Factory at Franklin – www.factoryatfranklin.com
230 Franklin Rd, Franklin, TN‎ – (615) 791-1777‎

The Factory at Franklin is an incredible spot for photos of any kind. It is a national historic factory with 15 buildings with dozens of shops for shopping, dining and entertainment along with special event facilities – and of course beautiful photo spots! While some locations are dependent on weather and time of year The Factory is a special place no matter if it’s bright and sunny or the dead of winter. There are always wonderful places for photos with everything from fun stairs, broken down walls, courtyards, trendy hallways, and retro buildings for limitless possibilities for your photos.

Winstead Hill – www.franklin-gov.com
Columbia Ave Franklin, TN 37064 – (615) 794-2103

Winstead Hill Park is located south of downtown Franklin on Columbia Highway and consists of 61 acres with a walking trail, parking area, and restrooms facilities. I love taking photos here. Winstead Hill seems to be an undiscovered gem of a park where sometimes we can do an entire shoot and never see another person. It’s especially beautiful in the fall with the gorgeous color leaves that we can play in while we shoot. In the spring and summer the green grass is lush and walking along the paved trails we can find wonderful photo opportunities. Alongside the park is a beautiful road with interlacing branches that form almost a tunnel with the light shining through the leaves.

Pinkerton Park – http://www.franklin-gov.com/parks/pinkerton_park.html
405 Murfreesboro Road, Franklin, Tennessee (615) 794-2103‎

Pinkerton Park is located on Murfreesboro Road and is the most popular park in Franklin. The Harpeth River is along the west side of the park while Fort Granger lies to the north. There is also a playground with perfect places for family photos and children’s photos. There is a one-mile paved pedestrian track that goes around the entire park. There are great places for photos along the river, bridge, and the fort. If you’re up for a short walk there is a pedestrian bridge that connects Pinkerton Park with downtown Franklin and some great railroad tracks for more photos!

Historic Downtown Franklin – http://www.downtownfranklintn.com/

Downtown Franklin should count for about 20 favorite photo spots! There are fifteen blocks that are listed in the National Register Historic District with more than 70 unique shops, restaurants and antiques. Franklin has been cited as one of the most beautiful downtowns in the South. There are old churches, the downtown square, sidestreets with historic buildings and homes, railroad tracks, old trees, the historic movie theater, benches, and of course Starbucks for a little coffee break if needed! There are so many places for photos downtown that many of my clients will take a walk around the area prior to our session to pick some of their favorite spots.

Downtown Franklin Wedding Photos by Allison Hendrickson

I did some research as well and found some of the trends that are a buzz right now for cakes for 2009. There seems to be a varied consensus as to what trends are hot for this year. I am going to list the links I found further down below, which should help any brides out there who are still making cake decisions. The ones that stood out the most to me where:

• Mixing shapes like hexagonal and square cakes
• Parisian chic cakes using black, white or monochrome colors, and taking lace designs right off your gown or the runway
• Cupcakes! Yeah, but not round this year! Any other shape is in now. Think square, or diamond or hexagonal!
• Acid and bright colors such as green, hot pink and tangerine
• 3D cakes! Jessica Claire had an awesome Rubik’s cube cake made for Chenin Boutwell’s baby shower!
• Dummy cakes! Have a beautiful small top tier made and then use dummy sheets for guests. Save that money and spend it on GREAT photography or a down payment on a house!

Check out these resources for more information on hot wedding cake trends for 2009:

• Unique Wedding Cake Trends for Spring 2009
• Top Wedding Cake Trends for Summer 2009
• Wedding Cake Trends 2009 from Lifestyle Lounge
• Wedding Cake Trends for Spring ‘09 – Bridal Fashion Collections Provide Inspiration
• Unique Cake Trends for 2009 – From Cakella
• 2009 WEDDING CAKE TRENDS – Calligraphy; not just for invitations at Wedding Cafe Online
• Video: Watch Brides magazine editor in chief Millie Martini Bratten give tips on how to choose the perfect wedding cake.

Here’s a fab video featuring the hottest trends in wedding cakes with new thinking on shape, size, decoration, and flavor. Carley Roney of The Knot magazine shares the latest with Harry Smith of the Early Show.

We’ve kicked off this year to a great start with lots of photography sessions and an exciting wedding season coming up! Last month we launched a new website and new packages for the new year, this month to celebrate such a great start to the year I’m offering my own version of the stimulus package especially tailored to brides! As I’m talking with couples about their wedding plans, I know that for some the economy and their wedding budget are bigger factors than normal in planning their wedding right now. I don’t want concerns about budget and finances to be something that gets in the way of any couple getting the photography coverage that they’ve dreamed of.

From now until March 31st, book photo coverage for three hours or more and receive an additional one hour of coverage for free! This is a $250 value and applies to any new booking for 2009 weddings that mention this promotion at the time of booking their coverage.

For more wedding photos go to our main site and click the numbered boxes on the lower left hand side of the photos!

March Studio Promotion

Wedding planning blogs are an excellent source of inspiration for any bride or groom trying to put together a wedding. Whether you’re reading about invitations, etiquette, or just learning about DIY projects, these blogs are incredible resources. Read on to find the best wedding planning blogs that the Internet has to offer.

Finds

The wedding industry is full of things you can buy. These blogs cut through the muck to share the best wedding day finds.

1. {ritzy bee blog}: On Ritzy Bee, you’ll find stuff for your wedding ranging from cute to useful, as well as helpful advice and real weddings.
2. Hostess with the Mostess: If you’re a fan of fun, bright, and contemporary designs, Hostess with the Mostess is a great place to find favors, colors, and other inspiration.
3. The Bridal Wishlist: Check out this blog to find awesome stuff to buy for your wedding.
4. Etsy Wedding: Find really unique pieces for your wedding through this blog.
5. Wishpot Wedding Blog: Visit Wishpot’s blog for the latest on wedding supplies and registry items.
6. Something Old, Something New: This blog is an authority on gifts, trinkets, and tiny little details.

Crafts

If you want to get crafty for your wedding, be sure to check out these blogs.

7. DIY Bride: Check out DIY Bride for top-notch wedding projects and craftiness.
8. The Handcrafted Wedding: This blog scours the web for creative ideas and handcrafted wedding supplies.

Practicality

Follow these blogs for a wedding that’s down to Earth.

9. A Practical Wedding: Meg’s blog focuses on weddings, minus the ridiculousness that often surrounds them.
10. The Unbride: This photographer is getting married, and has set out to create a really unique wedding.
11. A $10,000 Wedding: Follow this bride as she plans a wedding for $10,000 or less.
12. Offbeat Bride: Offbeat Bride offers up profiles of backyard weddings, extreme budgeting, and often, red wedding dresses.

Style & Design

These blogs are full of beautiful and fun ideas for wedding style.

13. Elizabeth Anne Designs: The girls at Elizabeth Anne have lots of design elements to share, as well as highlights of real weddings.
14. A Lucky Orchid Wedding: Lucky Orchid features everything from calligraphy to couture.
15. Style Me Pretty: Style Me Pretty offers loads of design elements, real weddings, and other stylish things they love.
16. Polka Dot Bride: This Australian wedding blog highlights wedding details that are both fun and beautiful.
17. Karen Smallbone: Karen Smallbone has loads of great ideas for wedding details.
18. The Event Essentials: On this blog, you’ll read all about design essentials to make your wedding phenomenal.
19. Wedding Chicks: Wedding Chicks is branded as "the ulimate wedding style blog," and is a great resource for tips, advice, and connection with other stylish brides.
20. Perfect Bound: Perfect Bound obsesses with magazines, bridal style, and design.
21. Manolo for the Brides: Manolo offers fun and frank style advice on this blog.
22. Design*Sponge: Although not specifically made for weddings, Design*Sponge is an excellent resource for wedding design inspiration.
23. Glamour This!: Glamour This! has plenty of style and inspiration to go around.

Green

Throw a green wedding with the help of these blogs.

24. Great Green Wedding: This blog features all of the details you need to have a wedding that’s earth-friendly.
25. Green and Ethical Wedding: Find ideas for a wedding that’s good for the world on this blog.
26. Ethical Weddings: The Ethical Weddings blog covers responsible wedding products and services from jewelry to flowers.
27. Everything Green Weddings: Here you’ll find tips and tricks for putting on a green wedding.
28. Earth Friendly Weddings: Check out Earth Friendly weddings to learn how you can throw a wedding that is easy on the earth.

Inspiration

Find inspiration in the pages of these blogs.

29. AisleDash: AisleDash has it all, with a "dress of the day," inspiration boards, destination weddings, and much, much more.
30. From I Will to I Do: Anne Chertoff’s blog features etiquette, tips, trends, and a lot more.
31. Southern Weddings: Visit this blog to get the latest and greatest from Southern Weddings Magazine.
32. Sparkliatti: Sparkliatti will keep you informed of buzz, cool trends, and more in weddings.
33. IDoSugar: Check out IDoSugar for a healthy dose of celebrity wedding gossip, news, and advice.
34. Vow Weddings: This blog vows to inspire you for your wedding.
35. Snippet & Ink: Snippet and Ink has plenty of eye candy and great ideas.
36. Bridal Bar Blog: Visit the Bridal Bar for a healthy dose of inspirational wedding photos and design elements.
37. The Pink Book Blog: The ladies at The Pink Book Blog deliver on resources for wedding planning, inspiration, and vendors.
38. Once Wed: The blog for this site that sells gently used wedding dresses shares loads of real weddings, trinkets, and more.
39. The Bride’s Guide: Check out this blog from Martha Stewart Weddings for the latest in wedding style and inspiration.
40. Inspired Goodness: This blog is chock-full of eye candy, even hosting a Candid Eye Candy contest.
41. The Preppy Wedding: Here you’ll find all of the cool stuff you need to know about for a preppy wedding.
42. Wedded Bits: Read Brides.com’s Wedded Bits, and you’ll get planning tips, trend coverage, and a lot more.
43. Our Wedding Plus: This site offers wedding planning, and the blog is full of practical, useful ideas.
44. WeddingWire: The Blog: On this wedding planning website’s blog, you’ll find news about weddings, lots of advice, and more.

Vendors

These vendor blogs have a lot to offer for planning, style, and more.

45. The Bride’s Cafe: Janie is a floral designer, and loves to highlight weddings with beautiful flowers.
46. Oh Joy!: This design specialist has a soft spot for weddings.
47. Something Blue: Get an insider’s look at weddings from this Dallas wedding planner.
48. J Sandifer: J Sandifer’s blog is full of wonderful wedding eye candy.
49. Planning Forever: This blog from an "event engineer" highlights ideas, traditions and trends that are within everyone’s reach.
50. Junebug Weddings: This group of photographers shares great resources and wonderful images.
51. Weddings by Socialites: Destination wedding planner Kelly McWilliams shares a wonderful showcase of wedding resources.
52. Oh Happy Blog!: Event designer Danielle Gregory offers vendor reviews, real weddings, finds, and plenty of eye candy.
53. Michelle Rago: Michelle Rago is an event planner whose blog is all about signature weddings and inspiration.
54. The Bliss Blog: This sought-after wedding planning group shares their incredible knowledge on The Bliss Blog.
55. Bridal Affairs: Wendy at Bridal Affairs attempts to offer a unique perspective on wedding planning.
56. SJB Weddings and Events: Keep an ear to the ground on wedding trends with this wedding planner’s blog.
57. Wedding Paper Divas: These invitation mavens have a lot to say about etiquette, style, and current events.
58. Jessica Claire: Jessica Claire is a terrific photographer who photographs fabulous weddings. Check out her blog to see what some of the most stylish brides are up to.
59. Blue Orchid Designs: Check out Liene’s wedding design blog for loads of luxurious details.
60. Masterpiece Weddings: Visit Masterpiece Weddings to take a look at dreamy weddings from the perspective of a wedding planner.
61. pretty.pretty.paper: Check out this blog to get inspiration for your wedding invitations.
62. Perfect Memories Wedding Blog: Lauren at Perfect Memories offers polls, guides, and a lot more.
63. Weddex: Weddex offers an insightful look at the wedding industry.
64. Critsey Rowe: Critsey is a fabulous destination wedding photographer that shares loads of her gorgeous wedding photos.
65. Blushalicious: Read this wedding planner’s blog for all of the things that are pretty about weddings.

Advice

If you’re seeking help with etiquette, trends, or just completing projects, these blogs have what you’re looking for.

66. Always a Blogsmaid: Send your "weddiquette" questions in to this blog to get helpful answers.
67. Totem Travel Blog: This blog specializes in honeymoon vacations.
68. Allegro Photography : The images from this wedding photography pair are sure to have you inspired.
69. Dynamite Weddings: Read advice and inspiration from both engaged and recent brides on this blog.
70. Bridalwave: Check out Bridalwave for all things wedding related, including thoughtfully written articles.
71. Wedding Fanatic: Wedding Fanatic covers planning advice, trends, and more.
72. Our One Heart: Here you’ll find tips for both weddings and honeymoons.
73. Groom Groove: This blog is an excellent resource for grooms and other men involved in weddings.
74. Simply Dazzling Events: Simply Dazzling Events is wonderful about answering wedding questions and regularly features wedding eye candy.

Brides & Grooms

Check out these blogs to follow real brides and grooms through their wedding planning.

75. Weddingbee: Follow this group of brides as they post about their planning and recap their wedding days.
76. Unveiled: Check out this society of bride bloggers to get ideas and inspiration.
77. DC Nearlyweds: On DC Nearlyweds, you’ll read about a group of women as they plan their weddings.
78. The Engaged Guy: This groom writes one of the few guy wedding blogs in existence.
79. i heart peonies: Read i heart peonies to get a good look at a bride that vows to have a unique and lovely wedding.
80. Nearly Wed: Margit is an editorial director for RealSimple.com and is getting married, so she’s sharing her journey on this blog.
81. MakingItHonest: Read along as this groom shares every little detail.
82. Brooklyn Bride: This bride got married just this spring, and loves to share inspiration for modern and colorful weddings.
83. Prom to Altar: Read about a bride that’s marrying her prom date in this sweet little blog.
84. Little Winter Bride: This newlywed shares her knowledge about wedding planning.
85. An Excited Bride: This bride as a lot on her plate, with a wedding, law school, and plenty of DIY projects.
86. (Catholic) Wedding Girl: This blog is all about a bride who is planning a Catholic wedding.
87. A Bayside Affair: Follow Crystal through wedding planning, and enjoy this blog full of eye candy.
88. That Bride: That Bride offers an entertaining and frank look at wedding planning.
89. Classic Bride: This classic bride offers up all of the details of her wedding.
90. HaselBride: Visit HaselBride to read all about a hometown winter wedding in the Midwest.
91. I Groomzilla…you bride: Groomzilla discusses his wedding plans, including specific ethnic traditions.
92. With This Ring: Read about details like flower girl dresses, showers, and more on this bride’s blog.
93. A Bride in the Making: Veronica has her sights set on a Spring wedding in New York.
94. Kate’s Wedding: Kate has a lot to say about her wedding, and is happy to share all of the details with you.
95. Tying the Knot: Jessica shares her wedding planning with polls and lots of inspiration photos.
96. Peonies and Polaroids: Follow the blog of a girl who loves wedding planning, beauty, style and creativity on Peonies and Polaroids.
97. Jumping the Broom: This bride has lots of inspiration to share. Recently, she has explored a number of different color schemes.

Humor

Get a good dose of bridal humor from these blogs.

98. Don’t Be That Bride: This blog highlights some of the things brides should strive to avoid.
99. Cake Wrecks: Check out Cake Wrecks for a hilarious look at terrible cakes from weddings and beyond.
100. BrideZilla: Visit BrideZilla for fantastic stories of bridezillas, along with some insightful, practical advice.

And can I add Blog number 101?

101. Allison Hendrickson Design & Photography: and my photography website!

     

     ]]> http://www.nashvilledesignandphotography.com/2009/02/100-great-wedding-blogs/feed/ 14 http://www.nashvilledesignandphotography.com/2008/08/brides-ultimate-wedding-checklist/ http://www.nashvilledesignandphotography.com/2008/08/brides-ultimate-wedding-checklist/#comments Wed, 27 Aug 2008 08:30:09 +0000 Allison Hendrickson http://www.nashvilledesignandphotography.com/?p=3 Getting married is one of the biggest events of your life and along with it come a long list of ‘To Do’s’ and ‘Must Haves’. Here’s a great list compliments of Beverly Clark at WeddingChannel.com to get you started!

     Six to Twelve Months Before:

     • Select a wedding date and time.
     • Make a preliminary budget.
     • Determine your wedding theme or style.
     • Reserve your ceremony and reception location.
     • Determine who will officiate at the ceremony.
     • Hire a wedding consultant, if you plan to use one.
     • Decide on your color scheme.
     • Determine the size of the guest list.
     • Start compiling names and addresses of guests.
     • Select bridal attendants.
     • Have fiancé select his attendants.
     • Plan reception.
     • Check catering facilities, if at a club or hotel.
     • Select a caterer, if one is necessary.
     • Select a professional photographer (and don’t forget to call Allison Hendrickson!…OK, OK, that’s my personal spin to the bride’s checklist! 
     • Select a professional videographer.
     • Select a professional florist.
     • Select your dress and headpiece.
     • Announce your engagement in the newspaper.
     • Select bridesmaids’ dresses.
     • Select engagement ring with fiancé, if he has not already done so.

     Four Months Before:

     • Make final arrangement for ceremony (deposits should be paid, contracts signed).
     • Make sure all bridal attire is ordered.
     • Have both mothers coordinate and select their dresses.
     • Register at a bridal registry.
     • Order invitations and personal stationery.
     • Complete the guest lists and compile them in order.
     • Select the men’s wedding attire and reserve the right sizes.
     • Check requirements for blood test and marriage license in your state.
     • Make appointment for physical exam.
     • Shop for wedding rings.
     • Start planning the honeymoon.
     • Decide where you will live after the wedding.
     • Begin shopping for trousseau.

     Two Months Before:

     • Address invitations and announcements. They should be mailed four to six weeks before wedding.
     • Finalize all details with caterer, photographer, florist, reception hall manager, musicians, etc.
     • Order wedding cake, if not supplied by caterer.
     • Finalize ceremony details with officiant.
     • Make rehearsal arrangements.
     • Plan rehearsal dinner.
     • Plan bridesmaids’ luncheon.
     • Make appointments with hairdresser.
     • Arrange accommodations for out-of-town attendants or guests.
     • Finalize honeymoon plans.

     One Month Before:

     • Have a final fitting for your and bridal attendants’ gowns.
     • Have a formal bridal portrait done.
     • Complete all physical or dental appointments.
     • Get blood test and marriage license.
     • Make transportation arrangements for wedding day.
     • Purchase gifts for attendants. Click here for great gift ideas.
     • Purchase gift for fiancé, if gifts are being exchanged.
     • Have the bridesmaids’ luncheon.
     • Purchase going away outfit.
     • Keep a careful record of all gifts received (write thank-you notes immediately instead of letting them pile up).
     • Make sure you have all accessories, toasting goblets, ring pillow, garter, candles, etc.
     • Select responsible person to handle guest book and determine its location.

     Two Weeks Before:

     • Attend to business and legal details. Get necessary forms to change names on Social Security card, driver’s license, insurance and medical plans, bank accounts; make a will.
     • Prepare wedding announcements to be sent to newspaper.
     • Reconfirm the accommodations for out-of-town guests.
     • Arrange to have possessions and gifts moved to your new home. Give a change-of-address card to the post office.
     • Finish addressing announcements to be mailed on the wedding day.

     One Week Before:

     • Contact guests who have not responded.
     • Give the final count to caterer and review details.
     • Go over final details with all professional services you have engaged. Inform them of any changes.
     • Give photographer the list of pictures you want.
     • Give the videographer a list of shots you would like included in the video.
     • Give all musicians the lists of music for the ceremony and reception.
     • Plan the seating arrangements.
     • Arrange for someone to assist with last-minute errands and to help you dress.
     • Practice having your hair done to make sure it comes out properly, and determine the time it will take.
     • Practice using your make-up in the same type of lighting you will have on the wedding date.
     • Keep up with the writing of your thank-you notes.
     • Pack your suitcase for the honeymoon.
     • Make sure you have marriage license.
     • Make sure you have the wedding rings, and they fit.
     • Make sure all wedding attire is picked up and fits.
     • Have a rehearsal with all participants, reviewing their duties.
     • Attend rehearsal dinner party. Stay calm and enjoy yourself.
     • Stay with the family the night before the wedding. Get to bed early. You will want to look and feel great the next day.

     On the Wedding Day:

     • Be sure to eat something. You have a big day ahead, and many brides have been known to faint.
     • Take a nice relaxing bath.
     • Fix hair or have an appointment to have it done at least 3 to 4 hours before the ceremony.
     • Make sure nails are done. Allow plenty of time to apply make-up. Have all accessories together.
     • Start dressing one to one-and-a-half hours before the ceremony. If pictures are being taken before the ceremony, then have yourself and attendants ready about two hours before the ceremony (photographer and bridal attendants should arrive forty-five minutes to an hour before the ceremony for pictures).
     • Have the music start thirty minutes before ceremony.
     • Have guests seated. Five minutes before the ceremony, have groom’s parents seated. Immediately before processional the bride’s mother is seated and the aisle runner is rolled out…

     After the Wedding:

     • Send announcement and wedding picture to newspapers.
     • Mail announcements.
     • Write and mail thank-you notes.
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