Welcome to the Savvy Blog!

A sweet move for Nona’s Sweets !

2009-10-23T08:46:00.000-07:00

During the first week of November, Nona’s Sweets will change its name to Nona’s Sweets Bakery Café and move to a larger space.

This mother-daughter owned business will continue serving their brides and all their customers from their new shop at 9331 JW Clay Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28262 (on the corner of JW Clay Blvd and N. Tryon Street, next to Panda Express).

Co-owner, Dominica Clementi , says Nona’s Sweets Bakery Café will be 4,000 square feet (nearly double the original size) and will not only expand their bakery but will include a café that features WiFi , a private event-planning suite, and a special area for cake decorating classes, kids decorating parties, baby showers and of course wedding showers!

Extended hours will be 7AM to 9PM Monday – Saturday.
Stop by and smell the coffee … and taste the sweets!

Destination Bridal Portrait Sessions!

2009-09-30T15:11:00.000-07:00

Are you looking for something different besides the traditional, portrait look for your bridal portrait session?

Brides are looking for destinations outside of their home city for their bridal portraits. They're picking cities that are would-be sites for their dream wedding, favorite cities they've always loved, cities where the groom-to-be popped the question and cities that are simply known for their scenic beauty!

"As a photographer, we are always thrilled when a bride brings new and exciting locations and ideas to the table. Our approach at KVP (whether it's an eSession, bridal portrait or wedding day) is to strive to be as creative as possible, capturing the embodiment of the client's character. Determining wardrobe, hair/makeup artists, specific lighting techniques and locations are all essential in creating the perfect picture" says Kristin Vining, owner of Kristin Vining Photography.

Kristin shot a bridal portrait session for Lindsey Regan down in HOT-HOT-HOT Miami recently. "Lately, we are witnessing many bride and groom's foregoing the dream of a destination wedding and in turn choosing their favorite city to photograph their engagement and/or bridal session. In this particular case, Lindsey and her good friend, Kristen chose to fly us all to Miami to shoot a joint bridal session. Not only is it is one of their favorite city's, but an excuse to head to a fashion capital in order to strut their stuff like so many supermodels do on a daily basis. They found the perfect hotel to set up shop, researched available on-location hair and makeup artists and left the rest to us! The surroundings...gorgeous. The light...perfect! The atmosphere...delicious!"

Check out a few pictures below of Lindsey's bridal portrait session. You can see more pictures on Style Me Pretty as they are featured on the cover page!

Black Glassware new to Charlotte!

2009-09-24T12:55:00.000-07:00

Black wine glasses have arrived for rental in Charlotte! Want that “WOW” factor?

"Put a black wine glass at your guest’s place setting...with sparking wine or rich merlot, the black wine glasses will help make it an event to remember" says Patty Pressley with Classic Party Rentals. Meet the Classic Party Rental ladies now....click here!

Hello Fun, Fabulous Shoes!

2009-09-23T06:03:00.000-07:00

For those of you who know me, know that I LOVE my shoes! I love when brides, grooms and the bridal party wear FUN, different shoes! Your photographer will love it too. So, when I saw this blog with these FABULOUS shoes I had to blog about it right away. Thank you Heather Bryson, Carolina Wedding Design, for this blog and great website to share!

For those of you who love Rachel Zoe and her fabulous show, The Rachel Zoe project, you've heard her mention the site PiperLime.com
Check out the hot wedding shoes they showcase for the bride AND her gals.....YES PLEASE! They are super affordable and very chic. No one wants plain-ole wedding shoes! BE DIFFERENT!

Magenta and Black Wedding Reception!

2009-09-14T13:25:00.000-07:00

Congrats Lorraine & Sanders on your sensational spring wedding featured on Style Me Pretty! Click here to see more fabulous pictures taken by photographer Richard Israel.

Recent Wedding at CenterStage@NoDa with catering by Kitchen@CenterStage

2009-09-14T11:12:00.000-07:00

Recently, CenterStage@NoDa was host to a very classic wedding ceremony and reception with a black and white color scheme. The bride and groom were married on location at CenterStage@NoDa! Guests progressed from one area of the venue to the next as they enjoyed the ceremony, cocktail hour then onto dinner and dancing.

Guests were treated to passed hors d’ oeuvres by Kitchen@CenterStage after the couple said "I Do" then moved into a Station style reception that included a Carving Station, Martini Salad Bar, a Seafood Display, and Fresh Fruit & Cheeses.

Want to dress up your sweetheart table? This bride and groom found black and white chair sashes with embroidered Mr. and Mrs. To show off their special seats.

Velon custom draping of the bow truss ceiling and candle centerpieces made the black satin linens and chavari chairs glow inside CenterStage@Noda.

For more information click here!

End of Summer Food and Beverage Ideas!

2009-08-23T18:06:00.000-07:00

What is a great way to end the summer?.... Ceviche Bars!
Ceviche bars are an exotic seafood salad that uses citrus to cook fresh summer ingredients... try Mahi Mahi Ceviche, Shrimp and Scallop Ceviche, and Red Snapper Ceviche!

After Dinner Bars - rather than a signature drink during cocktail hour, try an after dinner bar that specializes in old fashioned drinks such as Amaretto Sours, Sambuca, or Decadent Chocolate Cordials.

Cool down with these tasty, trendy treats:
Fire and Ice Shrimp served with a Lime Granita, Cantaloupe and Prosciutto Bite, Crispy Polenta with Fontina Cheese, Beef Oscar Baguette, Chinois Chicken Salad, Asian Spring Rolls, Main Lobster Salad

Post provided by Side Porch Catering! Meet them on TheSavvyBride.com, click here.

Modern Trousseau Trunk Show at Hayden Olivia Bridal!

2009-08-20T13:13:00.001-07:00

Hayden Olivia Bridal will welcome designer Callie Tein to Charlotte this weekend along with her beautiful new collection of Modern Trousseau gowns. Appointments are available on Friday from 11-6 and Saturday 9-6. Callie will be available to customize your gown, take your measurements and offer you a great incentive. Appointments are limited! For contact information, please click here.

DELECTABLES by holly on TheSavvyBride.com!

2009-08-20T10:49:00.000-07:00

Come check out the video up on TheSavvyBride.com for DELECTABLES by holly! DELECTABLES by holly is a full-service catering company dedicated to combining delicious cuisine, stylish presentation, and high service standards — all at an equitable price. From the kitchen staff to the warehouse crew to Holly herself, the team of culinary professionals and event planners at DELECTABLES by holly is ready to dazzle your senses! Click here to watch the video!

NACE Experience for TheSavvyBride.com!

2009-08-10T13:08:00.000-07:00

We had a blast at the NACE (National Association of Catering Executives) Experience! 2009 National Conference here at the Westin in Charlotte, NC. This conference is all about the experience and education of the hospitality industry including food, beverage and decor trends and ideas. The conference included speakers such as Rocco DiSpirito (Rocco Gets Real on A&E), Celebrity Chef Marvin Woods and Janine Driver.

TheSavvyBride.com had the honor of sponsoring the Global Luncheon which in the past has been the Wedding Luncheon. New to Experience, attendees explored a multicultural journey to learn how to prepare and execute diverse events including Greek and Indian weddings, quinceaneras and bar and bat mitzvahs. It was absolutely amazing! A huge thanks to the Greater Atlanta NACE Chapter of pulling this luncheon together.

The Charlotte NACE Chapter was very fortunate to have the help not only of the Greater Atlanta Chapter of NACE but also the Greater ISES Charlotte Chapter, Charleston NACE Chapter, Triangle Chapter of NACE, and so many other chapters. HUGE thanks to all of the locals for their support to create this incredible conference.

WATCH THE NACE EXPERIENCE CONFERENCE RECAP HERE! Also, TheSavvyBride.com was able to handle the video for the conference so more video and photos to come!

Trash the Dress!

2009-08-06T11:47:00.000-07:00

Tommy McCart, of Tommy McCart Photography has his own take on the trend, "Trashing the Dress." "Think of it as High Fashion with no restrictions," he says, explaining that when a bride decides to go for a Trash the Dress session she's ready for something different - out of the box creativity. "There's no limit to what we can do to create a stunning visual effect." Couples can order a separate album for those high drama images, and often select a favorite to have printed on canvas or displayed in a unique frame. Tommy also said many couples view the whole act of Trashing the Dress as symbolic to their relationship, in other words, they want to make a statement that the bride does not intend to ever wear that dress again. Meet Tommy McCart via video on TheSavvyBride.com, click here.

What are the latest trends in bridal fashion?

2009-07-22T03:59:00.000-07:00

Heather Batt, owner of Hayden Olivia Bridal, is sharing the latest trends in bridal fashion! Click here to find out more about we're seeing this year in wedding gowns!

Latest Trends in Photography!

2009-07-14T10:36:00.001-07:00

What are the latest trends in Photography? Watch the Charlotte local, top reputable photographers, via video, talk about the latest trends in photography! click here

Thanks Agie Photography, Catch Light Photography, Indigo Photography, Kristin Vining Photography, Richard Israel Photography and Tommy McCart Photography!

Video with Stephanie Bradshaw...

2009-07-03T12:06:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we had the privilege of shooting a video for the NACE conference with Cortenay Matters and the award winning Stephanie Bradshaw. We can't tell you much about it because it's a secret for the conference; but there is a reason why Cortenay is without makeup! Here's a little snippet of info on Stephanie along with some photos from the fun!

Stephanie Bradshaw is an award winning designer, photo-stylist, wedding and event designer and personal shopper. She delights in hosting parties, has a passion for paper and packaging and enjoys the thrill of finding the perfect dress for the perfect price.

As a dedicated ten year veteran in the event and party rental business, Stephanie has been recognized in Baltimore as the Hospitality Professional of the Year in 2007 and is an active board member for the National Association of Catering Executives Baltimore Chapter.

She has created and styled editorial stories on numerous wedding-related topics and has designed and created ideas for weddings and events big and small. Her experience in photography, coupled with a keen design eye, keep her on top of today’s trends in both the fashion and event industries.

Stephanie was most recently featured in Baltimore Magazine as one of their “Best Dressed of 2008” and is the owner of Bradshaw Interiors, Inc.

Rev Rebecca Nagy

2009-06-30T12:47:00.001-07:00

Today amidst many admin and production edits we shot the video for Rev Rebecca Nagy! Always full of life and entertaining, it was a great afternoon....

The Wedding Gown...

2009-06-12T13:07:00.001-07:00

According to Heather Batt, owner of Hayden Olivia Bridal in Charlotte, asymmetrical designs, and particularly the one-shouldered dress, are all the rage. The exposed shoulder is a fresh change from the traditional strapless gown, and it allows brides to be chic and sexy without being too revealing.

Another big trend is making everything old new again. The 1920s have a big influence on this year’s designs, with flapper dresses and vintage-style accessories. Batt says pillbox hats with mini cage veils, along with ostrich or crème-colored feather hairpieces, are great complements. Greek goddess dresses are also making a comeback. The sleek designs of this period offer versatility — you can simplify for beach or destination weddings, or glamorize for more elegant affairs. These dresses look fabulous on bridesmaids, as well as on brides.

Find the latest and greatest wedding trends at http://www.thesavvybride.com/savvyresources/category.cfm/category/Latest-and-Greatest

A Savvy Trend Alert!

2009-06-12T13:01:00.000-07:00

Show-stopping Shoes: Peep-toes with jewels or beads are great way to finalize your look. Choose a colored shoe for a fun surprise or a metallic shoe for glamorous touch.

Unique Veil: Long or short, birdcage or visor, plain or rhinestone-edged, the right veil will top off your ensemble. Accenting your veil with a vintage brooch, exotic feathers or a large single hairpin adds the perfect touch of glamour.

Handcrafted Jewelry: A great pair of dangly earrings made from sustainable materials such as freshwater pearls, Swarovski crystal or glass beads are a simple yet stunning way complete your look. Search for one-of-a-kind pieces that add drama to the style of your gown without overpowering it.

For more fashion and style tips, check out the Savvy Resources at http://www.thesavvybride.com/savvyresources/

Classic Party Rentals

2009-06-12T12:52:00.001-07:00

Check out the latest wedding professional to be added to TheSavvyBride.com

http://www.thesavvybride.com/local/detail.cfm/company/Classic-Party-Rentals

Watch your vision come to life! Are you hosting a huge soirée to celebrate your entrance into married life? Or will your wedding be simply an intimate gathering of family and friends? In either case, setting up for your event doesn’t have to be stressful. No party is too big or too small for Classic Party Rentals.

Floral Trends!

2009-06-12T12:49:00.000-07:00

View The Place for Flowers' video clip online at http://www.thesavvybride.com/local/detail.cfm/company/The-Place-for-Flowers.

Floral designer Taylor O’Shields, who owns The Place for Flowers, says choosing a mood, a feeling, an emotion that you are trying to elicit is very important when deciding what kinds of flowers and arrangements you want for your wedding or reception. Is your goal to create a traditional atmosphere? Or do you prefer a minimalist look? Do you yearn to feel you’ve stepped back in time with a vintage style? Or would you rather be on the cutting edge?

Long before the wedding, begin to collect pictures of flowers and floral arrangements that you love. Gather samples of colors that you like, either alone or in combination with others. Find photographs of weddings or other environments that have the mood you want to create. Think about all the things in your life that inspire you or make you happy — from music to art to literature to food. Take all of these ideas when you meet with your floral designer. He or she will have a much clearer picture of who you are and what you want and will be able to use those qualities to inspire the perfect floral designs for your wedding.

Create your own personalized wedding web page

2009-06-12T11:05:00.000-07:00

We invite you to create your own Savvy Wedding Project on TheSavvyBride.com.

Manage your own Wedding Web Page as you gather articles, ideas and photos from TheSavvyBride.com to share with your family and friends. Register now to open your account. It’s simple, fast, and FREE --- Just go to http://www.thesavvybride.com/signup/bride-step1.cfm