Upcoming Bridal Shows in Louisville

There are three popular wedding fairs coming up here in the Louisville area, one of which is happening in a few days.

The first Louisville bridal show of the year, The Downtown Wedding Show, is sponsored by LWN Promotions (a division of The Louisville Wedding Network). It will be on January 6, 2012 (Friday) at the Cascade Ballroom of the Kentucky International Convention Center from 5pm to 9pm. Admission is free. More details about this and registration can be found in this link.

The next one will be held at the Ramada Plaza Hotel on January 7, 2012 (Saturday) from 11am to 4pm. The admission fee to The Bridal & Groom Wedding Show costs only $5 for 2 persons if you register online ($5 at the entrance).

In case you missed both wedding shows, you still have a chance to make it to the Special Occasions Bridal Expo. It will be on January 8, 2012 (Sunday) at the Kentucky Fair & Exposition Center. Admission is free if you register online or it’s going cost you $5at the door.

Louisville Inspired Wedding Favors

A wedding favor is a small gift offered by the bride and groom to each guest as token gesture of thanks for their presence at the wedding. Nowadays, wedding favors have diversified greatly and many couples offer guests more extravagant gifts, not always edible ones. Wedding favors are often customized with name of the bride and groom, a photograph or other image, a quote, saying or personal message.  Examples of the many wedding favors that I have come across recently are chocolates and truffles, tea bags, tea leaves, seeds for a plant or flower, key chains, match boxes and matches, fortune cookies, note books, scented candles, scented soaps, essential oils, bubble blowers, photo frames… as you can see, the sky is the limit in terms of what you can offer guests as a little thank you.

For your wedding in Louisville, you might like to think about offering a wedding favor inspired by the local area. Below, I have come up with a few ideas and have tried where possible to choose products that can be bought online.

FLEUR DE LIS

The fleur de lis, which is a stylized lily (in French, fleur means flower, and lis means lily), is the Official Seal of the City of Louisville as it reflects the city’s history and heritage. The fleur de lis motif is a royal and regal design dating back centuries and is a beautiful symbol to use as a wedding theme. The use of this symbolic and stylized flower motif has been used by almost all civilizations spanning across numerous eras - giving it importance and weight as an emblem and making them the perfect wedding favors for your guests. If you’re interested in getting this for your wedding favor, watch out for my next post on Louisville-centric wedding favors where I will LIST place where you can purchase such items ONLINE with the fleur de lis symbol. 

Fleur de Lis Wine Bottle Stoppers

HORSES & HORSESHOE

Since 1875, Churchill Downs has been the home of the Kentucky Derby, the first leg of the Triple Crown of thoroughbred horse racing. What is Derby without the stunning horses?! Share the racing spirit with your guests with horse-inspired favors. Or you can opt to give your guests horseshoe favors as it is one of the symbols of luck. So give your guests some “good fortune to go” with these dazzling horseshoe favors. You can also give some luck to your bridal party with Sterling Silver Horseshoe Earrings for your bridesmaids and Silver Horseshoe Cufflinks to your groomsmen.

Austrian Crystal Gallop Horse Silver Animal Pin Brooch

MINT JULEP

The mint julep is the signature drink of the Kentucky Derby. Share bit of this time-honored southern hospitality and enhance your décor with some silver mint julep cup wedding favors. You can have these cups engraved with your wedding date and have them served during cocktails or reception or use them to hold candy or bourbon treats at each place setting.

'Make a Mint Julep Favor' by Simply Designed

 

SLUGGER MINI-BATS

Many Major Leaguers say they realized they had made it big the first time they saw their very own name on a Louisville Slugger, the Official bat of Major League Baseball. There’s nothing more personal to a ballplayer than their own Louisville Slugger bat. Share the love of this sport with your guests by giving Slugger mini bats as a baseball wedding favor.

Mini Slugger Bats (Photo via Jubilee Events)

BLOWN GLASS ORNAMENTS

Louisville is home to Glassworks, a locally-owned glassblowing shop and is dedicated to the art of glass. What better way to share this art by giving glass ornaments as you winter wedding favors. You can add personalized ribbons to these winter ornaments to create an intimate detail to your favors and it is more inexpensive than engravings and paintings on the actual ornament and it works for both December and January weddings. 

Snow Flurry Glass Ornament Photo Holder

 

MODJESKAS

Modjeskas originally named, "Caramel Biscuit", is a candy treat made in Louisville in the 1870s. It is marshmallow dipped into a rich and creamy liquid caramel. Modjeskas are perfect as wedding favors for your guests.

Muth's Modjeskas

BOURBON

A simple way to incorporate Kentucky at the reception is to offer THE Kentucky tradition: Bourbon. You can opt to serve Kentucky bourbon at the reception or you can include Maker’s Mark mini-bottles of bourbon or Bourbon Chocolates in their wedding favors. This is a surest way to let them enjoy a little of your favorite Kentucky sweetness and to welcome your guest to the Bluegrass in true Southern Hospitality style.

Maker's Mark Mini Bottles via Offbeat Bride

 

Do you have any more ideas on Louisville-centric wedding favors? Please feel free to share by adding your comments below!

Lis Simon 2012 Bridal Collection

Here's a sneek peek into Lis Simon's recent bridal collection. Fresh, soft, romantic, in-style, and a little daring. The Lis Simon label is redefining bridal couture with incredibly clean lines and the judicious use of embellishment. 

Style: Dana

Style: Danielle

Style: Daphne

Style: Daria

Style: Davi

Style: Delores

Style Dillian

For details, prices and availability, visit Lis Simon. If you are residing in Louisville, you might be able to see this collection at the Lis Simon Bridal Trunk Show this coming February 10-18, 2012 at The Couture Closet Boutique.

You can also check out our list of Louisville KY bridal shops for your wedding gowns, dresses and men's formal wear {here}.

(All photos via Lis Simon)

Angel Q Bridal Collection

Angel Q Bridal is an innovative bridal company. The designer, Nancy Qian, has been involved with design and production of bridal gowns for more than 10 years. Her passion, studies and experience in fashion have led her to create unique one of a kind styles offering customization options to meet your every demand.

A-line gown with tank straps and straight neckline

A-line gown embellished with beading, bugle beads and marquise crystals

Italian satin a-line gown with silver embroidery, baby beading and Swarovski

One piece strapless sheath with traces of silver accentuated flowers

Two piece gown with embroidered floral design and ribbon overlay.

Curve hugging one piece strapless trumpet skirt and sweep train

Angel Q Bridal also offers jewelry and veils to match and compliment any gown for your special day.

Rosy Star Necklace and Earrings Ensemble

For details, prices and availability, visit Angel Q Bridal. If you are residing in Louisville, you might be able to see this collection at A Class Act Boutique.

You can also check out our list of Louisville KY bridal shops for your wedding gowns, dresses and men's formal wear {here}.

(All photos via Angel Q Bridal)

5 Ideas on How to Have a Bachelorette Party in Louisville

To the ladies engaged to be married, my congratulations to you. Now, before you walk down the aisle in that wedding dress, before you promise to love, honor and obey, gather your girlfriends together and be very, very bad.

Photo by aprillynn77 via Flickr

A bachelorette party means different things to different people.  Some women like to go out to a bar, drink, and have a good time while others may want a quieter, more intimate setting such as a home or nice restaurant.  The party is usually planned by the maid or matron of honor, but any close friend can take charge of the details. Whilst the bridal shower is still a standard event for brides, a bachelorette party is a more laid back party. Read on to learn about some ideas on how to have a great bachelorette party in Louisville.

Idea#1: An Evening Out with the Girls

Similar to a bachelor party, a bachelorette party usually involves an evening out with the gals. A lot of bachelorette parties begin in one location and move on to a different location, like a bar, later in the night. Here in Louisville, one great club areas would be at Fourth Street Live. It is an entertainment complex with lots of bars & pubs. It's a little touristy, but may be perfect for a bachelorette party. Some clubs here like Howl at the Moon offer bachelorette party packages. Depending upon the weekend, there may be other events, live music etc. in the area. Check Velocity  and LEO for scheduled events. You can opt to stay at one of the downtown hotels for the night. Some popular choices are the Seelbach Hotel, modern 21C Museum Hotel, the Galt House Hotel and Suites, the Louisville Marriott Downtown, or the Brown Hotel. All are just at a walking distance from Fourth Street Live.

Another best bet would be to hit up the Bardstown road and Baxter avenue area. That is where the majority of bars in Louisville are. You can do a pub crawl/bar hop from one to the other being that all of them are within walking distance. There's a good mix of restaurants and bars along Bardstown and Baxter so you shouldn't have a problem finding something to do.

A popular choice for an evening out on a bachelorette party is going to a male ‘exotic’ dancing club. However, the male strip thing never caught on Louisville much. But, sometimes they will advertise male review shows every now & then at the female strip clubs. This is also a large gay bar called Connections that gets a lot of bachelorette groups. On Saturday night they used to do a big drag show. I haven't been in years, so call & confirm times etc.

Here are some sites where you can check for reviews about these places:

www.leoweekly.com
www.metromix.com
www.consuminglouisville.com
www.backseatsandbar.com
www.louisvillehotbytes.com

 

Idea #2: Cruise on a Party Bus.

Whether or not the bachelorette party involves alcohol, employing a bus or limousine service is a good way to keep guests together and keep them from getting lost in the evening. Also, the bride and the girls will feel like celebrities going out from a fabulous stretched limousine. Some suggested limo companies would be Person to Person Limousine and Aztec Limousines. Both have reasonable rates (and you can actually ask for a stripper pole in it). You can also rent the Party Pool Express....a classic old fire truck.

Idea #3: A Day of Beauty and Relaxation

Treat yourself and your girlfriends to a day--or at least a half day--of beauty and pampering at such popular day spas as Z Salon & Spa, Joseph's Salon, Fifth Avenue Salon & Spa or Dazzle Salon & Spa. Ask about special packages. You can make it more simple, low-key and low expenses by having it in your own house. You can hire a spa therapist or two to provide manicures, pedicures and massages. You can also serve finger foods and snacks, and even cocktails for the guest. You can also have a little ceremony were guests can share their thoughts about the bride-to-be and do bachelorette party games to make it feel like a proper party. Either way, all of the women can enjoy massages, manicures and makeovers.

Idea#4: Stripping but NO Strippers

Of course no bachelorette party would be complete without strippers. The person planning the event may think this suggestion is too traditional. It isn't! A great bachelorette party idea is to teach your guests to strip. Instead of hiring a stripper, hire someone who teaches stripping. Think of this as the gift which keeps on giving! All attendees at the party will learn something new, if not gain some great figure sculpting tips! Here in Louisville, I heard you can have private burlesque classes from the Silk Dance Studio, located at the Clifton Center (2117 Payne Street, Studio 305, Telephone 502-727-5491). Just call them and confirm. Don’t worry, I think there will be NO NUDITY, but you will be using your undergarments over your regular cloths. Another alternative to this is to have pole dancing party. You can head over to Modern Day Fitness where you can learn to do sexy pole and floor routines.

Idea #5: Shopping for ‘Naughty’ Products

There are a few novelty stores out there with good quality bachelorette party supplies at a reasonable price. However, the fact is that most stores don't specialize in them. Luckily, there is the Love Boutique, Downtown Louisville’s Adult Superstore. They carry a large selection of Bridal wear, lingerie, men’s underwear, toys, personal accessories, magazines, books. All these things, including a number of games and details, create the setting for great fun. A diverse assembly of decorations, accessories and original bachelorette party ideas will ensure guests have a great experience.

Now ladies, always remember, a successful bachelor party isn't about the cost, debauchery or outlandish sex talk. A successful bachelorette event should revolve around the idea of experiencing things together, even if it is learning to dance burlesque or pole dance!

The Something Blue Bridal Show at the Kentucky Center for the Arts - March 4, 2012

The Perfect Wedding Guide is United States’ comprehensive guide to wedding and honeymoon services and will be featuring some of the absolute best in the wedding industry. They will be sponsoring the SOMETHING BLUE BRIDAL SHOW at the beautiful Kentucky Center for the Arts on March 4, 2012. This is the first bridal show to be showcased in this venue, so it’s one that you shouldn’t miss and admission is FREE! Some of Louisville’s best planners, florists, photographers and wedding vendors will be there and this show will provide top notch inspiration for your upcoming wedding. They will have over 50 booths- with prizes/giveaways, and entertainment and will also be hosting a FUN bridal happy hour BASH! You’ll find all you need for your wedding under one roof.

Here are some of the Local Louisville Wedding Vendors that will be there: 

Wedding Venues: The Kentucky Center for the Arts, Huber's Orchard and Winery, Louisville Palace 

Wedding Planning: Coulture Couture Productions 

Wedding Photographers: VuPhotography, Rick Zimmerman Photography, Yono Photography, Louisville Boudoir 

Make-up: Freeland Designs by Andrea Ahl 

Wedding Dress Boutiques: Bridal Warehouse 

Wedding Cakes & Confections: Heitzman Bakery, Kruti's Cakebites 

Jewelry: Fluer De Chic 

Catering: Ladyfingers Catering, St. Matthews Catering, Masterson's Catering 

Music, DJs & Entertainment: The Music Staff, More Than Entertainment, N2It 

Publications: Perfect Wedding Guide, Louisville Bride Magazine 

And MANY, MANY more

Merry Christmas from the Louisville Wedding Blog!

May the Blessing of Christmas be with you today and always…

 See you back here in 2012!

Pattis Bridal Fall 2011 Bridal Collection

Pattis Bridal is making its mark on the bridal fashion world by offering modernly romantic gowns. Each Pattis wedding gown boasts feminine details and lavish fabrics perfect for the bride. Each Pattis bridal gown boasts feminine details and lavish fabrics perfect for the bride.

Asymmetrically sweetheart mermaid gown

Satin mermaid gown with tulle detailing

A-line gown with Swarovski beaded waistband

Mermaid gown with train & detachable beaded neckline

Tiered ruffled empire gown

Strapless dropped-waist bodice with a rosette a-line gown

For details, prices and availability, visit Pattis Bridal. If you are residing in Louisville, you might be able to see this collection at The Couture Closet Boutique.

You can also check out our list of Louisville KY bridal shops for your wedding gowns, dresses and men's formal wear {here}.

(All photos via Pattis Bridal)

24 Interesting Engagement Photography Location Ideas in and around Louisville

Weeks before their wedding, couples usually have their engagement portrait session and come dressed up depending on the concept or theme they want to be captured. For a lot of them, they explore unique environments and romantic locations to have it as their backdrop. Here in Louisville, most couples tend to pick places that mean a lot to them. If you are living within the countryside area, old motels, wide open fields, and dilapidated barns can give you unique photographs. If you live in a city, a vintage signage, graffiti, and brick walls can make excellent background.

Here’s some of a bit edgy, unique, and traditional ideas for your Louisville engagement sessions. Take it as an inspiration to come up with a decision for a memorable location that will be captured in photograph and cherish for a lifetime.

1. At the stadium where you tried to hit the ball to catch her attention. 

Photo by Shaunring Photography

2. On a vineyard where you had your first date

Photo by Jules Wiegand

3. At the boat where you first caught your first fish together 

Photo by Eric Graf Photography

4. Above the sky where you jump for joy together 

Photo by Danelle Alexis Photography

 5. Riding the airplane where you first held hands together

Photo by David Blair Photography

 6. Under the snow where you flirted with each other 

Photo by All Angles Photography

 7. At the cafe where you always used to get coffee together

Photo by Lizzie Loo Photography

8.  At the theater where you shared so many special moments 

Photo by Billy Grubbs

 9. On top of the tree where you first climbed up together 

Photo by Scotty Perry

 10. Along the creek where you shared your dreams together 

Photo by Jules Wiegand

 11. Near a sculpture where you found each other 

Photo by Jules Wiegand

 12. At the playground where you both used to play as kids 

Photo by Courtney Reece Photography

 13. Inside the bookstore where you first met 

Photo by Billy Grubbs Photography

 14. On the tree bridge where you both sat together for the first time 

Photo by Courtney Reece Photography

 15. Under the bridge where you shared so many special moments 

Photo by All Angles Photography

 16. Under a tree where you proposed to her 

Photo by Todd Pellowe

 17. In the forest where you sung your first love song together 

Photo by All Angles Photography

 18. On the riverside where you would watch sunsets together 

Photo by Eric Graf

 19. By the car he initially picked you up 

Photo by Eric Graf Photography

 20. At the park where you spent hours together reading 

Photo by Jules Wiegand

 21. At your old high school in which you both studied together 

Photo by StudioE Photography

 22. At your home's front porch where he would pick you up for your date

Photo by  All Angles Photography

 23. At the park where you had your first kiss 

Photo by All Angles Photography

 

 24. In the park where you would walk your dogs together 

Photo by Aesthetiica Photography