09-06-2013

Plum? – Suite!

Brides.DanielleandMike

 

We are so excited to have been part of such a fantastic wedding featured here this week on Brides.

I started working with Danielle and Mike this week last year!  It was amazing to see the feature and think about the conversations and meetings that were the catalyst for each new idea or layer to customize their wedding with their Signature Style!

From Danielle’s love of classic blues, fresh lavender from her trip to Ireland that inspired the palate and napkin decor to the way Danielle and Mike met at a wine tasting so we created one for the cocktail hour and the incredible sense of adventure, travel and outdoors that they share from sailing to ice fishing we added the compass escort favors thanking “everyone for joining them on their most recent adventure”.  We created and layered each detail with special thought and a very special team.

Check out their story and feature and have a wonderful September weekend!

Here are a few or MY personal favorite shots from the day that are NOT in the feature!

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The prettiest bouquets in Chicago are always from Hello Darling! 

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One of the bride’s four stunning sisters!D7Ce6-dpxp0FrmNwdhg6HxdXMdqSfqKGDgiCqq6C7RI

Holy, Hitch Spot!  We LOVE St. Clement’s Church in Lincoln Park!jozmTaxpaWPjtOip0_3DqlVf8KHBozQOTjS9QHjcCmI

Sweet Sendoff!  Ribbon Wands- wave off the happy couple!

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Warm Welcome!

Calligraphied Compasses thanked guests for being part of their most recent adventure!  Maps of the locations of their favorite travel spots, college and home cities were displayed underneath!F9kJV04-afSexV3ASitYPaqh7C__hfR1_JUxsDCb7EE

Walk to the wedding!  But look both ways before you cross the street!  Michigan Avenue was more gorgeous than ever this day as the bride and groom arrived to their reception.

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You met at a wine tasting at Navy Pier!  Fun! Let’s host one for your guests at cocktails!YXrNwFFk4LKs87SBRatymbrozRwAultN58uHp_Gc9ms

 

You love Midnight Blue, Plum, and Lavender and want the room to sparkle?  Got it!0z-UP6YpcnA7YAVzo0NpD5ylemnb-IU6gZQEUIr1rko 5bA829VgpfnGqqyDyR4PDQ_C5OaPVPtUHgGEVxH9rW4 MCcarthy

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Danielle and Mike, thank you for including us in your most AMAZING ADVENTURE!

Olivia Leigh, Hello Darling, The University Club of Chicago, Magnificent Milestones, Tablescapes, Private Label Linen, Frost Lighting, Stacey Shapiro Calligraphy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted in chicago, Inspiration to Realization, Spring | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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08-30-2013

Fun in the Sun!

Fun in the Sun

 

The official close out weekend of Summer is upon us!  Already on the shore, I have collected a fun list of favorite gifites that I have found for friends who have hosted us and for our new house that we are moving into next week to hold onto Summer…

Hope you have had a great one!  Be Safe and Have Fun!

Cheers

  1. Crab Tray - Figs and Moss
  2. Saltwater Soap at Saipua
  3. Water Mint Soy Candle
  4. Shangri La Savon Bon Bon via Coastal Living
  5. Sea Bags
  6. The Hampton Popcorn Co.
  7. Water inspired water bottles via Coastal Living
  8. The Outer Banks Trading Co. Red Anchor Pillow

 

Posted in entertaining, holiday, home, Summer | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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06-09-2013

A Taste of Summer

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Board 560, “Summer Stripes” via Snippet and Ink

I can’t believe we are well into June and still looking for signs of Summer weather here in Chicago.  Looking for a little summer flavor, I decided to post one of my all time favorite Summer inspiration boards and while many of you are in full on summer we are still looking to get into the 70′s.  Hope you had a great Summer weekend wherever you are.

After having three weddings in the last 8 days, I am enjoying a little quiet time to catch up on my favorite blogs.

Loved the Wedding Week on The Everygirl and got lost and inspired on Rue‘s wedding week today for an hour.  So pretty and fun!

 

See you tomorrow for a little recap of my own Wedding Week- three gorgeous wedding’s from DC and Chicago.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted in inspiration, Summer, wedding | Tagged

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04-02-2013

Welcome to Washington

Good Morning from Washington, DC!

Today is my last day here in DC.  It is a gorgeous, sunny morning and I am a little sad that I will miss the peak of The Cherry Blossoms that is now set to take place this week.

 The National Cherry Blossom Festival is going on and there are so many fun traditions and the city embraces the magic with clever cocktails such as Old Ebbitt’s Cherry Mojito and this Japanese Cherry Blossom Margarita! 

The images in the board above and a ton of other Cherry Blossom Wedding inspired images are here on our Cherry Blossom Wedding Pinterest Board .

Until next time, Washington stay gorgeous!

Posted in dc, inspiration, Spring, wedding | Tagged , , , , ,

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04-01-2013

Roll On!

Today I am attending the 135th Annual Easter Egg Roll at The White House with my son, Jack!
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I LOVE the Obama’s Theme this Year; Be Healthy, Be Active, Be You!

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Obama Easter Egg Roll

All Images via Associated Press, and The White House

It is a gorgeous sunny day here in DC and the perfect way to spend our last day of Spring Break before heading home to Chicago tomorrow.  Follow me on Twitter for pics from our adventure today!  PS- Check out ALL of these ” Be Healthy, Be Active Pages” and Follow Michelle O’s campaign run Pinterest page here. 

1600 Penn, here we come!  Thanks, Molly!

 

 

 

 

 

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03-12-2013

Signature Sketchbook


Signature Sketchbook

 

Here are a few fun inspirations and pretty realizations from my wedding this past weekend at The Chicago Racquet Club with Hello Darling!  While we are looking forward to the professional photos arriving in the next few weeks, Natalie is not only an incredible floral designer and artist, but equally good photographer.  I snagged a few of her shots of the best of details and put them into this pretty post.   The mantle was so stunning, I could not resist drawing it after the party!   Such a cute keepsake for my wedding sketchbook!

More before and after’s to come!

 

Posted in Signature Sketchbook |

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02-01-2013

For the Love of Pink, host a dinner party!

 

All Images via this Food and Wine article, Martha Stewart, and Faire Frou Frou

It’s February and I love the romance and colors of this month.  Winter’s last embrace before we are looking for signs of Spring.  I adore the romance of a dinner party “just because”.   Pick some Valentine’s be it a girls night in, your favorite couples, people you keep telling “we have to get together” and do it!  Just because!

  • Send a handwritten invite on a notecard- tell your guests to dress up for a special night “at home”.
  • Mix up your guest list – go outside of a clique.
  • Plan a seasonal menu- have a few little bites pre- dinner set out, and offer a classic cocktail.  A simple mesclun salad with mustard vinaigrette followed by a warm beef bourguignon is easy t.  Offer Bubbles, Red and White to accompany your feast.
  • Pull the good stuff – raid your sideboard and those registry must haves still in boxes or your favorite champagne coups.
  • Take a great (bowl, urn, or vase) from your home to a local flower shop and have them create a special arrangement, or make them yourself.  Little compotes in the foyer, powder room, cocktail table can be simple and easily done in tiny votive cups.
  • Tall taper candles make a gorgeous centerpiece just like Jackie’s!
  • Rent a single table linen- see how the pink and black above make the white plates, or flowers pop!
  • Wear a special family piece of jewelry or something you don’t normally wear out.
  • Make sure your co- host looks equally dapper and get him something special to wear like cool colored socks or a tie.
  • Have a few extra blooms or petals to put on dessert plates, or hors d’oeuvres trays.
  • Simple sweets are often more appreciated in the living area with port, scotch, or dessert wines.  A few cheeses, chocolate, macarons, and pate de fruit are perfect.

 

Image Credit: Jackie Kennedy at home in Georgetown, 1954 | Posted in entertaining, inspiration, Winter | Tagged , , , , , ,

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01-10-2013

My Year in Instagram

I am in love with Instagram.  It takes five seconds to be inspired by all of the lovely creatives that I follow all over the world.  Whenever I need a little break in the day, I share or look for a warm smile, a happy detail a simple pleasure.  Looking back on the little life moments of my year on my Instagram last night I decided to create this little recap of “postcards” from my 2012 experience.  Life is truly about the little details and this sums up some of my favorites… enjoy.

I fired up this app last year at the ALT Summit in SLC.  Here below is my first ever Instagram pic!JANUARY1916602779_n

 

Cupcakes at the many coffee breaks at ALT- we were seriously spoiled!FEBRUARY_3333656699862_628121143_n

 

A February Blizzard in Chicago.MARCH62_n

 

It’s still cold out, but Spring cleaning and fresh faces are calling.MAY_4063181937537_468996333_n

 

A heat wave in Chicago brought us an early teaser of a Spring.  Everything bloomed it was  unheard of.  Here is my sweet, charming Chicago Street.JUNE751603_13267072_n

 

I break out the grill and make a smore’s bar in the garden.  My son Jack and I entertain constantly. 
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My cocktail of the Summer… Watermelon Margarita’s with Smoked Black Sea Salt.

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I fall in love with Princeton University and stay at the pinch me cute Naussau Inn while planning a Black and White Ball wedding for October.  SEPTEMBER78_968706734_n

 

 

Back in Chicago and Back to School.  We enjoy this gorgeous month with meet-ups and playdates in Lincoln Park.OCTOBER08_298153533_n

 

October, I host my one and only sister’s bachelorette and shower in Washington, DC and have a ball with her and her fabulous friends.  
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Jack and I go to Grenada, WI for my birthday and bask in the sun.
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My sister gets married on Thanksgiving weekend on Maryland’s charming shore.  We planned it all together and it was the best life experience to share this magic and emotion with my sister.  46390_10200259320345302_1470665084_nJack and I have a cozy Christmas in Chicago.

Looking back on the year at the little “daily delights” reminds you what life is all about.  I am so grateful for all of it and excited for all to come.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted in chicago, dc, family, inspiration | Tagged

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01-08-2013

Be Inspired.

Happy New Year!

I am excited to be back to blogging and the bridal business is buzzing with beauty everywhere!  Loads of glossies hot of the press, new engaged brides in a flurry to find their perfect planning team!  Here are SS we are so excited for 2013 and all of the fun, planning, friendships and style it will bring!

We wanted to start our year off right with creating the perfect environment to enliven and excite our clients and workspaces.  Here are some of the favorite images that we used to inspire our recent office and showroom make-over!

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The stunning shelves of BHLDN at 8 W. Walton in Chicago are one of my favorite places to party.. {and plan one}.

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I love this collage above via Design Darling.

Darcy Miller is in love with inspiration walls and image collections as you will see in this collage below.

Inspiration

1. Inspiration wall.  We love this image and just ordered our wall size board via .  {Cannot locate image credit}.

2. Darcy Miller constantly inspires her children with color, crafts and collages. via.

3. Shared spaces are much more dreamy with a wall of wishes in front of you.

4. We loved this over the desk wall with multiple boards, so we created one for each client.

5. One of Darcy Miller’s incredibly gorgeous collages.

6. Sweet style on the well edited side for the girl who goes to the corporate office.

7. A shadow box frames on shelves are chic decor and ways to show off your favorite things.

8. Bookcase heaven!  I did this in our space and I have to say I just sit and stare.

Inspiration is everywhere… pick a space to dream and design it.

These images and many more on our Offices to Envy Pinboard! 

Posted in decorating, home, how to, inspiration, Pinterest | Tagged , , ,

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12-05-2012

Now this is a Snow Ball….

All images taken with my iPhone

Want to take your Winter Wedding up a notch?  Be a Snow Queen and create a snow lounge with mirror table top bars and tables, white trees in mirror cube plants cascading with crystal stands, a  specialty snowball cocktail, gorgeous glassware, tinsel stir sticks, frosty uplighting, dangling starry candlelight, a forest of mirror tile escort cards, and oh yeah….

An elevated SNOW MACHINE!

No shoveling or coats required!

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Posted in dc, inspiration, wedding, Winter | Tagged , , , , , , ,

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