Well, the long Labor Day weekend came and went in the blink of an eye. While we had high hopes of spending a couple of days on the lake, the Wisconsin weather had other plans for us. We stayed on {not quite so dry} land at our hosts farm for the majority of our time away.
Acres of verdant property was enough to relax the most maxed out wedding planner in the world.
Equestrian details were charming and perfect for the fallish weather.
And our new friends, the alpacas, provided much entertainment with their woolly coats, inquisitive demeanor and crooked teeth.
So while the weather didn’t quite cooperate, there was still some serious fun to be had {and I haven’t even touched on the hours spent in neon bowling shoes and knee socks, riding in limos and toasting s’mores on the bonfire}…
Heading up to the lake with friends for a mini weekend away before returning to the city for a wedding on Sunday. Always such a bittersweet conclusion for a summer that has, yet again, flown by…
I imagine our weekend will be filled with copious cocktails {trouble}, boating {energizing}, grilling {gluttonous} and old fashion activities like croquet {athleticism not required}, badminton {if we must pretend to inch our heart-rate up a beat or two} and sun bathing {to recover}.
While brides love the novelty of showcasing their new monogram {a logo for a new life!}, the fun doesn’t have to stop with the scripty lettered motif perched atop the menu cards…
Work monogrammed pieces into everything from pillows, napkins and hand towels to jewelry, stamps and attire. Here are just a few favorite ideas:
I love these pillows, place mats and napkins from Luxury Monograms.
In preparation of a client wedding this weekend, I found myself daydreaming about the couples’ inspiration: Nantucket. They have been visiting the island for years and have infused their wedding day with touches and stylings reminiscent of their countless memories.
Despite my years of pleading and bargaining, I have yet to make it out there to experience the charm first hand. I know…I know…WHAT?!! Everyone who has been can’t believe that I not only haven’t been once…but more so that I don’t go on a regular basis…
I am obsessed with {what I imagine} Nantucket to be:
Worn buildings, stately light houses and gnarly brick walkways.
Casual feasts…of the freshest kind.
Ocean views, sprawling lawns, harbors and boats galore.
Original preppy style…{never trendy!}
Weathered accessories inside and out.
Beautiful beaches with fresh sea air and patchy dune grass.
Until a proper visit…I’ll just have to keep dreaming…Sniff, Sniff.
I couldn’t help but go gaga for this wedding I stumbled across in the galleries of Style Me Pretty. The style is so simple, slightly rustic and plenty romantic. The touches seem perfectly appropriate for the outdoor setting.
They clearly took cue from the setting. An old and gnarly tree was the simple backdrop for the ceremony.
I love the dusty saffron patterned linens paired with the whitewashed iron furniture for the cocktail hour hosted in the gravel clearing.
But…it is this brilliant {and brave!} table layout that I just can’t get over!! The smooth, graceful curve the hugely exaggerated table. The setting. Dining amongst the elements, nestled in between hedges and trees, illuminated by rustic twinklelights. SO special! SO unique.
The romantic glow of the illuminated trees adds such natural drama to the setting.
As summer begins it’s gentle descent into fall…I feel the desperate urge to resist with all my might. I adore this summery board of strawberries and gingham found on Snippet and Ink and so love daydreaming about what this summer has been and what it still may have in store for us sun-worshipers.
I am currently working with a darling bride to plan her early spring wedding next year. It’s taking place at a brand spankin’ new venue, Bridgeport Art Center. To say I’m IN LOVE with the space is a massive understatement – we already have two client weddings booked here.
The setting is gorgeous – raw but polished and warm. Exposed brick walls meet timber beams and soaring original skylights. Countless windows allow for unparalleled views of the skyline {a benefit of being in…well…Bridgeport!}
Here are a couple of images of the newly finished space:
{Obsessed with the natural runway/aisle!}
I am seriously loving the opportunity to play around with different styles and color palettes that would do a proper job of showcasing the beautiful backdrop of the venue.
Tomorrow, my darling bride and I begin the decor process and I have put together this inspiration board to use as a planning tool:
The bride loves the setting and wants to enhance it with a gorgeous palette of saffron/mango, rich ocean/teal, dusty greys and white. She loves vintage, eclectic touches, rustic but refined details and a warm and celebratory feeling.
Can’t wait to see how this continues to take shape!
{PS: Loving dreaming about what we’re going to do with the fabulous 80 passenger open-air freight elevator that takes guests up to the event space…a specialty bar and chandeliers will only be the start of it!}
Heading to one of my favorite venues, the Chicago Botanic Gardens for a few meetings in preparation of an upcoming wedding. Today is SUCH a gorgeous day…perfect for wandering the gardens! {We should be so lucky with weather like this for J&L’s September celebration!}
Recent bride, Rebecca, and her planning-partner-in-crime sister, Jordan, were one of my absolute favorite clients to date. These sisters have such an impeccable style, fun and hilarious personalities and a marvelous grasp on reality. After spending the weekend with their friends and family, I could clearly see where they get it!
Rebecca and her sweet-as-pie husband Dan’s wedding is currently featured in Brides Chicago and I’m thrilled to share some of the gorgeous photos taken by favorites Stevi and Matt of Avery House.
While Rebecca and Dan live in Chicago, they chose the brides’ hometown of Bloomington Illinois to host their wedding weekend. Rebecca loved the idea of having her wedding at the country club where she grew up.
Here was an early inspiration board I created, before things evolved just a bit:
We ended up selecting a soft palette of creams, champagnes and golds accented with victorian blue, and a tonal highlight of peachy apricot {instead of the pinks}.
Here are a handful more images of the dreamy day:
The bride got ready in her childhood home {although her fabulous {and just a hint overly ambitious!} mother was in the middle of a major home renovation…that said – it certainly made for plenty of room for hair and make-up without much furniture!}
Rebecca rode to the ceremony with her parents and sister, Jordan.
The maids carried charming bouquets of garden roses and peonies. They were the perfect pairing against their dusty victorian blue dresses.
The happy couple, newly crowned man and wife!
The day was absolutely saturated with moisture. It rained forcefully from sun-up to sun-down, with just a few breaks that allowed for some photos on the golf course. The weather never once put a damper on the newlyweds’ moods…they were floating on air all day.
Obsessed with this pic.
Guests cocktailed under the protection of a tent overlooking the verdant golf course.
Everyone moved inside for dinner, where candelabras and white peonies dressed each table.
All printables were created by one of my favorite stationers, Jenna of Clementine Ink.
Stud.
Guests moved back outside for dessert and dancing, as the rain finally lost it’s determination.
The weekend was such a reflection of Rebecca’s hard work. To speak of it visually, it was warm, sophisticated, charming, romantic, classically current with a hint of prep. To speak of it emotionally, the wedding day was such a celebration of two people that were so clearly meant to be.
This weekend was fantastic. I had a gorgeous client wedding on Friday, leaving me with two full days of summer sun to do as I pleased. Hooray!
After a dreamy day at the beach yesterday, today I was feeling a bit thrifty and decided to pop over to the Randolph Street Market, as The Man sweated it out on the golf course. I returned home with just a few goodies – insanely gorgeous antique earrings, solid copper somethings that I will use as drinks glasses, and lovely vintage fabrics that I’ll use to recover a chair from a previous trip…And yet, I still left with a feeling of unsatisfied wanting. Here are just a few loves, left behind:
A massive crown that stirred a bit of an obsession.
Gorgeous blue skies made the iron shelves and wardrobes blindingly charming.
Worn fabrics from all over the world.
Charming vintage sports pieces – cute for a little boys room or the man cave downstairs {neither of which are necessary yet in this household…}
Gorgeous grey weathered chairs and a chaise.
A dusty, however still dazzling oversized sconce.
Jewels, jewels and more jewels!
And an incredibly special find…a trophy circa 1921 from the country club where I grew up {and got married!} Love. Love. Love!!
Be sure to check it out – Saturdays and Sundays at the end of each month.
