Wedding Weekend

It’s my first wedding back after becoming a momma and I couldn’t be more excited!  And it’s quite clear why:  a gorgeous, fun couple, a truly amazing family and [from what I’m expecting] some of the coolest guests around.  
It’ll be a lovely day, a traditional ceremony at Old St. Pat’s followed by an evening of celebration at The Ritz.  Beautiful stylings of Jesse [formerly of Event Creative…now…of…BLISS!], one of the best bands around, Larry King Orchestra, custom linens, a delicious restaurant-style meal and heaps of surprises and details awaiting throughout the evening.
I love loved the inspiration for M&T’s wedding.  After tossing around a handful of color combinations, we landed on a wintry collection of neutrals including whites, cremes and champagnes paired with the mixed metallic tones silvers, golds and rose golds.  This was the inspiration board I created months ago and I can’t wait to share the results!
I will be SO seriously sad to let these clients go!
Xx!

Onto The Next

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With visions of sugar plums a thing of the past, visions of bubbly take over in anticipation of New Years Eve.  
This is the first year that we won’t be on vacation with my in-laws and I’m looking forward to an early dinner (have already warned J I’d like to be FANCY) and home in time to snuggle with our little man as we ring in Twenty Thirteen.  
Now…what to wear!

Merrier & Merrier

Well, as if you didn’t know…The Holiday Season is upon us.  
Although I have yet to begin Christmas and Hanukkah shopping, haven’t picked up our tree or even brought the decorations up from storage, I do feel as though it is time to embrace the charm and get captured by the inspiration that surrounds the season.  So, I’ve recently dipped my toes in, by lighting my holiday-scented candle during nighttime nursing sessions and, so, I’ve decided…I’m ready for more!
What gets you inspired for the season? 
(because I guarantee it is NOT the commercials that started to pop up months ago!)
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Is it a favorite wintry beverage?
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A date with girls for cookies and vino?
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Gorgeous ribbons?
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The idea of a cozy night in?
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A welcomed entrance?
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Treats to go?
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A snowy embrace?
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Festive Dress?
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Or the idea of starting new traditions?
Well, whatever gets you jazzed this season – I hope you’re off to a good start!
Xx!

Gifting – Perfect for New Parents

As a new parent, I have been overwhelmed and surprised by the generosity of family, close friends and even mere acquaintances.  There has been an abundance of lovely notes and gifts galore for our Sweet Baby C – everything including personalized blankets [so perfect for snuggles], to adorable outfits  [to make his mama proud], to extra large tubs of diaper cream [to ward off the inevitable tooshie rash] and everything in between.  …ALL have been so appreciated and completely unnecessary. 
[And I can’t even count the beautifully insane Gucci diaper bag from my best friend in Sydney…]
That said, one of my favorite, simple gifts was from a dear friend – someone with a pair of gorgeous kiddos of her own – making her know, first hand, what can be the biggest struggle of new parenthood:

Finding time to eat properly – [something that is not take-out, that is]!
Her easy and darling basket of goodies was delivered to our doorman [coordinating visits can be overwhelming with a newborn] and contained everything to help get mornings off to a smooth [ish!] start.
Here are some of the easy essentials:
A sweet note.  Caffeinated coffee!
Homemade muffins high in fiber and protein to help keep your energy up!  [Will try to get the recipe because they were truly delicious and SO hearty!]
Yummy granola that was good as a quick snack, added to greek yogurt or ice cream.
A chew toy for the first love of our lives and lovely teas.
The basket of goodies can be tailored for your friends tastes [swap muffins for cupcakes, granola for chex-mix etc.] and is sure to be appreciated by any new mom ,or perhaps just a friend with a lot on her plate!
It has honestly been so humbling to have received such support from friends and family – and I now feel like I have an endless supply of inspiration for future new mamas in need!




Little Thief

I can’t believe that my littlest peanut has been in our lives for nearly 5 weeks!  Oh, how life changes in a flash – what was it like before this creature stole my heart?  
Carter has been home with us, out of the NICU, for the last couple of weeks and seeing his daily progress, growth and continued strength is remarkable.  He has much ground to make up and is still quite fragile…we’re often reminded that he will hit milestones on his time, not ours…but this journey has  seriously been remarkable.  
We are so blessed!

Artful Affair

Earlier this summer, I planned a wedding that was so special on many levels.  The clients were a dream, a wonderful mother/daughter duo, that started as acquaintances and ended up lifelong friends.  Additionally, the setting was held at the Hinsdale Golf Club, the location of my wedding almost 5 years ago [and they got the gorgeous weather that Joel and I dreamed of!].  And finally, the couple was seriously in love – the kind of love that is so true and honest that it makes you thrilled to help them become partners for life.
For this classic and incredibly romantic wedding, we hired local artist, Elizabeth Dixon, to capture the evening on canvas, so that after the wedding the couple had this beautiful piece of artwork to remember the most special day of their lives.  This has become my favorite, fancypants version of a photo booth!

A Whole New World

While little Carter doesn’t know quite how easy he had it, he was just too eager to see the world and see  what all the fuss was about.  And so, despite being 6 weeks premature, the little bugger has already completely rocked our world, and stolen our hearts.  
He is still currently in the NICU, working on getting bigger and stronger by the day.  And although the process is painfully slow, we are dreaming of the day he joins us at home.

Welcome, Little Prince

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Carter Jackson Superfine surprised us by making his debut 6 weeks early, on October 1st, 2012.  
The core-shaking love and complete adoration is so wonderfully overwhelming.
Carter is currently focused on getting bigger and stronger by the day, so he can join us at home soon.
Xx.

One Heck of a Finale!

I am SO excited for this weekend!  
This weekend we’re celebrating a drop. dead. gorgeous couple – inside and out – the wedding of Alex and Alan.  Working with the couple has been so wonderful and I can’t wait to share this exciting time with them and see all of the fabulous details come together [attached is the inspiration board I created months ago as we embarked on the design phase of planning]…
This weekend is also a bit of a milestone, as it’s my last wedding before Baby S. joins us in just a handful of weeks!  What will life like being a planner and a mommy?  Ah!  Stay tuned…
Enjoy the weekend!
Xx.

A Lovely Day

Off to a client wedding!  
Today we will be celebrating a gorgeous couple, Elizabeth and James.  They are a match made in heaven and I can’t wait to see the look on his face as she makes her way to him at the altar.  
The wedding will feature varied shades of dusty and muted greens, dark rich navy/eggplant tones [found naturally in berries, succulents and foliages], punchy saffron and surprising pops of a fiery coral.
We’ve got a fantastic line-up of vendors including Amanda Hein Photography, Hello Darling and Larry King Orchestra – for an evening of dancing and dining under the tented pavilion of Galleria Marchetti.
Have a great weekend!