Sunday, March 25, 2012

Design + Decor + Dessert

Do you know the song from "The Sound of Music", it goes.........these are a few of my favorite things?   the lyrics are.....I simply remember my favorite things, then I don't feel so bad.

Well, here are a few of my favorite things-

Design..... my definition: taking a story and making it visual and touchable, giving it a scent, setting it to music, and making it taste amazing.

Decor......The look, the touch, the feel, anything that transforms you into a time or place.  An element, or smell, lighting, the texture of a certain fabric, the way a ribbon falls just so.  All of these things and so much more can transport me into a special space and time  The 1920's or 1890's, it really doesn't matter, because if you are surrounded with decor and color from the era, you can imagine yourself there.  Add some great music and take a bite out of time.


Desserts......without the perfect cuisine and a decadent dessert, the transformation is not complete.  Rich, dark, and spicy, or crisp, light and juicy, whatever the time and place, there is a combination of tastes and textures that will send you back into time or transport you to a new and exotic destiny. 


The Phoenix Bridal Show was amazing, we met so many eclectic and fabulous brides and their love stories were all so unique.  Definitely the most interesting group I've had the pleasure of visiting with so far.  Just a few of the themes in the works- Alice in Wonderland Wedding, Steam punk Wedding, A Halloween Wedding based on The Shining (the movie), and an East meets West Wedding. Sounds like a lot of fun, and themes are shining through for 2012, for sure. 









































I think it's important to make sure that your wedding says a lot about who you are, and it's got to be a great party.  My best advise is to keep it elegant, not too "kitchy", and always keep in mind the "experience"  What experience do you want your guests to have as you tell your love story?  But, most of all, what experience do you and your new husband want to have?  Keep this always in sight as you design, plan and execute your perfect day.  And if you find that you need help...call us, we love to help!

Thursday, March 8, 2012

Romantic Vintage Elegance + Wedding Chicks

When Diana Elizabeth Steffen contacted me about this styled shoot, I was so excited to be working with her again.  It had been over a year since she shot our Organic Bridal Shower and it was so much fun to see the photos published on Wedding Wire ; Style Unveiled. This time we were featured on Wedding Chicks!



 When I first met Julie Read of Juju's Tutu's, I immediately felt a connection.  She is beautiful and sweet, just like her adorable dress designs.  A busy Mom, a savy business woman, and a very talented designer, I can't wait to see where she takes her business next.

The venue search for this shoot was "guided", and by that I mean, we didn't know where we were shooting until 2 weeks before the shoot.  I'm not sure how Julie found The Felch House Inn, but this was definitely where we were supposed to be shooting.  With an elegant, vintage, romantic theme, there was no better place to shoot!  This venue has been recently listed and was renovated over the last few years into a gorgeous garden setting.  Located in the Historic Roosevelt district, this beautiful 1920's home was a mansion in it's day.  Becky and her husband have kept it's charming history in tact and added a lush, romantic garden setting for weddings, luncheons, and cocktail parties.



  All of the vendors involved were so wonderful to work with.  I've listed them all below this post and hope to work with them again very soon.  I will be recommending them all to my brides, as there couldn't be a better group to work with. Below are  just a few of the beautiful vintage jewelry and custom hairpieces featured.

I featured a Peach Bellini Bar complete with cake pops and canned peach favors.  My favorite detail of this little signature drink bar was the vintage button threaded onto each little mason jar with plain twine.
The Sweetheart Table was positioned under the most lovely orchid tree.  I chose gold details and lined the chairs with gold lace.  A heavily embroidered gold lace overlay echos a vintage, elegant moment in history.



Photographer: Diana Elizabeth
Event Designer: Angela Saban Design
Venue: The Felch House Inn
Makeup: Aeni Domme
Hair: Vonn Wynn
Cake: Angel Cakes Bakery
Dress Designer: Uptown Bridal & Boutique
Flowers: The Garage by Ivy
Jewelry: Twice Loved Vintage (the bridal jewelry)
Veil or Hair Accessories: Posh a la Mode
Flower Girl Jewelry: 51st Ave. Designs
Wooden Signs: My Soul Speak
Parasols & Aisle Runner :BellaAisleRunners
Flower Girl Tutus: Juju’s Tutus