics!

1. Personally Yours at Bearden Center 2. Ryan (knox groom) Looking at Groomsman gifts

3. Personalized Desk Notes 4. Double Old Fashion Glasses and Flask 5. Fan Programs

6. "Bride" Flip Flops 7. Leather Coasters Stamped with name or initials

What fun! I love gifts and finishing touches and stores that make me HAPPY!

While there she was able to chat with local groom, Ryan (pictured above), about his upcoming wedding to Elene on June 14th. He was checking out the Set of 4 Double Old Fashions, a great gift idea for under $30 bucks. Actually, almost all the attendant gifts were under $30, Fabulous and Affordable!

My favorite pick:

These adorable monogrammed makeup bags! I would soo use these!

And Ladies, wanna know the best part?!? If you buy 5 attendant gifts this month (bride or groom and they don't have to match) you get the 6th FREE with this month's Pink Perk. Be sure and check out our Pink Perks before you buy anything, because we add new ones every day and they change monthly!

Do you have a great bridesmaid or groomsman gift idea? How do you plan to give your gifts? A bridesmaid luncheon for the girls and a round of golf for the guys? Check out Pink Lady Katie's post on her Bridesmaid Luncheon where she gave personalized robes to her special ladies that they all wore while getting ready. I was in a wedding two summers ago and the bride and groom had a cook out at their home and invited just the bridal party over about a month before the wedding. They provided all the food and gave us our gifts as a thank you for being there with them during this time in their life. It was such a fun way to relax with the couple and get to know everyone before the wedding day!

So tell me ladies, how do you and your man plan to show appreciation to your chosen ones?

xoxo

Check This Out...

2008-03-10T19:06:00.000-07:00

Pink Lady Anna in Nashville found the funniest cake topper ever! Check out her post from today titled, OMG, but be sure and come back here to comment. I want to know what you think, Fabulous or Freaks Me Out! Do tell.....

I have some great gift ideas for your bridal party coming up...stay tuned!

Simply Saturday

2008-03-08T20:45:00.000-08:00

I love Saturday! After a long work week of rushing into the day as soon as my eyes open, Saturday's are so refreshingly simple! I love that I can take my time waking up, and just enjoy the comfort of no agenda. And this morning was no exception. Actually, I must admit that shy of a short trip to the grocery store, I have done absolutely nothing today. And it feels marvelous! I watched a couple reruns of Sex and the City and started a new girlie book by Martha Moody called Best Friends. So far the book is enjoyable, and been a nice escape from reality. Is anyone reading anything worthy of recommending?

I am just getting into the book and one of the characters has just gotten married, so I thought of all of you out there planning your wedding. Did you get anything crossed of your checklist today? Or did you take a break and choose to relax on this cold, snowy Saturday? In this book, the night before the wedding, Sally, the character getting married and her best friend, also her Maid of Honor stayed up late and talked. What do you plan to do on the eve of your wedding? Do you plan to spend it at your parent's home for the last time? Or with all your girlfriends in a slumber party reminiscent of your youth? Post your comments, I am very interested to hear if you have given this any thought.

Before I sign out and snuggle back up with my book, I came across this video of the Vineyard Fall 2008 Runway Show. I know many of you are still looking for bridesmaid dresses and the ones in this collection are brilliant! Simple, yet elegant. And for those of you who are still looking for your wedding gown, you'll love the trendy, yet classy gowns in this collection. Locally, The Vineyard Collection can be found at Wedding Wonderland. Also, check out the hair styles! The low ponytail is hot!

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

xoxo

Pretty Maids All In A Row

2008-03-06T21:55:00.000-08:00

Close your eyes and think about your wedding. What do you see? I see my husband standing at the altar waiting for me to walk down the aisle. I'm sure all of you have pictured that moment where the doors to the church open and you see your groom for the first time. And standing there beside him are your very best friends waiting to witness the most sacred moment in your life. But WHAT are they wearing? OK- so don't tell your boss, but I am about to give you permission to day dream. Yep, that's right. You're going to do it anyways, so take my lead and envision the moment when you are about to walk down the aisle. This will actually give you major clues into what type of bridesmaid dress you want your special gal pals to wear. What do you see? Do you see dresses flowing to the ground or shorter dresses? Hair up or hair down? A darker more subdued color pallet or bright, happy colors? I would recommend getting together with the girls before you start shopping to lay out the ground rules. You don't want to get in the bridal shop and feel pressured to let them buy a cute little tea length dress when you really want them in a longer style. So be open with them about what is important to you and then let them chime in on fabrics and cuts so they know you care about their opinion .

OK- so you've already day dreamed and decided if your 'maids will be in long or short, black or white and you and the girls are ready to start shopping. Here are a few more tips to make this process enjoyable for everyone.

Plan a day when you have a couple hours and take just the maid of honor (or the bridesmaid of your choosing) and just the two of you visit as many bridal salons as you can, narrowing down the choices so that when you are ready to get out with the entire bridal party you just have to visit one or two places.

Be sensitive to the various sizes and body styles of your bridal party. Don't pick a dress just because it is going to look fabulous on your best friend, if it is going to look drab on your favorite cousin.

After you've chosen the dress and everyone has been fitted, be sure you're bridesmaids leave enough time for a second fitting in case the dress does not fit right. Many girls wait until less than a week before the wedding to pick up their dress only to find out it doesn't fit well and there is not enough time to send it back. Fun Idea: When the bridal shop calls to say your bridesmaid dressed are in, schedule a time when you all can go in together to try them on. This will be fun and then you can go out to dinner afterwards (see #4)

Use dress shopping as a time to bond with your friends. Go to lunch, grab a cup of coffee, or even take a day off from wedding planning and go see a movie together. These are your girls and they can provide you with a good dose of laughter when you are getting bogged down with all the details of the wedding.

Here are some of my favorite styles:

These are from the Just Teas Collection by Jim Hjelm and I LOVE them! Wedding Wonderland is having a trunk show on April 10th, so be sure to get by and check it out! Also, a big shout out to Wedding Wonderland, they opened their doors on March 3, 1972! Congratulations on 36 years of serving the Knoxville bride!

Bari Jay is another fabulous designer. These styles are truly stunning and will look fabulous lining the altar!

Short Bridesmaid's Dresses are in! Check out the Affairs Collection by Mori Lee! This line is perfect for letting your maids pick the style best suited for their body type. You pick the color and then let them choose their favorite!

Also, I love this dress by Watters and Watters ! I couldn't get the picture to cooperate, so go to their site and check it out. The picture is of knee length, but I think it would be stunning in floor length! It's in their Wtoo line and again, these are perfect for choosing a color and letting your bridesmaid go from there!

Check out these local bridal shops to see who carries what line. They all offer something unique so, find out who carries your favorite designer and call to schedule an appointment!

Wedding Wonderland A Joyous Occasion Budget Bridal by Connie White Lace & Promises

AND, congragulations to m.f. for being the lucky winner of the Starbuck's gift card. I know your wedding is tomorrow, so best wishes and please let us know how it went. Email me your address and I'll get your gift card in the mail.

Who is your favorite desinger? Share with us how your bridesmaid shopping has gone and hopefully our resident bridesmaid (see comments from I want to hear from you...) will keep sharing from the bridesmaid's perspective.

xoxo

Cupcake Wedding Cake

2008-03-05T21:45:00.000-08:00

OK- so I got to watch Rich Bride, Poor Bride for the first time a couple weeks ago, AND I loved the bride and groom on the episode I saw, Ashleigh and Mike. She was so down to earth and likeable and he was just great! And totally in love with her. What I liked about them is that they disagreed on certain aspects of the wedding planning, but they worked it out. It was cool that they weren't 100% on the same page. They respected each other's opinion, negotiated and moved on. Ladies, learn from that! If you can master that in your relationship, you are well on your way to marital success!

Well, on this episode Ashleigh had thought of the idea of having a cupcake wedding cake. I had never seen that before and thought it was a really interesting idea. For me, I think it would be one of those things that I would think was so cool if I saw it at someone else's wedding, but would never do it at mine. I am not a trend setter (definitely a jeans kind of girl!), but for those of you who are- then go for it! These are not the cupcakes of your youth, they are all grown up and just like the traditional wedding cake, can be created to fit your own personal style. I spoke to Andrea Burns, owner and cake designer at Daisy Cake Company here in Knoxville and she said that cupcake wedding cakes "are very popular, trendy, unique and lots of fun". If you are looking to cut corners in your budget, though, be up front with your cake designer so he/she can show you less expensive options. She said depending on the design, the cupcakes could cost you just as much as a traditional wedding cake. I wondered about the tradition of the bride and groom cutting the cake and Andrea said that most brides opt to have a small cake for that purpose, or they go ahead and have a two tier wedding cake and the cupcakes. The best part about this new trend is that this option allows you to have several different flavors of cake and icing and since the cupcakes are less formal, your family and friends will feel more comfortable reaching for more!

Will we be seeing this new trend at Knoxville weddings this summer? Take the poll below and see what Knoxville brides have to say!

Take the poll

Free Poll by Blog Flux

Wanna know where you can find cupcake wedding cakes locally? Check out the websites of my favorite cake designers in Knoxville and then call up the ones you like and see what they have to say about cupcake wedding cakes!

Daisy Cake Company Mag Pies Rosa's Cakes & Catering Sandy's Cakes

I want to hear from you...

2008-03-04T21:44:00.000-08:00

My brain has been in over load all day thinking of blog ideas, interviews I can do, adding events to the calendar, and just being sure I am keeping up with all that is going on for weddings in Knoxville. Well, I have some exciting ideas, but first, I want to hear from you! I want to know where you are in your wedding planning process. Are you just getting started or about to walk down the aisle? Did you just find THE dress of your dreams? Can't seem to find bridesmaids dresses that the entire party can agree on? Trying to decide between a monogrammed cake topper, flowers, or the traditional bride and groom? Talk to me! Leave a comment on the blog and tell me what is going on with your wedding right now. I've got a $5 Starbucks Gift Card (not much I know, but it will buy you a Venti Nonfat Peppermint White Mocha, my current obsession) to the comment that makes me laugh, cry or yell the loudest. So, please, share with me what is going on with you right now and I'll be sure and blog about the topics that are important to you.

Can't wait to buy some lucky bride a tasty treat!

All Knoxville, All Wedding- Just for you!

2008-03-03T21:20:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the Knoxville Pink Book Blog! Here you will read daily updates on the ins and outs of being a bride in Knoxville, TN. This is such an exciting time in your life and I want to keep you updated on the latest trends in weddings and tell you who locally can make them happen for you, introduce you to some fabulous vendors and just give you an All Knoxville Wedding place to go so you can enjoy being a Knoxville Bride! Want to talk? Trying to decide between a cupcake wedding cake or a traditional cake? Or what to get your 'gals to thank them for all the showers, gifts, dress shopping, and wedding planning? Leave me a comment and I'll chat with you about your wedding, answer your questions, or connect you with a local wedding professional who can assist you.

Also, you will find a local Calendar full of events that will help you plan your wedding, celebrate your engagement, or take a break from it all!

So check back daily and stay up to date on everything to do with Knoxville Weddings!

Happy Planning!