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Styled Shoot:

Nautical Inspiration

We’re always on the hunt for fresh inspiration that helps us reinterpret classic motifs. Navy is always a nautical staple and we love that Mary Phan of Very Merry Events paired it with orange and modern patterns for a refreshing take on a seaside affair! All these gorgeous images are by Tinywater Photography and put together by a spectacular group of San Francisco vendors!

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Venue: Casa Real, Pleasanton // Event designer/Planner : Mary Phan of Very Merry Events // Photography: Caroline Winata, Tinywater Photography // Floral designers: Lisa Boone & Priska Jayme of Atelier Joya // Stationery designer: Alex Rinde of The Aerialist Press // Vintage Rentals: PJ Rude of Milkglass Vintage Rentals // Party Rentals, tableware: Hartmann Studios // Linens: La Tavola Linens

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Styled Shoot:

Bridesmaids & Custom Perfume Bars

A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to collaborate with one of our new Grey Collective members, Ka-mil-yin, which is a brilliantly creative company that will bring a custom fragrance bar to an event, where guests have the chance find a one-of-a-kind custom scent according to what they love! We had so much fun with owner, Courtney, who made scent “bouquets” combining varieties of essential oils until we found a combination that we loved! To accompany the idea, I called on botanical stylist, Lauryl Lane, who created gorgeous bouquets that were the perfect compliment to all the perfumes! The ever so lovely Amy Clarke (another Grey Collective Member!) is responsible for the gorgeous hair and make-up! The gorgeous calligraphy labels are by Cherish Paperie!

Our fave photographer (and collective member as well) Jen Huang, photographed all the images for us! The ever-so-lovely Erica from Twine Events was our gracious model. I hope you love our collaboration! I actually think this idea might work great for a small bridesmaid luncheon, so that you’d have a chance to spoil your nearest and dearest!

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Custom Perfume Bar: Ka-mil-yin // Photography: Jen Huang // Botanical Stylist: Lauryl Lane // Styling: Summer Watkins // Hair and Make-up: Amy Clarke // Calligraphy labels: Cherish Paperie

 

Styled Shoot:

Vibiana Edible Auditing with Room Forty

A few weeks ago, I had the incredible opportunity of attending an “Edible Auditing”, hosted by the most chic caterer, Room Forty. Alexa of Sterling Engagements designed the entire event, and I was absolutely bowled over! I sat with some of the industry’s best wedding planners and ogled over all the genius and inspiration ideas! Are you ready for some spectacular pretties and ideas (all shot by the absolutely wonderful Ryan Garvin Photography)?

First up, check out the beautiful invites design by Prim and Prixie:

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Vibiana is the most stunning possible venue in existence!

All the florals by Shawna Yamamoto Event Design were jaw dropping. I loved that the decor was very inspired by the food! You can see a Kale arrangement, and an artichoke below. There were also bunches of rosemary and mint scattered along the table. We even received herbs to plan as part of our favor.

Room Forty also has a mixologist on staff who creates custom drinks for pairings! This “Orangerie Punch Bowl” cocktail featured hibiscus, jasmine and even included an edible flower as a garnish!

I love how Room Forty serves their food! And it’s hilarious on the right–do you see all of us shooting the food with our phones??? It was just so beautiful!

Below are my two favorite elements of our TEN course meal! On the left is just the garnish for a delicious soup. The actual soup part was poured at the table out of a beautiful pitcher! What fun! On the right is a whiskey cocktail that had real smoke wafting out of the glass. What an amazing experience to really grasp the smokiness in the whiskey. I’m not much of a whiskey lover, but it was an amazing cocktail!

All the napkins embroidered with lace and place mats were created just for the event by Dahlia of Designer Specialty Linens.

We enjoyed live classical guitar from ESPIMUSIC Entertainment. It was amazing!

A little gift box to take home, which was delicious salad elements, home made vinaigrette and a recipe!

Below left is a shot of Steve, the force behind Room Forty, and me after our meal. I was so full, I barely made it home!

It’s always amazing to share with you the best of the best in the industry, and give you a chance to see what vendors can dream up if you give them room to dream with you! These are also amazing vendors to contact if you are in the industry, or a bride planning a wedding!

Styled Shoot:

Creative Live Recap

Just over a week or ago, I had the insanely amazing privilege of being asked to be a guest speaker in the Creative Live course “Getting Published: Shooting an Editorial Wedding with Jasmine Star“. We spent what seemed like a very fast two hours discussing from my perspective as an editor and a stylist, guidelines for photographers that want to see more of their weddings published. As part of Jasmine’s course, she assembled a very talented team of Seattle weddings designers to illustrate these techniques! Today, we are sharing with you that gorgeous shoot! If you are interested in purchasing the entire course online, you can head here!

If you love the idea of learning how to shoot weddings for publication, we’ve got some exciting news! We’ve just announced the release of our next Shoot This Not That workshop, which will take place October 10th and 11th in Montecito, California. The workshop will be a two day expansion on the short two hour intro that I taught with Jasmine. Not only will we go into further detail about the concrete steps you can take to aid you in publication, but we’ll also allow you the opportunity to work hands on with editorial material and industry pros. Plus, you’ll have the rare opportunity to get in deptch feedback on your very own submissions to find out what you might be missing and how you can improve to meet editorial standards! To find out more about our workshop and all that we’ll be covering and including, check out Shoot This Not That. Be sure to nab a seat before we fill up!

Now, without further ado, a very special recap of Creative Live! Very special thanks for Jasmine Star for sharing her gorgeous images and for being such a generous teacher! Also, major props to designer Kelsey Eads of Sugarcomb for all styling! To see more images of this shoot and find out more about what went into the creative development, be sure to head over to Jasmine’s blog!

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Resources — Styling and Design: Kelsey Eads of Sugarcomb // Flowers: Meghan Stoller of Mum Floral Design // Cake: Kara Burfeind of The Sweet Side  // Paper Goods: Todd Karam of TKTJ Designs // Linens & Pillows: Susan Trenery of Susan’s Couture // Hair & Makeup: Tiffany Lowry of Tiffany Colors // Fashion: Sherri Garcia of Styled Seattle // Photographer: Jasmine of Jasmine Star Photography // Bride’s Dress: Jim Hjelm provided by La Belle Elaine’s in Seattle // All accessories, hair piece, necklaces and bracelet made by Sally Crew (exclusive to La Belle Elaine’s) // Bridesmaids: Dress and headband from Banana Republic // Groom and groomsmen: complete looks from Men’s Wearhouse.

Styled Shoot:

Modern Urban Loft Inspiration

One of our Grey Collective members, Brea McDonald, recently sent over this urban loft shoot that was such a fresh take on wedding inspiration, that we felt compelled to let you in on the action! This loveliness was all styled and design by Beautiful Days and shot by Brea McDonald Photography! Let’s get into it, shall we?

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Resources that came together for this rad shoot:

Beautiful Days: Design, styling, flowers and decorations // Brea McDonald: Photography , design support, model hunter and responsible for finding the most kick ass shoes ever! // Gus & Ruby Letterpress: Custom stationary suite (note the invite envelope liner is an old print of the Portland Company!), table number, escort cards & dessert menu // Paper Posy Designs: Custom paper chrysanthemum in bowls on dining table // Hair That Moves: Gorgeous hair – really how does she do it!? // Joya Beauty: Make up perfection // DJ Jon Tron: Salmmin’ DJ // Portland Company: The perfect venue for this imaginary party – can’t wait to throw one there for real asap! // Leavitt & Parris: Just the perfect event rentals // Madeleine’s Daughter: Gorgeous dresses from Lazaro, Monique Lillieur and Jovani & stylish tux // Tania Spinelli: Ahhh may zing! Shoes // Aurora Provisions: Superb sweets and treats // Elizabeth Porcher Jones: Calligrapher through Gus & Ruby // Nelson Rarities: Estate and antique jewelry (all real and ALL amazing!!!!!) // Models: Derek Lovely (Cosmo’s 2010 most eligible bachelor in Maine – who knew!?) and  Seinin Bergman // Meg Simone: The tell all and showing all the fun and detail film // Maine Street Design Co: Dining table end chairs – the perfect finishing touch!