Loving shoes...
April 30, 2008

Ahhh.. designer shoes. How I love to dream of them. Sometimes after a tough day, I will go online and "purchase" a few pairs (and by "purchase" I mean, "add to cart" but then never actually "proceed to checkout"..haha- retail therapy that is also good on the pocketbook!) Maybe some day. Until then, I certainly do appreciate them from afar and wait for the perfect pair and perfect occasion to come along.
A total splurge? Of course. But if you are going to splurge for something, an occasion as special as your wedding day just may be worth the splurge. :) And while your wedding day is one of your most special days, it is just one day. And for shoes as great as these- you need to enjoy for many, many more days! A bridal-y white shoe would be really tough to wear again, but neutral and metallic tones are so re-wearable.
Enjoy these dreamy shoes..



{Metallic gold with delicate cutouts by Manolo Blahnik scream for a short dress to show them off. The next shoe by Fendi has the sweetest bit of feminine bow detailing in a soft yet slightly sparkling silver metallic. These Loeffler Randall with a half inch kitten wedge are perfect for outdoor weddings, and will keep you from sinking into the grass. And last but not least a pair of champagne peep toe stilettos by Christian Louboutin- I see ultra-glam, old Hollywood written all over them..}
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Unexpected Vases
April 29, 2008

Almost as much as I love the flowers that go inside, I just love the containers that hold them. Especially the unusual, unexpected kind. I will even admit that many of my grocery store purchases are dictated by their container's reusability or how cute a potential vase they may become someday to long be enjoyed after the yogurt, olive oil, milk or tea is gone. (I use these examples as some of my most favorite vases were useful holders of these items at one time..) I also love pulling out kitchen items from the cupboards. My husband has been heard to yell from the kitchen "Babe- where is the_________?" to which I will respond- "in the living room- holding the tulips!"
Domino just did a gorgeous spread about unexpected vases which I was so delighted to see and share!


{tinted shot glasses become festive little bud vases}



{vintage style tumblers like these from anthropologie create an eclectic look perfect for large single blooms}



{beautiful tea cups have an excuse to come out of the cupboard for this cute look}



{I absolutely LOVE old tea tins as vases}



{a ceramic glazed creamer dish}



{a rice bowl}
.............................................

And now for a quick peek at one of the things I am working on for a wedding this weekend-

{empty paint cans + vintage garden labels/vintage seed packets = unexpected vase! I can't wait to show how these will be used- stay tuned!}

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Beautiful dresses
April 19, 2008

Lately we have been collecting dress pictures left and right. It is so exciting to see designers coming up with new takes on classic gowns by adding unique and interesting detailing and touches..

{Casual elegance: Vera Wang}

Whimsical, bohemian-chic, ethereal flowing length, a beautifully draped neck/back-line and a rich, luxurious velvet sash make this dress feel effortlessly beautiful.

{A little bit of shine: Vera Wang, Amsale, Melissa Sweet.}


Vera Wang uses modern lines in a soft, antique lavender hue for an unexpected but gorgeous combination. Amsale takes sweet eyelets and pairs them with shiny silk taffeta for an interesting textural contrast. Melissa Sweet adds more volume to the traditionally body hugging satin gown for a completely different sultry feel.

{Sweeping Skirts: Jenny Packham, Romona Kevza, Carolina Herrara}

Flowing and flattering, these sweeping gauzy gowns evoke an enchanted luxurious feel. The closer to natural waistline (in dresses one and two) make this style much more wearable, while the added embellishments, pleating, and beading give the gowns a touch of opulence.

{Classic elegance: Vineyard Collection}

A very classic summer style gets dressed up with added length, more volume and charming braid detailing around the halter neck and back.

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Big sale at The White Aisle!
April 16, 2008

A quick post to let everyone know that The White Aisle is having a big moving sale! This is a huge savings opportunity if you are looking for paper, favors or other white aisle goodies. (This stuff is selling fast!)

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Happy birthday Chester!
April 14, 2008

On Saturday, my sweet little guy turned 15 years old. You read that right, 1-5! I cannot believe it has really been 15 years. (I got him when he was a tiny 9 weeks old..) He has seen me through all of my big life moments- including my wedding day (pictured above) and is the love of my life. I know I hardly ever blog the personal stuff on here, but considering so many of my clients and readers know and love Chester, I just had to share. :) (And 15 is quite a remarkable birthday for our little guy!) We feel so lucky to still have him in our lives.
While this was a wonderful occasion, I could not have been more thrilled than to be in Santa Barbara for Melissa and Ben's absolutely incredible wedding day- a day I have been looking forward to for the longest time. The wedding day was pure magic- so full of joy and love, perfect SB weather and a most wonderful couple. I can't wait to blog the pro pics soon and share all about it. :)
Dave was so sweet to send this picture from his phone for me to enjoy while I was away.



I was delighted when I got home to find more on our camera, including these gems..


And in the spirit of revealing more of our crazy dog people ways (if the party hat, banner and balloons didn't already scare you enough..) I should also mention that Chester had messages on our machine (left for him,) and his own mail in the mailbox!
He is one loved puggy.
And just for kicks, I dug through some old photos to find this funny blast in the past- Chester as a puppy! (Try to contain yourself when you see me in all of my 6th grade hotness..haha..)

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How charming!
April 10, 2008

I think I could spend days on etsy's handmade wedding shop and there are definitely plenty more posts to come on this topic- but for now I wanted to share these sweet charms and vintage inspired jewelry by Jan of Hazelnut Cottage who explains that she "lovingly handcrafts each and every piece, then sends them off into the world, like babies to their adoptive homes." (How sweet is that?)
I am just loving the idea of adding a small charm with a personally meaningful inscription to your bridal bouquet. Not only would it be a pretty little embellishment to add on the wedding day, but it would be a keepsake to treasure long after you bouquet is gone.
Hazelnut Cottage also has some gorgeous, romantic jewelry that should not be missed either.

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Pretty pink ranunculus
April 7, 2008

Totally quick and random post- but I am in love with my pink ranunculus right now. I just had to take a picture of them in all their bright and fluffy glory.
**Also in the photo- my super sweet and totally talented mom sent this little family of hippos she made for me from porcelain. Aren't they cute? I am lucky to have a ton of her ceramic creations all throughout our house. Next up are a few dozen vases for duet weddings! (Well, I am working on that one..hehe)
:)

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Jackie & Jon's Wedding
April 4, 2008

Another walk down memory lane brings me to one of my favorite weddings from last season- Jackie and Jon's gorgeous day at the incredible Hotel Casa Del Mar in Santa Monica.
When I meet clients for the first time, I always ask them to tell me a few words to describe their wedding. I cannot tell you my delight when Jackie said the words, "rainbow sherbet." I was instantly taken back to my childhood favorite (my brothers would constantly make fun of me for ordering the same flavor each time we went out for ice cream- I did this for many, many years..) and the happy, summer vacation feeling the combination of varying shades of oranges and pinks always brings me. Of course, Jackie was semi-kidding- this was also going to be a completely elegant and romantic day in an exquisite space by the sea. The joyful colors set the mood for a day that was not only breathtakingly beautiful, but one that was incredibly happy and tons of fun.
Jackie and Jon were planning their wedding from Philadelphia and did an incredible job with all of the details. Jackie may just be the most organized person I have ever met in my life! It was such a blast getting to know these two and their families and friends. Jackie and Jon- sending warm California hugs to you in NYC!!
Enjoy the beautiful photos below by the wonderful Christine Marie.

{Jackie and Jon's flowers included the most luscious coral and pink peonies and tulips, the signature drinks of the evening included "Absolute Peach" and "Sink the Pink", the lighting by Rainbow Sound provided extra drama and impact in the room, the bridesmaids looked beautiful in their choice of sage Jim Helm dresses. }

{Jackie and Jon's stunning chuppah was later placed over their cake from Cake Divas, Jackie designed her own invitations and had them letter pressed by Mercurio Brothers, Casa Del Mar's incredible, giant clam shell filled with rose petals made the perfect centerpiece to the escort card table.}

{Perhaps my favorite memory of the night- Jackie and Jon channeling their inner Axl's- singing along with Dwight Kennedy to "Paradise City." How priceless is the reaction from their "fans!!"}

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Loving lavender!
April 1, 2008

Yikes- it has been FOREVER since my last post. It has been such a busy past couple of weeks here! Dave and I got away for the first time in a very long time for a mini vacation to the Santa Ynez Valley this past weekend. (Yes, I choose to vacation where I also so often work- hehe..) and it was an absolutely gorgeous weekend.
This time of year in wine country is one of my favorites as the colors are just beautiful. The trees are totally full and the rolling hills of grass are a vibrant green and dotted with the most insane lavender wildflowers. Since we were not good photographers this weekend (the camera stayed in the car almost the whole time.. which depending on how you look at it, is either completely inexcusable when you are on vacation or totally forgivable because you are on vacation..) I wanted to create an inspiration board devoted solely to lavender which I am totally loving and inspired by right now. I am also super excited for Melissa and Ben's upcoming wedding at the SB Four Seasons which will have lavender incorporated throughout.
Enjoy!


{Lavender Gin Martini from Gramercy Tavern via Martha Stewart, lavender cones from Brides, Elizabeth Messina's gorgeous bouquet, lavender bundle escort cards, lavender Whisky sour from Martha- see recipe here, fragrant herb and lavender bunches as favors from Martha, lavender in footed glasses- love this idea- from Martha, lavender infused water from Martha.}

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