I’m thrilled to finally share the gorgeous pictures of the photo shoot Renny and I designed this fall. It was featured on Style Me Pretty‘s national site yesterday, but here are some of the pretty pic’s for your viewing pleasure, all shot by Stevi and Matt of Averyhouse.
With the idea of producing a fanciful collection of parties that follow the progression of wedding-related celebrations a couple encounters throughout their engagement, Renny and I decided to take readers on a year-long journey with a dreamy faux couple, we’re calling Charlotte and William, joining them from fete to fete.
And so, we start with the engagement party thrown by our couple’s best friend. And here’s our story…
After getting engaged at the end of summer, the couple’s friends decided to plan the engagement party for late fall and hosted it at a charming new venue on the property of the Chicago Botanic Garden: Pullman Barn.
Set-up just outside of the barn was a darling (and delicious) muddling bar, featuring all sorts of goodies for a one of a kind concoction, upon guests arrival.
Muddle while you cuddle
Inside the intimate barn, guests found their seats with the aid of individually labeled gift baskets, doubling as place cards.
The gift baskets were themed “For a Lazy Sunday Morning” and included items intended to be much appreciated after a late night of celebration. Each was packed with a thermos ready for hot cider (just add water), fresh scones and apple-honey butter, super strong coffee, a seriously cozy blanket and crisp, fresh apples.
The rustic picnic tables were dressed with comfy cushions and a beautiful tablescape of silver, gold and amber vessels hosting bold pops of coral, peach and navy.
A garland of golden foliage hung overhead, while candles danced below.
Heirloom flatware and lace-cut dinner plates were used for the family-style feast.
A new obsession of mine…custom placemats were paired with napkin rings printed with the parties’ date, all designed by Cheree Berry Paper.
Fluffy peonies, open roses, seasonal ilex berries, concord grapes and autumn foliage were artfully arranged by floral goddess, Cornelia McNamara.
After dinner, guests were encouraged to relax and enjoy the setting. Whimsical games included golden apple croquet…
Customized mad-libs about the couple later read around the fire.
Talk about indulgent!
And what outdoor party is complete without s’mores!
The beautiful spread included sweet items like cider-spiced donuts, gourmet grahams, home made marshmallows and salted caramels, fresh herbs and savory items like cheeses paired with delicious crackers and fresh honeycomb. Guests paired their treats with cider or cordials.
The firepit was enhanced with cushions, pillows and throws for a cozy, lazy evening.
The coral, camel/gold and navy palette was seasonally appropriate, while proving to be unexpected and fresh.
For all photos, click here.
We’ll be glad to share more of Charlotte and William’s parties throughout the year!
(dreamy vendor credits:) concept, color, prop and set design by bliss. all photography by averyhouse. floral styling by cornelia mcnamara. printables by cheree berry. setting and tables compliments of the chicago botanic garden. Rentals provided by tablescapes.