And The Bride Wore...

Save the Dates Ladies!

2012-02-11T12:57:00.000-06:00

Get your pens and pencils ready ladies,

we are announcing our spring trunk shows and sample sales!

March 11th -Sample Sale

March 23-24- Reem Acra Trunk Show (Call to book an appointment)

May 25th- Ramonna Keveza Legends Trunk Show (Call to book an appointment)

Have a Great Day

Rachel Wilkins

Store Manager
b. Hughes Bridal
p: 615-297-7800
f: 615-292-2014

Store Hours: Tuesday - Friday 10 to 6 | Saturday 10 to 5

photos credit: http://myprimitiveboutique.com/save_the_date_wedding_signs.htm

Full Time Bridal Stylist

2011-11-10T11:25:00.000-06:00

We have such exciting news! We are currently hiring a full time bridal stylist to add to our team. We are looking for the best and would love to see your resume. Please submit to bhughesbridalformal@gmail.com.

Interviews are starting today so don't miss out on this wonderful opportunity.

New York Fashion Week

2011-09-15T16:39:00.001-05:00

Reem Acra took a different approach to her line than the rest of our designers. Her Spring 2012 collection was full of metallics, silks, & sparkles! This line is so fun and so classy all at the same time! Some of the stunning pieces are right below!

Photos found at: http://www.nypost.com/p/entertainment/fashion/fashion_week/reem_acra_spring_show_Ve9hsQqmFXgrSFIRmvKgeJ

New York Fashion Week

2011-09-15T16:33:00.000-05:00

Oscar de la Renta showed his incredible craftsmanship in his Spring 2012 line on Day 5 of New York Fashion Week. This line is not only full of creativity, but also bright colors and textures that we absolutely love! Check out these stunning dresses from his line!

Pictures found at: http://nymag.com/fashion/fashionshows/2012/spring/main/newyork/womenrunway/oscardelarenta/

New York Fashion Week

2011-09-15T16:21:00.000-05:00

Following right after Badgley Mischka, Vera Wang's RTW line was shown with a very creative backdrop for the runway! Vera's looks were all tailored with wonder, and there was a transparent feel throughout the entire line. Check out this great pictures below!

Pictures found at: http://www.fashionologie.com/Vera-Wang-Spring-2012-19061917 ; http://photos.denverpost.com/mediacenter/2011/09/the-vera-wang-spring-2012-fashion-show/

New York Fashion Week

2011-09-15T15:45:00.001-05:00

On Tuesday, September 13 Badgley Mischka showed off their incredible Spring 2012 line at New York Fashion Week. We're obsessed with the ruffles, bows, & fantastic colors incorporated into the looks in this line! Several of our faves are shown below, try not to let them put you into shock!

pictures found at: http://www.zimbio.com/pictures/5qLY2kmq6IS/Badgley+Mischka+Runway+Spring+2012+Mercedes

Recently spotted in People

2011-09-07T16:09:00.000-05:00

I recently spotted one of our gowns on people.com. Country musics own, Randy Houser and now wife, Jessa Lee Yantz, tied the knot! She looked amazing in our Romona Keveza gown! Such a dreamy wedding in such a dreamy gown. Congrats to the newly wed couple. We wish them lots of happiness and much love!

(Photo courtesy of http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20526079,00.html)

Martha Stewart Weddings Fall 2011

2011-09-06T16:42:00.000-05:00

Story: Cover (Spring 2012 Luxe Collection; Helena)

Editor: Kate Berry

Photographer: Bella Adler and Salvador Fresneda

Style #112812

Helena

Story:"Icons of the Aisle" (Designer Feature/Spring 2012 Bridal; Style #112812)

Editor: Kate Berry

Photographer: Bela Adler and Salvador Fresneda

Just wanted to share with you some of the beautiful images from Martha Stewart this month!

Who doesnt love Oscar??

2011-09-01T14:13:00.000-05:00

Today we have had so much fun!! We got in 2 of our new Spring '12 samples. Oscar de la Renta never fails. These gowns are works of art! Don't worry friends, we have much more in store you!!

b. Hughes is HIRING!!

2011-08-09T15:29:00.001-05:00

sketch by Brittany Fuson

Ever dreamed of working with brides? Love fashion and designers like Vera Wang and Oscar de la Renta?? Well then do we have an opportunity for you! We are hiring a full time sales consultant. The position is for Tuesday through Saturday (you get Sunday and Monday off). Another perk? You would attend bridal fashion week (in NYC!!!) twice a year :) Sound like something you may be interested in? Contact Allison at 615.297.7800 or send your resume and cover letter to bhughesbridalformal@gmail.com. We are looking to get the position filled in the next week, so please send your information our way.

Great Wedding Gift Ideas

2011-08-03T13:44:00.000-05:00

How many weddings have you attended this summer? And how many will you attend this fall? I don't know about you, but I love getting personal gifts that aren't on the registry {do you think this is a yes or no? I think it is a yes--especially when I have already given a registry item at a shower or party OR if the bride and groom already have everything they need}. As I perused the August issue of InStyle, I stumbled upon some unique wedding gift ideas that I simply love.

1. A tray created from the bride and groom's wedding invitation {Tori Spelling received one}

How great is that?!?! It's a beautiful memento of the day AND {bonus points} it's useful :) For more local information on this, please call Ibiza Fine Gifts 615-279-8000. Or be sure and check your local gift registry stores.

2. Return address/Monogram Stamps

The perfect gift for the bride that loves all things monogrammed :) Check out Paper Source for items such as these OR your local invitation shop {we love local stores}. Nashvillians--check out Social Graces, A Paper Place, or The Dotted Line.

Sample Sale Tips, Rules, and General Thoughts

2011-07-20T10:51:00.003-05:00

If you haven't already heard, we will be hosting our annual bridal sample sale on Sunday, July 24th, at 10 am. A sample sale is when our gown samples are marked down drastically. Sample sales gowns are sold as is and returns are not allowed. This is the perfect way to get a designer look, without paying a designer price.

Some tips:

1. SIZING

All of our gowns are mostly sampled in a size 10. Please be aware that a size 10 in bridal, is generally more like a street size 6.

2. DO YOUR HOMEWORK
You should come in knowing what you want and knowing what looks best on you. A sample sale should NOT be the first time you are shopping for your bridal gown. We simply cannot stress this enough.

3. WHAT WILL BE ON SALE

We have already had a lot of questions regarding which dresses will be on sample sale. We will not release prior to that day what will and will not be on sale. NOT ALL OF OUR GOWNS ARE ON SAMPLE SALE.

4. HOW DO YOU KNOW IF IT IS ALTERABLE

We will have alterations on hand for your reference. She will not be doing any pinning that day, however, she will be there to tell you what is/isn't alterable.

5. We normally have a small sample sale going on all year round, but on this one day, most things will be on sale that normally aren't on sale.

6. BRING YOUR {SMALL} POSSE

We have very limited space so we ask that you only bring one or two of your closest friends/family along. Please do not exceed more than 3 guests.

7. BE SURE

All sales are final, so come in ready to make a purchase. Returns/exchanges are not permitted.

8. WHAT TO DO WHILE YOU WAIT

Since we do expect it to be a bit warm that day, Ibiza Fine Gifts (our lovely neighbors) will be open for you to shop in the air conditioning while you wait. We will come to get you when it is your turn to shop. They offer registration, so would be a great time to knock out 2 birds with 1 stone :)

9. PRICING

Like we have stated, gowns will be anywhere from 50 to 75% off. Gowns will be included that are originally anywhere from $3,000 to $13,000. Do the math, 75% off of $13,000 is $3,250.

10. DESIGNERS

Bridal designers will include Vera Wang, Oscar de la Renta, Carolina Herrera, Reem Acra, Romona Keveza, and Badgley Mischka.

Rules:

1. Doors will open at 10 am. Come early to get in line. Your are placed in line in order of your arrival.

2. We will only be taking 2 brides at a time. You only have 40 minutes to shop and try on.

3. You are only allowed 3 dresses in the dressing room at one time. This prevents one bride from pulling the entire store.

4. Gowns that are not on sample sale, will not be allowed to be tried on that day. You will only be able to see things on sample sale.

We can't wait to see you here on Sunday!!!

For other sample sale shopping tips, visit these links:

http://nymag.com/weddings/brides/2007/winter/samplesale_sleuthing/

http://www.thewhitedressbytheshore.com/news/sample-sale-shopping-tips/5522/

http://www.stylelist.com/2010/03/26/wedding-dress-sample-sale-shopping-tips/

SAMPLE SALE | Sunday, July 24th, 2011

2011-07-07T12:45:00.000-05:00

Get ready for it brides! We have to make room for all the new Spring 2012 bridal gowns collections that will be arriving in the fall (it is creeping up on us), so we are having a blow out, summer sample sale!! Wedding dresses will be up to 70% off. Carolina Herrera, Oscar de la Renta, Vera Wang, Badgley Mischka, Reem Acra, and Romona Keveza gowns will all be there.

Our doors will open at 10 am on Sunday, July 24th. Brides will be first come, first served. Appointments will not be taken. If you aren't first in line, Ibiza Fine Gifts will also be open so you do a little registering while you wait your turn :)

If you have any questions, please give us a call at 615.297.7800. We will be posting rules and more details as the date approaches!

Samantha + Samuel | May 29, 2011

2011-07-06T13:53:00.000-05:00

Samantha and Samuel were married on May 29th in the beautiful Country Music Hall of Fame. {Absolutely love Country Music Hall of Fame for a venue. It is especially great if you have a lot of out of town guests and want a good "Nashville" venue.}

Sam wore a Romona Keveza gown of silk shantung taffeta.

The talented Joy Marie photographed the event {for the full blog post and more of Joy Marie's images click here}.

{vendors}

Wedding Coordinator: Karen Kaforey of Signature Events

Gown: Romona Keveza

Photography: Joy Marie Photo

Veil: heirloom (her mom's!)

Stay tuned for.....

2011-06-30T15:12:00.000-05:00

A SAMPLE SALE! Stay tuned for details, but it will be this month :)

Vera Wang Trunk Show THIS WEEKEND

2011-06-21T12:20:00.002-05:00

Hello my little lovelies! It is a busy week here at b. Hughes Bridal, and why you ask? It's only one of the biggest weekends of the year with the Vera Wang Trunk Show!! This Thursday, Friday, and Saturday (June 23rd, 24th, & 25th). We will be by appointment only for this event, so please be sure and make sure you have set up an appointment. We only have a few spaces left! You can call us: 615.297.7800, email us: bhughesbridal@gmail.com, or give us a mention on twitter: @bHughesBridal and we will be happy to set something up for you!

Now if you aren't familiar with a trunk show, we will have special gowns in the store, that we do not normally have, and we offer a discount for ANYTHING Vera Wang purchased on those 3 days. Below are some of the pretty wedding gowns we will be receiving, so if you are a bride and you want to explore everything Vera, get in touch today!

Alita Graham Spring 2012 Preview Day | June 17th

2011-06-14T11:23:00.001-05:00

THIS Friday and this Friday only, we will be hosting a very special preview day for the Alita Graham Spring 2012 collection. Come and see it before it is in stores!! We will have the very wonderful Jessica (who can be seen on TLC's Say Yes to the Dress) with us to host this fun day. Those who purchase on Friday will be gifted a discount, so now is the time to come on in and find your wedding dress. We will see brides by appointment only, so give us a call to set up your appointment 615.297.7800. Peruse below and see if anything catches your eye ;)

Katie + Clark April 30th, 2011

2011-06-11T15:53:00.001-05:00

We are so excited to share this wedding! One of the best parts of our job is reconnecting with old friends. Katie and Allison (store manager) were sorority sisters in college and it was such a pleasure to have Katie, and her bridesmaids, walk into the door for her appointment. As Katie walked along the line of Vera Wang gowns, she had a very sad expression on her face. Unbeknownst to Allison, she was looking for one particular dress. Little did Katie know, *her* dress was on a mannequin around the corner. When her friend spotted it, we will never forget her saying, "Katie, why don't you come look at this one over here. I think you will like it," and the next thing we heard were squeals of joy coming from Katie, "THAT'S IT!!" Always good to hear :) So Katie did indeed choose a Vera Wang gown.

Please enjoy the images by Paul Johnson Photography. The wedding was featured on Southern Weddings so please click here and here to see the full gallery.

Photography: Paul and Mecheal Johnson

Invitations: The Happy Envelope

Wedding Planner: Savoir Faire

Flowers: Florals by the Sea

Gown: Vera Wang

Veil: Toni Federici

Location: WaterSound Beach

Besty + Rob: April 9th, 2011

2011-06-08T13:53:00.001-05:00

One very special bride of ours, Betsy, and her Groom, Rob, were married on April 9th at Belle Meade Plantation. We got to know Betsy and her family so well, it has been a hard not to speak with them every day! We miss them dearly, but so very happy we are left with these amazing images by Kate Murphy. If you aren't familiar with Kate, she was actually born and raised in Nashville, but now lives in New York. She's amazing. Be sure and check out her blog (click here for more images of Betsy and Rob).

Our very own Karen, of Signature Events, put together this beautiful wedding! Betsy chose a Vera Wang gown {she actually looked beautiful in EVERYTHING she put on}.

Betsy & Rob's Wedding from Kate Murphy on Vimeo.

Vendors:

Wedding Coordinator: Signature Events

Location: Belle Meade Plantation

Gown: Vera Wang from b. Hughes

Tuxedos: Street Tuxedo

Flowers: Branching Out

Photography: Kate Murphy

Lighting: Nashville Event Lighting

Makeup: Katie Russo

Register & Win Taylor Swift Tickets!

2011-06-03T16:58:00.000-05:00

Brides listen up! Our lovely neighbors at Ibiza Fine Gifts are giving away two tickets to Taylor Swift's concert at Bridgestone Arena September 17th. Interested? So are we :)

Every bride who sets up their bridal registry, by August 15th, will be entered to win 2 tickets. Not a bride? They aren't leaving you out! For every $75 a customer spends, their name will go into the drawing (for example, if you spend $150, your name goes into the pot twice). So come on and SHOP! They offer a wonderful selection of brands including Waterford Crystal, Moser, Herend, Beatriz Ball, and Wallace.

Now we have already been doing some damage over there and we need some competition, so if you are interested (especially brides---it costs you nothing!) come on over to Stanford Square and get signed up.

**Deadline is August 15th** If you have any questions, please contact Ibiza at 615.279.8000.

Thursday, June 2nd

2011-06-02T10:26:00.000-05:00

We apologize for the inconvenience, but our phones and internet are out! Please contact us via email bhughesbridalformal@gmail.com.

Thank you and have a great day!

Once Wed Features

2011-05-06T13:00:00.000-05:00

We are always happy to partner up for inspiration shoots, and we get especially excited when they involve Tec Petaja and Once Wed {have you been to this inspirational blog? you should go. it rocks}. We have had quite a few of our dresses featured recently and we just thought we should share. Click on the images to go to the feature.

Happy Friday!!

This Just In...Vera Wang

2011-05-05T11:56:00.001-05:00

The moment that we've been waiting for since October is finally upon us! Our newest gown is Vera Wang's Gemma from the Fall 2011 Bridal Collection and we are thrilled to have it in the store. It is shown here with "blizzard beading" on the skirt in blush, however, it is also available without any beading at all. Be sure and make an appointment to come and try Gemma on. Now, we have a few brides to call...

Image Credit: Michael Norwood for Completely Unveiled

Our Family Is Expanding

2011-04-26T11:16:00.000-05:00

In celebration of tonight's Nashville Symphony's Annual Spring Fashion Show, we have a little news :) The designer this year is Marchesa, and it seems only fitting to announce that we will be adding them to our list of fabulous bridal designers.

Marchesa is the collaboration of Keren Craig and Georgina Chapman, who met at the Chelsea College of Art and Design in London. Their flourishing brand is named after their muse-Marchesa Luisa Casati, who said, "I want to be a living work of art," and Keren and Georgina's collections fulfill that statement. The Marchesa bride is one who loves fashion and isn't afraid to be a little daring.

The pictures below are from their recent collection shown at New York Bridal Market. We got the images from (one of our faves) Completely Unveiled and the images were taken by the wonderful Michael Norwood.

For those of you attending the fashion show, you are in for a treat. Marchesa's work is truly remarkable. And that performance by Faith Hill won't be to shabby either :)

Market Recap: Carolina Herrera Spring 2012 Bridal

2011-04-21T13:00:00.002-05:00

"Traditional to informal, sensual to shy, dramatic to demure: 14 gowns reflect 14 personalities of today's Carolina Herrera woman. Designed for a relaxed wedding on the beach or a traditional ceremony at the altar, a second wedding or a first-time bride, each one is a celebration of stylish romance. 'I wanted the bride to be the dream,' Herrera says."

Well, Ms. Herrera definitely succeeded in what she set out to accomplish. But one of our favorite aspects of this collection? "The petticoat of each gown is embroidered with the bride's initials in blue, matching the grosgrain ribbon stitched into every waist. 'I love the hidden details,' Herrera says." And so do we.

We got the gorgeous images from the equally gorgeous blog: Completely Unveiled. Be sure and check their blog for complete bridal market coverage. And if you should see their magazine Weddings Unveiled in stores, be sure and snatch your copy. They are easily one of our favorite bridal mags.

Market Recap: Reem Acra Spring 2012 Bridal

2011-04-14T12:46:00.000-05:00

Reem Acra's Spring 2012 Bridal Collection is themed "Yes, I Can Be a Princess Too" and we are loving it.

All pictures taken by Michael Norwood for Completely Unveiled.

Market Recap: Vera Wang Spring 2012 Bridal

2011-04-14T11:06:00.002-05:00

Vera Wang's Spring 2012 collection is, "An ode to the Paris opera...young dancers floating about the stage! Artful and adorable!'

The images below are from Completely Unveiled and photographed, for them, by Michael Norwood.

Market Recap: Oscar de la Renta Spring 2012 Bridal

2011-04-13T16:51:00.000-05:00

We are back from New York City after seeing some AMAZING new dresses. I will only say one thing about the royal wedding: I love how it has inspired the fashion! Sleeves were back ladies. For all of you who come in saying: I don't want strapless, your options just opened up :)

First up, Oscar de la Renta. While I would love to show you my images, they in no way compare to the ones we found on Completely Unveiled. These were shot by Michael Norwood.

This Just In...

2011-03-29T12:16:00.000-05:00

If any of these new lovelies strike a chord with you, call us to come try them on! They are screaming to be worn :)

It is a busy time, so please be sure and schedule an appointment, 615.297.7800! Happy Shopping!!

Once Wed Boudoir Shoot

2011-03-23T12:49:00.000-05:00

I think it is safe to say, this is the sexiest shoot our Oscar de la Renta veil has ever seen. Check out Elizabeth Messina's images on Once Wed!

Style Me Pretty: Black Swan Inspiration Shoot

2011-03-10T16:47:00.001-06:00

Inspiration shoots are one of the more wonderful aspects of this industry. We were blessed to be asked to lend a gown to this shoot styled by Jill LaFleur and shot by Jessica Claire. It was inspired by Black Swan and it is simply to die for! It was featured on Style Me Pretty today, which is always exciting for us. It was shot in a ballet studio and the models are actually ballerinas. Enjoy!!

**The gown below is Vera Wang**

**both of the above dresses are Romona Keveza**

**The one shoulder black gown is Romona Keveza as well**

This Just In...

2011-03-04T12:36:00.000-06:00

So spring means warmer weather, flowers, and NEW DRESSES. This week saw the arrival of Oscar de la Renta. In love...

And this one...the corset can be done inside or out

And did we mention the bow in the back? Fabulous

And then the accessories. They just make us happy :)

Happy Weekend!!

Trunk Show This Weekend: Alita Graham

2011-02-23T11:12:00.000-06:00

The Alita Graham gowns have arrived for this weekend's trunk show! Give us a call if you would like to come and preview the Fall 2011 collection, 615.297.7800! Saturday is almost booked up and few appointments available Friday. We will be by appointment only for this event.

Oscar de la Renta AW11

2011-02-16T12:12:00.001-06:00

Watch live streaming video from oscardelarenta at livestream.com

Trunk Show: Legends by Romona Keveza

2011-02-08T14:25:00.002-06:00

Mark your calendars!! February 18th and 19th we will be hosting a Legends by Romona Keveza Trunk Show with a Fall 2011 preview! As with other events, this is a by appointment only event, so be sure to call/email/tweet us as soon as possible to get your appointment set up. Only a limited number of appointments are available.

In Ms. Keveza's words:

Fall 2011 Legends by Romona Keveza takes you to the glamour of Camelot and will have you swooning for cosmopolitan exuberance. Legends by Romona Keveza is influenced by the style of Jacqueline Kennedy in the White House Era, showing American royalty at its finest featuring classic chic, underscored by modern minimalism. For Fall 2011, Legends by Romona Keveza exhibits timeless silhouettes that present a marriage of Parisian style with all-American spirit.

Some of the little lovelies that will be visiting us...

**All images Michael Norwood**

New: Reem Acra's 'La Dolce Vita'

2011-02-03T15:28:00.000-06:00

The Fall 2011 bridal gowns are starting to trickle in! Our first is from the incomparable Reem Acra.

"For her Fall 2011 Bridal Collection, Reem Acra explores iconic movies that have drawn us into their stories and taken hold of our imaginations. Stylish muses from the silver screen such as interantional actresses Audrey Hepburn, Catherine Deneuve and Julia Roberts portray timeless, enduring characters of strength and understated elegance."

Our first arrival is La Dolce Vita!

An ivory satin mermaid gown, paired here with an Oscar de la Renta necklace

To view Reem Acra's Fall 2011 Bridal Collection click here.

SAG Awards Fashion

2011-02-01T11:51:00.000-06:00

Awards season is always a fun time for us because we love to see who our designers dress!! The 17th Annual SAG Awards brought out some of the best, in our opinion.

Oscar de la Renta

Jennifer Lawrence

Tina Fey

Lea Michele

Romona Keveza

Heather Morris

Carolina Herrera

January Jones

Badgley Mischka

Jane Krakowski

Other gowns we loved...

Annette Benning in Tony Ward Couture

Amy Adams in Herve Leroux

Eva Longoria in Georges Hobeika

Jayma Mays in Jenny Packham

Mila Kunis in Alexander McQueen

Now we must patiently await the Oscars...

Real Bride: Ambra

2011-01-21T13:24:00.000-06:00

Sometimes I wonder what we did prior to the media outlets of Twitter and Facebook. For example, as I drank my morning coffee I saw a tweet from Brocade Designs (@BrocadeDesigns), a floral designer, regarding a wedding she had recently done on her website. As I think she does beautiful work, I made my way to her site and low and behold, it was our bride as well! I had yet to see the pictures shot by Joy Marie Photography (she's also on twitter @JoyMariePhoto). Well...let me tell you...they are amazing. Ambra, the bride, is absolutely stunning in her Romona Keveza gown (@TheRomonaKeveza). And the groom, well, let's just say they are a very attractive couple! Please click the image below to see the wonderful images on Brocade Designs's site!!

Hello Snow!

2011-01-20T16:30:00.000-06:00

We will be closing a little early today, at 5 pm due to potential icing. We do plan on being open tomorrow, but check in with our twitter (@bHughesBridal) for up to date information!!

If you are driving around, please be safe! Good Night!!