Stephanie + James Vintage Inspired Wedding

When I first met James, it was to deliver a dozen Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting.  The next communication was from Stephanie, she was inquiring about consultation services for a completely gluten free wedding.  I was hooked. I have to say that many of the gluten free brides that I meet are scared to have a gluten free wedding.  But the reason is usually because they really do not have any idea just how fabulous an entirely gluten free wedding can be. Together with James, Stephanie, and Jennifer's Catering,  I think we proved my point.  The food was so delicious, the cocktails were yummy and no one knew that even the cake was gluten free.  Perfect meal, good friends, loving family, inspiring music, and a perfect evening.

 The 1920's style Sue Wong gown was the inspiration behind this intimate, garden, vintage inspired design, and it was so much fun.  Although the day was warmer than expected, the love that radiated between this couple really provided the heat. I was so lucky to be a part of this beautiful union.  Thank you Stephanie and James for choosing me, I hope you have many, many happy years together!

 Thank you to Style Me Pretty for choosing to feature this on your beautiful blog!  See it here.

 

 I must give a very special thanks to the staff from Jennifer's Catering, Andrew, and especially Maggie Wark.  She started this project with James and Stephanie, and was there to save me when time got tight.  Without her, my ever amazing daughter Jennifer, my very own sweetheart Charley, and Kayla, my newest and hard working assistant, this day would not have been as spectacular as it was. And of course, the graceful, talented photographer, Diana Elizabeth, who gives everything her special touch, always beautiful.

Photographer: Diana Elizabeth Photography,   Mariana Marie offers gluten free and cruelty free makeup applications and did a beautiful job with Stephanie’s makeup.Venue: Private Arcadia Estates Residence / Event Designer, Coordinator: Angela Saban Design / Gluten Free Desserts: Angel Cakes Bakery / Makeup: Mariana Marie / Wedding Dress: Sue Wong / Bride’s Shoes: Badgley Mischka / Groom’s Suit: Bar III / Groom’s Tie: Hugo Boss / Bridesmaid dress: Ann Taylor / Florist: Designs by E / Caterer: Jennifer’s Catering / Bartender: Pourmasters / Rentals: PRO EM / Event Music: Apperson Strings / Wood Sign: My Soul Speak / Second Shooter: Amy Gallagher

National anthem + my 6 yr old Grand daughter

My precious grand daughter auditioned to sing our National Anthem at an Arizona Diamond Back's baseball game, and today she got the call that she was chosen!  I have always known that she sings like an angel, but today, the rest of the world, or my little corner of it, agreed.  Way to got Promise Rose, don't ever stop dreaming!!!  We love you so much!
This is the video of her audition.....

Custom Table Linens

I began a project tonight and as I sat at the sewing machine trying to coax some gorgeous platinum satin into submission, I thought about the first time I completed a fabric project all by myself.  I was in Home Economics class somewhere around 5th grade.  Ok, I'll say it, I was a geek.  I loved Home Ec and Math, Accounting later in High School, and English, I loved to write stories. 

Anyway, the first project I remember was an outfit, a shirt and pants.  I was so proud, especially after taking it apart and starting over.  Using a pattern, cutting it perfectly, and performing the correct stitches and steps to make it fit just right, well it just made my world a better place!  Corny?  Maybe, but now I am grateful for the lessens learned because now, when I see a beautiful dress, I want to duplicate the flow on a table. 

No patterns, no directions, not even a YouTube video to help me figure it out.  Just my imagination, a machine, scissors, thread, and a glorious piece of fabric.  I think about it, worry about it, measure, pin, sketch, and finally, I cut.  After I cut, there's no turning back, it's sort of like jumping off a cliff.  A little dramatic maybe, but after the cut, you better have a plan.

My plan for the famous pink table skirt on this table was a layered chiffon skirt that felt like a fabulous pink wedding dress that I spotted online.

 I watched my Grandmother fashion wedding dresses, carefully covering little buttons with satin, until her hands began to shake from Parkinson's Disease made it impossible for her to continue.  My own mother was a seamstress, creating hand painted and custom designs for the rich and famous Cattle Baron's wives throughout New Mexico and Texas, until rheumatoid arthritis crippled her hands and made it so painful to hold the fabrics she loved so much.  I am blessed to be able to feel the fabric in my hands and fashion it into flowing, sparkling designs that make a couple's special day even more glorious.  \

Stay tuned for the latest linen, platinum, layered and laced vintage dessert table linen.

Until then,I  hope you are grateful for whatever gifts you have, and that you give them freely and with a happy heart.