Loving...Flair

there has been some buzz around about this new entertaining book by decorator Joe Nye, Flair: Exquisite Invitations, Lush Flowers, and Gorgeous Table Settings (Rizzoli, $30). i have it in my shopping cart on amazon right now! this covers everything from sending your invitations to putting a scented candle in the bathroom. Joe truly gives an effortless approach to what can usually be a stressful event when you invite friends and neighbors into your home. simple elegance, ladies, isn't just about style, it's a way of life!

i do love to entertain! i wish i could do it more, but when i get the chance, i delight in looking for new fresh ideas on how to do so. it's not a competition but rather a chance to make my guests feel not simply comfortable but also enjoy a certain sense of thoughtful hospitality. i don't think most people today have such moments often. so yay for Flair and those who love to entertain well! i can't wait to get this!



{images: elle decor}

Get Your Mod On

i love Marc Jacob's 2011 Resort collection--all the mod short, short hemlines, polka dots and white piping details are so chic for summer! gotta love it, ladies!







{images: style.com}

Romantic Garden Party

good morning, ladies! i am so pleased to present to you my latest endeavor, Romantic Garden Party! with simplicity in design and a cure for the hopelessly romantic bride out there, here is a fresh take on a traditional wedding. we brought together vivacious fuchsia peonies, luscious greenery, brilliantly cut crystal glass and opulent, intricate designed invitations, to create a concept that would ignite the passionate love story of a man and a woman coming together in a life long union.





with a slight vintage flair, Annette from Swanky Tables created a beautiful dessert table by incorporating an antique white vanity, etched crystal dessert trays and bright anemones. and those extremely delicate confections? those were created by the extremely talented Le Cookie Monkey. and take it from me, they were delicious!




the tablescape was complete with a white pin-tuck tablecloth, antique gold rimmed white china, sweet crystal wine and champagne glasses, crisp white hotel napkins and a touch of whimsy with a budding peony and name card. much of the inspiration came from ease of fresh whites paired with the romance of the etched glass and fuchsia peonies. as the sun began to set in the midst of this beautiful green garden that night, the reflection of the light onto to the etch glass was absolutely memorizing.




i still can't get over how beautiful the invitations are! Megan and Jen from Hi, Friend designed a strikingly extravagant suite that exudes romance and class. by working together the rich gold and beautiful fuchsia tones, it truly becomes one of the statement pieces of the wedding.



and these peonies?! Lisa of Studio del Fiore did such amazing work creating the simple elegance of the table--gorgeous! these were simply placed in delicate bunches inside etched glass vases that came straight from our mother's and grandmother's cupboards. there was no need to make sure every vessel matched and that the beauty of the design. it's an eclectic, traditional approach to items that reside in our family and friend's homes. as for the candles, and i chose to use tall, dramatic candlesticks to enhance the romance of the atmosphere.





and of course, the crew. here we are! it was so unbelievable fun to work with these talented ladies! thank you all for being a part of this.

{from the left: Annette, Dani (me), Jessica, Lisa, Megan}


CREDITS:
Wedding concept design and production: Weddings Fresh
Photography: Jessica Hill Photography
Floral design: Studio del Fiore
Invitation suite and paper design: Hi, Friend!
Tablescape rentals and desert table styling: Swanky Tables
Desserts: Le Cookie Monkey

Gown Friday

seriously excited for the weekend as i have spent the last 48 hours with food poisoning. never had this before and i pray i never have to again--oh my dear, yuck! and i know it's late in the day but i didn't want to forget to tell all my Portland brides about the premiere of Anne Bowen bridal coming next weekend, June 24th-26th at Divine Designs bridal boutique. i hope to make it myself so maybe i'll see some of you there! there are more and more designer names making it out to the Portland area (Claire Pettibone is coming to Ania Collection this summer!), and i am so excited about it!









{images: marthastewartweddings.com}

Old Fashioned Cotton

i've seen cotton used in a wedding before but i find this one so brilliantly comforting. isn't this just charming? there has never been a better time in the world of weddings to incorporate non-traditional elements than right now. who would have thought cotton balls, wooden stumps and antiqued leather luggage would one day inspire such a warm and inviting event? it's fantastic! don't be shy, and don't worry about trying something a little daring, go for it and make your wedding unique and beautiful!
...and yes, in case you are wondering, i am still in pajamas today... :)





{images: jasmine star via pretty chic blog}

La Provence

love this inspiration board from postcards and pretties. you can't go wrong with the ideal scenery of provance france as inspiration for you wedding! one of my favorite places to eat breakfast here in portland is La Provence--rustic and quaint, this little french restaurant is complete with blue wooden chairs, baskets of handmade butter pastries and to die for egg and brie omelettes! i'm getting hungry...

Ah, breathe...

good morning! i feel as though i can breathe...yes, those are not usually the first words out of one's mouth on a monday morning, but after an incredibly jammed packed 7 days i feel a great sense of accomplishment, as well as thankfulness for some pajama filled days coming ahead this week :) one of the most exciting parts of last week, that culminated yesterday evening, was designing and completing a wedding concept shoot. with the title "romantic garden party" a team of extraordinarily talented women in the wedding industry here in Portland and i created a beautifully romantic wedding concept. it was so fun and i can not wait to show you! it will be ready in about two weeks, but above is a little teaser to get you excited for what is to come...pretty, huh? :)

below are some bright, gorgeous DIY wedding programs i found on i love you so much!
i adore the modern font paired with the wonderfully happy yellow! check out the site for the instructions if you are interested in the same DIY endeavor.





{image #1: courtesy of megan of Hi, Friend, image #2-6: i love you so much via beyond beyond}

Gown Friday!

i am so thankful friday is here and yet i don't believe i'll get a moment's rest until monday or tuesday! oh dear, the fun and craziness of the summer months. though i do use "summer" loosely around here, since we've had more rain in the last couple of days than we usually get in two months! but do not be dismayed fellow Portlanders, tomorrow and sunday are to be in the 80's--yippee!!!

and so to the gowns...ahh, don't you love Reem Acra's spring 2011 collection?! such a dream. i think it's my new favorite right now! and i had to show you almost all of his designs because the are soo good! enjoy your days off and i hope to be back in action and posting on a more consistent basis next week. see you all on monday!















{images: marthastewartweddings.com}