Gown Shoot: The Venue

Hopkinsville's charming new venue, Ms Ann's Restaurant and Tea House, recently hosted our newest ClarksvilleBrides.com gown shoot. "Suited for weddings, receptions, or bridal showers and luncheons, Ms. Ann’s is uniquely designed to meet one or more of your wedding event needs. Ms. Ann’s also offers catering to your location. Escape to a delicious and relaxing meal there soon and learn more about what they have to offer..." -clarksvillebrides.com
Check out the new gown shoot by Katie Wright Photography to see gorgeous shots of Ms Ann's, including the elegant exterior columns and front porch, the spiral staircase (perfect for making a grand entrance for your wedding ceremony or reception), and Ms Ann's many interior rooms, perfectly suited for a variety of wedding events.

And don't forgot to visit KatieWrightPhotography.org and leave a comment for a chance to win a FREE lunch at Ms. Ann's Restaurant and Tea House and a FREE photo session with Katie!

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

Memorial Day Special

Today is the LAST DAY to take advantage of the Memorial Day Special from Stella & Dot Independent Stylist Michele Gayler!

"Happy Memorial Day Weekend! Celebrate in style – get 20% off select bestsellers we’re saying goodbye to, May 26-30. PLUS, we’re also offering a complimentary silk base in red or aqua (so gorgeous with your favorite charms!) with any $125 purchase – add to your bag, and enter code MEMDAY at checkout. Act now, all remaining items return to regular price on Tuesday, May 31st." -Stella & Dot by Michele Gayler, Independent Stylist, Facebook.com

Click here to take advantage of these great savings!

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

Gown Shoot: The Dresses

There are some seriously adorable dresses from Special Occasions Plus Bridal in the new ClarksvilleBrides.com gown shoot by Katie Wright Photography! My fav has to be the Sherri Hill reception dress. (see photo to right) "A hot new trend in wedding wear is the return of the Reception Dress - and they’ve come back better than ever! After your first dance and cake cutting, swap your gorgeous wedding gown for something fun, fancy and dance-the-night away friendly." -clarksvillebrides.com

Special Occasions has lots of great wedding gowns, reception dresses, bridesmaids gowns, tuxedo rentals and accessories plus Florals and Rentals. Special Occasions really is a one stop shop for your wedding attire and decor. Click here to check out the new gown shoot on ClarksvilleBrides.com and be sure to stop by Special Occasions Plus Bridal to see more of their great bridal selection!

(photo by Katie Wright Photography)

Special Occasions Plus Bridal
1204 Liberty Street
Hopkinsville,KY 42240
Phone:(270) 885-1730
Website: www.specialoccasionsplusbridal.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=404886325030&ref=ts#!/group.php?gid=404886325030&v=wall

Gown Shoot: The Photos

We've got a brand new Featured Gown shoot up on ClarksvilleBrides.com, photographed by the super talented Katie Wright Photography. "I was so honored to be asked to do a gown shoot for Clarksville Brides. I had the chance to work with local vendors in the area to showcase all of our services. Debra Harris of Visions by Debra helped organize the shoot at Ms. Ann’s Teahouse in Hopkinsville. Special Occasions supplied wedding dresses, mother of the bride dresses, and a fun yellow bridesmaid dress. She had the adorable McCullen Morris model for us along with the lovely Debra herself and her daughter Daffoni. Thank you to everyone who helped make this happen. Everyone pitched in to make a great shoot!" -KatieWrightPhotography.org
I have to say, the photos are FABULOUS - click here to check out the feature on ClarksvilleBrides.com. Katie did an amazing job photographing so many different styles of dresses. "To see more of her wonderful photos, learn about her wedding photography packages and be eligible to win your own photo session with Katie, visit her blog now! Leave a comment on Katie’s blog and you will be entered to win:
Free mini photo session and disc of images
(Up to 30 min. Session, 1 location, 1 outfit. $200 value)
plus Free lunch at Ms. Ann’s Teahouse for one individual"
-clarksvillebrides.com

Click here to visit Katie's blog and don't forget to leave a comment to be entered to win!

Katie Wright Photography
Website: www.katiewrightphotography.org
Phone: 270-881-2543
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Katie-Wright-Photography/120122731356896?ref=ts

A Simply Timeless Wedding

Today, we're sharing photos from a recent Clarksville wedding, coordinated by our very own Simply Timeless Events! Jason and Joanne had a beautiful wedding ceremony on May 13, 2011, with their reception following at the Cumberland Room. Joanne looked gorgeous in her wedding dress, veil and shoes from Something Blue Bridal Shoppe. The reception was DJ-ed by Scott Chase and the decor included white table linens with gorgeous satin eggplant table runners from Clarksville Linen Rental and fabulous flowers from Sango Village Florist. Check out photos from the event throughout this post and be sure to visit simplytimelessevents.com for information on their coordinating and event design services.



Coordinator: Simply Timeless Events
Flowers: Sango Village Florist
Bride's Dress, Veil, & Shoes: Something Blue Bridal Shoppe
Linens: Clarksville Linen Rental

Simply Timeless Events
Website: simplytimelessevents.com
Phone: 931-216-5331
Email: kristin@simplytimelessevents.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Simply-Timeless-Events/158430414210376

Photo Contest

To celebrate memorial day, Holly Ann Photography is hosting a "Patriotic Picture" contest via Facebook. All you have to do is "Like" the Holly Ann Photography page on Facebook, post your patriotic photo on her wall, and then wait to find out who the winner is! You can post up to 2 photos per Facebook account; Holly Ann Photography will choose the winner May 30, 2011 so post your photo for a chance to win!

Click here to "like" Holly Ann Photography on Facebook and to enter the "Patriotic Picture" contest.

Holly Ann Photography
Website: hollyannphoto.com
Phone: 607-280-3107
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Holly-Ann-Photography/380854387834

Centerpiece Rentals

Are you a bride on a budget? Purchasing all of your wedding reception decor can be costly - and then what do you do with 30 identical vases after the wedding?? Visions by Debra is here to help! "For the do it yourself bride, don't spend money purchasing containers for your centerpieces. Visions has an assortment of centerpiece containers, a variety of votive candle holders and décor items you can rent. Call for a detailed list of items available." -Debra Harris, Visions by Debra

A few of my fav rentals are photographed here (click on photos to enlarge) but Visions has MANY more items for you to choose from. Contact Visions by Debra for more information!

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

NEW Photos

Something Blue Bridal Shoppe has updated their site with new photos via Bethany Ann Photography. Click here to visit somethingbluebridalshoppe.com and then click on the "Photos" tab to check out the new photos. Enjoy!

P.S. Be sure to stop by Something Blue Bridal Shoppe tomorrow (Saturday, May 21) for the last day of their $99 Bridal Gown Sale!

(photo by 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

Recycle Your Old Gold

Don't know what to do with your old gold? You can recycle it into CASH at McKenzie & Smiley Jewelers! McKenzie & Smiley had a booth last month at Green Day Clarksville (see photo to right) promoting their green business. They offer free estimates and instant cash for your old gold so stop by one of their locations to "recycle" your outdated or unwanted jewelry!

McKenzie and Smiley Jewelers
2794 Wilma Rudolph Blvd, Clarksville, TN
931-553-0555
2321 Madison Street, Clarksville, TN (Next to Sango Walmart)
931-553-8790
Website: www.mckenziesmiley.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/McKenzie-and-Smiley-Jewelers/64849864657?ref=ts#!/pages/McKenzie-and-Smiley-Jewelers/64849864657

Health & Fitness Expo

This fall, a "Health & Fitness Expo, hosted by Wings of Liberty, who will benefit from the event, will be Friday, Oct. 14, 2011 at the Riverview Inn. The Health & Fitness Expo will feature local area businesses and national fitness companies. Demonstrations, give-aways, samples and products for purchase will be available." -ClarksvilleNow.com

Be sure to "like" the Riverview Inn Facebook page to stay up to date on all of their events & specials!

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

Receptions: Indoor or Outdoor?

Having trouble deciding whether to have an indoor or outdoor reception? Well, why not have both! Kuttawa Harbor House can accommodate both indoor and outdoor receptions - it's totally up to you! Leandra and Aaron recently took their wedding vows on the Kuttawa wedding terrace. They had originally planned to have the reception outside, but "made the decision at the last minute to bring the reception inside. A great thing about our venue is that you can bring a wedding reception inside and you don't have to decide until the day of. The wedding [ceremony] was outside and it was beautiful" -Kuttawa is for Lovers, Facebook.com

(photo via Kuttawa is for Lovers, Facebook.com)

Contact Kuttawa Harbor House for more information on all of their indoor and outdoor accommodations.

Kuttawa Harbor House
1730 Lake Barkley Drive, Kuttawa, KY 42055
Website: www.kuttawaharborhouse.com
Phone: (270)388-8919
Email: phil@kuttawaharborhouse.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kuttawa-is-for-Lovers/205241425759?ref=ts

$50 in FREE Jewelry!

"This just in: ALL HOSTESSES IN MAY RECEIVE AN EXTRA $50 in Free Jewels on top of our already fabulous hostess rewards! What extra things would you add to your wish list? I'm down to only a few days in May so call now to make sure and get your date! 931-338-2309. www.stelladot.com/gaylergirls" -Stella & Dot by Michele Gayler, Independent Stylist

(click on image to enlarge)

Contact Stella & Dot Independent Stylist Michele Gayler for more details about the special!



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

As Seen on TV

ClarksvilleBrides.com's very own Joan Evans of Joan of Art Photography recently graced the screen of Community Channel 10 with a photography "expose" all about...Joan of Art Photography! Watch the video (below) to find out all about Joan of Art Photography and what she has to offer:



Joan of Art Photography
Website: www.joanofartphotography.com
Phone: 931.216.2464
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Joan-of-Art-Photography/10249418911?ref=ts
Email: peacherevans@aol.com

$99 Bridal Gown Sale

There's a $99 Bridal Gown Sale starting today Saturday, May 14th at Something Blue Bridal Shoppe! "We have lots of gowns on SALE! Lots of Military ball gowns marked down!" -Something Blue Bridal Shoppe, Facebook.com

Be sure to stop by Something Blue Bridal Shoppe right here in Clarksville in the Shoppes at Willow Chase to take advantage of this great sale on great gowns!

(photo by 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

On the Water

I LOVE these engagement photos by Laura Kay Photography! I really enjoy when local couples use local locations for their engagement sessions, but I enjoy it even more when a photographer takes that well-known location and makes it special and unique to that couple. "When Jessica and Bryan told me they wanted to take their canoe out for their engagement session, I was beyond happy. I love when couples want to do something different and fun. I loved shooting their session and I loved going down the Red River in their canoe just chatting. They are getting married here in Clarksville this fall. I can't wait!" -laurakayphoto.com

I've seen lots of beautiful Red River engagement photos, but I think it's great how these photos by Laura are really special and personalized for the couple. "I like doing different things. I try to give each couple a unique session even if it is in a familiar place." -Laura Kay Photography
(click on photos to enlarge)
Laura Kay Photography
Website: www.laurakayphoto.com
Phone: (931) 320-9395
Email: laura@laurakayphoto.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/laurakayphoto

The Carriage House

Sugar Grove Carriage House offers a variety of facilities and amenities including the Tiny Garden Guest House (aka Barber Shop Cottage), the home residence (available for small formal luncheons or tea’s), the Pergola Garden grounds with outdoor fireplace, walking trails around the farm, horse and carriage rides, etc, but today we're featuring the Carriage House itself.

"The Carriage House is a one and a half story Gambrel style barn that has the additional charm of large colorful antique cathedral stained glass windows. The open rafters welcome your special lighting treatments and the three 8 to 10 foot door openings let in the spectacular view of the farm and overlooking surrounding farm fields and horse pastures.

The Carriage House Barn has a small kitchen and serving area and restroom facilities.
The large open grassy lawn may be tented in case additional covered space is needed." -sugargrovecarriagehouse.com

(click on photos to enlarge)

Click here to visit sugargrovecarriagehouse.com to learn more about the Sugar Grove Carriage House facilities, history, rental policies, and more!

Sugar Grove Carriage House
9650 Palmyra Rd, Oak Grove, Ky. 42262
Phone: 270-886-2871
Website: sugargrovecarriagehouse.com

Thank You Notes

Today we've got some Thank You Note tips from You're Invited Invitations By Design:
"Your thank-you notes should be handwritten and may be brief. Since you write the notes yourself, sign them with just your name. You might need to use your first, maiden and married names for some to recognize you.

A thank-you note contains four basic parts:
1. A Greeting - Dear Aunt Terri and Uncle Paul
2. A Note of Thanks - The crystal candlesticks that you gave us are beautiful. We really appreciate all the love that went into choosing them.
3. Mention of How Useful Their Gift Will Be - A place of honor has been reserved for them on our mantle.
4. A Suggestion to See Them Soon - Derrick and I plan on inviting you for dinner — and to admire our new candlesticks — as soon as we get settled in."
-You're Invited Invitations By Design, Facebook.com

Click here to "Like" the You're Invited Invitations By Design Facebook page for more helpful tips on thank you notes, invitations, and more!

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

Lauren & Alex: The Cake

Today's our final day sharing details from Alex & Lauren's Featured Wedding on ClarksvilleBrides.com, and it's cake day! (my fav day) I seriously love this cake - it's GORGEOUS! Katie Wright Photography did such a great job capturing the beautiful details of this cake by The Cake Artist. It's so clean and sophisticated and the floral piping is divine! Enjoy these cake photos and be sure to check out the full Featured Wedding on ClarksvilleBrides.com.
(click on photos to enlarge)

The Cake Artist
Website: thecakeartistonline.com
Phone: (270)522-890

Lauren & Alex: The Venue

You can't have a great reception without a great venue! The current Featured Wedding on ClarksvilleBrides.com, highlighting Alex & Lauren's wedding day this past February, had a rockin reception at the James E. Bruce Convention Center. The Bruce Convention Center is so versatile - the staff there is AMAZING and they can transform their rooms to fit any style for any reception. We're posting some photos by Katie Wright Photography from Alex & Lauren's reception, featuring gorgeous fabrics, uplighting, ceiling drapery, bold flower balls, and all kinds of decor perfectly suited for Alex & Lauren's special day. (click on photos to enlarge)


Don't forget to click here to check out the full Featured Wedding on ClarksvilleBrides.com!

James E. Bruce Convention Center
303 Conference Center Drive
Hopkinsville, KY, 42240
Website: bruceconventioncenter.com
Phone: 270-707-7000
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/James-E-Bruce-Convention-Center/292990498240

Lauren & Alex: The Planner

We're sharing more details from our current ClarksvilleBrides.com Featured Wedding this week. Lauren & Alex chose Debra Harris of Visions by Debra to help plan and coordinate their wedding day. "This was a wonderful wedding, there were over 340 guests attending. The bride's mom was the master mind behind a lot of the special touches, 2 montages were played during the ceremony. A third was played showcasing the couple as they were growing up during their first dance. Ms. Ahart had a clear vision for her daughter's wedding. Instead of doing the father/daughter, mother/ son dance the couple had a parent's dance. The bride danced with her dad and the groom danced with his mom; in the middle of the song the remaining parents cut in and each couple were dancing with their mate. This wedding is a great example of how small touches make a great impact. The favors were a variety of items and there were bags, decorated with the couple's names and date on them. The guests chose their favorite items as a parting gift. There were purple rose balls suspended from draped ceilings, lots and lots of candles and beautiful centerpieces. The wedding cake was stationed in the middle of the buffet area for all to see. The groom's cake was his favorite college, UK. Flowers were placed in the women's bathrooms and special hand towels were available for the guests." -Debra Harris, Visions by Debra

We've posted more photos today, by the fabulous Katie Wright Photography (click on photos to enlarge), from Alex & Lauren's wedding day, and you can click here to see the full Featured Wedding on ClarksvilleBrides.com.





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

Lauren & Alex: The Photographer

There's a brand new Featured Wedding up on ClarksvilleBrides.com! Lauren & Alex were married on February 19, 2011 and the happy couple chose Katie Wright Photography to capture their wedding day. And thank goodness they did!! The photos are amazing! Katie did a fantastic job capturing all of the moments (big & small) that made Alex & Lauren's wedding day so special and so beautiful. "Alex and Lauren are such a beautiful couple who were fantastic to photograph. The whole day was a blast with their wedding party who were so excited to have the first of their friends getting married. I was so impressed with Debra Harris and the Bruce Convention Center for transforming the ballroom into such a beautiful reception. Everyone danced the night away!" -Katie Wright Photography

I'm sharing a few of my fav photos from Katie in this post but you can view more on the Featured Wedding section of ClarksvilleBrides.com (click here to check it out) and you can click here to see Katie's post about the wedding on katiewrightphotography.org. And be sure to stay tuned! We'll be posting more of Katie's photos this week as we're sharing details from Alex & Lauren's fabulous wedding day!



(click on photos to enlarge)

Katie Wright Photography
Website: www.katiewrightphotography.org
Phone: 270-881-2543
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Katie-Wright-Photography/120122731356896?ref=ts

Super Cover!

Be sure to grab a FREE copy of this month's Clarksville Family Magazine to see yet another cover photo by the ever-fabulous Laura Kay Photography! You might remember Laura's cover photo from the March issue of CFM (click here to check it out). When it comes to photos, Laura does weddings, maternity & newborn, families, kids, seniors, engagements, etc. You can check out her site laurakayphoto.com to see samples from different sessions and find out all about Laura Kay Photography!

Laura Kay Photography
Website: www.laurakayphoto.com
Phone: (931) 320-9395
Email: laura@laurakayphoto.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/laurakayphoto

Just for Mom

Still looking for the perfect Mother's Day gift? Stop by McKenzie & Smiley Jewelers and check out the "Brand New MOM bead by Pandora! Just in time for Mothers Day! And remember from now til Mothers Day there is a free Pandora Ring holder with every $100 purchase!" -McKenzie and Smiley Jewelers, Facebook

Visit McKenzie & Smiley Jewelers to get this gorgeous gift, perfect for Mom this Mother's Day!

McKenzie and Smiley Jewelers
2794 Wilma Rudolph Blvd, Clarksville, TN
931-553-0555
2321 Madison Street, Clarksville, TN (Next to Sango Walmart)
931-553-8790
Website: www.mckenziesmiley.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/McKenzie-and-Smiley-Jewelers/64849864657?ref=ts#!/pages/McKenzie-and-Smiley-Jewelers/64849864657

Cooking with Chef Corey Date Changes

We posted last month about a series of gourmet cooking classes with Chef Corey of C&K Catering & Personal Chef Services. The 6 part series, "Educating the Palate", is being held in downtown Clarksville at Ingredients, 100 Strawberry Alley, Clarksville, TN. We have some date changes from our last post as follows:

May 9th Time 6pm-8pm
1st Class- Derby Delights & Mint Juleps

May 16th Time 6pm-8pm
2nd Class - Back to Basics

May 23rd Time 6pm-8pm
3rd Class - How Can I Make Salads Good?

May 30th Time 6pm-8pm
4th Class Pressure Cooking versus Crock Pot Cooking

June 6th Time 6pm-8pm
5th Class - Bite Sized Evening Mixers

June 13th Time 6pm-8pm
6th Class - Easy Surf

Classes can be purchased individually, or you can sign up for all 6 for $200 and save $50. Pricing for each class covers groceries, supplies, labor and tastings for each participant. You can find out more information on the classes and register at Ingredients, or email catering@chefcorey.com for the registration and credit card authorization form.

C&K Catering & Personal Chef Services
Website: www.chefcorey.com
Phone: 888-484-5111
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ckcatering
Email: catering@chefcorey.com

*May Special*

May Special from Clarksville Linen Rental: THIS MONTH ONLY, Reserve Eggplant Satin Table Runners, Table Overlays, and/or Chair Sashes for any 2011 or 2012 date and receive 25% off the selected linens.

*limited sizes & quantities available; signed contract and deposit must be received by May 31, 2011 to receive the discount.

Contact Clarksville Linen Rental today for more information!

Clarksville Linen Rental
Phone: 931-920-4220
Website: Clarksville Linen Rental
Facebook: www.facebook.com/clarksvillelinenrental
Email:info@clarksvillelinenrental.com