Bradley James Photography

Seasons of Love

0 · Jun 27, 2016 ·

This past week, I co-hosted a bridal shower for my younger sister. I am ridiculously excited for her wedding and so happy for her. However, this post isn’t really about her. Rather, it’s about something that was said during her shower that particularly struck me.

Whenever my family hosts a shower, we always include a small devotion. This shower was no exception and we asked a member of her church to share a few words. She started talking about fairytales (you may have seen a few sneaks of my sister’s Cinderella inspired proposal so this message was spot on) and then she spoke about the different seasons of love. Seasons of Love | Marriage Proposal | The Day's Design | Bradley James Photography

Photography: Bradley James Photography

Anyone who is married can tell you that those butterflies and pangs of longing and excitement don’t last forever. Happily ever after is something that you have to work at. Love has different seasons and is constantly evolving.

As she spoke, I began to wonder what it would be like to hold onto that so fresh in love feeling forever. I starting thinking about how miserable life might actually be if my gut was tormented eternally every time we were separated for 2 hours or if he didn’t return my call.

And then another memory came flashing back into my mind. My first love. I was sixteen years old and he was my everything. His mother, on the other hand, has some prude-like tendencies. I remember one night sitting and watching Groundhog Day with his entire family. Remember at the end when Bill Murray finally makes it through the night and it’s a different day in the morning? And Andie MacDowell is still there. In bed. With him. And then they kiss. And my boyfriend’s mother said “ugh, like anyone would kiss with morning breath”.

As a sixteen year old who was madly in love with her first boyfriend, I was appalled by this comment. Who cares?! I would have given anything to give my boy a kiss first thing in the morning. I could only dream about a time when this would be a real possibility. Thoughts of love, marriage and all sorts of romantic notions flooded my hormone infused teenage mind. My heart nearly broke every time I had to tell my boyfriend good bye.

Fast forward 15 years, 6 of which I have been married, and suddenly I can see where she was coming from. It’s certainly not because I don’t love my husband, but I prefer a little minty freshness in the morning. I’m in a different season of life, of love.

We need to cherish the season we’re in. If you’re newly engaged, this is your time to savor the feeling of novel love. The tingles and exhilaration will vanish overtime, but that doesn’t mean that either one of you have “fallen out of love” but instead, it has evolved into something new. Newfound emotions and levels of understand and commitment are just around the corner.

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10 Local Flower Favorites

0 · Jun 3, 2016 ·

Once upon a time, when we used to think of usual local flowers in your décor, images of black-eyed susans and statice in vibrant rainbow colors was the first thing to pop to mind, i.e. wildflowers. Today, floral designers across the country have found a balance of collecting any wild bloom they can find with making it more purposeful and part of your color story. Beautiful, textural and local artpieces are created.

When I talk about using local flowers, most of us imagine purchasing flowers Michigan’s huge flower farms – but not many exist. While I lot that thought, in reality when I saw using local or special seasonal touches, I’m really adding anything that I did not source from one of my wholesalers. For me, gathering local flowers may be a fresh farmer’s market bunch, picking a few extra special blossoms from my garden (when I don’t kill them first!), walking through the woods or collecting roadside finds or even heading to the greenhouse to disassembled a few potted treasures (which I will then try to plant later and probably kill). Here are a few of my very favorite ingredients found throughout the seasons and how I love to incorporate them into wedding and floral décor.

Blooming Branches

Whether you’re utilizing cherry blossoms, dogwood or service berry – May brings so many beautiful branches in bloom. These delicate blossoms add so much romance and texture to the overall design of the day and also create stunning floral photo backdrops.

Coral Bells

While the dainty little blossoms are sweet all on their own, my favorite part to use of this perennial is the foliage. The veins and color variation in a single leaf makes it the perfect complement piece. However, the stems are short at times depending upon variety and maturity of the plant, so often this greenery is better utilized as in centerpieces although I love to use them in bouquets whenever possible.

Dahlias

Big and bold, dahlias are a show stopper. The color variety ranges from deep burgundy’s to brighter pinks, yellow, whites and many shades in between. They start blooming late in July, with August and September being their prime time to shine. Use them in centerpieces, bouquets, on your cakes or really anywhere you want a bold conversation starter.

Foxglove

Known as fairy’s caps, thimbles or bumble bee hammocks, these linear blooms are spotted perfection. Early summertime is when they’ll beautify our lives. I sacrificed my plant’s only bloom last week for a bouquet and it was so worth it.

Hellebore

These moody blooms capture my heart every time. They’re one of the very first flowers to come to life after a long winter and are the very voice of refreshment. Also known as the Lenten rose, they’re perfect for bouquets, centerpieces and boutonnières.

Lavender

Such a soothing aroma to calm any wedding nerves. I had a plant in my garden that produced blooms from early June until autumn brought its first frost, however most commonly you’ll find fresh sprigs in July and as a dried herb at farmer’s market throughout the fall. I love adding these into boutonnières, bouquets and using them as place setting garnishments.

Lilacs

The fragrant blooms scream spring. They are worth waiting all winter for with their intoxicating scent, they make the perfect bouquet or centerpiece all on their own or can also be paired lots of other springtime favorites making a great border flower in shades of rich plum, lavender and white.

Peonies

Everyone’s favorite, the peony has become wedding royalty. Their ruffley array of petals just cannot be matched. While the spectrum of colors can be great, most commonly you’ll find shades of white, fuchsia and softer pink locally but on occasion I’ve seen a coral or red charm. Purchase them at roadside stands, the farmer’s market or plant a bush in your own back yard and enjoy the blooms throughout mid-June.

Pokeweed

American Pokeweed grows wild and is considered a nuisance by many. It has a long smooth leaf and green berries throughout the summer which become purple in the autumn. However, these are best utilized before the color change because once they turn, the berries fall easily from the stems and will stain anything they land on. They’re the perfect filler green for all your flowering needs.

Sweet Peas

These little pink blossoms start late June and grow almost everywhere that reaches the sun. So much beauty is added to the side of Michigan’s highways and the color lasts through late July. These hardy little vines are great in centerpieces and bouquets alike.

Photo credits:

Slideshow 1: Blooming Branch Cake, Ashley Slater Photography | Coral Bell Foliage, Bradley James Photography | Cafe au Lait Dahlia, Hetler Photography | Foxglove Bouquet, Bradley James Photography | Hellebore Boutonnière, Bradley James Photography

Sideshow 2: Spray Rose & Lavender Flower Crown, Kelly Sweet Photography | Lilacs, Ashley Slater Photography | Peony Bouquet, Kelly Sweet Photography | Pokeweed Centerpiece, Bradley James Photography | Sweet Pea Centerpiece, Bradley James Photography

A version of this post was originally published on Simply Blue Weddings, you can see it here.

Happy Flower Friday!!

A Story Waiting to be Written

0 · Apr 19, 2016 ·

Remember back in the day when people would want to show you slides from their vacations? Alright, so maybe I’m not that old but I have definitely been forced to sit through rolls of awful developed images with full of landscapes, with pictures and pictures of rocks and trees, a few buildings and inevitably the backside of the picture-taker’s thumb.

I remember always wondering why people would take so many pictures like this? Why aren’t there any people in these pictures? Where are the smiles and memories?

It’s funny how things change. Now, some of these person-less photos are some of my very favorites that come back after working on a wedding or an editorial piece. There’s an art and emotion that can be felt through this imagery. It’s like I can envision myself there without others in the picture to distract me. I’m instantly transported back to that time and place.

You may remember this post awhile back when I grumbled about the wedding guest who thought it was ridiculous that we’d want untouched reception photos. I’ve suddenly been able to jump in his shoes, channeling back to that time when I too thought “empty” snapshots were pointless.

While I can hardly compare some of the fine art produced by my photography friends on the same level as that of a disposable camera, I think the thought behind it was the same. There’s something special, something beautiful happening in front of them and they want to remember it forever. Those scenes deserved to be remembered always, whether they’re of a bride and groom, a flower girl twirling or simply the mountainside where the day of your dreams took place.

North Carolina Mountains | Team Flower Workshop | Heather Payne Photography

Photography: Heather Payne Photography

The above photo is from 2014, almost exactly two years ago in the mountains of North Carolina. I have oodles of flower pictures from that workshop, I have pictures with friends that I made that day. But this image always comes back to my mind. It instantly transports me back to that time and place.

Driftwood | Beach Wedding | The Day's Design | Bradley James Photography

Photography: Bradley James Photography

And this one. A simple piece of driftwood. I posted it on my Facebook page and had the most engagement that I’ve ever had for a non-floral picture. It seems relatively simple, nothing overly special about it – it just made me happy. I thought about the beach, what it would be like to walk there after a long cold winter. I thought about the first time I met Hallie (who’s wedding pictures it was a part of) and the day that we went on a sightseeing adventure when the weather finally began to thaw last April.

Beach Wedding | The Day's Design | Ashley Slater Photography

Photography: Ashley Slater Photography

Or this one. I certainly don’t love feet, but this image compels me.

I don’t know why these pictures are so powerful, why sometimes they can express more for me than I could even put into words. But I know they’re an important piece of the story. I know this world would be lost with only portrait photography. And there’s a reason beyond my understanding as to why when I’m playing with my own camera, I take picture after picture of my back yard – without a soul in sight or a real purpose behind it. There’s a story there – it’s just waiting to be written.

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A Lakeside Proposal

0 · Feb 1, 2016 ·

February 1st. This time of year is grey, speckled with storms of white and cabin fever has officially set in. I want to go outside and play. The wonder of the holidays is long gone and the newness of January has faded away. The only glimmer of celebration yet to behold is the fact that engagement season isn’t completely behind us, the next couple of weeks will wrap up the wave of romantic questions and as Valentine’s day is actually on a weekend this year which I think will increase the number of diamonds purchased and over the top proposals.

In early autumn, I put together a little engagement story of my own. I thought about where I would do it, how I would want it captured and of course what I would be wearing if I were the one asking that most important question. Wedding Paper Divas asked that we include a few of their save the dates and invitations in the storyline and sometimes something so simple can really bring the rest of the details together.

So as the days grew shorter, the autumn air greeted us with a crisp refreshment and the world began to take on a golden brown hue. We welcomed September rains, velvet touches and evenings illuminated by candlelight. With mixed metallics and touches of grey blue, we imagined a lakeside story filled with sequins and wheat grass, where rustic meets elegance and love was surely to thrive. The perfect place to start to the journey to “I do”. Photography: Bradley James Photography | Event & Floral Design: The Day’s Design | Venue: Clifford Lake Inn | Invitations/Save the Dates: Wedding Paper Divas | Calligraphy: Lief Designs | Ring box: Lumbertacks | Dress: Adrianna Papell | Cake: Pastry Chef Dana Lucas of Clifford Lake Inn

Olivia and Carter are just the dreamiest couple. While this was staged and not the actual moment he proposed, they did recently get engaged and I get to help floralize their real wedding this summer. Olivia will be a stunning bride!

If you’re seeking inspiration for an amazing proposal (or helping to point your beau in the right direction) you can always suggest that he doesn’t have to go it alone. Perhaps hire a photographer, get in touch with a wedding planner or guide him towards wedding professionals who won’t take over the creative process, but rather enhance it and help make the moment even more memorable.

The shoot was also featured on Ruffle Blog back in December.

Real Weddings :: Hallie & Eric

0 · Jan 21, 2016 ·

I love the planning and designing, the dreaming and getting to know each and every one of my brides. Often there are day trips to distant destinations, drinks over design plans and yummy bakery treats (I know, I have a rough job!). I’m always so eager for the wedding day to actually arrive and then see the fruits of my labors and watch a bride’s dreams come true. Seeing flower recipes on paper is nothing compared to holding the blooms in your hands and gingerly adding yards of flowing lace to a finished bouquet. And yet it’s always a little bittersweet as this will be the end of scheming, late night emails and vintage treasure hunts.

On a balmy day in mid July, my journey with one such bride ended – only so she could begin a new one with the love of her life. From the moment I met Hallie, I knew that her wedding day would be fabulous. She had chosen a horse farm in Ludington to host both her ceremony and reception and she hoped to bring along lots of vintage, rustic and girly touches. Dusty blue was the primary color inspiration, allowing shades of pink to naturally introduce itself through the floral palette and patterns on the vintage china. We aimed for softness, without being too pastel and added rustic details alongside timeless touches of silver and lace. You may remember their dusty and vintage inspiration board which I wrote about last week.

Her roses were flown in from California and paired with some goodies naturally found in our back yards. Sweet pea added just the perfectly subtle pop of pink and the carnations I used stole my heart. Please trust me and let me use carnations – sometimes they hold the most unusual and glorious hues. Not to mention, they’re a completely sturdy flower that humidity barely takes a toll on.

Dear Hallie & Eric – I hope what they say is true and rain is good luck on your wedding day, the heavens let down some nasty storms that morning, as we all weathered through it. You two deserve so much happiness and it was an absolute pleasure being a part of your wedding day.

Trust the Experts

0 · Jan 19, 2016 ·

I love wedding blogs as much as the next gal. I read them here and there, find inspiration and even advertise on a couple. But sadly, I have to say that they don’t always get it 100% right. Occasionally I can even go as far to say that I’m appalled by the information that they’re sharing with their readers and my brides.

Autumn bouquet | The Day's Design | Bradley James Photography

Photography: Bradley James Photography

It is true that every last wedding vendor has their own opinions on how things should be done in the wedding industry, much less in their specific area of expertise. We all wish that others might change their way of thinking or order of operations. Yes, everyone is entitled to their own thoughts and ideas.

However, with all that being said, who should brides really turn to for advice on wedding planning? Who can we trust if not these nation-wide, big name publications?

When it comes to flowers, trust a florist. Flowers are a big focus of the wedding industry and instantly grab one’s attention. But when I see one of my bouquets featured on XYZ’s Instagram page and captioned as they’re “obsessing over this dogwood bouquet” and yet I’ve actually never played with dogwood before and definitely didn’t include it in that particular bouquet, it makes me a bit leery on all fronts. It’s not the first time I’ve witness similar such situations.

When it comes to budgeting advice, take note of your city or market. What a photographer or wedding planner charges in one destination might be a far cry for what they could potentially charge if they lived somewhere else. Be cautious of posts detailing these incredibly awesome celebrations that were done for under $5,000-7,000. I’m not saying that it’s impossible here in Michigan. All I’m asking is that you consider the story that goes untold – their best friend was a florist and did the flowers for free, there were only 20 guests, uncle Tom owns a venue, they didn’t serve a full meal, the bride was a frazzled mess because she took on too many projects herself… pictures and blog post don’t always tell the entire story. Budget is a really tricky topic to talk about and “inexpensive” can have a range of interpretations. And mostly their referring to nation wide stats and numbers.

When it comes to food, talk to you caterer. Each and every chef is different and has different pricing structures, timelines, service styles and ideas. Farm to table and family style options are really on trend right now, but that doesn’t mean its right for you event. Or perhaps a plated dinner would be much more cost effective. I’ve seen both options work in the bride and groom’s favor.

When it comes to lighting and family photo timelines, your photographer will know best. Photographers all use different cameras, equipment and know the methods that work best for them to capture your perfect moments. I’ve worked with lots of fabulous photographers and while it seems there are lots of common rules, many have their own little tricks and preferences and it’s not a one size fits all situation. But I absolutely will NOT tell you to be off beat and ditch a photographer all together in favor of Facebook photo shares or disposable cameras – there are publications that have completely lost my respect as of late.

Have to seen the pattern here? As a wedding planner I know lots of do’s and don’ts but I can’t play expert in each of these categories, I can simply guide you to them. Wedding blogs are the same. They see lots of things, but until they’re actually there in the moment, living through the situation and seeing the day through each vendors’ eyes, they can’t tell you how to plan your wedding. Hire creatives who are each experts in their own field and have fun planning your wedding your way.

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Featured :: An Autumn Engagement on Ruffled Blog

0 · Dec 17, 2015 ·

The days are shorter, the air is cool and the world is taking on a golden brown hue. We welcomed September rains, brought out velvet touches and are savoring evenings by candlelight and now have added tinsel to our shopping lists. It’s a clear sign that engagement season is officially upon us. When I saw Wedding Paper Diva’s dreamy invitation suite with its fairytale-like lake scene the whole story of the romantic early autumn proposal jumped to life. With mixed metallics and touches of grey blue, we imagined a lakeside story filled with sequins and wheat grass, where rustic meets elegance and love was surely to thrive. The perfect place to start to the journey to “I do”.

Olivia and Carter made the perfect models as he had proposed to Olivia less than a month before. The chemistry between this gorgeous couple was so natural. Clifford Lake Inn was the perfect host, which it’s refined rustic decor and understated lakeside charm. And Sam (of Bradley James Photography) captured the mood of the shoot with absolute perfection. Today you can see the entire feature over on Ruffled Blog.

Creating a Wedding Mood Board

0 · Nov 10, 2015 ·

Refining your wedding vision is often a struggle. There are so many great ideas out there and so many amazing vendors who can help bring those visions into reality. But one of the biggest challenges I find are really clear cutting that vision and then being able to accurately describe what it is that you want to each and every artist who is playing a role in your celebration.

Descriptive terms are awesome. When a brides starts telling me that she’d like her wedding to be simple, elegant, organic and natural a certain scene begins to unfold. Then color gets added into the conversation, pale blush, ivory, champagne and greenery. The picture is officially painted in my mind at this point.

Then I skip on over to her Pinterest board. All hope begins to fade away. Suddenly I’m seeing vibrant hues of peach and green. I’ve seen swatches of white kissed with blush but I’ve also seen a pink that almost leans towards lavender. I heard the words “elegant and classic” but I’m seeing birch bark and wooden boxes which to me say more rustic and woodsy. And that’s just digging through the first 30 pins because after all, you know every girl’s wedding board is easily filled with 100+.

I’m not here to get on my Pinterest soap box because I really think it’s a great tool and I used it repeatedly. Maybe a bouquet was pinned simply because of the shape or style. Maybe the bride loved everything about a certain centerpiece but not the container. Perhaps she loved the votives on a tabletop but not necessarily everything else about the design. One can never be certain why a particular image was saved. So what I’m suggesting you do instead is hone it down for your vendors and share a simple, one page inspiration or mood board.

What is a mood board?

Just like when you’re on a romantic night out you look for a date night activity with the right atmosphere, so should you set the tone for your wedding. Romance in all in the eye of the beholder – some might enjoy a playful get-together at a carnival while others are thinking of candlelight dinners in a fine dining restaurant. Both locations set a different mood.

The key is to gather elements that evoke a certain feeling rather than focusing the exact elements that you want included in your wedding. Sometimes including non-wedding elements is another great option. Your wedding should be a reflection of you, so that includes components from your personal life too.

Isn’t my Pinterest board enough?

The truth is you probably have 5 different place card options pinned. Odds are there are about 10 cakes that you like. The number of bridal bouquets that you love are endless. But having a very simplified board to guide you and anchor you home when you begin to feel overwhelmed will help so much. Your baker probably isn’t going to scroll through your 100+ pins, but they will look at a one page to gather inspiration.

So here’s an example of one that I might put together for one of my brides based on the above description of her event. And then I share it with all of her vendors, as any good wedding planner should.

Image Credit (top row, left to right): Photography: Jose Villa, Boutonnieres: Mindy Rice Floral Design via Once Wed | Photography: Bradley James Photography, Bouquet: The Day’s Design | Cake via These Peas are Hollow

(middle row, left to right): Image via Stylish Walks | Photography: Rylee Hitcher via Once Wed | Image via Lover.ly

(bottom row, left to right): Rug via Joss & Main | Photography: Rylee Hitcher, Invitation: Meagan Tidwell

When it’s More than Just Cold Feet (Part 2)

0 · Oct 29, 2015 ·

Photography: Bradley James Photography

Returning gifts, cancelling plans, pleading with vendors for a refund, thousands of dollars lost, returning your ring – cancelling your wedding is a horrid chapter of life and a very humbling moment in your story. After my last post, someone mentioned how proud I should be that I was able to make the right choice. It was hard to think of it in that light. It was much easier to feel embarrassed that I had made the wrong decision in the first place, it was easier to wonder why I had never seen what a poor match we were before. When outsiders asked how the wedding planning was going, I was ashamed to say that all planning had ceased. “We called it off.” Those words pierced me.

I felt like a lost soul. I had to re-find my single self and remember who I was without him. And that might have been one of the biggest challenges of all.

Skipping forward – how do you know this is the man your supposed to marry? That’s the question I left you with at the conclusion of Tuesday’s post. That was a question that ran through my mind for a long time. I lost a little trust in myself. I felt like my instincts were now off. I could never let something like this happen again.

All I can speak of is my own experience. But for me, there wasn’t even a shadow of a doubt that floated into my mind when the right proposal came along.

In my broken engagement, I prayed for a sign. I prayed for a closed door if this wasn’t the direction my life was supposed to go. Be careful what you pray for. A huge sign came crashing down on me and was so obvious there was not a chance I could ignore it. In my current relationship, of course I prayed for guidance but it wasn’t a scary plea. It wasn’t a prayer born out of fear, it was a prayer of wisdom and care and thankfulness.

So how did I know that I’d met the man I was supposed to marry? Everything was just different. The overall aura of the relationship was unique to any other bond I had experienced. And I might not have recognized that without my past misfortunes. There was a calmness and peace. There was a security and my self-doubt seemed to fade away. I didn’t feel like I had lost myself with him, but rather I was able to be myself. My past heartbreak gave me the confidence to move forward. I now knew what I wanted and who I wanted to be. And most importantly, I knew who I wanted to have standing beside me as I strived to be that person.

There is a happy ending on the road ahead.

“Don’t rush into love, because even in fairytales the happy ending takes place on the last page”. – author unknown

How to RSVP for a Wedding

0 · Aug 26, 2015 ·

This might seem like a silly post. Everyone knows how to RSVP for a wedding, right? It seems so obvious. But oddly enough, it’s been one of my biggest battles this year – gathering the guest count!

Photography: Bradley James Photography

So here we go – whether you’re a bride sending out those precious invites or just something planning (or not planning) to attend a summer soirée, here’s what you need to know about that little card inserted within the invitation, commonly known as the RSVP card.

To start, I strongly believe that RSVPs should be done through the mail. You’re not saving yourself any time by accepting them via email, Facebook messages, text, etc. You already receive enough emails regarding your wedding and you’re not always near someplace to track the RVSP if you collect those via phone/text. Purchase the cute little card that matches your invitation. Then make sure that it’s address to where ever you’d like these little RSVPs to arrive – your house, your parent’s home… whoever is going to be responsible and keep them in a safe place. Put a stamp on it. Make it easy and convenient for your guests.

Near the top of an RSVP should be a date. This is the date that it is due to be returned by. Place it in the mail prior to this date. This is so the bride and groom can collect final counts for not only the caterer, but the number of tables and chairs that need to be rented, the number of centerpieces needed, the number of programs, menu cards, favors and desserts. And after that data is all processed, they can then begin the daunting task of table assignments. If you RSVP late, your run the risk of being unfed and shoved at the “reject table”.

Under that date is a line. That line typically starts with an “M”. It looks something like this:

M______________

I cannot count the number of times that I’ve been asked about this “M”. That “M” is just a starting point, it might stand for Mr. or Mrs., Miss or Madame – fill in the rest of the blank however you’d like the be addressed. Some modern invitations eliminate the “M” and just leave a blank line or perhaps they say “Guest Names” which is really specific for you. Whatever it says, make sure that somewhere on that card is your name and the names of those who will be attending with you. If you do not put your name on the card, they cannot track who the RSVP came from and you will be bothered later with a phone call wondering why you have not responded to the wedding invite.

Entrée selection. This might be listed on the RSVP card but it might not. It just depends on what is being served and whether or not the guest has a choice. For the purpose of this article, we’re going to say that the guest is being given a choice of entrée. That means you must choose one – one for each guest RSVPing. So that means if there are 4 names on the card, there should be 4 entrees selected. Bonus points for letting us know who is eating which entrée (initials or something similar is extremely helpful), otherwise you might be playing the switch-a-roo game later.

We changed our minds. It happens. But realize that this is an inconvenience. If you’re no longer attending, the bride and groom may have already paid for your meal, set an extra seat, paid the calligrapher to create you a tag, etc. If you decided to attend afterall – the bride and groom now have to get in touch will all of these various people and make sure that they can squeeze you in at a table somewhere. To be a good guest, make a decision and stick with it.

Everyone must RSVP. That’s right, EVERYONE. If you received an invitation, it included a card with an envelope that already had a stamp on it. Don’t waste that stamp, send it back to the bride and groom. Even if you’re the mother of the bride or best man, don’t assume that they know you’re coming. The bride and groom might not be the ones tallying up the RSVP cards – they may have delegated that to a bridesmaid, sister or wedding planner who will not know to assume that you’ll be there. And they definitely won’t know what you want to eat or how many are in your party.

And finally, only the people who were clearly listed on the addressed envelope should be attending. If the outer envelope is addressed to Mr. and Mrs. John Smith. Then there are 2 people invited, only 2. I don’t care that it’s an out of town wedding and that you have to travel with your 6 kids, those 6 kids were not invited. Don’t hassle the bride and groom, it’s their decision and I’m sure it wasn’t made lightly and there are probably lots of reasons unknown to you as to why your children were not invited. If the children are invited, it will say on the invitation Mr. and Mrs. John Smith and Family or it will specifically name the children who are invited. Children who are over 18 or not living in the same household will be sent a separate invitation.

So brides, there’s the detailed info on how to create and send the RSVPs. And guests, make it easy on those brides, they’ve got a lot on their plate – return those cards properly filled out.

Silence on the Social Front

0 · Jul 22, 2015 ·

It saddens me that nearly a month has passed since my last post. I love blogging. I love sharing tidbits, advice and thoughts about weddings and life in general with all my amazing readers. So when busy takes over and I cannot find a moment to clear my head, write a sentence or much less format a post that’s worth reading, I find myself a little depressed.

It all comes down to priorities. I’m still dreaming of flowers, ribbons and foraging for the most perfect accents for each and every bridal bouquet. I am scheming up designs, laying out floor plans, creating flower recipes and timelines. But being a wedding planner is a selfless profession. It takes an enormous amount of dedication to each and every couple. It’s their needs that are put first, not my own. While I try to find balance in as many places as I possibly can, I always know that my clients come first. It’s their once in a lifetime experience that’s important, not my need to share what I’m up to with the world.

To the outside world, when things become quiet on the social media front it appears that we are doing nothing, we’re not busy and have little to share. To anyone in the wedding industry, we know that this is when we’re our busiest making wedding dreams come true.

Here’s just a peak at one of those dreamy days that we were honored to be a part of. Wishing the happiest of marriages to Hallie and Eric.

Photo by Bradley James Photography, from our wedding together last weekend in Ludington.

All in the Details

0 · Sep 3, 2014 ·

As wedding season seems to have flown past, I’ve observed many tips and trips simply by trial and error that I’m really excited to share with you in the upcoming months. One of the biggest things that has been on my mind lately though is the details. You know, all those agonizing little pieces of the wedding day that you spend hour and hours debating, contemplating and Pinteresting.

I love hearing what a bride has in store or coming up with creative ways to help a bride display items, bring some personality into her day and tie all those final touches together. We’re talking ribbon selections for the bouquets, escort cards, linen, favors, hankies, bowties, shoes and the list goes on and on. Weddings are full of details. It’s pretty rare for a bride who has hired me not to care about these things. The memory of these details is sure to fade, do you want to remember?

With the majority of my clients this year being partial planning or floral only, I haven’t had the opportunity to assist many of my couples with selecting their photographers, which is usually one of the first vendors hired. Interestingly enough, the photographers hired aren’t always ones that love details as much as the brides. Different photographers have different styles and focus more on various aspects of the wedding day.

So how do you hire a photographer that loves details? Look at a photographer’s portfolio – are they capturing the cute signs the flowergirls are carrying down the aisle? Can you get a sense of the story of the day from their galleries or do they focus more on portrait and candid photography? Sure they might have a couple of ring shots in their portfolio, but do they schedule a time to get pictures of the entire ceremony or reception before the guests have been seated, drinks have been spilled and flowers have wilted? Are they going to arrive at the reception beforehand to see the escort card display? Are they arriving early enough in the wedding day to get pictures of your gorgeous shoes before you’ve walked through the grass? Do they have a second shooter to help capture some of these extra shots? How balanced are their wedding albums?

It’s completely unrealistic to list every detail that you want photographed but if you want the majority of them captured, then be sure to make these wishes known. You’ve spent time and money on these pieces of your day, so why not have them captured in an artful way? I love this post from Ashley Slater Photography talking about detail shots – great tips for photographers, wedding pros and brides alike!

All wedding details above captured by Bradley James Photography.

The New Brand Conundrum

0 · Jul 25, 2014 ·

I’ve been working with Anchor & Ink on a new logo design for a couple months now. Chelsi oozes talent – her painting, her lettering, it’s all simply fabulous.

I approached her because I don’t feel my current logo, and complete branding/business for that matter, truly represent me. Now I know I’ve rambled on before about my style, etc. but it’s hard sometimes to dig deep and recognize who you really are and what you really want. And on top of that, I think who you are evolves over time – a time that might be shorter than you think.

I have never been a fan of pink. I mean it’s cute, fun and at times romantic but it’s never really been my cup of tea. But for some reason a couple years ago I was crushing on it, hard. So I have pink business cards and doses of it scattered throughout my website. Did I deviate from who I am or was there a time where I actually was that person? I think my old self is starting to creep back and suddenly the only place I want to see pink is in flowers and on my baby girl. But I’m still very open to working and creating with the color as it seems to keep sneaking into my events. Blush and gold seems to be every bride’s fantasy and I’m perfectly alright with that.

So where does that leave me? Well that’s a question I’ve been asking for a while now. Designing a logo is hard. I’m a difficult client. Hmph.

This is my current branding, which I am reevaluating after much much much soul searching. I’m digging deep to figure out who I am and who I want this business of mine to represent. But in the end here’s what I’ve discovered when it comes to marketing — I’d rather go play with flowers!

All pictures by the wonderful Bradley James Photography.

Soon, very soon, I’ll show you what’s in the final works. I just put my big girls pants on and made a couple of decisions — because it’s the middle of wedding season, what else do I have going on right now???

Defined :: Shabby Chic

0 · Jun 10, 2014 ·

Photo by Bradley James Photography

Brides often start painting me a picture of their beautiful “shabby chic” wedding day and as an artist myself, I pick my paint brush and jump right on board only to realize that we’ve created 2 completely different pieces of art. My vision of shabby chic does not always align with theirs.

Just because something is old, does not make it shabby chic. Likewise, newer pieces can also be reminiscent of a shabby chic style. Vintage does not equal shabby chic, however I find it extremely common for people to use the two interchangeably in a conversation.

My vision of shabby chic: soft tones, muted pastels, layers of chipped paint, florals, roses and quite possibly romantic lacey touches. It’s an airy and collected feel. I imagine a room with gorgeous light flooding in through white French style doors that have been left open all summer long. Sunlight fills the air, with sheer curtains, leaving no corner untouched. I imagine touching my bare feet on painted wooden floors and wrapping myself in white cotton and linen. And gradually, over time the sun takes its toll, and the beautifully feminine style of the décor begins to fade leaving behind soft blushes, pretty peaches and pale blues in favor of their bolder counterparts. Occasionally I allow a few rustic touches to mix in, but for the most part I loved to imagine this world with tone-on-tone ivory and white living together in blissful harmony.

I would love to create a truly shabby chic wedding for you. It makes my heart flutter just thinking about it.

And if you’d like to read more about the shabby chic style you can do so here.

Why Does It Cost So Much?

0 · Jun 6, 2014 ·

Ever notice how much life costs? Yeah, I figured you have. It seems like you start a project, get all excited, plans made, blueprints drawn and then you start shopping. And once you start shopping the totals just keep add up, and up. And somehow, even though you had planned well and thought this was going to be simple it ended up costing so much more than originally estimated.

Why does it cost so much?

I’m not just talking about weddings, although there’s a huge case to be made for those (and you can read some follow blogger’s view on this subject here and here), but I think this is just plain old life in general. I’m so completely guilty of wanting to stick it to the big companies and get the best deal possible, taking after my dad and doubling, then tripling coupons finding a rebate and then in the end the store actually pays me to take the item off their shelves. Yup, this would call for a victory dance. So in the same manor, I try to negotiate and barter and score the best deals with everyone, always shopping around and exploring all possibilities. But somewhere down the line someone is feeling the pain of that discount. They might be working extra jobs to make up in quantity what their profit margins are lacking. Or maybe they just have to live a little bit more modest life. I don’t know those end stories.

What I can attest to is the surprisingly high costs of running a business and running life. And I don’t like to talk about money, but it is a part of living every day. As someone who runs their own business and wants to make you flowers for every occasion imaginable – for free—it pains me to say that my services don’t fit within your budget. I want to plan a stress free wedding day for you just because you deserve it. And I want to see a happy new married couple at the end of each day.

So here’s my biggest budgeting tip: plan for the unexpected. Something unexpected will happen – whether you fall in love with a piece of furniture that just has to be part of your new décor or a tree falls through your roof, I think we need to remember we’re not in complete control of our surroundings and when something unexpected happens, sometimes it costs A LOT.

{Similarly this is a huge piece of wedding advice I pass along too – something unexpected will happen at your wedding. Count on it.}

And then focus on the end goal. As totals keep adding up, consider whether or not the extra item is really needed or if that money might be better suited somewhere else or even left in your pocket. Remember what will truly make you happy. Always focus on what matters most.

So why does it cost so much? Because someone is trying to make a living by selling their product and services. It’s as simple as that.

And be cause donuts are better than balance sheets (supposidly it’s National Donut Day!!), here’s a photo by Unikke Photography.

Inspiring a Brand

0 · May 13, 2014 ·

I want a brand inspired by the beautiful things that surround me every day. I love natural elements and think that nature provides the best color palettes. But it’s not just nature that surrounds me, its family, love, my home and those who I hold dear.

I love walking into a venue or space and feeling completely overwhelmed with its beauty – it can be a bank, a ballroom or a walk in the park. Inspiration is everywhere. I have an extremely hard time defining my style because I love it all! And personal details make my heart go pitter patter.

I was asked to pick 3 words to either describe my brand or how I’d like my brand to be perceived. However, this has truly proven to be a difficult task. I adore garden inspired parties with relaxed blooms and casual elegance. But black tie affairs with lush gowns and overflowing florals get me pretty geeked as well. And if you want to talk unique venues in urban spaces or lofty environments, well I can dive right into that conversation too! Modern, retro, vintage, woodsy & natural and yet classic? I can’t pick!

I do however, have some design staples or rules that seem to always apply to my events.

Include a natural element. Even super modern and clean events should include something from nature, just to soften and add some realness to the space and prevent it from feeling too stark. Some examples might be natural wood, leafy greens or even flowers. Burlap, bamboo and other natural fibers are also great choices.

A touch of black will add depth to the space. While not everything in my portfolio has something black in it, I do think this a good rule of thumb to remember. It doesn’t have to be something big, it can be as simple as the writing on your menus, but just that slight touch will add a little edginess to the overall design.

A girl can never have too much sparkle. Or maybe you can – sometimes less truly is more. But either way, I like to incorporate something shiny into all of my designs, I just can’t help myself! I think the contrast sequins or glitter provide against a raw and natural birch bark is amazing! And glitz kind of makes me weak at the knees! Isn’t this why we adore chandeliers hanging in trees so much??

And I’m a little bit fancy. I don’t really care much for mundane and ordinary things. So I add a pop of fancy and unexpected. While I definitely love my tattered and torn blue jeans, collection of heels is pretty rocking too. The two combined just make me saw “wow”.

Remember this shoot I put together last summer with Bradley James Photography? I tried to capture all of the above and while my style is in constant evolution, I think this does a pretty great job of telling my story.

Organized Chaos

0 · May 7, 2014 ·

Today my desk is filled with a miss matched jumble of design proposals, flower orders, coffee cups and parties all over my mind! Frankly, today is a struggle keeping it all straight. Ever wonder what it’s like being inside my mind? Just imagine 2,8xx Internet browsers tabs open all at the same time – only in paper form, scattered across my desk! (I’m sure you’ve heard that quote before, but there’s so much true behind it!!)

The real problem is, I have deadlines approaching for proposals, which I’m super excited about, but more presently on my mind is yesterday, when I had this amazing site visit at a barn venue that I just can’t stop thinking about. And then on top of that, this morning brought a chat with another venue for a project that’s going to be equally amazing. So I have random thoughts and ideas that I need to chase and then scribble down on the nearest pieces of paper possible (before I lose it), but then I tell myself to go back to my focus. And then I’m distracted with another thought – it’s a viscous, never ending cycle!

I tell myself that I live in organized chaos, or maybe it’s disorganized, who can even tell anymore?! But this is how I know I need to focus on the design portion of my job – because even though it may seem hectic, it also makes me feel alive. I am giddy when I get to work on design sketches and floral orders. And then making it all come together, well that’s like one big puzzle and I’ve always loved the challenge of an organizational puzzle!

Picture by Bradley James Photography

How to face this battle:

Focus (as much as humanly & creatively possible) on one project at a time. Clear your desk of all other distractions and notes. And when you finish with that one project, you then have my permission to move onto the next, and so on and so forth. There’s a great sense of accomplishment by scratching a finished piece off of your to-do list. So simply prioritize and move your way down the list. Sounds super easy, right?

Okay… I just had to pop in and give myself a little pep talk, now I’m back to work and going to try taking my own advice!!!

Where to Draw the Line

0 · Apr 24, 2014 ·

Earlier today I was reading a post about money saving ideas for weddings and planning on a budget. I realize everyone has their own ideas, and it seems that all “rules” have been thrown out the window. I myself am guilty of encouraging couples to do whatever pleases them and making the celebration truly their own, representing a happy start to their marriage.

But how far is too far? When is an idea unique and quirky, and when is it just downright tacky? How do you battle the frivolous and the budget conscious?

I was nodding along to the entire article, which made points about prioritizing and focusing on 3 things that you find the most important, and considering the sacrifices you’ll make if you hire a friend verse a professional to do certain tasks, such as videography among other services. I can completely be on board with these ideas. My jaw did not actually hit the floor until I saw a comment at the end suggesting the best way to save money is to have a potluck style reception. Yes, in fact, this person was suggesting that you ask your guests to bring a dish to pass. I’m not even sure where to begin with a response to that. To me, you have crossed a line. I cannot fathom this nor comprehend how to word this with even a little dignity and etiquette on a wedding invitation.

I would classify this as too far. But perhaps, others find this normal? Do they?

Photo by Bradley James Photography

So here are some thoughts you might want to consider when you’re considering these more innovative and out-of-the-box wedding ideas:

What’s the motivation?

Is your unique idea a true representation of you or your family? Are you serving pizza because it’s a super cheap option or because it’s a tradition in your family to eat pizza every Saturday night (not to mention, everyone love pizza, right?!) Are you using sequined linens because you love all things glitter or because Sally did at her wedding and your wedding has to be better than hers? Did you just see the idea on Pinterest and think it was cool or is it actually your personal decorating style?

Will it make your guests uncomfortable?

While your wedding day might be all about you and your love, it doesn’t hurt to make your guests happy too. That super cheap wedding venue without AC might look good on paper, but when the thermometer hits 90+ in the middle of July, you might be singing a different tune. You don’t want the most memorable part of your wedding to be the negative. Situations can also make people feel uncomfortable. I personally feel awkward when I’m attending a wedding that I know nothing about, inside or outside venue, formality levels, etc. And being asked to bring a dish would simply leave me scratching my head and make me feel really uneasy, what in the world should I bring?!

Will it be fun?

People like fun. Your wedding is celebration. Yes, it is a serious commitment that should be honored, but to me, celebrations are a happy time. And happy can easily translate into fun. How are you going to celebrate your wedding date? Make it special and have fun!

These are just a couple ideas to consider among the long list of craziness that surrounds a wedding. As a wedding planner, I hear and see ideas quite often that leave me amazed – both in a good and bad way. So as you’re stretching your budget, searching for different ideas and considering unique approaches to your celebrations, I simply encourage you to take just a moment to stop and think about what you’re doing, why you’re doing it and the effects it might have on those around you!

Happy Planning!

It’s Wedding Weather! When to get Married in Michigan

0 · Feb 7, 2014 ·

Hey West Michigan! Want to talk about the weather? Does anyone else feel like that’s the only topic being discussed right now? Yes we have snow… thanks for the update. Sheesh!!

When I was younger, any time we were planning an event or family gathering in the winter my grandparents were always the first to chime in and say “depending on the weather.” “The roads could get bad.” “It is January, so you never know!” Ugh… I thought they were so lame and major worry warts.

Last Monday morning as I was driving down the road picking up props and supplies for my “fishy fun” project (search #fellinloveinfishtown on Instgram for some peeks), I couldn’t help but wonder why I was out on the roads. Crazy white out conditions! And my husband’s only response is “the things we do for photos!” True enough.

I have a really poor knack for picking dates for major events. I think it might run in the family. And I realize this is not what you want to hear from your wedding planner, so I’ll just let you pick the date! But what I was really wondering is if weather played a huge role in how you chose the date (or at least the time of year) you wanted to get married? I was thinking this morning about the pros and cons of getting married in each season.

Photo by Heather Cisler Photography

Winter (December – Mid March):

Pros-

Possibility for gorgeous snowy pictures
Less popular months to get married in, more vendor availability
Less conflicts for you wedding guests vacations schedules and social calendars (unless you choose December)
Getting married in December means the whole world is decorated with twinkle lights & greens – which could help your décor budget
You can serve warm beverages and winter comfort foods
Crystals and all things glittery blend oh-so perfectly!

Cons-

Possibly for poor weather – it could be snowy, icy or grey and dismal outside
It’s cold! Outside pictures are going to take some stamina
No greenery or leaves to add color to your wedding photos
You may need a pair of boots to wear under your wedding dress
December brides beware: the whole world seems to be decorated in twinkle lights and Christmas décor, which might clash with your wedding décor

Photo by Bradley James Photography

Spring (Mid March – May):

Pros-

Everything seems fresh and new which is a great feeling to have when starting your lives together
Spring flowers are A.MAZ.ING
Everyone is tired of being cooped up and ready to get outside
Possibility for warm, sunshiny day
It’s early in the wedding season, so vendors are fresh and excited about the upcoming season

Cons-

It can still be cold outside (last spring it was still snowing in May)
Two words: April showers
If your guests have children, be sure to take note of Spring Break schedules
Sometimes everything is still grey and muddy outside, not the lush green visions we have dancing in our heads

Photo by Chelsea Seekell Photography

Summer (June – August):

Pros-

The weather should be warm
More venue possibilities since outdoor spaces are also an option
Lots of flowers to choose from
Kids are on summer vacation, making it travel easier
More daylight hours

Cons-

It could be more expensive, since it’s prime wedding season
Less vendors to availability (unless you book early)
The weather could be too hot… giving you a nice glossy look in your photos
Humidity. Enough said.
Conflicts with summer vacation plans
You may have to also have a backup locations, if you’re choosing to celebrate outside

Photo by Bradley James Photography

Autumn (September – November):

Pros-

Our minds start shifting to warm and cozy favorites, which is a great ambiance to create for a wedding
The changing leaves and color make a stunning backdrop for pictures
Fall décor is easy to come by and has many budget friendly options
You may still have your summer suntan

Cons-

Nights cool down faster
Guest may have used all of their vacation time during the summer
Busy schedules with sports, back to school, etc.
September can be a rainy month
Autumn months are gaining popularity and are no longer considered “off season”

So what month will you be married in? Is the weather influencing your decision? I’m not sure what I would do if I had to plan it all over again, I love them all!

Pep Talks: Hovering over the “Send” Button

0 · Jan 23, 2014 ·

I have chatted about fear before. But that doesn’t mean I have overcome all of mine. So here we are again… I’m thinking about the risks we take every day. They may be large or small, but they still exist. Every time you leave the safety of your own house there’s a chance that something good or bad could happen to you. There’s a chance something could happen if you stay at home too. But most of us don’t stay cooped up, afraid to exit our front doors because we could get hit by a bus or attacked by a swarm of angry bees. We can’t think about all the bad things that could possibly happen to us.

Remember when the weather was warm and we could eat outside? {Sigh} Photo by Bradley James Photography

Earlier this month I had the amazing opportunity to see the Zac Brown Band in concert. Awesome. I highly recommend. As I was standing there watching them perform, a line to one of their songs really hit me, “You may fall down on your face, roll the dice and have some faith”. I have heard the song a hundred times. But for some reason it really resided with me that night. I made a silent vow to myself; I was going to take more risks.

So here I am, twenty days later dreaming about an idea, reaching out to others in the industry and afraid to hit the “send” button. What if they think it’s dumb? Why are we so scared to taking chances? I hate that I care so much what others think!

But I do. Even though I try to tell myself that I don’t, that I need to make myself happy and do what’s best for my family. “Roll the dice and have some faith.” Faith. Faith. Faith. That’s what I need. You don’t know if you don’t ask, right?

What are you scared to fight for? Is it worth the risk?

Little Sister Getting Married {To Be Continued}

0 · Jan 14, 2014 ·

I have fairly openly blogged about my little sister’s wedding, a little more-so than with other brides and projects I’m working on. Her wedding has truly been a labor of love with lots of gorgeous details in the works. There’s also been a lot of anticipation for this event; I hear buzz from wedding guests, other vendors and friends alike. “You’re going to blog the results, right???” I can’t even count the number of times those words have been said.

But the piece of the wedding that makes the day so beautiful is the love, commitment and the person you have waiting for you at the end of the aisle. And sometimes throughout the planning process another truth is presented. Sometimes you realize that your family is perfect just the way it is.

Photo by Bradley James Photography

While its human nature to long for companionship, I truly believe the best relationships might be the ones that are right in front of you – your family, your best friend, your beautiful little girl. Your {future} spouse may not necessarily make your life complete.

My little sister is completely heartbroken after making the tough decision to call off her wedding, which was supposed to have taken place past weekend. It’s a brave and bold choice to make. But I fully support her decision and know from the bottom of my heart that she will triumph over this.

I originally thought that this would be the final post in the “Little Sister Getting Married” series, however I have rethought this. It’s just To Be Continued, a little stalling period to keep the audience in suspense. I have no doubt that the best in her life is yet to come.

Overcoming your Three Greatest Challenges in the New Year

0 · Jan 3, 2014 ·

Well friends, 2014 is officially here. And after traveling to Lake Leelanau, Detroit and East Lansing and hosting 2 dinner parties all in the past 2 weeks, I’m ready for life to start getting back to a normal pace. I am also ready for focus on things ahead.

I have never been one for New Year’s resolutions though. I suppose it’s really more of a fear of failing at them, which most people do. So rather than concurring my fears, I tend to just avoid them. Which right now, I fully intend to continue doing. You see, a couple months ago I thought that if I blogged about my goals for the month, it would help me stay accountable. That didn’t work either. I was purposely vague about them (rather than making them specific and attainable as I have been taught in all my business classes) and I just disappointed myself, in the end feeling more like a failure.

So on that note, I’ve been trying to figure out how to approach 2014, both personally and professionally. I still haven’t figured it out. However, on Sunday we had a guest speaker at our church and I think he had some great insights on the New Year. Here’s what he had to say:

Overcoming your Three Greatest Challenges in the New Year

1. There will be storms to survive.

The New Year will provide new challenges. Some of those might be left over from last year and some may be completely out of the blue and brand spanking new. But either way, God is with you. With Him, you can weather the storm. The key is to keep your eye on the provider, the one who can calm the wind and the waves, rather than focusing on the problem, or the storm itself.

2. There will be mountains to climb.

Instantly when he said this the first thought that came to mind was “no hill for a stepper” – which is a ridiculous saying that I have heard come out of my mother’s mouth time and time again. But there’s some truth there. Take one step at a time making your way to the top. It might be a slow journey, but you can make it. God is for you! When God looks at you, he can see your full potential. Have faith that through Him you can do all things.

3. There will be battles to fight.

God is fighting for you.

“Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all the generations, forever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21.

Our minds are so little and cannot even comprehend all the God is able to do. Do you ever wonder if God finds our simple requests silly and is up there having a good chuckle? Nevertheless, He will fight for you. The outcome might not be exactly what you had planned, but that’s okay. I think He has His eye on a bigger picture.

I know there will be surprises along the way and challenges on the road ahead. However, I’m having faith that there is a greater plan and better things yet to come in 2014.

Happy New Year!

The beautiful bouquet above was created by yours truly this fall and photographed so beautifully by Bradley James Photography.

Little Sister Getting Married {Invitations are Out!}

0 · Dec 3, 2013 ·

I have had doodles, designs and to-do lists scattered about my desk for months now, all revolving around my little sister’s wedding. I am so excited for her and I keep going back to the plans trying to figure out how to make this the absolute wedding of her DREAMS. Now, admittedly I must say that I’m a little closer to this bride than my other clients, sorry, but it’s true. That being said, there’s a little more of an emotional connection there and sometimes I literally have to stop myself from jumping up and down when I’m in the planning stages.

November has been a month full of showers and parties all revolving around my dear sister. Invitations also went out last month (and as my mother said, “Well, it looks like we’re having a wedding!”) and RSVPs are starting to roll in. I just got an email from the fabulous Brad and Sam (of Bradley James Photography – who also took the above photo)and they’re hoping to tie up loose ends with them very soon. Eek… now I just had that “This is really happening” moment!!

This glittery, vintage, wintery wonderland affair is definitely going to be one for the books and I cannot wait until January!!

Tea Time Inspiration

0 · Nov 25, 2013 ·

Around this time last year I was 9 ½ months pregnant, I had officially left my full-time job and was tirelessly working on the launch of my website. And then this disc filled to the brim with gorgeous images arrived from Bradley James Photography. It was the first project we worked on together and the start of a beautiful new friendship. My vintage tea party.

Friends, I am thankful for the start of this journey, for the promise that 2014 brings and all the amazing new people 2013 brought into my life.

The shoot was inspired by all things vintage, delicate and romantic. It aimed to capture the soft elegance an afternoon tea, inspired by the floral wallpaper and combined with shades of pink, peach, mint and aqua.

“Posy and pearls
Amethyst and gold
Forever you and I
Our precious love to hold.”
~Astrid Alauda

“The fine china cups
are filled with the brew.
There’s lemon and sugar
and sweet cream, too.

But, best of all
there’s friendship, between you and me.
As we lovingly share
our afternoon tea.“

~Marianna Arolin

Photography: Bradley James Photography / Event Styling & Florals: The Day’s Design / Venue: The Felt Estate / Bride’s Dress: Etsy Shop, Firefly Vintage / Invitations: Creative Montage / Cake: Elizabeth Stammen, Grand Rapids Community College culinary student / Linens: La Tavola

This shoot was also featured earlier this month on Burnett’s Boards as a beautiful bridal shower inspiration, which I was pretty excited about. I hope you enjoyed and are having a great week!

Bradley James Photography

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