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

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}

Tiwgs & Honey

it had been a while since i peeked at Twigs & Honey and felt it was time to showcase some more of these gorgeous hair pieces, belts and jewelry. just to die for!

Hi, Friend!

good morning! another depressing, rainy day here in Oregon...please, sun, please come out and play!!!

last night i had the wonderful opportunity to meet the two young, talented and extremely fun women behind Hi, Friend printed goods and gifts. i was referred to this new start up boutique by a friend of mine, and i instantly fell in love with their chic, hip and fresh take on pocketbook friendly stationary and invitation suites. inspired by their own friends who were in desperate need for custom wedding branding without the custom cost, Megan and Jen used their sweet bond both in friendship and business savvy to start their venture and name it the very phrase they greet each other with each day, Hi, Friend!

they are based right here in Portland (yeah, Portland!) but any bride can order from their website from anywhere. and by the way, love their website--so fun!! check it out, ladies, there is a design for everyone--modern, vintage or classic, they really know their stuff! my personal favorite? the one above. love the vintage floral print!

thanks, Megan & Jen! can't wait to meet up again!

Jantzen

good morning! so i'm going bathing suit shopping tonight with a girlfriend who is leaving for Hawaii next week. i am almost so jealous that i don't want to help her find a hot suit to show off because i don't get to go...he he...not really :) but this brings up an important point for some of us ladies. make sure you have a good, honest and loving friend who will help battle through the mounds of swimsuits you will go through when choosing the perfect one. we might not want her in the changing room with us, but she will be a powerful voice against all those other voices that find their way in your head when you are alone in that room full of mirrors.

i love vintage style suits. mainly because they are so wonderfully flattering on a woman's body. if you don't already know about Janzten, they are the ultimate place to go when you want that look. and this 2010 season is all about 1950's hollywood glamour with fresh modern touches like high belted waistlines and plunging necklines. and those ruffles! don't you love the lipstick red suit above?! if you are a woman and have woman parts, these styles will help give you a boost of vintage confidence you need to start off the summer!








{images: Jantzen}

Francoise Weeks

good morning! i am so happy to share with you these gorgeous images of Francoise Week's stunning floral designs from this year's Art of Weddings show. Francoise is such a wonderful woman with a great passion for European and woodland designs that truly shows in each and every piece she creates. i just adore her! ladies, in the Portland area, check her out, you will not be disappointed!!
thank you, Francoise!!








{images: Lincoln Barbour}