Spring Sweet

Cinderella’s Proposal

0 · Aug 17, 2016 ·

My little sister just got married. But before the merriment of “I do’s” there is a story to be told. It’s a lovely story, a tale of two people who have fallen in love. It’s a story of friendship and longing. It’s story of patience and dreams that do come true.

A little birdie whispered in my ear that a certain someone was going to propose. The first step was finding the perfect ring. I found myself honored enough to assist with the jewelry shopping. He chose a ring with the style name honored our grandmother, Margaret, and then had the design tweaked just a touch to make it fit my sister’s tastes. It is a light blue sapphire (her birthstone) in a yellow gold setting and diamond accents. It is stunning.

Each spring I like to put together an inspiration shoot. It helps me to dust off my flowering skills and stir up some creative juices. But as of late, I have found them to feel rather “empty”. It seems like putting together these mock parties is wasteful, even frivolous. And I was stuck looking for an idea.

The knowledge that Devin was going to propose was not new to me. In fact, it was a secret that I had tucked away for nearly 6 months as my sister was searching for a new apartment, moving forward with her life and doing pretty much the opposite of what every newly engaged woman should be doing – all while we were off shopping for the perfect jewel. But I kept quiet, my lips were sealed. As I was mulling all of these things over and helping my soon to be brother-in-law brainstorm an amazing proposal, the idea struck me that we could combine both my inspiration shoot (which I had no ideas for) and his proposal (which he was also trying to make extremely memorable).

One of my sister’s all time favorite movies is the 1965 version of Roger & Hammerstien’s Cinderella – and if you’re not familiar with that version, stop reading this and go watch it. It’s simply the best version of Cinderella known to man. He had taken her to see a live version for her birthday, they had watched the movie together and it seemed like a very appropriate source of inspiration.

Under the guise of a small inspiration shoot, I asked my sister to model for me and proceeded to get her all dolled up. She had a pampering salon day at Cheeky Strut, she picked out a beautiful gown at Spring Sweet and we made her feel like a princess, she needed a real life Cinderella moment. Now if only she had a pair of shoes…

Spring Sweet’s store closed and we made Justine walk down to the main store level to find her shoes. The trip just so happened to take her down a beautiful wooden staircase which Spring and I adorned with blooming branches and greens. On the treads of each step were gold calligraphy letter from Lief Design spelling out Will You Marry Me? “10 Minutes Ago” from Roger’s and Hammerstien’s Cinderella started playing. And at the bottom of the stairs stood Prince Charming, holding her shoes and an engagement ring.

And don’t miss the video which I shared a couple weeks ago. Their proposal story was also featured on The Wedding Chicks last month. I can’t wait to share pictures from the wedding!

Cinderella’s Proposal Video

0 · Jul 29, 2016 ·

My little sister is getting married.

If you’re a longtime reader of this little blog, you’ll understand the impact of that one little sentence. It symbolizes how love overcomes all. It shows that we should never settle or give up hope. I’m not going to dig up her dirty laundry, but rather I want to celebrate the future that lies before her.

To say that I was honored to be a part of her proposal story is an understatement. I heard the news months before that all important question was posed and was privileged to be a part of the entire process. Ring shopping, scheming and all the lovely details.

When I suggested that we have the entire occasion photographed, my sister’s soon-to-be fiancé was overjoyed with the idea. It all snowballed from there with video, flowers and a beautiful dress. He wanted something memorable. He wanted to create that perfect moment that she would never forget. He definitely accomplished that.

For me, bringing this to life was one the most stressful events I have ever taken on. Everything had to be timed perfectly, from hair and makeup, to her dress, his arrival and the music cued in the background. I rehearsed the scene over and over in my mind, but ultimately it was out of my control.

I couldn’t decide whether to share the story, the video or the photographs first. I love it all. They complete each other, just as Justine and Devin complete one another. Today I’ll leave you with the scenery in motion from Katie Grace Photography & Videography. It tells the tale in a way that words cannot.

In just two short weeks, they’re getting married.

Featured :: Cinderella’s Proposal on The Wedding Chicks

0 · Jul 19, 2016 ·

There’s nothing more exciting to me than creating something beautiful and yet functional. Creating something that celebrates real life the that moments that happen within it. I think we need to vanquish the idea of the empty table. No more heartless styled shoots. We need to celebrate life as it happens.

My little sister is getting married. That’s exciting new all on it’s own accord. But in addition, as I was schemeing about yet another “boring” styled shoot, I caught wind that this all important question was about to be popped. That’s where my inspiration came from. The story suddenly fell into place and I had the honor of working along side her now fiance, to help create the fairytale proposal we all dream of. And then it was featured on The Wedding Chicks.

You can see the feature here. You can read about the inspiration and romance. And I’ll certainly be sharing a few more of the behind the scences of being part of such a momentous occassion at at later date.

Cinderella's Proposal | The Day's Design | Samantha James Photography

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Bloom the Workshop

0 · Jul 11, 2016 ·

I am almost certain I’ve been living in a time warp. The days are flying by so quickly, I can’t seem to keep up on life, much less this journal. There so many events that I want to share, so much to talk about and in the blink of an eye, I’m posting content that’s well over a year old. Like this.

Last May (May 2015 that is), I was once again honored to be a part of Bloom the Workshop. There’s something special that happens in a workshop setting. There’s the collaborating and combining of artistic forces that one would see in any styled shoot, but there’s an extra energy. There’s excitement from all the attendees eager to learn and soak up every little piece of knowledge and beauty from the day. This workshop is, by all means, special.

This portion of the day took place within an apple orchard. We had hoped to catch a few lingering blossoms, but the trees had shed their petals the week before, leaving only lush greens behind. I’m a fan on greenery, so this wasn’t a huge disappointment on my end. The emerald backdrop allowed our shimmering gold and blush blooms to be the full center of attention. I adore the way the graywashed round table added just the right amount of “rusticness” against the gilded dessert, clean white plates and golden candlesticks.

Next week, Bloom is hosting another local workshop at The Felt Mansion. I will be there, along with two other amazing florists, creating a total of 3 different styled shoots all at one workshop. I can hardly contain my excitement, just dreaming of the beautiful flowers that I have headed my way for the day. Rumor has it, that there are still 2 tickets remaining so if you’re thinking of attending, don’t miss out!

This shoot was also featured on Inspired by This early last fall.

Featured :: Styled Boudoir Editorial on 100 Layer Cake

0 · Jun 10, 2016 ·

The sensual side of being a woman. That’s what I’d really like to entitle this project. It’s not about raunchy, racy photos of women in the nude but a reminder that we’re all beautiful and our own kind of sexy. It’s about the lingering glance behind long lashes. It’s the she simplicity of timeless lace. It’s the flower in your hand that so desperately wants to be held.

Today women get so focused on power and not being left behind in a man’s shadow. We’re out to prove that we’re strong and capable. And while there’s nothing wrong with that, we also need to remember what makes us unique. There’s a reason that we are different from men. We get to do things and experience the world in a way that will forever remain a mystery to the male population.

This project with Ashley Slater reminds us of that. It reminds us to embrace our inner and outer beauty. We are feminine, classy and romantic beings. And today you can see it through our feature over on 100 Layer Cake.

Bridal Boudoir | The Day's Design | Ashley Slater Photography

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The Sand & the Sea

0 · Dec 16, 2015 ·

December’s weather here in Michigan has been a little abnormal, to say the least. The amount of foggy and rain filled days have been unheard of and I’ve hardly had the need to put on my winter coat. This morning, once again, I woke up to a thick of cloud that hung in the air. It’s such a dense and gloomy feeling.

It actually made me think back to this day in May. The temperatures were oddly similar although this spring day was far windier. Ashley Slater and I had been dreaming up a beach shoot. We wanted it to be natural, ethereal and chic all at the same time. We wanted to combine a classic black tux and a streamline wedding gown with driftwood and other neutral touches found on Lake Michigan’s glistening shoreline. We dreamt of a very sun kissed, yet earthy and grounded day with the decor seeming as though it had been washed ashore from a shipwreck.

However, as it so often happens, the weather changed our plans. One of the biggest lessons I have learned it to just roll with it and let the story be a part of your day. Since this was a styled shoot, we had the option to reschedule when the weather was chilly and less than ideal. But we moved forward despite the misty and fog. And one of my favorite outcomes of the day was the moody tone that the beach set. The sky mirrored the muted watercolor lines of Wildfield Paper’s custom paper goodies. The whitecaps and the wind whipping through Caitlin’s hair were perfection. We decided not to fuss with curls, a tie and other formalities. It turned into a wild, barefoot and carefree celebration.

This shoot was also featured on Magnolia Rouge, you can see the post here.

Featured :: Sand & Sea on Magnolia Rouge

0 · Oct 20, 2015 ·

It’s no secret that I love the water. The sound of crashing waves and beautiful beaches are so invigorating. It really is amazing all the beauty that God has put on this earth around us. Beyond the obviously picturesque days, I love those that are a little darker. Moody, overcast skies are so intoxicating. There’s a calmness as the wind rips through your hair, the sound of the sand dancing across the shoreline and then… bam, another giant swell meets it’s ending upon the shore.

This inspiration was born out of those overcast skies. A little bit of mist hung in the air and the sand was chilled with a dampness. It was not a day to fuss with curls in your hair or to bother putting on a tie. It was a wild, carefree and barefoot occasion – come as you are and let love prevail. And today I’m delighted to share it in it’s entirety over on Magnolia Rouge.

Bloom the Workshop :: September Edition

0 · Oct 24, 2014 ·

Well my extremely talents friends are at it again, this past September they brought Bloom the Workshop back to West Michigan and once again I got to be a part. (You can read all about the first edition here.) I’m not going to share all the gorgeous workshop details or the behind the scenes but rather I’m going to skip right to the good part, the styled shoot portion.

With fall beginning to close in, the florals were inspired by shades of berry and orange, with subtle touches of pink set against a bold black and white pattern. A little modern, a little rustic and completely chic describes the tablescape that Michaela designed. It was my job to adorn not only the tabletop but also provide the models with gorgeous blooms. 2 centerpieces, 2 bouquets a boutonniere and a whole lot of pretty made this shoot come to life at Rockford’s Hydrangea Blu Barn.

Bloom the Workshop | Fall bride | The Day's Design

Photography: {Jenn Anibal} | Event Design: Michaela Noelle Designs | Floral Design: The Day’s Design | Dresses: Spring Sweet | Chandeliers & Rentals: The Rental Company | Calligraphy & Invitations: Graceline Calligraphy | Hair & Makeup: Hailey Hollenstien | Table Runner: Mrs. Freund & Co. | Venue: Hydrangea Blu Barn

Those dresses? Aren’t they just amazing, I wish I had the back to pull that off. And the cockscomb in centerpiece number 2 is the biggest piece of locals cockscomb I have ever seen! I can’t wait to see what the these talented girls do for Bloom in 2015!

Spring Sweet

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