Golden Harvest Inspiration....

The start of summer is always full of so much sun & fun & possibility...but it is the first promise of Autumn that will always have my heart.  That certain something in the air just sneaks up on you sometime in the middle of August, and you find yourself dreaming of toasting s'mores and drinking spiced cider in your favorite cozy socks and chunky knit sweater.  

And this stunning 'Golden Harvest' Inspiration shoot is the most delightful way to celebrate fall and all of the gorgeous color and charm it has to offer.  Brought to us via Magnolia Rouge, styled by Antonia Christianson Events, and photographed by Allyson Magda, this stunning mix of elegance and rustic beauty is sure to have you feeling ready for the cooler weather indeed . . .

Bronze fabric perfection . . .

Planning/Design: Antonia Christianson Events, Photography: Allyson Magda, Photography Produced by: Be Inspired PR, Stationery: Azulsahara, Bridal Gown: Jenny Yoo, Accessories: Lo Boheme, Floral Design: Camilla Svennson Burns Couture Floral and Event Design, Wedding Ring: Diamond in the Rough, Cake: Cupcakes Couture of Manhattan Beach, Hair/Makeup: Rhonda Johnson, Venue: Hammer Sky Vineyards, Paso Robles California, Sparkling Wine: OneHope Weddings, Linen: La Tavola, Napkins: Custom made by Antonia Christianson Events

Is it just me, or do you feel a MAJOR bronze moment coming our way?

Wedding Wednesday: Papel Picado . . . Romantic, Colorful, and Simply Splendid!!

In honor of the approaching Cinco de Mayo, I thought today would be the perfect Wedding Wednesday to direct your attention to one of my favorite wedding traditions straight from Mexico.  I am addicted, ADDICTED to Papel Picado; the color, the intricate & delicate design . . . quite simply one of the most fabulous things ever in my opinion.

And what is this Papel Picado I speak of, you ask?  Papel picado is a beautiful Mexican folk art tradition of cutting elaborate designs into colorful tissue paper; it basically means 'perforated paper'. Using a small hammer and chisel an artist can create as many as 50 banners at a time, but there are plenty of ideas for a DIY bride armed with a pair of scissors.

So first, I will provide you with a bit of inspiration . . . and then a simple little tutorial will be heading your way soon . . . so that you can create your own strand of beautiful folk art . . . perfect to string a-top your mantel for the upcoming holiday or to hang above your homemade margarita bar.  Take a look . . .

In all of it's authentic splendor . . .

Invitations to die for . . .

And how about this for a rehearsal dinner?  A Rehearsal Fiesta!!!!

Crazy for cakes . . .

Seating cards . . .

Love this handheld bunting . . .

Feeling the love . . .

A night to remember . . .

Don't you just love all of that gorgeous color?  And now I am totally stuck on the idea of a Rehearsal Fiesta complete with everyone's favorite Mexican food and free-flowing margaritas.  Although, convincing your guests to hit the hay before dawn so they aren't falling asleep at the wedding might be whole new challenge entirely:)

Tutorial Tuesday: A Bohemian Backyard Bash & Feathery-Fab Cocktail Sticks!!

Oooh, just in time for the warm weather, our friends at 100 Layer Cake have whipped up the most fantastic little Bohemian Backyard Party, complete with a lovely tutorial on how to make some retro-fab cocktail sticks too!

So what could be better for a Tutorial Tuesday than a bit of outdoor inspiration to get you all revved up for the long, balmy nights that lie ahead?  So tie up your locks with a vintage silk head scarf, throw on your favorite tunic & ankle length skirt, and kick back for a boho-casual beauty of a party . . .

Ahhh, see what a few Indian-block tapestries, a vintage rug, and a few poufs can do!  You can even make your own flower arrangements (stay tuned for a fun tutorial on this coming to Juneberry Lane soon!!)

Check out the tutorial for the drink stirrers below, and the yummy beverages are straight from this DESIGN SPONGE recipe . . . Cardamom Rose Cocktails!!

Fabulous Vendors:

Photography: Scott Clark Photo / Tabletop and rug rentals: Casa de Perrin / Moroccan poofs, blankets, and tea glasses: Imports from Marrakesh / Tree lanterns: Allsop Garden / Catering: Whoa Nelly! / Handmade textiles (we used for pillows and napkins): Nancy Straughan Textiles / Harissa favors: J & R Foods / Indian blankets and Feather-topped drink stirrers: 100 Layer Cake Boutique

And now for the tutorial . . .

DIY FEATHER-TOPPED DRINK STIRRERS


***You can purchase a DIY kit to make these exact cocktail stirrers right here at 100 Layer Cake, or you can gather the supplies you'll need on your own. . .


Supplies You Will Need:
~ Scissors
~ Glue Gun
~ Assorted feathers in different colors & sizes
~ Bamboo skewers
~ Trim (ribbon, twine, or whatever suits your fancy:)


Directions:

1.) Lay out your supplies for the first feather drink stirrer . . .

2.) Start with your biggest feather first and position it in the direction you like. Add a spot of hot glue, and then affix the feather to the top of the stirrer.

3.) Repeat with the second biggest feather and go on down the line until you have them all as you would like them . . .

4.) To add the trim, squeeze out a spot of glue along the lower part of the feather tips . . .

5.) Attach the trim and wind it up the stirrer until it covers the messy part of the feathers. You might want to add another spot of glue midway, if you think it’s necessary. Then one more spot of glue at the top to attach the end of the trim.

6.) Snip the remaining trim away from the stick, and voila! You can cut the stirrers down to size if you’d like them to match the height of your glasses. Or if you want to use these little beauties on a cake or cupcakes, leave the pointy end intact.

And there you have it!  A beautiful topper to your refreshing summer cocktail!!  Now if that doesn't get you inspired to Spring clean the house for the fun festivities ahead, I don't know what will!!!

Wedding Wednesday: Married in Maine; A Barn-Chic Celebration of Color!

 As we head on into the warm weather, I love to think forward to the sunny days ahead!  This bright & beautiful wedding in Maine, brought to you via 100 Layer Cake and featuring the lovely bride & groom,  Ruth & Ed, is just the perfect way to add whimsy & joy to your afternoon, and a touch of playfulness to your special day . . .

Loving those pretty-in-pink heart-shaped balloons . . .

No one can resist retro straws and tissue poms . . .

Seating cards full of color!!

And turquoise chevalier chairs, oh my!

Musings from the bride & groom . . .


"In the months leading up to our wedding, there were days we loved thinking about and planning our wedding, and there were days when we were so overwhelmed and convinced it would be an epic stress that we seriously considered skipping town and heading for a Vegas chapel. Then something incredible happened…we loved everything about our wedding! For the first weekend in months, the weather in southern Maine was sunny, warm, and dry. Thanks to spring’s late arrival, our favorite flowers that were supposed to be out of season for our wedding we’re actually IN season. The dozens of DIY elements we were weeks behind on finishing were somehow completed on time (thanks to our army of helpers in the 11th hour). And our vows which were being written and re-written up until a few hours before the ceremony came out funnier, more poignant, and more lyrical than we ever could have imagined. In a word…perfection!"

FABULOUS VENDORS:


Photography: Corbin Gurkin / Wedding Dress: Claire La Faye / Bride’s Shoes: Kate Spade  / Reception Dress: BHLDN / Hair and Makeup: Chhoeun Thiv of Akari  / Groom’s Suit: J.Lindeberg  / Groom’s Shoes: Florsheim by Duckie Brown  / Groom’s Shirt: J.Crew  / Groom’s Tie: Brooks Brothers  / Venue: The Barn on Walnut Hill  / Event Planning & Design: Meagan of Maine Seasons Events  / Catering: Jennifer of 111 Maine / Florals & design: Judy of Flora Fauna / Rentals: One Stop Party Shoppe / Music: Simon of The Remixologists  /  Videography: Zach Boyce  / Wedding Cake Topper: The Small Object  / Save the Dates: Bride and Groom / Invitations: Jason Sposa

Barn Chic!!!  You can't get much more fun than that, right?  I just love it when a couple isn't afraid to bring on the color!!  Happy Wednesday!