The Dress: Ruching

I have seen so many beautiful wedding dresses recently, and I have noticed so many of them have ruched bodices.  Ruching adds simple detail and wonderful texture to your dress. You can find ruching detail on a variety of dress styles. Take a look at some of my favorite finds. 

(Left to Right)
Capsleeves: Reem Acra, Monique Lhuillier, Vineyard Collection
One Shoulder: Vera Wang, Oscar de la Renta, Ines Di Santo
Strapless: Monique Lhuillier, Jim Hjelm, Junko Yoshioka

I especially love the cap sleeve dresses-they are so chic!

What kind of dress are you dreaming of for your big day?

-a.e.h.

Only a Few More Days to Win Bridal Show Tickets

You have 6 more days to leave a comment anywhere on the blog!  Don't miss out on your chance to win free bridal show tickets!

The Sweetest Treats

I am LOVING these fruity cakes from Martha Stewart Weddings- especially the one with basket weave details!  I think it is a great idea to use fresh fruits on your cake and it looks gorgeous!  Keep reading to find out when these fresh fruits are the sweetest...

Strawberry Shortcake? Yes, Please!

If you are going to use fruit on your cake, or even just serve it at your reception, you will want to make sure that you are using produce that is in season.  Our Executive Chef at RT Lodge, Rick Mace, is always using local and seasonal produce.  Shopping at the nearest farmer's market is a great way to make sure that you are buying fresh, local produce.  Not to mention that you are supporting family farms!

Here is a quick guide to know when some of your favorite fruits will be ripe here in TN:

Apples  July- October

Apricots July- August

Blackberries  Mid July- August

Cantaloupes  July- September

Cherries  June- July

Peaches  June- Mid September

Raspberries  Mid July- Mid September

Strawberries  May- Mid June

Enjoy!

-a.e.h.

Inspired by A Midsummer Night's Dream

I have always thought the scenes from the 1999 film of William Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream were soo romantic!  I think it is the perfect inspiration for an outdoor wedding.

I love the glow from tons of candles and lanterns mixed with natural elements from the outdoors.  Keep the colors classic by using a mix of whites, creams, browns, and greens.  

1. This glowing Table scene was styled by Daughter of Design- I love the moss, ivy, and twigs against the natural wood!

2. You will feel like a fairy in this romantic dress is by Amsale

3. Be queen of the woods in this headpiece by Whichgoose on Etsy.com

4. Who needs a tent when your band can play under the lanterns- photo by Paul Johnson 

5. This cake is simple and chic- WickedCakeShop.com

6. This moss and birch bark covered pillow is perfect for your ring bearer!-  AprilHilerDesigns on Etsy.com

7.  I am in love with this green and white bouquet!- photo by Blue Window Photo

Are you dreaming of romantic outdoor wedding?  

-a.e.h.

Let there be Light...Design.

Brides don't always consider lighting design for their wedding, but it can make a huge difference!    Lighting creates a mood or ambiance and makes everything look better- your cake, floral arrangements, centerpieces, and your venue.  

Pathway at RT Lodge taken by Tracy Turpen Photography

I love the Pin spotting on the centerpieces & I love the glow-y feel!

Photo by JWilkinson Co.

Photo by Evrim Icoz Photography

The Candelabra add a romantic feel under the tent

Photo by Thorsen Photography

If you do decide to hire a lighting design company or lighting technician here is some lingo you need to know:

Pin-spotting- A focussed beam of light usually placed onto a centerpiece or floral arrangement

Gobo- A stencil fitted over the light that creates shape and effects- you can have these made to project your monogram!

Wash- An even colored light over a space

LED- Stands for light emitting diode.  This type of light uses low power which means they are much better for the environment that traditional lights.  

Uplighting- A blanket of color that is washed up the walls to change the tone of the room.  

Will you consider hiring someone to light up your wedding?  Let us know what you think!

-a.e.h.

Put it on the Map

You want all of your guests to be able to find their way to your wedding-right?  Well, the best way to make sure they all arrive on time is by sending a map along with the invitation.  This is especially important if you have lots of out-of- town guests ( I know we always have lots at most RT Lodge weddings).  Providing out-of-town guests with a list of area attractions, restaurants, etc. is a great way to make sure everyone enjoys their weekend.  Take a look at some of these custom wedding maps- they are too cute!

Couture Maps:

Natty Michelle Designs:

Robyn Love Designs:

Do you love these adorable maps as much as I do!?

-a.e.h.

RT Lodge is Giving Away Bridal Show Tickets!

Photo- Mimmo + Naz Photography

We are giving away tickets to TWO lucky brides-to-be!  You will be entered in the drawing every time you leave a comment anywhere on the blog (there is no limit).  Good luck! To learn more about the Knoxville Bridal Show visit their website for information.  

-a.e.h.

Bicycle for Two

This morning as I was rummaging through the RT Lodge basement I came across the cutest retro bike ( you never know what you will find down there!).  I started looking for tandem bike prints, and I found all sorts of adorable items.  FUN! FUN! FUN!

1. Invite by Onereverie on Etsy  2. Michelle Mospens hand painted invitations

3. Print by Think About Rainbows on Etsy  4. Cake Topper by Fancy Flours 5. Invites by Light Hand on Etsy 6. Print by Onereverie on Etsy

I have to have these note cards-they would be great for thank you notes & even bridesmaid gifts! I love the navy and white! 

"The Famous Tandem" by letterpress on Etsy.

This custom made rubber stamp is perfect for making your own save the dates or you could even have it made with you & your hubby's new address!  

Rubber Stamp by BabyJewels on Etsy

-a.e.h.

Inspired by Equestrian Style

Designers like Ralph Lauren have been greatly influenced by the classic equestrian style, and if you have visited the lodge you have probably noticed that we have too!  There is a rustic elegance to equestrian style that I love- it reminds me of a private hunt club or a traditional hunting den that you would find in a beautiful estate.  I decided that equestrian style would be the perfect inspiration for a fall/winter wedding (especially at the lodge!).   

 Equestrian Photo (stock), Dress scene by Stylish Soiree, Ralph Lauren Home, Calligraphy by On Paper, Cigar & Bourbon- photography by Kristin Vining, Cake- photography by Jose Villa,

 Flowers- photography by Millie Holloman, China- Spode Woodland series, Table- Gourmet Gallery Catering

After making this inspiration board, I am longing for cold weather so I can cozy up next to a fire but what do you think of an equestrian inspired wedding?  The tartans, hunter greens, and reds- too much or just right?

-a.e.h.

Get Wired

One of our brides had a personalized wire hanger made for her wedding dress that said "Mrs. Smith"- I thought this was such a cute idea!  These personalized hangers make a perfect gift for a bride-to-be and will help with getting the perfect shot of her dress before she slips it on and heads down the aisle.  Lila Frances makes these adorable wire hangers, and her designs have been featured in Martha Stewart and Victoria's Secret.  

Photo by 5RingsPhoto

If you are throwing a lingerie party these hangers are a super cute way to display all the gifts!

Lila Frances

                                  

You don't have to be a newly-wed to enjoy these fun hangers- your husband will love to see these hanging in your closet.  You can also get personalized children's hangers, which make a great gift for a new mom.

Lila Frances

You can help your bridesmaids keep their dresses organized with personalized hangers for your entire wedding party.

Lila Frances

The best part is that 10% of all profits go towards the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund!  There is a wait list of about 8-10 weeks so be sure to order in advance!

-a.e.h.

Wedding Season at The Lodge

Wedding season is in full swing, and it has definitely been a busy one around here!  Since April, we have already had eight beautiful couples wed at the Lodge, and we could not be happier! Being a part of someone’s wedding day is such a neat experience, and we are so pleased that so many couples are choosing to say “I DO” at RT Lodge.  Each couple is truly unique and it is really cool to see how the little details of each wedding perfectly reflect their personal story.  This summer has been a blast and we have seen everything from a traditional Korean ceremony to a Texas- Tennessee theme- We even had a wedding with six cakes!

I wanted to share some photos from a wedding we had here in May.  It was a beautiful spring wedding- I loved all the deep purple! The pictures were all taken by their photographer- 5RingsPhoto.

Hope you Enjoy!

-A.E.H