RT Lodge

Namita & Max's RT Lodge Wedding Weekend Trailer by Waldof Cinema

2011-09-29T08:53:00.000-07:00

Namita and Max | Waldorf Cinema from Waldorf Cinema on Vimeo.

Vintage Camp Inspired Bachelorette Party

2011-09-23T08:20:00.000-07:00

Throw a vintage camp themed bachelorette party. Rent a lakehouse for the weekend and send out rustic invites to all the bride's best girlfriends. Have each guest sign up for activites like canoeing, hiking, arts & crafts, or even shopping! For cocktail hour serve drinks in mason jars and make yummy s'mores inspired desserts! Have all the guests write sweet words of encouragement and funny stories from the weekend in the Field Note journals. At the end of the weekend the bride can take them home!

1. Makes s'mores inspired dessert like this s'more brownie recipe 2. Field note journals

3. River Island aztec knit sweater 4. Timex Traveler Watch 5. Minnetonka pull-on fringe booties

6. Distressed denim shorts 7. Serve drinks in mason jars & use colorful striped straws

8. Madewell long tee dress 9. Hunter watling lace up gloss boots 10. Newstand tote

11. Vintage inspired pajama set 12. Michael Kors tortoise bracelet 13. These rustic tubs make great ice buckets. Use them for the weekend & send them home with the bride!

-a.e.h.

Who Pays For What? Part 2

2011-09-22T07:30:00.000-07:00

-a.e.h.

Who Pays For What? Part 1

2011-09-21T09:02:00.000-07:00

Want to learn more about trading in your bridesmaid dress? Take a look at Newly Maid.

Hope this was helpful! Keep checking back for more bridesmaid Q & A!

-a.e.h.

Fall Wedding Inspiration Board

2011-09-09T14:19:00.000-07:00

I wanted to share a fall inspiration board I have been working on for one of our October 2012 brides. Hope you enjoy!

all images via pinterest

-a.e.h.

Inspiration Board: Red White & Blue

2011-06-29T12:24:00.000-07:00

With the July 4th holiday this weekend, I thought it would be the perfect time to put together a red, white and blue inspiration board. I hope you all enjoy this all American soiree!

From left to right: Martha Stewart Weddings, Elizabeth Anne Designs, Google Images, Jones Design Company, The Knot, Martha Stewart Weddings

What do you think about saying "I do" over July 4th weekend?

-a.e.h.

Event Decor Idea: Bike Basket + Flowers

2011-06-28T10:24:00.000-07:00

Like I have said so many times, it is the small details at your event that people really remember. Using unique floral arrangements is a great way to make an impact. We recently had an outdoor dinner event at RT Lodge and our florist, Jama, used a retro bike for a beautiful floral display. All you need is a bike with a basket, floral foam or plastic container that fits inside the basket, and flowers of your choice. This is a super easy idea that you can try at your next event!

Jama, our florist at RT Lodge, did this arrangement for an outdoor dinner event we recently had

Close up of Jama's arrangement- isn't it cute?!

Via Elizabeth Anne Designs

Via Pinterest

Enjoy!

-a.e.h.

Creative Seating Cards

2011-06-23T12:34:00.000-07:00

It really is the little details that make a big difference. That is why we wanted to share some of the most creative seating cards and displays we have seen.

1. Butterflies from MarthaStewartWeddings: A fresh lawn of wheatgrass makes a glorious field for butterflies to flutter about. Banners bearing guests' calligraphed names seem to billow in a gentle breeze. The butterfly wires are attached to skewers covered with floral tape. Feather butterflies, from BJ's Craft Supplies.

2. Shell Cards from Martha Stewart Weddings: Instead of numbers to assign guests their tables, use names of seashells. Each type of shell represents a different table.

3. Magnolia leaves make great southern seating cards. Simply use a metallic paint marker to write each guests name, along with the table number on each leaf. Via Pinterest

4. Plant markers make the perfect seating cards for an outdoor event. Display them in a wooden box topped with moss to make a beautiful display. Via Style Me Pretty

5. Display tent cards on top of a beautiful carnation covered box for a big impact! Via Martha Stewart Weddings

6. Fall leaves from Martha Stewart Weddings: The rich colors of autumn are echoed in this forest set amid rolling hills of moss. Craft-punched bright paper leaves bearing guests' names transform bare branches into majestic trees; we cut slits into the branches with a craft knife and then slid in the leaves. Mega giant oak leaf, maple leaf, and birch leaf punches, by The Punch Bunch, from Scrappily Ever After, scrappilyeverafter.com.

Hope this gives you some great inspiration!

-a.e.h.

Cigar & Cordials Bar

2011-06-13T11:07:00.000-07:00

This past week we set up a Cordials & Cigar Bar after dinner for a corporate group here at RT Lodge. It was a huge hit! The Cordials & Cigar Bar is a great idea for a rehearsal dinner or even for part of a reception. All you need are some cigars and some of your favorite cordials. Make things more fun by shopping for some colorful cordial glasses to serve your guests!

You can get old cigar boxes at a cigar shop for very cheap. I got tons of boxes for around $1 a piece. They are great to decorate with!

Enjoy!

-a.e.h.

Catherine Middleton Bridal Fashion

2011-04-29T03:57:00.000-07:00

Catherine Middleton has not disappointed! Fashion fans from around the world celebrated at the news that Sarah Burton (Creative Director for Alexander McQueen) was the designer of Catherine's gorgeous wedding gown. Catherine's dress is very reminiscent of Grace Kelly's timeless gown. See below for all the details on Kate's wedding fashion! Enjoy!

Picture from www.CelebBuzz.com

Grace Kelly on her wedding day. Picture from www.w-weddinggowns.com

Picture from www.Huffingtonpost.com

Catherine and her sister, Pippa. Picture from www.CelebBuzz.com

This is the press release from the Official Royal Wedding Website:
Miss Catherine Middleton's Wedding Dress has been designed by Sarah Burton at Alexander McQueen.

Miss Middleton chose British brand Alexander McQueen for the beauty of its craftsmanship and its respect for traditional workmanship and the technical construction of clothing. Miss Middleton wished for her dress to combine tradition and modernity with the artistic vision that characterises Alexander McQueen's work. Miss Middleton worked closely with Sarah Burton in formulating the design of her dress.

The dress epitomises timeless British craftsmanship by drawing together talented and skilled workmanship from across the United Kingdom. The dress design pays tribute to the Arts and Crafts tradition, which advocated truth to materials and traditional craftsmanship using simple forms and often Romantic styles of decoration. Ms Burton's design draws on this heritage, additionally giving the cut and the intricate embellishment a distinctive, contemporary and feminine character.

The design

The lace appliqué for the bodice and skirt was hand-made by the Royal School of Needlework, based at Hampton Court Palace. The lace design was hand-engineered (appliquéd) using the Carrickmacross lace-making technique, which originated in Ireland in the 1820s. Individual flowers have been hand-cut from lace and hand-engineered onto ivory silk tulle to create a unique and organic design, which incorporates the rose, thistle, daffodil and shamrock.

Hand-cut English lace and French Chantilly lace has been used throughout the bodice and skirt, and has been used for the underskirt trim. With laces coming from different sources, much care was taken to ensure that each flower was the same colour. The whole process was overseen and put together by hand by Ms Burton and her team.

The dress is made with ivory and white satin gazar. The skirt echoes an opening flower, with white satin gazar arches and pleats. The train measures two metres 70 centimetres. The ivory satin bodice, which is narrowed at the waist and padded at the hips, draws on the Victorian tradition of corsetry and is a hallmark of Alexander McQueen's designs. The back is finished with 58 gazar and organza covered buttons fastened by Rouleau loops. The underskirt is made of silk tulle trimmed with Cluny lace.

The Fabrics

French Chantilly lace was combined with English Cluny lace to be hand-worked in the Irish Carrickmacross needlework tradition.

All other fabrics used in the creation of the dress were sourced from and supplied by British companies. The choice of fabrics followed extensive research by Sarah Burton and her team.

The Royal School of Needlework

The Royal School of Needlework (RSN), based at Hampton Court Palace, assisted the Alexander McQueen team in accurately cutting out the delicate motifs from the lace fabrics and positioning the lace motifs with precision into the new design. The lace motifs were pinned, 'framed up' and applied with stab stitching every two to three millimetres around each lace motif. The workers washed their hands every thirty minutes to keep the lace and threads pristine, and the needles were renewed every three hours, to keep them sharp and clean.

The RSN workers included existing staff, former staff, tutors, graduates and students, with the youngest aged 19.

The RSN's work was used primarily for the train and skirt of the Bride's dress, the bodice and sleeves, the Bride's shoes and the Bride's veil.

Veil and Jewellery

The veil is made of layers of soft, ivory silk tulle with a trim of hand-embroidered flowers, which was embroidered by the Royal School of Needlework. The veil is held in place by a Cartier 'halo' tiara, lent to Miss Middleton by The Queen. The 'halo' tiara was made by Cartier in 1936 and was purchased by The Duke of York (later King George VI) for his Duchess (later Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother) three weeks before he succeeded his brother as King. The tiara was presented to Princess Elizabeth (now The Queen) by her mother on the occasion of her 18th birthday.

The Bride's earrings, by Robinson Pelham, are diamond-set stylised oak leaves with a pear shaped diamond set drop and a pavé set diamond acorn suspended in the centre. Inspiration for the design comes from the Middleton family's new coat of arms, which includes acorns and oak leaves. The earrings were made to echo the tiara. The earrings were a personal gift to the Bride from her parents for her Wedding Day.

Robinson Pelham have also designed and made a pair of diamond earrings for Miss Philippa Middleton. These earrings are more floral in nature to compliment the headpiece worn by Miss Philippa Middleton during the Service.

A tourmaline and diamond pendant and matching earrings have been designed and made for Mrs. Carole Middleton. Two gold stick pins, one with a single gold acorn at the head and the other with an oak leaf, are also worn respectively by the Father of the Bride, Mr. Michael Middleton, and the Bride's brother, Mr. James Middleton.

Wedding Shoes

The wedding shoes have made hand-made by the team at Alexander McQueen and are made of ivory duchesse satin with lace hand-embroidered by the Royal School of Needlework.

Inspiration Board: Spring Neutrals

2011-04-07T13:57:00.000-07:00

Enjoy!

-a.e.h.

ShopBop Wedding Boutique

2011-03-14T10:11:00.000-07:00

ShopBop.com (one of my personal favorites) just launched their Wedding Boutique today! These dresses are perfect for the fashion-forward bride, but the site also features some more classic styles. The ShopBop Wedding Boutique also features some great options for second dresses for your reception so you can dance the night away!

This stunning one shoulder column gown keeps it simple, and the floral detail is perfect for spring! (Notte by Marchesa)

This fun and flirty ruffle dress by Halston Heritage is a great fit for a modern bride. Not to mention Patricia Field, the stylist from Sex and the City, used several Halston Heritage dresses for SATC2!

The "Molly Dress" by Chris Benz is feminine and sophisticated! You will definitely wear this again and again!

Enjoy!

-a.e.h.

Anthropologie Weddings are Finally Here!

2011-02-14T11:11:00.000-08:00

Anthropologie's bridal line, BHLDN, has finally launched! BHLDN has everything you need to look great on your wedding day. From wedding gowns, bridesmaid dresses, shoes, jewelry, hair adornments, and even the perfect dress for a bridal shower or rehearsal dinner- BHLDN has it all! You can even visit the site to discover What Kind of Bride You Are! In true Anthro style, the gowns (and everything else on the site!) have a very vintage feel and are each very unique!

What are your thoughts about Anthropologie's lastest venture? Did you find a dress on BHLDN that you have to have? We would love to hear your thoughts!

-a.e.h.

Emily & Josh's Winter Wedding: Part 2

2011-02-07T11:03:00.000-08:00

Here are some more great shots from Emily & Josh's beautiful winter wedding at RT Lodge. Thank you to Lindsay Jane Studios for letting us use these gorgeous images!

Instead of a groom's cake our wonderful pastry chef, Jon, made these mini moonpies!

Chef Jon also made this amazing gingerbread house for the holidays!

I love these simple white cakes from Magpies

One of our seasonal salads by our Chef Rick Mace

Enjoy!

-a.e.h.

The Seating Chart Solution!

2011-01-25T12:00:00.000-08:00

Martha Stewart Weddings

If you have ever made a seating chart for a large event you understand that last minute changes are almost inevitable. In order to make your life easier, Martha Stewart Weddings suggests creating a flexible seating chart that can be easily rearranged. Just write guests names on these thin adhesive strips by Muji or simply cut up sticky notes. They also suggest another time saving tip, " create color-coded groups, such as bride's family, groom's family, friends, and kids". We will definitely by trying this trick for our next event!

Enjoy!

-a.e.h.

A Winter Wedding at the Lodge

2011-01-13T09:46:00.000-08:00

We were so excited about Emily and Josh's winter wedding, and we were even more thrilled with how everything turned out. All of the details were perfect, and it was an amazing team we were working with! Donna Jacob with The Wedding Planners did a wonderful job bringing Emily's vision of vintage decor to life. Carolyn Goff and Julie Wright (Florists) added some southern charm by using cotton in the flower arrangements- too cute! Take a look at some of the wonderful photographs taken by Lindsay Jane Studios...

Her gorgeous lace dress was from Arzelle's Bridal in Nashville

Their ceremony was held at West Emory Presbyterian Church in Knoxville

Miss Tess and the Bon Ton Parade were AMAZING

Thank you again to Lindsay Jane Studios for these great pictures!

Enjoy!

-a.e.h.

Go Green with Reusable Guest Bags!

2011-01-10T09:36:00.000-08:00

Since RT Lodge has 60 guest rooms on property, most of our weddings have overnight guests. Guest bags full of goodies are typically placed in each room before the guests arrival. These bags are usually full of local snacks and beverages, schedule of the weekends events, maps and directions, and any other little treats that help your guests feel right at home! These are not required, but if you are expecting out-of-town guests I highly recommend them! Be green by housing the goods in a reusable tote bag! Here are some very cute designs you can feel good about!

"To Have and to Hold" by Melangerie NYC

This adorable mum tote is by Nouveau Abode

This customizable tote is by Wedding Chicks

Fall in love with this tote by Wedding Chicks

Enjoy!

-a.e.h.

First Dance Songs

2010-12-16T08:46:00.000-08:00

www.Watson-Studios.com

Your first dance as husband and wife is a very special moment that deserves a very special song. If you are having a difficult time picking your perfect song, take a look at some of the picks from the Martha Stewart Wedding staff:

"This Year's Love," by David Gray

"Stardust," by Hoagy Carmichael

"Islands in the Stream," by Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton

"Sunrise Over the Olympus Mons," by Micah P. Hinson

"When the Stars Go Blue," by Ryan Adams

"All That Heaven Will Allow," by Bruce Springsteen

"Somewhere Over the Rainbow," by Julius LaRosa

"Dancing," by Elisa

"The Way You Look Tonight," by Steve Tyrell

"Louisiana Woman, Mississippi Man," by Loretta Lynn and Conway Twitty

"East of the Sun (and West of the Moon)," by Tommy Dorsey

"The Blower's Daughter," by Damien Rice

"What a Wonderful World," by Louis Armstrong

"Goldberg Variations," by Johann Sebastian Bach

Still haven't been inspired? Here are some of my personal favorites:

"You are the Best Thing" by Ray Lamontagne

"Tonight, Tonight" by The Smashing Pumpkins

"Nothing Fancy" by Dave Barnes

"First Day of My Life" by Bright Eyes

Enjoy! and Good luck!

-a.e.h.

Your Very First Christmas Card!

2010-12-06T13:08:00.000-08:00

Your very first Christmas as a married couple is one you will never forget! Why not have a custom holiday card to send out to everyone on your list! All you do is send in some pictures and Rifle Paper Co. will create a custom illustrated portrait of you and your hubby! They are too cute!

Not your first Christmas? They have a design for larger families too!

Enjoy!

-a.e.h.

Gold Engagement Rings!

2010-11-18T11:02:00.000-08:00

I am a lover of all things gold, and I have been so happy to see that yellow gold is making a come back! I wanted to share some of these gorgeous engagement rings with all my fellow gold lovers! Enjoy!

From Left to Right
Single Stone, McTeigue&McClelland
Fred Leighton, Rina Limor
Martin Katz, Megan Thorne
Alex Sepkus, McTeigue&McClelland

Anyone fall in love with these gold rings? or are you still dreaming of white gold or platinum?

-a.e.h.

A Ribbon to Remember!

2010-11-16T11:27:00.000-08:00

Martha Stewart Weddings

I absolutely LOVE this idea from Martha Stewart Weddings! They suggest turning the ribbon that is tied around your bridal bouquet into a keepsake by having your vows printed on it! All you need to do is send a JPG image of calligraphed (as seen above) or typed text to Masterstroke Canada. They will use a thermal-transfer technique to print your vows on the ribbon. This is so easy, and it looks absolutely beautiful!

After the wedding you could even have the ribbon used in one of your framed wedding pictures or to keep in a scrap book! Who knows, your daughter may even carry it down the aisle on her big day (since, let's be honest, she probably won't be wearing your dress!).

I think this little idea is so special!! What about you?

-a.e.h.

RT Lodge Gets Unveiled in Atlanta!

2010-11-15T12:21:00.000-08:00

This past weekend Emily and I took a trip to Atlanta (in the gold RT Lodge van!) to represent RT Lodge at the Unveiled Wedding Event!

The event is a bridal show put on by "The Wedding Guys" and it was designed beautifully! It was an amazing weekend, and we had the chance to meet tons of great wedding vendors! We also got to watch the fashion show which featured gowns from Kleinfield Manhattan (from Say Yes to the Dress!).

Here is a picture of our booth from the show!

Enjoy!

-a.e.h.

Festive Fall Recipes by Executive Chef Rick Mace

2010-10-04T11:42:00.000-07:00

Our Executive Chef at RT Lodge, Rick Mace, visited the Maryville Farmer's Market last week and shared some of his wonderful fall recipes with some of the shoppers. These delicious recipes will definitely get you in the mood for fall! These recipes are great for entertaining or even a family dinner. I cannot wait to try some of these out!

Enjoy!

Happy Cooking!

- a.e.h.

Too Cute to Spook: A Halloween Inspiration Board

2010-10-04T08:35:00.000-07:00

Since October is finally here I made an inspiration board in honor of one of my favorite holidays, Halloween!

-a.e.h.

Bret & Sommerville Culbertson Part 2

2010-09-21T09:23:00.000-07:00

Here are some more of the incredible pictures of Bret & Sommerville's special day taken by Waldorf Photographic Art!

I loved the contrast of the light and dark blue on the tablecloths! The pattern was very fun, but the whole look was still very traditional & beautiful!

I LOVE this cake by MagPies.

MagPies Cakes

Sommerville's floral crown was very sweet & feminine!

Here are some pictures of the light design by Bandit Lites. It was stunning!

-a.e.h.

Bret & Sommerville Culbertson Part 1

2010-09-20T10:25:00.000-07:00

We had been working with Sommerville and her wedding planner, Libby Fisher, for several months on putting together the perfect southern wedding. One of the last weekends in August culminated in the wedding of a lifetime! Guests started to arrive at RT Lodge on Friday morning and by the end of the day all 60 guest rooms were full. That night the Culbertson family hosted the rehearsal dinner in the main lodge. Saturday morning guests walked from their rooms to the main lodge for breakfast, and everyone was buzzing in anticipation!

The wedding planner, Libby Fisher (Libby Fisher Design), was responsible for the incredible floral design. The arrangements were some of the most beautiful I have ever seen, and the floral work on the arbor was amazing. For the day of the wedding Bandit Lites created beautiful lighting throughout the property- it looked magical! The wedding weekend turned out the be a success- from beginning to end! Please enjoy some of the gorgeous photos taken by Bill Waldorf and his wonderful staff!

- a.e.h.

Personalize It!

2010-09-02T09:32:00.000-07:00

Paying attention to the small details can really make a huge impact at your wedding. Personalizing items with your new name or monogram is a really easy way to add style to your event. Neiman Marcus has a great selection of personalized party goods that are really fun & beautiful! Remember, anything you don't use at your wedding can be used for entertaining in you and your hubby's new home! You may even want to order items that can be reused or order extras to ensure you have plenty of personalized goods.

Forget tiny umbrellas, these drink stirrers are so chic!

These personalized cups are so fun!

Giving wine as a favor to your guests? Well, these wine gift tags are a super cute & easy way to personalize the favor without paying the price for custom printed wine labels!

-a.e.h.

Mr. & Mrs. Helton

2010-08-17T08:56:00.000-07:00

This past weekend, Paul and Kay were married at the Lodge. They were a great couple, and we had a great time getting to know them during the planning process. These two are so in love, and they actually met in the airport! Kay and Paul had a lot of out of town guests so we had lots of people staying on property. The rain stopped right before the ceremony, the sun came out, and everything turned out beautifully! For the reception, they had a family style dinner in our dining room where everyone enjoyed food, drinks, and each others company. After dinner and dessert, everyone headed to the veranda for live music and dancing. Everyone was having a blast! Take a look at some of the beautiful pictures taken by their wedding photographer, Katherine Birkbeck.

-a.e.h.

Who Says Fine China Can't be Fun?

2010-08-13T07:21:00.000-07:00

Most of you had probably never shopped for fine china, or even thought about it for that matter, until you began registering for wedding presents. Since fine china is something you keep forever, and is often passed down, you will want to put some thought into choosing your pattern and style. Luckily, for today’s brides, there is a variety of colors, patterns, and themes. These fun & funky dishes can add tons of style to your home décor!

Are you are wondering how many place settings you’ll need? Most bridal experts recommend buying 8-12 place settings. If you or your fiancé have a large family you may want to consider buying more (think about all those holiday dinners you will be hosting!).

Formal place settings typically come in a 5-piece set and include a dinner plate, salad/dessert plate, bread plate, and a cup and saucer. The Knot.com recommends registering for some of the more specialty items as well. This can include a few serving bowls of various sizes, gravy boat, a cream pitcher and sugar bowl, a teapot, several sizes of small serving dishes, chargers, and even cereal bowls.

Top (From Left to Right):

1. Jasper Conran for Wedgwood- The "Chinoiserie" Green and White Fine Bone China features an exotic design of graceful birds and delicate flora and fauna. This design is Classically inspired yet modern in appeal.

2. William Yeoward's "Avington" in Orange- The "Avington" design comes in a variety of ravishing colors and is easily mixed with other china patterns. These dishes are so fun!

3. Indulge your inner fashionista with the "Margherita" collection from the fashion house Missoni. These dishes are decorated with multicolor kaleidoscopic flowers.

Middle (From Left to Right):

1. Haviland's "Laque de Chine" Gold, Pistachio is both timeless and modern, enabling traditional color-matching selections to radical color combos. The unique colors can be mixed, and are united by a brilliant gold band.

2. An Alberto Pinto creation for Raynaud, "Cristobal" is a vibrant coral pattern rich in elegance.

3. "Anthemion Blue Prestige" Fine Bone

China is i

nspired by Iconic neo-classical elements fundamental to the Wedgwood style - the colonnade, laurel, Greek anthemion and classical figures. The "Anthemion Blue" design features a rich cobalt color with gold accents while each piece includes delicate raised detailing hand-decorated by skilled craftsmen.

Bottom (From Left to Right):

1. Versace by Rosenthal "Marco Polo". The Gianni Versace pattern gives life to a dinner set that is in perfect harmony with the new "fusion philosophy" of food.

2. This "Syracuse" dinnerware by R. Haviland & C. Parlon is hand-painted porcelain from France. It is so beautiful and the turquoise hues contrast the 22-kt. gold detailing.
3. Your table will come to life with this colorful "Verdant Acres" dinnerware from Anthropologie

What are some of your favorite patterns?

-a.e.h.

You're Invited to an Open House at RT Lodge

2010-08-12T09:19:00.000-07:00

Are you engaged and looking for the perfect wedding venue? Well, on Sunday, August 29th we are opening our doors to you! From 3:00 - 5:00 pm come visit with other brides-to-be, tour the property, and chat with our two on-site wedding specialists. You will have the opportunity to explore the gardens, relax in the main lodge, and take a look inside some of our beautiful guest rooms. Please send your RSVP to EWomac@RTLodge.com by August 26th. If you have any questions call us at 865-981-9800.

We hope to see you there!

-a.e.h.

The Bridal Show Tickets Winners are....

2010-08-02T08:22:00.000-07:00

Whitney & Emilee Rose!

Please email your information (name, address, and cell number) to Ahansen@rtlodge.com. Thank you to everyone who left comments on the blog- I hope you will keep it up! Please don't forget to come visit us at the Knoxville Bridal show this Sunday!

-a.e.h.

The Dress: Ruching

2010-07-27T16:30:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-27T08:33:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-23T07:54:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-22T10:35:00.000-07:00

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.

2010-07-21T15:14:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-16T11:15:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-07-15T14:50:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-15T10:17:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-14T14:32:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-12T11:59:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-09T12:08:00.000-07:00

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