It was a winery kind of weekend!

This weekend, July 26th & 27th I had the pleasure of coordinating two weddings at the same venue in the Woodinville Wine Country, DeLille Cellars. It's such an incredible location with beautiful gardens, large ponds, and farm land surrounding all sides. I love its rustic Tuscan feel even with its close proximity to the city. Its versatility allows many ways to make it original for you and your style both inside and out. The pictures below show the incredible property itself and a few of the ideas my brides used. This venue is really unique and truly stunning and it has taken a place on my "favorites" list.

Double Duty

I have a lot of clients that don't know what to do for their guest book or favors. They usually want something different than the traditional guest book (which offers room for guests to sign their names and no more), and a lot of the standard favors are usually something guests want to leave behind. I have plenty of suggestions for both, but my favorite does double duty!

They are Photo Booths! I LOVE Photo Booths. Yes, I am talking about the black and white (and now digital color) photo booths that probably all of us made silly faces in at the mall at one point in junior high. They are so much fun and a great way to create a playful environment at your wedding! You can provide costumes or silly items to increase the fun for your guests or leave it as is.



The easiest way to utilize the photo booth photos as both favors and for a guest book is by providing a scrap-like-book with double stick tape and pens. Your guests will stick their photos in the book and write a sentimental note about the day next to each one. You should have a note or sign on the guest book table (or booth itself) that lets them know they should take home and leave behind some of the photos they take. For example..."Please take as many photos as you like, leave some behind for us to share, and take some for you to always remember..."

How do you go about renting a photo booth? I work with Photo Booth Services with a lot of my clients. They provide both black and white (classic) and digital booths. The classic photo booth is $1550 for a 4 hour rental use with additional hours for $100. The digital is $1650 for the same amount of time with additional hours the same. It is a really great value when you realize that it is providing two functions for you. (*Also, the rental time is equated to number of hours used. They are often able to drop off earlier and not charge you for the time, unless used. They charge a flat fee so you never have to worry about limits on the number of photos you and your guests can take*)

I have never seen a photo booth go unused. I'm sure your guest will be raving about the fun they had. No matter what, it is definitely not your standard guest book or favor!

Kristi and Colin

Kristi and Colin were married on June 29th 2008. The sun made a glorious appearance for the guests, many from the Midwest who believed they would inevitably be showing up to rain. It was a stunning 95 degree day. Kristi made it through like a trooper while under all the layers of her dress.
She is one of the hippest brides I have ever seen!( My pictures do not do her or the day justice) Every detail reflected the couple's artistic and fun personality.

Kristi and I have been working together to plan this amazing day since October of 2007. I really got to know her and her mom well during the planning process! Building a bond and relationship with my clients is one of the best part of my job. I love that I get to be there for them during one of the best parts of their lives. When their friends and family DON'T want to hear another work about colors or flower dilemmas; I am still excited to hear all about what is concerning them, or thrilling them! It was such a joy to be a part of this day with such an amazing bride, family, and groom. I wish Kristi and Colin the best in all they do in the future, and their first few years now being spent in Minneapolis Minnesota.

I LOVE being right!

Back in May, I blogged that the Peacock would be the next Damask print, meaning all over the place in 2008. Over the past few months, outside of the inspiration for a few of the weddings I have designed, I have seen the Peacock, feather and colors make their way into the main stream.

Here are a few of the most wonderful examples I have seen:
Carrie Bradshaw, in the Sex and the City Movie, with a peacock feather accessory proudly adorn to her head on her wedding day. This was thrillng! My jaw dropped immediately in the movie theater. One of the most fashion forward characters in television, and now, movie history proving me right.



And now, the July Cover of Vogue with Nicole Kidman in a stunning peacock printed dress. I absolutely love it!

Keep your eyes out for peacock print and colors, and you will realize it is everywhere right now, and so wonderful! Go ahead and let it inspire you for your wedding or in every day life.


Pictures from:
spjulio.wordpress.com
farm3static.flicker.com
fashionolic.blogspot.com
Vogue cover shot by Annie Leibovitz
Dress available at Bergdorf Goodman