33
08.9.11

DIY Dixie Cup Light Garland {by} Hey Gorgeous…

Hi Blogettes!

My name is Rhi and I blog over at Hey Gorg. I’m so honoured to be guest blogging for one of my faves while she is on vacation enjoying some serious rest and relaxation; hope you are having a wonderful vacay Melis! For my post I wanted to share a fun little DIY my girlfriend and photographer extraordinaire, Jenna McKenzie made together. I found the idea via Good Housekeeping for Halloween decor but thought this DIY would be perfect for weddings, showers, and especially, nurseries. It’s easy, fun and super cute so read on to find out how you too can make your own Dixie Cup Light Garland.

{Supplies}

a pack of 100 Dixie Cups
scissors and an Exacto knife
scrapbook paper in desired colours
white Christmas lights (LED is best)
double sided tape
a pencil

{Process}

Cut apart a Dixie Cup and lay flat on a piece of paper. Carefully trace the outline of the cup and make your light ‘shade’ cover template. You may need a few trial runs to get it right!

Trace your template onto your scrapbook paper (making approximately 30 – 50 light ‘shade’ covers like I am holding in the one photo) and cut them out.

Using your Exacto knife, make an X shape slit in the bottoms of the Dixie cups. Pop in each individual bulb until each light is covered with a shade.

Plug in and voila! A gorgeous DIY light garland! Be sure to keep an eye on the garland when it’s plugged in if you are NOT using LED lights; they will get hot!

6
05.20.11

Summer Gingham Inspiration…

Happy Friday, everyone! The weekend has almost arrived, so I wanted to leave you with a little something fun. Summer will be here before we know it, and for some reason whenever I think summer, I think gingham! While I love the classic Americana take on gingham in navy blues, whites and reds, my favorite kind of gingham is a mix of it in all the colors of the rainbow. A colorful gingham explosion! It makes me think of picnics in the park, running through the sprinklers, lemonade under a beach umbrella, icy fruit popsicles, and frolicking in the pool, among other things.

A colorful gingham wedding, or party of any sort would be so cute! If you have one, pretty, pretty please invite me.

{L-R: Ties by BabybyStevie | Goodie Bags by Sweet LuLu | Umbrella photo by Simply Hue | Gingham Packaging by Sweet Paul | Twist Ties by Pretty Tape | Table by Country Living | Cupcake Liners by The Bakers Confections | Hanging Bunting by Kate Landers Events via Project Nursery}

0
05.5.11

Snowy Rock ‘n Roll Wedding Shoot…

I made a quick mention of this shoot a few weeks back when it was posted on The Sweetest Occasion, and now it’s time for a more in-depth look! Earlier this year, the absolutely delightful Amber Moon of Pitbulls and Posies asked me if I wanted to work on a shoot with her, my immediate answer was YES! She had been chatting with some friends of hers, Courtney Lindberg, Stephanie Lawrence and Genevieve Garner, about ideas for the Inspired Creations Contest. They decided to go with a sparkly rock n’ roll look, and shoot in Big Bear at Genevieve’s family cabin. I joined in, and from there, everything was a whirlwind, and this is the result!

I crafted a feather chandelier, grey velvet napkins, and mirrored silver placemats trimmed with guinea feathers for the shoot. To learn how I made them, you can check out my DIY instructions on The Sweetest Occasion.

Amber designed some super cute stationery for this shoot. I can’t get enough of the hanging feather motif that complemented the chandelier so well! We tied the menu and placecards to the velvet napkins with some of my favorite ribbons.

Amber’s husband handmade some really rad wooden boxes, which we used as seating. For added comfort, I draped the throws that usually sit on my living room couch over them.

The gorgeous purple glass goblets came from Pow Wow Vintage Rentals, and the tall candlesticks in the background were ones I purchased at thrift and craft stores, then glittered.

I brought an assortment of votive holders from my huge collection of mercury glass, and we used them not only to hold the candles, but also as vessels for the flowers.

We had some awesome models for this shoot! Liz and John had such great chemistry, and I love the looks Stephanie and Genevieve put together for them.

Miss Tashina designed this gorgeous dress which consists of a white jumper that can be worn alone, a skirt, and a gold studded belt. Just stunning! She also designed the harness on the second dress Liz wore, as well as many of the accessories. She is just incredible!

We put together a self-serve snow cone shot bar with a choice of vodka, whiskey, or tequila.

These blue glass mini goblets also come from Pow Wow Vintage Rentals, and were displayed on a variety of vintage silver pieces from my own collection.

The awesome gold trunk belongs to Courtney!

More of Amber’s beautifully designed stationery. She incorporated fun song lyrics, including a line from the song I Believe in a Thing Called Love by The Darkness. I was especially excited because that was the song our bridal party entered the reception to at Bryan’s and my wedding! She lined the invitation box with a marbled paper, tied it up with grey bakers twine, and the overall effect is divine!

Last, but certainly not least, is this gold cake made by Don’t Mind if We Do! For a bit of added glitz, we topped the cake with some sparklers.

I had a fantastic time working with such a talented group of people! Courtney’s photos were awesome and captured everything so well. Big thanks to all of you:)

So, this was our Inspired Creations Contest entry, with all the nitty gritty! When choosing finalists, the judges take comments into consideration, so if you like our shoot, I would be SUPER grateful if you’d leave a comment here.

Our Team:

Photography: Courtney Lindberg Photography
Design + Styling: Moi!
Paper goods: Pitbulls and Posies
Makeup Artist: Stephanie Lawrence
Hair Stylist: Genevieve Garner
Wardrobe Designer: Miss Tashina
Vintage Rentals: Pow Wow Vintage Rentals
Cake: Don’t Mind if We Do!
Models: John Wynn + Liz Iacuzzi
Grey Feather Epaulettes: Sweet Evie
LOVE Ring: Loud Love Jewelry
Viewfinders: Image 3D

26
04.5.11

{Features} A Fresh Spring Brunch + Styled…

Last week the Spring issue of Valley & Co.’s E-Glossy, At Home With Valley & Co. was released. I’m super excited because a shoot I designed was featured in it!!!

I teamed up with the incredible talents of photographer Courtney Lindberg, and floral designer Susan of Peony & Plum. The result was a fresh + clean backyard Spring brunch, full of ideas for you to re-create!

Inspiration can really come from anywhere, and for this particular shoot, I was inspired while walking through my local nursery. The beautiful grey green tones of herbs like lavender and rosemary paired so perfectly with the fluffy white roses that sat next to them. It created such a fresh and airy palette, just perfect for Spring!


I used fallen eucalyptus branches from around my neighborhood and created the simple garland and wreath that adorned the table.


The table runner was made from a piece of cheese cloth cut to fit the length of the table, then tied off at the ends with some twine.


For the favors, I purchased mini cheddar cheese wheels from Trader Joe’s and tied each one up into a pretty little cheesecloth pouch, which I secured with twine and a sprig of fresh lavender.


Sweet little posy bouquets tied with white eyelet ribbon were attached to the back of each chair.


I love the idea of serving something simple yet delicious like artisan cheeses with an assortment of breads, crackers, and fresh fruit. Something anyone can do, and everyone will love!


I used zinc place cards to display the names of the different cheeses. These are great because they can be used over and over again. All you do is write on them with chalk, and erase when done!


To top if all off, I made some refreshing lavender lemonade spiked with a little citrus vodka. Yummy! I’ve shared the recipe below.

Though this shoot was designed with a brunch in mind, the same ideas could also be used for a sweetheart table, or a shower. Get creative and mix it up:)

Spiked Lavender Lemonade Recipe

5 cups of water, divided
3/4 cup sugar
1 1/2 cups lemon juice, approx. 8 lemons
1/2- 1 cup citrus vodka
Sprigs of lavender, with buds on

Directions:

- Boil 2 cups water.
- Put 4-5 lavender sprigs in a pitcher, then pour boiling water in.
- Quickly mix in sugar and lemon juice while water is still very hot.
- Let steep for approx. 10 minutes.
- Strain out lavender sprigs.
- Pour remaining water into the pitcher, cold.
- Add vodka and stir.
- Chill in fridge until ready to serve, then add some fresh sprigs of lavender to garnish.
- Enjoy!!!

—————————–

Last week was full of new online magazines! Another to debut was Styled. by A Subtle Revelry. I was so thrilled to learn that a link to our Sweet South African Wedding post was included, along with a photo from the wedding by Lizelle Lotter!!!

Make sure to check out both of these great magazines, they are chock full of inspiration! And a big, huge thanks for the features:)

0
06.25.10

An Eco-Friendly Plant Buffet…

As I was browsing through one of my favorite blogs, Magnolia Rouge, I saw something that blew my mind a little- a plant buffet! How simple, yet perfect is that?! I know I would love to take a little plant home as a wedding favor!!!

This sweet project was put together by the genius duo of Brancoprata. Their idea was to provide a unique option for brides and grooms who want to offer a green wedding favor to their guests. Love it!!!

Head over to Magnolia Rouge to see more!

{All images by Brancoprata via Magnolia Rouge}

0
02.23.10

Eco-friendly Bulb Centerpiece…

I was perusing one of my favorite florist blogs, small stump + studio choo, and came across these charming bulb gardens in glass containers. They were intended as a Valentines Day arrangement, but I think they would make absolutely perfect centerpieces. The best part is, they can be re-used after the wedding! They won’t die quickly like cut flowers, and the bulbs can be replanted in your garden. A tutorial for how to create these bulb gardens was posted here on the Brides website.

{All photos from the small stump+studio choo blog}

Are you planning to use plants or terrariums rather than cut flowers on your wedding day?