This August marks the 25th anniversary of the movie Dirty Dancing. This movie is a favorite for women of all ages and with a 2013 remake on the horizon, what better way to pay tribute to Baby and Johnny than a wedding in the film’s breathtaking backdrop of Lake Lure, N.C.

We all remember the popular song and lyric from this favorite movie “Time of My Life” so why not have the time of your life on Lake Lure on your wedding day! What’s even better is that there’s not just one but several locations where a magical wedding can take place in this breathtaking area . . . simply take your pick!

The Esmeralda Inn:

Say ‘I do’ on the same floor where Baby and Johnny shared their unforgettable final dance scene.  Recovered from the old boys’ camp gymnasium where the final dance scene was filmed in 1986, the hardwood floor was installed into the gorgeous foyer of The Esmeralda Inn in neighboring Chimney Rock, N.C.  The timber wraparound staircase combined with warm, amber lighting from the stone fireplace gives this venue an ultra-romantic sensation fit for any intimate affair.  Specializing in groups of 20-80, packages run from $750 – $5,000 and can include rental of the entire 14-room Inn.  For more info, visit www.theesmeralda.com or call 888-897-2999.

Rumbling Bald Resort at Lake Lure:

Couples can ask for each other’s hand in marriage at the home of Bald Mountain Golf Course where Baby asks her father for money in the movie.  Surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains and a backdrop of stunning Lake Lure, the same lake where “the lift” was filmed, Rumbling Bald Resort radiates romance and serenity at first sight.  This full-service resort specializes in weddings with up to 350 guests, and more importantly, in making it a day to remember forever.  Visit their website, www.rumblingbald.com, for testimonials and complete details or call 828-694-3013.

The 1927 Lake Lure Inn & Spa:

Make the wedding experience even more magical by staying in the same rooms that Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey stayed in while filming Dirty Dancing. With suites and cabins dedicated to these beloved stars, brides can relish in staying where “Baby and Johnny” once stayed.  This spectacular venue faces picturesque Lake Lure with a lakeside gazebo for ceremonies and interior and exterior dining facilities showcasing exquisite antiques from around the world.  For more information, visit www.lakelure.com or call 828-625-2525.

Dirty Dancing Festival at Lake Lure:

For added fun, plan your wedding during the annual Dirty Dancing Festival at Lake Lure.  The third annual celebration takes place Aug. 17-19, 2012.  For event details and tickets, visit www.dirtydancingfestival.com.

Step out onto the front porch of Lake Lure and the Blue Ridge Foothills and escape to your perfect getaway.  Plan your trip today at www.rutherfordtourism.com or call 800-849-5998.

We have an awesome video to share with you today on the Southern Bride Blog! Recently Creation Studios shot a video at Spring Creek Ranch and captured a beautiful evening during a rehearsal dinner celebration. This video shows the beautiful venue itself, and how this golf club can transform into a lovely, inviting space for events! Family and friends enjoyed themselves at Spring Creek Ranch amongst the natural elements surrounding them, while also enjoying the many selections of food and drinks catered in house.

If you are looking for a local venue that is unique  and refreshing, you must visit Spring Creek Ranch! The amazing design and architecture of the building as well as the natural beauty of the surrounding elements will make this a location to love!

spring creek ranch promo from Creation Studios on Vimeo.

Also, join Spring Creek Ranch on Monday, February 6th for their Bridal Fair! Fabulous vendors, all in one location!

We are getting very excited about the launch of our new website, SouthernBride.com! We have been keeping a few fun posts in our back pocket and waiting to share them when the website launches – one of those was about our Summer Soiree we had back in August. However – we just can’t wait any longer and must share the fun filled night with you all.

We worked one on one with the fabulous Angela Mazanti of Angeal Mazanti Events. She brought our “beach chic” end of summer vision to life! From the linens, seating, lighting, food, decor and all the little touches – everything was perfect! We thank you Angela for all of your hard work and for making our Summer Soiree a night to remember!

{photos by: Tracy Leigh Photography}

Special Thanks:

Event Design Coordinator & Florist: Angela Mazanti Designs

Venue: The Tower Room

Catering: Wade & Company Catering

Lighting Design: Event Production Services

Rentals: Classic Party Rentals – Memphis

Linens: La Tavola Fine Linen 

Music: Jordabella Entertainment

Stationer: Mrs. Post Stationary

Cakes & Cookie Favors: The Flour Garden

Favors: Queen Bee Bridal Swag/Webz Media

Cup Tags: Bliss Wedding Market

Fire Dancers: The Dancing Fire

Photobooth: Hotshots Photobooth

 Hotshots Photobooth is such a fun way for guests to interact and serves as a favor as well since guests can leave with copies of their oh so fun photos! Hotshots will work to design a post card for your event to match your colors and theme. They did that for us by adding beautiful blue waters and seashells!

Thank you to all who made this event possible and to all of you who attended and enjoyed the evening with us!

‎Love is in the air and Hotel Monteleone is giving away a romantic night package for Valentine’s Day!

This is one of our favorite hotels in New Orleans! Lovely rooms, wonderful staff, the famous Carousel Bar & Lounge and overall a gorgeous hotel!

Visit their facebook page (by clicking here) for more information on how to enter!

Happy Friday everyone! We are excited about our post today on the Southern Bride Blog and happy to feature some beautiful pieces from the Tennessee Pewter Company!

Tennessee Pewter Company is a full service pewter company with a passion for antiques and all things beautiful! They offer beautiful pieces for bridal, weddings, baby, graduation, tableware, jewelry, gift registry and of course an endless selection of gorgeous gift options!

What sets Tennessee Pewter Company apart from the rest is that they are the only full service pewter company in the South! Founded in 1973, all of their pieces are handmade by spinning or casting of pewter and all pieces are lead free. To find out more about Tennessee Pewter Company, visit their website at www.tnpewter.com and on Facebook by clicking here.

Happy Monday! Today on the Southern Bride Blog we are thinking about Valentines Day! It is right around the corner and will be here before we know it! Make this Valentines Day, 2012 one to remember by Saying “I DO” or Renewing your vows at Birmingham’s Iconic Cast Iron Landmark: Vulcan Park & Museum!

For the third year in a row, Vulcan Park and Museum will be offering couples the chance to say “I Do” or Renew their vows on the most romantic day of the year. Packages include an intimate 30-minute, outdoor wedding ceremony performed by a licensed officiate, as well as a keepsake bridal bouquet and boutonniere, professional photographs, and a champagne toast for the bride and groom. Reservations will be made on a first-come, first- served basis and require a non-refundable deposit at time of purchase. All ceremonies will take place on Tuesday, February 14 from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. For package details or to make a reservation, log on to www.visitvulcan.com or call 205.933.1409 x 31.

{Shae Owens Photography}

{Spindle Photography}

The Wedding Day Ceremony Packages include: 

• An intimate 30-minute, outdoor wedding ceremony for up to 10 of your closest family and friends styled by local experts and coordinated by GoPro Event Solutions

• A licensed officiate to perform the ceremony

• A keepsake bridal bouquet and boutonniere

• Three pre-determined, professional photographs of your wedding

• A champagne toast and wedding cake for the bride and groom

• A Newlywed SWAG bag valued at $100

Book NOW for there are limited number of Valentine’s Day packages left. The full list of vendors that will be particpating include:

• Ceremony tent and seating by Special Events
• Coordination by GoPro Event Solutions
• Ceremony music provided by Amerson Events
• Floral Design, keepsake bridal bouquet and boutonniere provided by HotHouse Design Studio
• Photography by Shae Owens Photography
• Champagne toast and wedding cake from Cakes by Audrey
• A sampling of light hors d’oeuvres by Savoie Delicious Catering for bride, groom and guests
• A complementary makeup session for the bride provided by Porcelain and Pink
• A keepsake wedding announcement designed by Allison R Banks Designs

 All participating couples will be entered in a drawing to win a 2 night, 3 day vacation at The Beach Club in Gulf Shores, Alabama provided by Southern Bride Alabama Magazine.

 The $1000 Sunset Package has been sold as well as one of our $400 Packages. There are a limited number of packages still available and Valentine’s Day will be here soon! Only 3 weeks left!

This Sunday Southern Bride will be giving away copies of our Winter issue at 2 Bridal Shows in Alabama! One in Opelika and another in Mobile! More info listed below!

“Wedding of a Lifetime Bridal Show and Giveaway”

Sunday, January 22, 2012

Bridal Show and Giveaway
12:00pm – 5:00pm
Mobile Convention Center
Mobile, Alabama
Admission: $12.00 per person
251-342-7119
WeddingOfALifetimeShow.net

“East Alabama Premiere Bridal Expo”

Sunday, January 22, 2012

“East Alabama’s Premiere Bridal Expo”
Presented by The Opelika-Auburn News
1:00pm – 4:00pm
Marriott Grand National
Opelika, Alabama
Admission: $8.00 at the Door / $5.00 in Advance
334-749-6271
oanow.com / Keyword Bridal