Tag Archives: weddings

I Give Thanks to You Most of All

24 Thursday Nov 2011

Posted by in Inspiration

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birthday parties, Parentables, thank you, , whales

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I want to thank all of the C&B fans.  Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!  Thank you for sharing your passion (or should I say obsession) for design with me. Thank you for stopping me in the parking lot at CVS to let me know you loved a post or commenting from far away on the blog. Thank you for virtually attending weddings and parties with me. Thank you for putting up with my obsession of all things whales and nautical, all things bright and lacquered, and all things monogrammed.

It has been just over two years since I started blogging about my design aesthetic and what inspires me. It has not only been a lot of fun, but this blog which I started as a way to share my passions has actually given me a new career. I am now officially a writer in addition to a designer. Without the support of all of you, I would not be a daily contributor to TLC’s Parentables or Blue Water Sailing’s online community. You have given me the confidence to pitch magazines about my work and ideas, and then actually have it featured! And just a few weeks ago I spoke as a panelist at the Marketing 2 Moms Conference in Chicago. But it all started with this little blog I started two years ago and your support.

You’ve all been so wonderful to me, and I want to give you more in return. More you say?  Well, once my turkey is cooked and served, I promise to share with you all that has been brewing (besides my coffee addiction-er, necessity) here at C&B. We have some big announcements coming up to end 2011 on a high note and kick off the New Year in style. I promise, you won’t be disappointed.

Thank you for being so supportive and may you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving full of family, friends, good food, and lots of laughs.


Glassy Baby Will Light Up Your Life

19 Monday Sep 2011

Posted by in Celebrations, lighting, Tabletop

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

candles, , Glassy Baby, , wedding decor,

I’ve seen many colored votive holders in the past, but very few have rivaled the beauty of the Glassy Baby. Perhaps it is the fact that with nearly 100 colors available, you can find exactly the shade of blue you’re looking for or perhaps it is the fact that it takes four glass blowers to make just one of these glasses that consists of three layers of glass. No matter what the reason, they are sure to provide plenty of smiles whether you use them for votives, as a bud vase, or even to sip on something. Of course, something that requires such care to make isn’t going to come cheap. The Glassy Baby retails for $40. That’s each. HOWEVER, one of my most favorite things about this company is that they rent these beauties out for your special event at $5 apiece. If you are looking for an alternative to your typical table setting, these sure would do the trick to add that extra something. Oh, and just to make it even better-I bet you didn’t think that was possible-Glassy Baby also donates a portion of their proceeds to charity. Founder Lee Rhodes developed the Glassy Baby while battling lung cancer and is using her product to give back to people in need. Be sure to check out GlassyBaby.com, and if you are in WA state or NYC, you can check out one of their stores too.

Newport Wedding: Sweet Berry Farm

01 Monday Aug 2011

Posted by in Celebrations, Inspiration, Weddings

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Tags

clambake, It's My Party, Maaike Bernstrom Photography, McGrath Clambakes, newport weddings, , Sarah Rodgers Florals, Sweet Berry Farm, wedding decor, wedding flowers,

Last fall a very good friend approached me about planning her wedding for her. She is the type who cares about the details but never bought a wedding magazine. She and her fiance gave me these simple guidelines: it had to be a clambake with lawn games and there must be dark and stormies and Narragansett beer. The rest was up to me which couldn’t have been more fun. After taking photos at her family’s summer home on Easton’s Point, everyone headed over to Sweet Berry Farm in Middletown, RI for a beautiful ceremony against the backdrop of the orchards followed by lots of merriment. It is nearly impossible for me to pick my favorite photos (all taken by the amazing Maaike Bernstrom Photography) from the day so here is a series from the day that was described by guests and the couple as “epic”. Throughout the week, I’ll post many more pictures and discuss the details in more depth. Enjoy!






Flowers by Sarah Rodgers Florals.











Food by McGrath Clambakes.

Cake by It’s My Party with fresh picked strawberries from Sweet Berry Farm.






*all photos by Maaike Bernstrom Photography*

If you like this post, then you might like these:
Spring Flower Arrangements for All Occasions
A Beautiful Fall Wedding in the Berkshires
Newport Wedding

Party with BHLDN

06 Friday May 2011

Posted by in Celebrations, Kids, Tabletop

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Tags

Anthropologie, BHLDN, kids birthday parties, ,






I have to admit that when Anthropologie launched their wedding site BHLDN a few months ago, it made me kind if sad that I’d already gotten married because there were so many things that I loved but had no use for. BUT, I can now rest assured that I too can use their amazing offerings as they’ve expanded their line into general party decorations and they are adorable! From pom poms and pinwheels to straws and cake boxes to garland and signage, there’s a little something for everyone no matter what your budget. Party on!

If you like this post, then you might like these:
A Bright Idea Rain or Shine
Etsy Pick of the Week:  Modern June’s Chalkcloth for Entertaining
Going “Green” in Style for the New Year!

Green Apple & Pink Flower Arrangements

18 Monday Apr 2011

Posted by in D.I.Y., Inspiration, Weddings

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Tags

centerpieces, , flowers, green apples, , , Woman's Day magazine

I happened to come across the May issue of Woman’s Day magazine at the hairdresser on Friday and was just so drawn to the cover. It’s not a magazine I usually read, but the combination of the granny smith apples and pink ranunculus was just so charming and pretty. I also have an affinity for pink and green. And it would be super easy to do yourself. With Easter just days away, I’m thinking of giving it a shot.

I also love this version of it with peonies (my all time favorite flower!). Look at how grand of a statement you can make with a dozen flowers and two dozen apples. These would be a very affordable DIY wedding flower arrangement.

And for a simpler version, just add some tea roses.  There are few things that make me happier than a beautiful, fresh flower arrangement.

Image Sources:  Woman’s Day, Occasional Word, Red Pearl Designs

If you like this post, then you might like these:
Spring Blooms
Dahlia Bouquet
Spring Flower Arrangements for All Occasions

BHLDN-Weddings by Anthropologie

16 Wednesday Feb 2011

Posted by in Accessories, Celebrations, Shops We Love, Weddings

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Anthropologie, BHLDN, bridemaids dresses, Moonlit Peep Toe Heels, Pleated Fantasy Gown, wedding gowns,

Yesterday, Anthropologie launched their new wedding web site, BHLDN (Beholden). While I have to say that I understand the name, I know there must have been a better choice in the bunch than to go with that abbreviation. Luckily, what really matters-the goods- are quite fabulous. The site offers wedding gowns, bridemaids dresses, shoes, lingerie, jewelry and more all with that special Anthropologie touch. And what makes it doubly as fun, is that most of it would easily translate to events other than weddings so those of us who have already walked down the aisle or never plan to can still enjoy this new venture!

I didn’t want to bombard you with ALL of my favorite pieces from the collection, but here are a few. The Pleated Fantasy Gown (top) is a-maz-ing! Fun, flattering and unique. And is there anyone ready this that is dying for a pair of the Moonlit Peep Toe Heels (above)? Every woman should have a pair of these even if only just to know that you have something so fabulous in your closet.

I’m not typically a fan of the bubble dress, but I find the Twirled Sweetheart Dress to be fun and sweet.

The Deco Beaded Clutch is another must have in your closet. You don’t need a lot of different bags in your life, but one like this is to give you many happy years together.

And for those who don’t want to go the veil route, this Botanical Garland Headband adds a little sparkle while still being delicate and not too fussy. To check all their offerings, go to BHLDN.

Summer Wedding Inspiration Board

17 Monday Jan 2011

Posted by in Celebrations, Inspiration, Weddings

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

newport weddings, Sweet Berry Farm, wedding cakes,

There are few things I love more than planning a wedding. It is so unfortunate that most of us only get to do it once in our lives. Well I know not everyone feels that way, but I sure do and loved planning my own wedding. But perhaps what’s even better than planning our own big day is when someone walks into your home and says “We want to get married, and we want you to plan the whole thing.”

I was so thrilled when a close friend approached me and asked that question a few months ago. First, thrilled that she was getting married to her wonderful fiance, but the offer was a very close second. While many might flinch or waiver, I just immediately started asking questions so that I could get a vision in my head as to how it would all look. This also happens to be the most awesome bride on the planet. She literally wants me to do everything. “My colors? I don’t know. Ask Sarah.” It’s a designer’s dream come true.

Now, I have the advantage of having known her my whole life and know her personality and style well. She is classic, but a whole lot of fun and I want the wedding to appear as though it could have taken place in any decade. Classic, classic, classic.

The few guidelines the bride and groom gave me were that they wanted a traditional New England Clambake for 250+ people at an outdoor venue this coming summer. They want it to be very casual, but also very nice. The bride envisions herself in an eyelet dress. And there must be croquet and bocce!

So the date is set for June 25. While these images aren’t quite what we’ll be doing (although the groom insists I find the above tie), I’m using them as my inspiration board. The colors are going to be light blues and white with a pop of lime, mostly in the flowers. Hydrangeas and peonies-my two favorites and hers too- will be bountiful, lanterns will fill the tent, and Adirondack chairs will be scattered across the lawn of Sweet Berry Farm, a local favorite spot with gorgeous westward views. And it will be strawberry season so picture that cake with a pile of the sweetest, juiciest strawberries you’ve ever seen. As more of the details unfold, I’ll be sure to share them with you.

Dahlia Bouquet

07 Tuesday Sep 2010

Posted by in Celebrations, D.I.Y., Inspiration, Weddings

≈ 4 Comments

Tags

dahlia bouquets,

I was having friends over for dinner on Saturday night so I was looking for some flowers for the table. I headed to my family’s summer home where my aunts have pretty spectacular gardens, and as it is the season for dahlias and so many were in bloom, I naturally headed to that section of the garden with the clippers. There were about four different massive dahlia plants, but I stuck to the pinks (surprise, surprise). As I gathered them and then wandered about the house chatting and putting clippers away, etc. I was holding the dahlias as a bouquet and thought to myself, why on earth don’t more brides use dahlias for their bouquets. They are so stunning and the color variations among one flower add so much dimension to a bouquet. I googled and it seems that florists are using them sparingly mixed in with other flowers, but it’s almost not even worth it in my opinion because their visual impact is most striking when they are all gathered together. I placed this bunch in a square glass vase and they were quite lovely, but any of you brides who are getting married in August/September should seriously consider these beauties. Plus, they are available in so many colors! Lucky for me, there are still loads of buds on the ones I picked from so I think I’ll treat myself to a new bouquet each week while I can.

If you like this post, then you might like these:
Spring Flower Arrangements for All Occasions
Spring Blooms
A Beautiful Fall Wedding in the Berkshires

Newport Wedding

06 Friday Aug 2010

Posted by in Celebrations, D.I.Y., Weddings

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Fort Adams State Park, Newport Shipyard, newport weddings, Scrumptions,

Today is my six year wedding anniversary so I thought it seemed appropriate to share a few pictures of our wedding. I LOVE weddings and so I certainly had a good time planning mine. While some people stress and stress over it, I would do it every year if I could just for the party planning aspect of it. Please pardon the picture quality as they are photos of photos. Six years ago I thought having all digital images made no sense and that I would somehow lose the quality of the images by not using film. Clearly, I’m a real forward thinker.

My husband works in the sailing industry and we live in Newport so we knew we wanted our wedding to be on or near the water. We decided to have our ceremony on an 80+ foot race boat called Carrera. My bridesmaids, parents and I boarded the boat at the Newport Shipyard and crossed Newport Harbor to Alofsin Pier at Fort Adams State Park where the groom, groomsmen and minister boarded the boat and the guests lined the pier.

As I’ve mentioned in previous posts I was determined to have peonies at my wedding, but because the florist wouldn’t guarantee that they would look good in August we went with wide open garden roses for my bouquet (top) and centerpieces and ranunculus for the bridesmaids.

After the ceremony, the bridal party went for a cruise around the harbor to take photos. I loved that we were able to have an elegant wedding, but still be barefoot through the ceremony.

My husband and the groomsmen wore starfish boutonnieres that I made. I had been to so many weddings where the boutonnieres barely made it through the ceremony and looked limp by photo time so I knew I wanted something that we wouldn’t have to worry about.

The cake was by Scrumptions and had white chocolate starfish and swiss dots. I brought them the ribbon to top the cake with to be sure it matched the other ribbon used throughout the reception.

The reception was at Eisenhower House, overlooking Narragansett Bay. I had custom fuschia silk overlays made for the tables and hung tiered paper lanterns from Pier 1 in various shades of pink and white throughout the party tent. The tent poles were wrapped in white fabric and tied with matching grosgrain ribbon and a large starfish.

The starfish topped menus were tucked into each napkin and wrapped in pink and green stripe grosgrain ribbon. Our programs were very similar, but were on popsicle sticks in case people needed to fan themselves (except that we ended up with an atypically cool day for August). My friends get a major shout out for helping me put together the 200 menus and programs the week of the wedding.

Perhaps one of the most important things that happened that day (other than marrying my fabulous hubby, of course) was that the cake company had asked Southern New England Weddings magazine to come photograph the cake. When they got there, they ended up photographing all of the decor and giving it editorial coverage on three pages in their 2005 edition.

While I’ve long been obsessed with home decor and party planning, getting editorial coverage for an event that I planned every last detail of myself was pretty exciting and gave me the confidence to believe that I could actually do this for a living, and inspired me to do the RISD Interior Design Certificate Program.

So hear we are six years, two kids and one house later. I still love looking at our pictures. It was such a fun day. I’ve been to a lot of weddings, and I have to say that the ones that are the most memorable are the ones where people really put their own personal spin on them. Believe me, my mother was having a heart attack for the eight months of planning a ceremony on a boat, but in the end, that’s what people always still talk about.