Green Wedding Shoes {Featured}

So excited that our gold engagement shoot is featured on Green Wedding Shoes this afternoon. Stop by and check it out!

Nail & String Letters {Diy}

Here is a quick tutorial of the wooden nail and string letters I made for our recent gold shoot. By the way, when I say "quick tutorial" I mean it... I hardly took any pictures, and the pictures I did take were with my cell phone. So this is a rough explanation just in case you want to make your own.

#1- Cut your wood boards to any size you want your letter to be, these were about 20"x30" pieces made from 1/2" plywood. I was using these letters I got at JoAnns as a template which made it very easy to know sizing and to trace them.

#2- Stain wood boards if desired

#3- Trace letters on to boards

#4- Spray paint every single nail shiny gold... Oh wait, that's only if you're crazy like me... I suggest skipping this part if possible. :)

#5- Hammer a nail about 1/4" into the wood in all the corners of the letter (see image below), this will give you good starting and ending points. It also helps with spacing your nails.

#6- I used a nail for my spacing, it seemed easier than measuring. Now repeat this step about 150 times and you've got it! For smaller areas where the nail space wouldn't have been even, I eyeballed and adjusted accordingly.

This is what it looks like as things start moving along... pretty little nails all in a row.

#7- Tie your embroidery floss to one of the nails and begin weaving it back and forth, around, up and down, catching all the nail heads as you go. This part actually moves pretty quickly. I believe I used 4-5 threads in varying colors on each letter.

Fill in the gaps and spaces as you go until you have a uniform look

#8- Trim all loose strings and you're done!

Here you have it! I absolutely love the way these turned out. They would be fun to use as a headboard (secured well to the wall), wedding decor, or even over the mantel in your living room.

Here is the final image and how I chose to display them in the photo shoot. They made a really sweet backdrop to our mock engagement party.

I hope the directions weren't too hard to follow. Please leave a comment with any questions you have and I'd love to help you out. 
Also, all of my new blog design is in the works so come back soon for info on that!!

Ryan + Danielle {Engagement}

I had been itchin' to do a photo shoot full of gold details, so when Kristin Rogers told me to pick the theme I knew right away this was what we'd do. This shoot was extra special because Courtney flew all the way from Texas to have a tutoring session with Kristin. I wanted to make sure it was worth it!
I can't say enough sweet things about this couple, Ryan + Danielle. They are my kind of people and we all had such a fun day. 

Large thread and nail letters made for a fun and interesting backdrop. The table was full of gold details and bits of teal.

Centerpiece was simply a long 4"x4" piece of wood with holes drilled in the top for the candles to fit in.

The table edges were lined with Instagram pictures that were printed on using PostalPix. I laid them out, then taped them down using washi tape. 

Next set up was a simple gold fringed backdrop... how adorable is this couple?1?!

Our last look was simply strands of lights with gold spray painted cords so they wouldn't stand out as much.

The cake was a square, ruffled, teal ombre cake on a rustic wooden base. I also really loved this simple cake topper... it gets sorta lost in the photo but in person it's even better.

I took hundreds of sew together gold circle and taped them to the top of the cake table to add some interest.

Invitations were done in tones of gold and teal. Jen from Blushprintables on Etsy designed a really lovely chevron teal ombre invite for our shoot.

I also have a quick tutorial for the threaded letters I'm going to try and get up here soon. They're pretty simple to do but do take a bit of patience and precision. You can also contact me for pricing if you'd like me to make them for you.

We're off to Portland and Seattle on Wednesday but I've got a few giveaways in the works... exciting stuff coming!

Here is a list of everyone who worked on the shoot and all of the wonderful vendors that were used!

Photography- Kristin Rogers Photography 

Makeup- Amy Clarke

Tie- vKnit

Cake Stand- Morgann Hill Designs

Instagram Prints -  Postalpix

Cake- Rose Marcellino

“I Do” Cake Topper- Blissfully Wired

Teal Feather Napkins- Feisty Fashion

Invitation Design- Blush Printables

All Hair Pieces- Bethany Lorelle

Sea Urchin Centerpieces, Ring, Shell Ring Holder- RobinCharlotte

                           

Tutoring Session and Balloons

I'm still in the process of updating my blog from the last 6 months or so. Sorry these are months and months old, but I still wanted to get them on here for anyone that may be able to use them for ideas on projects they're working on. 

This was a fun little project I was hired to do set-design for. It was a workshop for Kristin Rogers Photography. We pulled together 2 different looks for the students to practice on. It was a fun day and I got to meet some really great people.

First up was a bridal look. Lots of balloons in various sizes hung from the ceiling and covering the floor. By the way... blowing up those giant balloons is a nightmare, even worse is trying to tie them! Yikes, my fingers were raw when I was finished!

Second look was an eclectic mix of props. That red chair looks so good in photographs, I love it every time I see it. :)

Here's a collage of some of the girls from that day.

For more pictures or to get information on tutoring sessions, check out this post here.

Here is a list of all the lovely and talented people who worked on this project. I hope we have a chance to do this again!

Make Up – Amy Clarke

Hair – Dianna Lopez

Wardrobe Stylist – Gabby Lewis

Florist –  Floral Design By Jacqueline Ahne

Fashion Model – Mira

Bridal Model – Kiarra Elliot 

Most Used {Favorites}

I always enjoying sharing things that I've tested and used in my own life that I just love. A good recommendation goes a long way with me, so hopefully you'll all enjoy these too.

1. I know Le Creuset is super well known but it is by far one of my most favorite things in my kitchen. I have the 5 1/2 qt and would recommend this size for anyones first piece. On line they sell for about $250+, but if you have a Le Creuset outlet near you then you can almost always find them there for about $150 (depending on the color)... I use this pot more than I use my microwave or toaster, seriously!

2. UGlu Dashes- This product is hard to describe but it's basically double sided tape, but more flexible, and WAY more sticky. I use these at nearly every single photo shoot or event I do. You can use them to attach signs or fabric to brick or other textured surfaces. In a pinch I tape up clothes with them. My go-to florist even uses them when making floral arrangements. The uses are endless!!
3. Vinegar- I use this vinegar for everything except cooking. I always have a bottle full of equal parts water and vinegar (sometimes with a little essential oil if I have it on hand)stashed under my kitchen sink. This is pretty much the only thing I use to clean my entire house. It leaves mirrors completely steak free, my laminate wood floors don't get any swishy marks like other cleaners leave, counters, fridge, sinks... literally everything. Most people complain about the smell, but folks it's completely orderless as soon as it dries (trust me, a quart of it spilled in my car and it smelled like a bad salad dressing until it dried). Adding a couple drops of essential oil would help with that too. And it's so so inexpensive, a $3 bottle lasts me like 6 months.
4. Timi and Leslie- This is technically a diaper bag but I no longer have kids in diapers and I am still in love with the bag! It is by far my most used purse that I own. I really love bringing it on our road trips, vacations, when I'm working, or anytime we'll be running a bunch of errands. Sometimes we wake up, I throw the girls' school books in the bag, and head to a coffee shop to do school for several hours. Plus, it fits my Mac with room to spare... And if you've ever looked for a cute, good looking lap top bag, it's not easy!!
I'd love to hear if any of you use any of these products or if you end up trying them out... let me know! 
*I wasn't perked from any of these companies, I just happen to use and love this stuff. :)

White Wedding Magazine {Published}

This post is long overdue but worthy of adding to the blog. The spread was in White Wedding Magazine last August, and needless to say it's super exciting to be part of an 8 page spread in a printed wedding magazine. They wanted 4 bridesmaid looks: colorful, lace, patterns, and white... this is what I came up with. A big thanks to Logan Cole for inviting me to be a part of this.

Here are a few behind the scenes photos and close-up shots of some of the props and decorations used.

In the pattern room I made scalloped pennants and giant ruffled balls

All of the bouquets were really beautiful!

Large hoops hung with fabric and lace.

And here are a few photos of the MUA, hair stylist, and wardrobe stylist working their magic.

I really love doing this so much, and it's extra special working with such an enjoyable group of people!

Photographer: Logan Cole

WHITE Magazine (Australia)

Makeup: Amy Clakre

Hair: Lady Dianna

Stylist: Gabrielle  Lewis

Set Styling: Me

Flowers by: Flower Allie

Models: No Ties Management & Willow Model Management