I seriously can’t wait for an absolute favorite client wedding this weekend.
Here was the inspiration board I created as we were embarking on the design process months ago. Everything is taking place at the remarkable Skyline Loft at the Bridgeport Art Center and we have a dream roster of vendors lined up – all are equally eager to make T&K’s wedding a smashing success!
[Wouldn’t it be amazing if the clouds parted allowing our photographer to capture what’s due to be the “Super Moon” late Saturday night?!]
Today, I am loving the bright and bold pairing of blue with green. Crisp and fresh yet quite seasonless [although my mind does immediately drift to manicured lawns and the soothing roll of the sea…sigh]
DKNY
From Marie Claire Aus
Unknown
And here’s how to execute! Pair any of these beauties:
I recently created this pretty-little-ditty for a LOVELY summer 2012 bride. And while we ultimately found ourselves swept off our feet by another color story [a lady never reveals such secrets], I had to share this poor cast-off beauty as some summer inspiration. Hang in there, Chicago…
Hope you have a great weekend – mine will be spent in meeeeeeeeetings [invitations, florals, tastings – oh my!]
It’s always nice to have a little summer inspiration during the dreary winter months, and this client wedding should just about do the trick!
A wonderful couple of mine was married this past July. They wanted a wedding that felt seasonal, comfortable, slightly preppy, with a touch of rustic and a hint of whimsy. Their crisp color palette was simply navy, green and white.
Here was the inspiration board I created at the start of our planning together:
And here’s how it all came together…
The bride carried a fluffy and full bouquet exclusively of white lisianthus. We worked an heirloom necklace into the ribbon wrap for a personal touch. The groom wore a coordinating boutonniere, backed by a rich camellia leaf.
The bridesmaids wore simple chiffon navy dresses and carried monochromatic bouquets of ‘green trick’ carnations (!) punctuated with hypericum berries. All of the mens’ ties were the perfect green and navy stripe. Loved them, so!
The ceremony took place at St. Clements, nestled on a charming residential street in Lincoln Park.
The happy couple revisit the location of their first meeting over coffee. Her married monogram was stitched into her dainty clutch for use later at the reception.
[Clockwise from top left:]
The cocktail hour took place on the beautiful plaza of the Chicago History Museum, where the stripe theme continued with darling custom cushion covers.
Refreshing mojitos were circulated during the early evening cocktail hour.
Verdant fern foliage was collected in petite silver julep cups.
We brought umbrellas to provide a bit of shade from the summer sun (for both guests and the performers we hired from a busy Chicago corner).
Instead of a traditional guest book, I often will have custom postcards created by our stationer. The postcards have simple prompts, encouraging guests to write a note to the bride and groom. At the end of the evening, I collect the postcards and give them to a family member who will [at random] mail them off to the newlyweds throughout their first year of marriage. It is a very special way to keep the excitement of the day with you long after the celebration ends.
Before guests were invited inside for dinner, they found their seating assignments pinned on boards covered in fresh foliage. We then move the boards inside to display the scribed postcards.
The Chicago Room featured a combination of rectangular, square and round dinner tables and alternated rich navy with crisp ivory table linens. The elevated centerpieces were simple, manicured bundles of salal foliage, adding a rich pop of color against the neutral backdrop.
The round tables featured a lower collection of white blooms contained in varied vessels. A trio of shaded lamps provided extra illumination at the table.
Each place-setting was pre-set with a rattan charger, a mason jar water glass and mercury glass votive cups (masking the faux votives required by the venue). Arrangements of white roses, hydrangea, garden stock and lilies were presented in cut crystal, mossed pots and worn silver.
Jesse made a handsome custom bar of rich wood [to match the chairs] and green and white striped fabric [to match the straws, of course!]. Opposite the bar, across the dance floor was a comfy lounge finished with custom pillows.
Toward the end of the evening, the couple was able to sneak away from all of the excitement…finally sharing a quiet moment together on the beautiful steps of the History Museum.
A special thanks for the amazing roster of vendors:
Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week featured fashion giants like Armani Privé, Chanel, Christian Dior, Valentino and Versace, to highlight a few. However, it was the Ellie Saab Spring/Summer 2012 collection that completely took my breath away. The Lebanese designer showcased a collection of enchantingly girlie, elegantly whimsical and luxuriously lovely dresses in springy, feminine pastels.
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.
Bliss is thrilled to be featured on Style Me Pretty‘s national website this morning! They have chosen to feature one of my very favorite couples of all time, Rebecca & Dan.
Rebecca and Dan are an inspirational couple that could not possibly be more in love – I ADORED getting to know each of them even better throughout the planning process. Sweet Rebecca was actually a sorority sister of mine, and I now feel jipped that it took until planning her gorgeous wedding before we really fell for one another…over a love of design, darling details and beautiful flowers!
The inspiration board I initially created (below) was a useful design tool when working closely with the florist and stationer. (We decided to swap out the pinks for more of a warm peach/coral accent…which I’m still obsessed with!)
Because I’ve already posted a bit about their story, today I wanted to simply share a few more of their beautiful photos, taken by Stevi and Matt of Avery House.
R&D – when can we start planning your anniversary party?
Miss you so…Xx
(photo credits) inspiration board photos not sourced, all wedding photos by Avery House
As we embrace a new year, I thought it would be fun to introduce a new color series, showcasing a new crave-worthy color each month. I am always so easily taken by a singular color and, therefore, have decided to catalogue some of the fun photos I stumble across along the way.
From fashion to food, I’m amazed at how a color can reach out and grab you…inspiring a new purchase, a new palette combination (for a wedding or guest bath) or simply a new appreciation.
Oh yes! And I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge the new, fancified Art of the Occasion! After all, it’s only fair that my little blog as the opportunity to feel as pretty as the content shared. Thank you to Shari of Little Blue Deer for your patience and expertise!
We are just starting to embark on the always thrilling design phase for a lovely August 2012 client of mine. After a bit of investigation, loads of discussion only some back-and-forth, I put the following inspiration board together to use as a tool for future planning sessions (floral, printables, attire oh my!!)
With a naturally romantic color palette of cappuccino, whites and dusty pastels, my flower-obsessed bride and I will embrace gardeny blooms, lush foliages and possibly even a few wildflowers.