Ryan + Danielle {Engagement}

I had been itchin' to do a photo shoot full of gold details, so when Kristin Rogers told me to pick the theme I knew right away this was what we'd do. This shoot was extra special because Courtney flew all the way from Texas to have a tutoring session with Kristin. I wanted to make sure it was worth it!
I can't say enough sweet things about this couple, Ryan + Danielle. They are my kind of people and we all had such a fun day. 

Large thread and nail letters made for a fun and interesting backdrop. The table was full of gold details and bits of teal.

Centerpiece was simply a long 4"x4" piece of wood with holes drilled in the top for the candles to fit in.

The table edges were lined with Instagram pictures that were printed on using PostalPix. I laid them out, then taped them down using washi tape. 

Next set up was a simple gold fringed backdrop... how adorable is this couple?1?!

Our last look was simply strands of lights with gold spray painted cords so they wouldn't stand out as much.

The cake was a square, ruffled, teal ombre cake on a rustic wooden base. I also really loved this simple cake topper... it gets sorta lost in the photo but in person it's even better.

I took hundreds of sew together gold circle and taped them to the top of the cake table to add some interest.

Invitations were done in tones of gold and teal. Jen from Blushprintables on Etsy designed a really lovely chevron teal ombre invite for our shoot.

I also have a quick tutorial for the threaded letters I'm going to try and get up here soon. They're pretty simple to do but do take a bit of patience and precision. You can also contact me for pricing if you'd like me to make them for you.

We're off to Portland and Seattle on Wednesday but I've got a few giveaways in the works... exciting stuff coming!

Here is a list of everyone who worked on the shoot and all of the wonderful vendors that were used!

Photography- Kristin Rogers Photography 

Makeup- Amy Clarke

Tie- vKnit

Cake Stand- Morgann Hill Designs

Instagram Prints -  Postalpix

Cake- Rose Marcellino

“I Do” Cake Topper- Blissfully Wired

Teal Feather Napkins- Feisty Fashion

Invitation Design- Blush Printables

All Hair Pieces- Bethany Lorelle

Sea Urchin Centerpieces, Ring, Shell Ring Holder- RobinCharlotte

                           

Tutoring Session and Balloons

I'm still in the process of updating my blog from the last 6 months or so. Sorry these are months and months old, but I still wanted to get them on here for anyone that may be able to use them for ideas on projects they're working on. 

This was a fun little project I was hired to do set-design for. It was a workshop for Kristin Rogers Photography. We pulled together 2 different looks for the students to practice on. It was a fun day and I got to meet some really great people.

First up was a bridal look. Lots of balloons in various sizes hung from the ceiling and covering the floor. By the way... blowing up those giant balloons is a nightmare, even worse is trying to tie them! Yikes, my fingers were raw when I was finished!

Second look was an eclectic mix of props. That red chair looks so good in photographs, I love it every time I see it. :)

Here's a collage of some of the girls from that day.

For more pictures or to get information on tutoring sessions, check out this post here.

Here is a list of all the lovely and talented people who worked on this project. I hope we have a chance to do this again!

Make Up – Amy Clarke

Hair – Dianna Lopez

Wardrobe Stylist – Gabby Lewis

Florist –  Floral Design By Jacqueline Ahne

Fashion Model – Mira

Bridal Model – Kiarra Elliot 

Most Used {Favorites}

I always enjoying sharing things that I've tested and used in my own life that I just love. A good recommendation goes a long way with me, so hopefully you'll all enjoy these too.

1. I know Le Creuset is super well known but it is by far one of my most favorite things in my kitchen. I have the 5 1/2 qt and would recommend this size for anyones first piece. On line they sell for about $250+, but if you have a Le Creuset outlet near you then you can almost always find them there for about $150 (depending on the color)... I use this pot more than I use my microwave or toaster, seriously!

2. UGlu Dashes- This product is hard to describe but it's basically double sided tape, but more flexible, and WAY more sticky. I use these at nearly every single photo shoot or event I do. You can use them to attach signs or fabric to brick or other textured surfaces. In a pinch I tape up clothes with them. My go-to florist even uses them when making floral arrangements. The uses are endless!!
3. Vinegar- I use this vinegar for everything except cooking. I always have a bottle full of equal parts water and vinegar (sometimes with a little essential oil if I have it on hand)stashed under my kitchen sink. This is pretty much the only thing I use to clean my entire house. It leaves mirrors completely steak free, my laminate wood floors don't get any swishy marks like other cleaners leave, counters, fridge, sinks... literally everything. Most people complain about the smell, but folks it's completely orderless as soon as it dries (trust me, a quart of it spilled in my car and it smelled like a bad salad dressing until it dried). Adding a couple drops of essential oil would help with that too. And it's so so inexpensive, a $3 bottle lasts me like 6 months.
4. Timi and Leslie- This is technically a diaper bag but I no longer have kids in diapers and I am still in love with the bag! It is by far my most used purse that I own. I really love bringing it on our road trips, vacations, when I'm working, or anytime we'll be running a bunch of errands. Sometimes we wake up, I throw the girls' school books in the bag, and head to a coffee shop to do school for several hours. Plus, it fits my Mac with room to spare... And if you've ever looked for a cute, good looking lap top bag, it's not easy!!
I'd love to hear if any of you use any of these products or if you end up trying them out... let me know! 
*I wasn't perked from any of these companies, I just happen to use and love this stuff. :)

White Wedding Magazine {Published}

This post is long overdue but worthy of adding to the blog. The spread was in White Wedding Magazine last August, and needless to say it's super exciting to be part of an 8 page spread in a printed wedding magazine. They wanted 4 bridesmaid looks: colorful, lace, patterns, and white... this is what I came up with. A big thanks to Logan Cole for inviting me to be a part of this.

Here are a few behind the scenes photos and close-up shots of some of the props and decorations used.

In the pattern room I made scalloped pennants and giant ruffled balls

All of the bouquets were really beautiful!

Large hoops hung with fabric and lace.

And here are a few photos of the MUA, hair stylist, and wardrobe stylist working their magic.

I really love doing this so much, and it's extra special working with such an enjoyable group of people!

Photographer: Logan Cole

WHITE Magazine (Australia)

Makeup: Amy Clakre

Hair: Lady Dianna

Stylist: Gabrielle  Lewis

Set Styling: Me

Flowers by: Flower Allie

Models: No Ties Management & Willow Model Management

Far too long...

It has been far too long! I'm back, and with lots to share. Here are a few highlights of the last 6 months...
*Warning- These are all "before" or "in progress" shots, full details will be coming soon!
I was asked to style the VIP party in Saks for the Ontario Mills' Runway Event

I also finally got around to hanging stuff on our living room walls. Actually, now that I think of it, that whole room has changed.

Speaking of change, the girls' room got a completely new look as well. I'm really excited with the end result and love how the beds turned out. Plus, it just works much better for them which is always most important. I really can't wait to share this with you all.

I squeezed in some crafty projects too... I'll share a quick tutorial on this art project soon. What's not to love, instagram pics and mod podge?!?

And Timmy & Leslie hired me to do a little set up for their video product shoot...

I've got a bunch of other fun things to share, but it's going to take me a little while to catch up. Thanks for checking in again, even after this long absence.

More Organizing

Hey everyone! I thought I would quickly share what happened after I cleaned out my much neglected pantry. Well, once the pantry was looking just right it gave me the urge to tackle the three drawers in my kitchen that store almost all of my cooking utensils, baking tools, and other random things.

Here they are! I'm sure this isn't THAT bad, but I always like things to be as organized as they can be. Best part about being organized... it makes it easier for my girls to put the dishes away in the right spot!

This drawer is supposed to store cooking utensils... not candles, zip lock bags, and paper baking cups.

Next up is my baking drawer. Most of the stuff here actually looks like it belongs, it's just all too messy.

The bottom drawer stores my food vacuum sealer (love it!), ricer, hand mixer, and immersion blender. I use these items more often in my kitchen so I need to keep them within an easy reach.

After about 10 minutes of rearranging, and throwing some unused items away, here is what I'm left with. Soooo much easier for me to find what I'm looking for now.

The baking drawer

And the I-don't-know-what-to-call-this-drawer drawer

Here is the randomness that was left behind. The Kool-Aid packs I used to make play-dough 3 years ago, birthday candles, wooden spoons, and trash no longer cluttering things up.

Not terribly exciting, I know! But maybe it will give you a little motivation to get that random job done that you've been putting off for a while.