Bridal Expo Recap

We had a great time yesterday at the 7th Annual Bridal Expo at the James E. Bruce Convention Center! Highlights included TONS of cake (yay!), an onstage proposal during the fashion show (she said yes btw!) and an ultimate grand prize drawing that included the wedding ceremony & reception space provided by the James E. Bruce Convention Center.

For more information on the ClarksvilleBrides.com members who participated in the show, you can click on their names below:

Visions by Debra
Tummy Solutions
The Riverview Inn
The Cake Artist
Stella & Dot by Michele Gayler, Independent Stylist
Special Occasions Plus Bridal
Ms. Ann’s Restaurant and TeaHouse
Joan of Art Photography
James E. Bruce Convention Center
Elements Event Planning
Clarksville Linen Rental
Bethany Ann Photography

Best of 2010

Turning Point Productions Videography is currently posting their Best of 2010 Awards! They started the annual awards last year when they recognized the craziest, funniest, and most unique and memorable moments of 2009. Well, now it's time for the Best of 2010! You can follow the awards on their blog, www.turningpointvideography.blogspot.com, on their YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/turningpoint2004, or by "Like-ing" their Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Turning-Point-Productions/264106739080.

The first award of the year went out to Mallory & her father for the Best Father-Daughter Dance:


Be sure to "Like" Turning Point Productions' Facebook Page to watch all of the Best of 2010 Awards and to view their most recently edited films!

Turning Point Productions
Website: www.turningpointproductions.com
Phone: 931-920-4220
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Turning-Point-Productions/264106739080
Email: info@turningpointproductions.com

Elements Event Planning

Elements Event Planning and Design Firm "is a full service event planning and design firm servicing Clarksville and the surrounding areas." -Elements Event Planning & Design Firm, facebook.com

Owners Mary Beth Russell and Terri Tenholder are also managing the newly renovated Waterstreet Events Center. Mary Beth is a former corporate designer and Terri has 20 years of experience in design. "Please call us for a FREE consultation!! We would LOVE to plan your next event!!" -Elements Event Planning & Design Firm, facebook.com

You can meet Elements tomorrow from 1-5 PM at the 7th Annual Bridal Expo at James E. Bruce Convention Center.

"Elements" Event Planning and Design Firm
Phone: 931-368-8457 or 931-368-8458
Email: marybeth@eventplanningbyelements.com
terri@eventplanningbyelements.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Elements-Event-Planning-and-Design-Firm/166259726735888
Website: www.eventplanningbyelements.com

Bridal Expo this Sunday!!

The 7th Annual Bridal Expo is THIS Sunday, February 27 from 1-5 PM at the James E. Bruce Convention Center!! "Part of the Grand Prize Package for the 7th Annual Bridal Expo (this Sunday afternoon 1pm-5pm) is your Wedding Ceremony & Reception space - provided by the James E. Bruce Convention Center. Come out and enjoy a fun filled afternoon with lots of prizes, work shops, carriage rides and fantastic fashion shows!" -James E. Bruce Convention Center, Facebook

Some of our very own ClarksvilleBrides.com members will have booths at the expo, including:
Bethany Ann Photography
Clarksville Linen Rental
Elements Event Planning
James E. Bruce Convention Center
Joan of Art Photography
Ms. Ann’s Restaurant and TeaHouse
Special Occasions Plus Bridal
Stella & Dot by Michele Gayler, Independent Stylist
The Cake Artist
The Riverview Inn
Tummy Solutions
Visions by Debra
Ya Ya’s Cake Shoppe

Again, the Bridal Expo is this Sunday! Be sure to stop by and visit your favorite vendors! Tickets are $5.00 in advance and $7.00 at the door. The James E. Bruce Convention Center is located at 303 Conference Center Drive, Hopkinsville, KY, 42240. Contact Peggy Everett at 270-707-7000 for more information.

Bridal Makeup Package

Rockelle Coffey, of I Do Bridal Makeup, is a licensed professional makeup artist specializing in airbrush and conventional wedding and event makeup artistry...and she is A-MAZING! I've had the privilege of seeing her in action many times - first of all, she's a pro. Rocky has more than 20 years of experience in the makeup and skin care industry. She's professional, thorough, and incredibly talented! She does the cleanest airbrush work and she has this great ability to enhance a bride's own beauty with natural and clean looking makeup. She can also create any look you can dream of - romantic, exotic, classic, etc.

My favorite part of Rocky's makeup artistry has to be her cover ups - I've yet to meet a tattoo she hasn't been able to hide. :) Seriously, just take a minute to check out the Before & After Section of her site: Click Here

Awesome, right? I know! Rocky offers a bridal makeup package that includes:
*Complimentary consultation
*At your location application
*All makeup provided by artist.
*Prompt and expedient makeup application on your wedding day (40 minutes minimum for bride)
*Durable makeup guaranteed to last from up to 6-16 hours
*And more!

Photo by Joan of Art Photography

Contact Rockelle Coffey of I Do Bridal Makeup for more info today!

I Do Bridal Makeup
Rockelle Coffey
Phone: 931-220-8573
Website: www.idobridalmakeup.net
Email: info@idobridalmakeup.net

Color of the Year

Thanks to Facebook, and specifically You're Invited Invitations By Design, we bring you Pantone's 2011 "Color of the Year": Honeysuckle!

"Courageous. Confident. Vital. A brave new color, for a brave new world. Let the bold spirit of Honeysuckle infuse you, lift you and carry you through the year. It’s a color for every day – with nothing “everyday” about it." -www.pantone.com

Whether or not Honeysuckle is your color of the year, you're still going to want amazing invitations to match your wedding colors. Want something trendy, tasteful, and unique? Look no further! You're Invited Invitations By Design is here help! "You're wedding day is as unique as you. Let us design your perfect invitation to match your style!" -You're Invited Invitations By Design

You're Invited Invitations by Design
Website: www.yourinvitedinvitations.com/
Phone: 931-216-7368, ask for Jenifer Shaffer
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Youre-Invited-Invitations-By-Design/192320287452039?v=wall
Email: onenjen@charter.net or rebeccaatkins@hotmail.com

New Websites

New websites for 2 of our ClarksvilleBrides.com members, The Cake Artist and C&K Soul Foods Catering & Personal Chef Services!

The Cake Artist's new site features a Wedding Cake Gallery and Groom's Cake Gallery, pricing information, and valuable details about the cakes that they have to offer. "The Cake Artist offers the finest in traditional handcrafted European style wedding cakes. We also offer a full range of occasion cakes including Birthday, Anniversary, Baby/Bridal Showers, Graduation and Holiday celebrations. Anything from simple sheet cakes to 3D sculptured cakes are available." -thecakeartistonline.com


C&K Soul Foods Catering & Personal Chef Services is also debuting their newly renovated site. From a wide variety of menus (Breakfast & Brunch, Lunch, Banquet & Reception, etc) to an extensive list of personal chef services, Chef Corey's new site is a one-stop shop for all of your catering needs. "Imagine your event inspired by elegance & excellence with a fine dining experience that you won’t forget. Let C&K Catering create that special memory and moment just for you." -www.chefcorey.com

The Cake Artist
Website: thecakeartistonline.com
Phone: (270)522-8901

C&K Soul Foods Catering & Personal Chef Services
Website: www.chefcorey.com
Phone: 888-484-5111
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/CK-Soul-Foods-Catering-Personal-Chef-Services/57783327926
Email: catering@chefcorey.com

$50 Discount!!

Reminder! Only one week left to take advantage of this awesome discount from Tummy Solutions: $50 off any package for participants in the 2011 Clarksville Brides Wedding & Event Showcase. Tummy Solutions specializes "in holistic, whole-body healing: Colonics, Nutritional Support, Fitness Training, Energy Balancing, and Massage Therapy." -tummysolutions.com

Contact Tummy Solutions today for more information, and remember, the $50 discount is only valid through February 28, so be sure to mention the bridal show when booking your appointment.

Tummy Solutions
Phone: 931-906-8083
Website: tummysolutions.com

Welcome Ms. Ann's!

Welcome to our newest ClarksvilleBrides.com member, Ms. Ann's Restaurant and TeaHouse! Ms Ann's is a unique restaurant and teahouse located in a historic home near downtown Hopkinsville. "Treat yourself to an affordable luxury...We offer a real eclectic dining experience and some of the finest loose-leaf teas from around the world!" -www.msanns.com


Ms Ann's features not only over 45 different teas and infusions, but also a wide variety of "specials and a full menu from which to select delicious soups, salads, sweets and savories. In addition to a Sunday Choice Menu, we serve a full Tea Luncheon by reservation with a new menu each week. In addition to the traditional British Afternoon Tea, we offer a Bodacious Tea featuring some Mediterranean delights." -www.msanns.com

With table seating for 50 and flexible room arrangements, Ms. Ann's Restaurant and TeaHouse is perfectly suited for your "party, shower, reception, business luncheon, brunch, bridge party, or any other Special Event." -www.msanns.com

Ms. Ann's Restaurant and TeaHouse
1507 South Main Street, Hopkinsville, KY 42240
Hours: Wed – Sat 11AM-2PM | Sundays 12:15 | Other Hours by Appointment
Phone: (270) 874 2922
Website: www.msanns.com
Email: ms.anns@yahoo.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/MsAnns/149766611730788

Mystery Hostess Trunk Show

Stella & Dot Independent Stylist Michele Gayler is hosting an online Mystery Hostess Trunk Show! "It's time to 'Bling In Spring!!!' with a Mystery Hostess Trunk Show! Anyone who places an order on the Mystery Hostess show will be entered to win the fabulous hostess rewards!! Go to www.stelladot.com/gaylergirls and look for the 'find your hostess' in the right hand corner. Search for all the hostesses and then click on the 'Mystery Hostess' one. Then just shop!! The drawing will be held on Feb 28th at 10pm! Invite all your friends so that they could be adding to your show!" -Stella & Dot by Michele Gayler, Independent Stylist, Facebook

(Photo courtesy of Joan of Art Photography)

The rewards up for grabs include a percentage of the sales from the show (25% for a show over $1000) and up to 4 half price items. Click here to check out the Mystery Hostess Trunk Show.

And don't forget to visit Michele's Stella & Dot booth at the upcoming 7th Annual Bridal Expo on Sunday, February 27 at the James E. Bruce Convention Center.

Stella & Dot by Michele Gayler, Independent Stylist:
Phone: 931.338.2309
Website: www.stelladot.com/gaylergirls
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Stella-Dot-by-Michele-Gayler-Independent-Stylist/136963459669300?v=wall

Coming Home

A new TV series "Coming Home" has been filming in the Clarksville and Fort Campbell areas over the fast few weeks. The show covers the stories of different Fort Campbell soldiers as they return home to their families and loved ones. Each episode features 5 surprise reunions, and a couple of our own ClarksvilleBrides.com members, Magnolia House Bed & Breakfast and The Bride's Boutique, had the pleasure of taking part in the new show!

(Photo to right courtesy of Joan of Art Photography)



Tune in to watch The Bride's Boutique help a young couple find their dream dress and to watch an intimate vow renewal at Magnolia House Bed & Breakfast.

"Coming Home" premieres on Lifetime Television Network on Sunday, March 6 at 9:00 PM CT



Magnolia House Bed & Breakfast
1231 Madison Street, Clarksville, TN
Phone: 931-801-6992
Website: magnoliabb.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Magnolia-House-Bed-Breakfast-Inn/125331937531925

The Bride's Boutique
329-M Warfield Blvd, Clarksville, TN 37043
Phone: 931-552-4866
Website: thebridesboutique.net
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/The-Brides-Boutique/115282943351

REMINDER: Prom Dress Drive

Just a friendly reminder! Something Blue Bridal Shoppe is having a Prom Dress Drive during the month of February! You can bring in a gently use prom dress and trade it in for a discount of anywhere from $35-$100 off a new dress! "The donated gowns are going to other Montgomery County High Schools to girls who are not able to afford a prom gown." -Abbey Fender, Something Blue Bridal Shoppe

You've only got 11 days left to trade in that old dress for something fabulous, so head over to Something Blue Bridal Shoppe today!

Photo courtesy of Bethany Ann Photography

Something Blue Bridal Shoppe
897 Hwy 76 in the Shoppes at Willow Chase
Clarksville, TN
931-358-9002
Website: www.somethingbluebridalshoppe.com
Email: somethingbluebridalshoppe@hotmail.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Something-Blue-Bridal-Shoppe/120462025246

Samples & Smiles : )

C&K Soul Foods Catering & Personal Chef Services will be at The Great Bridal Expo in Atlanta, Georgia on February 20. The event starts at noon - and if you happen to be in the Atlanta area - be sure to stop in and check out Chef Corey's booth, always filled with delicious samples and smiling faces! :)

P.S. C&K Soul Foods Catering & Personal Chef Services recently relocated their Catering Sales office to Nashville, but their kitchen is still located in the Clarksville area. You can contact the Catering Sales office at sales@chefcorey.com

C&K Soul Foods Catering & Personal Chef Services
Website: www.chefcorey.com
Phone: 888-484-5111
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/CK-Soul-Foods-Catering-Personal-Chef-Services/57783327926
Email: catering@chefcorey.com

Welcome True Bliss!

Welcome to ClarksvilleBrides.com's newest member True Bliss Events & Coordinating! Owners Stephanie Shepard Barnett and Amy Shepard started out as friends and ended up as sisters-in-law. Over the years, they began to enjoy throwing parties, luncheons, showers, and helping with all the event planning.


"Planning events, decorating and coordinating are things we enjoy and have a passion for. Amy is the planner, she takes time to proof read, times lines, you name it she can organize it. Now, Stephanie she is definitely the one who thinks outside the box and designs everything based on the bride's personality." -www.trueblisseventstn.com

True Bliss provides a variety of packages to serve all of your needs, from planning the engagement party to bridal luncheons to wedding showers to full service wedding planning and event coordinating. Visit the Packages section of their site to find out more about all that True Bliss Events & Coordinating has to offer!

True Bliss Events & Coordinating
Website: www.trueblisseventstn.com
Phone: 615.973.3673
Email: stephanie@trueblisseventstn.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/True-Bliss-Events-and-Coordinating/165216704401

Waterfront Weddings

Blog submitted by Danielle Lear, Turning Point Productions

WAY back in October, I had the pleasure of filming Joann & Ryan's wedding day at Kuttawa Harbor House. It was my first time filming there and I was excited to see what all the buzz was about! After a classic-rock filled interstate ride, I found myself a couple turns off the highway, driving along the GORGEOUS Barkley & Kentucky lakes. "Kentucky’s wonderland combination of Barkley and Kentucky lakes present a uniquely unspoiled beauty offering entertainment for everyone. The elegant Kuttawa Harbor House, with its beautiful lakefront grounds, sits in the midst of romantic Old Kuttawa." -www.kuttawaharborhouse.com

As soon as I arrived, I found myself exploring the Harbor House grounds. I wandered around to the garden, where Joann & Ryan's ceremony would be taking place. Waterfalls, weeping willows, the lake view - it was beautiful! I finally met Joann & Ryan, a super fun couple, loaded with personality, and began capturing their wedding day. One of my favorite parts of the day has to be their ceremony. The Harbor House ended up being the perfect venue for their intimate, meaningful (and highly entertaining!) wedding ceremony, which I highlighted in their mosaic film below:



Venue: Kuttawa Harbor House
Videography: Turning Point Productions
Catering: C & K Catering
Décor: Visions by Debra
Wedding Party Flowers: Special Occasions Plus Bridal

Kuttawa Harbor House
1730 Lake Barkley Drive, Kuttawa, KY 42055
Website: www.kuttawaharborhouse.com
Phone: (270)388-8919
Email: phil@kuttawaharborhouse.com

Oh, what to wear?

Blog submitted by Laura Muehlendorf, Laura Kay Photography

Need some help on deciding what to wear for your engagement session? Sometimes people dress matching because that is what they want, but most of the time it is because they have no clue what to wear if it is not jeans and a white shirt for pictures. Well, here is a little help to step away from the matching and have fun with your outfits.

You are not twins, nor should you dress like twins. Be comfortable so we can have fun taking pictures and not be worried about getting wrinkled. Remember real life is beautiful. Sometimes adding in a cute headband, tie, scarf or converse shoes to a plain outfit can make it fun. Engagement photos are all about who you guys are as a couple. It is about us photographing you and your fiance and the way you naturally act together. The way you hold hands, the way you look at each other and whether you link arms or snuggle. (click on photo to enlarge)

Choosing the perfect outfit will only add to the beauty of the pictures. Sometimes if couples are really nervous about what to wear I tell them to pack up a suitcase of all of their options of clothes and accessories and then I go through it all and together and we piece together outfits. You don't have to go out and buy new outfits if you don't want to spend the money. I love piecing together outfits for my clients and creating a fun outfit they didn't even know they had. There is no rule that you must choose one outfit. If you want you can change into a second outfit halfway through the session. I can tell you all of this but the best way is to show you. Here are some clothing suggestions so you can see how to coordinate and not match.
(click on photo to enlarge)
Thanks for reading my post, I hope it was helpful!! -Laura

Laura Kay Photography
Website: www.laurakayphoto.com
Phone: (931) 320-9395
Email: laura@laurakayphoto.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Laura-Kay-Photography/136770952552?v=wall

NEW site for ClarksvilleBrides.com

ClarksvilleBrides.com has revamped their site! The new site has an "Inspiration" section featuring a:
Cake Gallery
Online Version of the Clarksville & Hopkinsville Weddings Magazine
Featured Weddings
Featured Gowns
Special Features
and more!

There's also an "Expertise" section, highlighting Clarksville & Hopkinsville's premier wedding vendors. Each vendor's listing includes their contact info and you can visit each vendor's site by simply clicking anywhere on their ad. Click here to check out the new site!

Photo courtesy of Joan of Art Photography

Win $500 For Your Wedding

Hey Brides! Just reminding you to check out the online version of the second issue of
Clarksville & Hopkinsville Weddings Magazine. It's super easy to navigate and you can learn more about any advertiser by simply clicking on their ad to visit their web site. Be sure to take a moment to share your thoughts about the magazine by completing the quick online survey. When you submit your completed survey you will be automatically entered into a drawing to win $500 in wedding services from your choice of any advertiser in the issue. The drawing will be held on April 1, 2011.

Click here to check it out!

*Invitation Special*

Invitation Special from Visions by Debra:
"10% off invitations ordered from Carlson Craft, Stylart and Elegant Reflections. Order 150 invitations from our Carlson Craft line and get 100 personalized napkins free. Order 100 invitations from Carlson Craft and you will receive 100 free shower thank you cards." -Debra Harris, Visions by Debra

Debra Harris, of Visions by Debra, is a certified bridal consultant and site designer. She strives to make your wedding day "as cost-effective and stress free and organized as possible." -Visions by Debra, ClarksvilleBrides.com

Visions offers numerous packages to meet your specific needs, and Debra truly believes "that everyone is entitled to the best wedding possible despite his or her budget." -www.visionsbydebra.com

Contact Visions by Debra for a complimentary consultation:
(270) 887-9231
(270) 889-7989
Website: www.visionsbydebra.com
Email: visionsbydebra@newwavecomm.net

NEW Wedding Packages

Silver Package $2,000
Includes: The rental of the Montgomery Room, Catering for up to 50 people (1 Entrée Meal, 3 Sides, Salad, Tea, Water and Coffee.), Linen and Table Decorations, Set-up and Clean-up, a Honeymoon Suite, 5 Hotel Room Nights for your guests.

Gold Package $4,000
Includes: The rental of the Grand Ballroom, Catering for up to 150 people,(1 Entrée Meal, 3 Sides, Salad, Tea, Water and Coffee) Linen and Table Decorations, Set-up and Clean-up, a Honeymoon Suite, 5 Hotel Room Nights for your Guests and a Dance Floor.

Platinum Package $6,000
Includes: The Rental of the Grand Ballroom, Catering for up to 250 people, (1 Entrée Meal, 3 Sides, Salad, Tea, Water and Coffee) Linen and Table Decorations, Set-up and Clean-up, a Honeymoon Suite, 10 Hotel Room Nights for your Guests, the Dance Floor and Bar Service for 3 Hours.

Riverview Inn
Website: www.theriverviewinn.com/rvstie/
Address: 50 College Street, Clarksville, TN
Phone: 931-552-3331
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/theriverviewinn
Email: renee@theriverviewinn.com

February Special

February Special from Clarksville Linen Rental!! 25% OFF RED SATIN TABLE RUNNERS & SASHES!! Reserve red satin table runners or red satin chair sashes for any 2011 or 2012 date during the month of February and receive 25% off the selected linens. Contact Clarksville Linen Rental to reserve your linens today!

Photo courtesy of Joan of Art Photography

Clarksville Linen Rental
Phone: 931-920-4220
Website: Clarksville Linen Rental
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Clarksville-Linen-Rental/148799178501944
Email:info@clarksvillelinenrental.com

Congrats to Covered with Icing

Congratulations to Covered with Icing for receiving the annual WeddingWire Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2011 for Wedding Cakes! The award is determined by reviews and surveys from over 750,000 WeddingWire newlyweds. "Covered with Icing stands among the top five percent of wedding professionals in the WeddingWire community, representing quality and service excellence within the wedding industry." -WeddingWire Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2011

If you're interested in meeting with Covered with Icing and sampling some of their award-winning cakes, you can find them the second Tuesday of every month (that would be tomorrow) in Franklin, TN at Wedding 101 from 11-5. Heather Noble, owner of Covered with Icing, will be there with cake samples and other treats. Heather also does free consultations on Mondays and Tuesdays every week and will work out schedule conflicts beyond that.

Covered with Icing
Website:www.coveredwithicing.com
Phone: 615-338-0466
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/coveredwithicing?ref=ts

The Sweetest Gift

Sango Village Florist has teamed up with a local cupcake bakery and they are offering an exclusive (and delicious) Valentine's Day Package. The package includes one of SVF's beautiful floral arrangements and a Valentine's Day themed cupcake. Beyond sweet treats, Sango Village Florist also offers plush, balloons, flowers (of course!), etc.

"We deliver all over Montgomery County and Pleasant View. And we offer free delivery to anyone who is currently deployed - just our little way of saying thanks."
-Courtney Berlyak, Sango Village Florist
There's only eight days left until the big day! You can order up until Valentine's Day, but in order to guarantee delivery for that day, the earlier the better.

Sango Village Florist
3381 Hwy 41A South Clarksville, TN 37043
Phone: (931)358-3300
Website: www.sangovillageflorist.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Sango-Village-Florist/42268424838

Wedding Dress SALE!

The Bride's Boutique is having a $99 and up sale on select wedding dresses. "These dresses are discontinued or we are no longer carrying the designer. This is a perfect chance for you to get a BEAUTIFUL wedding dresses for very little money! This fabulous sales ends February 15 so don’t miss your chance." -The Bride's Boutique, Facebook

The Bride's Boutique recently showcased some of their gorgeous gowns at the 2011 Clarksville Brides Wedding and Event Showcase Fashion Show. Here's their segment of the fashion show, courtesy of Turning Point Productions Videography:



The Bride's Boutique
329 - M Warfield Blvd.
Clarksville, TN
Website: www.thebridesboutique.net
Phone: 931-552-4866
Faceboook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/The-Brides-Boutique/115282943351

Wedding Giveaway Winners!

Congratulations to Ben & Stephanie, the winners of the 2011 Q Wedding Giveaway!

"My fiance Stephanie and I have been together for two years. We are both enlisted in the Army and currently deployed to Afghanistan. We first met when I returned from a one year deployment from Iraq and we were instantly drawn to each other. She is such a beautiful soul you cannot help but be drawn to her.

I started to hang out with her and her son Kaegan everyday and before too long we became our own little family, little but happy. I began to raise and love Kaegan as my own and for the first time in my life I found peace, I knew exactly what I wanted, which was to spend the rest of my life exactly where I never thought I would be.

News of deployment to Afghanistan started to spread and I did not have time to make the proposal I had planned before we left for Afghanistan. So here we both are, deployed in Kandahar, waiting and dreaming of coming home to our son, our piece of the American dream and God willing the wedding an amazing woman like her deserves. On top of the stress of being deployed, Stef is also stressinf abou the financial aspects of a wedding. She is planning to get out of the army after this deployment to be with our son more often and she does not feel we will be able to afford a wedding with her getting out of the military.

I want to marry my beautiful fiance and give her and my Kaegan who has been my son my name. I realize that life will still go on if we do not win this contest, but if just maybe we do, you all will fill my fiancés heart with more joy than she could ever imagine. Kaegan will proudly walk down the aisle as the ring bearer, and perhaps with butterflies in his stomach for the reassurance that I am and always will be here for him and his mommy.

Lastly, this would mean so much to me I couldn't describe it. Winning this contest would give me something that I can be proud of doing for my family. It will be something that I normally wouldn’t financially be able to give them. Being a soldier doesnt leave much to the bank for dream weddings for your dream girl. Thank all of you for this opportunity." -Ben, Q108 Wedding Giveaway Submission


Click here to read the list of prizes awarded to this lucky couple!

Planning a Party in 3 Days

Blog excerpt submitted by Carly Rager, Carly Rager Event Design & Coordinating

I received a call about 4 p.m. on Wednesday January 19 from a gentleman wanting to know how fast I could put a party together. My first question was, "When are you wanting to have this party?" His response was "Saturday January 22". My mind immediately goes in to motion as to how and where this was going to happen and who I would need to call to work this out...He made it clear that he needed me to handle everything for him from finding the venue and vendors, down to set up and clean up...Obviously my first call was to find a location, and I sure was lucky there. My first call was to Swan Lake Golf Course Club House...I set up an appointment...the following day to sign the contract and reserve the room. Next came finding a bartender (number one request was open bar with a lot of options) DJ (number two request was great music with karaoke) and catering (number three was to have drinking food). I knew to call Marcus with Scott's Bartending...
When it came to music I like to find a DJ that has variety and also lighting options so it combines what would normally be two vendors into one. DJ Folley with Big Fish Entertainment is so affordable on his DJ rates and has a huge selection of lighting...When it comes to food, I must say that I absolutely love Leesa at Relish. She really impressed me with a few tastings in the past few months and the selection they have to offer is endless...

Once I had all of the three requests covered I called Josh back to let him know it could definitely happen and let him know what all I had found. He was very impressed that in 45 minutes I had pulled together this party he had been wanting to plan for quite some time...I wanted to know what he thought for centerpieces and he said "just something cool, but nothing girly with flowers". That I knew I could handle. (photo to left)


My next question to him was about a birthday cake, he had not mentioned it. I knew that I would call Heather at Covered With Icing to fulfill my very quick order, but I needed to know what kind of cake he liked. Red velvet was his only request and I knew that Heather's red velvet was THE BEST!!! Saturday rolled around and it was time to kick it in party mode...Everything quickly came together and before I knew it everything was set up and Josh had arrived with his friends and family. They had such a great time. From singing and dancing to taking shots and playing beer pong they really enjoyed their night...Marcus rocked the bar and Folley kept the fun music going all night. I was sure it was a success. I was of course worn out Sunday from two consecutive late nights, but it was a short little text message from Josh himself that made all the tiredness go away, "thanks again for everything I had a great time, I am referring you to my friends". This may have been the quickest I have pulled an event together but I always love a challenge.

Click here to read the full story of Carly's 3 Day Party Planning on her blog.

Carly Rager Event Design & Coordinating
Blog: carlytheweddingplanner.blogspot.com
Phone: 615-417-1283
Email: carlyragerevents@gmail.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000527623713&ref=ts

Reminder - Only One Week Left!

There's only one week left to receive your 10% off early bird discount from Bethany Ann Photography. In order to receive this discount off your wedding photography package, just mention ClarksvilleBrides.com or that you were at the 2011 Clarksville Brides Weddings & Event Showcase. "I didn’t want to pressure any bride to book the day of the show, so I created the Early-Bird Discount! A few lucky brides have already taken advantage of this." -www.bethanyannphotography.com

This special promotion is valid only through February 9 (one week left!) so book now!

Bethany Ann Photography
Phone: 931-444-9203
Website: www.bethanyannphotography.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/?sk=messages&tid=1420425010622#!/BethanyAnnPhotography

Prom Dress Drive!

Something Blue Bridal Shoppe is having a Prom Dress Drive during the month of February! "...bring in a gently used prom gown and receive a discount on a new gown! All trade in gowns will be donated." -Something Blue Bridal Shoppe, Facebook

This promotion is for trade-in only and "discounts can be anywhere from $35 to $100 off a new gown." "The donated gowns are going to other Montgomery County High Schools to girls who are not able to afford a prom gown." -Abbey Fender, Something Blue Bridal Shoppe

Photo courtesy of Bethany Ann Photography

Something Blue Bridal Shoppe
897 Hwy 76 in the Shoppes at Willow Chase
Clarksville, TN
931-358-9002
Website: www.somethingbluebridalshoppe.com
Email: somethingbluebridalshoppe@hotmail.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Something-Blue-Bridal-Shoppe/120462025246